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

Marketers differ on the metrics that matter for live events, finds new research from Elevate

Elevate

As international pandemic-related restrictions ease and large-scale events like festivals, international football and rugby tournaments are set to take place, event marketers are eager to get restarted but they will need to justify their budgets. Global staffing partner for brand experiences Elevate commissioned a Censuswide survey of 500 brand decision-makers across the UK, USA, Austria, France and Germany, to understand the metrics that matter to marketers around event activations, and whether they currently have the same understanding of event effectiveness as other marketing activities. By encouraging event marketers to be more demanding in terms of measurable KPIs and evaluated ROI, Elevate hopes its findings will be a game-changer for reporting in the events sector. Most valuable KPI metrics The highest interest is in Net Promoter Score (NPS), Total Purchase Value (TPV) and Visitor Satisfaction Score - data points rarely collected at events. On a country basis, NPS is most valued by the UK as a KPI (29% versus overall 25%). A third (33%) of marketers across the UK favour brand preference score (versus competition) as the most important of KPIs. This is in comparison to other key metrics such as event footfall (20%) and visitor satisfaction score (21%). For larger companies with over 5000 employees, ROI, brand recall score and total purchase value are the most important to them at 50% respectively. Digging into sector-specific trends, retail brands care most for TPV at 47.3%, suggesting that generating immediate sales and optimising the value of these transactions is what is most important to retailers. Whereas for FMCG, it’s the brand preference score that matters the most, at 47% - as most people buy from FMCG brands they prefer, or already know about, so metrics relating to retention or persuading customers to switch are all important. The value of proving face to face interaction is particularly high for Brits in the tech sector - 67% of those in tech in the UK valued this metric most highly versus 30% in tech across regions. Important functionality choices Marketers are divided on how they want to see data. 25% of all respondents would like an easy-to-read on-screen dashboard. Another quarter would prefer benchmarking options in order to track data results against predicted values. Event marketers need to show how their activations work alongside other marketing activities, as well as the impact of the investment. All companies favoured social media monitoring post-event the least (13%). This may be due to the fact that, although post-event social media offers immense value, it only records sentiment, and this cannot be presented to a board of directors as a hard sales-related metric. Smaller companies favour UX functionalities, 75% of companies with less than 500 employees would like an easy-to-read on-screen dashboard, while larger companies prefer benchmarking options, pre, during and post-event data tracking abilities, the ability to produce high-quality reports for department heads, and customisation to add bespoke metrics important to the brand’s objectives (50% respectively). Ed Wood, CEO at Elevate, commented: “It’s clear that there is little industry alignment in terms of how events should and can be measured. Whilst allowing for every event working to different goals, it’s clear that there is room for greater understanding of what’s possible in event measurement across the board. “This is why it was important for us at Elevate to create Impact, a technology platform that enables events, both online and in-person, to be quantitatively measured through the power of live data, offering marketers access to new insights that are being captured for the first time. We have seen it work with clients such as the UK government, and we are now looking forward to a time where data collection at all levels of an event becomes more targeted and receives the investment and focus it merits.” Methodology The research was conducted by Censuswide, with 500 brand decision-makers from the Alcohol, Beauty, FMCG, Retail and Technology categories in UK, USA, Austria, Germany and France. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles. About Elevate Elevate is an award-winning global event staffing agency that connects people with brands. We lead the industry by enriching brand-consumer relationships through positive human connections. In the highly competitive world of experiential staffing, Elevate stands head and shoulders above other agencies and are the only truly global events staffing agency with offices in London, Paris, Berlin, Austria and Los Angeles. We partner with clients from around the world to deliver lasting moments of engagements via marketing agencies such as Jack Morton, Havas, McCann, NCompass and Octagon and working with brands such as Facebook, Jägermeister, Oculus, Boots Walgreens Alliance and EA Games amongst others. Contact Details Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://weareelevate.global/

