News Hub | News Direct

Professional Services

Architecture CRM/Customer Service Consulting Government & Policy Human Resources Intellectual Property/Trademark/Patent Law Legal
Article thumbnail News Release

EUCAST Engages Castle Placement in Private Equity Offering

EUCAST

EUCAST Global, an advanced wireless LTE, CBRS, and 5G telecommunication company announced it has engaged Castle Placement to lead its capital raising initiative. EUCAST provides wireless communication systems that allow users to access the internet whenever and wherever they want. Its advanced equipment, comprising base stations, application servers, core network, and network management systems, allows users in remote and underserved communities to access the internet. EUCAST also provides private network solutions for businesses that share confidential information and digital twin capabilities. EUCAST is working to equip private and public entities to launch private networks, expand coverage, providing high availability and low latency solutions for users and devices alike. In the private sector, EUCAST will be providing manufacturing, industrial, oil and gas, and mining industries with a turn-key complete coverage private network solution using CBRS and 5G spectrum on their sites. The company provides stationary and portable wireless communication systems that allow users to access the internet whenever and wherever they want – bridging the immediate need for digital technology without the process of installing complicated, costly, and time-consuming infrastructure tower projects or deep fiber extensions. EUCAST 5G base stations are also critical for the deployment of smart poles as part of the smart city initiatives that is happening throughout the U.S. In the public sector, EUCAST offers communication service opportunities for rural areas, including schools and medical facilities, as well as sovereign tribal communities and nations that have been largely ignored by the large telecommunication carriers. Both federal and state governments have identified the lack of broadband access as a significant problem and are deploying funds to provide digital equity in America. EUCAST recently adapted its network in a box technology for drone deployment which will allow for recovery of urgent communication capabilities in the event of emergencies or service interruptions where no communication coverage is available. “EUCAST technology is a solution for service disruptions,” Gary Sumihiro, EUCAST Executive Vice President and Board Member explained. “Our technology allows for continuous communication among users even in the event of emergencies and carrier service interruptions – with a complete network that fits into a backpack, car or ship version, and now drones. We are excited to be working with Castle Placement and bring these opportunities to expand our U.S. operations.” EUCAST is in discussions with many companies and public entities for the deployment of their technology. Castle Placement will be assisting EUCAST on its private equity offering. Specific information on investment opportunities is available here: https://castleplacement.com/portfolio/eucast-global/. “EUCAST solutions should be attractive to investors today," explained Harish Pillai at Castle Placement. “EUCAST’s proven technology solves digital equity issues and enables communications that were previously considered impossible. As more public and private sector entities engage, it is becoming abundantly clear, from farming, security, production, and emergency response, the possibilities are significant. We look forward to inviting our investors to be a part of this opportunity." EUCAST Global is part of the Colorado Smart Cities Alliance and recently announced a partnership with the University of Denver. ### About EUCAST Global EUCAST Global provides end-to-end advanced wireless access solutions including base stations, control servers and gateway, core network, network management systems, and user devices. EUCAST has been a leading force in the advanced wireless access technology marketplace for more than a decade. Please visit https://eucastglobal.com/. For more information or to schedule an interview with a Colorado-based EUCAST spokesperson, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or daniel.rene@kglobal.com. To contact EUCAST Global directly please email contact@eucastglobal.com or globalsales@eucastglobal.com. About Castle Placement: Founded in 2009, Castle Placement raises equity and debt capital for private middle-market companies across a broad spectrum of industries. Highly experienced investment bankers and a robust, data-driven, innovative technology platform - including artificial intelligence/machine learning - match great companies with global institutional investors. Castle Placement's proprietary app, CPGO, connects companies with investors in real-time. Over 600,000 accredited investors and 65,000 private equity, venture capital and strategic investors, family offices, pension funds, foundations, endowments, sovereign wealth funds, hedge funds, and lenders. For more information, please visit https://castleplacement.com/. Contact Details Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 daniel.rene@kglobal.com Company Website http://www.eu-cast.com/

