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The NMTC Funded 277 Projects, More Than 52,000 Jobs Across the U.S. in 2021

New Markets Tax Credit Coalition

The New Markets Tax Credit Coalition today released its 2022 New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) Progress Report [GW1], the eighteenth edition of the report—providing analysis of NMTC activities in 2021. The report was prepared by the NMTC Coalition, a national membership organization of Community Development Entities (CDEs) and investors organized to advocate on behalf of the NMTC. Every year since 2005, the NMTC Coalition surveys CDEs on their work delivering billions of dollars to businesses, creating jobs, and rejuvenating the parts of the country that have been left behind. The annual NMTC Progress Report presents the findings of the CDE survey and provides policymakers and practitioners with the latest trends and successes of the NMTC. “The Coalition’s annual survey asks CDEs to report on the deployment of their allocation, investor trends, and a variety of community impact metrics,” said Aisha Benson, NMTC Coalition Board Chair and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of TruFund Financial Services, a national CDE based in New York City. “The findings clearly demonstrate the continued improvement and refinement of the program’s efficiency and impact in low-income communities. Two decades after its introduction, the NMTC is no longer simply just a tool for delivering investment – instead, it has become one of the federal government’s most effective tools for job creation and economic stabilization.” Report highlights include: JOBS AND INVESTMENT 277 projects totaling $6.1 billion received $3.2 billion in NMTC allocation (at a ten-year cost to the federal government of $832 million). Projects generated 52,718 jobs in 2021, including 33,205 permanent full-time-equivalent (FTE) jobs, and 19,513 construction jobs. The federal cost per job averaged just over $15,000. AREAS TARGETED Projects were located in 185 cities within 47 states and territories. Eighty-six percent of projects were located in severely distressed communities and a record 31 percent of NMTC-financing went to non-metropolitan counties. Forty-nine percent of projects were in communities of color (majority-minority census tracts. Eight projects (2.9%) were in Indian Country. COMPONENTS OF PROJECTS Jump-starting American Manufacturing: NMTC financing supported 111 manufacturing and industrial businesses with direct loans and equity investment toward working capital, new equipment, and 7.4 million sq. ft. of new or renovated industrial space, including shared, light industrial space for multiple manufacturing businesses. Real Estate: NMTC financing supported the construction or renovation of 17 million sq. ft. of real estate and the construction or renovation of 3,790 housing units, 2,599 of which were targeted to low-to-moderate-income households. EQUITY PRICING NMTC equity pricing increased over the course of 2021. The median price reported was 74 cents, and pricing ranged from 50 cents to 93 cents. STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY ASSETS Expanding Access to Healthcare: The NMTC expanded healthcare access for 1.1 million individuals through 73 projects. Those projects included 50 federally qualified health centers and free clinics. Expanding Access to Services: Sixty-two percent of projects included at least one community facility, affordable housing, nonprofit, or social service component. Those new community resources add up to 374 nonprofits, health centers, childcare centers, libraries, community centers, and other community facilities and social service providers. More than 41,000 children will attend a new school, participate in a new youth program, or stay in a NMTC-financed childcare or early education facility. More than 56,000 individuals will receive vocational training, take advantage of expanded college and university facilities, receive financial education, or participate in other adult education or workforce development programs. Food banks, pantries, and community food programs financed in 2021 will facilitate an estimated 352 million meals to the food insecure. Nearly 600,000 people each year will visit NMTC-financed performing arts facilities, museums, recreation centers, and other new cultural amenities. CASE STUDIES Wyotech: The $33 million expansion of WyoTech, a technical college in Laramie, WY. Bethany House Services: A new comprehensive homeless service center in Cincinnati, OH Fifty-seven CDEs participated in the 2022 survey and provided data on their progress raising capital, lending, and investing in 2021 with the NMTC. The survey findings show that competition for credits continues to drive gains in efficiency. “Year after year, the data shows the NMTC not only delivers an unprecedented level of capital to low-income rural and urban communities, but it also creates much-needed jobs—helping individuals and families thrive and, in turn, grows those local economies where they live and work. In fact, since 2003, the NMTC has created more than one million jobs. After two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, this important incentive for community revitalization is needed now more than ever,” said Coalition spokesperson Bob Rapoza. The report showcases the importance of the NMTC in providing more than two decades worth of patient, flexible capital to businesses and projects located in distressed rural and urban communities, thereby creating jobs and growing business opportunities. The NMTC financing ranges from more traditional industry and community sectors to new and cutting-edge technology. Projects and businesses that benefited from the Credit in the past year include manufacturing, healthcare, schools, and many others supporting childcare, youth, and families. Rapoza notes, “This report is further proof that the NMTC is working and Congress should expand and make the Credit permanent. It has the potential to positively impact communities across the country for years to come.” About New Markets Tax Credit Program The New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) was enacted in 2000 in an effort to stimulate private investment and economic growth in low-income urban neighborhoods and rural communities that lack access to the patient capital needed to support and grow businesses, create jobs, and sustain healthy local economies. Since its inception, the NMTC has generated more than one million jobs. Today, due to the NMTC, nearly $120 billion is hard at work in underserved communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.NMTCCoalition.org Contact Details Bob Rapoza +1 202-498-9921 bob@rapoza.org Company Website https://nmtccoalition.org/

