Professional Services

Architecture CRM/Customer Service Consulting Government & Policy Human Resources Intellectual Property/Trademark/Patent Law Legal
News Release Digital Asset Direct

Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Sherri Winslow Reflects on Over 20 Years in Palm Desert, CA and Joins President’s Club

Minuteman Press International Inc

Sherri Winslow is the owner of the Minuteman Press franchise in Palm Desert, CA since April of 2002. When her husband suddenly passed away in 2012, Sherri made the difficult decision to carry on as she took a more prominent role in the business as the sole owner and operator. Since then, Sherri has continued to build her business and in 2023 she was honored and acknowledged as one of the newest members of the Minuteman Press President’s Club. As she reflects on her accomplishments, Sherri shares her thoughts on 20-plus years and joining the President’s Club, keys to success and longevity, advice to others, and more. Celebrating 20 Years + Joining Minuteman Press President’s Club In 2022, Sherri celebrated 20 years of business ownership for Minuteman Press in Palm Desert. Today, in 2023, Sherri is now recognized as a member of the Minuteman Press International President’s Club for achieving yearly gross sales of over $1 million in 2022. Sherri shares, “Reflecting on our 20 years in business makes me realize that we were fortunate to partner with a good franchisor. Very few small businesses were able to make it through this period without a strong management and operational program to follow. That along with proper training and support from people that have been in the print business have made a huge impact. We will always be thankful for this.” She continues, “In 2023, I was proud to join the Minuteman Press International President’s Club. We have had fairly steady growth over the past 20 years. We started out making $19,000 in our first month after buying an existing business. In 2012, I lost my husband and I personally went from part-time to being the boss. My staff and Minuteman Press local support led by RVP Dan Byers helped me through one of the most difficult times in my life. It was a very foggy year but we made it. In the past few years, we were getting close to the $1 million milestone and we set that as our goal last year. My staff and I worked very hard to make sure we reached that goal. A lot of hard work and determination helped us get there.” When asked about her keys to success and growth, Sherri says, “Our longevity and success is primarily due to our staff and customer service. We have had many referrals through the years without asking. Now that we have been through the last training session, we plan to start asking for referrals through different channels. Other contributing factors to our success are related to our direct & internet marketing along with expanding our services & products over the years. We added wide format in the beginning, then signage, direct mail, and blueprints.” Sherri continues, “There are two other areas worth mentioning that I feel have been successful for us. The first has to do with Google Reviews, which has been a point of focus at regional meetings. At one meeting before the pandemic hit, there were around 50 people in attendance from many franchises in Southern California. We talked about how important Google Reviews are. We shared materials used to get reviews and it really blossomed here. I get a lot of new customers because they did a search and noticed how many good reviews we have.” She further shares, “Next is having good storefront and building signage. My shop is on the main highway that people travel from one end of the valley to the other. You can’t miss my shop because we went big and bold with the signage. I would do more, but the local laws don’t allow it. People always tell me they find me from our signage.” Printing Industry & Community/Franchise Support Sherri shares her insights on the printing industry today, saying, “Printing remains vital to businesses today because it provides a connection that stays with the consumer as opposed to the internet or email. Your printed materials end up in someone’s hand, which can make that lasting impression. How many people swipe left or delete emails without reading them? They will always take the time to look at a business card, postcard or holiday card that they receive.” In Palm Desert, Sherry says, “We are a small set of cities that hold large events and conventions. This brings an increase to our population that is about triple the amount during certain months of the year. Thanks to our community, our key growth areas have included signage, blueprints, convention printing and direct mail.” She adds, “We would not be where we are today without the local franchise support, training and the IT department that Minuteman Press International provides. We owe a lot of our success to this.” Rewards & Advice for Others As she looks back on over 20 years and reflects on the rewards of owning a business, Sherri says, “I would say my biggest personal reward is that I have been able to achieve everything that I have wanted to in my life. I can’t really ask for more personally except for time. My biggest professional reward has been reaching that $1 million goal and making the Minuteman Press President’s Club.” As for what advice she would give to others, Sherri shares, “Make sure you are active with the quote process and follow-up. Understand the difference between shoppers (who are getting 3 quotes from various vendors) and buyers. I recommend you give the customer a day to digest the quote they received, then follow up and make sure you answer their questions. Lastly, make sure you let them know you want to meet their price point or their budget constraints if you do… Again, the difference between a shopper and a buyer will make the difference on whether you will want to meet their budget constraints.” Minuteman Press in Palm Desert is located at 73-660 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260. For more information, visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/ca/palm-desert/ 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

