News Hub | News Direct

News Release

DEEM Enterprises Signs First Strategic Construction Partnership With Northstar Technologies Group for Renaissance at Bader Field Project

DEEM Enterprises

DEEM Enterprises today announced it has signed its first construction contract with Northstar Technologies Group, a pioneer of fiber reinforced polymer composite structural building systems, for its Renaissance at Bader Field redevelopment project. The strategic partnership is a crucial first step for the project, and marks the first large-scale sustainable project in the world utilizing advanced composite building technologies for energy efficiency, resiliency and sustainability. Northstar delivers sustainable, cost-effective projects for clients nationwide, across a range of market sectors and building types. It offers a unique portfolio of products focused on sustainable building structures and systems, creating stronger, ultra-energy efficient and smarter building structures. Utilizing Northstar’s pioneering energy efficient technology, the commercial and residential construction of Renaissance at Bader Field will facilitate eco-conscious developments while negating any environmental deficit, bringing transformative industry and progressive models for sustainability that push the envelope for emerging green technologies. The resilient and sustainable-planned community at Renaissance at Bader Field will be engineered to protect against natural threats, with the agility to adopt evolving technology. Renaissance at Bader Field will be built to LEED Platinum certifications standards, and act as a beacon of energy independence, integrating healthily and symbiotically with its natural and cultural surroundings. “The Renaissance at Bader Field project is more than a redevelopment; it’s a catalyst for transformation, and for the future of Atlantic City,” said Erick Feishtans, CEO of DEEM Enterprises. “I am incredibly excited for this partnership with Northstar as we move forward in our ongoing commitment to the New Jersey Green Economy, and I’m confident that our work together will be transformative across the board.” As part of its role in the redevelopment of Bader Field, Northstar will retrofit the current Skate Zone building into a 70,000 square foot temporary manufacturing facility, and upon completion of the project, Northstar will relocate to a permanent facility within the greater Atlantic City area. Per the terms outlined by DEEM Enterprises’ Memorandum of Understanding with Atlantic City, the SkateZone operation will also be relocated to an alternate site within Atlantic City. This move will be a boon for the local job economy. It will include minimum targets to utilize local companies and workers as well as WBE and MBE businesses during the construction phase, create thousands of substantial manufacturing and high-tech jobs, and provide training programs to various local labor unions participating in the project. For more information on the Renaissance at Bader Field Redevelopment Project, please visit www.deem-enterprises.com. For more information on Northstar products, please visit www.northstartgi.com. About Northstar As the pioneer in sustainable and tech driven building methods, Northstar Technologies is reinventing the construction industry by using its Patented Advanced Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composite building systems which reduce construction costs, total cost of ownership and construction time. With all the natural disasters in the world today, high-performance building materials using reimagined construction systems and methods must be utilized to give us a fighting chance in protecting our loved ones, our environment & our global assets. As Mother Nature has shown us throughout our lifetimes, Homes and commercial buildings made with traditional materials like wood, steel and concrete are not equipped to survive natural disasters, degradation and natural processes over time and yet the construction industry has failed to utilize more resilient options. Northstar Technologies has shown that it can outlast traditional building materials, thereby lowering construction & maintenance costs over the life of the structure. About Renaissance at Bader Field Renaissance at Bader Field is a planned $3.2 billion dollar, net-zero carbon LEED Platinum community to be built upon Bader Field that will transform the Atlantic City, New Jersey economy. The fundamental design approach of this new community is rooted in resilient and sustainable design methodologies while our microgrid concept for energy generation and distribution, with the ability to utilize clean hydrogen, will serve as a model for future self-sustaining projects the world over. This new community will act as a catalyst for the financial rebirth of Atlantic City by attracting new job-creating industries, increasing the city’s tax base and diversifying future businesses in the city. Most importantly, this immense development will foster and promote the core values of equity and empowerment and will serve the citizens of Atlantic City. Contact Details Mike Adorno Hot Paper Lantern madorno@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://www.deem-enterprises.com/

June 20, 2023 10:44 AM Eastern Daylight Time

News Release

Founders of Kettlebell Kings Sue Factory 14, Razor Group for Fraud and Breach of Contract