June 23, 2022 09:29 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Bat Boy Found in West Virginia Cave 30 Years Ago; Americans Push to Make June 23rd a National Bat Boy Holiday!

Weekly World News

Weekly World News (WWN) celebrates the 30 th anniversary of its ground-breaking June 23, 1992 cover story “ Bat Child Found In Cave. ” WWN introduced the half-human, half-bat child to readers around the world, and its ongoing coverage has fostered a growing national movement to make June 23 an official National Bat Boy holiday! Weekly World News is celebrating the anniversary with a special tribute on its website. It all started in Pendleton County, West Virginia where Dr. Ron Dillon discovered this unique “creature,” who would become known as Bat boy, living in a cave in the Allegheny Mountains. Explorers captured Bat Boy, who was living almost two miles underground. Weekly World News' Bat Boy reporting went “viral,” spreading faster than any news story could in the days before the Internet and social media – it was a peaceful time. Scientists and reporters quickly learned that Bat Boy is a very skittish and elusive creature who is frequently on the run, often disappearing for extended periods of time. Bat Boy has been known to be quite tricky and unpredictable. He even managed to steal a vehicle and drive it at high speed, leading to a multi-state run with law enforcement in pursuit. When explorers discovered Bat Boy in Hellhole Cave, they estimated his age at around 10 years old. But further research has identified a genetic deformity that has locked Bat Boy in the very same age for the last 30 years. It seems Bat Boy will never age, however his intelligence and global interests continue to grow. Bat Boy has long demonstrated a keen interest in political and social issues which have thrust him into the limelight, as he has befriended and advised a range of U.S. Presidents and candidates for national office. Bat Boy’s political interests even led to an unsuccessful 2020 run for the U.S. Presidency. Close advisors admit that cryptid prejudices along with the candidate’s communications challenges and non-traditional demeanor posed major obstacles in the campaign. Dr. Ron Dillon, one of the foremost experts on Bat Boy, describes him as a “human-bat hybrid creature. His father was likely a bat or a creature heavily dominated by bat genomes, his mother, Susan Boy, was a human being. We have since traced Susan’s ancestry to passengers on the Mayflower.” Bat Boy's life has been nothing short of a whirlwind and even spawned an off-Broadway musical. Weekly World News does its best to keep readers up to date on his comings and goings. In the years since his discovery, Bat Boy has met Travis Scott, Elvis, Nelson Mandela, Frank Sinatra, every living U.S. President. He is adored by most celebrities – though given his reclusive nature, very few have been lucky enough to meet him. In anticipation of his run for president, Bat Boy abandoned his pagan ways and converted to Judaism and then to every other religion, seeking to play a unifying role for all people under his “Right Wing AND Left Wing” platform. He’s also had a busy and sometimes stormy romantic life, dating Farrah Fawcett, Jennifer Lopez, Jean Kirkpatrick, Cher, Kim Kardashian and more recently, Taylor Swift, but never really settling down. Bat Boy has no known offspring. Bat Boy has become a reluctant cultural icon and national treasure, who savors hiding in plain sight. He has been a subject in numerous TV shows and films such as The Simpsons, American Dad, The Boys, 12 Monkeys and many others. When Bat Boy isn't evading the paparazzi, law enforcement or government scientists, he apparently enjoys supporting his fans via surprise appearances in pop culture outlets. Recently, Bat Boy was knighted by the Queen Elizabeth and blessed by Pope Francis, and there are growing rumors about another presidential run in 2024 under his healing and unifying right-wing plus left-wing message. Leaders of the Bat Boy holiday movement urge all supporters to contact their elected representatives to voice support for a National Holiday to honor Bat Boy and his achievements and to demonstrate support for cryptids of all shapes and sizes. Supporters also encourage of Bat Boy themed apparel, some of which is coincidently available in the WWN online store! There are rumors that Bat Boy will be biking with President Biden today, but with Bat Boy, one never really knows. BAT LINKS WWN Bat Boy Tribute Page Bat Boy the Musical Book - Going Mutant: The Bat Boy Exposed Bat Boy Mask, Socks, Koozies, Pins, etc. Bat Boy Blanket! I © Bat Boy T-Shirt About Weekly World News Since its launch in 1979, Weekly World News has emerged as the defining brand for reliable tabloid news, known for exclusive coverage of Bat Boy, Manigator, P’lod the Alien, SpyCat, the three-legged, Bigfoot and scores of other notable characters. WWN boasts a global fan base of millions, is regularly profiled in the media and relaunched its reliable reporting online in 2019. The brand is expanding into exciting new areas including an online store, advertising and promotions, licensed merchandise and the recent formation of Weekly World News Studios, to bring its iconic characters and stories to big and small screens across the universe. Contact Details Weekly World News Media Contact Carl Woodward press@weeklyworldnews.com Company Website https://www.weeklyworldnews.com

