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Comcast Texas Commits More Than $1M to Shrink Local Digital Divide in 2023

Comcast Texas

Comcast Texas, the Houston area's largest internet service provider, will commit more than $1 million to shrink the local digital divide this year by supporting more than 60 organizations and programs that help people connect to the Internet, learn digital skills, and climb the economic ladder. The investment is part of Comcast’s Project UP – a comprehensive $1 billion initiative to advance digital equity across the nation and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. To help fuel economic mobility locally this year, a large portion of Comcast Texas’ $1 million investment will go to area nonprofit organizations to fund community programs with the following focus: Connectivity & Adoption, Digital Skills in the Workforce and Entrepreneurship. Connectivity & Adoption Connectivity programs equip individuals, families and community partners with the right tools and resources to take advantage of the Internet. Adoption programs teach individuals the skills needed to increase competency and confidence in technology in order to use it proficiently. Digital Skills in the Workforce Over 90% of jobs available today require digital skills, yet nearly one-third of US workers lack opportunities to build these skills. Digital skills programs teach individuals the tech skills needed to land a job and stay competitive in the changing marketplace. Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship programs focus on helping people build digital skills to launch and grow their businesses. “These investments are part of Comcast Texas’ ongoing commitment to provide people with the digital tools needed to succeed in this ever-connected world,” said Ralph Martinez, Comcast Texas’ Regional Senior Vice President. “As we expand our next-generation network across southeast Texas, we’re here to be good neighbors. We’re here to support and uplift the communities we’re honored to do business in by teaming up with trusted partners to invest in programs that make a difference.” The first round of Comcast Texas’ 2023 grant funding and other support to local organizations will be announced in May with more announcements made throughout the year. Additional support will be considered for local organizations that raise awareness about connectivity programs like Internet Essentials and the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program. Internet Essentials provides affordable home Internet for qualifying households ($9.95/mo for up to 50 Mbps, or $29.95/mo for up to 100 Mbps) — as well as low-cost computers, free WiFi hotspots, and free Internet training. The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides qualified households with a credit of up to $30/mo towards internet and mobile services. About Comcast Corporation: Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. About Project UP Project UP is Comcast Corporation’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. Backed by a $1 billion commitment to reach tens of millions of people, Project UP encompasses the programs and community partnerships across Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Sky that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility, and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators. Contact Details Comcast Texas Steve Campion +1 281-605-9658 Steve_Campion@cable.comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

April 13, 2023 10:39 AM Central Daylight Time

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Alana and Ramon Alvarez Grow Minuteman Press Franchise in Colorado Springs