August 09, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

The Trajectory Of Growth In E-commerce In Southeast Asia — A Case Of Indonesia

Society Pass Incorporated

Countries in Southeast Asia are experiencing serious growth in e-commerce. E-commerce sales are expected to reach nearly $90 billion this year, up about $16 billion from last year, according to eMarketer. E-commerce in the region is projected to pass the $100 billion mark by 2023, a significant increase from $37.22 billion in 2019. Unlike other geographies that are forecasted to experience moderate growth, Southeast Asia might witness a 20.6% increase, the largest globally. Behind Southeast Asia is Latin America, which would be the only region to hit the 20% threshold this year. Which Countries In Particular? E-commerce sales in four countries are projected to grow faster than in all of Southeast Asia this year, and two of them — the Philippines and Indonesia — are in the region. The Philippines ranks first with a growth rate of 25.9%, while Indonesia comes third at 23%. The other countries are India with 25.5% and Brazil, which is expected to grow by 22.2%. Why Indonesia? Indonesia’s e-commerce adoption is one of the largest in the world. In 2020, up to 90% of internet users between ages 16 and 64 purchased something online. Indonesians are “among the world’s most passionate adopters of digital technology”. According to the consulting firm McKinsey & Co., an average Indonesian spends four hours per day on the internet using a handheld device — twice the time spent by a U.S. resident. With 99.15 million users, the country has the fourth-largest population of Meta Platforms Inc. ’s (NASDAQ: META) Instagram users and the largest in the Southeast Asia region. The country also is among the largest for number of Twitter Inc. (NASDAQ: TWTR) users at 18.45 million. E-commerce In Indonesia Of Indonesia’s 278.3 million people 138 million do their shopping online, according to a report by the Institute of Southern Asian Studies. The e-commerce industry accounts for 72% of the total value of the digital economy. Indonesia’s e-commerce sector is expected to reach almost $63 billion in 2022, according to Statista. By 2025, the market is projected to reach $90 billion. The e-commerce market seemingly runs on two models: e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Tokopedia and Bukalapak and social commerce, which involves buying and selling goods on social media platforms. E-commerce platforms account for 60% of all transactions while 40% of shopping is conducted via social commerce. Society Pass Inc. (NASDAQ: SOPA) is an example of an acquisition-focused e-commerce holding company that could be looking to become the Goliath of e-commerce in Indonesia and overall Southeast Asia. The company operates in six verticals: loyalty, lifestyle, food and beverage, telecom, digital media, and travel. It reports connecting millions of consumers and merchants in the region. SoPa Rolls Out Loyalty App On June 27, SoPa announced the launch of a beta version of its loyalty app that enables customers to earn and redeem points at different retailers while building customer loyalty for merchants. The company reports that the app helps merchants generate more revenue by retaining existing customers, attracting new ones, reducing customer turnover and synching customer data through personalized advertising campaigns. “The Southeast Asian retail sector is at the cusp of a massive transformation powered by the data-driven meta economy. We designed a gorgeous user interface backed by sophisticated backend infrastructure to kickstart a virtuous cycle of revenue generation and loyalty creation, where Society Pass and Society Points generate more revenues for merchants,” SoPa Founder, Chairman and CEO Dennis Nguyen said at the launch of the beta application. SoPa reported plans to modify and integrate the app with select customers and merchants across Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Singapore in the second quarter of the year. The company expects to fully launch the app by the end of the year, when customers will be able to pay for goods and services in-store, in-app or online. As a loyalty and data marketing ecosystem, Society Pass operates multiple e-commerce platforms across its key markets in SEA. Its business model focuses on analysing user data through the expected launch of its Society Pass loyalty platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points, which seamlessly connects consumers and merchants across multiple product and service categories to foster organic loyalty. Since its inception, SoPa has amassed over 1.6 million registered consumers and over 5,500 registered merchants/brands on its platform. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture with cutting edge components to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.Society Pass provides merchants with #HOTTAB Biz and #HOTTAB POS – a specialized POS technology solution, a comprehensive system for payment, loyal customer management, user profile analytics, and convenient financial support packages for small and medium-sized enterprises.In addition, SoPa operates Leflair.com, Vietnam’s leading lifestyle e-commerce platform, Pushkart.ph, a popular grocery delivery company in Philippines, Handycart.vn, a leading online restaurant delivery service based in Hanoi, Vietnam, and Gorilla Networks, a Singapore-based, blockchain/web3-enabled mobile virtual network operator.For more information, please check out: http://thesocietypass.com/. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Society Pass Dennis Nguyen: Founder, Chairman & CEO +1 877-440-9464 dennis@thesocietypass.com Company Website https://thesocietypass.com

August 08, 2022 12:43 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Can Cryptocurrency Work As An Inflation Hedge?