IL Ventures, LLC - a Kettlebell King Series

Kettlebell Kings, a leading manufacturer and seller of kettlebells and fitness equipment, recently filed a multi-count lawsuit against both Factory 14 and Razor Group, alleging fraud, breach of contract, and unjust enrichment among eight counts. The lawsuit alleges that the founders of Kettlebell Kings and the company have been damaged by the failed purchase of Kettlebell Kings by Factory 14 and Razor Group. Kettlebell Kings, which has been in operation for more than a decade, successfully grew from a startup to generate annual revenue of more than $5 million in 2021. In November 2021, the founders agreed to be acquired by Factory 14, a United Kingdom-based company that claimed to have the vision and resources to help develop the brand into a $20 million company. However, shortly after the acquisition, problems began to arise. According to the lawsuit, two of the founders, who continued to run the business under the new ownership, determined that the purchase terms of the agreement were regularly violated. They were unable to purchase inventory, even using their own sales revenue. Despite promising ambitious agreements and profit-sharing arrangements, the new ownership failed to adequately support the brand. To the founders' surprise, Factory 14 had simultaneously engineered another transaction in which it was purchased by Razor Group, without disclosing this to the plaintiffs. According to the legal complaint, the founders believe that this transaction was part of a pattern of acquisitions intended to bolster Factory 14's financials solely for additional capital raises and investments. Factory 14 is alleged to have misrepresented the role of the founders of Kettlebell Kings in the sale to Razor Group and made false representations using their business reputation and success to enhance its value in the transaction. All the while, Factory 14 never disclosed its intention to depart from the agreements made with Kettlebell Kings. The lawsuit states that as the business relationship deteriorated further with Razor Group, it became apparent that the new owners lacked experience in the direct consumer market and had no infrastructure to support Kettlebell Kings. Payments required by the consulting agreement were not made on time, inventory was not purchased, and the founders were denied crucial information about the business's operation. Some payments remain unpaid. Razor Group's actions damaged not only the founders of Kettlebell Kings but also the longstanding business relationships the company had developed. According to the lawsuit, Razor Group ceased all inventory purchases, stopped paying manufacturers and vendors, and damaged customer relationships. The lawsuit also alleges that Razor Group misled both Kettlebell Kings and its investors by representing itself as profitable and successful while claiming Kettlebell Kings was struggling. The plaintiffs assert that Razor Group focused more on fundraising rather than effectively managing the businesses it owned. On its website, Razor Group states that it is trusted by leading investors Blackrock, Victory Park Capital, and Fortress among others. The eight-count lawsuit includes allegations of fraud, breach of contract, and unjust enrichment, among others. The plaintiffs argue that they have suffered irreparable damages, and the actions of Razor Group will make it nearly impossible for them to conduct business in the fitness industry in the future. In another case, Razor Group GMBH is currently being sued for fraud and breach of contract in Massachusetts by fitness company Tribe WOD in a lawsuit with a similar fact pattern to the Kettlebell Kings Texas case. The Kettlebell Kings lawsuit was filed in Texas by IL Ventures, LLC - a Kettlebell King Series and its founders Chad Price, Jay Perkins, and Nehemiah Heard against defendants Factory 14 UK Acquisition VI, Factory 14 UK Acquisition VII, and Razor Group GMBH. The lawsuit can be downloaded here and at LawsuitPressRelease.com. Contact Details LawsuitPressRelease.com John P. David +1 888-859-6637 john@LawsuitPressRelease.com

June 20, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

“VASP Licensing Regime & Industry Best Practices” exclusive event hosted by ChainUp & Alibaba Cloud - Hong Kong

