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AGC Biologics, a leading global Biopharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), today announced at BIO International the completion of its new manufacturing building at the AGC Biologics Copenhagen campus. The completed work doubles the site’s single-use bioreactor capacity for mammalian services and allows it to produce 150 more batches of drug product each year.

The expansion adds 19,000 m2 of space in an ultramodern building that houses a large manufacturing floor, expanded quality control and process development lab space, utilities to support all operations and prevent outages caused by natural disasters, and a fully dedicated warehouse to serve the entire AGC Biologics Copenhagen campus.

The new AGC Biologics Copenhagen manufacturing building is already in production with its first customer, a phase II/III clinical product. AGC Biologics announced the planned expansion in November 2020, investing roughly $200 million into the work.

One-of-a-kind single-use manufacturing offering

The new manufacturing area offers 8 x 2,000 L single-use bioreactors with two seed trains, as well as two independent downstream suites—more than doubling the existing capacity offered at this site for mammalian-based projects.

AGC Biologics Copenhagen is now one of the only sites in the world with multiple single-use bioreactor systems of this magnitude capable of producing batches at high-levels of clinical and commercial production. Further, for developers needing to transfer in an existing process, AGC Biologics Copenhagen’s multiple single-use suites give the site greater flexibility to take on technical transfers and perform like-for-like process and knowledge activities for products entering the facility, eliminating lag time associated with onboarding a new CDMO.

AGC Biologics has been a leader in single-use technology over the last decade, and it is one of the largest CDMO networks in the industry offering flexible and scalable single-use bioreactors systems.

The news comes after AGC Biologics announced an end-to-end protein biologics drug product partnership with Dutch-based BioConnection in late May. The alliance provides a secure and full-service “gene-to-vial” offering for biopharma developers with drug substance development, manufacturing and aseptic fill and finish capabilities for drug products.

“AGC Biologics Copenhagen site continues to be one of the most active in our network with all the necessary commercial approvals—FDA, EMA, HCA, PMDA, ANVISA, etc.—and we are more than happy to offer the capacity and capabilities our current and future customers will look for with this completed expansion,” said Christoph Winterhalter, CBO, AGC Biologics. “The expansion, combined with our new drug product alliance, demonstrates AGC Biologics’ agility to meet all the needs developers may have, from pre-clinical through commercial.”

AGC Biologics’ Copenhagen site core teams of scientists have more than 25 years of expertise in biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing, including seven commercial products brought to market. The site offers pre-clinical through commercial production for protein biologics services using mammalian and microbial systems. It has a gold EcoVadis Sustainability Rating for its environmental, health and sustainability practices.

“I am extremely proud of the work and collaboration of everyone at our site over the last several years, it is truly remarkable to see what we can accomplish by working together. We are eager to offer more of the important capabilities the industry is looking for to support patients in need,” said Andrea C. Porchia, General Manager, AGC Biologics Copenhagen.

To learn more about AGC Biologics Copenhagen, visit www.agcbio.com/facilities/copenhagen. For more information about AGC Biologics’ global CDMO services go to www.agcbio.com.

About AGC Biologics

AGC Biologics is a leading global biopharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with a strong commitment to delivering the highest standard of service as we work side-by-side with our clients and partners, every step of the way. We provide world-class development and manufacture of mammalian and microbial-based therapeutic proteins, plasmid DNA (pDNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), viral vectors, and genetically engineered cells. Our global network spans the U.S., Europe, and Asia, with cGMP-compliant facilities in Seattle, Washington; Boulder and Longmont, Colorado; Copenhagen, Denmark; Heidelberg, Germany; Milan, Italy; and Chiba, Japan. We currently employ more than 2,500 Team Members worldwide. Our commitment to continuous innovation fosters the technical creativity to solve our clients’ most complex challenges, including specialization in fast-track projects and rare diseases. AGC Biologics is a part of AGC Inc.’s Life Science Company. The Life Science company runs more than 10 global facilities focused on biopharmaceuticals, advanced therapies, small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients, and agrochemicals. To learn more, visit www.agcbio.com.

Media Contact

Nick McDonald

+1 425-419-3555

nmcdonald@agcbio.com

Our Authors Study Club, an organization dedicated to making the world more aware, connected, and invested in the African American and African diaspora experience, has announced the call for its 2024 entering freshmen scholarship applications and inaugural graduate applications for the Dr. Toni-Mokjaetji Humber Scholarship Award. The deadline to apply for both is midnight on June 30, 2024.

High school seniors from Southern California accepted to a college or university and entering during the fall of 2024 are eligible to apply. A combination of GPA, awards, community service essay and interview will be considered in the selection process. It is imperative that the applicants complete all information and submit it before or by the deadline. Complete information and the application can be found online at www.oasc.org/scholarship-information. 

OASC also revealed the naming of the new graduate “Mokjaetji” (meaning illuminate) Scholarship Award in memoriam of lifetime member Dr. Toni-Mokjaetji Humber, vice president and scholarship chair. This award celebrates Dr. Humber's lifelong love for history, learning, and exploration. As the first graduate to receive scholarship support from OASC many years ago, she spoke frequently about the experience and how it influenced her passion to support students during her career serving as scholarship chair to the very end. The award is a fitting tribute to remember Dr. Humber and her contributions, and all graduate-level are eligible to apply.

As a crucial component of its mission, OASC plans to continue to offer scholarships in honor of its fundamental belief in the importance of promoting access to education for Black Americans and to provide resources for students to attain their educational goals and amplify their impact on society. 

According to Paqueta Davis, Scholarship Chair/Treasurer of Our Authors Study Club, "Our scholarships continue to demonstrate the commitment of Our Authors Study Club. By recognizing the legacy of Dr. Humber, we spotlight a prominent modern Black history figure and highlights the importance of investing in the education and future of young scholars from the African American community. It is a testament to our commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders." 

As OASC looks to take on new students, the club is proud to congratulate two of their scholars who have recently graduated:

• Camryn Burns, OASC / Mordena Moore Scholar from UCLA, majoring in education and public affairs
• George W. Hamilton, III, OASC / Dr. Dolores Nehemiah Scholar and a recent graduate of Howard University's Cathy Hughes School of Communication with a degree in journalism and a minor in economics.

George plans to work in the sports and entertainment industry and co-founded a basketball website and podcast in college titled the "Four Out, One In", which has become a website for all things entertainment. As George puts it, "I am heavily involved in my community because my parents taught me at a young age that if I help others who are less fortunate than I am, then God will bless me in the future. A goal that I have prided myself on is before I die, I want to make the world a better place for the next generation of Black people." 

In the future, Our Authors Study Club plans to expand its scholarship program and continue to create opportunities for students to pursue their academic goals and make a positive impact on society.

About Our Authors Study Club

Located in Los Angeles, Our Authors Study Club is a community of dedicated individuals who are passionate about Black history: past, present, and future. Our mission is to promote awareness, connection, and investment in the African American and African diaspora experience by providing opportunities for everyone to engage with our history through culture, scholarship, technology, and research. We foster meaningful conversations around the African and African American experience that inspire new books, films, artistic expressions, music, podcasts, blogs, and social interactions across diverse communities.

OASC is committed to preserving our heritage and legacy, which has often been underrepresented in mainstream history, literature, and media. We strive to ensure that libraries, museums, schools, and media that participate in institutionalized bias do not ignore Black lives. We believe that Black history is not just a part of American history, but it is American history. We take pride in recognizing, amplifying, and honoring the contributions of Black Americans.

For more information, visit https://oascla.org. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OurAuthorsStudyClub.

Media Contact

Lura Ball

vassie@oascla.org

Orbital Kitchens, a company that is known for pushing the boundaries of culinary innovation in the food delivery industry, announced the launch of their new Chinese takeout concept called Lucky Māo on all major delivery platforms. Lucky Māo offers an affordable yet premium Chinese takeout experience, curated by Executive Chef Tommy Lai, a Michelin star chef.

This announcement is significant as Orbital Kitchens continues to innovate and provide customers with a unique dining experience. Lucky Māo combines traditional Chinese dishes with modern twists, appealing to a wide range of palates and preferences.

The impact of this new concept is clear—Orbital Kitchens is setting a new standard for Chinese takeout by offering a curated selection of high-quality dishes that are both delicious and accessible to all. Customers can expect a culinary journey like no other with Lucky Māo.