Wealthramp

Many investments that had performed well in the past years are not thriving this year. We are experiencing high levels of inflation that haven't happened in years. You may or may not have invested in crypto, which has tanked 70% since the end of last year. Is crypto an effective inflation hedge? Should you buy it at a low price? As an investor, you look for places to put your money to earn money for yourself. The return on investment you’re likely to get depends on your risk tolerance. If you’ve invested in the stock market, you’ve seen your balance drop recently, and you might be wondering if it's time to test the cryptocurrency waters. In today’s inflationary environment, you’re looking for smart ways to mitigate the effects of this economic downturn. Read on to learn more about Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, and cryptocurrency-related exchange-traded funds (ETFs); their value as an inflation hedge; and if they are appropriate for your portfolio. It might be time to find a fiduciary financial advisor with crypto expertise for advice. Traditional Inflation Hedges And Crypto Inflation simply means a dollar today is going to be worth less in the future. During high inflation, people try to buy things that are in a limited quantity, such as commodities and land. Certain stocks — bank stocks and defensive stocks like consumer staples and healthcare — tend to do well when the Fed raises interest rates; others — like utility stocks — often suffer. Crypto is also available in a limited quantity. One initial hope for cryptocurrencies was that they might not follow the stock market’s ups and downs, becoming a place to flee from a stock bear market. We’ve seen so far that crypto seems to move in lockstep with the broader market. However, many crypto natives tout its benefits as a hedge against inflation. Cryptocurrency As an Inflation Hedge Bitcoin and Ethereum are the first cryptocurrencies, and they’ve been joined by 19,000 more varieties and growing. Bitcoin, the original cryptocurrency and the largest by market capitalization, was created with inflation in the back of the creator’s mind. The total supply of Bitcoin is capped at 21 million coins, which will probably be reached in 2140. When the final number of coins is reached, no more will be minted. Theoretically, the consistently low inflation rate and large market cap inherent in its design make Bitcoin a favorable currency to hedge against inflation. Ethereum is also designed to be deflationary. Even though its network still creates Ether tokens, it burns or destroys them regularly to shrink the supply. A 2% annual decline is expected, meaning the coin should become scarce over time, acting as an inflation hedge. Other cryptocurrencies display varying degrees of scarcity and deflationary properties. Are cryptocurrencies immune from inflation? As yet, crypto has not proven to be a more effective inflation hedge than stocks. “Traditionally, investments which have the ability to pass on rising costs to consumers have proven to be good inflation hedges,” says Jeffrey George, CFA, CEPA, a financial advisor with deep experience in crypto investing on Wealthramp, a free advisor matching platform. “As cryptocurrencies do not inherently produce a cashflow (staking is more like collateralized lending), their ability to act as an inflation hedge is entirely based on investor demand. In that sense, they’re probably better characterized as a hedge against fears of a rapid decline in the value of the dollar as opposed to above-average inflation rates. It’s a fine line, but there is a difference – you can have one without the other.” Connecting with a fiduciary financial advisor such as those vetted by Wealthramp, can be a way to reduce the risk of investing in crypto. Is Bitcoin the New Gold? Gold has been an investor go-to during times of high inflation. Some digital currency experts dub Bitcoin “digital gold” because, like gold, it is in limited supply. Traditional wisdom has held that gold — and land — function as inflation hedges because of scarcity, and, therefore, Bitcoin will too. The comparison is not unwarranted, but a fundamental difference — that you can possess the physical reality of gold or land in a way you can’t with a computer-generated digital asset — weakens the argument. Cryptocurrencies are intangible and exist only on the internet. In 2022, it’s not certain whether Bitcoin will prove to be the gold-like inflation hedge its promoters consider it to be. However, owners of Bitcoin when it touched $68,990.90 a coin in November 2021, might disagree. Even after its recent drop in the price of over 70%, its supporters remain convinced that the digital currency market will rebound. Setting the Record Straight on Earning Interest from Crypto When you read about earning 12% interest anywhere, you’re intrigued because the term “interest” may connote there is no risk. Your bank, Certificate of Deposit (CD), I Bond, and money market account pays you interest without the risk of losing principal. If you buy a $1,000 CD, you know for sure you’ll get that $1,000 — your principal — back, plus the agreed-upon interest-less fees, if any. It’s not risky. When you engage in financial transactions like that, you