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Timothy Applegate Elected as Board Chair Elect for National Contract Management Association

National Contract Management Association

The National Contract Management Association (NCMA), dedicated to advancing the contract management profession, proudly announces the appointment of Timothy Applegate as its Board Chair for Program Year 2026, that begins July 1, 2025. A retired Colonel in the United States Air Force, Mr. Applegate brings over 36 years of acquisition and contracting expertise to the role. Mr. Applegate is currently a distinguished member of the Senior Executive Service and Director of the Acquisition Management and Integration Center at Headquarters Air Combat Command (ACC), where he is responsible for overseeing a total acquisition portfolio exceeding $20 billion. A devoted member of NCMA since 1992, an NCMA Certified Professional Contract Manager™ (CPCM™) certificant, Board Member (2018- 2021 and 2023-2024), and Board Advisor (2021-2022), Mr. Applegate is a dedicated and long-standing champion of NCMA and the role it plays in the advancement of the contract management profession. "It is a privilege to serve alongside such esteemed colleagues and I look forward to working with the NCMA's dedicated members and partners,” said Mr. Applegate. Kraig Conrad, CEO of NCMA, added, "Tim's wealth of experience and expertise is truly invaluable to meet our strategic objectives. Over the past six years, he has been instrumental in fostering the growth and evolution of our association through his dedicated service. I am eager to collaborate with him to advance our Common Language Initiative and expand our partnerships to elevate the profession with international standards.” With Mr. Applegate assuming the role of Board Chair-Elect, NCMA is poised to further enhance its programs and standards, ensuring that practitioners receive unparalleled support and opportunities for professional development and certification. The entire NCMA community eagerly looks forward to the transformative leadership that Mr. Applegate will bring to the organization. The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) – www.ncmahq.org – has grown as a professional society whose mission is to collaborate towards a globally recognized contract management profession that strengthens its nexus with related acquisition communities. Serving approximately 20,000 members in both the public and private sectors, NCMA propels the growth, advancement, and impact of practitioners through a steadfast commitment to serve through the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums. Contact Details National Contract Management Assocation Holly DeHesa +1 281-865-3296 holly.dehesa@ncmahq.org Company Website https://www.ncmahq.org

March 26, 2024 06:25 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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NAVEX 2024 Global Incident Management Benchmark Study Reveals Significant Third-Party Reporting to Companies

