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9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians opens in Ha Noi

Viet Nam News

HA NOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach - 15 September 2023 – The 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians, hosted by the National Assembly of Vietnam and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), has opened in the capital city of Ha Noi, Vietnam, on Friday (September 15, 2023). The event, held between September 14-18, gathers nearly 500 delegates, including 300 international delegates from 70 IPU member parliaments and international organisations, making it the biggest one since the conception of the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Nguyen Phu Trong, State President Vo Van Thuong, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh have sent congratulatory bouquets to the conference. The co-chairs of the opening ceremony included Vietnam's National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, IPU President Duarte Pacheco, Permanent Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man, IPU Secretary-General Martin Chungong, Member of the UK Parliament and President of the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians Dan Carden, Chairman of the Vietnamese Young Parliamentarians Group Nguyen Anh Tuan, Member of Parliament from Namibia and member of the Leadership Team of the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians Emma Tangi Muteka, and representatives from the IPU Secretariat. The delegates will be discussing experiences and ideas under the theme "The role of youth in accelerating the achievement of the SDGs through digital transformation and innovation," with three main sessions: "Digital Transformation," "Innovation and Startups," "Promoting Respect for Cultural Diversity in Support of Sustainable Development." The conference takes place as political, economic and societal upheavals have set back the progress of fulfilling Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) commitments and climate change response in many countries. The trends of digital transformation, green transition, and innovation are increasingly given priority and promoted around the world. Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, in the opening address, said the organisation of this conference affirms Vietnam's "active, proactive, and responsible participation in the IPU" and highlights "Vietnam's priority and concern for youth and global youth-related issues of today." The Vietnamese top legislator also quoted President Ho Chi Minh, the late founding father of Vietnam, in saying that "Youth is the future master of the nation. The prosperity or decline of the nation largely depends on youth." "Young people are the driving force and the bearers of "historical responsibilities" in the international integration and national development efforts of each country as well as global prosperity," Chairman Hue said, asking the young parliamentarians to utilise their intelligence, youth, creativity, and enthusiasm to contribute positively to the success of the conference. National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue asked the delegates to pay attention to five key points: First, what needs to be done and how to comply with and uphold international law and the United Nations Charter, as a crucial condition for the maintenance and nurturing of peace, cooperation, and sustainable development. Secondly, the role of developed countries, international organisations, business communities, and youth in addressing global issues such as sustainable and secure digital transformation, just energy transition, adaptation to climate change, and robust promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation. Thirdly, making people and businesses truly the centre of all policies in the development process, both as the objective and as the motivation and fundamental resources. Fourthly, leveraging the values of culture and human beings in sustainable development, promoting the respect for cultural diversity in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and enhance cooperation in innovating the operation of the economy, increasing labour productivity, and creating new momentum for economic growth. At the same time, this will help government agencies become more transparent and efficient on the digitalisation path, narrowing the development gap, and ensuring national sovereignty and individual privacy in cyberspace. Fifth and lastly, Chairman Hue also proposed that the IPU explore the establishment of a global network of young parliamentarians dedicated to innovation, allowing them to exchange experiences and learn from one another. IPU Duarte Pacheco in his remarks thanked the Vietnam National Assembly for "providing an exceptional setting for the IPU meeting," and expressed his appreciation towards Vietnam's "commitment to leading by example on youth empowerment." "While we are behind with the SDGs, we are supercharging progress in technology. We need to link this progress in technology with the work being done to achieve the SDGs. Digitalisation and innovation are important opportunities." He also urged the responsible use of technology and innovation. "Technology should not force us into a one-size-fits-all model. Our global community has many traditions, languages, and perspectives. This diversity makes our lives richer and can also take us to greater innovation When we combine the power of technology with cultural diversity and ethics, we open up creativity and problem-solving." "As members of parliaments, we must promote inclusivity, intercultural dialogues, and respect for diversity as drivers of sustainable development and peace." Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the IPU, underscored the the significant roles of young parliamentarians, and the young people that they represent, can play. "You can be a driving force for progress, injecting fresh perspectives, energy, and innovative solutions into parliamentary processes. Sharing practices, amplifying your voices on the issues that concern you most, and better connecting you to youth, is what this Conference is all about." He remarked that the young's "passion, enthusiasm, and dedication to accelerating the SDGs through digital transformation and innovation are a guiding light for us all." Contact Details Media Contact khanhchivns@gmail.com