ChainUp

Hong Kong – 16 th June 2023 – ChainUp a global blockchain technology service provider & Alibaba Cloud hosted an exclusive event on latest Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) Licensing Regime & industry best practices in Hong Kong. Amidst the growing significance of regulatory compliance within the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry, the event offered attendees valuable and comprehensive insights into effectively tackling the challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities encountered by VASPs operating not only in Hong Kong but also in global markets. The event took place on 16 th June 2023 at Time Square - Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. Industry experts, leaders and regulatory authorities discussed key topics and shared their insights to navigate the evolving landscape of virtual asset services. Mr. Michael Gao, ChainUp – HK CEO & Head of Sales (Global) spoke about “The Technological Bridge to Regulated Virtual Assets Exchange in Hong Kong”. He highlighted on the recent Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission’s new licensing regime which came into effect from 1 st June 2023 and requirements for centralized virtual asset trading platforms (VA trading platforms) to trade non-security tokens. He said “In traditional finance, banks use KYC (Know Your Customer) to verify the identity of customers. But in blockchain network we need to understand whether a particular token has any risk. Hence KYT (Know Your Transaction) is used to monitor and analyse digital asset transactions to identify potential risks and comply with regulations. We see there's a strong demand on this and we help our customers by integrating the required compliant solutions into the exchanges built” The event covered various aspects of the VASP Licensing Regime, including: Regulatory framework overview in Hong Kong Key requirements for obtaining a VASP license Best practices for compliance, security and risk management ChainUp, a global provider of comprehensive blockchain technology solutions help customers build efficient and compliant digital asset solutions that align with the latest industry standards. With ChainUp’s extensive suite of services, empowers businesses to navigate the complexities of digital asset landscape and build robust solutions. Aligned with latest licensing regime of Hong Kong, the implementation of KYT/AML solutions becomes imperative for digital asset transactions. ChainUp's product "ChainEyes KYT" focusing on blockchain risk control and compliance services offers a comprehensive solution to address these regulatory requirements effectively. About ChainUp Group Founded in 2017, ChainUp is a leading end-to-end blockchain technology solutions provider covering infrastructure development and ecosystem support. Built on the mission to empower businesses through blockchain technology, ChainUp’s innovative and all-around compliant solutions include digital asset exchange systems, NFT trading systems, wallet solutions, liquidity solutions, and digital assets custody and management. Headquartered in Singapore and with offices around the world, the company has served more than 1,000 clients in 30 countries, reaching over 60 million end-users. For more information, please visit: www.chainup.com. Contact Details ChainUp Media Team pressrelease@chainup.com Company Website https://www.chainup.com/

June 19, 2023 10:38 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Thailand emphasized "Open Data" are Anti-Corruption Weaponry in Digital Age