NAVEX Global

NAVEX, the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software, has released its 2024 Whistleblowing & Incident Management Benchmark Report. The annual benchmark report offers valuable insights into workplace culture, analyzing trends from 1.86 million global reports spanning thousands of organizations that together employ more than 50 million employees. Amid a record number of tips to the SEC and a burgeoning DOJ whistleblowing program, NAVEX’s comprehensive analysis sheds a critical light on the state of workplace environments worldwide, guiding organizations toward program improvement. "NAVEX remains the gold standard in risk and compliance data analytics, continually innovating our benchmarks to enhance corporate compliance programs and offer business leaders insights into the trending risk areas for their organizations," says NAVEX Chief Risk and Compliance Officer Carrie Penman. "This year's report introduces crucial third-party reporting insights, highlighting an organization’s need to adopt internal and external reporting avenues to bolster integrity, foster accountability and equip the organization to tackle emerging challenges effectively.” This year’s analysis of the data revealed several key themes and notable findings, including: Report volume and case substantiation reach milestones. Internal reporting programs saw a record level of use as measured by NAVEX’s Reports per 100 Employees metric. In addition, the Substantiation Rate metric reached an all-time high, meaning more reports were received and more were found to be true. Report volume, and the substantiation rates of the reports received, are two of the most highly watched metrics in the annual NAVEX publication. To see both reach the highest levels ever is good news. For those with trusted and effective internal reporting programs, this added up to greater visibility into the trends of risk, ethics and culture playing out in their organizations’ operations – real-time intelligence to inform business decision-making. In 2023, organizations received a median 1.57 Reports per 100 Employees across their internal reporting systems, exceeding the previous record of 1.47 set in 2022. More organizations (23%) received five or more Reports per 100 Employees, making this population the largest in the NAVEX data set. And while year-over-year values fluctuated, every size of organization – from the smallest companies to enterprises with over 100,000 employees – has seen report volumes rise comparing 2021 and 2023. At 45%, the overall median share of substantiated or founded reports in 2023 reached an 11-year high. Third parties more likely to report business integrity and financial misconduct issues. In a first for this report, NAVEX analyzed its database by both employees and third-party reporters. Its analysis shows these two groups are distinct across several metrics, highlighting the insight organizations see by promoting their reporting programs internally and externally. Third parties as a group delivered a far greater median share of reports related to Business Integrity matters than employees in 2023 (50% versus 17%). Encompassing topics like conflicts of interest, vendor issues, fraud, global trade and human rights, this category of issues can manifest in various elements of a supply chain. Third-party reporters also showed twice the median share of Accounting, Auditing & Financial Reporting reports as employees in 2023 (10% versus 4.5%). Story emerging on accounting-related reporting – internally and externally. Accounting-related reports -- while lower in overall percentage of reports received internally by organizations at a median of 4.3.% in 2023 -- often receive an outsized share of attention due to potential for regulatory action and the well-publicized bounty program offered by the SEC and its Office of the Whistleblower. The SEC's program is witnessing unprecedented growth in tips and generously rewarding valuable information. Now, the U.S. Department of Justice is launching a similar initiative. Specifically, reports related to Accounting, Auditing, and Financial reporting: Showed the longest time between when an incident was observed and when it was reported to the organization By a large margin, were least likely to be reported anonymously Comprised an outsized share of cases for organizations that receive very few Reports per 100 Employees – meaning while these organizations received well below the benchmark number of reports, they had a much more significant percentage of accounting-related reports Experienced the longest time to investigate and close the case Had among the highest median Substantiation Rates, at 50% Were most likely to cause an employment separation event as a result of a substantiated case Accounted for twice as many of the reports submitted by third parties than those submitted by employees Small increase in report volume shows big payoff in healthy report mix. A diverse array of topics, inquiries, and allegations in internal reporting indicates a robust program. NAVEX’s findings reveal that even minor efforts to promote internal reporting significantly improve the mix of report types received. For instance, in organizations with the lowest report volume, only 8.7% of reports pertain to HR, Diversity, and Workplace Respect. However, in the next tier, this proportion jumps to 36.3%. This trend persists across different report volumes, emphasizing the importance of fostering a reporting culture. A varied mix of report types signifies trust in internal reporting to address a broad spectrum of issues. Even a slight increase from minimal reporting yields a more comprehensive and insightful flow of reports. "With NAVEX's integrated data platform, companies gain unparalleled risk signal data that empowers them to foster healthier workplace cultures, helping them achieve outcomes that matter most,” explains NAVEX Chief Product Officer A.G. Lambert. "Data isn't just numbers; it's the compass guiding organizations toward success and ensuring they stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of risk and compliance." Additional notable findings include: Workplace behaviors and discord were clearly visible in the data as more organizations return to office environments. As is always the case in these reports, workplace behaviors and other human resources related matters are by far the highest percentage of reports received by organizations. Workplace Civility matters continued to increase in prominence in 2023, representing a median of 18% of reports and the highest median reporting rate in 2023. This was followed by Discrimination, at a median 12%, Harassment, at a median 7.1%, then Retaliation at a median of 2.0%. The HR, Diversity and Workplace Respect category overall has seen a multi-year increase in its median share of all reports (from 50% in 2021 to 55% in 2023). These figures underscore the growing importance of fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment. Highlighting the seriousness with which organizations are taking reports received, more substantiated reports (18%) resulted in separation from employment in 2023, up significantly from 14% in 2022 and 12% in 2021. The share of reports resulting in no action – effectively the opposite end of the outcome spectrum – fell from 17% in 2022 to 14% in 2023. Nearly nine out of 10 reports of Imminent Threat to a Person, Animals or Property were substantiated in 2023 highlighting the importance that reporters possess the training, knowledge, tools and trust that promote rapid reporting of dangerous issues. This need is made even greater by a new California workplace violence prevention law expected to take effect this year that includes requirements for reporting, incident management and training around this issue. For more insights on the 2024 Whistleblowing & Incident Management Benchmark Report, join Jane Norberg, Arnold & Porter partner and former chief of the SEC Office of the Whistleblower, Keith Thomas, FedEx corporate integrity & compliance lead counsel, Carrie Penman, NAVEX chief risk & compliance officer, and Anders Olsen, NAVEX senior data scientist, for an informative webinar where they will discuss the results of this year’s analysis in detail. Watch the webinar here. NAVEX is trusted by thousands of customers worldwide to help them achieve the business outcomes that matter most. As the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software and services, we deliver solutions through the NAVEX One platform, the industry’s most comprehensive governance, risk and compliance (GRC) information system. For more information, visit NAVEX.com and our blog. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Contact Details Navex Global scott.levesque@navex.com Company Website https://navex.com