June 23, 2022 08:44 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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FEC Complaint Alleges Democratic National Committee and Hillary for America Continue to Lie About Trump Russia Dossier

Coolidge Reagan Foundation

The Coolidge Reagan Foundation, an organization dedicated to defending, protecting, and advancing liberty, particularly the principles of free speech enshrined in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, announced a new complaint it filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). The Complaint follows a recent Coolidge Reagan victory from a 2018 Complaint resulting in the FEC issuing a $113,000 fine against Hillary for America and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) for lying about their funding of the Russia Hoax dossier. As part of that settlement with the FEC, Hillary for America and the DNC owned up to their falsely filing opposition research – which is not entitled to attorney-client privilege - as “legal services.” The new Coolidge Reagan complaint alleges that Hillary for America and the DNC violated their settlement agreement with the FEC when they turned around and claimed attorney-client privilege to that work in Special Counsel John Durham’s prosecution of Michael Sussman. The Complaint states, in part: “…The FEC found probable cause to believe HFA and the DNC violated federal campaign finance law by falsely reporting the purpose of their payments through Perkins Coie to Fusion GPS. Caught in their lie, HFA and the DNC scurried to contain the crisis by entering into Conciliation Agreements with the FEC. Each agreement states, ‘Solely for the purpose of settling this matter expeditiously and to avoid further legal costs, Respondent does not concede, but will not further contest the Commission’s finding of probable cause to believe…’ “…HFA’s and the DNC’s intervention, arguments, and supporting declarations in United States v. Sussmann violate their agreement to ‘not further contest the commission’s finding of probable cause to believe’ Fusion GPS’s opposition research into Trump and preparation of the Steele Dossier did not constitute legal services…” The full Complaint is available at on the Coolidge Reagan Foundation website and by clicking here. Dan Backer, Counsel to Coolidge Reagan Foundation, who brought the Complaint, stated, “Hillary Clinton’s campaign and the Democratic National Committee promised they would not contest the Commission’s findings – but just days later, they already violated the pledge.” “Political elites like Hillary Clinton and the radical left will never learn their lesson. The Clinton machine continues to lie about funding the Russia Hoax dossier even after being caught, fessing up, and paying a fine,” Backer continued. “They don’t care about the truth, but we do. Our determination is unwavering, and we expect the FEC will agree with us again as it calls out this violation of its settlement agreement.” ### Please visit: https://www.coolidgereagan.org/. For more information or to schedule an interview with a CFR spokesperson, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or danrenejr@gmail.com. Contact Details Coolidge Reagan Foundation Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 danrenejr@gmail.com Company Website https://www.coolidgereagan.org/