are saving — as opposed to investing, which carries some risk that you might not get all of your principal back. When you use a crypto platform to earn interest, you don’t have the guarantee that you’ll get your principal back. You probably will, but you might not. That’s investing for a return, not saving for an interest payment. Risks of Cryptocurrency Investment You Need to Know Crypto investment can take different forms, including direct purchase of coins, stablecoin conversions, and earning interest. Buying crypto outright is one way to invest, but the recent 70%+ drop as crypto entered a roaring bear market has given most investors pause. If you’re not sure about jumping in on your own, an experienced fiduciary financial advisor with crypto expertise on Wealthramp can help. The right fiduciary financial advisor can help you rethink about how you should diversify your portfolio. If you dipped a toe in the crypto waters and are suffering frostbite from the current crypto winter, it might be time to warm up to an advisor who can help. They can review your portfolio and work with you to figure out if you should invest in crypto as part of your portfolio now, given its low price, and if so, how to do it in a way that matches your risk tolerance. A good financial advisor will talk to you about your financial goals and investment strategies and help you create a plan. Stablecoins Are Not the Same As Dollars Stablecoins are another seductive investment, promising interest rates in the double digits, far above that you can earn at a bank. Stablecoins are digital assets that are designed to maintain a stable value relative to a national currency or other reference assets. A stablecoin is a cryptocurrency whose value is tied to another asset to attempt to reduce volatility and increase safety. Confidence in stablecoins can be undermined because of its reserve assets that could fall in price or become illiquid. Sometimes redemption attempts fail, as when the Celsius network refused to return deposits to account holders. Cryptocurrency is not a silver bullet to hedge inflation, and stablecoins are not risk-free. Beware Crypto Sales Narratives from Promoters Crypto sales narratives can be misleading. Before you listen to advice on crypto or other financial matters, ask if the writer is a promoter or real expert. Determine their background and motivations and make sure their aim is to build investors’ confidence in crypto. In perhaps no other financial sector is it more important today to have a fiduciary financial advisor who is looking out for you. A new financial opportunity like digital currency hasn’t been around long enough for regulators to work out the kinks, so you’re less protected than with other long-available investment opportunities. If you’re interested in crypto investments, Wealthramp can help you find an advisor who knows the ins and outs and who will guide you on a safer, more positive crypto investment journey and dynamic investing strategies. Carry On, Keep Calm — Crypto Investment Works Best With A Trusted Financial Advisor Crypto has not been proven to be an effective inflation hedge. It’s a new investment vehicle you may want to consider as part of your portfolio, but it’s no magic bullet. With its high risks, rampant scams, and confusing narratives, it’s important to consult with an expert who acts in your best interests rather than invest in crypto on your own. Whether you are considering investing in crypto or need help creating a new strategy for today’s down markets and high inflation economy, consider working with an experienced fiduciary financial advisor — like the ones Wealthramp can match you with — who can help you look at the overall picture of your specific needs, financial goals, and risk tolerance and partner with you to create a plan with effective investment strategies. A fiduciary advisor is legally required to provide you with advice that is in your best interests. Pam Krueger is the founder and CEO of Wealthramp, a free adviser-matching platform that connects people with rigorously vetted and qualified fee-only financial advisers. She is also the creator and co-host of MoneyTrack on PBS and Friends Talk Money podcast for PBS Next Avenue. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Wealthramp is a fintech company with a mission to connect people to the right fee-only advisor who will help them meet their financial goals throughout their life. We are the only advisor matching platform that doesn’t sell consumers’ information or share without their permission. Every advisor invited to join our network is personally vetted by Founder & CEO Pam Krueger, who has decades of experience in the investment industry and media educating people to never settle for an advisor who doesn’t exceed their expectations. Unlike brokers who sell products and earn commissions, the independent fiduciary CFPs, CFAs and CPAs at Wealthramp are legally held to acting solely in clients’ best interests and have the expertise and characteristics essential to build a relationship with a client that lasts generations. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Wealthramp Louis Grant +1 902-412-8644 louis@wealthramp.com Company Website https://wealthramp.com/