September 15, 2023 10:36 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Jeffrey P. Halperin Joins AmeriLife as Chief Risk and Compliance Officer

AmeriLife

AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions, announced today that Jeffrey P. Halperin has joined the company as its new Chief Risk and Compliance Officer (CRCO). Reporting to AmeriLife’s Chief Legal and Administrative Officer, Nathan Hightower, Halperin will oversee the company’s Compliance Department and lead an enterprise-wide approach to identifying, assessing and mitigating risks that the company may face to ensure that AmeriLife has the proper controls in place to achieve its business objectives. “We’re thrilled to welcome Jeff to AmeriLife and excited to add someone of his caliber to our organization,” said Hightower. “The need for a modern, best-in-class approach to corporate compliance and risk management has never been higher. Under Jeff’s leadership, I’m confident that he’ll continue to build and enhance our services to support the evolving needs of our company and partners.” Halperin comes to AmeriLife from Brighthouse Financial, the spinoff of MetLife’s former Retail Division, where he served as Chief Compliance Officer and Associate General Counsel, since 2017. In this role, he was responsible for managing Brighthouse Financial’s Compliance Department, which was charged with mitigating regulatory risk for the company. He also led the company’s Distribution and Vendor Contracts legal functions, Procurement, and Third-Party Risk Management. Prior to Brighthouse Financial, Halperin worked for nearly 20 years within MetLife’s Corporate Ethics & Compliance Department in a variety of roles, including as MetLife’s Global Money Laundering Prevention Officer; CCO of the MetLife Funds, MetLife Advisers, and MetLife Securities; and Senior Vice President of Compliance for MetLife’s U.S. Businesses. For more than 30 years, Halperin has been an active participant in the industry, serving on various industry committees and speaking at numerous industry conferences on topics related to securities and insurance regulation. Halperin, who will be based at AmeriLife’s Clearwater, Fla., headquarters, is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Connecticut School of Law. “I am very excited to be joining AmeriLife at a time of impressive sales growth,” said Halperin. “I look forward to bringing my metrics-driven, process-oriented approach to the Risk and Compliance functions, so my team can help ensure that AmeriLife achieves its goals in a risk-aware and legally-compliant manner.” ### About AmeriLife AmeriLife’s strength is its mission: to provide insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. In doing so, AmeriLife has become recognized as an industry leader in developing, marketing and distributing life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees across the United States. For more than 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers served through a national distribution network of over 300,000 agents and financial professionals and more than 120 marketing organizations and insurance agencies. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com, and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact Details Media Jeff Maldonado +1 321-297-1112 jmaldonado@amerilife.com Partnership Inquiries Patrick Nichols +1 727-726-0726 pnichols@amerilife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

September 14, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

How Clean Energy Jobs are Driving the Economy

YourUpdateTV

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is the largest investment in climate and clean energy in U.S. history, and within the last year, companies have created more than 170,600 new clean energy jobs nationwide. Recently, Lori Lodes, the Executive Director of Climate Power, and Gina McCarthy, Former White House Climate Advisor, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss how families are benefitting from the law and how clean energy jobs are reshaping the economy. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/rrfT-Kddz7I?si=1S6U7FzbYqvQhh-a Clean energy projects created 170,606 new jobs in 44 states between August 16, 2022 and July 20, 2023. There are 272 new clean energy projects in small towns and big cities nationwide, totaling $278 billion in new investments. Plans include 91 new battery manufacturing sites in places like Tucson, Arizona; Rochester, New York; and Florence County, South Carolina. So far, companies have announced plans for 65 new or expanded electric vehicle manufacturing facilities in Savannah, Georgia; Montgomery, Alabama; Auburn Hills, Michigan — and more. A further 84 plans were announced to develop wind and solar manufacturing in cities including Cochranton, Pennsylvania; Pensacola, Florida; and Georgetown, Texas. The majority of projects are in five states — Michigan, Georgia, South Carolina, California, and Texas. The jobs being created across the country are good-paying opportunities for electricians, mechanics, construction workers, technicians, support staff, and thousands of others. Many of these clean energy jobs come with higher wages and good benefits without requiring a four-year degree — meaning they’re accessible to most Americans. For more information, visit climatepower.us About Lori Lodes Lori Lodes is the executive director of Climate Power, a strategic communications operation focused on building political will and public support for bold climate action. It was founded going into the 2020 US presidential election and played a key role in establishing climate as a core message for the Biden campaign and Build Back Better agenda. Before stewarding Climate Power, Lori spent a handful of years in corporate communications at Apple. She was deputy director of communications for Hillary Clinton's campaign in 2016, and she spent many years working on communication initiatives for the Affordable Care Act and healthcare.gov. About Gina McCarthy The first White House National Climate Advisor and former U.S. EPA Administrator, Gina McCarthy, is one of the nation’s most respected voices on climate change, the environment, and public health. As head of the Climate Policy Office, McCarthy’s leadership led to the most aggressive action on climate in U.S. history, creating new jobs and unprecedented clean energy innovation and investments across the country. Her commitment to bold action, supported by the climate and clean energy provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, restored U.S. climate leadership on a global stage and put a new U.S. national target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 within reach. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

