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ToolsGroup, a global leader in retail and supply chain planning and optimization software, is thrilled to announce that it has been recognized as a Leader in seven separate G2 Spring 2024 reports. This achievement underscores ToolsGroup’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the supply chain industry.

“We feel honored that so many of our customers have publicly shared their experience with ToolsGroup’s solutions,” said Kevin Young, CMO and Chief Growth Officer at ToolsGroup. “Our customers’ success is our success. At a time when disruptions and uncertainties have become the norm, it is truly gratifying that our AI-driven supply chain solutions are helping brands around the world maximize their service levels while minimizing inventory and working capital investments, regardless of the complexity of their supply chain or the amount of uncertainty.”

Across all report categories, just 10% of all listed vendors made it to the G2 Spring reports, and less than 4% of products and services earn Leader recognition.

Based on a wealth of direct customer reviews, ToolsGroup earned recognition as a Leader in the following reports:

• Grid® Report for Supply Chain Planning | Spring 2024
• Europe Regional Grid® Report for Supply Chain Planning | Spring 2024
• EMEA Regional Grid® Report for Supply Chain Planning | Spring 2024
• Momentum Grid® Leader for Demand Planning | Spring 2024
• Grid® Report for Demand Planning | Spring 2024
• Europe Regional Grid® Report for Demand Planning | Spring 2024
• EMEA Regional Grid® Report for Demand Planning | Spring 2024

To qualify for inclusion in the Supply Chain Planning category, a product must provide planning tools for demand, inventory, replenishment and ordering, facilitate delivery schedules and load planning, and customize plans based on individual business priorities.

Solutions in the Demand Planning category must produce reliable forecasts by extracting key insights from metrics like inventory trackers, converting raw data into actionable forecasts, supporting automation and leveraging predictive analysis.

Additional Resources

Learn more about ToolsGroup’s industry recognition from customers and analysts here.

See ToolsGroup’s G2 reviews here.

Find out why customers are rating ToolsGroup so highly at the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium in Orlando, FL May 6–8. Experience the latest AI-based solutions at Booth #817 in the Planning Village. Book a meeting with our experts today!

About ToolsGroup

ToolsGroup’s innovative AI-powered solutions enable retailers, distributors and manufacturers to navigate through supply chain uncertainty. Our retail and supply chain planning suites empower a new level of intelligent decision-making and unlock powerful business improvements in forecast accuracy, service levels and inventory—delighting customers and achieving financial and sustainability KPIs. Stay in touch with ToolsGroup on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, or visit www.toolsgroup.com.

Media Contact

Meir Kahtan

917-864-0800

mkahtan@rcn.com

On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, Eve Burton was awarded Crain's New York Business 2024 "Women of Influence" award on behalf of her mentorship of women. 

The celebration was held over lunch at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. 

Katie Bailey, HearstLab Senior Director, and local members of the team accepted the award on Eve’s behalf. In her remarks, Katie shared three of Eve’s most relevant career and life lessons:

• Find sponsors not only mentors. Mentors listen. Sponsors act.
• Take risks. Success is not final. Failure is not fatal.
• Empathy is our greatest gift. Use it.

In Crain's New York Business's nomination of Eve, they profile how she has “walked the talk” throughout her 21 years at Hearst. Every team Eve has managed has been composed of at least 50% women. Eve also launched HearstLab, Hearst’s venture arm that invests exclusively in early-stage, women-led technology startups. The impetus? Eve heard a statistic that moved her to take action as an accomplished businesswoman and woman executive: less than 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies.

Since its inception, HearstLab has invested in more than 70 female-founded companies globally with a collective valuation of $2.5 billion.

Its unique ecosystem includes the HearstLab Scout Network, an organization of nearly 200 women leaders and executives from Hearst businesses around the world. Within this network, accomplished women exchange insights, methods and new opportunities with HearstLab founders to ensure their business’s growth and success. 

HearstLab is especially grateful to the Crain’s New York Business’s newsroom for recognizing Eve and her investment in and mentorship of women in business worldwide. Crain’s history of identifying and profiling New York City’s most powerful women demonstrates their shared commitment to celebrating women leaders who use their position to open doors for others.

HearstLab would also like to extend a congratulations to all the honorees, finalists, and winners. Each woman leader and women-forward workplace is moving mountains in their respective industry and building ecosystems where New Yorkers, especially women, can flourish in both their work and life.