June 22, 2022 12:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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INSPIRANT GROUP INTRODUCES OPERATIONAL AGILITY PRACTICE AREA

Inspirant Group

Inspirant Group, the award-winning, disruptive management consulting firm, has announced the introduction of a new practice area, Operational Agility, to address the increasing needs for organizational change and operations effectiveness. Saman (Sam) Pourkermani will serve as Practice Lead, moving into a newly established role. Previously, he was Director, Digital Transformation and Product Development at the Company. “In working with Fortune 500 companies on large scale transformation initiatives, we observed an increasing need for organizations to maintain their competitive advantage while keeping up with the constantly changing demands of today’s global marketplace,” explains Meighan Newhouse, CEO and Co Founder, Inspirant Group. “As experts in Agile, our Operational Agility practice will address these issues to help clients to stay innovative and maximize efficiencies.” “I’m thrilled to introduce Inspirant Group’s Operational Agility practice to assist our clients in staying innovative while advancing existing systems and broadening capabilities,” explains Sam Pourkermani, Practice Lead, Operational Agility, Inspirant Group. “As hands-on partners, our team will help clients to be more nimble and responsive when change is required while actualizing measurable, bottom-line results.” The Operational Agility Practice works with Fortune 500 companies on large-scale ($105M+) transformation initiatives which optimize delivery performance by applying Lean and Agile principles. With a focus on four distinct areas: Operational Effectiveness Assessment, Enterprise Operational Model & Design, Team Operational Model & Design, and Strategic Project Selection, clients significantly enhance delivery speed, quality, employee engagement and productivity. Through deep collaboration, learning, and intentional listening, we uncover "what can be." This includes designing and applying strategies to build a more efficient and effective operating model, so they are faster, and responsive to rapid changes. Founded in 2017, Inspirant Group is the award-winning, remote-first management “UNconsulting” firm that takes companies from inspiration to transformation. By stripping away the bureaucracy and complexity associated with the traditional “big 4” and mid-tier consulting firms, Inspirant ’s team of UNconsultants delivers high touch service and advises clients in three service lines: Strategy & Operational Agility, Talent & Organization, and Technology & Data. This mirrors the company’s approach to any engagement: optimize processes, ensure the right people are in the right seats, and make the tech and data work for the client (and not the other way around). Headquartered in Chicagoland, Illinois, Inspirant is Certified™ by Great Place to Work®, the employee experience award, and was honored with two 2022 Built In awards including Best Remote-First Places to Work in the US and 22 StartUps to Watch in Chicago. For more information, visit: Inspirantgrp.com and follow us on LinkedIn. Contact Details WantLeverage Communications Julie Livingston +1 347-239-0249 julie@wantleverage.com Company Website https://inspirantgrp.com/operational-agility/

June 22, 2022 09:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Node Breaks Ground on its First Large Scale Flexible Accommodation Project in Madrid