Minuteman Press International Inc

Alana and Ramon Alvarez have owned their Minuteman Press franchise in Colorado Springs since August of 2019. Minuteman Press in Colorado Springs has been operating for 15 years since 2008 and is located at 6870 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80918. After taking over the business nearly 4 years ago, Alana and Ramon have consistently grown their business and increased sales “by nearly 400% since we started,” according to Ramon. Journey to Minuteman Press Alana and Ramon “met at work 31 years ago” and the rest is history, according to Ramon. He shares, “Alana is my forever partner. After leaving the company, we lived throughout the West Coast and South America throughout our time together. I continued to work in the corporate world and Alana managed our household and led the raising of our children.” In 2019, it was time for a change. Ramon says, “Fast forward to August 5, 2019. That is when we began our small business journey, owning our Minuteman Press center in Colorado Springs. Minuteman Press International RVP Jack Panzer was instrumental in helping us acquire this existing location, which has been doing business in Colorado Springs since 2008. Jack helped us throughout the purchasing and on-boarding process, just as he does now in supporting us to grow along with excellent field support talent like Todd Golberg at the time (who is now RVP in New England), and now Sky Hittle.” Operating the Business & Ongoing Support Nearly 4 years after purchasing the business, Ramon remains excited about working with Alana, sharing: “Today, Alana and I continue commuting to our business together, excited to spend quality time with each other while creating outstanding experiences for our clients, just as we did 31 years ago when we first met. We are fortunate to be serving many clients in the Pikes Peak Region, having grown our sales by nearly 400% since we started.” Specifically, Ramon says, “Our small business has evolved into a one-stop shop for our clients, providing design, print, promotional items, direct mail, and more! We are now providing vehicle and window graphics, along with building sign replacements. We won’t stop there, ensuring we continue to listen to our clients, and treating each of them like a VIP. In spite of the digital transformation that marketing has experienced, print is everywhere, and continues to be leveraged by businesses launching or striving for growth. Print simply looks different today, with a critical role in creating an omnichannel experience for clients, like adding QR codes to drive the client’s audience to a website, scheduling form, or otherwise.” As he reflects on what it’s been like to transition from the corporate world to small business owner, Ramon says, “Having led large teams with large budgets in the Americas, I felt that being a small business owner would be relatively easy. It’s actually the hardest role I’ve ever had, yet it’s the most rewarding by far.” Ramon explains how the support he’s received as a Minuteman Press franchise owner has helped him along the way: “Minuteman Press has been supporting us in many ways, setting us up for success. In my career, I was previously an operations executive and so I wanted a proven brand, a proven system, and a proven structure to allow us to succeed as small business owners. Minuteman Press International has given us all of that.” He continues, “The Minuteman Press FLEX software, which allows us to connect with our clients for quoting, invoicing, work orders, marketing, and more, has been invaluable. The support team is also outstanding in urgently reacting to our needs, as they have extensive experience and an aptitude to serve.” Marketing & Being Active in the Community When it comes to marketing the business, Ramon shares, “No silver bullet exists in marketing our small business, and Minuteman Press has supported owners successfully who may not be experts in the industry. We focus on providing outstanding experiences for our clients through our high-performing team, delivering quality, speed, and reliability. Every customer is a VIP. We leverage direct mail, use digital marketing, networking, and other marketing opportunities, just like businesses in all industries do, focusing heavily on our target audiences and key clients.” Being active in the community is also key to Alana and Ramon’s local outreach efforts. Ramon says, “We also engage with our community, advocating for local business growth through various volunteer efforts. I serve as the current Chair of the Board of Directors for the Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC, on the Board of Directors for the Southern Colorado Better Business Bureau, on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Consult for the Pikes Peak Region Small Business Development Center, and help drive economic development in our region for our local businesses any way I can.” Ramon concludes, “By helping our community of businesses prosper, opportunities for prosperity are available for all.” Minuteman Press in Colorado Springs is located at 6870 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80918. For more information, visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/co/colorado-springs20/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

April 10, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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News Release

Bell Buckle’s Jump Start Sports announces its 5th franchise territory

Bell Buckle Holdings

Jump Start Sports founder and CEO Rick Hart joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share news the company has completed the sale of its 4th and 5th franchise territories in Ohio. Those territories include Lorain, Huron and Erie and Sandusky counties, as well as areas west toward Toledo. Hart tells Proactive more about the program and also about parent company Bell Buckle and its season team. Contact Details Proactive Investors +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

April 05, 2023 01:24 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Marking 80 years Since the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising

International March of the Living

April 2, 2023 – JERUSALEM - The March of the Living, long recognized for its prominent role in marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day, will commemorate the 35 th Anniversary of its creation with a march of thousands of participants from around the world. The theme of this year’s March, “Honoring Jewish Heroism in the Holocaust" marks the 80 th anniversary of the heroic Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. The uprising lasted four weeks and has become a symbol of Jewish courage and heroism during the Holocaust. Warsaw born Holocaust survivor, Halina Birenbaum, was a child during the uprising and was hidden in a bunker until the Nazis liquidated the Ghetto. She was deported to Majdanek and later to Auschwitz. “I truly experienced the Holocaust in all its horror,” says Halina. She will participate in the 2023 March with grandchildren of Jewish resistance fighters: Eyal Zuckerman, granddaughter of ŻOB commanders Zivia Lubetkin and Yitzhak (Antek) Zuckerman; and Nir Yaari, grandson of resistance fighter, Bela Hazan Yaari. “This is a special year that marks several significant events, 80th Anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the 75th Anniversary of the State of Israel and the 35 th Anniversary of the March of the Living, noted President of the International March of the Living, Phyllis Greenberg Heideman, and its Chair Dr. Shmuel Rosenman. “This year we will shine a light on Jewish heroism during the Holocaust. For years, Jews have been presented as victims who went 'like lambs to the slaughter.' Young people in Israel and throughout the Jewish world are not familiar with the countless acts of courage by thousands of Jews during the Holocaust; as an international educational organization, it is our duty to share these stories and to shine a light on the acts of these brave heroes.” This year, The March will be led by 42 Holocaust survivors from countries around the world. Among those joining them will be the United States Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides; former US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman; Jewish-American businessman Robert Kraft; philanthropist, Miriam Adelson; Mark Wilf, Chair of the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency for Israel; Doron Almog, Chair of the Jewish Agency for Israel; Ifat Ovadia Luski, Chair of KKL-JNF; Iris and Haim Taib, third-generation of Holocaust survivors of Auschwitz and Tunisia; Philanthropists Eitan Neishlos and Mati Kochavi who recently made major contributions to restoring the shoes of the children murdered in Auschwitz – Birkenau as part of March of the Living "Soul to Sole" campaign, Pastor Lawrence Allen Huch; Israeli Minister of Education Yoav Kisch; Miller Center's Police commissioners delegation from Europe and the United States; and thousands of students and adults representing a diverse cross-section of the world’s population. "It will be their voice who will carry the memory of the past into the future" said both President Heideman and Chair Rosenman". Robert Kraft, who will be leading a delegation titled "Speak up to Jewish hate", said: “I am honored to stand and march with true heroes of the Holocaust—the courageous survivors who overcame tremendous obstacles to be with us today. Not only do these individuals serve as living reminders of the pain and suffering long felt by the Jewish people, but they also represent the resilience, unity, and strength that is embedded in our history. The March of the Living is a powerful statement of solidarity for all those who have been victims of intolerance and discrimination, and it reminds us that we must stand up against antisemitism and all hate to ensure that history does not repeat itself.” Kraft recently launched a $25 million omni-channel campaign to mobilize all Americans, and especially non-Jews, to #StandUpToJewishHate. The campaign combines alarming data with humanizing storytelling representing everyday instances of antisemitism to educate and encourage audiences to recognize Jewish hate, in order to stand up against it. US Ambassadors Nides and Friedman: "It is an indescribable honor to lead the inaugural Bipartisan Diplomatic Delegation representing the United States at the 2023 March of the Living. This is a time to reflect on what unites us as Jewish people and as human beings. The March is an indelible reminder that humanity defeated antisemitism, bigotry, and intolerance before, and that, united, we can defeat all of those hatreds again, every time they rear their ugly heads. Love is stronger than hate". Mark Wilf, Chairman of the Board of Governors, The Jewish Agency for Israel: "As the son of holocaust survivors, I am proud to march in remembrance of those who perished in the Shoah and in honor of those who survived. All of us must never forget the horrors that occurred as a result of hatred, bigotry, and intolerance. Today, we are also mindful of recent events in which Jews and others are fleeing to escape the horrors of war. It is an honor to play a leadership role at The Jewish Agency for Israel which works globally to ensure the safety and security of the Jewish people, saving Jewish lives each day, while assuring that they can always find a safe haven in the land of Israel.” Haim Taib, Founder and President of the Mitrelli Group and Menomadin foundation: “I am proud and emotional to be leading the March of the Living, for the first time, in memory of the wonderful Jewish community of Tunisia, which was occupied by the Nazis and experienced antisemitic persecution, forced labor and starvation. I will be marching with my grandfather Haim Taib in my heart, the man I am named after, who was sent to do hard labor and returned beaten and bruised, just skin and bones. It is important that we remember the story of the Jewish communities of North Africa during the Holocaust". Chair of KKL-JNF, Ifat Ovadia-Luski: "We will remember and never forget. Holocaust Remembrance Day this year marks eighty years since the outbreak of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. A rebellion that commands us to remember that there were those who tried with all their might to fight against the German oppressor. There was Jewish resistance. As a people and as a country we must remember and never forget what happened to our people in the ghettos, in the death trains, in the extermination camps, in the killing pits, and wherever human life was lost. In the March of Living, young people from all over the world will march along the railroad tracks between the Auschwitz and Birkenau camps, the same way that hundreds of thousands of Jews were forced to march to their deaths during the Holocaust, by the Nazis and their accomplices. In a place where death is present in every corner, we will proudly carry the Israel flag and say never again." About March of The Living The March of the Living is one of Holocaust Remembrance Day’s most recognized international events. Each year, some ten thousand participants march, Jewish and non-Jewish youth from all over the world, alongside Holocaust survivors, heads of state, ministers, religious leaders, intellectual and cultural figures, and many others. To date, approximately 300,000 participants from 52 countries have marched on the train tracks from Auschwitz to Birkenau in tribute to the greatest loss in the history of the Jewish people and humanity as a whole. For the thousands of Jewish youth from around the world who participate in the educational program, the March itself is one event in a two week long journey to Poland and Israel, culminating in a March of Rebirth to the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Israel’s Independence Day. Contact Details International March of the Living Revital Krakovsky revitalky@gmail.com Company Website https://www.motl.org