According to David Richer co-founder and CEO of Orbital Kitchens, "We’re thrilled to unveil Lucky Mao to the world. This concept is the epitome of our relentless pursuit of culinary excellence and innovation. We can't wait to see the response from our customers."

Looking ahead, Orbital Kitchens plans to expand their reach and introduce more unique dining concepts to the market, continuing to redefine the food delivery experience.

For more information, please visit Orbital Kitchens at https://orbitalkitchens.com and https://www.luckymao.com/

About Orbital Kitchens

New York-based Orbital Kitchens is redefining the food delivery scene with its array of tech-enabled, delivery-focused restaurants. By leveraging technology and culinary expertise, Orbital Kitchens delivers an exceptional dining experience to its customers, with a promise of quality, speed, and affordability. For more information, visit https://orbitalkitchens.com.

Media Contact

Victoria Garcia

victoria@orbitalkitchens.com

Brooklyn En Vogue Fashion Show, a collaborative effort between The Bonello Foundation and Politically Urban, will take place on June 8, 2024. This dynamic event will showcase up-and-coming fashion designers and models while promoting confidence-building initiatives for young people. The show will also feature original art by former NBA player and artist Neil Edwards, along with poetry, singing, and performances by award-winning young musicians.

Founded by Stacey Bonello, CEO of The Bonello Foundation, and Quinnell Williams, CEO of Politically Urban, the Brooklyn En Vogue Fashion Show aims to change the negative narrative surrounding Brownsville and highlight the positive aspects of the community. By bringing together beauty and art in this vibrant neighborhood, the event seeks to celebrate the creativity and talent that thrive within Brooklyn.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Politically Urban and showcase the incredible talent that exists within our community," said Stacey Bonello, CEO of The Bonello Foundation. "Through this fashion show, we hope to inspire confidence in young people and foster a sense of pride in their achievements. Beauty knows no bounds!"

In addition to the fashion show and art exhibition, the event will feature delicious food, raffles, and vendors offering a diverse array of products and services. Attendees can expect an immersive experience that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Brooklyn while highlighting the innovative spirit of its residents.

"We believe in the power of art and creativity to bring about positive change," said Quinnell Williams, CEO of Politically Urban. "The Brooklyn En Vogue Fashion Show is an opportunity to showcase the beauty and diversity of our community while empowering young people to pursue their dreams."

The Brooklyn En Vogue "Pieces with Purpose" Fashion Show will take place on June 8, 2024 at Seeds to Roots, located at 179 Livonia Avenue in Brooklyn, NY. Doors will open at 1:00 p.m., with the fashion show beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Tickets are available for purchase at http://BrooklynEnVogue2024.eventzilla.net.

For more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities, please contact brooklynenvogue@gmail.com.

About The Bonello Foundation

The Bonello Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women, men and children, with a strong focus on the youth, through education, mentorship, and community outreach programs. Founded by Stacey Bonello, the foundation aims to create opportunities for underserved youth and adults to thrive and succeed as well as to amplify the voices of marginalized communities.

About Politically Urban

Politically Urban is a social enterprise focused on promoting civic engagement and community development through art, fashion, and culture. Led by CEO Quinnell Williams, the organization seeks to drive positive change through creative expression.

Media Contact

Stacey Bonello

brooklynenvogue@gmail.com

Quinnell Williams

quinnellw16@gmail.com

+1 917-870-4806

Michele Benjamin, a renowned New York-based Artist known for her nature-inspired and activist creations, is thrilled to announce her participation in the "Constellations of Creativity" art exhibition. The exhibition will be held at B.J. Spoke Gallery, located at 299 Main Street in Huntington, NY. Presented by Women In the Arts Foundation Inc. and curated by Helaine Soller, the exhibition will run from May 29 to June 30, 2024, with an opening reception on Saturday, June 1, 2024, and a closing reception on Sunday, June 30, 2024.

Michele Benjamin's inclusion in the "Constellations of Creativity" art exhibition is significant as it showcases her newest work showing Arizona subject matter. Benjamin's unique artistic vision combines jewelry, sculpture, painting, digital photography prints, and wearable art. Her work not only highlights her creative talent but also sheds light on important social causes such as women's empowerment, wildlife conservation, sustainability, and youth education.

Michele Benjamin's artistic creations have made a lasting impact on the art community, bridging the gap between art and activism. Her pieces serve as a visual representation of her dedication to promoting positive change and raising awareness for important societal issues.

In the future, Michele Benjamin plans to continue creating art that not only captivates the audience but also sparks meaningful conversations about the world around us. She is committed to using her art as a tool for social change and hopes to inspire others to do the same.

For more information about Michele Benjamin and her work, please visit https://www.michelebenjamin.com.

In preparation for summer, Turtle Wax is continuing its collaboration with Netflix star Mister Cartoon – the legendary tattoo artist and lowrider builder – to introduce three new car care products to its popular Art of Car Care™ line. Each of these will leave your car shining and protected all season long. The new products, developed with Mister Cartoon's expertise and passion for cars, are now available in-store or online at O'Reilly's or TurtleWax.com.

Designed to elevate the aesthetic of your ride while also leaving it properly protected, these innovations expand upon the seven detailing products the duo launched in 2023, along with numerous air care products. The innovations include:

All Metal Polish (SRP $13): This is not your average metal polish; it's a comprehensive solution for all your metal polishing needs, designed to bring out the best in your vehicle's metal surfaces.

• Its powerful formula contains precision polishing agents that brighten metal surfaces and fight off future oxidation.
• Specifically designed to restore the original reflection in chrome, aluminum, brass, stainless steel, and more, it will help to ensure your vehicle's metal parts stay as good as new – no matter what you drive.
• Added ceramic infusion helps clean, restore, polish, and protect all metal surfaces, making it a must-have for long-term metal care.

Quick Wax (SRP $12): Achieving the perfect, glossy shine for your ride is now a breeze, and it will remain fully protected, too.

• Ceramic infusion provides notable shine to your finish, as well as protection and exceptional water repellency in minutes.
• The powers of synthetic sealants and carnauba wax combine to create a stunning, mirror-like shine on all exterior surfaces.
• The application is quick and easy. Simply spray on a clean, wet, or dry vehicle and wipe it off to reveal the gloss shine.
• It's a hassle-free way to keep your vehicle looking its best, allowing you to focus on enjoying your ride!

Tire Coat (SRP $14): Thanks to ceramic and acrylic infusion, your tires will experience unmatched, lasting brilliance and protection for up to a year, giving you peace of mind that your car's appearance is maintained for an extended period.

• Tire Coat provides a deep black, high-gloss, layer-able shine, bringing water and dirt repellency while driving.
• Scrub resistance means you can take your car wherever you want, even wash it, without worrying about removing the coating.
• It dries to the touch in minutes and won't accumulate dirt, and you can hit the road without worrying about slinging.

With a rich history of involvement in the automotive industry, Turtle Wax and Mister Cartoon are not just names but symbols of quality, artistry, and innovation. They bring a product line that caters to all car enthusiasts, whether they own a daily driver, lowrider, custom rims, whitewalls, or custom paint jobs. No matter what type of vehicle you own, you can trust the combined expertise of Turtle Wax and Mister Cartoon to deliver exceptional car care products, ensuring your car’s appearance is in safe hands.

For more product information, visit TurtleWax.com or their YouTube page. To purchase, visit O'Reilly's Auto Parts online or in-store or TurtleWax.com. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the Art of Car Care line, a game-changer in car care.

Editor's Note

Click here for product photos.

About Turtle Wax®

The Turtle Wax story started with the launch of the first-ever bottled car wax in 1944. More than 75 years later, the 'Most Innovative Brand in Car Care' is still capturing the attention of the auto appearance industry with a cross-category assortment of No. 1 selling products. With product distribution in more than 120 countries, the Turtle Wax brand resonates globally. Still, the brand's heart remains in its hometown of Chicago, where award-winning innovation is still developed. For an inside look at the brand's breakthrough product development process or how Turtle Wax supports car culture worldwide, visit TurtleWax.com

Media Contact

Glenda Vaquerano

glenda@theidagency.com

Avenue Z, a leader in performance marketing and social commerce for direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, has partnered with SourceMedium to introduce their new Convergence Dashboard and Data Analytics Solution. This innovative collaboration merges SourceMedium's advanced data infrastructure with Avenue Z's expertise in data visualization and strategy, redefining holistic, data-driven decision-making. Avenue Z’s new dashboard platform allows you to see performance from all marketing channels, down to specific ads by the hour, with customizable views for faster insights into trend analysis, creative performance, customer lifetime value (LTV), profitability, and contribution margin, website performance, merchandising, and more.