NODE

Global alternative residential and coliving asset manager Node has broken ground on its first large scale 827 bed purpose built community in Alcobendas, Madrid. The project is being built in conjunction with development partner Momentum REIM and is part of a 4,000+ bed, €500 million+ purpose built rollout program in Spain. All communities will be operated under the Node brand and this represents Node’s 11th project in Spain, with three other large scale projects soon to break ground in Madrid, Barcelona and Bilbao. IMAGERY - https://we.tl/t-W3APRYZQht Node is pioneering the concept of curated living, a next generation, high density, flexible urban rental community that offers efficiently designed furnished accommodation for an all inclusive price with utilities and wifi included. Amenities include a variety of residents' lounges, rooftop terraces, wellness centre, gym, padel tennis, swimming pool and coworking spaces to cater for the increasing needs and tastes of young professionals. Members can join a unique global community with Node locations across North America and Europe and participate in curated events. Node partnered with award winning firm DesignAgency on the concept and interior design. “We are delighted to break ground and execute on our scale ambitions for Spain. We hope this best in class project will set the bar for the industry in terms of quality, amenity, service offerings and design. It builds on our more than 10 year experience in the Spanish market,” said Esteve Almirall, Partner and Head of Iberia at Node”. “We are passionate about taking best practices and ideas from Nodes around the world and bringing them to this unique Madrid project with scale. This project is proof of the strong demand from both Gen-Z end users and institutional capital. We are excited to see our 8,000 bed global pipeline become a reality.” said Anil Khera, Founder & CEO of Node. About Node Node is a global asset management company that invests, develops and manages high density urban rental communities in creative capital cities around the world. Our mission is to create the next generation of urban living with affordable, design-led and community focused residences that meet the growing needs of urban renters. Node residences are in cities throughout North America and Europe. For more information, please visit: www.node-living.com Instagram: node.living Facebook: @nodelivingglobal LinkedIn: node. Contact Details Nia Thomas +44 7723 019767 Nia@niapr.com

June 21, 2022 04:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Volatus Aerospace Introduces AERIEPORT, an Autonomous Remote Drone Nesting Station

Volatus Aerospace Corp.

Volatus Aerospace Corp. (TSXV: VOL) (OTCQB: VLTTF) ("Volatus" or "the Company") proudly introduces its autonomous remote drone nesting solution AERIEPORT at the Annual Energy Drone & Robotics Summit in Houston, Texas. The AERIEPORT is an all-weather solution designed to operate remotely in extreme temperatures ranging from -67°F to +131°F. It features an onboard weather station, a 4 SIM, 5G, highspeed LTE connection with Satcom option, an integrated ground-based detect and avoid system, a mission planner and remote operations system. “The AERIEPORT is designed to facilitate remote missions from anywhere in the world at any time,” says Pedram Nowroozi, Chief Technology Officer of Volatus Aerospace. “It is a versatile, all-weather, remote system able to operate in any climate and completely off-grid if needed.” Rob Walker, Chief Operating Officer commented: “We’re super excited about the potential of the AERIEPORT for customers in agriculture, security, renewable energy, oil and gas, mining, and construction to name a few.” The AERIEPORT is designed to be drone agnostic. Volatus is currently seeking special approval from regulators to operate the AERIEPORT without the need for a visual observer. While there is no guarantee of such approval, the company has a high level of confidence. About Volatus Aerospace: Volatus Aerospace Corp. is a leading provider of integrated drone solutions throughout Canada, the United States, and Latin America. Operating a vast pilot network, Volatus serves commercial and defense markets with imaging and inspection, security and surveillance, equipment sales and support, training, and design, manufacturing, and R&D. Through its subsidiary Volatus Aviation, Volatus carries on the business of aircraft management, charter sales, and cargo services using piloted, remotely piloted, and autonomous aircraft. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statement This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Corporation with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” (or other variations of the foregoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking information includes information regarding (i) the business plans and expectations of the Corporation; and (ii) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and operating plans, strategies or beliefs as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to the Corporation, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources, and are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Forward-looking information reflects the Corporation’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to it and on assumptions it believes to be not unreasonable in light of all of the circumstances. In some instances, material factors or assumptions are discussed in this news release in connection with statements containing forward-looking information. Such material factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Corporation; meeting the continued listing requirements of the TSXV; and anticipated and unanticipated costs and other factors referenced in this news release and the Circular, including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Circular under the caption “Risk Factors”. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and, other than as required by law, the Corporation disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Source: Volatus Aerospace Corp. TSXV: VOL Contact Details Rob Walker +1 514-447-7986 rob.walker@volatusaerospace.com Company Website https://volatusaerospace.com