April 03, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Minuteman Press Franchise in Macon, GA Moves to New Location & Has Grand Opening

Minuteman Press International Inc

Richie Moore and his family have owned the Minuteman Press franchise in Macon, Georgia since June of 2017. As they approach six years in business, Richie, along with his father and his wife Elle, have moved to a brand new facility at 4341 Interstate DR, Suite B, Macon GA 31210. To celebrate the move, Minuteman Press in Macon held a grand opening on February 21, 2023, that was sponsored by the Greater Macon-Bibb Chamber of Commerce, the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Robins Regional Chamber of Commerce. Richie shares, “We have needed more space for the last 3 years. We wanted to get the equipment needed to do the things our customers have been asking us to do and now we have the space and a lot of the equipment needed! We want to show Middle Georgia that the big jobs don’t need to be sent out of our local area, and that Minuteman Press in Macon can produce and deliver for them.” Richie further explains the benefits of the new facility: “We now have a lobby that we can show off our larger jobs and spark ideas in our customers. If that doesn’t do it we want to set up tours of our facility to show the machines’ capabilities for prints. We have just upgraded our main production systems on all of our paper products so that we can print even faster and deliver higher quality. We are able to get longer lasting, higher quality signage done at a fraction of the time it would take a typical sign shop to print.” When it comes to marketing the business, Richie has followed the Minuteman Press system and reached out to his local business community through networking groups. He also focuses on education potential and established customers on the product capabilities that Minuteman Press in Macon has to offer. Richie shares: “We have participated in a lot of networking groups in the last 6 years and that has been some of the main drivers behind our growth. We’ve worked hard on getting out into the community and talking about our vision at Minuteman Press Macon to our customers. Our message is simple: We are showing Middle Georgia that having a quick turnaround doesn’t have to sacrifice quality. We educate them on the fact that having quality doesn’t have to come with the highest price tag. And above all, we make it a point to let our clients know that growing larger doesn’t sacrifice the customer care that our customers receive on a daily basis. “There is a big market for the medium-size niche jobs that sadly is getting left by the wayside. We have customers that want 500 boxes or direct printed bags. They are a small-to-medium sized companies and they don’t necessarily need 5,000 bags that are all the same. They want 500 of 10 different bags so they can sell more products. We want to offer an option to those people who need help with all of their printing needs and don’t want to go to 5 different places to get them all done.” -Richie Moore, co-owner, Minuteman Press, Macon, GA Franchise Support from Minuteman Press International Before franchising, Richie shares, “My wife Elle and I come from the insurance world and before that I worked with computers everywhere. My dad called me up one day and asked if I’d be interested in a printing franchise. One of our computer customers was Minuteman Press Macon and the owner called us and asked if we would be interested in buying the computers back from him. We offered to let us try running the business for a few months and see if it was for us.” He continues, “We did it and we loved helping out the customers. We loved that every day was something new to do. You definitely have to stay on your toes in a print shop! So, my wife and I cashed in our insurance bonuses and bought into a new business with my dad. From there, we have grown it dramatically and want to continue to grow with our customers.” Richie shares his thoughts on the support he and his family have received since joining the Minuteman Press franchise family. He says, “The Minuteman Press franchise has been around a long time and will be around a lot longer. If you have seen it printed, they have had experience with it. Our corporate office has been a great support to us when we had questions on how to help our customers. They have always been supportive in helping us reach our goals. This move to our new building has been the top goal for us for at least 3 years now, and we couldn’t have done it without the help and guidance of our local RVP Dave Walton and the local support team.” Richie adds, “We took over in 2017 but this Minuteman Press franchise has been in Macon for 35 years! We have a lot of experience and knowledge about the products that our clients want and possibly some that you don’t even know about that can help!” When asked about his final thoughts on the move and being business owner, Richie says, “I like to remind all of our clients that WE ARE LOCAL and that we can help. We would love to show prospects what we can do and invite them to tour our facility!” Richie concludes, “For business owners, I would say you need to s urround yourself with smart people that have done it all and are successful. This way, you will end up driving yourself to reach their level. That’s yet another reason franchising and Minuteman Press was right for us.” Minuteman Press in Macon is located at 4341 Interstate DR, Suite B, Macon GA 31210. For more information, call 478-474-6263 or visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/ga/macon/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