As consumer behavior shifts and the market evolves, DTC brands confront challenges in optimizing marketing strategies. Avenue Z excels in driving profitable growth for DTC brands through performance media, digital marketing, PR, and strategic communications. With this collaboration, Avenue Z will leverage SourceMedium's proprietary data & technological infrastructure to optimize a brand's performance across the entire ecosystem, from The Wall Street Journal to Shopify and TikTok.

“The DTC reporting landscape has often been fragmented, with brands grappling to piece together a coherent narrative from myriad data points. Our collaboration with Avenue Z aims to change this narrative. By merging our advanced data infrastructure with their adeptness in data visualization and interpretation, we’re setting a new gold standard in DTC analytics. It’s about connecting the dots in ways that were previously unimaginable,” said Fei Wang, Founder of SourceMedium.

SourceMedium, a DTC data management, and AI infrastructure leader, equips brands with tools for digital success. Their robust infrastructure integrates seamlessly, ensuring efficiency and scalability in media buying. In building the Convergence Dashboard, a proprietary analytics dashboard with unmatched flexibility, Avenue Z is enhancing its capabilities to deliver even better client results. DTC brands that are clients of Avenue Z will now gain exclusive access to this proprietary tool and expert network.

“We are excited to partner with SourceMedium to develop proprietary omni-channel analytics dashboards that leverage source-of-truth cohort data,” said Jonathan Snow, Author of the DTC and digital trends newsletter In The Snow, President and Founder of The Snow Agency, and Chief Innovation Officer at Avenue Z.

The collaboration between Avenue Z and SourceMedium aims to create a third-party partnership focused on delivering unparalleled data-driven insights and strategies to its clients.

“This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission of driving profitable growth for DTC brands through the utilization of the most advanced tools and tactics available. In an ever-evolving market that emphasizes the efficiency of media dollars, we will now be able to provide our clients with an integrated, modeled data set that paints a clear picture of their entire digital ecosystem,” said Snow.

Avenue Z and SourceMedium are working on integrating an additional technology partner to inject AI-driven predictive forecasting and a recommendation engine into the proprietary tool. This modernized approach to performance marketing is long-awaited and will level up the meaning of “data-driven” for the entire DTC industry.

“The term ‘data-driven’ has been used and sometimes overused in the DTC space. However, with this partnership, we’re elevating its meaning. Being data-driven is no longer just about having access to numbers; it’s about understanding those numbers, predicting trends, and making informed decisions. By integrating AI-driven forecasting and recommendation engines, we’re pushing the boundaries of what it means to be truly data-driven, ensuring DTC brands not only stay ahead of the curve but redefine it,” Wang said.

As the DTC market continues to evolve, Avenue Z introduces Convergence Analytics, a Data Analytics solution that transforms cross-channel reporting through customized data modeling. This innovation equips marketing teams with advanced tools for detailed insights into customer journeys, enhancing decision-making and strategic control.

"Convergence Analytics, Avenue Z’s new Data Analytics solution, is revolutionizing cross-channel reporting by offering customized data modeling that delivers unparalleled accuracy for DTC media and marketing teams. We built this solution because our clients demanded better revenue attribution than what is typically available. By leveraging our platform, we can attribute clicks beyond standard tools like Meta, activating data that helps pinpoint the visits that yield more sales," said David Corchado, Chief Strategy & Technology Officer at Avenue Z. "This solution not only removes the guesswork from the path to conversion but also equips teams with control through focused dashboards, providing deep insights into the entire customer journey."

Demos of the Data Analytics solution and Convergence Dashboard are available now at AvenueZ.com.

About Avenue Z

Avenue Z is a strategic marketing and communications company breaking traditional boundaries between marketing, advertising and PR. From the Wall Street Journal to TikTok, PR to social and search, we create narratives that drive commerce, connections, and conversion, across all channels. With experts, tech and teams based in New York, Boston, Orlando, Miami and global reach, we drive influence. Visit www.avenuez.com.

About SourceMedium

SourceMedium is a pioneer in DTC infrastructure and data transformation. Their comprehensive suite of tools and solutions empowers brands with the insights and capabilities needed to navigate the digital landscape successfully. With a commitment to scalability and efficiency, SourceMedium provides the foundation for brands to thrive in the competitive DTC market. For more information, visit: https://www.sourcemedium.com/

Media Contact

+1 407-637-2833

press@avenuez.com

With hurricane, tornado, and wildfire seasons in full swing in many parts of the country, property damage and loss will be unavoidable in affected areas.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau is warning those living in areas that could suffer from a natural disaster to not only be prepared for the disaster but to be aware of the potential for fraudulent contractors and vendors taking advantage of victims in its aftermath.

Last year was a historic year for billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in the U.S., with 28 separate events costing at least $1 billion. In the 1980s, the average time between billion-dollar disasters was 82 days. In 2023, it was just 12 days, with these disasters totaling more than $93 billion in catastrophe losses. Upwards of 10% or $9.3 billion is lost to post-disaster fraud, which not only impacts individuals, but also impacts insurance premiums throughout the industry.

Oftentimes, these deceitful actors target neighborhoods affected by disasters and make an unsolicited stop at your home. They will take your money—often overcharging—and do shoddy or no work at all, promising that your insurance company will pay for it all.

On Tuesday, May 21, a nationwide media tour was conducted featuring NICB President & CEO David J. Glawe discussing how to avoid home repair fraud after a natural disaster and many other consumer friendly topics.

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/dJPZJMemFCA

Questions and Topics Mr. Glawe Discussed

• Why is contractor fraud becoming more prevalent, and who is committing these acts?
  
  
• What is NICB doing to help stop contractor fraud from occurring?
  
  
• What steps can and should homeowners take prior to a natural disaster and how can preparation help reduce chances of becoming a victim of fraud?
  
  
• What signs should disaster victims be on the lookout for that may indicate a dishonest contractor and what steps can people take to avoid being scammed?
  
  
• What resources are available to help homeowners and other disaster victims avoid potential fraudulent actors or report fraud when they encounter it?

NICB recommends following these tips before hiring a contractor:

Be Proactive

• Assess Damages: If you think you have catastrophe-related damage, reach out to your insurance company, and ask for clarification on your coverage.
  
  
• Recruit a Professional: Seek out a licensed, insured, and well-reviewed contractor before any potential fraudulent contractors come knocking on your door.

Research and Verify Before Signing Anything

• Research and Verify: Before hiring a contractor, research their credentials, reputation, and track record. Check for licenses, certifications, and reviews from previous clients. Verify their insurance coverage and inquire about any past complaints or legal issues.
  
  
• Get Multiple Quotes: Obtain bids from multiple contractors for comparison. Be wary of significantly low bids, as they may indicate substandard work or hidden costs. Aim for a balance between affordability and quality.
  
  
• Beware of Red Flags: Be alert to red flags such as high-pressure sales tactics, vague or evasive answers, or reluctance to provide written estimates or contracts. Trust your instincts and proceed with caution if something seems off.

Stay Involved and Take Account

• Written Contracts: Always insist on a written contract detailing the scope of work, materials, timeline, and a payment schedule that does not include large upfront payments. Review the contract carefully, ensuring that all terms and conditions are clearly outlined and agreed upon by both parties.
  
  
• Stay Involved: Stay actively involved in the project by regularly communicating with the contractor and monitoring progress, while keeping records of all work communications.
  
  
• Seek Legal Advice if Necessary: If you suspect contractor fraud or encounter significant problems during the project, seek legal advice promptly. A legal professional can help you understand your rights, explore options for resolution, and take appropriate action to protect your interests.

Report Fraud

Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it by calling toll-free 800.TEL.NICB (800.835.6422).