Integrity Way

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach - 14 June 2023 - Mr. Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, secretary-general of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), delivered a lecture on "Open Data: Anti-Corruption Weaponry in Digital Age" at the PPTV FORUM 2023, on May 25, 2023. Taking up the theme of Open Government: Game Changer in Fight against Corruption, the event was held at Movenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok. Kasemmongkol said that the promotion of transparency and open government data are the core of good governance or good public management. Both the United Nations and the World Bank have recognized this promotion as key to successful development efforts in many nations around the world. Such principles are also enshrined in Sections 76 and 164 of Thailand's Constitution. Section 76 stipulates that the state must promote the development of morality and transparency in accordance with the principles of good public management among all types of state organizations so as to deliver maximum benefits to people via state functions and services that uphold equality, quality, efficiency and transparency. People therefore are direct beneficiaries. Section 164, meanwhile, states that the government must ensure and arrange for good public management. Therefore, the promotion of transparency via open government data and ethical state operations have had utmost importance. Good governance or good public management has six pillars namely 1) Rule of Law; 2) Transparency & Data Disclosure that is being discussed today; 3) Morality; 4) Public Participation in State Operations; 5) Responsibility; and 6) Cost-efficient & Time-Efficient State Operations. Regarding the NACC Board's and the government's policies on the promotion of good governance and anti-corruption in the public sector, multidimensional guidelines have been laid down as follows: 1. The promotion is enshrined in the constitution; 2. The promotion is enshrined in the Anti-Corruption Act and many laws on the administration of state affairs; and 3. The promotion is a part of national strategies, master plans, and action plans of each government agency. The NACC Board and the government have issued many measures to enhance the integrity of state officials. Nowadays, state officials' corruption risk is significantly lower than in the past. Even if corrupt practices are undetected in the beginning, investigations can be launched retroactively. One of the anti-corruption measures used by the NACC and the government is the promotion of transparency. There are many tools for the promotion such as information laws and legislations that upgrade digital-government operations. Kasemmongkol said that people needed to physically go to government agencies to receive their services in the past. Officials also had the right to call in people and have face-to-face meetings involved talks. Negotiations for bribes may emerge during such meetings. So, if our bureaucratic system has reduced face-to-face meetings between people and state officials, or if we use other means of contacts, the risk of bribery talks will be lower. The new way of contacts can also save state budget as well as people's money. Several countries have already developed digital systems to facilitate state operations or digitalized state services. The development of digital-government operations starts by integrating systems for enhanced efficiency or service delivery in the way that reduces the exercising of state officials' judgements, curbs the risk of corruption, and promotes greater government-data disclosure for better transparency. The NACC, in collaboration with the government, has already pushed for several relevant laws for the development of state operations and good governance. Moreover, the NACC has launched the Integrity and Transparency Assessment (ITA) as a key tool. On laws related to the promotion of transparency and good governance in the public sector, the Act on Management of State Affairs by Electronic Means B.E. 2565 stipulates that to seek an approval, a permit, a tax refund, a certificate, a registration, a construction permit or the likes, people no longer have to queue up physically at government agencies. They can just file requests electronically. After this act came into force and related systems sprang into operations, people can just contact authorities online. They do not have to travel to government agencies. Such approach saves people's time in contacting government agencies. There is no need for face-to-face contact, which may lead to negotiations for bribes. Several other laws have also been introduced to increase bureaucracy's efficiency and to prevent bribery. For example, the Licensing Facilitation Act B.E. 2558 requires that each government agency specify clearly how long it will take to respond to each request. In the past, people had waited really long to get response because there was no clear timeframe. Traders, entrepreneurs, and people who wanted fast results thus ended up paying bribes to shorten the period of government agency's request review. However, with the Licensing Facilitation Act in place, agencies of all ministries and departments must release a manual detailing how long it will take for them to complete each task. If they fail to comply with the timeframe, a person contacting them may file a complaint. This is just one of many laws that country have introduced to curb corruption risks. Regarding the promotion of open data, the NACC Board and the government have worked together in preparing several measures. One of them is ITA. Everyone wants to see transparency in the public sector and comprehensive data disclosure so, currently basic data that are useful to both the people's sector and the private sector; government agencies' performance data, and importantly data related to budgets and procurements are open data that all government agencies must release to the public. They must be held accountable and ready to provide explanations to the public. Such data had not been treated as the government's confidential information anymore. The principles behind such data disclosure have applied to NACC's ITA model. All government agencies therefore have to embrace these principles as they seek to comply with ITA criteria. Kasemmongkol thought that many of people must be quite familiar with ITA and that some of them may have doubts or misunderstandings about it. Therefore, he provided clarification about ITA and its objectives. He said ITA is not mainly designed as an assessment of corrupt practices. In essence, it is about assessing good governance in regard to management and tools used for the implementation of anti-corruption projects / activities. It is therefore a tool for state agencies to improve their operations or e-services, and importantly to disclose data in line with laws and strategies, paving the way for these agencies to have good governance and lower corruption or abuse-of-authority risks. Based on its indicators and assessment topics, ITA gives 95 points to the management and implementation of projects / activities and five points to the awareness of corruption issues among personnel. To make it easier to understand, he compared ITA to a basic health check. With this check, we will be able to identify abnormalities in one's body or if any body function is below standard. Upon learning about the abnormalities or the function that fails to meet proper standard, patients need to adjust their behaviors. He emphasized that ITA is not a medicine. It cannot provide recovery. But patients can recover or regain good health, if they change their behaviors ( for example by improving their operations and management). Family members must also help by creating a proper environment (for example by issuing supportive legal measures and state supervision). If patients follow such guidelines, they can become stronger. But if they do not change or ignore problems, cancer may develop. In the end, their illness may worsen to the point of a crisis and the NACC will have to use legal actions to remove those cancerous problems. Kasemmongkol said that during the past many years, changes have been happening with the digitalization of state operations. Data disclosure has increased in a tangible manner in compliance with laws. Here are some tangible examples of open-data changes and digital public services. The NACC Board and the government have used the aforementioned measures and framework to improve state operations and deter state officials' wayward behaviors. If all sides have followed these measures and framework on a continual basis, all civil servants and state officials will become familiar with such practices. Over time, their conscience and attitude will change in line with such standards. They will behave accordingly, regardless of these measures and framework. Civil servants and state officials will in the end be accustomed to serving people, ensuring public convenience, and refraining from corruption or abuse of authority. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is a constitutional independent organization and supervised by nine commissioners selected from various professions. It is authorized to undertake work on the prevention and suppression of malfeasance, particularly in government agencies, on assets investigations, as well as on the monitoring of ethics and virtues of political position holders. It has the authority to file charges in court as well as support and build up awareness of the penalties for committing corruption. The NACC is supervised by the NACC Board and has the Office of the NACC as its administrative agency. Since 1997, Thai Courts have ruled against and punished politicians, former ministers, high-ranking government officials as well as executives of the private sector in the thousands of cases submitted by the NACC. Contact Details Media Contact Parith Iampongpaiboon mailparith@gmail.com