March 29, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Orange Tree Employment Screening Accelerates Momentum with Expansion of Senior Leadership Team

Orange Tree Employment Screening

Orange Tree Employment Screening, a technology-driven services company in the background screening industry, today announced that it has expanded its leadership team to include three new senior roles. Justin Jovle will serve as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO), while Bridget George will be the new Vice President of Client Services, and Brooke Boeser will help guide company expansion as the new Vice President of Marketing. The new hires will help the company continue to accelerate its strong growth while delivering unparalleled client service. “Over the past 18 months, Orange Tree has grown significantly, both organically and through acquisition. To continue this growth, it is important to strategically expand our leadership team,” said Renee Ernste, CEO of Orange Tree. “We are not stopping here. We have expansion plans which require expertise to enable the successful integration of the companies we’ve purchased and to support future acquisitions.” In addition to growing via acquisition and new sales, Orange Tree recently released an innovative online buying experience which provides buyers new levels of choice and pricing transparency. Available to all businesses, the online platform is targeted to the midmarket and small business customer who wants help in choosing the best solution with full visibility to pricing previously reserved for only enterprise businesses. “The buyers’ preferences have changed, and we are delivering what today’s customer expects and deserves,” said Jeff Ernste, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer. “Customers want to buy solutions tailored to their needs, in a way and at a time that is convenient for them, and with full transparency to the pricing and terms of their program. We are delivering a solution which aligns precisely with their needs. “The strategic decision to bring in tested leadership and launch a game-changing online buying platform means that Orange Tree’s growth momentum is just beginning,” concluded Ernste. About Orange Tree Employment Screening For more than 30 years, Orange Tree has provided technology-enabled background screening, drug testing, and occupational health services that are fast, easy to use, and can be tailored to the unique needs of each employer. Orange Tree streamlines hiring decisions, integrates with HCM and ATS platforms, and empowers employers in Healthcare, Manufacturing, Hospitality, Retail, Staffing, and other major industries to quickly fill open positions while delivering an engaging candidate experience. Learn more at www.orangetreescreening.com. Contact Details Razor Sharp PR Ray Young +1 512-694-6097 ray@razorsharppr.com Company Website https://www.orangetreescreening.com/

March 28, 2023 08:30 AM Central Daylight Time

Two EVs at Plymouth State University Delivered 1 MWh of Energy with Fermata Energy Bidirectional EV Charging Platform