November 14, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image

Oman Government Incorporates Yepic’s Generative AI to Relay Real-Time Election Results to Citizens

Yepic AI

In a world-first, the entire elections were conducted online and incorporated AI throughout to increase transparency and engagement London-based Yepic AI’s custom avatars were used as AI presenters to deliver real-time election results throughout the day In a world-first end-to-end online election, the Oman government revealed its Shura election results to citizens in real-time using generative artificial intelligence (AI). The Ministry of Interior partnered with London-based generative AI startup Yepic AI to bring the election results to citizens in a more visual and engaging way. Yepic’s API enables the creation of high-quality videos at scale within minutes and in multiple languages, all made from a single photo. Its technology was used to create custom avatars reflective of the Omani community, who then delivered the election results in real-time to citizens over the course of the day. The elections reporting process is an AI-driven workflow that starts with online voting verified by AI-powered facial recognition technology. The results were then compiled and announced via scripts created by a large language model (LLM) specifically developed for the elections by AiCubes and then read out by Yepic’s AI presenters. The hope is that by serving information to citizens in a more visual, personalised and engaging way, civic participation in the election process will increase. On an hourly basis, 400 unique videos were generated, accessible via an app, and disseminated to each province. In total, Yepic AI produced over 10,000 state-of-the-art videos over the course of the day in six languages, including Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Chinese and Russian. Aaron Jones, Co-founder and CEO of Yepic AI, said: “Harnessing the power of generative AI to revolutionise the way election results are communicated is a momentous stride for Yepic AI and for Oman as a nation. We're deeply honored to collaborate with the Oman government on this pioneering venture. Our mission at Yepic AI is to transform the way we communicate through video. To see our technology being harnessed in this way is a testament to the fact we’re realising it. We're thrilled to be a part of this historical moment and look forward to continued collaboration with Oman as it looks to integrate AI into public services to enhance citizens' lives.” Ioannis Kazantzidis, Co-founder and CTO of Yepic AI said: "Our collaboration with the Oman government highlights the ocean of opportunities for real-time, personalised video content creation, ushering in a new era of innovation and engagement in the digital landscape. Real-time video generation integrated into workflows and at scale is the future of how we will interact with AI, and receive and deliver information. It has been great to work with Oman to be at the forefront of this work." Following the Oman government's Vision 2040, a strategy that prioritizes a diversified, dynamic and globalized economy, Yepic will continue to collaborate with Oman to enhance AI-driven digital experiences for its citizens. ### About Yepic AI Yepic AI is a London-based generative AI video startup, which was co-founded in 2020 by Aaron Jones, a serial, award-winning entrepreneur, and Dr. Ioannis Kazantzidis, a leading computer vision scientist. It is on a mission to revolutionise how the world interacts with AI. With the Yepic Studio, users can rapidly render videos of talking avatars in real-time from just a single photo; with the API, developers can create automated video workflows at scale; and with ChatGP-Me, users can turn their headshots into talking chatbots powered by LLMs, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Yepic AI’s research team partners with the Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing (CVSSP) at the University of Surrey, which is an internationally recognised leader in audio-visual machine perception research. Contact Details Yepic AI Dr. Ioannis Kazantzidis ioannis@yepic.ai Company Website https://www.yepic.ai/

November 13, 2023 01:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image

Oman Government Incorporates Yepic’s Generative AI to Relay Real-Time Election Results to Citizens