June 20, 2022 05:09 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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NLPC Blasts SEC’S Proposed Climate-Risk Disclosure Rule

National Legal & Policy Center

The National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC) blasted the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for proposing a politically-driven rule that would require all U.S. companies registered with the SEC to compile and report the estimated impacts of climate change caused by their business operations and companies in their supply chain. In its 17-page comment, NLPC argued that the rule exceeds the statutory authority of the SEC, is unworkable, unnecessary, duplicative of EPA requirements, based on questionable science, does not protect investors’ interest, and will have a costly economic impact on businesses, the United States economy and national security. NLPC’s comments underscored its argument that the SEC is not the ‘Securities and Environment Commission’. The proposed rule by the SEC, under the leadership of liberal activist Gary Gensler, is the latest in the Biden Administration’s efforts to promote ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) policies that they can’t get enacted into law by Congress, such as Senator Elizabeth Warren’s ‘Climate Risk Disclosure Act” bill which would essentially require the same reporting as the SEC rule, and the Green New Deal. “Amid sky-high gas prices and rapid inflation, the Biden Administration should focus instead on addressing these pocketbook issues instead of attacking fossil fuels,” said Peter Flaherty, NLPC’s Chairman. “While woke corporations, like General Motors, are free to voluntarily undertake climate-risk disclosures, they hypocritically ignore the fact that their electric vehicles are powered by coal-burning power plants, which may cause more carbon emissions than gas-powered vehicles, not to mention the impact of mining rare earth metals by child labor in Africa necessary to manufacture the batteries,” said Paul Chesser, NLPC’s Director of its Corporate Integrity Project who addressed the General Motors Board of Directors at its recent annual shareholder meeting. “Congress did not authorize unelected and unaccountable SEC bureaucrats to mandate costly and vaguely defined climate-risk disclosure rules in an end-run around Congress’s proper role to debate and enact such significant legislation, which Senator Elizabeth Warren and her colleagues have failed to do,” said Paul Kamenar, NLPC’s counsel who filed the comments on behalf of NLPC. NLPC will consider legal action to challenge the rule when it is promulgated, likely later this fall. For a copy of the comments filed by NLPC, please click here. ### NLPC’s Corporate Responsibility Project promotes integrity in corporate governance, including honesty and fair play in relationships with shareholders, employees, business partners, and customers. NLPC representatives have attended companies’ annual shareholder meetings to advocate the interests of stockholders and oppose petitions by activists who advance one-sided special interests supported by woke corporate management. NLPC also opposed SEC’s Nasdaq so-called Board Diversity Rule last year as an illegal quota and tokenism. Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education, and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Paul Kamenar +1 301-257-9435 paul.kamenar@gmail.com Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

June 20, 2022 02:38 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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NCMA and NASPO Develop Contract Management Organizational Capability Program to Maintain Public Trust