March 26, 2024 06:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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The Surety and Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) Names Ryan C. Work President & CEO

SFAA

The Surety & Fidelity Association of America’s (SFAA) board of directors is pleased to announce that, after an extensive search, Ryan C. Work has been named the trade association’s next President & CEO. “With Ryan’s in-depth trade association management experience and background in developing and managing strategic outreach and policy programs before Congress, the Administration, and various federal and state regulatory agencies, the board is confident in his ability to lead the association successfully,” said Robert Murray, SFAA Board Chairman and Head of Surety, Zurich. “His hands-on experience will allow him to quickly engage on issues impacting the future of the surety and fidelity industry, particularly with key legislative, regulatory and procurement leaders,” continued Murray. Before joining SFAA, Ryan was Senior Vice President of Government Relations at the Self-Insurance Institute of America (SIIA), where he led advocacy and political activities on self-insurance, stop-loss, and captive insurance issues. Prior to SIIA, Ryan was Senior Director of Government and Regulatory Policy for S&P Global, representing brands including Standard & Poor’s, Platts, J.D. Power, and BusinessWeek. Ryan has served in several senior staff positions within the U.S. Congress, including as Legislative Director for Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA), current Chair of the House Energy & Commerce Committee. He previously served as Chief of Staff to Rep. Katherine Harris (FL) and in various staff roles with the U.S. House Committee on Ways & Means and the Office of the Speaker of the House. “I am honored to be named President and CEO and working to advance SFAA’s value to our members, expanding our advocacy efforts, and building a strong team in support of maintaining SFAA’s reputation as one of the most influential insurance legislative organizations in the states and Washington D.C.,” said Ryan. “I look forward to collaborating with the SFAA Board, Executive Committee, membership and staff to enlist support for issues and programs critical to the industry's success,” added Ryan. Ryan resides in Alexandria, VA and is a graduate of Penn State University. The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan trade association representing all surety and fidelity industry segments. We promote the value of surety and fidelity bonding and its vital protections through advocacy, outreach, promotion, and education. The more than 425 member companies write 98 percent of surety and fidelity bonds in the U.S. SFAA is licensed as a rating or advisory organization in all states, and state insurance departments have designated it as a statistical agent for the reporting of fidelity and surety experience. www.surety.org Contact Details Peter Roth +1 703-401-0676 proth@surety.org Company Website https://surety.org/

March 25, 2024 09:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Comcast Continues Major Fiber Network Expansion in Texas