September 12, 2023 01:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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News Release

Vietnam and the United States: Promoting trusted trade partnership and green growth in agriculture

VBAF

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach – 9 September 2023 - President of the United States Joe Biden's official visit to Vietnam (Sep 10-11) will mark a new milestone in bilateral relations and positive progress between two countries. In particular, that will facilitate development and continues to show notable growth in agricultural trade. The Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has welcomed the delegations of the US Secretary of Agriculture, the United States Trade Representative (USTR), two US Deputy Secritaries of State, two US Deputy Secretaries of Agriculture, and Governors of Nebraska and California over the past year. This demonstrates the importance of Vietnam in cooperation with the United States. Concurrent with the bilateral contacts is a series of exchanges, negotiations, shared understanding and coordination activities between the 2 sides, building partner trust and a very important foundation for promoting stronger agricultural cooperation. With President Biden's upcoming visit to Vietnam, relations between the two countries will be raised to a new level, creating favorable conditions for promoting bilateral cooperation between the 2 countries in general and the agriculture and rural development sector in particular. To foster trusted partnership and development of agricultural trade The United States has been on the top list of export markets of Vietnam in general and for agricultural products in particular. Vietnam's agricultural, forestry and fishery exports to the United States reached 13 billion USD in 2022, accounting for 24.4% of the total country Agro-forestry-fishery (AFF) exports to the world. However, it only represents 6.7% of the US's AFF imports, showing a potential for Vietnam exports in the US market. The United States applies strict requirements and a wide range of technical and SPS standards on agricultural and food products. In that context, Vietnam is making efforts to better meet those requirements. Organization of production associated with the needs, tastes and technical standards of the United States. In detail, priority is given to R&D investment on plant and animal breeds, etc., that meet technical, food safety and animal and plant health conditions and standards; promoting imported seed suitable to local conditions, increasing the diversity of agricultural products, targeting the US market; building value chain integration between US import enterprises and Vietnamese enterprises to transfer technology and varieties besides ensuring quality control to meet the requirements of technical and quality standards of the US market. Improvement of product quality and value to satisfy the requirements of the US market. It is essential to review and finalize the current system of technical standards and national technical regulations for agricultural products with reference to US standards. It is also necessary to complete the food safety and disease safety control system crop, livestock, seafood, animal feed, etc., for consideration, evaluation, recognition of equivalence, and opening export markets by the United States. Moreover, many agricultural products of the two countries have been opened market access in recent years. With active negotiation between two countries, the United States is becoming the largest poultry meat exporter to Vietnam (accounting for about 34% of total poultry meat imports), the second largest beef exporter (after Australia, accounting for about 16%) and the sixth largest pork exporter (accounting for about 5%) to Vietnam. At the same time, the United States also opened the market for many Vietnamese products. Most recently, on August 7, 2023, APHIS completed updating the online database of Agricultural Commodity Import Requests (ACIR) to approve imports of Vietnamese fresh coconuts. In the coming time, Vietnam will prioritize boosting the export of wood and wood products, seafood, and cashew nuts, pepper, and coffee, fruits into the US market. To promote green growth and sustainable development The cooperation agricultural green growth between Vietnam and the United States has brought many benefits, including environmental protection and improved product quality and the sustainable development of the agricultural sector. Two countries continue to cope with environmental challenges and climate change together. Vietnam Government pays close attention to sustainable development, climate change and international commitments. At the COP26 (The UN Climate Change Conference), Vietnam made a commitment to bring net emissions to zero by 2050, joined the “Methane Pledge” and the “Glasgow Declaration on Forests and Land Use”. To implement the commitments at COP26, COP27, Vietnam has participated in many initiatives with the United States and other countries and international organizations such as: i) Initiative "Agricultural Innovation Mission for Climate Change" (AIM4C); ii) the Action Alliance "Promoting Sustainable Productivity Growth for Food Security and Resource Conservation" (SPG); iii) the World Economic Forum's "Food Innovation Hub" (FIH) and iv) the World Economic Forum's (WEF) "100 Million Farmers: Transitioning to Zero-Emission and Environmentally Friendly Food Systems"; v) Coalition on "Lowering Emissions by Accelerating Forest Finance " (LEAF). As agreed between the Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the US Secretary of Agriculture, from April 2022, the US-Vietnam Climate Change Working Group was launched with the participation of relevant agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam and representatives of USDA, USAID, and USFS to reduce emissions in agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry. In the immediate future, the two sides focus on the implementation of projects including the project “Adaptation to Climate Change in the Mekong Delta”, “Fertilizer Right”, “Transformational Strategies for Farm Output Risk Mitigation in Livestock Sector” (TRANSFORM). In particular, The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam is coordinating with the US WF to complete the signing of the Letter of Intent and develop the program " Viet Nam for Life: Nature-based Solutions for the Central " with a long-term cooperation framework lasting up to 20 years, with a budget of up to 300 million USD, focusing on addressing climate change issues, protect and restore biodiversity, while benefiting local communities in the Central Annamite Mountains, one of Asia's largest adjacent primary forests. Vietnam will join hands to cooperate with the US Government, organizations, and investors as trusted partners to develop a green and sustainable agriculture and develop better agricultural supply chains and contribute to the global food security. Contact Details VBAF vbaf@gmail.com