About the National Insurance Crime Bureau

Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is the nation's leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to combatting and preventing insurance crime through Intelligence, Analytics, and Operations; Education and Crime Prevention; and Strategy, Policy, and Advocacy. NICB is supported by more than 1,200 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. To learn more, visit NICB.org

Media Contact

YourUpdateTV

+1 212-736-2727

yourupdatetv@gmail.com

Today, CA Water For All shares research, "The Magnitude of California’s Water Challenges" by Jay Lund (UC Davis), Josué Medellín-Azuara (UC Merced), and Alvar Escriva-Bou (UCLA), that identifies significant future water supply losses annually for California, estimating that by 2050, the Golden State is projected to lose between 4.6 and 9 million acre feet of annual water—equivalent to 10–20% of its supply for California’s communities and farms.

This research supports the estimates in the Governor’s Water Supply Strategy and amplifies the urgent need to set necessary statewide targets in statute that will extend beyond any one Administration to create a sustainable and long-term water supply for all Californians and future generations, as established in SB 366 (Caballero).

"As water uses consistently change over time, our research points to future water supply losses from several changing conditions, a growing population, an expanding economy, increased needs for environmental uses, reduced Colorado River supply, and groundwater overdraft," stated Jay Lund, UC Davis. "Proper preparations and planning by the state, water providers, and all stakeholders will be critical to how California adapts to ongoing deficits and anticipated loss in supplies."

As a result of changing and worsening climate conditions, an aging water infrastructure, a growing population, a global economy, and antiquated state policies, California is facing an ongoing water supply shortage of historic proportions.

The research highlights the following consequences of continued inaction:

• Overall water supply will lessen, increasing the severity of droughts and increasing cost to the state to mitigate damages.
• Having to purchase or import water raises costs for cities and towns. 
• Agriculture’s shift toward permanent crops—about one-third of irrigated California land today— increases the costs of fallowing farmland.
• The projected annual loss equates to 50–90% of statewide urban water use, or between 1.5 and 3 million acres of irrigated farmland.

"The findings of this important research reinforce what the Governor and his Administration have asserted in their Water Supply Strategy, and calls for policymakers to take action to codify water supply targets capable of advancing policy solutions that will address and implement new approaches to modernizing water management and planning," stated Danielle Blacet-Hyden, Deputy Executive Director of California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA). "As a proud co-sponsor of SB 366, and on behalf of our statewide coalition of more than 150 organizations, we are eager to continue our work this legislative session to pass much-needed legislation and establish clear and necessary targets to address the perpetual water supply threat that grows worse every year."

Without clearly defined water supply targets and strategically planning the appropriate projects to achieve those targets, the state will continue to experience devastating water shortages in the future. SB 366 will secure an adequate water supply to preserve the California way of life, support economic vitality, and achieve food security, reliable energy supplies, support housing needs, ensure environmental uses, replenish underground and surface water storage, and maintain recreational activities. 

"As a water manager on the frontlines every single day, this research underscores the critical importance of not just planning for long-term loss but also short-term, extreme drought. SB 366 accounts for an annual loss of 10 million acre feet, setting the target in statute, allowing policymakers, regulators, and water managers to work together on how to make up for this anticipated deficit," stated Paul Cook, General Manager of Irvine Ranch Water District. "We are at a crossroads with our future water supply, we cannot afford to wait for the next crisis before making much-needed improvements in the system. The time to act is now to protect and support our future, the California economy, its environment, and our way of life."

SB 366 will be heard in the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee on June 25, 2024. 

To read the full report and supporting materials, click here. 

About CA Water For All 

CA Water For All is a statewide effort made up of more than 150 organizations seeking to educate policymakers on the urgent need for a legislative solution to address California’s ongoing water supply challenges. We are focused on bringing together the water community, policymakers, and stakeholders to collaborate on ensuring Californians have a sustainable and reliable water supply for all beneficial uses now and for future generations. To learn more or become a supporter, visit www.CaWaterForAll.com.

Media Contact

Kaitlyn Bryson

kbryson@ka-pow.com

+1 916-639-3227

PathAI, a global leader in AI-powered pathology, unveiled two novel AI products, PathExplore™ Immuno-Oncology Profiling (IOP) and IHC Explore™ (1) to empower cancer drug developers and clinical researchers with AI-powered insights. The product pairing provides unprecedented single-cell and spatial resolution of the tumor microenvironment from routine pathology samples to facilitate biomarker discovery and deeper understanding of treatment response for the next generation of cancer therapeutics. The expansion of the Explore™ portfolio comes at a time when AI-pathology is experiencing accelerated large-scale adoption across the diagnostic and biopharma industries.

“As cancer rates continue to rise, the demand for advanced precision medicine tools that provide accurate biological insights has never been greater. Our mission to make a difference in patient lives is unwavering, and these new products showcase our commitment to providing researchers with the tools they need to make meaningful advancements in cancer research, treatment and care,” said Andy Beck, PathAI CEO. “We're thrilled to introduce these two groundbreaking products ahead of the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting.”

PathExplore IOP: H&E-Based Immune Phenotyping

The composition of the tumor immune microenvironment plays a crucial role in characterizing tumors likely to respond to immunotherapy. PathExplore IOP expedites characterization of immune phenotypes by quantifying tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and their spatial distribution using routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) samples. With this new product, researchers have the ability to quantify TIL spatial arrangements within tumor core and periphery, and gain insights around the sample’s immune inflamed, desert, or excluded characteristics.

PathExplore IOP was designed specifically to quantify patterns of immune infiltration characteristic of a strong immune response, and ultimately improved patient survival. Immune infiltration has been previously shown to be prognostic of positive outcomes, however; standardized and scalable approaches for investigating these phenotypes remained elusive.

“PathExplore IOP illustrates the power of AI by visually interrogating the dynamics between cancer cells and immune cells with unparalleled resolution for highly accurate and efficient immune phenotype classification,” said Benjamin Glass, VP of Product & Translational Research. “Researchers can now access insights at scale to better inform biomarker strategies for patient stratification and mechanisms of response and resistance.”

PathExplore IOP will be featured in a poster presentation at the upcoming ASCO 2024 meeting, demonstrating the product’s application for stratification of patient response to checkpoint inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer.

IHC Explore™: AI-Powered Biomarker Quantification

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a widely utilized approach for identifying biomarkers unique to certain cancers, informing treatment strategies, measuring prognosis, and patient classification for clinical trials. IHC scoring in the early clinical settings can be time-consuming, subjective, and low-resolution. Especially in early stage biomarker development, defining an optimal scoring system for a novel IHC assay can be complex. IHC Explore™ fills a need for spatial quantification of IHC biomarkers in single-cell resolution with broad target compatibility.

IHC Explore provides a panel of standardized and structured features that quantify IHC stain abundance within and around cells of the tumor microenvironment, enabling drug developers to build biomarker scoring strategies from scratch for most IHC stains – and to precisely find those patients most responsive to treatment. PathAI’s partnership with Roche streamlines the translation of these AI insights and scoring strategies into companion diagnostic development.

“Drawing on our advanced computational pathology expertise, we're extending the impact of our Explore product suite, which enables us to seamlessly support AI-powered assay development,” said Hisani Madison, VP of Precision Medicine and Medical Device Development. “This advancement is poised to revolutionize biomarker-based drug development for new immunotherapies, antibody drug conjugates, and paving the way for the analysis of the next generation of targeted cancer therapies.”

Accepted Abstracts at ASCO 2024

PathAI will be attending and presenting abstracts at the upcoming ASCO event in Chicago, IL. Visit PathAI’s booth in the Innovation Hub (IH18) May 31 to June 4, 2024 to meet our team, learn more about AI-powered pathology, and engage with our scientists and collaborators at their respective posters.

Abstract # and Title

• 8539: Correlation of immune phenotypes derived from H&E-stained whole slide images with prognosis and response to checkpoint inhibitors in NSCLC.
• 4519: Association of machine learning (ML)–derived histological features with transcriptomic molecular subtypes in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Footnotes:

(1) PathExplore™ IOP and IHC Explore™ are for research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

About PathAI

PathAI is the leading precision pathology company providing software and AI-enabled solutions to all pathologist stakeholders including laboratories, research institutions, and the biopharma industry. Developed with the input of hundreds of pathologists, PathAI’s digital pathology Image Management System, AISight, is the solution of choice for laboratories transitioning to digital workflows. Rigorously trained and validated with data from more than 15 million annotations, its AI-powered models can be leveraged to optimize the analysis of pathology samples to improve efficiency and accuracy of pathology interpretation, as well as to better gauge therapeutic efficacy and accelerate drug development for complex diseases. For more information, please visit www.pathai.com.