National Contract Management Association

The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) and the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) have created a unique, collaborative program designed to improve the competence and capabilities of state public procurement workforce. This program, already in pilot phase, brings together two organizations dedicated to supporting contract and procurement professionals. The Contract Management Organizational Capability (CMOC) program explores the Contract Management Standard™ (CMS™) and the Contract Management Body of Knowledge® (CMBOK®) through the flow of the CMBOK Competency System. The CMOC is comprised of the following content: Foundational Knowledge: The competencies of NCMA’s CMBOK® will serve as the foundation for the program. Added Value Knowledge: The content of NASPO’s “ State & Local Government Procurement: A Practical Guide ” will provide best practices in Public Procurement and establish a link from the CMBOK competencies to State procurement rules and regulations. Targeted Knowledge: The State’s procurement rules and regulations will be discussed with emphasis on areas deemed important by the State. “Leading contract management practice is a direct result of one’s ability to apply leadership, management, and technical competencies as a single, integrated process,” said Kraig Conrad, NCMA CEO. “The launch of the CMOC program instructs the interactive relationships of the CMS and CMBOK domains, competencies, and job tasks, which are independently and jointly performed by buyers and sellers.” Beginning in February, NASPO ran a pilot of the CMOC program with the Washington, D.C. Office of Contracting and Procurement. Through eight weeks of an instructor-led course, paired with online materials, discussion board interaction, assessments, and a final exam, students were eligible to receive 45 CPEs and a certificate of completion. Of the 22 students enrolled in the D.C. pilot program, 100% passed the final exam with an average score of 84% (with a minimum passing score of 70%). “The CMOC program offers a new option for state procurement offices seeking to establish training programs for contract management staff,” said Lindle Hatton, NASPO CEO. “We are proud to be a part of the CMOC creation, and we are excited to continue the rollout to the state procurement offices that NASPO represents. Participants that have completed the CMOC program can be proud of their accomplishments.” George Schutter, Chief Procurement Officer for the Washington, D.C. Office of Contracting and Procurement added, “The District of Columbia Government Office of Contracting and Procurement was honored to serve as the pilot site for the CMOC program. Maintaining public trust is one of our top priorities, and the elements of the certificate program speak directly to that by focusing on recognized standards of competent service. Including District-specific regulations in our course means that our contracting and procurement staff receive customized training that meets their obligations to District citizens.” For more information about the Contract Management Organizational Capability (CMOC) program, reach out to NCMA. The National Contract Management Association (NCMA), which was founded in 1959 and is the world’s leading association in the field of contract management. The organization, which has over 18,000 members, is dedicated to the professional growth and educational advancement of procurement and acquisition personnel worldwide. NCMA strives to serve and inform the profession and industry it represents and to offer opportunities for the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums. To find out more, please visit www.ncmahq.org. NASPO was established in 1947 and is dedicated to advancing Public Procurement through leadership, excellence, and integrity. It is made up of the directors of the central purchasing offices in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of the United States. NASPO is an organization that helps its members achieve success as Public Procurement leaders through promotion of best practices, education, professional development, research, and innovative procurement strategies. Contact Details NCMA Jennifer Knowlton +1 571-382-1127 jennifer.knowlton@ncmahq.org NASPO Kelly McKown King +1 859-514-9159 KMKing@naspo.org Company Website https://www.ncmahq.org/

June 20, 2022 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Spokane Natives Christy and Scott Johnson Buy 32-Year Business Plese Printing and Marketing, Rebrand as Minuteman Press – Spokane