June 14, 2023 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Former DHS Chief Procurement Officer, Soraya Correa, Joins as Executive Director of NCMA Contract Management Institute

National Contract Management Association

National Contract Management Association (NCMA) today announced the reinstatement of the Contract Management Institute (CMI) with the appointment of Contract Management veteran, Soraya Correa as the new Executive Director. Ms. Correa, former Chief Procurement Officer and Senior Procurement Executive of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), brings a wealth of experience and expertise to lead the CMI into a new era of excellence and innovation in contract management. The reinstatement of the Contract Management Institute marks a significant milestone for the industry, as professionals and organizations can once again benefit from a dedicated hub of knowledge, resources, and collaboration opportunities. As the field of contract management continues to evolve and become increasingly critical in today's complex business environment, the reinvigorated CMI will serve as a vital platform for professionals to stay at the forefront of profession trends and best practices. Soraya Correa's appointment as the Executive Director of CMI is a testament to her outstanding leadership and remarkable achievements in procurement and contract management. During her tenure at DHS, Ms. Correa spearheaded numerous initiatives – including the Procurement Innovation Lab (PIL), Reverse Industry Days, and the Education, Development, Growth, and Excellence (EDGE) mentoring program – that revolutionized procurement practices and enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of contract management within the agency. Her strategic vision, combined with her deep understanding of the complexities and challenges of the field, made her the ideal choice to steer the CMI toward new heights. "I am honored to lead the Contract Management Institute as its Executive Director," said Soraya Correa. "Contract management is pivotal to mission delivery and successful business outcomes. I am committed to providing today and tomorrow’s contracting professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to excel in their roles. I look forward to collaborating with federal state and local government, industry leaders, academia, and others to drive innovation, promote excellence, and elevate the contract management profession." Kraig Conrad, CEO of the National Contract Management Association, expressed his support stating, "We are thrilled to see the Contract Management Institute restored. With Soraya Correa at the helm, we are confident that CMI will provide valuable resources for positive impact on our profession." The Contract Management Institute aims to be the premier resource for contract management professionals, offering a wide range of programs and research initiatives. Stay tuned for updates on the official launch of the Contract Management Institute's website and social media pages. About the Contract Management Institute (CMI): The Contract Management Institute (CMI) is a leading professional organization dedicated to advancing the field of contract management. With a mission to drive innovation, promote excellence, and enhance the role of the contracting professional, CMI provides valuable resources including networking opportunities for individuals and organizations involved in contract management across government, industry, and academia. The Institute serves as a catalyst for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and professional development, enabling contract management professionals to navigate the complexities of the profession successfully. The CMI mission and vision are aligned with its Parent, NCMA. CMI is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. For inquiries, paper submissions, and donations, please contact Soraya Correa at soraya.correa@ncmahq.org. The National Contract Management Association (NCMA), which was founded in 1959 and is the world's leading association in the field of contract management. The organization, which has over 18,000 members, is dedicated to the professional growth and educational advancement of procurement and acquisition personnel worldwide. NCMA strives to serve and inform the profession and industry it represents and to offer opportunities for the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums. To find out more, please visit www.ncmahq.org. Contact Details NCMA Holly Dehesa +1 281-865-3296 holly.dehesa@ncmahq.org Company Website https://www.ncmahq.org/

June 14, 2023 09:07 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Save the Redwoods League Urges State Legislators to Deliver Urgent Funding for California State Parks via a Climate Bond in 2024