Media Contact

Maggie Naples

+1 401-490-9700

pathai@svmpr.com

Activate Games Inc., the pioneering force behind the world's first active gaming experience, is thrilled to announce its expansive venture into the United Kingdom and Ireland markets with the opening of 30 new stores in partnership with We Do Play.

Following the resounding success of Activate's innovative gaming concept across North America and the MENA region, the company is poised to revolutionize the entertainment landscape in the UK and Ireland. With a commitment to promoting physical activity while offering unparalleled gaming experiences, Activate is set to captivate audiences across these vibrant regions.

"This expansion marks a significant milestone in Activate's journey," said Adam Schmidt, Founder and CEO of Activate Games Inc. "The UK and Ireland have long been on our radar as markets ripe for Activate's unique blend of interactive gaming and physical activity. We are excited to bring our adrenaline-pumping adventures to communities across these regions and provide an unforgettable entertainment experience for players of all ages."

Each Activate location offers an immersive gaming environment where players can #EnterTheGame and compete in a variety of interactive challenges. Activate promises an experience like no other, where players can unleash their competitive spirit while staying active.

"We are committed to diversifying leisure offerings and providing our guests with innovative entertainment experiences," said Richard Beese, Co-Owner of We Do Play. "With the launch of 30 new stores in the UK and Ireland, we are thrilled to introduce Activate to a new audience and create lasting memories for families, friends, and gaming enthusiasts alike."

The expansion into the UK and Ireland marks a significant milestone in Activate's global growth strategy. Activate is poised to unveil more than 20 new stores across the United States and Canada in 2024, including an expansion into the MENA region this Fall. Furthermore, Activate has strategic plans for international growth, with aspirations to establish 70 stores in 10 countries over the next 5-10 years. With locations worldwide and a dedicated community of fans, Activate continues to push the boundaries of traditional entertainment and redefine the gaming experience for the modern era.

For more information about Activate Games Inc. and to stay updated on the latest news and store openings, visit Activate or follow Activate on social media:

Facebook: Activate

Instagram: @activategames

TikTok: @activategames

About Activate

Activate is the world’s first active gaming experience where players #EnterTheGame. Activate offers a unique blend of physical activity and gaming that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Each Activate location provides fun and interactive rooms for players to compete, earn stars and track achievements. With the global headquarters located in Winnipeg, Canada, Activate has grown to 30 locations across Canada, the U.S. and now the world! To join the active gaming movement, visit playactivate.com.

About We Do Play

We Do Play specializes in creating unforgettable, immersive leisure and hospitality concepts. It started as a single brand, eventually incorporating Flip Out and Putt Putt Social. Boom Battle Bar was also previously co-owned by We Do Play.

Flip Out is a global indoor adventure park business and is currently the largest in the UK. Since 2015, Flip Out has catered to 8 million customers a year. Putt Putt Social is the UK’s leading Asian-inspired adventure golf, drink and dining experience. We Do Play is continuing to expand its footprint in the leisure and entertainment space, with its partnership with Activate being the latest addition to its portfolio. www.wedoplay.co.uk

Follow We Do Play on Linkedin: We Do Play

Follow Flip Out on Instagram: @flipoutuk

Follow Putt Putt Social on Instagram: @puttputtsocial

Media Contact

Jalila Singerff

+1 613-614-6777

jalila@jiveprdigital.com

The New York State sections of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW), comprising 17 dedicated sections across the state, triumphantly hosted the 50th anniversary gala of the Bethune/Height Recognition Program (BHRP) on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

With the theme "Advancing Our Mission, Strengthening Our Message, Refining Our Method," the event commemorated five decades of the BHRP's unwavering dedication to empowering African American women and girls. Held at Leonard's Palazzo in Great Neck, the afternoon celebration brought together distinguished guests, community members, and program beneficiaries from New York and beyond. The spirit of unity, reflection, and inspiration filled the room as attendees acknowledged the BHRP's significant impact over the past half-century.

Keynote Address by Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Elizabeth Boyd

The esteemed Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Elizabeth Boyd, a distinguished scientist, engineer, civic leader, and lifelong advocate for STEM education, served as the event's keynote speaker. Dr. Boyd's impressive background includes her tenure as the former national president of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. from 2000 to 2004 and her role as the former president of Alabama State University. Her inspiring address resonated with the audience, emphasizing the importance of continued progress for African American women and girls.

Leadership and Recognition

Johnnie M. Walker & Dawna M. Fields, National BHRP Co-Chairs, alongside Carol E. Moore, NYS BHRP Chair, and Gladys Keller & Evelyn Kinsey, NYS Luncheon Co-Chairs, led the organization of this historic event.

A Commitment to Continued Impact

The BHRP Gala serves as the pinnacle fundraising event for the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) by the New York State NCNW sections as a whole. Funds raised will directly support programs and services dedicated to empowering African American women and girls throughout the state.

The 17 participating sections are:

•  Brooklyn
• Co-op City
• East Bronx
• Flatbush
• Hudson Valley
• Huntington
• Long Island Cross County
• Manhattan
• Metropolitan Women's Network
• Midwood & Vicinity
• Nassau County
• North Bronx
• Staten Island
• Queens County
• Suffolk County
• Syracuse
• Westchester

Looking Forward

The 50th anniversary celebration marked a significant milestone for the BHRP. The event not only commemorated the program's past achievements but also fueled the organization's passion and commitment to shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

Full list of NCNW Affiliate organizations:

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
• American Federation of Teachers Auxiliary to the National Medical Association, Inc.
• Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.
• Chums, Inc.
• Continental Societies, Inc.
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
• Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
• Gamma Phi Delta Sorority
• Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
• Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
• Ladies Auxiliary, Knights of Peter Claver
• Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority
• Las Amigas, Incorporated
• Les Gemmes, Inc.
• National Assoc. of Negro Business & Prof. Women's Clubs
• National Association of University Women
• National Bar Association, Women Lawyers Division
• National Black Nurses Association, Inc.
• National Coalition of 100 Black Women
• National Coalition on Black Civic Participation
• National Delicados, Inc.
• Order of Eastern Star,
• National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.
• National Women of Achievement, Inc.
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
• Swing Phi Swing, Social Fellowship, Inc.
• Tau Gamma Delta Sorority, Incorporated
• The Charmettes, Inc.
• The House of the Lord Churches,
• National Department of Women's Work
• The Links, Incorporated and Links Foundation, Incorporated
• Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. (TLOD)
• Women's Home & Overseas Missionary Society
• AME Zion ChurchWomen's Missionary Council
• CME ChurchWomen's Missionary Society
• AME Church
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

About the Bethune/Height Recognition Program

The Bethune/Height Recognition Program (BHRP) was founded in 1974 and has grown into a great national movement. Its uniqueness comes from the annual opportunity it gives individuals to live the legacy of NCNW’s founder, Mrs. Mary McLeod Bethune by contributing to the work for which she dedicated her life. Proceeds from the Program help to undergird the vital work of the National Office by broadening and strengthening the financial base that is so crucial to NCNW's survival and its ability to affect much needed change. For more information, visit https://ncnw.org/bhrp or on Facebook.

Media Contact

Michelle Mitchell

ncnwnysbhrp2022@gmail.com

+1 516-387-2227

Entrefiliate, a company that specializes in supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, today announced that Entrefiliate is preparing to relaunch our new website including a featured section for small business and entrepreneur stories and we're loaded up with free resources to help small businesses.

The decision to revamp the website and add a dedicated section for small business and entrepreneur stories comes as Entrefiliate aims to provide even more valuable resources and inspiration to its audience. By offering a platform for these stories, Entrefiliate hopes to showcase the resilience and creativity of small business owners and entrepreneurs.

This announcement underscores Entrefiliate's commitment to supporting and empowering the small business community. With a focus on providing free resources and a platform for sharing stories, Entrefiliate continues to be a valuable resource for small businesses looking to grow and succeed.

Looking ahead, Entrefiliate plans to continue expanding its resources and offerings for small businesses, with a focus on providing practical tools and insights to help entrepreneurs thrive in today's competitive landscape.

For more information on entrefiliate and the upcoming website relaunch, please visit https://www.entrefiliate.com.