Comcast Texas

Comcast announced today it will continue to significantly expand its next-generation Xfinity network across several southeast Texas counties in 2024. The media and technology company will invest more than $265 million to install more than one thousand miles of new fiber-rich highways that will reach more than 100,000 homes and businesses by the end of this year. The planned expansions add to Comcast’s ongoing $3 billion investment in Texas over the last three years. Comcast’s fiber network expansion in 2024 will begin in the cities of Conroe, Montgomery, Hempstead, Porter, Navasota and Cleveland. Construction will also continue in other communities that have ongoing network infrastructure projects in the Houston area. Conroe, parts of which already have access to Xfinity and Comcast Business services, will be the largest expansion area of the year — reaching approximately 20,000 additional homes and businesses. These locations will have the foundational next-generation network in place to begin deploying DOCSIS 4.0, setting the stage for the introduction of new symmetrical multi-gigabit Internet options. “Reliable high-speed internet is essential in today’s digital economy, which is why Comcast continues its commitment to connect more southeast Texas families and businesses to the moments that matter most,” said Jose Espinel, Comcast Texas’ Regional Senior Vice President. “We are expanding our fiber highways in Montgomery, Waller, Grimes and Liberty counties, strategically investing in areas undergoing significant growth. By establishing the best broadband infrastructure today, we are securing the economic prosperity of these communities for tomorrow.” Comcast’s commitment to new communities goes beyond the build-- addressing digital opportunities in communities through Project UP, the company’s $1 billion dollar commitment to help tens of millions of people connect to the Internet and build futures of unlimited possibilities. Last year, Comcast Texas invested more than one million dollars to help local community organizations provide hands on digital skills training, offer workforce development/readiness workshops and other tech education to students, adults and people with disabilities. The funding also supports ongoing efforts to build awareness about affordable connectivity services like Internet Essentials, which offers eligible households high-speed internet for $9.95/month or Internet Essentials Plus for $29.95/month. Affordable computers are also available through Internet Essentials. For more construction details and updates, visit ComcastTexas.com/Expansion. Powered by Xfinity Comcast’s network and Internet experience are powering homes today and into the future. Ultimate Capacity: Xfinity customers connect more than 1 billion devices across the company’s network annually. With the next-generation Xfinity gateways we deliver the most advanced WiFi technology carrying three times more bandwidth to power streaming, gaming, videoconferencing, and more, simultaneously. Fastest Internet: More than a third of Xfinity Internet customers subscribe to gigabit speed products. Recently Comcast connected the first customers in the world to a DOCSIS 4.0 connection, delivering symmetrical gig speeds over existing connections in customers’ homes with plans to continue to rollout these speeds across the country over the coming years. Unprecedented Coverage: The latest Xfinity Gateway provides a more reliable connection throughout the home. Customers can get wall-to-wall WiFi coverage with a powerful WiFi Boost Pod that extends coverage to hard-to-reach areas of the home. Most Reliable Connection: Comcast is scaling the nation’s largest and most reliable network that passes 62 million homes and business and counting. The company launched Storm-Ready WiFi, a new device that comes powered with cellular and battery backup to help keep customers connected even when the power goes out. Ultra-Low Latency: The Xfinity network and the latest Xfinity Gateway are a powerful combination that deliver ultra-low latency for those moments when response times matter most like video games, a fast-growing category with Xfinity households averaging more than one gaming console per home. The Xfinity network is also self-monitoring and uses AI to detect potential problems before they arise, delivering a reliable connection that is up and running in customers’ homes 99% of the time. For local businesses, Comcast Business offers a suite of connectivity, communications, networking, cybersecurity, wireless, and managed solutions to help organizations of different sizes prepare for what’s next. Powered by the nation’s largest Gig-speed broadband network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and one of the leading service providers to the Enterprise market. Comcast Business has been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest-growing providers of Ethernet services. Ookla’s Speedtest TM Market Index report shows that Xfinity delivered the fastest median download speeds to its Internet customers in the United States for the final quarter of 2022. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on connectivity, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Taisha Walker +1 832-942-1131 Taisha_Walker@comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

March 21, 2024 06:00 AM Central Daylight Time

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National Contract Management Association Announces New Board of Directors