May 09, 2022 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

REALTORS® Reveal Buying and Selling Tips for a Competitive Real Estate Market

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/CRjkmgrwWmc Buying or selling a home is among the greatest financial decisions an individual or family will ever make. For both buyers and sellers, there are many factors that must be considered, from interest rates to space for growing families and, of course, location. Given the complex nature of this exciting transaction, many consumers turn to expert advice from real estate agents. The National Association of REALTORS ® reported that 70% of metro areas recorded a double-digit annual increase in the median single-family existing-home sales price. The median sales price of single-family existing homes rose at a faster pace of 15.7% in the first quarter to $368,200 (14.3% in the previous quarter). NAR forecasts homebuying activity to return to more normal levels and for home sales to be down 9% from last year. For buyers who have been frustrated by competing with multiple offers, a less hurried market is on the way. Inflation will start to moderate to 5.5% in the second half of the year, lower than the current 8.2%. NAR noted a decrease in year-over-year contract activity, with a drop in pending home sales from the last five months. This implies that multiple offers will soon dissipate and be replaced by much calmer market conditions. The good news is that home prices should begin to normalize later this year. As the market continues to shift is it important to consult an expert real estate agent. Real estate professionals save home buyers time and help take the stress out of the process. They have knowledge of local, county, and state property taxes, can decipher public property information, and advise on price trends and neighborhoods. An expert real estate agent can also: coordinate with lenders; research mortgage rates and terms; schedule appraisals and inspections; navigate all required state and federal forms; and handle closing documents. If you’re looking for a REALTOR ® in your area, visit REALTOR.com. ® Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

May 05, 2022 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

ThreatModeler Recognized as Silver Stevie® Award Winner for Best Cloud Platform by the 2022 American Business Awards®

ThreatModeler Software, Inc

ThreatModeler, a leader in securing cloud infrastructure from design to deployment, today announced that CloudModeler has earned a Silver Stevie® Award for Best Cloud Platform as part of the 20th Annual American Business Awards®. Optimizing ThreatModeler’s automated capabilities, CloudModeler enables organizations to implement true DevSecOps, providing actionable insights through continuous monitoring and empowering teams to discover unknown flaws in real-time. Designed with cloud migration in mind, CloudModeler enables DevOps teams to detect security flaws before they become code vulnerabilities, enabling instant remediation, mitigating risk and ensuring compliance post-deployment. “ThreatModeler is dedicated to creating a collaborative platform where security experts or non-security professionals alike can visualize design flaws within a few hours or minutes instead of weeks,” said Archie Agarwal, Founder and CEO, ThreatModeler. “This award highlights the value we have been able to deliver with CloudModeler, enabling enterprises to develop and deploy cloud architectures quickly, confidently and compliantly.” The American Business Awards are the U.S.A.’s premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit nominations – large and small. More than 230 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year’s American Business Awards® winners. ThreatModeler’s distinction as a best cloud platform was clear to the ABA judges, who provided the following comments as part of their assessment of the CloudModeler solution: “A product designed with the specific pain point or niche market needs in mind, and solutioning implemented in a way that is easy to use, light to implement and maintain, brings efficiency and cuts cost from day one! ThreatModeler fits every category of this type of product. With the cloud being the top platform and destination for services and cybersecurity being the top priority and concerns of almost all businesses with a presence in cloud, threat modeling is a crucial part of the development cycle that ensures the product is secure and robust enough to protect both the business and the customers. I am impressed by the result metrics and statistics provided in the submission demonstrating how ThreadModeler has helped shorten the whole development efforts, cut costs, and avoid cyber risk and threats for its customers.” “[This submission] clearly demonstrates the success and growth of the company. ThreatModeler’s suite of products empowers DevOps to measure, design and validate threat drift from development to deployment within a fraction of the time and cost tied to other tools. Optimizing ThreatModeler’s automated capabilities, CloudModeler enables organizations to implement true DevSecOps, providing actionable insights through continuous monitoring, empowering teams to discover unknown flaws in real-time.” To learn more about ThreatModeler, CloudModeler and more, click here. Details on The American Business Awards and the list of Stevie winners are available here. About ThreatModeler Software, Inc. ThreatModeler Software, Inc.’s suite of products empowers DevOps to measure their threat drift from code to cloud. With a fraction of the time and cost tied to other tools, users can design, build and validate threat drift from development to deployment. Teams can instantly visualize their attack surface, understand security requirements and prioritize steps to mitigate threats. CISOs can make critical security-driven business decisions to scale their infrastructure for growth. About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com. Contact Details Clayton Murtle ThreatModeler@luminapr.com

May 05, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Vermont legislature passes bill to phase out most toxic light bulbs