About Entrefiliate

Entrefiliate, based in Salisbury, MA, is a specialized blog and media platform focused on helping small businesses thrive. We cater to individuals poised to embark on their entrepreneurial journey, offering a curated collection of resources tailored for businesses at every level. Our unique approach provides the tools and resources necessary for anyone to take the first step toward entrepreneurship. With a bold vision to create 10,000 new entrepreneurs over the next five years, Entrefiliate is committed to being the catalyst for innovation and growth. Discover how we can help launch and grow your business by visiting https://www.entrefiliate.com.

Media Contact

Timothy Borthwick

connect@entrefiliate.com

NAVEX, the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software, has released its 2024 Regional Whistleblowing & Incident Management Benchmark Report. A deeper dive into the global data, it offers valuable insights into workplace culture by analysing 1.86 million global reports spanning 3,784 organisations that together employ more than 50 million employees. NAVEX analysed its global 2023 data by four main regions: Europe, North America, South America, and Asia Pacific (APAC).

“Understanding how regional differences may impact the level and types of incident reporting is a key component of evaluating the effectiveness of a whistleblower program. Consistent analysis and benchmarking of whistleblowing hotline data empowers organisations to take action and evaluate their risk and compliance programs,” says Carrie Penman, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at NAVEX.

“NAVEX remains the gold standard in risk and compliance data analytics, continually innovating our benchmarks to enhance corporate compliance programs and offer insights into the trending risk areas. New this year, we analysed critical third-party reporting trends in our research to involve a group that represents a diverse and distinct view. In this way, business leaders will better understand how to nurture ethical culture throughout the business including the supply chain.”

Europe-based organisations saw a larger share of reports from third parties

In a first for this report, NAVEX analysed its database by both employees and third-party reporters. Europe-based organisations appear to have received a larger share of their reports from third parties than peers based elsewhere in 2023 (apart from South America, where some metrics in this analysis are subject to greater swings). This may be related to a greater focus on third-party due diligence in Europe driven by regulations such as the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (commonly referred to as LkSG), the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, and sanctions regimes.  

Third-party reporters are less likely to be anonymous than employees across almost all measures, but some nuances remain. For example, organisations based in Europe and APAC have roughly the same anonymity rate for employees, but third parties were more likely to stay anonymous when reporting to an organisation based in APAC.  

The Substantiation Rate (the rate of reports that when investigated prove to be correct or partially correct) for third-party reports made to organisations based in Europe was actually better than the rate for employees in 2023—a surprising finding given the decreased proximity third-party reporters have to the organisation, its policies, and training.  

European headquartered organisations received the greatest share of reports of Bribery and Corruption 

The greatest share of reports pertaining to Bribery and Corruption by headquarters were for those based in Europe, which also showed a 10% year-over-year increase; 1.78% of reports in 2023 compared to 1.62% in 2022. Conversely, when looking at this category by report origination, reports in North America and Europe were far less likely than in APAC and especially South America to involve this Risk Type. 

March and October are peak months 

Interestingly, report volume is typically lower in the summer months. This appears true when looking at reporting by company headquarter location and by the region in which a report originated. Reporting shows two peaks across regions and measures—March and October. 

Europe shows increase in reporting…except the UK 

There were expectations that the implementation of the European Union Whistleblower Protection Directive would increase internal reporting activity across Europe, given that the regulation requires a wide swath of organisations to implement internal reporting systems. Data shows median Reports per 100 Employees is indeed increasing across mainland Europe.  

However, for the UK—notably not an EU member state and thus not subject to the Directive—report volumes fell. Comparing 2022 to 2023, organisations based in Europe saw median Reports per 100 Employees increase from 0.53 to 0.63, while in the UK, those values decreased from 0.53 to 0.43. This trend may change as the nation considers updates to its own internal reporting regulations, a process still under discussion in Parliament. 

Workplace Civility reports for European-based organisations more than doubled 

Workplace Civility issues (bad behaviour, bullying or abuse of power) experienced a major increase in frequency for organisations based in Europe; reports jumped 123% (2022 versus 2023). This trend was also evident in Europe by region of report origination, which experienced an 83% increase. By both measures, all regions saw this Risk Type grow year-over-year, yet Europe was particularly notable. 

Retaliation reports still low but are on the rise  

Finally, although always relatively low, retaliation reports represented a greater share of reports made for all four geographies in 2023 than in 2022, both in terms of headquarters and report origination region. Among the greatest increases were for organisations based in Europe, which saw a noticeable rise in frequency. Individuals who experience retaliation are much less likely to report again to the same channel, and this is likely a factor in the low overall volume of these types of reports. 

When reporters feel they cannot safely speak up internally, they may turn to an external regulator, revealing the need to address misconduct directly and for organisational change. Noting the protections provided to whistleblowers in various regulatory regimes, and that the EU Directive places the burden of proof on the organisation—not the reporter—proactive retaliation prevention processes are becoming more important than ever.  

Join our webinar for more insights on the 2024 Regional Whistleblowing & Incident Management Benchmark Report.  

About NAVEX 

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.

Media Contact

Anita Lo

anita.lo@navex.com

CloudCode AI, an AI-driven software solution, is thrilled to announce the launch of Kaizen, a cutting-edge open-source project designed to supercharge software application testing and code review. Kaizen leverages the power of artificial intelligence to help developers streamline their workflows, ensuring they can move faster without compromising on quality or security.

Maintaining high quality and security standards while meeting tight deadlines is a significant challenge in today's fast-paced software development landscape. Kaizen addresses this challenge head-on by providing an intelligent AI agent that assists developers in efficiently testing and reviewing their code. This innovative tool will become indispensable for development teams striving for excellence and speed.

Key Features of Kaizen

• AI-Powered Testing: Kaizen’s AI agent can conduct thorough and automated testing, identify potential bugs, and suggest improvements. By leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms, Kaizen ensures comprehensive coverage and accuracy, reducing the likelihood of bugs slipping through production.
  
  
• Intelligent Code Review: The AI agent goes beyond simple syntax checking. It provides context-aware code reviews, identifies potential vulnerabilities, suggests optimizations, and ensures adherence to best coding practices. This feature is designed to enhance the quality and security of the codebase.
  
  
• Seamless Integration: Kaizen is built to integrate seamlessly with popular development environments and CI/CD pipelines like GitHub Apps. This ensures developers can incorporate AI-powered testing and code review into their workflows without disruption.
  
  
• Continuous Improvement: True to its name, Kaizen embodies the philosophy of continuous improvement. The AI agent learns from each interaction, becoming smarter and more effective. This ensures the tool evolves with the development team’s needs, consistently providing value.
  
  
• Open Source Flexibility: As an open-source project, Kaizen invites contributions from the global developer community. This collaborative approach accelerates innovation and ensures that Kaizen remains adaptable and responsive to the diverse needs of developers worldwide.

Why Kaizen Matters: Speed Without Compromise

Kaizen allows developers to move quickly through their development cycles, significantly reducing the time spent on manual testing and reviews. Enhanced Quality: By automating repetitive tasks and providing intelligent insights, Kaizen helps maintain and even elevate the quality of the codebase.Robust Security: The AI agent’s ability to detect vulnerabilities and enforce best practices ensures that security is never sacrificed for speed.

"We believe that Kaizen will be a game-changer for development teams," said Saurav Panda, CEO of CloudCode AI. "By automating and enhancing the critical processes of testing and code review, developers can focus on what they do best: creating innovative solutions. Kaizen represents our commitment to empowering developers with the tools they need to succeed."

Kaizen is now available on GitHub, and CloudCode AI invites developers to join the community, contribute, and benefit from this revolutionary tool.

For more information and to get started with Kaizen, visit GitHub link and website.

About CloudCode AI

CloudCode AI is dedicated to transforming the software development landscape with advanced AI-driven solutions. Our mission is to empower developers with tools that enhance efficiency, quality, and security, enabling them to build the future faster and better. For more information, visit https://cloudcode.ai.

Join us in revolutionizing software development with AI-powered innovation!

Media Contact

Saurav Panda

team@cloudcode.ai

While Memorial Day itself honors Americas military members who lost their lives in service to our country, the weekend has become synonymous with travel, cookouts, and time with family and friends. Uno Pizzeria & Grill is offering a series of BOGO free deals over the weekend to help bring family and friends together. The deals will run Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and feature a different BOGO free deal each day. This BOGO deal encourages pairs or groups to come dine together and save.