National Contract Management Association

The National Contract Management Association (NCMA), dedicated to the advancement and expansion of the contract management profession, announced today the appointment of its new Board of Directors. The program year 2025 new Directors include David Bassett and Manuel Mendez; reappointed are Joy White, and Cameron Holt as Wendy Masiello and Heidi Timmerman transition from the Board. All bring a wealth of experience and expertise in contract management which will further strengthen the association’s strategic direction, transformation, and growth. "As we further our mission to advance the contract management profession and fortify its ties with other acquisition-related communities through advocacy, standards, and professional development, the addition of these individuals is significant,” said Board Chair-Elect, Heather Gerczak. “Their collective wealth of experience, knowledge, and leadership promises to invigorate our organization, propelling us closer to our goals. We eagerly anticipate their contributions as we chart our course forward." Lieutenant General David Bassett (US Army Retired), Founder of Acquisition Insight LLC, provides business consulting to firms aiming to work with the federal government for superior technology access. With over 35 years in the Army, serving as Army Program Executive Officer Ground Combat Systems, Program Executive Officer Command Control Communications Tactical, and Deputy Program Executive Officer for Combat Support and Combat Service Support, and retiring as Director of Defense Contract Management Agency, he managed 250,000 contracts worth $3.5T. Mr. Bassett holds Master’s Degrees in National Resource Strategy and Computer Science, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Virginia. As Integral Federal's Chief Financial Officer, Manuel Mendez leads business operations, supporting strategic direction and growth. He manages financial planning, reporting, compliance, mergers, acquisitions, auditing, program finance, contracts, IT, quality, and pricing. Previously, he served as VP of Financial Planning and Analysis at PAE, facilitating its divestiture, IPO, acquisitions, and sale to private equity. With senior financial roles at Engility and Harris Corporation, Mendez brings extensive experience. He holds a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Universidad de Los Andes and an M.B.A. from Georgetown University. Joy White, Executive Director at Space Systems Command (SSC) has been reappointed to the Board. Ms. White oversees a $15B annual portfolio of major acquisition space programs, ensuring agile, integrated, and resilient capabilities for national defense. She leads SSC's business operations, talent management, and acquisition functional expertise for the United States Space Force, overseeing a workforce of 15,000 personnel at 29 operating locations. Ms. White started her federal service as a contracting intern at SSC and has a diverse background including legal analysis and advisory roles at the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition. Also reappointed, Major General Cameron Holt (US AF Retired), President at Exiger Government Solutions. Mr. Holt formerly served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics. Leading a team managing $825B in programs, he focused on Space, Global Power/Reach, and Information Dominance. He also supervised the training, organization, and equipping of 8,000 Contracting professionals handling over $65B in programs annually. Receiving his commission from the University of Georgia in 1990, Mr. Holt has extensive experience in acquisition and contract management across major commands and deployments supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. "It has been an honor to work with Wendy Masiello and Heidi Timmerman for their support and guidance over their two terms. They have been instrumental in navigating NCMA through a period of growth and change," said NCMA Chief Executive Officer, Kraig Conrad. "I am pleased to welcome in our new Board Members, their impressive experience will be invaluable to help grow our Common Language, certifications, and professional development avenues for our community." The NCMA Board of Directors is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization, ensuring its financial stability, and overseeing the development and delivery of member services and educational programs. The NCMA Contract Management Standard™ (CMS™) is an important program for the Board as the ANSI-approved standard covers the many practices within the contract management life cycle, including procurement and purchasing. Board members serve three-year terms. Beginning July 2024, the newly appointed Board will officially assume their duties and convene at NCMA's World Congress conference in Seattle, WA. The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) – www.ncmahq.org – has grown as a professional society whose mission is to collaborate towards a globally recognized contract management profession that strengthens its nexus with related acquisition communities. Serving approximately 20,000 members in both the public and private sectors, NCMA propels the growth, advancement, and impact of practitioners through a steadfast commitment to serve through the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums. Contact Details National Contract Management Association Holly DeHesa +1 281-865-3296 holly.dehesa@ncmahq.org Company Website https://www.ncmahq.org