Save the Redwoods League

Save the Redwoods League today released a new report, daylighting critical funding needs across the California State Parks system. It urges state legislators to make necessary investments statewide through a 2024 climate bond measure or the annual budget process. Recent wildfire and storm damage add to more than $1 billion in deferred park maintenance and more than a decade without an active land acquisition program. Together, these accumulating costs demonstrate that California State Parks does not have the sufficient funding and resources it needs to continue providing equitable outdoor access for all, preserving the state’s biodiversity and bolstering the state’s climate resilience. “California’s unrivaled state park system was built on a backbone of old-growth redwood parks. In fact, California State Parks is the largest public redwood forest manager, which means the health of the redwood forests depends on a healthy California State Parks system,” said Sam Hodder, president and CEO of Save the Redwoods League. “Our longtime park partners are doing an amazing job in light of significant resource challenges, growing visitation and climate impacts. To continue providing unique and inspirational park experiences for millions of visitors every year and investing in our climate resilience, state legislators need to uphold California’s legacy of conservation leadership and deliver adequate funding for California State Parks.” Save the Redwoods League calls on legislators to make investments in land acquisition and deferred maintenance and to provide at least $500 million for park improvement projects and $200 million for natural resources management in a 2024 climate bond. Report highlights: Why California State Parks needs increased and sustained support With 280 park units, the California State Parks System protects the largest and most diverse recreational, natural and cultural heritage holdings of any state agency. This includes 140,000 acres of coast redwood forests (40% of the world’s protected redwoods), 340 miles of coastline, 5,200 miles of trails and 15,000 campsites. Across all park units, there is a $1.2 billion deferred maintenance backlog. There are 49 coast redwood and giant sequoia state parks (17.5% of California’s state parks), and they carry $324 million (27%) of the deferred maintenance projects. Recent storms wreaked havoc throughout the state, causing an additional $72 million in damage in December 2022 and January 2023. Of that, $10 million (13.9%) in damage occurred in redwood and sequoia parks. This damage, along with that from recent fires and other emergencies, are identified as projects to be only partially funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency by as much as 75% of the costs. More than 68 million visitors from around the world travel to California’s 280 park units every year with 14 million (20.6%) visiting the redwood and sequoia parks annually. Without an active and robust land acquisition program for the last 14 years and with inconsistent funding for facilities maintenance, park improvements, staffing and more, California State Parks cannot keep pace with growing visitation while continuing to provide equitable outdoor recreation experiences. The success of California State Parks is vital to several high-priority state initiatives. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Outdoors for All initiative promises access to California’s prized landscapes for everyone, regardless of background or location. The state’s bold plan for climate leadership through California’s 30x30 Initiative and the California Climate Adaptation Strategy call for accelerating land conservation and for investing in nature-based solutions to climate change. California’s state parks serve as the ideal foundation for climate leadership, offering climate-resilient landscapes, carbon sinks, equitable park access and a restoration and stewardship economy. California State Parks’ budget must reflect its leadership role in advancing the state’s climate plans, and State Parks must be recognized as a vital partner in ensuring a resilient future for California. The unpredictable pattern of funding over the last few decades is unsustainable and is taking a toll on this world-class state park system. *** To schedule an interview, contact Liza Batallones at 415-766-0846 or redwoods@landispr.com. Save the Redwoods League One of the nation’s longest-running conservation organizations, Save the Redwoods League has been protecting and restoring redwood forests since 1918. The League has connected generations of visitors with the beauty and serenity of the redwood forests. Our 400,000 supporters have enabled the League to protect more than 220,000 acres of irreplaceable forests in 66 state, national, and local parks and reserves. For information, please visit SaveTheRedwoods.org. ### Contact Details Landis Communications Inc. Liza Batallones +1 415-766-0846 redwoods@landispr.com Company Website https://www.savetheredwoods.org/

June 14, 2023 12:24 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Image

SFAA Annual Meeting Highlights 2022 Accomplishments and Initiatives; Membership Elects Board