About Crain’s New York Business

Crain's reports on business opportunities, deals, breaking news stories, detailed statistics and market information on more than a dozen key New York industries.

About HearstLab

HearstLab provides cash investments and services to early-stage, women-led start-ups innovating across fintech, data analytics, health, transportation, enterprise technology, and media. Its mission is to close the gap in VC funding for women by helping founders build sustainable and highly scalable businesses. With access to Hearst resources across more than 360 businesses, HearstLab’s breadth of services includes assistance with privacy and security, software development, legal services, financial analysis, and marketing and design support. To learn more about HearstLab, visit HearstLab.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Nico Gendron

nico.gendron@hearst.com

ATFX, a leading global online trading broker, is pleased to announce that Nick Twidale has joined the company as Chief Market Analyst for the Australia region. With over two decades of experience in banking and broking, Nick brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to his new role.

Nick is a highly recognisable figure in the financial services industry. As the previous APAC CEO for FP Markets, GM for IC Markets and Chief Operating Officer at Rakuten Securities Australia and he solidified his reputation as a Forex Trading and broking industry expert.

In addition to his extensive professional experience in the broking space, Nick brings a unique 'trader eye perspective' to his insights and commentary honed during his previous 12+ years working on bank FX trading desks. These insights and expertise have gained him significant media exposure across multiple channels over the years, making him an ideal fit to bring the ATFX brand to the Australian region and beyond.  At ATFX, Nick will cover market updates and provide commentary through articles and videos from the AEST time zone, enabling traders to make informed decisions from both a fundamental and technical perspective. This exciting addition to the ATFX market analysts team will undoubtedly enhance the platform's market analysis capabilities, ensuring users' well-rounded and comprehensive trading experience.

Country Head for ATFX in Australia, Simon Naish said  "I am delighted to welcome Nick to ATFX. His proven track record in producing quality market commentary and analysis can only enhance our global offering, and his appointment marks another significant milestone in our commitment to the region."

The strategic hire of Nick for the APAC region reflects ATFX's commitment to providing the highest level of expertise and support to its clients. The team of 13 experienced analysts in ATFX, including Gonzalo Canete (Global Chief Market Strategist, ATFX UK), Martin Lam (Chief Market Analyst, ATFX Southeast Asia), and Gabi Dahduh (Senior Market Analyst, ATFX MENA),  totally cover the Sydney, Tokyo, London, and New York trading sessions.  They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, equipping traders with the cutting-edge tools and insights they need to make wise trading decisions. This new addition is a testament to ATFX's dedication to empowering traders and ensuring their success in the dynamic world of trading.

ATFX focuses on delivering world-class customized service to clients, combined with detailed trader education programs and tools. In 2021, ATFX established AT Premier as a premium market research portal for its Middle Eastern clientele that offers top-tier research from major investment banks and prominent market research firms, among other sources.  In 2022, to keep its leading competitive edge, ATFX stepped ahead with FinTech, which includes Big Data, Blockchain, and AI. The accurate raw data provision by CRM (Customer Relationship Management) is the key to success in FinTech.  With its huge structured data, the algorithm analyses clients' trading histories and behaviours and predicts the highest possible outcomes through Big Data modelling and analytic tools.  Due to the above, ATFX has distinguished itself in recent years.

About ATFX

ATFX is a global leading fintech broker with a local presence in 22 locations, and licenses from regulatory authorities including the UK’s FCA, Cypriot CySEC, UAE’s SCA, Australian ASIC, and South African FSCA. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, innovative technology, and strict regulatory compliance, ATFX provides exceptional trading experiences to clients worldwide.

For further information on ATFX, please visit ATFX website at https://www.atfx.com.

Media Contact

ATFX

sales.uk@atfx.com

MokaMoto Worldwide today announced its launch as a diverse-owned media buying and MarTech holding company that will empower brands of all sizes to address audiences through applied AI, cultural relevancy, and truly engaging advertising. 

MokaMoto’s operating units include Alpha Precision Media, Converze Media Group, and Solve Innovation Group, and its dynamic ecosystem harnesses data insights scalable across industries and geographies. The company is backed by purpose-driven private investors, whose vision is bias-free engagement that speaks to modern consumers. 

A diverse-owned media holding company, MokaMoto begins its mission by addressing a critical gap: In 2023, diverse-owned North American media companies only received 5.2% of total advertising and marketing spend—even though some 42% of the U.S. consumers (and most of Gen Z) are from minority communities. This disparity highlights the importance of MokaMoto’s mission to rectify such imbalances—at a time when global media spending is expected to grow from under $850 billion in 2023 to over $1 trillion in 2024, driven by an increase in social, retail media, and CTV.