March 21, 2024 05:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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NCMA's Announces New Members to their National Committee

National Contract Management Association

At the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), the focus on providing high-quality resources— events, professional certifications, local networking, and the ANSI-approved Contract Management Standard™ —that positively advance and expand the contract management profession remains the top priority. To help to continue strengthen the association’s strategic direction and growth, NCMA is excited to announce its new National Committee Members, who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to guide their endeavors forward. “Our National Committee Members are essential in providing a platform for meaningful planning and growth for our members and association,” said NCMA’s Board-Chair Elect, Heather Gerczak. “They will be instrumental in inspiring innovation and refining our strategy. I am thrilled to welcome our new members and am excited to collaborate in Program Year 2025.” The National Committee members are seasoned professionals with impressive track records in their respective fields. NCMA welcomes: Joann Campbell-Maher, CPCM, CFCM, CCCM, Director of Contracts, SRC Inc., Chapter: Leatherstocking Chapter Will Cannon, Director of Business Operations, General Atomics Chapter: San Diego Jim Doss, Fellow, CPCM, CFCM, Director of Contracts, BlueHalo, Chapter: Tysons Derek Ebona, CPCM, Chief of the Contracting Office, Program and System Support for Contracting and Procurement Office, Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, Chapter: Tysons Jessica Johnson, CPCM, CFCM, VP, Services Contracts at Red River Technology, Chapter: Dulles Corridor Wanda Wallace, CPCM, CFCM, Senior Contracts Manager at Magellan Federal, Chapter: Jacksonville This year’s National Committees Members were elected through a competitive application and voting process. These members make a lasting impact on NCMA. The Committees are made up of five groups including audit and risk, governance and ethics, member engagement, professional development and certification, and strategic planning. All who have served have played an instrumental role in helping to shape the associations’ strategy and direction. The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) – www.ncmahq.org – has grown as a professional society whose mission is to collaborate towards a globally recognized contract management profession that strengthens its nexus with related acquisition communities. Serving approximately 20,000 members in both the public and private sectors, NCMA propels the growth, advancement, and impact of practitioners through a steadfast commitment to serve through the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums. Contact Details Holly DeHesa +1 281-865-3296 holly.dehesa@ncmahq.org Company Website https://www.ncmahq.org

March 19, 2024 05:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Spring Bird Makes its Expo Debut at the 2024 Texas Transit Association State Conference, Expo, and Roadeo

Spring Bird

Spring Bird, a name synonymous with excellence and innovation in the transportation industry, is thrilled to announce its first-ever expo attendance at the Texas Transit Association (TTA) State Conference, Expo, and Roadeo from March 15-20, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. This landmark event marks Spring Bird's grand entrance into the expo scene, showcasing their comprehensive range of services, including maintenance, retrofitting, leasing, and sales of transit-style buses. Spring Bird, under the visionary leadership of Elliott Carson, continues the legacy of the Carson family in the bus industry, bringing over 75 years of combined experience and dedication to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. The company specializes in offering top-tier transit buses from renowned manufacturers like New Flyer, and Gillig, emphasizing the latest safety features and technological advancements. Spring Bird’s cutting-edge rehabilitation services will be the heart of its expo showcase. Attendees will learn about the company’s capabilities in performing minor repairs, major overhauls, and retrofitting buses with the latest low-emission engines and GPS tracking systems. Spring Bird is committed to providing customized solutions that meet clients’ unique needs, whether they want to purchase new buses or service their existing fleets. Elliott Carson, representing the fourth generation of the Carson family in the bus industry, expressed his enthusiasm about participating in the TTA State Conference, Expo, and Roadeo: "We are excited to debut at this wonderful event and look forward to connecting with transit agencies and other entities from Texas and across the United States. Our attendance at the TTA Expo is a testament to Spring Bird's commitment to excellence and innovation in providing high-quality, affordable transportation solutions." Texas is also the home of Spring Bird, located in Austin, TX. The Texas Transit Association, organized in 1986, brings together metropolitan, small urban, and rural transit agencies, along with private and public entities from across the country, making it the perfect platform for Spring Bird to introduce its services to a wider audience. Visit Spring Bird at the 2024 TTA State Conference, Expo, and Roadeo to explore how they can support your transit needs with their high-quality buses and comprehensive rehabilitation services. About Spring Bird: Spring Bird is a premier provider of transportation solutions specializing in the sale, leasing, and service of heavy-duty transit buses and motor coaches. Drawing from the rich Carson family legacy in the transportation industry, Spring Bird offers an inventory of high-quality buses from leading manufacturers and provides customized rehabilitation services, including minor repairs, major overhauls, and technological retrofitting. Dedicated to safety, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Spring Bird addresses the unique needs of cities, transit agencies, and private operators, ensuring reliable and efficient transportation solutions. Contact Details Spring Bird Media Contact press@springbirdbus.com Company Website https://springbirdbus.com