Minuteman Press International Inc

Plese Printing & Marketing, which has been in business for 32 years and is independently owned by Kim Plese, has been sold to Spokane natives Christy and Scott Johnson. Christy and Scott have rebranded the business as Minuteman Press – Spokane and are operating out of the same location at 4201 E. Trent Ave. On the sale of her business, Kim Plese says, “I had no intention of selling my business as we were growing rapidly after the pandemic. Suddenly, my longtime production manager of 12 years had passed away and I was devastated. He was only 36 years-old at the time of his passing. When Minuteman Press Regional Vice President Chris Jutt contacted me, it happened to be two months later and I decided it was time to think about selling. I took his call seriously and we moved forward from there.” She continues, “My business was my ‘baby’ and it’s an emotional process to sell. Minuteman Press and Chris Jutt’s patience and understanding were enormous in guiding me during this time.” “Minuteman Press had qualified buyers (and Spokane natives) Christy and Scott Johnson ready to purchase a company like mine. I was able to transition out of the business with ease and there was little I had to do in regard to training. I am so grateful to Chris Jutt and Minuteman Press for making this happen for me. I am now able to transition to the next chapter of my career.” -Kim Plese, former owner, Plese Printing & Marketing (now Minuteman Press – Spokane) Spokane Natives Return Home to Realize Their Dream For Christy and Scott Johnson, buying a business in Spokane enables them to return to their hometown and be near family and friends. Christy says, “ We enjoy getting to know our customers many of whom are also small business owners. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to support our customers and the many causes and entities that they represent. Scott is originally from Spokane and I grew up in Cusick. Buying this business has allowed us to move back to Spokane, which has been fantastic.” They chose to buy Plese Printing & Marketing and join the Minuteman Press franchise network so that they could hit the ground running with established business while also being fully supported and trained in the industry. Scott says, “We loved meeting with Kim Plese and learning how she built her business over the past 32 years. Minuteman Press has a program that connected us with Kim and helped us transition into ownership of the business. It’s a dream come true to buy this business and also receive training and support along the way.” Before buying the business, Scott worked as a Mechanical Engineer and Christy worked as an Accountant. Scott says, “I spent 24 years as a mechanical engineer working in semiconductor quality and reliability and building technical teams around the globe. Christy is an accountant and started in corporate America. Over the last decade, she has been working for small businesses filling many roles in Finance, HR, and Operations Management. She has broad experience working in and with small businesses.” He continues, "Several of my family members have owned successful businesses in Spokane so it seemed natural to take this step." “We are so excited to serve our customers in Spokane and the surrounding areas with the products and services they need to market, grow and operate their businesses. Our services include: Every Door Direct Mail, Variable Mail Service, Banners, Yard Signs, Business Cards, Product Labels, Rack Cards, Tri-Fold Brochures, Personalized Letterhead, Envelopes, 2 part & 3 part customized carbonless forms, Custom made to order spiral bound books, Self-Covering Booklets, and Promotional Products. We also offer solutions for branding your physical office space, such as customized wall wraps, window graphics, and Indoor and Outdoor Signage. We intend to add vehicle wraps in the future. The business we purchased already has the equipment, employees, and capability to do this work. Bring us your wish list and together we will make it happen!” -Scott Johnson, co-owner, Minuteman Press – Spokane When asked what he loves most about owning a business vs. having a job, Scott answers, “We love that we set our own schedule and that the time and the hard work we put in is for our own benefit. We have our own vision how we want to run our business as well as the internal workplace culture we like, and owning our own business allows us to make it what we want.” Reflections on the Purchase and Sale of the Business With the sale of Plese Printing & Marketing complete, Scott Johnson and Kim Plese reflect on their experiences as buyers and sellers, respectively. Scott Johnson says, “We had tried to purchase other small businesses in the past, but it’s daunting to evaluate and try to find a good fit. With Minuteman Press, there was someone available to help with the process, give advice, and answer questions. I would suggest doing a lot of research to find a good fit with your goals and expectations. The education process took many years for Christy and I and to find a good fit, and we found it with Minuteman Press – Spokane.” Kim Plese concludes: “ As the Owner/President of Plese Printing and Marketing in Spokane, Washington for over 32 years, I can say without hesitation that my experience with Minuteman Press and Chris Jutt, Regional Vice President PNW, has been amazing to say the least. I would highly recommend Minuteman Press to anyone who might be considering selling their independent printing business. The family-owned Minuteman Press business enterprise has 45 years of success in the printing industry. I was able to sell my business for a fair market price knowing that all my years of hard work was going into good hands. My entire staff stayed on after the sale and my customers are satisfied knowing that they have the great service and quality products they've known for years. I was able to transition out of the business with ease and now I am able to pursue a career in politics and run for an important seat as a County Commissioner for Spokane! I am so grateful to Chris Jutt for making this happen for me. It's been a complete pleasure from beginning to end.” Minuteman Press – Spokane (formerly Plese Printing & Marketing) is located at 4201 E. Trent Ave., Spokane, WA 99202. For more information, call Christy and Scott Johnson at 509-534-2355 or visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/wa/spokane/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. To find out how to sell your printing business through Minuteman Press International, visit https://bit.ly/minutemanpressconversions Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

June 20, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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