"The launch of MokaMoto positions us to innovate and drive change, leveraging our omnichannel strategic lens, data-driven approach, and understanding of the on-demand world. Through the support of players in the ad industry like Publicis Media, via its Once & For All Coalition, and Verizon, we’ve been able to maximize our advertising opportunities and expand our business. This growth is a testament to our collective vision of closing the investment gap through strategic acquisitions, and developing transformative products and talent,” said Larry Harris, co-founder and CEO of MokaMoto.

As MokaMoto prepares for additional strategic acquisitions, it remains committed to broadening its reach with assisted AI and data, to better gauge consumer behavior. Harnessing these advances primes MokaMoto for pioneering predictive personalization and precision solutions across multiple industries and media channels.

“We look forward to continuing our relationship with the newly-formed MokaMoto as we strive for culturally relevant, creative ways to engage with our customers,” said Nakesha Holley, Media Strategy & Activation at Verizon. 

Harris’s experience spans c-level roles for digital advertising companies including Interpublic, PubMatic, Sightly, and Ansible Mobile. He was also asked to serve as a special consultant to DARPA during the Obama administration. Harris continues to serve as the CEO of Alpha Precision Media. He is joined by two partners and fellow MokaMoto co-founders: Chief Strategy Officer Melvin Wilson and Chairman Erik Miller. Wilson’s career highlights include senior roles at Interpublic, where he drove revenue as Head of Strategy of IPG Media Lab, and most recently he was founder of the Solve Innovation Group, a leading consultancy in tech and data equity. Miller is the sole general partner of Perspective Equity Partners and has over 20 years of direct private equity experience. 

Another key member of the executive team is Tammy Johnson, who has been promoted to Chief Revenue Officer at Alpha Precision Media. She is a proven leader with over 20 years of experience, and was named one of AdMonster + AdExchanger’s 2024 Top Women in Media and AdTech. Johnson has expertise in driving results for companies such as Xerox, CBS, and Shutterstock.

MokaMoto, itself a portfolio company of Perspective Equity Partners, was built to create more minority owned-and-operated products and services in the marketing, technology, and content sectors. Its operating units complement each other in approach and function:  

• Alpha Precision Media is an Amazon Advertising Partner and a leader in premium CTV, video and audio inventory, expanding its capabilities across multiple platforms. 
• Solve Innovation Group builds business solutions and experiences through the lens of value creation with clients. 
• Converze Media Group provides performance marketing, media, and localized transactions, with clients including Optima Tax Relief, Reputation Defender, and Facet Wealth. 

“I’m very excited Converze is joining MokaMoto,'' said Tedd Barr, co-founder and chief client officer of Converze Media Group, and MokaMoto board member. “In today’s ever-changing media landscape, their digital expertise will help us drive massive growth and expand our core audio and video capabilities."

Central to MokaMoto's strategy is its differentiated trove of data, consisting of 200+ million anonymized records that enable highly granular ethnic differentiation of the market and access to nuanced cultural insights—distinguishing, for example, between African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, and Africans. MokaMoto’s data is inclusive of all people and ethnic groups that self-identify, such as Asian-Americans, LatinX, German-Americans, Italian-Americans, and Jewish-Americans.

Based and headquartered in New York City, with offices in Huntington Beach, CA, MokaMoto will be holding its official launch at an exclusive event at the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) NewsFront on May 2 in New York City. This will include a panel discussion with industry experts on reaching culturally relevant audiences through innovation, moderated by CNBC’s Jon Fortt.

About MokaMoto

MokaMoto is a diverse-owned media buying and MarTech holding company committed to closing the industry gap in marketing investments and media ownership, and cultivating a modern marketing landscape that is equitable, rich in value, and representative of our society. Our operating units—Alpha Precision Media, Solve Innovation Group, and Converze Media Group—offer advertisers the ability to ethically reach and connect with audiences to deliver optimal results. To learn more about MokaMoto, please visit us at https://www.mokamotoworldwide.com.

About Perspective Equity Partners

Perspective Equity Partners is a boutique private equity firm that makes investments in strategically well positioned, growth-oriented companies operating in the technology-enabled services and branded consumer sectors. Perspective employs a founder focused strategy and invests in the underserved lower end of the lower middle market within the United States.