On Friday, May 24, Uno Pizzeria & Grill will offer a BOGO Free Pizza deal valid on all deep dish and thin crust pizzas. Buy one pizza and get a second of equal or lesser value for free. Valid for dine-in and also take-out. Must use code BOGOFREE when ordering online.

On Saturday, May 25, Uno Pizzeria & Grill will offer a BOGO Free Entree deal. Buy any entrée and get a second entrée of equal or lesser value for free. Valid for dine-in only.

On Sunday, May 26, Uno Pizzeria & Grill will offer a BOGO Free Pasta dish deal. Buy any pasta dish and get a second pasta dish of equal or lesser value for free. Valid for dine-in only.

The Memorial Day holiday is on Monday, May 27. Uno Pizzeria & Grill honors those U.S. military members who have passed and thanks all service members for their service and commitment. All restaurants will be open on Monday.

Participation may vary by location.

About UNO Pizzeria & Grill

Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Uno Restaurant Holdings Corporation includes approximately 80 company-owned and franchised UNO Pizzeria & Grill restaurants located in 18 states, and the District of Columbia, India, and Saudi Arabia. UNO is all about connecting people over pizza—from its famous Chicago Deep Dish, which UNO invented in 1943, to its Chicago Thin Crust, to its gluten-free and vegan pizzas. The Company also operates Uno Foods, a consumer packaged-foods business which supplies supermarkets, airlines, movie theaters, hotels, airports, travel plazas, and schools, with both frozen and refrigerated UNO branded products. For more information, visit www.unos.com.

Media Contact

Chris Dellamarggio

+1 339-613-7641

cdellamarggio@unos.com

CAMS (Community Association Management Services) is excited to announce Robert DeSantis has been named vice president of its Myrtle Beach, SC region.

DeSantis has over twenty years of experience in the community management industry and has held diverse positions throughout his career. He is heavily involved in the Community Associations Institute (CAI) and has served on several committees over the years.

When asked about his new role, DeSantis remarked, "I’m happy to be a part of the CAMS Myrtle Beach team and look forward to a strong and successful partnership. I am eager to personally engage with each of our communities."

As regional vice president, DeSantis will oversee all area managers and work closely with the business development team to provide local expertise and promote regional growth. He will implement quality improvement initiatives, assist with employee recruiting efforts, and build and maintain positive relationships with clients and vendors.

Ronda Bossert, CMCA®, AMS®, senior vice president of CAMS South Carolina regions, is excited to see DeSantis step into his new role.

"We’re extremely happy to have Rob join our team in Myrtle Beach!" said Bossert. "His passion for the role and commitment to forging great partnerships with clients and employees is amazing. With over two decades of experience, we know he’ll be a great addition to our team on all fronts."

About Community Association Management Services

In business since 1991, CAMS is North and South Carolina’s premier community management company. With experienced local managers in each of its nine regions, CAMS provides innovative solutions to the community associations it serves. Additionally, CAMS was featured in Inc. Magazine’s 2022 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. To learn more, visit www.camsmgt.com/choose-cams.

Media Contact

Rudi Shelor

rshelor@camsmgt.com

PathAI, a global leader in AI-powered pathology, and Aster Insights, the leading provider of scientific and clinical intelligence for oncology discovery, today announced a multi-year strategic partnership to develop curated multimodal datasets that pair PathAI’s PathExplore (1) artificial intelligence (AI) tumor microenvironment (TME) quantification panel with Aster Insights’ Avatar clinical, molecular, and digital pathology imaging data. By combining their respective best-in-class platforms, PathAI and Aster Insights will be able to expedite the development of novel insights to accelerate the discovery and development of new treatments for patients with cancer.

The partnership will allow PathAI to utilize digital whole slide imaging (WSI) from Aster Insights’ Oncology Research Information Exchange Network® (ORIEN). ORIEN® members participate in Total Cancer Care® (TCC), the world’s largest and longest-running observational research study in oncology, which has accrued over 400,000 patients to date.

Digital pathology images contain a wealth of untapped data, and PathAI’s PathExplore is the world’s first structured, standardized, and scalable product that leverages AI to characterize the TME from routinely available hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained digital WSIs. PathExplore exhaustively detects and classifies the millions of cell and tissue regions across H&E WSIs to provide researchers access to important insights, such as patterns of immune cell infiltration and presence of complex tissue structures. These data are critical for better understanding existing treatments and the development of novel therapeutics.

PathExplore features are paired with Aster’s Avatar multimodal data including tumor whole exome and whole transcriptome sequencing, which allows researchers to follow a patient throughout their cancer journey and access rich information about their cancer biology. Avatar provides a powerful set of data, allowing for a deeper understanding of disease pathology, and what happens to patients when they are exposed to certain treatments.

“Analysis of histopathology images uniquely allows researchers to define and quantify spatial changes in the tumor microenvironment resulting from treatment or disease progression,” said Andy Beck, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of PathAI. “Our collaboration with Aster Insights is empowering researchers with robust multimodal datasets to explore hypotheses such as identifying and analyzing novel histological biomarkers correlated with patient treatment, outcomes, and gene expression.”

“Our approach to leveraging AI with multimodal data will lead to new information and deeper insights than currently possible,” said Anand Shah, M.D., CEO of Aster Insights. “Together with PathAI, we are creating new knowledge that is critical for researchers and life sciences partners to expand therapeutic options.”

PathAI and Aster Insights are offering these joint solutions to biopharma customers to support targeted and pan-cancer initiatives across the drug development lifecycle. For more information, please contact Aster Insights and PathAI. You can also connect with both companies at ASCO in Chicago, IL, from May 31–June 4, 2024.

Footnotes:

(1) PathExplore is for research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

About PathAI

PathAI is the only AI-focused technology company to provide comprehensive precision pathology solutions from wet lab services to algorithm deployment for clinical trials to the industry leading AISight Image Management System. Rigorously trained and validated with data from more than 15 million annotations, its AI-powered models can be leveraged to optimize the analysis of pathology samples to improve efficiency and accuracy of pathology interpretation, as well as to better gauge biomarker status and accelerate drug development for complex diseases. For more information, please visit www.pathai.com.

About Aster Insights

Aster Insights is the leading provider of scientific and clinical intelligence for oncology discovery. We partner with drug, biologics, diagnostics, and medical device developers to accelerate oncology product discovery and development. Aster Insights leads the Oncology Research Information Exchange Network® (ORIEN), a consortium of the nation's leading cancer centers that conduct Total Cancer Care®, the world's largest and longest running observational research study in oncology. Together, we are changing the way cancer is studied, treated, and prevented. Learn more at www.AsterInsights.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Media Contact

Maggie Naples

+1 401-490-9700

pathai@svmpr.com

Dawn Thomas-Smith

dawn.thomas-smith@asterinsights.com

The average enterprise uses nearly 400 SaaS applications that are not connected to each other, leading to data silos and scattered insights across the organization. In a significant move to streamline this process, UnifyApps has announced an $11 million seed funding round to build a unified integration platform that will allow enterprises to create custom applications 10x faster, build workflow automations and sync data between applications in real-time. The funding, led by Elevation Capital, along with participation from the founders and angel investors, underscores the growing demand for real-time connectivity between applications in the enterprise technology landscape.

UnifyApps was co-founded by Pavitar Singh (CEO), who served as the CTO at NYSE-listed enterprise software company Sprinklr, along with Sumeet Nandal (COO), Abhishek Kurana (CPO), Rachit Mittal (CTO), Abhinav Singi (VP Engineering), Rahul Anishetty (VP Engineering), Kavish Manubolu (VP Engineering) and Shivam Satrawal (VP Product Management). The idea for UnifyApps was born after the founders realized that enterprise companies lacked a solution for seamless app integration, leaving tremendous untapped value from cost optimizations and efficiency gains.

Pavitar Singh, CEO of UnifyApps, said, "The rapid adoption of SaaS applications has led to building silos within the organization with each team using their own set of tools which are not connected to the rest of the organization. Our vision is to change this by making integration simple and accessible, enhancing experiences for both customers and employees".