September 09, 2023 10:53 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Open Letter to Leaders of the European Union: Hold Amit Shah Accountable

Human Rights Transparency Trust

Human Rights Index, a platform dedicated to raising awareness about human rights issues worldwide, has published the following open letter urging a call to action for global democratic leaders with regard to the policies and actions of India’s Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah: “As leaders from around the globe gear up for the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Dehli, attention is drawn to India, a significant force in international politics and the global economy. Central to India's contemporary political scene is Amit Shah, a man whose political ambitions, beliefs, and far-reaching influence demand careful examination and consideration. Amit Shah's rise to power, his control over India's law enforcement agencies, his handling of protests, and his stance on issues such as national security, surveillance, and minority rights paint a picture of a leader with a complex and often controversial legacy. Shah's support for policies that may undermine minority rights, his alleged involvement in personal scandals and abuses, and his influence over law enforcement have led to questions about transparency, accountability, and potential abuse of power. His remarks that Western standards of human rights do not apply to India have alarmed human rights advocates globally. The upcoming G20 summit presents an opportunity for the international community to engage with India on these critical issues. It is a moment to call for reforms, to scrutinize Shah's track record, and to consider the broader implications of his leadership for regional and global security. Consider those who will look to us to defend human rights, in any language, society or culture across the globe. Let this be a call to action for world leaders, human rights organizations, and concerned citizens to take a hard look at India's human rights track record with Shah as a key advisor to Prime Minister Modi. The world must not turn a blind eye to the warning signs. The stakes are high, and the time to act is now. The G20 summit must serve as a platform for constructive dialogue and accountability, ensuring that the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are upheld. International leaders must call Amit Shah to account for his actions and not let the G20 Summit pass without remaining true to the values that bind us as a global community.” A comprehensive report detailing the influence, impact, and concerns raised by stakeholders around the world regarding the actions and politics of Amit Shah is available for download here. The Human Rights Index is a platform dedicated to raising awareness about the complex crisis faced by refugees in India. Its mission is to bring attention to the history of discrimination and violence faced by religious and ethnic minorities in India. Through research and advocacy, it aims to promote human rights and support those affected by persecution. Contact Details Human Rights Index Press Team +44 7584 421001 comms@hrindex.fund

September 08, 2023 10:12 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Mark Barnes Shares Keys to Tripling Sales & Growing Into Million-Dollar Business in Bakersfield, CA

Minuteman Press International Inc.