August 08, 2022 09:51 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail Digital Asset Direct

Benzinga's Interview with Xanne Leo, Chief Technology Officer, The Society Pass, Inc.

Society Pass Incorporated

Contact Details Society Pass, Inc. Dennis Nguyen: Founder, Chairman & CEO +1 877-440-9464 dennis@thesocietypass.com Company Website https://thesocietypass.com

August 05, 2022 03:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

Society Pass Inc (Nasdaq: SOPA) Reports Stellar 2Q 2022 and 1H 2022 Financial Results, Recognises 5,669% Year on Year Revenue Growth from 2Q 2021 and 5,360% Year on Year Revenue Growth from 1H 2021

Society Pass Incorporated

Summary Points: Second quarter 2022 unaudited revenues grew 5,669% year on year (from $7,783 for second quarter ended 30 June 2021 to $445,090 for second quarter ended 30 June 2022). 1st half 2022 unaudited revenues grew 5,360% year on year (from $17,289 for 1st half ended 30 June 2021 to $944,152 for 1st half ended 30 June 2022). With cash on hand of $28.0 million on 30 June 2022, SoPa is well capitalised for roll out of Society Pass loyalty platform and continuing acquisitions of Southeast Asia (“SEA”) companies in lifestyle, food & beverage, digital media, and travel verticals for the rest of 2022. Since inception, SoPa has onboarded 2.1 million registered consumers and over 6,700 registered merchants/brands onto its ever-expanding platform. SoPa launched the beta version of its Society Pass loyalty platform in 2Q 2022, which drives customer acquisition and retention for merchants across SEA. Society Pass Inc. (NASDAQ: SOPA) (“SoPa”), SEA’s leading loyalty and ecommerce ecosystem, today announced that unaudited second quarter 2022 revenues grew 5,669% year on year (from $7,783 for second quarter ended 30 June 2021 to $445,090 for second quarter ended 30 June 2022). Unaudited first half 2022 revenues grew 5,360% year on year (from $17,289 for 1st half ended 30 June 2021 to $944,152 for 1st half ended 30 June 2022). Reporting cash on hand of $28.0 million on 30 June 2022, SoPa is well capitalised for roll out of the Society Pass loyalty platform and continuing acquisitions of Southeast Asia (“SEA”) companies in lifestyle, food & beverage, digital media, and travel verticals for the rest of 2022. Since inception, SoPa has amassed over 2.1 million registered consumers and over 6,700 registered merchants/brands onto its ever-expanding next generation digital ecosystem. Society Pass expects to file its 2Q 2022 Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission later this month. During the second quarter 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of Singapore-based Gorilla Networks onto the SoPa platform, opened the Manila office, and launched the beta version of its Society Pass loyalty points platform. Remarking on Society Pass’ stellar 2Q 2022 financial performance, Society Pass Founder, Chairman and CEO, Dennis Nguyen, explains, “Our continuing robust year-on-year sales expansion substantiates our acquisitions focused operating model. Nine months after relaunch back onto the Vietnam market, Leflair continues to generate strong revenues, whilst our food and beverage (“F&B”) Pushkart and Handycart brands are establishing solid footholds in their respective markets. The acquisition of Gorilla Networks allows us to incorporate Gorilla’s blockchain and Web3 capabilities onto the SoPa ecosystem and enable the new meta-economy for all our portfolio companies. We are poised to achieve new highs in 3Q 2022 as we integrate our next generation loyalty platform onto the rest of our ecosystem as well as opportunistically acquire market leading companies in the lifestyle, F&B, travel, and digital advertising verticals.” About Society Pass As a loyalty and data marketing ecosystem in Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand and with offices located in Singapore, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Angeles and Bangkok, SoPa is an acquisition-focused e-commerce holding company operating 7 interconnected verticals (loyalty, merchant software, lifestyle, F&B, telecoms, digital media, and travel), which seamlessly connects millions of consumers and thousands of merchants across multiple product and service categories throughout SEA. SoPa’s business model focuses on analysing user data through its Society Pass loyalty platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points or Society Points. The Society Pass loyalty platform drives customer acquisition and retention for merchants. Since its inception, SoPa has amassed over 2.1 million registered consumers and over 6,700 registered merchants/brands onto its platform. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture with cutting edge components to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions. Society Pass leverages technology to tailor a more personalised experience for customers in the purchase journey and to transform the entire retail value chain in Southeast Asia. SoPa operates #HOTTAB Biz and #HOTTAB POS – a Vietnam-based POS, CRM and analytics technology solutions provider for small and medium-sized enterprises, Leflair.com, Vietnam’s leading lifestyle e-commerce platform, Pushkart.ph, a popular grocery delivery company in Philippines, Handycart.vn, a leading online restaurant delivery service based in Vietnam, Gorilla Networks, a Singapore-based, web3-enabled mobile blockchain network operator, Thoughtful Media Group, a Bangkok-based, a social commerce-focused, premium digital video multi-platform network, and Mangan, the leading local restaurant delivery service in Philippines. For more information, please check out: http://thesocietypass.com/. Media Contacts: PRecious Communications sopa@preciouscomms.com As a loyalty and data marketing ecosystem, Society Pass operates multiple e-commerce platforms across its key markets in SEA. Its business model focuses on analysing user data through the expected launch of its Society Pass loyalty platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points, which seamlessly connects consumers and merchants across multiple product and service categories to foster organic loyalty. Since its inception, SoPa has amassed over 1.6 million registered consumers and over 5,500 registered merchants/brands on its platform. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture with cutting edge components to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.Society Pass provides merchants with #HOTTAB Biz and #HOTTAB POS – a specialized POS technology solution, a comprehensive system for payment, loyal customer management, user profile analytics, and convenient financial support packages for small and medium-sized enterprises.In addition, SoPa operates Leflair.com, Vietnam’s leading lifestyle e-commerce platform, Pushkart.ph, a popular grocery delivery company in Philippines, Handycart.vn, a leading online restaurant delivery service based in Hanoi, Vietnam, and Gorilla Networks, a Singapore-based, blockchain/web3-enabled mobile virtual network operator.For more information, please check out: http://thesocietypass.com/. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details TJ Paige +1 877-440-9464 tj@benzinga.com Company Website https://thesocietypass.com

August 04, 2022 12:04 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

CITIES IN WASHINGTON COUNTY ADOPT UTAH’S MOST RESTRICTIVE ORDINANCES TO HELP PREVENT WATER SHORTAGE IN NATION’S FASTEST-GROWING REGION