What sets UnifyApps apart is its comprehensive approach to integration, addressing four critical areas: data sync, workflow automation, no-code application development, and the creation of generative AI agents. While competitors may focus on individual areas, UnifyApps offers a holistic solution that delivers a better return on investment (ROI) and lower total cost of ownership (TCO) for customers. Currently, UnifyApps is targeting large, forward-thinking enterprises globally. The platform is designed to be ready for enterprise scale and complexity.

Looking ahead, UnifyApps plans to expand its platform to support over 5,000 applications and give organizations the flexibility to build their own custom integrations in less than a day. The company is also committed to advancing the capabilities of generative AI and building fine-tuned, purpose-built LLM-powered agents that will leverage these integrations.

"Our goal is to deliver value first products and obsess over customer satisfaction. We want enterprises to truly unlock the full potential of their technology investments. By using UnifyApps, they can unlock a lot of hidden value from their current SaaS ecosystem and propel the next level of growth.” added Pavitar Singh.

Mukul Arora, Co-managing Partner, Elevation Capital, said, “We are really excited to partner with Pavitar, who has deep experience in building a large enterprise-focused SaaS business, and was instrumental in growing Sprinklr to a multi-100mn dollar revenue company. With UnifyApps, he wants to build a future where seamless unification across applications and data can help large enterprises automate complex business processes and bring unparalleled efficiency. We believe this can be a massive opportunity and are thrilled to be a part of this journey.”

The announcement of UnifyApps' seed funding marks a significant milestone in the company's journey to redefine the SaaS unification landscape. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, UnifyApps is poised to reduce fragmented systems & bridge data silos by enabling teams to build complex applications, automate workflows and unify data across multiple applications.

About UnifyApps

Unifyapps is a cutting-edge ‘Unified Integration Platform’ powered by generative AI, revolutionizing how enterprises connect disparate applications. Founded in 2023 by Pavitar Singh, along with a team of visionary co-founders, Unifyapps operates globally with headquarters in India, Dubai, and the US. In its seed round, the company raised $11 million, with funding from Elevation Capital, co-founders, and angel investors. Unifyapps empowers enterprises to create sophisticated applications, automate business workflows, and construct robust data pipelines, catering to the needs of forward-thinking organizations worldwide. Designed for enterprise scalability and complexity, Unifyapps is at the forefront of innovation, transforming the digital landscape with its cutting-edge solutions.

About Elevation Capital

Elevation Capital is a leading venture capital firm that provides seed and early-stage capital for emerging companies in India. Having invested in India since 2002, Elevation has deployed over $2.6B of capital in 190+ companies. The firm announced its eighth pool of capital of $670 million in April 2022. Co-led by Managing Partners Ravi Adusumalli and Mukul Arora, along with Partners Mridul Arora and Mayank Khanduja, the firm has invested across Consumer Internet, SaaS, Fintech, Consumer Brands, Edtech, Healthtech and Deeptech. Elevation Capital has offices in Bengaluru and Gurgaon.

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AGC Biologics, a leading global biopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), and BioConnection, a specialized contract manufacturing organization (CMO) focusing on aseptic filling of vials and syringes for clinical and commercial production, today announced a new strategic partnership. The companies are partnering to provide end-to-end biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing capabilities for drug substance and drug product using the development and manufacturing expertise of AGC Biologics and the specialized aseptic filling capabilities of BioConnection.

The new partnership offers a seamless, full-service clinical-stage development and manufacturing solution that accelerates timelines and brings life-saving therapies to market more efficiently. By combining world-class drug substance and drug product services, AGC Biologics together with BioConnection now offer one convenient “gene to vial” value chain service with a single contract and project management team for the project lifecycle. Further, developers will save time and resources by avoiding long, complex processes associated with negotiating a separate drug substance and drug product contract and be able to conveniently plan drug filling activities for as soon as their substance release is scheduled—all through this new offering.

New Solution for Companies Potentially Impacted by U.S. BIOSECURE Act

This new strategic partnership addresses the ongoing needs of the industry in the wake of the proposed U.S. BIOSECURE Act. By having a combined end-to-end solution that uses facilities in Japan, the United States and Europe, developers now have a reliable and secure supply of services for development, manufacturing (including freeze-drying) and aseptic filling for their drug product’s needs.

AGC Biologics is especially well-positioned to support the needs of developers that may be impacted by this legislation, as it is one of the largest CDMO networks in the world offering single-use bioreactor technology. Developers seeking alternatives from their current outsourcing partner benefit from access to AGC Biologics’ single-use network utilizing the most ubiquitous bioreactor types, enabling an easier transfer of platform processes and reduction in process changes associated with changing outsourcing partners.

Combined Expertise and Resources

Through this new joint offering AGC Biologics and BioConnection are providing comprehensive solutions to meet the increasing demand for high-quality biopharmaceutical manufacturing services, while also continuing to offer their services independently.

AGC Biologics offers a broad range of protein-biologics services spanning from cell line development to commercial-scale manufacturing across its global network of facilities on three continents, supporting drug substances for microbial and mammalian-based systems, plasmid DNA (pDNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA). With a proven track record of delivering innovative biopharmaceutical solutions to clients worldwide, including supporting more than a dozen commercial products since 2018, AGC Biologics is renowned for its teams with deep technical and scientific expertise at its global facilities, and a commitment to quality, reliability, meeting product timelines and collaborating with developers to meet their needs.

BioConnection specializes in aseptic filling of vials and syringes, providing clients with tailored solutions for both clinical and commercial production of either liquid or freeze-dried products. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a highly skilled team, BioConnection is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of product quality and safety. Clients have valued BioConnection since 2005 for this and for its unmatched customer-oriented approach.

“Now more than ever global pharmaceutical companies and developers need reliable facilities to produce and fill their drug products, and by combining our resources with BioConnection we are offering a new end-to-end solution for them under one contract with AGC Biologics,” said Patricio Massera, CEO of AGC Biologics. “We believe BioConnection has a strong acumen, and this established partnership will enhance our biopharmaceutical manufacturing offerings by offering drug product service for protein biologics, allowing us to create deeper relationships with developers to help get their products to patients in need.”

Similarly, Alexander Willemse, CEO of BioConnection, commented, “We are excited to join forces with AGC Biologics to offer integrated manufacturing solutions that address the complexities of biopharmaceutical development. Together, we are well-positioned to support our clients at every stage.”

For more information about AGC Biologics please visit www.agcbio.com. Visit www.bioconnection.eu to learn more about BioConnection.

About AGC Biologics

AGC Biologics is a leading global biopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with a strong commitment to delivering the highest standard of service as we work side-by-side with our clients and partners, every step of the way. We provide world- class development and manufacture of mammalian and microbial-based therapeutic proteins, plasmid DNA (pDNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), viral vectors, and genetically engineered cells.

Our global network spans the U.S., Europe, and Asia, with cGMP-compliant facilities in Seattle, Washington; Boulder and Longmont, Colorado; Copenhagen, Denmark; Heidelberg, Germany; Milan, Italy; and Chiba, Japan. We currently employ more than 2,500 team members worldwide. Our commitment to continuous innovation fosters the technical creativity to solve our clients’ most complex challenges, including specialization in fast-track projects and rare diseases.

AGC Biologics is a part of AGC Inc.’s Life Science Company. The Life Science Company runs ten different facilities focused on biopharmaceuticals, advanced therapies, small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients, and agrochemicals.

To learn more, visit www.agcbio.com.

About BioConnection

BioConnection is a specialized contract manufacturing organization (CMO) focusing on aseptic filling and lyophilization of vials and syringes for clinical and commercial production. With state-of-the-art facilities, a proven successful EMA and FDA track record and a team of experienced professionals in Oss, The Netherlands, BioConnection provides tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of clients in the biopharmaceutical industry. BioConnection is specialized in fill & finish and lyophilization of small and large molecules, orphan drugs, personalized medicine and controlled substances. Its customers value BioConnection for its reliability. BioConnection is renowned for its reliability, with customers appreciating the certainty of delivery made possible by its extensive capacity. The company combines this reliability with a personalized approach to client relations.

Discover more at www.bioconnection.eu.

Media Contact

Nick McDonald, Sr. Manager Global Marketing and Communications

+1 425-419-355

nmcdonald@agcbio.com

Dennis Link, Head of Business Development

+31 412-846 036

dennis.link@bioconnection.eu