In the three and a half years since Mark Barnes purchased the Minuteman Press franchise in Bakersfield, CA located at 4500 Easton Drive, he has more than tripled his sales. Mark shares, “Before the acquisition in December of 2019, the prior year’s sales totaled just under $500,000. Our current 12-month sales (as of August of 2023) is just over $1.75 million.” In 2023, Mark became one of the newest members of the Minuteman Press International President’s Club for top performers (based on 2022 yearly sales). Mark shares his keys to growing the business as well as his journey to Minuteman Press in Bakersfield. He also gives his thoughts on the printing industry today, what it’s like owning a business in Bakersfield, the ongoing franchise support he’s received from Minuteman Press, and more. What does it mean to you to be a member of the Minuteman Press President’s Club? Mark Barnes: “Making the President’s Club has always been a goal from the very beginning! We knew it wouldn’t be easy and it would take a lot of hard work and a little time, but we knew with the right team, and the right approach, it was only a matter of time before we got it. 3 years in, and we made it!” What are the 3 biggest keys to your sales growth and success? Mark Barnes: “Our sales growth success has been through a variety of factors. I feel like we have taken an ‘all of the above’ approach. We incrementally increased our ad spend, and tested and adjusted as necessary We took a focused approach on our networking opportunities We added product lines and revenue streams to our offering mix, and we have looked for strategic partnerships that made sense We were already doing wholesale print for what you might consider our competitors, but we are equipped and positioned to do more, better, with our facility and equipment mix, so when we realized there was some untapped potential to expand on that, we actively pursued those opportunities as well. If we don’t get the account directly, due to, perhaps, a relationship, we will look to get them indirectly through wholesaling to our competition that can’t offer what we can.” What are your high-demand products and key growth areas? Mark Barnes: “We have many high-demand products and services. Our high growth areas have been direct mail marketing and compliance mailings, programs for events, signs, branded apparel, and “operational” things like blueprints. Promotional items have also played a large role.” Why do you think printing remains so vital to businesses today? Mark Barnes: “Print remains vital because it drives behavior. Think about your daily life, do you stand in the wine aisle and judge a wine by its label when looking for a decent wine? Imagine if all of those labels were blank and you just had rows of bottles, how would you ‘know’ what to choose? You wouldn’t. If this is you, you are relying on print to drive your behavior. Maybe you casually look at a speed limit sign to adjust your driving speed, those are printed folks, and you have just relied on print to change your behavior in that moment. Print is ubiquitous and has been around all of us our entire lives; for that reason, print has an inherent trust built in because we rely on it day in and day out, and we don’t even realize it. I have had people ask me if print was dying and I asked, ‘Why because the credit card companies want you to go ‘green’ by paying your bills online?’ They certainly do this, but they turn around and send you all of these offers for new credit cards via direct mail, because they know direct mail works to drive revenues and new acquisitions. Need more proof that print is here to stay? Just ask the savvy marketers that rely on us for their campaigns, and even their clients’ campaigns. Spend a day in our office and you will see how high emotions can run when a marketer has waited until the last minute for something, or when blueprints are needed to submit plans by a deadline, and then ask yourself why these people bring us food and snacks as a way of saying thank you. How many businesses have their clients bringing them food? Print is vital – and everyone from marketers to admins that need to make sure they have the things they need for their team – understands this.” How would you best describe your business community in Bakersfield? Mark Barnes: “I would put our business community up against any in the nation. We have a robust and growing business community in both our local Bakersfield area and our county as a whole. In fact, this entire region is that way. The San Joaquin Valley where we are located feeds the world when it comes to many fruits and vegetables and nuts. The scale of the reach of businesses here blows my mind. Maybe more importantly, our business community is active and involved, supports one another, and I am honored to have developed personal relationships with so many of the business owners and leaders here. Many have become friends, and even mentors (whether they realize it or not).” What was your previous background and why did you choose Minuteman Press? Mark Barnes: “I was in the corporate world in the oil and gas industry for nearly 15 years. Prior to acquiring Minuteman Press, I was the Regional Manager for an oil and gas manufacturer and supplier of key products for the industry. I was tasked with leading a turnaround effort in that role where the company was looking to regain market share. I earned the trust of the tenured staff, got some wins early, and then we added a completely new product line that I had background with from a previous career. After getting market share with that product line, we then identified other locations to expand. We opened a new location a few hours away, secured the business we were going after there, and began due diligence on the next location. I was traveling back and forth to our manufacturing facility in Texas and learned a ton about manufacturing processes in general, being lean, and I felt like there was a lot of overlap with Minuteman Press. Minuteman Press is a manufacturer and I felt like there were a lot of similarities – the processes, the tenured staff in place, the reputation and book of business in place, and I felt like Minuteman Press was simply producing ‘a different widget’ and that the transition would be relatively smooth as a result. Of course, we didn’t account for a global pandemic three months after taking over, supply chain issues, employee shortages, and those things. With that said, because of my corporate experience and with the support of Minuteman Press, we were well-equipped to manage through these challenges when they did come up. As you can see, we managed through them relatively successfully. We continue to learn and improve as we go. That’s what it’s all about, continuous improvement.” What has the franchise support from Minuteman Press been like for you? Mark Barnes: “The support from Minuteman Press has been great. Obviously, something like the pandemic presented many challenges for all businesses, but being new in business for myself, the support we received was critical. They rolled out new programs; they provided marketing support and operational support when we needed it; and my favorite part has been the best practice training we continue to get regionally. Every 3-6 months, we have the 54 owners in my region get together and exchange best practices on just about everything from marketing, operations, product/service mix, staffing, accounting, etc. This has been vital as the different owners have their own experiences and insights that we get to learn from. They are also at different locations in the region so we get to see how they have their operation set up and it just goes a long way with exposure to new ideas or confirming what we are already doing. The President’s Club meeting was also important because those owners were top performers and the advice and conversations there, along with the new relationships established, have elevated us even further.” What are the biggest personal and professional rewards of owning your business? Mark Barnes: “The biggest personal reward of owning my own business is simply fulfilling the long-standing desire to own my own business. I’ve always been entrepreneurial and I feel so good every single day that I am in control of my own destiny. I love that I’m able to help provide for staff that can then provide for their families, and that we are able to help our business partners provide for their families (because at the end of the day we are helping businesses grow or become more efficient, and that improves their own lives by extension). Even when things are hard or stressful, that feeling overrides all of that for me, and I feel lucky. Professionally, I’m just proud to have developed great new friendships and mentorships in the business community here. I’ve been able to give back in various ways; I’m on the board of a non-profit, I’m on the board of the Bakersfield Rotary, and these have led to wonderful opportunities to give back but also to learn from such strong and high level leaders; I’m just very fortunate.” What are 1 or 2 key pieces of advice would you give to other owners? Mark Barnes: “My biggest piece of advice for other Minuteman Press owners is to think big. We look at ourselves as commercial printers, marketers and designers. We are not a quick copy model; we are a commercial level organization helping other organizations achieve their business goals by being a trusted and valued partner of theirs. We look to align ourselves with organizations as partners – the Robin to their Batman – supporting them from recruiting employees and marketing their value propositions in the marketplace to supporting their operations internally with critical items used in the day-to-day operation of the enterprise. We don’t need the limelight; we just aim to add value to the full life cycle of a given day in their operation. As our clients succeed, we will succeed… so we have a vested interest in their success and making sure we are acting as a good partner in every way we can.” Minuteman Press in Bakersfield is located at 4500 Easton Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93309. For more information, visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/ca/bakersfield/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