Washington County Water Conservancy District

Washington County’s largest cities have banned non-functional grass for newly constructed commercial, institutional and industrial developments and are limiting grass at new homes. 1 In addition, new golf courses in St. George will not be approved unless the development can provide its own non-potable water source for irrigation. The ordinances, needed to prevent the fastest growing region in the nation from running out of water, are the most restrictive for new construction in Utah. “We can’t risk running out of water,” said Zach Renstrom, general manager of the Washington County Water Conservancy District (district). “Prolonged drought has threatened our only water source – we have to make changes to how our community uses its water to protect our economy and quality of life.” “We applaud Washington County’s water conservation accomplishments and current efforts, including setting a higher development standard in the state with these new municipal ordinances,” said Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox. “Our future depends on every community in Utah making water conservation a top priority.” The ordinances also require the use of secondary (untreated) water and reuse (treated wastewater) for outdoor irrigation where available. Washington County currently uses secondary and reuse water to irrigate parks, schools, golf courses, city-owned facilities and some residential neighborhoods. The district is developing a regional reuse system in partnership with its municipal customers that will significantly enhance the availability of reuse water for future development. Other ordinance requirements include: Hot water recirculation systems Water-sense labeled fixtures EnergyStar appliances Submetering of multi-unit facilities Restrictions on water features including misting systems Water budgets for golf courses, and Limits on water used by car wash facilities The new ordinances are projected to save nearly 11 billion gallons of water in the next 10 years. Each respective municipality will enforce its new ordinance. The cities will review received water waste complaints and monitor metering data to notify and issue penalties to non-compliant customers. To help encourage compliance, the district will begin assessing an additional fee for high water use in 2023. Money generated from this fee will fund water conservation programs, including rebates to replace grass with water-efficient landscaping. Most municipalities require a minimum landscape vegetative cover using drought-tolerant plants and trees irrigated with a drip system to maintain community aesthetics and reduce impacts from urban heat island effects. Washington County is Utah’s hottest, driest and fastest-growing region. The county’s population is projected to more than double by 2050. All major population centers are currently dependent on a single water source, the Virgin River Basin, which is reaching its full development capacity. The basin has been in drought conditions 16 of the last 20 years and water supply levels at local reservoirs are decreasing. The county’s long-term water supply plan includes additional water conservation and reuse, local source optimization and new resource development. Washington County has already reduced its per capita water use more than 30% since 2000 – the greatest reduction in water use in Utah – and is planning for an additional 14% reduction by 2030, using 2015 as the baseline year. 1 Residential restrictions vary slightly by municipality, but most are limited to 8% of the lot size with a cap for large lots. Grass in park strips, in areas less than 8 feet wide and on slopes is prohibited. About Washington County Water Conservancy District The Washington County Water Conservancy District is a not-for-profit public agency that oversees water resources in Washington County, Utah. Visit wcwcd.org for more information. Contact Details Washington County Water Conservancy District Karry Rathje +1 435-673-3617 karry@wcwcd.org Company Website https://www.wcwcd.org/

August 03, 2022 07:51 AM Mountain Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

US Banking Industry Challenges Galore as Customer Experience (CX) Issues are Demanding Attention