Yepic AI

In a world-first, the entire elections were conducted online and incorporated AI throughout to increase transparency and engagement London-based Yepic AI’s custom avatars were used as AI presenters to deliver real-time election results throughout the day In a world-first end-to-end online election, the Oman government revealed its Shura election results to citizens in real-time using generative artificial intelligence (AI). The Ministry of Interior partnered with London-based generative AI startup Yepic AI to bring the election results to citizens in a more visual and engaging way. Yepic’s API enables the creation of high-quality videos at scale within minutes and in multiple languages, all made from a single photo. Its technology was used to create custom avatars reflective of the Omani community, who then delivered the election results in real-time to citizens over the course of the day. The elections reporting process is an AI-driven workflow that starts with online voting verified by AI-powered facial recognition technology. The results were then compiled and announced via scripts created by a large language model (LLM) specifically developed for the elections by AiCubes and then read out by Yepic’s AI presenters. The hope is that by serving information to citizens in a more visual, personalised and engaging way, civic participation in the election process will increase. On an hourly basis, 400 unique videos were generated, accessible via an app, and disseminated to each province. In total, Yepic AI produced over 10,000 state-of-the-art videos over the course of the day in six languages, including Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Chinese and Russian. Aaron Jones, Co-founder and CEO of Yepic AI, said: “Harnessing the power of generative AI to revolutionise the way election results are communicated is a momentous stride for Yepic AI and for Oman as a nation. We're deeply honored to collaborate with the Oman government on this pioneering venture. Our mission at Yepic AI is to transform the way we communicate through video. To see our technology being harnessed in this way is a testament to the fact we’re realising it. We're thrilled to be a part of this historical moment and look forward to continued collaboration with Oman as it looks to integrate AI into public services to enhance citizens' lives.” Ioannis Kazantzidis, Co-founder and CTO of Yepic AI said: "Our collaboration with the Oman government highlights the ocean of opportunities for real-time, personalised video content creation, ushering in a new era of innovation and engagement in the digital landscape. Real-time video generation integrated into workflows and at scale is the future of how we will interact with AI, and receive and deliver information. It has been great to work with Oman to be at the forefront of this work." Following the Oman government's Vision 2040, a strategy that prioritizes a diversified, dynamic and globalized economy, Yepic will continue to collaborate with Oman to enhance AI-driven digital experiences for its citizens. ### About Yepic AI Yepic AI is a London-based generative AI video startup, which was co-founded in 2020 by Aaron Jones, a serial, award-winning entrepreneur, and Dr. Ioannis Kazantzidis, a leading computer vision scientist. It is on a mission to revolutionise how the world interacts with AI. With the Yepic Studio, users can rapidly render videos of talking avatars in real-time from just a single photo; with the API, developers can create automated video workflows at scale; and with ChatGP-Me, users can turn their headshots into talking chatbots powered by LLMs, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Yepic AI’s research team partners with the Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing (CVSSP) at the University of Surrey, which is an internationally recognised leader in audio-visual machine perception research. Contact Details Dr. Ioannis Kazantzidis ioannis@yepic.ai Company Website https://www.yepic.ai/

November 13, 2023 01:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

K3 Elevates Commitment to Homeless Veterans' Lives through PATH Partnership

K3 Holdings

K3 Holdings, a prominent privately held real estate investment firm boasting an expansive nationwide portfolio, is commemorating Veterans Day by spotlighting its collaboration with People Assisting The Homeless (PATH). This partnership reflects the company's dedication to transforming challenges into opportunities, particularly addressing the critical issue of homelessness among the veteran community. Through this partnership with PATH, K3 Holdings/Alpine is not only providing shelter but also fostering an environment where veterans can regain their footing and reclaim their independence. As the nation prepares to honor the sacrifices of servicemen and women, K3 Holdings/Alpine is extending profound appreciation to the courageous individuals who have safeguarded the nation. Many veterans reside in properties managed by K3 Holdings/Alpine, enriching the fabric of communities as friends and neighbors. "On this Veterans Day, we are renewing our commitment to stand with our veterans and echoing the sentiment that no hero who defended our freedom should ever be without a home,” stated Nathan Kadisha, Principal of K3 Holdings. “Through our collaboration with PATH, we are not just addressing homelessness, we are building bridges to hope, and a future filled with possibilities. “Veterans residing in K3 Holdings/Alpine-managed properties are not just tenants, they are an integral part of the community fabric,” Nathan Kadisha continued. "As we unite in gratitude for our veterans, let us also unite in action. K3 Holdings/Alpine invites our community to join in support of PATH, ensuring that every veteran, who stood tall for our nation, now stands tall in dignity and security,” stated Michael Kadisha, Principal of K3 Holdings. “Together, we can rewrite the narrative for homeless veterans, providing them with the support they deserve." About K3 Holdings: K3 Holdings is a privately held real estate investment firm committed to transforming communities and improving housing quality and safety. Their extensive investments have led to remarkable enhancements in their property portfolio, reflecting their unwavering commitment to delivering reliable, safe, and comfortable housing options - https://k3holdings.com/. About People Assisting The Homeless (PATH): People Assisting The Homeless (PATH) is a non-profit organization committed to ending homelessness for individuals and families. PATH provides comprehensive services and support, guiding individuals from homelessness to stable housing and brighter futures - https://epath.org/. ### Contact Details Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 dan@danrene.com