CLASP

Today, the Vermont Senate adopted legislation to ban the sale of 4-foot linear fluorescent light (LFL) bulbs in 2024. Climate, environmental, and health advocates applaud the vote, noting the widespread availability of more energy-efficient, mercury-free LED alternatives. “Vermonters no longer need to tolerate fluorescent lighting, which contains mercury, a potent neurotoxin,” said Michael Bender, Director of the Mercury Policy Project. “By passing this legislation, Vermont is making a clear statement that it will not accept outdated and toxic technologies when safer, more efficient bulbs are widely available.” Four-foot LFL bulbs are the most common type of fluorescent bulb, covering about 90% of fluorescent installations including lighting in most offices, schools, and other indoor spaces. According to a recent report, fluorescents release mercury whenever they are broken, posing a threat to the environment and vulnerable groups like pregnant women, infants and others with chemical sensitivities. “Who wants to put toxic mercury lighting in their homes, day care centers, schools, offices, hospitals, or shops when they don’t have to?” said Paul Burns, Executive Director of Vermont Public Interest Research Group. “LED alternatives are available, cost-effective, are mercury free and offer better quality light than fluorescents.” Experts say that in the majority of cases, efficient LED retrofit solutions are widely available and can save Vermont residents and businesses money by cutting electricity costs in half. A new study from the Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP) found a typical school could see $24,000 in lifetime savings from transitioning to LEDs. Further, by 2040 Vermont could see savings of $167 million in reduced utility bills thanks to just over 1,000 gigawatt hours of saved electricity due to transitioning to LED four-foot tubes. “Based on our analysis of drop-in retrofit LED bulb prices in Vermont, we concluded that an LED bulb can pay for itself 5 times over in electricity bill savings over its lifespan,” said Brian Fadie of ASAP. “Clearly LED is the lowest cost option today.” In response to a consumer advocate petition last fall and a subsequent review, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources issued a determination in February that will end the sale of screw-based mercury-containing compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). This restriction will begin on February 17, 2023, to allow Vermont retailers and distributors sufficient time to sell any existing inventories. “We applaud the leadership of Vermont’s legislators in setting phase-out dates for the most common fluorescent lighting technologies in state”, said Ana Maria Carreño, Director at CLASP. “There is no place for mercury in lighting today, especially when LED alternatives offer better performance, coupled with climate and environmental benefits”. Governments around the world are increasingly recognizing LEDs as the foremost lighting technology on the market today. On December 16, the European Union banned the sale of almost all mercury-containing fluorescent lamps by September 2023, and in March, 137 governments voted to phase out CFLs by 2025 through the Minamata Convention on Mercury. CLASP improves the energy and environmental performance of the appliances & equipment we use every day, accelerating our transition to a more sustainable world. Contact Details Vermont Public Interest Research Group Paul Burns +1 802-793-1985 paul@vpirg.org Mercury Policy Project Michael Bender +1 802-917-8222 mercurypolicy@aol.com ASAP Appliances Standards Awareness Project Brian Fadie +1 202-672-1387 bfadie@standardsasap.org Company Website http://www.clasp.ngo/

May 04, 2022 01:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Volatus Aerospace Expands Pipeline Inspection with Acquisition of Canadian Air National

Volatus Aerospace Corp.

Volatus Aerospace Corp. (TSXV: VOL) (OTCQB: VLTTF) ("Volatus" or "the Company") is pleased to announce the acquisition of Canadian Air National, a commercial aircraft operator specializing in contracted pipeline inspections for the oil and gas industry. Seth Moffat, President and CEO of Canadian Air National, will continue to lead the company. "The oil and gas sector has enormous growth potential as drone and AI-enhanced solutions are added to the mix of traditional crewed aircraft providing aerial patrol and inspections," says Luc Masse, Volatus Executive Vice President. "We are looking forward to supporting Seth and his team. They are a welcome addition to Volatus. Seth is a well-respected aviation professional who pilots for a major national airline in addition to being Vice Chair of the Flight Operations Specialist Group with the Royal Aeronautical Society." Seth Moffat stated: “I am exceptionally proud of the quality air operator that Canadian Air National has become, and recognize Volatus Aerospace as the right opportunity for future growth, development and technological advancement. The strength that Volatus brings to the company will significantly benefit our clients moving forward and ensure Canadian Air National remains part of the Canadian aviation landscape for years to come.” Canadian Air National is organized to conduct airborne inspections and patrols in Canada and the USA. Volatus intends to use this new capability to supplement and expand larger drone project opportunities. Wherever possible, Volatus will dronify operations to improve efficiencies. 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