SFAA

The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA), a nonprofit, nonpartisan trade association representing all segments of the surety and fidelity industry, held its annual meeting last week in Washington, D.C. with more than 185 members and guests attending. Bob Murray, SFAA Chair, Executive Committee Member, Head of Surety, Zurich North America, and Lee Covington, SFAA President and CEO, presided over the event, providing updates on SFAA’s accomplishments from the past year and ongoing initiatives. Murray opened the meeting by highlighting the importance of having everyone from the industry together to reflect on all the work over the last year and thanked all SFAA’s members for their continued leadership and support to the association. The SFAA Membership then elected the Board of Directors and Executive Committee adding two new members to the Board: John Guglielmo, Head of Surety at Intact Insurance, and Sharon Sims, Senior Vice President at Sompo International. Board and Executive Committee Members Bob Murray, Head of Surety, Zurich North America Robert Raney, Senior Vice President, Construction Services, Travelers Companies, Inc. John F. Welch, Executive Committee Member, and President & CEO, CNA Surety Group Rick Ciullo, Chief Operating Officer, The Hartford Insurance Group Michael Keimig, President & CEO, Markel Surety Corporation Timothy Mikolajewski, President, Global Surety, Liberty Mutual Group Stephen Ruschak, Executive Vice President Surety, Arch Insurance Group Lee Covington, President & CEO, SFAA Other Board Members Antonio C. Albanese, Head of Surety, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company Ken Bearley, President, Bond Division, Great American Insurance Companies Ken Chapman, Executive Vice President, Surety, IAT Insurance Group John Guglielmo, Head of Surety, North America, Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions Stephen M. Haney, Division President, North America Surety & CUO, Global Surety, Chubb James Kawiecki, President of Surety, Hanover Insurance Group Matt Lubin, President, Surety Division, Crum & Forster Alan Pavlic, President/COO, Old Republic Surety Group Sharon Sims, Senior Vice President, Sompo International Gary Stumper, National Surety Leader, Westfield Group Larry Taylor, President, Merchants Bonding Company Group Covington provided updates on SFAA’s advocacy accomplishments and goals, SFAA PAC, SFAA Foundation and SFAA’s Strategic Priorities. In addition, Covington provided an update on the launch of SFAA’s Surety Protects campaign in 10 states and on Capitol Hill to targeted legislators, regulators, and public construction leaders, leveraging the data and findings from the landmark EY study The Economic Value of Surety Bonds. A “Year in Review” video celebrating SFAA’s accomplishments throughout 2022 was shared, which highlighted the introduction of WIFIA legislation from Representatives Mike Bost (R-IL), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Troy Balderson (R-OH) and Stephen Lynch (D-MA). This legislation would require water infrastructure projects financed by WIFIA loans to have the same bond protections as other federally funded projects. The video also included an update on the SFAA Foundation’s Intern and Scholarship Program for underrepresented college students, highlighting the 15 scholarships awarded totaling $75,000. The 2022 Surety Industry Awards winners were announced via another celebratory video. Amy Walter, publisher and editor-in-chief of non-partisan The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, one of the top political journalists in Washington, D.C., took the stage and delivered an impactful keynote presentation, captivating the audience with her objective and thoughtful political analysis of the current political landscape in Washington, D.C. and across the country. To close the meeting, two leading political and policy experts, Scott Riplinger of CGCN Group and Kichelle Webster from Stewart Strategies, participated in a robust "Inside the Beltway” panel discussion moderated by SFAA’s Director of Government Affairs Patrick Russell. The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan trade association of more than 425 insurance companies that write 98 percent of surety and fidelity bonds in the U.S. Through advocacy, outreach, promotion and education, SFAA promotes the value of surety and fidelity bonding and its vital protections. SFAA is licensed as a rating or advisory organization in all states. State insurance departments have designated it as a statistical agent for reporting fidelity and surety data. www.surety.org Contact Details Peter Roth +1 703-401-0676 proth@surety.org Company Website https://surety.org/

June 07, 2023 12:20 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Lotis Blue Consulting Announces Partner Promotions to Strengthen Advisory Teams Across Key Practices as the Firm Fosters a “Grow from Within” Culture