Clootrack

One of the most significant challenges the banking industry faces right now is the security concerns of banking customers. While mobile apps and technology have made banking more convenient, they also present new difficulties. These findings are based on an analysis of 84,497 customer conversations discovered over 17 months in 2021-22 on major US traditional and Neobanks conducted by Delaware-based Clootrack, a real-time customer experience analytics platform. The report covers changing dynamics in the banking industry and presents opportunities for brands to enhance customer experience. Banks mentioned by the customers include Bank of America, Capital One, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, PNC Financial Services, TD Banks, Truist Financial, U.S. Bancorp, Wells Fargo, and Neo Banks mentioned are Albert Corporation, Bank Mobile, Chime, Current, Dave, Go2Bank, Monzo, Revolut, Sable, SoFi and Varo. Thousands of conventional & neobank customers are taking to social media to flag off instances of poor customer service and negative aspects of various US banks. Even though Neo, digital or virtual banking, is on the upswing, the sector faces many critical concerns, the chief being the much-needed trust. Even with the hi-tech, sophisticated, and cutting-edge digital banking solutions that have transformed the offerings, the customers of Neo banks are facing distressing experiences in account closures. Neobank customers have huge problems with security, fraud, and refunds. Neobanks have a massive challenge of creating trust and maintaining it. This overriding factor is to build confidence around safe accounts and access. Traditional bank customers are concerned about the card services, late payment charges, and higher fees. At the same time, security was also a cause of concern. The customers are looking for better card services and a reduction in various types of charges. Another aspect of the customers includes the card balance, getting a credit increase, issuing new cards, card information, and card delivery. Key findings from the Banking Customer Experience Study: Neobanks 92.42% of the 3,270 customers' opinions about ' Account Closures ' represented a terrible customer experience. Customers are shocked when they suddenly get a message saying their account is closed or deleted. 73.07% of 3,412 customer opinions about ' security ' were negative, highlighting blocked accounts, resetting passwords, more vigorous verification checks, and security guidelines. 93.40% of 3,123 customer opinions relating to ' Fraud ' spoke about their money being stolen, fraudulent transactions, scams, and fraudulent cards, from their bank accounts. 79.73% of 1,865 customer opinions about ' Currency exchange rates ' were positive. This development is because traditional banks have a higher exchange rate than Neobanks, indicating a growing appetite for mobile banking. Traditional Banks Card services are the biggest concern for customers of traditional banking. Of 6,505 customer opinions regarding ' card services ', 58.20% have expressed a negative customer experience. Some customer concerns include automatic lowering of credit limit, not increasing credit limit, and dropping credit score. 82.43% of 3,495 customers who spoke about ' extra charges ' are unhappy due to the high amount levied as late fees, overdraft fees, maintenance fees, cancellation fees, insufficient fund fees, and other services fees. Traditional legacy bank customers claim that banks block their clients from performing international transactions. The number of opinions is low for conventional banks and high for Neobanks, indicating that Neobanks are preferred for convertibility. 70.89% of 3,016 customer opinions about ' security ' were negative, highlighting denied access to their accounts, locked accounts, high-security checks restricting them from login, resetting passwords, more vigorous verification checks, and malfunctioning fingerprint recognition. Report Methodology ‘ Customer Experience Report: Traditional Banks V/S Neobanks 2022 ’ draws insights from 84K online customer reviews and online conversations in the banking sector. These insights were the topics of a discussion in CX See Why show hosted by Dan Gingiss, an international CX keynote speaker, and author of "The Experience Maker". To view the report findings video, click here. To download the complete insights report click here. About Clootrack Clootrack is an intelligent customer experience analytics platform for enterprises and high-stake decision-makers. Clootrack’s powerful AI-driven engine helps brands understand the qualitative reasons “ why ” their customer experience drops. all in real-time. For more information, visit www.clootrack.com. Contact Details Clootrack Madhu Manjunatha C. S., Head-Corporate Communications +1 949-518-3646 madhu.manjunatha@clootrack.com

August 03, 2022 07:11 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

A Million Dollars Will ‘Level Up’ Thousands of Houston Area Residents Out of Digital Divide

Comcast Houston

If you’ve ever played a popular 80’s video game, then you know about the disadvantages your character has right out of the gate. You can’t jump as high or as far, and it’s easier to lose the level and have to start all over again. But in the first few seconds, there’s usually always a chance to ‘level up’ your character. Instantly, you can jump higher and farther, run faster and if you encounter an enemy, you still have another chance at winning the level. There are thousands of Houston area residents who — from a digital perspective — aren’t ‘leveled up” and therefore struggle to participate in the digital economy. Some Houstonians still don’t know how to surf the web, write emails or create a resume. Others don’t even have a reliable and fast internet connection in their homes. The digital divide is still big. According to the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau’s American Communities Survey, one in ten households, or 687,086 households, in the greater Houston area do not have an internet subscription or do not have a computer. They want to ‘level up’, and they are about to get it. Comcast, the Houston area’s largest internet service provider, is giving more than one million dollars this year to local organizations that help students, adults and people with disabilities ‘level up’ their computer, career development and tech education skills. The million-dollar investment will also support ongoing efforts to build awareness about low-cost or no-cost connectivity programs like Internet Essentials and the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). “These investments are a part of Comcast’s ongoing efforts to make a real difference in southeast Texas by giving families an opportunity to thrive in this digital age,” Ralph Martinez, Comcast Houston’s Regional Senior Vice President, said. “The Internet is where life happens. It allows students to expand their educational aspirations and it empowers parents to explore better job openings so they can ultimately deliver a better quality of life for their families.” So far, Comcast has given grants to eight Houston area organizations. More announcements will be made later this year. United Way | Funding will be used to provide tech experts (Digital Navigators) to help people in need of digital skills training. BakerRipley | Funding will support computer skills, software, email and internet safety training for low-income adults in the Houston area. Comp-U-Dopt | Funding will support students participating in Early Adopters, STEAM Team and Learn2Earn, which brings technology education to area youth. Comp-U-Dopt will also use the funding to provide tech experts (Digital Navigators) to help people in need of digital skills training. Easter Seals of Greater Houston | Funding will support the development of a curriculum for people with disabilities to help them successfully learn to use digital technology to gain and maintain employment. The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Houston | Funding will help high school students gain technical and leadership skills through the Workforce Readiness Program. AAMA | Funding will be used to purchase technology and equipment to support students through the training program at the Work and Learn Center, with an emphasis on digital literacy and design. Dress for Success | Funding will be used to provide Houston-area women with the resources needed to obtain long-term employment through access to job readiness training, digital skills workshops, computers and mobile labs. AVANCE-Houston | Funding will support adult literacy program and continue to build pathways to economic mobility for families in the community. “We are passionate about doing our part to help close the digital divide and committed to helping establish a more equitable foundation for learning, working and succeeding,” Martinez said. Comcast remains steadfast in its efforts to connect people to moments that matter, to connect families to opportunities in Southeast Texas. For more than a decade, the company has offered Internet Essentials to help low-income Americans access reliable, high-speed internet. Comcast is now a proud champion of the federal government’s new Affordable Connectivity Program. ACP gives qualifying households up to $30 towards their monthly internet bill. With ACP, Comcast’s Internet Essentials internet service is free. As more Houston area residents get the ‘level up’ they need, just like in their gameplay, they will have more chances to keep advancing—better jobs, better education, innovation, opportunities and yes, more fun and better gaming. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on connectivity, aggregation and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Houston Steve Campion +1 832-920-2001 Steve_Campion@comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