Fermata Energy

Two Nissan LEAF electric vehicles (EVs) at the Plymouth State University (PSU) provided 1 MWh of energy to the PSU’s ALLWell Center, offsetting some of the building’s electricity needs. EVs are more than sustainable transportation; they are “batteries on wheels” that can send energy stored in their batteries to a building when paired with a bidirectional EV charging platform. The university is able to reduce its electricity bill and support grid resilience by taking part in an innovative utility rate program developed by its local utility New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC), electrification software provider Bellawatt, and Fermata Energy, the developer of the leading AI-driven bidirectional EV charging platform. The program at PSU is groundbreaking because it brings together EVs, a bidirectional EV charging system, and advance notice on hourly electricity pricing – called a Transactive Energy Rate (TER), enabling the university to easily make decisions about using the Nissan LEAF batteries as mobile energy storage assets. Under the program, PSU sent energy stored in the EVs’ onboard batteries to offset the ALLWell Center’s building load for approximately 90 hours during a 6-month period. One MWh is equivalent to the electricity used by about 330 homes for one hour. Through the NHEC application, TER forecasts electricity pricing one day in advance. Daily alerts about the next day’s hour-by-hour electricity prices are sent by NHEC to Fermata Energy’s AI-powered bidirectional charging platform, which then analyzes those rates, simplifies the information, and advises PSU about times the vehicles can discharge the batteries to maximize value for the university. The university controls whether to discharge by parking the EVs and plugging them into the Fermata Energy bidirectional charger. “Through this program, we better understand how we use electricity and can actively reduce our electricity costs. We could do that with stationary energy storage systems, but EVs are more affordable and are easy to manage,” said Donald Brix, president of Plymouth State University. “NHEC has always been a great partner for us. Fermata Energy's technology puts the EV batteries ‘behind the meter,’ sending electricity to the ALLWell Center to reduce our costs. Anything left over is shared with the grid. Not only did the university save money, but we provided a fantastic learning experience to our students.” The day-ahead electricity pricing enables PSU to buy electricity from the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative at low prices and store that energy in the EV batteries. When the price of electricity is higher, PSU can then discharge the batteries and sell the energy back to NHEC. This is known as electricity arbitrage. The successful outcome of this hourly electricity pricing program creates a pathway for NHEC to compensate its members for power exported from Distributed Energy Resources, such as EV batteries and solar. "V2G is working today. Bidirectional EVs are valuable assets that can help stabilize the grid by dispatching energy stored in batteries - when and where that energy is needed most,” said David Slutzky, founder and CEO of Fermata Energy. "The NHEC program is one of the country’s most innovative rates and works very well with our AI-driven, vehicle-to-grid platform." "We are fortunate to have such great collaborators like Fermata Energy and Plymouth State University (PSU) on this project,” said NHEC Vice President of Power Resources and Access Brian Callnan. “Technology from Fermata Energy allows us to purchase the necessary grid services to serve our members from PSU, who happen to be a member themselves. We’re thrilled to see members serving members with this program.” Callnan continued, “Bidirectional charging and TER allow the university to redefine their electric vehicles as a distributed energy resource (DER) that benefits them and all our members in the electric cooperative." The Nissan LEAF is one of the few EVs currently on the road and able to participate in bidirectional charging. Fermata Energy’s bidirectional charging platform manages the EV’s state of charge, sends alerts to customers, and allows fleet owners to both charge and discharge EV batteries. Until recently, commercial fleet EV operators could only use unidirectional chargers, meaning the power went from the grid to the EV, costing the EV owner money. Unidirectional charging is also an unpredictable electricity demand that utilities need to manage and plan for. Bidirectional charging changes that dynamic. Fermata Energy’s platform can also monitor building load data, helping to manage electricity usage better. The technology is referred to as vehicle-to-everything and includes V2G (vehicle-to-grid), V2B (vehicle-to-building), and V2H (vehicle-to-home) projects. Fermata Energy has V2X bidirectional programs working in several New England utilities, including Green Mountain Power, Eversource, and Rhode Island Energy. These programs have proven effective at offsetting surging customer demand by dispatching power from customer-owned batteries. About Fermata Energy Park it. Plug it. Profit. Fermata Energy’s proprietary vehicle-to-everything (V2X) bidirectional charging platform turns EVs into batteries on wheels, enabling EV fleet owners to earn money from their local utility. With managed bidirectional charging, utilities can add EVs as grid edge resources to increase resilience, easily add them to virtual power plants, and avoid building new peaker plants. V2X includes V2G (vehicle-to-grid), V2B (vehicle-to-building), and V2H (vehicle-to-home) installations. Fermata Energy is a technology-agnostic developer of AI-driven bidirectional charging platforms. Learn more at www.fermataenergy.com and follow us on LinkedIn. About Bellawatt Bellawatt is a software consultancy that specializes in assisting energy industry participants with researching, designing, and building their most innovative ideas. Visit bellawatt.com to learn more. About NHEC NHEC is a nonprofit, member-owned electric distribution cooperative providing energy and energy solutions to members in 86,000 homes and businesses in 118 New Hampshire communities. Visit www.nhec.com to learn more. Contact Details Fermata Energy Daniel Cherrin +1 313-300-0932 dcherrin@northcoaststrategies.com Company Website https://www.fermataenergy.com

March 28, 2023 08:37 AM Eastern Daylight Time

NAVEX 2023 Global Incident Management Benchmark Study Reveals Shifts in Workplace Culture and Reporting Trends