May 04, 2022 07:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

IAPC Awards 2022 Democracy Medal to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and The People of Ukraine

International Association of Political Consultants

The International Association of Political Consultants ( IAPC) announced today that it is awarding the prestigious 2022 Democracy Medal to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy on behalf of the Ukrainian people. The citation notes that this award is “in recognition of their crucial fight for democracy against the violent attack on their country by the authoritarian aggression of the Russian government”. The medal is awarded annually by members of the IAPC, which is the global professional body representing election consultants, strategists, and pollsters. This is the second Democracy Medal being awarded to a President of Ukraine. The first was in 2005 to Viktor Yushchenko. IAPC President Matt Klink said the timing of the medal’s awarding had been brought forward from late 2022, at the organization’s annual conference, to show the strongest possible support for the valiant defence of Ukraine and of democratic values by President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine. “President Zelenskyy has rallied world attention to the brutal assault on a sovereign democratic nation with a popularly elected government by a dictatorship that is determined to strike at democracy itself,” Klink said. “Through appearances at the United Nations, the European Union, the U.S. Congress, the British, Canadian, Australian and other Parliaments, Zelenskyy has urged democratic countries to support Ukraine’s democratically elected government’s effort to defend itself.” “The world has had a savage reminder of why democracy is something we must protect and cherish. Without it, nations revert to the rule of the gun rather than the will of the people,” Klink added. IAPC Democracy Award Committee Chairperson, Feyi Akindoyeni said, “This is the second year in a row that the Medal has been awarded to those standing up to the Putin autocracy. Last year we recognised the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny." “We hope through our award to draw attention to the heroism of Mr Zelenskyy and the millions of Ukrainian citizens who have mounted an extraordinary defence of their country and the principles of freedom and democracy,” Akindoyeni went on to say. Klink concluded by saying, “We join with all civilised nations in condemning the brute violence and illegality of the Russian state in prosecuting this unlawful and unprovoked invasion, noting this war is opposed by many Russian citizens. We condemn the alleged war crimes and urge their prosecution. We encourage further support by the global community of Ukraine’s stand against tyranny. We express our hope for a peaceful resolution that restores the sovereignty of Ukraine and respects its people’s right to live in a free and democratic country with a government of their own choosing.” Since 1982, IAPC has been a pioneer in awarding an organization or an individual who in the judgment of its membership has worked courageously to foster, promote and sustain the democratic process anywhere in the world through our Democracy Medal, the first international award of its kind. This is the 40th time since 1982 that the Medal has been awarded. Recipients have included individual politicians and leaders, political organizations, and political movements that have contributed to free elections through their leadership and commitment to democratic ideals. Past winners include Hong Kong Umbrella Movement founder Joshua Wong, the Women of Belarus, Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, Polish Solidarity leader Lech Walesa, US Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, Philippines President Corazon Aquino, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, and the Committee to Protect Journalists. Established in 1968, The International Association of Political Consultants is committed to fostering democracy and the democratic process throughout the world. Members span a variety of political backgrounds and activities fostering the growing and diverse profession of political consulting as well as the practical aspects of democratic elections. Contact Details IAPC President Matt Klink +1 310-283-6267 matt@klinkcampaigns.com IAPC Vice-President Communications Marcel Wieder +1 416-907-2126 marcel@aurorastrategy.com Company Website https://www.iapc.org

May 03, 2022 11:14 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

DSI Columns® Feature A New System to Provide Maximum Wind Resistance for Homes in Coastal and Storm Prone Areas

Digger Specialties, Inc (DSI)