Lotis Blue Consulting

Lotis Blue Consulting (LBC) is pleased to announce several Partner promotions which will result in significant advancements in the firm’s team structure. As a leading management consultancy, Lotis Blue offers a unique combination of data and behavioral science to assist clients in achieving business growth and transformation. These recent leadership moves reflect the company’s commitment to enhancing its service offerings and fostering stronger client relationships. Lotis Blue has consciously undertaken a deliberate restructuring of its business model, focusing on its core competencies in Organization Effectiveness, Leadership & Talent, Strategy Execution, and Change Management. “By aligning and strengthening our resources and efforts within these key areas, we aim to enhance our ability to provide exceptional services and deliver optimal outcomes for clients,” says CEO Garrett Sheridan. “These promotions are a testament to the exceptional dedication and performance of Holly Feldman, Erica Grant and John King, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment and competence. Our promotion of these individuals to Partnership reinforces the company’s commitment to our evolved, streamlined business strategy, as their skills and expertise will allow Lotis Blue to excel in these specialized domains during these volatile times.” Having rebranded in 2022, Lotis Blue Consulting has initiated a new chapter, reflecting its dedication to redefining its identity and aligning it with future goals. LBC’s rebranding signaled a pivotal moment for the company, affording Lotis Blue the opportunity to establish a unique presence in the market. These newly announced Partner promotions demonstrate the firm’s determination to cultivate talented teams that will play a vital role in its transformative journey and solidify its position as a premier management consulting firm. Lotis Blue's strong emphasis on recognizing and nurturing the potential of its own employees through internal promotions aligns with the company's long-term goal of fostering a growth-from-within culture. This approach ensures ample opportunities for growth and advancement of its employees, providing them with a clear path to Partnership and enabling them to actively contribute to the firm's success. The recent appointment of these new Partners further enriches LBC with diverse perspectives, expertise, and experience, complementing the firm's existing capabilities. Lotis Blue Consulting is proud to announce the following Partner promotions: Holly Feldman is a leader in the Organization Services division and is entering her 10th year with the firm. Holly brings exceptional analytical skills to assist clients across diverse industries. She expertly assesses the economic and operational implications of business decisions, identifies and overcomes risks and roadblocks, and drives long-term improvements in client performance. Holly earned her MBA at Washington University with a concentration in strategy consulting. Erica Grant is an expert in the Leadership & Talent services division who has been with Lotis Blue for 11 years. With her deep knowledge and experience, Erica partners with senior leaders to design pragmatic personnel strategies that unlock the potential of their organization, leaders, and workforce and drive competitive advantage and sustainable growth. She is passionate about combining research-based methodology, behavioral science and practical business savvy to design solutions that deliver real, sustained results with an eye to human experience. Erica earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Columbia College Chicago. John King is a seasoned consultant with 15 years of industry experience, including tenure at McKinsey & Company. John leads client engagements in the Operating Model division tackling complex and interrelated challenges in business and people processes, organization design, operating models, and supporting tools and systems. His expertise enables clients to overcome barriers to desired growth and execution challenges and maximize their ability to deliver exceptional customer and shareholder value. John earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, with concentrations in analytic finance, econometrics and statistics, and international business. These Partner promotions highlight Lotis Blue’s long-term commitment to deliver high-quality services to its clients while fostering an empowering environment for its employees. With its expertise in combining data-driven insights with behavioral science, the company is well-positioned to help clients navigate complex business issues, drive growth, and achieve their transformational goals in challenging times. At the intersection of growth and transformation, you’ll find Lotis Blue Consulting. We dig deep with personal attention and analytical rigor to uncover, define, and implement the smartest path forward for your organization. In doing so, we transform your most ambitious visions into a clear and sustainable reality. Contact Details MKPR Meir Kahtan +1 917-864-0800 mkahtan@rcn.com Company Website https://www.lotisblueconsulting.com

June 07, 2023 10:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Don’t Get Scammed: Tips for Avoiding Fraud After a Natural Disaster

YourUpdateTV

Click to view video accompanying this release: https://youtu.be/YCGvYBaBZes With hurricane and wildfire seasons on the horizon in many parts of the country, damage and loss to homes from these natural disasters can be unavoidable. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is warning those living in areas that could suffer from a natural catastrophe to not only be prepared for the disaster, but to be on guard for fraudulent contractors and vendors who take advantage of victims in the aftermath. Oftentimes, dishonest contractors target neighborhoods affected by disasters and make unsolicited stops at residential properties. They will take homeowners’ money, often overcharge them, and do shoddy or no work at all, promising that the insurance company will pay for it all. Insurance fraud related to natural disasters costs billions of dollars every year, which results in higher premiums for policyholders. In some cases, individual homeowners are on the hook for up to tens of thousands of dollars they may not be able to recover. On Tuesday, May 23rd, NICB President & CEO David J. Glawe conducted a nationwide media tour with TV stations across the country to discuss how to avoid home repair fraud after a natural disaster and many other consumer-friendly topics, as part of the organization’s third annual Contractor Fraud Awareness Week. During the media tour interviews, Glawe discussed: The steps homeowners can and should take prior to a natural disaster and how preparation can help reduce chances of becoming a victim of fraud; The kind of fraud that takes place following disasters while victims are trying to put their homes and lives back together; The best practices for disaster victims when hiring contractors or vendors and tips for avoiding dishonest contractors; The most common methods fraudulent contractors try to scam disaster victims; and The resources available to help homeowners and other disaster victims dishonest contractors or report fraud when they encounter it. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 01, 2023 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

Professional Services