NAVEX Global

NAVEX, the leader in integrated risk and compliance management software, has released its 2023 Hotline & Incident Management Benchmark Report. The bellwether annual benchmark report provides valuable insight into the workplace culture of 52 million employees across 3,430 organizations, examining the trends of 1.52 million reports from across the globe. "We use NAVEX's annual benchmark report to help inform our risk management strategy," says FedEx Chief Compliance Officer Justin Ross. "As an industry leader, we do our best to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest incident reporting and risk management trends. The insight this report provides helps us do just that." “NAVEX has long been the gold standard for risk and compliance data analytics in the industry. This annual benchmark study is derived from the world’s largest incident reporting database by far,” says Carrie Penman, NAVEX chief risk and compliance officer. “Our expanded analytics in 2023 allowed for a deeper examination of the issues and behaviors that are most impactful to today’s workplaces. Chief among them is workplace civility, which is likely driven by increased societal tension generally.” This year’s analysis of the data revealed four key themes and several notable findings: Reporting at an all-time high, but reporters proceeded with more caution. This year’s analysis revealed the highest median level of Reports per 100 Employees (1.47) in the history of this report. Further, 21% of organizations received five or more Reports per 100 Employees, a positive finding. However, data also showed a return to higher levels of anonymous reporting (56%), indicating more reporter concern about providing their name. HR-related reports are still the majority, but more granular analysis reveals workplace stresses. The median organization had nearly 54% of its reports in the HR, Diversity & Workplace Respect category, up from 50% in 2021. Reviewing the reporting frequency across deeper issue types offers more insight into organizational stresses and behaviors – particularly an increase in workplace civility concerns involving abusive or disrespectful behavior. The data also shows the frequency of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and substance abuse reports in 2022 all increased. These metrics are important to watch as a measure of cultural health and potentially a measure of mental health risks. People want to talk live, but a written web-based report is more likely to be substantiated. While general communications modes move more to texting and instant messaging, this year's data shows an increase in telephonic helpline reports, from 31% in 2021 to 34% in 2022. Hybrid work models have made it easier for employees to make a telephone report from home and more challenging to report in person. However, more thoughtful written reports, submitted via the web, are more likely to be substantiated than phone reports. In 2022, the median Substantiation Rate for web reports was 39% compared to 33% for phone. Size matters – smaller organizations have higher reporting rates; mid-size companies are experiencing some challenges. The 2022 analysis reveals that smaller organizations with fewer than 2,500 employees registered the highest Reports per 100 Employees at 2.99. In contrast, the largest organizations, with over 100,000 employees, had a much lower rate of only 1.20 Reports per 100 Employees. Mid-sized companies with 2,500-49,999 employees had the lowest rate of all, with fewer than 1.0 Reports per 100 Employees. Organizations with 2,500 to 5,999 employees recorded the highest rate of anonymous reporting at 60%. "Data is at the heart of making smart decisions about risk management and spotting potential problems throughout the organization. This is particularly important for issues affecting workplace culture. NAVEX's integrated data platform provides industry-leading insights and a unique window into the performance of their risk and compliance program, which in turn helps them achieve the business outcomes that matter most," says A.G. Lambert, NAVEX chief product officer. Additional notable findings include: The frequency of bribery and corruption reports increased in 2022, as did product quality and safety reports. Conflicts of interest reporting dropped significantly but is still in the top five. Data privacy and protection also made the top five. While overall Substantiation Rates remained steady at 41%, the five issue types with the highest frequency of substantiation were: global trade (76%), imminent threat to a person or property (75%), environment (71%), Data privacy and protection (68%), misuse or misappropriation of assets (67%) and health and safety (65%). More than half of organizations have a median Case Closure Time under 30 days. The largest organizations had the shortest Case Closure Time. Notable, and perhaps concerning, is a median of 18% of cases were closed on the same day they were received. This finding indicates instances that may have been forwarded to a different department and resolved prior to complete resolution, implying that a case classified as "closed" for compliance does not necessarily denote closure for the organization. For more insights on the 2023 Incident Management Benchmark Report, join Justin Ross, FedEx chief compliance officer, Carrie Penman, NAVEX chief risk & compliance officer, and Anders Olsen, NAVEX senior data scientist, for an informative webinar where they will discuss the results of this year’s analysis in detail. Register here or, read our blog, Don’t Miss Out – World’s Leading Hotline Webinar & Report Released March 28. NAVEX is trusted by thousands of customers worldwide to help them achieve the business outcomes that matter most. As the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software and services, we deliver solutions through the NAVEX One platform, the industry’s most comprehensive governance, risk and compliance (GRC) information system. For more information, visit NAVEX.com and our blog. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Contact Details NAVEX Scott Levesque +1 617-388-5773 scott.levesque@navex.com Company Website https://www.navex.com

March 28, 2023 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Top Finance Strategists Marvin Markus & Mark Liff Join Siebert Williams Shank as Managing Directors