Digger Specialties Inc. (DSI), a leading manufacturer of building materials offers an in-depth selection of beautiful, durable, and functional columns that provide upscale curb appeal to the porch, front entry, or exterior of residential homes or commercial properties. DSI Columns ® offer quality craftsmanship, impeccable design, and integrated architectural elements to deliver an elegant, low-maintenance, and long-lasting column. Effective immediately, DSI is now offering Uplift Kits for most of its column designs which provide protection during high wind situations by reducing vertical movement of the column. Columns installed with Uplift Kits have been tested to an industry best 5,000 pounds of wind uplift resistance. These kits are appropriate in any geographic area are but are particularly effective in coastal areas or any locations subject to high winds. DSI columns are available in aluminum, composite, and fiberglass materials and a variety of aesthetic designs can be selected which include round, raised and recessed panels, and square and fluted columns depending on the material selected. Aluminum columns are available in 12 standard colors. These structural and non-structural columns from DSI provide numerous options for homeowners and builders. One of the major benefits of DSI Columns ® is a significant labor savings compared to site built columns. All DSI Columns ® products are designed for ease of installation. DSI Columns ® can also serve the function of providing a wrap over existing wood or other supports for a classic and more beautiful, weather resistant, and durable upgrade. Larry G. Boyts, VP of Sales and Marketing for Digger Specialties, Inc., stated “DSI Columns ® offer significant aesthetic and installation benefits unmatched in the marketplace. The comprehensive group of materials, styles, and designs are offered to provide a wide array of solutions to the property owner and builder. Uplift Kits add durability and capability to our company’s column product line”. DSI Columns ® come with a lifetime limited warranty from DSI, a leading manufacturer of building products. For more information about DSI Columns ® and their new optional Uplift Kits, visit http://dsicolumns.com/ DSI is an industry leading manufacturer of aluminum and vinyl railing, aluminum and vinyl fencing, gates, composite, aluminum, and fiberglass architectural columns and outdoor lighting. For information about DSI’s entire group of products visit diggerspecialties.com Attachment: DSI Columns ® photo Contact Details DSI/Westbury aluminum railing Chris H. Beyer +1 704-438-7998 cbeyer@dsiwestbury.com Company Website http://diggerspecialties.com/

May 02, 2022 01:39 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

TJ44 and Provana Establish Compliance Advisory

Provana

Provana, provider of the industry’s first unified platform for compliance and performance management, today announced a strategic partnership with TJ44 Consulting LLC, a compliance consultancy founded by Tara Trantham, who was previously Chief Legal Officer and Chief Compliance Officer at Southern Management Corporation, in addition to General Counsel and Senior Vice President at World Acceptance Corporation (WRLD). The new solution combines Tara’s legal and compliance acumen, built across years working directly with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and Provana’s comprehensive compliance management suite, IPACS. The announcement was made from the American Financial Services Association’s (AFSA) Independents Conference & Expo in La Quinta, California. Coming at a pivotal moment, on the heels of the CFPB’s announcement that it will exercise its dormant authority to examine non-bank lenders and financial services companies, the joint solution aims to help a broad scope of now regulated organizations achieve compliance rigor. “In today’s ever-changing regulatory environment, it is incredibly valuable to understand what’s happening with state-level regulators as well as state and national industry associations to stay ahead of impactful law changes,” said Tara Trantham, Founder and CEO of TJ44 Consulting LLC. “I’m thrilled to bring my experiences from working on Capitol Hill to Provana so we can help agencies and fintechs alike establish an effective compliance solution.” Sean Clark, SVP of Platforms at Provana, added, “Tara’s deep, hands-on experience of working intimately with regulators in Washington, D.C. is invaluable for organizations of all types who are grappling with the regulatory changes coming from the CFPB. We’re excited to incorporate Tara’s knowledge into our tech platforms to help more clients automate and uphold top-notch compliance programs.” About Provana Provana’s SaaS-based digital operating platform is the first of its kind, giving leaders control over process-intensive operations. We serve law firms, insurance companies, accounts receivable agencies and networked enterprises in the US market that are tightly regulated by the CFPB and other authorities. Built on decades of experience in machine learning, natural language processing and business process management, Provana helps customers manage sensitive interactions, analyze unstructured data, process personal information, and ensure compliance. Provana is backed by a NYC-based Fintech PE, most recently raising funds in November 2020. Learn more at www.provana.com. About TJ44 Consulting, LLC Built on decades of litigation experience with the CFPB, SEC, DOJ, OCC and FBI, TJ44 Consulting LLC – Compliance and More on Demand has established itself as the foremost authority on compliance, risk management and creditors’ rights. With over 50 combined years of experience in financial services, consumer credit and collection, auto and mortgage landing, TJ44 offers complete back-office solutions, risk identification and management services, bankruptcy services, and more. Contact Details Britney Schaeffer +1 469-774-2409 britney.schaeffer@provana.com Company Website https://www.provana.com

May 02, 2022 07:05 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Shareholder Activist Wants Warren Buffett to 'Save' Capitalism