November 10, 2023 04:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

AmeriLife Gives Back Foundation Names Honor Flight Network as Inaugural Partner

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 its philanthropic arm, the AmeriLife Gives Back Foundation, has chosen the Honor Flight Network as its inaugural, national partner. Founded in 2022, the AmeriLife Gives Back Foundation honors the company’s legacy of giving while helping to connect its growing business, philanthropic and volunteer endeavors. The foundation – through donations of time, money and other resources – focuses on causes that enable the senior community in furtherance of AmeriLife’s commitment to helping people live longer, healthier lives. “As a values-driven company, giving back is in AmeriLife’s DNA and has been an important part of who we are for more than 50 years,” said Scott R. Perry, chairman and CEO of AmeriLife. “I’m incredibly excited that we’re joining forces with the Honor Flight Network, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for our partnership.” The Honor Flight Network is a national nonprofit that honors America’s military veterans – especially those who served during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War – by bringing them, free of charge, to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials that commemorate their sacrifice and service. Since 2005, Honor Flight Network has transported more than 300,000 veterans from all 50 states and Puerto Rico to our nation’s capital, and continues to expand its network of more than 125 hubs across the country in an effort to serve even more veterans and their families. In doing so, the Honor Flight Network and its partners deliver gratitude and appreciation for veterans’ contributions to our freedoms, offering them an opportunity to meet other veterans, remember the fallen, and share their stories and experiences. “Honor Flight Network is tremendously grateful for the generous support from AmeriLife,” said Meredith Rosenbeck, CEO of Honor Flight Network. “We are fortunate to call them a valued partner, recognizing and validating our important mission to honor America’s heroes. In joining forces with Honor Flight, AmeriLife is setting the standard of giving with gratitude, and we look forward to a rewarding partnership ahead.” “We’re privileged to be counted among Honor Flight Network’s partners and look forward to a long and rewarding relationship,” added Jim Quinn, Chief Financial Officer for AmeriLife. “Today’s donation opens up exciting opportunities for AmeriLife’s employees and partners to volunteer in support of future Honor Flight Network trips, helping to create memorable experiences for so many of our nation’s heroes.” For more information on the Honor Flight Network and to support its mission directly, donate or volunteer today at HonorFlight.org. To learn more about the AmeriLife Gives Back Foundation, visit us online at AmeriLife.com/GivesBack. ### About Honor Flight Network The Honor Flight Network was formed in 2005 with a mission of honoring our nation’s veterans by bringing them to Washington, DC to visit the memorials and monuments dedicated to their service and sacrifice. The Honor Flight Network is currently comprised of over 130 hubs throughout the country dedicated to carrying out the Honor Flight mission. In addition to World War II veterans, the organization transports those who served in the Korean War, Vietnam War, intermediary operations, and in special cases of terminal illness or injury, veterans from more recent service eras. Since 2005, the Honor Flight Network has taken more than 250,000 veterans to Washington D.C. For more information, visit honorflight.org. 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 a 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 distribution network of over 300,000 insurance agents and advisors and 120 marketing organizations and insurance agency locations nationwide. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com, and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact Details AmeriLife Jeff Maldonado +1 321-297-1112 jmaldonado@amerilife.com Honor Flight Network Marion Watkins +1 202-302-4937 mwatkins@honorflight.org Company Website https://amerilife.com/

November 09, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Stanton Chase Atlanta Welcomes Norm Miles as New Managing Partner