September 08, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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News Release

Lee Covington to Succeed Frank Nutter as RAA President

SFAA

The Reinsurance Association of America (RAA), the leading trade association of property and casualty reinsurers, today announced that Lee Covington, current President and CEO of The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA), has been named President-elect of the RAA, succeeding Frank Nutter, who will retire effective December 31, 2023, after 32 years as President of the Association. Mr. Covington will assume the role of President on January 1, 2024. Mr. Covington has led the SFAA since 2018. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President, Government Affairs and General Counsel of the Insured Retirement Institute. He has also held positions at Squire Patton Boggs, PWC, Director of the Ohio Department of Insurance, and Deputy Director of the Arkansas Insurance Department. In announcing these developments Justin O’Keefe, Chair of the RAA’s Board of Directors said, “Over the last four decades, Frank has grown the RAA into the leading voice for the reinsurance industry in the United States. Guided by Frank’s leadership, integrity, and vision, the RAA team has addressed some of our industry’s most complex issues at both a federal and state level. On behalf of the RAA Membership, Board of Directors and staff I would like to thank Frank for his unwavering commitment to the RAA and wish him and his family a happy retirement.” Mr. O’Keefe continued, “I am delighted to welcome Lee to the RAA. He is an immensely qualified leader and his deep expertise and extensive career in insurance industry advocacy and regulation will be invaluable to the RAA. The board and I look forward to working with Lee as he continues to advance the RAA’s strategic priorities and advocate on behalf of our members.” The Reinsurance Association of America is the leading trade association of property and casualty reinsurers doing business in the United States. RAA membership is diverse, including reinsurance underwriters and intermediaries licensed in the U.S. and those that conduct business on a cross-border basis. The RAA also has life reinsurance affiliates and insurance-linked securities (ILS) fund managers and market participants that are engaged in the assumption of property/casualty risks. The RAA represents its members before state, federal and international bodies. Contact Details Reinsurance Association of America Barb Carroll +1 202-783-8390 carroll@reinsurance.org Company Website https://www.reinsurance.org/