Siebert Williams Shank

Siebert Williams Shank & Co. (SWS), the nation’s leading woman- and minority-owned, non-bank financial firm, has announced the hiring of Marvin Markus and Mark Liff, two financial industry veterans whose decades of experience will further strengthen and expand the capabilities of the firm’s infrastructure and higher education divisions. “With the addition of Marvin Markus and Mark Liff, our firm is adding two senior bankers with a long track record of success for some exceptionally well-respected clients and major, large-scale transactions. We are thrilled that they selected Siebert Williams Shank for the next and greatest stage of their careers,” said Suzanne Shank, President & CEO. “Siebert Williams Shank is strong because of the remarkable talent and professionals we are attracting to be part of our firm. Even in times when other firms have paused their hiring initiatives, we have remained focused on strategic growth.” Markus was the lead banker in the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan following the 9-11 terrorist attacks under the "Liberty Bond” program, including Towers One, 3, 4 and 7 of the World Trade Center, and the Manhattan headquarters for Goldman Sachs and IAC. He has been a trusted advisor to public sector clients, including: the Empire State Development Corporation, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, United Nations Development Corporation, Veterans Administration along with the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Education, Transportation and Housing and Urban Development. Markus, a 40-year veteran of infrastructure investment and banking will serve as a Senior Advisor and Managing Director. In this role, he will strengthen the infrastructure and real estate practice of SWS, lending his experience to financing initiatives that intersect the municipal markets, including real estate and structured finance and securitization. Over the course of his career, Markus worked at Goldman Sachs, Paine Webber, Kidder Peabody, and Bear Stearns, where he held senior roles and led significant financings. These included tax-exempt projects on behalf of numerous governmental clients at the federal, state, and local level, as well as international sovereign entities. He also served two terms as Chair of NY City Rent Guidelines Board and the New York City Redistricting Commission. Prior to his move into investment banking, he was the Deputy Commissioner of the city’s Department of Housing Preservation & Development and led its policy and intergovernmental affairs. “I am thrilled to join a first-class investment banking operation. Siebert Williams Shank’s reputation for expertly executed funding of top infrastructure projects is second to none. I could not imagine a better fit and be able to continue facilitating the most important transactions of our time,” said Markus. Mark Liff has joined SWS as a Managing Director following a decades-long career providing comprehensive investment banking services to major private and public colleges and universities, as well as prominent not-for-profit institutions. At institutions that include UBS Financial Services, JP Morgan and Merrill Lynch, Liff helped develop and implement complex financing and directed credit/rating strategies for major higher educational institutions, including Cornell University, Princeton University, New York University, California Institute of the Arts, University of Massachusetts, University of Connecticut, Lehigh University, Boston University, and all of New Jersey’s public colleges and universities. Gary Hall, President of Infrastructure & Public Finance at SWS said: “Siebert continues to make strategic hires to add top tier talent to grow our different practice specialties and regional teams. Marvin and Mark’s depth and breadth of experience will raise the bar for our infrastructure and higher educational practices and allow SWS to continue delivering deeper and impactful opportunities to clients across the nation.” Mark has driven major investment opportunities and transactions for clients, including the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority’s 14,000 seat capacity Amica Mutual Pavilion acquisition, and in New Jersey, he served as senior manager to the State’s most recent Higher Education Capital Improvement Fund credit restructuring and bond issuance. He has served in senior capacities for the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (“DASNY”), New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority (“NJEFA”), Maine Health and Higher Educational Facilities Authority (“MHHEFA”) and Rhode Island Health and Educational Building Corporation (“RIHEBC”), for which he helped establish that state’s public schools’ revenue bond program. On the nonprofit side, Mark served as senior banker to institutions, including: the American Red Cross, Metropolitan Opera, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Children’s Aid Society, UJA-Federation, Institute for Advanced Study, Institute of International Education, YMCA of Greater New York, New England Aquarium, Low Income Investment Fund, American Museum of Natural History, Salvation Army, and Consumer Union of the United States. “I am excited to join the Siebert Williams Shank team to help public and private colleges and universities and other not-for-profits achieve their strategic and financing objectives ” said Liff. Dually headquartered in New York, NY and Oakland, CA, SWS is an independent non-bank financial services firm that offers investment banking, sales and trading, research, and advisory services. SWS counts 74 Fortune 100 companies among its clients. Contact Details Butler Associates Tom Butler +1 646-213-1802 TButler@ButlerPR.com Christian Agredo +1 646-213-0286 CAgredo@ButlerPR.com Company Website https://www.siebertwilliams.com/

March 27, 2023 10:52 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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