March 18, 2024 03:00 PM Central Daylight Time

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CTTC Announces Informative Webinar on Partnership Opportunities for Low-No Applications

CTTC

The California Transit Training Consortium (CTTC) is thrilled to unveil an upcoming webinar titled "CTTC Partnership Opportunities for Low-No Applications." This pivotal online event is set for March 22, 2024, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada), focusing on the collaborative ventures within the sphere of low or no emission (Low-No) transit applications, especially underlining workforce development and the transition towards zero-emission buses. Event Details: Title: CTTC Partnership Opportunities for Low-No Applications Date: March 22, 2024 Time: 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada) Location: Online (Access details provided upon registration) Registration: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aUqvmnqDSryDc_iWx6Ox8g About the Webinar: The session aims to guide attendees through the workforce development prerequisites of Low-No Grant Applications, emphasizing how CTTC can augment your training needs for an effective shift to zero-emission buses. The webinar is especially timely, considering the latest announcement of the combined Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for FY24 that incorporates both Low-No and the Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Programs. Participants will gain essential insights into optimizing their applications and nurturing enduring partnerships for sustainable transit solutions. Featured Speakers: Maggie Pears, Executive Director - CTTC: Maggie Pears brings a rich background of innovation and a deep understanding of industry needs from her tenure at the Center for Transportation and the Environment. She will outline the strategic partnership opportunities with CTTC, focusing on workforce development in the zero-emission bus (ZEB) sector. Wendy Morgan, Director of Grants - CTE: With a vast experience in public-sector funding, Wendy Morgan will delve into the specifics of eligible activities under the Low-No program, including FTA priority considerations and integrating workforce development into a zero-emission transition plan. Rashidi Barnes, Board Member - CTTC & CEO - Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority (Tri Delta Transit): Drawing on extensive experience in transit operations and innovation, Rashidi Barnes will discuss the practicalities of meeting workforce training requirements, highlighting CTTC's comprehensive services to support effective Low-No grant applications. Registration: To take part in this insightful webinar and discover how CTTC can facilitate your agency's transition to a cleaner, more sustainable public transportation future, please register at [Insert Registration Link Here]. As spaces are limited, early registration is advised. Contact Information: For more details, please contact: Maggie Pears maggie.pears@scrttc.com This webinar presents a prime opportunity to explore how strategic partnerships and innovative training solutions offered by CTTC can empower your agency's journey towards environmental stewardship in public transportation. ### CTTC has been at the forefront of transit training for over 20 years, continually expanding its zero-emission training offerings to meet the evolving needs of the California transit workforce. Committed to aiding transit agencies, CTTC provides a plethora of services, including on-site course delivery, curriculum development, apprenticeship programs, and equipment procurement. Contact Details CTTC Maggie Pears +1 310-694-3969 maggie.pears@scrttc.com Media contact press@scrttc.com Company Website https://scrttc.com