September 06, 2023 04:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Newport Beach Plastic Surgeons Dr. Joseph Cerni and Dr. Nadir Qazi Sued for Fraud and Retention of Stolen Property

Stone LLP

Karen A. Sunday & Associates Inc., a well-regarded commercial real estate broker, recently filed a multi-count lawsuit against Dr. Joseph S. Cerni and Dr. Nadir Qazi, along with their affiliated medical practices and others, for failing to pay, and unlawfully withholding, an earned real estate commission. The lawsuit alleges fraud, breach of contract and unlawful retention of stolen property, among other counts. According to the lawsuit, in May 2022, Dr. Nadir Qazi reached out to Karen Sunday, President of Karen A. Sunday & Associates, seeking her expertise to acquire a building for his Newport Beach cosmetic surgery practice, the Qazi Cosmetic Center. Responding quickly, Sunday reached out to one of her long-time clients, well-known Newport Beach plastic surgeon, Dr. Joseph S. Cerni, owner of Forever Ageless in Newport Beach, inquiring about his interest in selling his office to Qazi. According to court documents, in July 2022, Sunday sent a binding letter of intent to both doctors for the sale of the building, located at 20271 Southwest Birch Street, Suite 100, in Newport Beach with a sale price of $4.75 million. The lawsuit contains various transactional details, including the purchase price, deposit contingencies, escrow conditions, and most crucially, the broker commission. As part of the agreement, Sunday was set to receive a 4% commission from Cerni. Additionally, Court documents allege Qazi was to pay an additional 2% commission for his participation in the transaction. Neither Cerni nor Qazi ever paid for the brokerage services rendered by Sunday and instead aided and abetted each other by unlawfully withholding Sunday’s earned commission. According to the complaint on file in Orange County Superior Court, when the sale closed in December 2022, both Dr. Cerni and Dr. Qazi reneged on their commitment, denying Sunday her rightfully earned commission totaling $285,000. The lawsuit sheds light on the doctors’ intentional deceit, alleging they misled Sunday with a promise to pay their respective commissions to Sunday upon the close of escrow yet failed to do so. The lawsuit seeks damages of no less than $4 million, citing California’s fraud statute in addition to the breach of contract claims. Sunday is represented by Elliott H. Stone, Esq., of Stone LLP, in Irvine California. The lawsuit names among the defendants: Joseph S. Cerni, D.O. a Professional Corporation, JSC Holdings LLC, Rockitgram LLC, Belle Vie Wellness and Medical Aesthetics Inc., Beautiful Reflections Inc., Forever Ageless, Inc., Nubella Med Spa, Inc., Pure Fix Medical Institute, Inc., Qazcorp, Qazi Cosmetic and Monumental Investments LLC. Karen Sunday & Associates, Inc., is a commercial real estate broker specializing in both Tenant and Landlord Representation headquartered in Newport Beach, California. Karen’s expertise is in the leasing and sales of office, industrial, and retail real estate in Southern California. More information at karensunday.com. Stone LLP is a law firm that represents businesses throughout California in complex litigation involving business, construction, real estate, and employment disputes. Download a copy of the lawsuit here and at LawsuitPressRelease.com. Contact Details LawsuitPressRelease.com John P. David +1 888-859-6637 john@LawsuitPressRelease.com Company Website https://stonellp.com/

September 05, 2023 11:16 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Atomicwork launches with $11m seed round using AI to reimagine employee support