digifora

Stanton Chase, a global leader in executive search and leadership advisory services, is proud to announce the appointment of Norm Miles as the new Managing Partner of its Atlanta office. Miles brings more than two decades of extensive experience in human capital advisory services, executive leadership development, operations engineering, business development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion advisory. In joining Stanton Chase Atlanta, Miles cited his motivation as being driven by the organization's growth mindset, commitment to reimagining services, a culture of authentic transparency, and alignment with the legacy Managing Partners. Norm's vision for Stanton Chase is centered on advancing the firm's strategy to increase growth as leaders in executive search and human capital advisory. He aims to create new opportunities to diversify the business and energize the entire team. Miles’ short-term and long-term goals include reimagining and growing advisory consulting offerings, establishing a Point of View (POV) on the future of executive search and advisory, and attracting and retaining key resources dedicated to promoting the company's culture of empathy-driven collaboration. His leadership style is described as collaborative and focused, emphasizing the creation of safe environments for all to grow and maintain a spirit of innovation and inclusion. Key principles in his leadership approach include integrity, accountability, empathy, intellectual curiosity, and fun. Miles plans to prioritize holistic initiatives that enable leadership to accelerate organizational culture and embed inclusive leadership as the DNA of every aspect of executive search and development. These initiatives are devised to enhance the integration of solutions to help client partners optimize their human capital investments. In his message to stakeholders, Miles emphasizes his unique multidimensional experiences as a consultant, executive, and strategic developer in human capital. He is a trusted advisor committed to aligning services and solutions with client partners' strategic objectives. Miles’ approach to adaptability and innovation involves pushing for continuous improvement, staying informed about market trends, and creating agile and transformational solutions for clients. He has successfully led innovation efforts in the past by introducing inclusive and immersive solutions in human experiences that drive successful people, spaces, policies, and cultures. His personal values, such as equity, diversity, and inclusion, align seamlessly with Stanton Chase's mission and culture. Miles also values psychologically safe environments, functional fun, and a strong sense of teamwork. Miles sees opportunities for Stanton Chase in responding to client demands for additional services to bolster the entire portfolio of integrated leadership advisory services beyond search, and helping clients maximize their investments in human capital. Daniel Casteel, Managing Partner of Stanton Chase South Central, expressed his enthusiasm for Norm's appointment, stating, "We are honored to have Norm join Stanton Chase as the Managing Partner of our Atlanta office. With Norm's extensive experience in both retained search as well as leadership advisory, he fortifies our team’s ability to provide exceptional candidate and client experiences. He fosters our role as a trusted leadership advisor. His passion for DEI&B and subsequent work in this important field aligns seamlessly with our firm’s unwavering commitment to ESG. A proven leader and trusted advisor in the industry, what we most appreciate about him is his authenticity and collaborative leadership style, which will undoubtedly elevate our client partnerships through the recruitment and development of successful leadership teams." Miles earned a Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA), Health Management and Policy from the University of Michigan, as well as a Master of Business Administration at the University of Denver. He holds numerous certifications and designations, including Certified Inclusive Leader® Facilitator, Certified Race Matters Facilitator, Korn Ferry Leadership Architect, Development Dimensions International (DDI) Master Facilitator, Certified Problem and Change Manager (CPCM), and WorkPlace Big Five 4.0 certifications. He has also authored and presented nationally on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Norm Miles ’ appointment as the Managing Partner of Stanton Chase Atlanta marks a significant milestone in the firm's commitment to delivering exceptional leadership and advisory services. For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Mandie Nimitz m.nimitz@stantonchase.com About Stanton Chase Stanton Chase is a global executive search and leadership advisory firm with over 75 offices in 45 countries. We partner with organizations to identify, recruit, and develop outstanding leaders who impact the success of their clients and stakeholders. stantonchase.com Contact Details digifora Justin Brackett +1 843-284-6594 justin@digifora.com Company Website https://digifora.com

November 08, 2023 08:03 AM Eastern Standard Time

Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Nil Patel Talks Leaving Corporate World, Celebrates Grand Opening in Solon, Ohio

Minuteman Press International Inc

After working in corporate finance, Nil Patel was looking for a career change. He shares, “I previously graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor’s degree in finance. After 8 years in the corporate world, I realized it was not for me. I wanted to be part of a company that helps others and be somewhere I can feel gratitude from the work I do!” Nil found what he was looking for in June of 2023 when he purchased the Minuteman Press franchise in Solon, Ohio. He explains, “I chose Minuteman Press because I wanted to be a part of a small business that has potential to grow and help other business thrive around me. The training and support from Minuteman Press International has been great! My RVP Rich DeRosa in particular has been extremely helpful and professional.” In September of 2023, Nil celebrated his grand opening; Minuteman Press in Solon is located at 33528 Aurora Road, Solon, OH 44139. Nil shares, “The community of Solon is a diverse blue-collar town where people are proud of the work they do! Our grand opening was a huge success. It was put together by the Solon Chamber of Commerce and I received extra help from my girlfriend and parents to really bring it all together. I’m excited to continue to serve and be a contributing member of the Solon community.” A few months into owning the business, Nil is happy with his progress as a business owner. He says, “I explain to clients that Minuteman Press in Solon is a full-service design, print, and marketing center serving the entire business community from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. Our client base and business have been steady and we are growing.” Nil adds, “High-demand products that can help other local businesses/organizations grow are business cards, banners, flyers, and promo products – pens, calendars, koozies, flash drives, etc.” When asked about the industry and what he enjoys the most thus far, Nil answers, “Printing remains vital today because physical and digital advertising are both continuing to grow and this trend is going to continue.” He concludes, “Clients are looking for a healthy mix of both and I love that I can grow my business while helping others grow as well.” Minuteman Press in Solon, Ohio is located at 33528 Aurora Road, Solon, OH 44139. For more information, visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/oh/solon 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