National Legal & Policy Center

Peter Flaherty, Chairman of the National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC), will today present a shareholder proposal to separate the roles of Chairman and CEO at the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting in Omaha. Both positions are held by Warren Buffett. Here is the complete text of Flaherty's planned remarks: I am Peter Flaherty, Chairman of the National Legal and Policy Center. Our mission is to promote ethics in public life. Toward that end, we sponsor the Corporate Integrity Project. Our proposal would separate the roles of Chairman and CEO. I’d take it one step further and suggest that Berkshire remove itself from corporate America’s assault on American institutions and culture. I am proud to say that I am a capitalist, but it is obvious to me be that capitalism is failing to deliver for the American people. Is this meeting Woodstock for capitalists, or is it Altamont? Real wages have been falling for years. Wealth disparity has never been greater. And right outside my hotel window here in Omaha is a homeless encampment, an all-too-familiar sight in American cities. We don’t have a free economy; we have bailout capitalism. When small businesses lose money, they go out of business, but when billionaires bet wrong, government steps in to save their fortunes. Money printing by the Federal Reserve and irresponsible, debt-fueled spending by politicians — called fiscal stimulus — have artificially inflated asset values. So those with the most assets benefit the most. Wage earners get ruinous inflation. But even worse than the wealth gap is the values gap. The top 1% now seek to impose their corrupt morality upon the rest of us, whether it is in the form of Critical Race Theory, transgenderism, or the myriad of other “woke” causes that permeate corporate advertising and messaging. Why has corporate America embraced both economic and cultural radicalism? It’s pretty simple. When you have so much money, your fortune is going to come under scrutiny. The best way to insulate yourself and keep anti-business activists off your back is to embrace their causes, even if in the process you undermine the system that produces your wealth. That is what allows Mr. Buffett to advocate higher taxes, even though everyone knows they will fall mainly on the middle class, or bankroll the likes of Hillary Clinton. The Federal Reserve has offered free money to corporate America for over a decade now, creating a class of oligarchs, and greatly enhancing corporate political power. Executives now believe they can tell elected governors and legislators what to do, as we have seen in Indiana, Georgia, Texas and Florida. Last year, Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey, a British citizen, sought to kill Georgia’s new voter integrity law by making inaccurate and inflammatory statements about it. He also instituted diversity training whereby white employees were encouraged to “try to be less white.” Despite being Coke’s most celebrated shareholder, Warren Buffett has done nothing about Quincey. In fact, Mr. Buffett jumped on the “America is racist” bandwagon by signing a statement by corporate leaders suggesting that Republicans seek to restrict ballot access based on race. All this did not prevent Coke from sponsoring the Winter Olympics in China, which has never had a free election, and where minority communities are the victims of genocidal policies. And what about Apple? A large part of Apple’s supply chain is in China. The company removes apps from the app store at the request of the Chinese government because they are used by human rights activists. And of course, Apple is the world’s most successful corporate-tax minimizer, famous for routing profits through offshore tax shelters. Over at American Express, the company instituted an “Anti-Racist Initiative” for employees that teaches that capitalism is fundamentally racist and requires workers to engage in an exercise to determine whether they are “oppressor” or “oppressed.” Activism by “woke” CEOs may be reaching its limits. The people of Florida are fighting back against Disney’s Robert Chapek, who not only embraces the view that gender is a form of oppression, but that kindergarteners must be forced to confront it. Mr. Buffett has praised the brand endurance of Disney’s characters and the trust parents place in its content to be safe and appropriate for children. But now the company is adding warnings to Dumbo, Peter Pan and Aladdin about the stereotypes they allegedly portray. And poor Prince Charming has been excised for kissing Snow White QUOTE, UNQUOTE “without consent.” Warren Buffett has yet to address the crisis gripping corporate America, and I fear he never will. Yes, Berkshire may be a holding company, and Mr. Buffett may stay out of the way of managers, but what happens when these executives use their companies to wage a social revolution that most Americans don’t want? Is he not responsible? He can’t have it both ways. In this country, wealth has been admired and even celebrated because our system allows anyone to become rich. But what happens when Americans suddenly find their history and future under attack by Corporate America? The social contract that permits for such affluence will be broken. Mr. Buffett, if you are the face of capitalism, why don’t you do something to save it? 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 Peter Flaherty +1 202-329-8357 danrenejr@gmail.com Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

April 30, 2022 10:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time

1 ... 7778798081 ... 145