Atomicwork

As workers remain split between working from home and returning to offices, bosses are eager to ensure they have a healthy employee experience. Helping workers feel connected with everyday work needs, employee support startup Atomicwork is today announcing launch from stealth with an $11m seed funding round to boost the employee experience of workers around the world. The funding round was led by Blume Ventures and Matrix Partners with participation from Storm Ventures, Neon Fund, and prominent angel investors. Employee experience is a critical item on the CEO and CIO agenda as employees return to offices. Atomicwork leverages AI to solve this problem while simplifying the number of tools employees interact with every day. Atomicwork sits on top of collaboration tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams and uses conversational intelligence to automate support, service delivery, and operations at scale. Atom, Atomicwork's AI assistant, learns from company processes and tribal knowledge to assist employees with their questions and requests without human intervention. The platform features the ability to have different service teams like IT, HR, Finance, and Legal work in their own private spaces while providing a unified experience for employees and efficiency for the enterprise. “All of us have experienced the pain of broken experiences as employees, and we have all wondered why it has to be so frustrating,” said Vijay Rayapati, CEO and Co-Founder of Atomicwork. “Throughout our careers, Kiran, Parsuram and I have been part of fast-growing companies where a lot of time gets lost navigating cumbersome internal systems and processes. After speaking to more than 100 businesses about this, it became evident that this problem was worth solving.” Whilst in stealth, the Atomicwork team surveyed leaders from mid-market businesses and large corporations and found that 8 out of 10 bosses were unsatisfied with the worker experience their companies offered. Indeed, they conceded that it adversely impacted their employees’ morale and productivity. The findings correlate with industry studies from WTW in 2022, which also found that 92% of employers across industries intend to invest in their employee experience stack over the next three years. ”Employees are still far away from being considered internal customers by service teams because of arbitrary boundaries between the back office and the rest of the company. They implement too many point solutions and complex processes, leading to productivity loss and unnecessary friction. Our goal with Atomicwork is to help companies offer a great experience with good efficiency,” commented Vijay Rayapati. “With Atomicwork, we're looking to help companies go from employee support to employee success. We believe every employee can drive growth and impact the business's bottom line. By helping them move faster and accelerating productivity, we help deliver a culture of employee success aligned with business outcomes''. This vision also resonated with Atomicwork's investors from day one, who came on board with a significant seed investment. "Our decision to back Atomicwork was driven by our belief in how Vijay, Kiran, and Parsuram are reimagining the idea of employee success. Blume's relationship with this special group of entrepreneurs began many years ago, thanks to a prior fund. We're very excited to invest in this transformative space and support Atomicwork as they reshape the future of employee experience and success,” said Sanjay Nath, Partner at Blume Ventures. Pranay Desai, Principal at Matrix Partners, echoed this sentiment, “The problem of employee support and experience has been crying out for innovation, and the way Vijay and his team at Atomicwork are approaching the solution, with a completely modern and user-led approach, is thrilling for us. Add to this the fact that this is an experienced team that understands well how to build world-class products; we are delighted to be part of this journey.” Arun Penmetsa, Partner at Storm Ventures, said, “The proliferation of HR and IT solutions in the last 20 years has led to a huge number of tools for employees to interact with, resulting in delays and loss of productivity. Atomicwork provides a single self-service platform for a hybrid workforce that addresses this pain and dramatically improves the employee experience.” Atomicwork was founded in September 2022 by Vijay Rayapati, Kiran Darisi and Parsuram Vijayasankar. Vijay is a SaaS veteran, whose startup Minjar was acquired in 2018 by Nutanix, where he served as VP and GM before leaving to start Atomicwork. Kiran and Parsuram were both part of the founding team of Freshworks and were instrumental in its rise from startup to public company in just over a decade. About Atomicwork Atomicwork is an employee success solution that enables enterprises to deliver fast and scalable employee support workflows. Harnessing AI, Atomicwork seamlessly integrates your employees, processes, and systems for unparalleled efficiency in support, service, and operations. Atomicwork is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Singapore, Bangalore, and Chennai, and is committed to fostering a world where work is meaningful, and employees are empowered to succeed. For more information please visit https://www.atomicwork.com/ Contact Details Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://www.atomicwork.com/

September 05, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Newport Beach Plastic Surgeons Dr. Joseph Cerni and Dr. Nadir Qazi Sued for Fraud and Retention of Stolen Property

Atomicwork launches with $11m seed round using AI to reimagine employee support