November 06, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image

Global Leaders Agree to Full Phase-Out of Fluorescent Lighting

CLASP

This week at the Minamata Convention on Mercury Fifth Conference of Parties (COP5), delegates from 147 countries agreed to phase out florescent lighting globally and completely by 2027. Fluorescent lamps contain mercury, a potent neurotoxin. The decision will accelerate global adoption of LEDs by effectively putting an end to the fluorescent lighting industry, with the limited exception of special uses like some transport applications. LEDs are on average 40% more energy efficient than fluorescents. COP5 decisions primarily addressed linear fluorescent lamps (LFLs), the largest contributor to lighting-based mercury pollution in the world, ubiquitously found in offices, stores, and other commercial settings and institutions. LFLs are also a major source of energy-related CO2 emissions. The decisions close the loop on continued efforts to stop the manufacture, export and import of mercury in lighting worldwide. Global markets are going all LED. The benefits of a full transition to LEDs by 2027 are massive. The appliance efficiency expert group CLASP estimates the move will have the following benefits (cumulatively from the phase out dates to 2050): Avoid 2.7 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions Eliminate 158 tonnes of mercury pollution, both from the light bulbs themselves and from avoided mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants Save US$1.13 trillion on electricity bills “The Africa region, in deep collaboration with colleagues around the world, are proud to have made momentous progress to Make Mercury History,” said David Kapindula, Minamata COP3 President and Africa Region expert. “The decision to phase out mercury-based fluorescent lighting will have unprecedented benefits in combatting the triple planetary crisis of climate change, air pollution, and biodiversity loss. Such actions would not have been possible without the spirit of cooperation demonstrated by Parties at this Minamata COP5.” This week’s move complements decisions at Minamata COP4 in March 2022 to phase out compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), lamps commonly found in homes, by 2025. Proposals to phase out fluorescents at COP4 and COP5 were introduced by delegates from Africa. “I was pleased to see a high spirit of collaboration amongst the Parties as related to matters concerning mercury lighting,” said Itsuki Kuroda, co-chair for COP5 proceedings and the Delegate from Japan. “Parties were able to align on phase out dates for all fluorescent categories, representing a positive example of successful diplomacy on the world stage.” Fluorescent lighting contains mercury, a toxic chemical that threatens the health of people and the planet. Most fluorescents are improperly disposed of into general waste streams; broken bulbs pollute land and water, and increase health risks in vulnerable populations like children, pregnant people, and waste workers. “The mercury-free lighting community came together to achieve a significant feat in the fight against mercury added products. Putting a stop to all lighting-related mercury pollution will have wide reaching benefits for our communities, ecosystems, and for the generations to come. We congratulate the governments and are pleased to join them in saying ‘Farewell to Fluorescents,’” said Elena Lymberidi-Settimo, International Co-coordinator of the Zero Mercury Working Group. LED lamps pay for themselves quickly in energy savings. Recent global analysis indicates that payback periods for LED alternatives to LFLs are improving, from an average of 6.3 months in 2022 to 2.4 months in 2023. LED sales and manufacturing rates are increasing year on year while fluorescent manufacture and sales are plummeting. Apart from the specialized blue-chip components, LEDs can be manufactured and assembled anywhere, unlike fluorescents, which are only produced by a few companies in a handful of countries. Advocates claim that the transition to all LED will drive local economic growth, especially in low- and middle- income countries, due to the affordability and availability of the lamps and increased clean energy jobs. ### CLASP improves the energy and environmental performance of the appliances & equipment we use every day, accelerating our transition to a more sustainable world. The Clean Lighting Coalition is a global partnership to capture the health and environmental benefits of eliminating mercury-based lighting. Contact Details Alexia Ross +1 339-222-4311 aross@clasp.ngo Company Website http://www.clasp.ngo/

November 03, 2023 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Global DEI Conference 2023: Unveiling a Stellar Roster of Speakers