March 15, 2024 03:19 PM Pacific Daylight Time

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A Call to Action: Revitalizing U.S. Maritime Security for Global Stability and Prosperity

MAR LLC

Rarely is there a day without international shipping in the news. From Yemen's Houthi militants attacking shipping in the Red Sea, maritime food blockades around Ukraine, rising hostilities in the South China Sea, drought reducing traffic through the Panama Canal by almost 50%, global shipping is receiving more attention than ever before. And yet barely four years after the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain crunch, blockade of the Suez Canal by the containership Ever Given, the vulnerabilities of the maritime transportation system remain and more needs to be done to protect American interests. ZERO POINT FOUR sheds light on the industry in a way that has never been done before. Bold new solutions are called for and revealed from this cutting analysis after years of working on the front lines of the shipping crisis. If you want to get a strong understanding of why the U.S. remains vulnerable to supply chain risks and a shortage of military sealift support, then this book is required reading. After years of extensive research, The Maritime Accelerator for Resilience (MAR) released the findings of its landmark study in a book entitled ZERO POINT FOUR, spearheaded by Rear Admiral James Watson (USCG Ret.) and an esteemed panel of maritime, security, ocean and supply chain experts. This critical analysis delves into the challenges and strategic imperatives facing U.S. maritime security, emphasizing its indispensable role in global commerce, national defense, and international peacekeeping and offering near, medium and long term leadership opportunities to mitigate America’s vulnerabilities. In an era marked by complex global challenges, the U.S. maritime sector's decline to a mere 0.4% of the global oceangoing commercial fleet signifies not just a loss of commercial prominence but also a critical vulnerability in national security and global economic stability. ZERO POINT FOUR offers a stark examination of the consequences of diminished U.S. influence on the seas, from eroding economic competitiveness to heightened risks in global supply chains, energy dependence, and environmental sustainability. The book highlights five key principles around security—national, economic, energy and food, climate, and workforce-- and outlines a visionary framework for action, advocating for strategic investments in maritime infrastructure, technological innovation, and a revitalized maritime workforce. These initiatives aim to restore the U.S. as a global maritime leader, ensuring the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of international shipping lanes crucial for the flow of trade, energy, and resources worldwide. Furthermore, ZERO POINT FOUR calls for enhanced international maritime cooperation to tackle piracy, illegal fishing, and environmental hazards, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to upholding the rule of law on the high seas and fostering a climate of global peace and cooperation. The impetus for the book came from the author’s recognition of the US’s vulnerability in maritime security, and its impact on all aspects of American life. From the post-World War II period when 50% of all oceangoing commercial vessels were under the US flag to today’s 0.4%, an unsustainable shift of power and influence has occurred which needs to be remedied. In addition to Rear Admiral Watson, authors include maritime mavens Carleen Lyden Walker and Captain Anuj Chopra, technology and sustainability economist Nishan Degnarain, cyber security, physical security, and enterprise resilience veteran Rich Mason, and global supply chain specialist Jonothan Kempe. The Maritime Accelerator for Resilience urges all stakeholders — government officials, industry leaders, and the public — to unite behind these proposals. By doing so, the U.S. can secure a future where its maritime domain not only thrives but also serves as a cornerstone for global trade, environmental stewardship, and international peace. ZERO POINT FOUR is available for purchase on Amazon using this LINK. The Maritime Accelerator for Resilience (MAR LLC) is a U.S.-based maritime organization operating as a maritime policy accelerator and is dedicated to propelling the U.S. maritime industry into a new era of innovation, security, and global leadership. Collaborating with influential figures in shipping, ocean policy and innovation, MAR aims to advance policy, technology, and operational strategies that enhance maritime resilience and competitiveness. Our vision is to motivate the U.S. maritime industry to global competitiveness, navigating challenges and embracing opportunities in the next decade. For more details, visit: www.maritimeresilience.org Contact Details MAR LLC Carleen Lyden Walker +1 203-260-0480 carleen.lw@maritimeresilience.org

March 11, 2024 01:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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