August 02, 2022 08:40 AM Central Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Amesite Reports Partnering With Conner Prairie To Launch Next-Generation Educational Tools

Amesite Inc.

Amesite Inc. (NASDAQ: AMST) is an artificial intelligence (AI) software company offering a cloud-based learning platform and custom course creation for businesses, universities, nonprofits and government agencies. Amesite boasts many strategic partnerships, but its collaboration with Conner Prairie, a living history museum in Indiana, has garnered attention. Amesite says it has implemented plans to deliver eLearning solutions, powered by its online ecosystem, with an anticipated public launch in Fall 2022. Amesite’s online Learning Community Environment™ system will offer K-12 programs for teachers, parents, life-long learners and students. The system is reportedly up-to-date with the latest of Amesite’s technology, including powerful AI solutions to deliver low-cost, scalable and customized educational content. As a partner, Conner Prairie will have autonomy on curating and developing branded content in line with its current research and resources. At its disposal are advanced technology tools within an intuitive design framework. Participants will have the opportunity not only to learn but also engage with Conner Prairie’s information content presented through Amesite. True to the Amesite way, knowledge will be delivered in a digital, easy-to-use and collaborative format. About Conner Prairie Conner Prairie is a living museum in Indiana and one of the largest attractions in the Midwest region, with over 400,000 annual visitors. Conner Prairie plays an important societal role in Indiana as a knowledge resource and innovator of science, history, art and nature. The market size of the museum industry in the United States, perhaps surprisingly, reached $15.4 billion in 2021, denoting a 19 percent increase over the previous year's figure of $12.9 billion. This sector's market size was forecast to rise further in the following year, with an estimated six percent growth. Conner Prairie is fundamentally about learning and contextualizing how society has grown and evolved throughout history. Numerous educational tools are used to give visitors a truly immersive and collaborative experience. Conner Prairie is also dedicated to modernized learning tools and digital education programs, especially in an effort to foster the relationships between remote visitors and members that are not on-site. Amesite says its digital learning software solutions will allow for deeper collaboration with Conner Prairie and the educational community. Amesite will deliver its entire ecosystem of education software solutions for Conner Prairie. This will enable Conner Prairie to create customized, branded digital learning courses and materials for the global community, giving users the opportunities to learn from anywhere, anytime. Conner Prairie emphasized the importance of having a partner that cares about learning and the last mile, which it found with Amesite. According to Norman Burns, President and CEO of Conner Prairie, "Since 1934, Conner Prairie has followed founder Eli Lilly's intention to make Conner Prairie a place where history and learning can occur in ways that books cannot teach," he said. "The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to find new ways to meet schoolchildren and educators where they were, despite health, geographical or financial barriers. Through our partnership with Amesite, we are furthering our mission to inspire curiosity and foster learning by providing engaging and individualized experiences for everyone." Burns added that "we are excited to partner with Amesite to create this new innovative digital learning platform that will expand our capabilities to deliver best-in-class online learning experiences to our global community. It is yet another example of how Conner Prairie is changing the way the world views and uses museums." About Amesite Amesite is a SaaS educational company employing what it says is the most advanced AI-driven online learning platform in the industry. Its solutions include end-to-end infrastructure for customized, branded learning content creation and online course creation. Amesite’s platform is integrated with Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) Azure Cloud, allowing for enhanced scalability and speed. Amesite is a player in the multi-billion-dollar online learning market for business and education. Other key players within this space include Coursera Inc. (NYSE: COUR) and Powerschool Holdings Inc. (NYSE: PWSC). Learn more about Amesite’s solutions here. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Amesite Inc., an artificial intelligence driven platform and course designer, provides online products in the United States. The company uses machine learning to offer a mass customized experience to learners. Its customers include businesses, universities and colleges, K-12 schools, and non-profit organizations. The company was incorporated in 2017 and is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Amesite, Inc. +1 734-876-8141 info@amesite.com Company Website http://www.amesite.io

August 01, 2022 04:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time

1 ... 7778798081 ... 167