1BusinessWorld

The much-anticipated 2023 Global DEI Conference, a leading event presented by Ludo and powered by 1BusinessWorld, is thrilled to announce its impressive lineup of speakers for the upcoming hybrid event. Slated for November 29-30, the conference is set to ignite the conversation around diversity, equity, and inclusion, drawing industry leaders and change-makers from across the globe. https://1businessworld.com/global-dei-conference/ The two-day event will feature a series of powerful talks, interactive workshops, and extensive networking sessions led by renowned DEI advocates. This dynamic platform promises to provide attendees with actionable insights and strategies to foster an inclusive environment in their respective spheres. We are proud to introduce the thought leaders who will grace our conference: - Elizabeth Cowper, Founder & CEO, Ludo - Cynthia Fortlage, Specialist Consultant, CAF Services - Duro Oye, Co-Founder & Group CEO, 20/20 Levels - Giuliano Pozza, Chief Information Officer, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Paul Hackett, Founding Partner, The WellBeings.London - Zoë Lukič, Global Internal Communications Manager, ZOO Digital Group - Tara Wilson, Co-Founder & CEO, Nara Consulting Group - Hayden Smith, Head of Partnerships, BXVentures - Kenneth Sharperson, Chief Diversity Officer, Armstrong Teasdale - Kesha Carter, Chief Diversity Officer, Coordinated Care Services - Tiffany Hinton, Chief Diversity Officer, Elizabeth City State University - Sonia McNamara, Founder, At Cause - Nelson Derry, People & Culture Leader, Aesop - Maike Van Oyen, Inclusion, Diversity & Belonging Specialist, All-in Foundation - Meggie Palmer, Founder & CEO, PepTalkHer - Brian McComak, Founder & CEO, Hummingbird Humanity - Shradha Sinha, Leader HB BP, TA & TD, IDEX INDIA - Greg Aden, Executive Coach & Leadership Consultant, Aden Leadership - Cris Banahan, Head, Global Sustainability & Citizenship, TransUnion - Kisha Payton, Global Chief DEI Officer, C Space - Maria Flouda, Founder and Managing Consultant, Sustainability Switch Consultancy - Anthony Scott, Chief Inclusion & Belonging Officer, Virginia Tech - Jimi Okubanjo, Producer/Director, Arise Firebird - Luce Grover, Head of Diversity & Inclusion, Primis - Rachel Morris, Co-founder & Coach, Motion Learning - Charlotte Sweeney OBE, CEO, Charlotte Sweeney Associates - Mandy Rico, Director, Advisory & Inclusion, INvolve - The Inclusion People - Kate Pljaskovova, Founder & CEO, Fair HQ - Aaron Bruce, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, ArtCenter College of Design - Denise Fields, Global Director, DEIB, TransUnion - Daniel Pascoe Aguilar, Chief Diversity Officer, Excelsior University - Joi Smith, Founder, People Principles - Patrick Driscoll, General Partner, Chasing Rainbows This event represents an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the leading voices in DEI, who are at the forefront of innovation and advocacy in their fields. We invite you to join us in what is set to be an enlightening and transformational experience. For more information and to stay updated as we approach the event date, please visit 2023 Global DEI Conference website: https://1businessworld.com/global-dei-conference/ Join us in shaping a diverse, equitable, and inclusive future. All news and content distribution in partnership with News Direct. About Ludo: Ludo provides tech for inclusion. The foundation of Ludo is a digital solution to drive wellbeing and inclusion in the workplace. Ludo provides resource for all employees, offers HR consulting, Coaching, Workshops, Learning & Development and Speakers. We work with businesses to provide a full wrap around service to drive a successful culture of wellbeing & inclusion. Our digital platform provides full wrap around support through Maternity, instant information on Menopause, Fertility and Health, including Mental Health. Ludo About 1BusinessWorld: 1BusinessWorld is a global business ecosystem, network and marketplace that provides entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals with the information, tools, resources and connectivity needed to succeed throughout their company’s growth journey, toward a better business world. Our vision is based on the reality that we live, work and do business in one global interconnected business environment, and hence our motto: “One World, One Business World”. Our mission is to encourage and support global communication and collaboration among entrepreneurs, professionals, and businesses. 1BusinessWorld Contact Details Media Enquiries +1 212-220-6677 info@1businessworld.com Company Website https://1businessworld.com

November 03, 2023 09:46 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

1 2 3 4 5 ... 107