Media Contact

Niveen Saleh

Communications Lead, MokaMoto

niveen@apm.inc

NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA) recently concluded its 2024 Institute and Expo (I&E), April 22-24, in San Antonio, TX where 2100+ fleet and mobility professionals from around the globe convened to network, learn and explore the latest products and services from industry suppliers. I&E welcomed attendees from 46 states, 6 Canadian provinces and 16 countries, representing all sectors of the fleet industry including corporate, government, law enforcement, education, utility, and more.

During the opening session on Monday, NAFA Board President Mikel Camnetar, CAFM, kicked off the event with an update on the association’s initiatives. The session also featured fleet professionals who achieved their Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) designation.

"NAFA I&E is truly special, especially amid the dynamic growth and transformation within our industry," shared Camnetar. "Leaving I&E, we're filled with renewed curiosity, a deepened appreciation for our field and a stronger sense of community with our industry peers."

Additional I&E highlights included:

• Keynote addresses, led by esteemed author and leadership consultant Richard Hadden, and safety expert and leader Brian Fielkow. Hadden’s keynote, “Recruiting and Retention in the New World of Work” dove into the profound changes in the world of work, offering insights and strategies for attracting, retaining and engaging a dynamic workforce in 2024 and beyond. “The Roadmap to Fleet Safety” keynote led by Fielkow, shared invaluable insights into cultivating a safety-driven environment within organizations.
  
  
• General Sessions packed with insights from leading OEM professionals and impactful Industry Update Keynote by Ford Pro CEO Ted Cannis. Through his Keynote, ​​”Ford Pro – Our Learnings: Grow Productivity, Reduce Risk,” Cannis walked attendees through the future of fleet management, covering everything from electric vehicles to operational strategies. Attendees then heard from an array of distinguished industry experts during an engaging OEM Panel Discussion. Leaders from Toyota, Stellantis, GM Envolve and Ford Pro discussed the automotive industry and its next phase of evolution that will impact every driver, in every fleet and on every road.
  
  
• More than 40 education sessions took place, many standing room only. The I&E education session tracks covered emerging technologies, law enforcement, operations management, strategy, sustainability, safety, DEIA, legislative advocacy and technicians. From EV integration to regulatory compliance and beyond, the I&E education tracks addressed both the diverse needs of fleet professionals and the pressing challenges shaping the industry today. NAFA also offered a specialty Technician Training Program for technicians and service professionals, filled with educational sessions and networking opportunities.
  
  
• The Expo featured 230+ exhibitors showcasing the latest fleet products and services. During the Innovations Showcase, attendees were invited to an interactive innovation zone on the Expo floor, where exhibiting companies displayed their exciting new products and product updates. Samsara won the People’s Choice Award for their AI-Powered Safety Solutions – a single platform for businesses’ operations data including video-based safety, vehicle telematics, apps and workflows, smart equipment and site visibility.
  
  
• New this year, attendees had the opportunity to interact with the latest models, electric and alternative fuel vehicles, and cutting-edge technologies behind the wheel during an immersive Ride & Drive Event, powered by Bobit. Participating automotive companies included BMW, Lucid, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, PoleStar, Rivian, Stellantis, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo.
  
  
• The 100 Best Fleets in the Americas were crowned. The 2024 winners for each of the following categories include:
  
  
  • Best Public Fleet: Dakota County Fleet Management, MN
  • Best Commercial Fleet: Essential Utilities
  • Fleet Professional of the Year Award: Kenny Stimson, Carvana
  • Fleet Technician of the Year Award: Curtis Mullins, City of Round Rock, TX
    
    
• Nearly 50 participants were immersed in CAFM Live, a peer-to-peer educational event that accelerates Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) candidates’ preparation for examination and certification.
  
  
• NAFA also brought back Media Day, providing over a dozen companies the opportunity to present their breaking news and announcements to reporters in back-to-back press conferences.

NAFA extends its gratitude for the generous support of its 2024 I&E sponsors: Bestpass Inc., FASTER Asset Solutions, Geotab, Holman, Legend Fleet Solutions, Merchants Fleet, Mitsubishi Motors, Motive, Samsara, Shell Fleet Solutions, RAM Professional, U.S. Bank Voyager, uShip Logistics, WEX, and Wheels, Inc.

NAFA also extends its appreciation to its media partners for their continued support: Autosphere.ca, Automotive Fleet, Fleet Management Weekly, Modern WorkTruck Solutions, Media Coverage, and Utility Fleet Professional.

Next year’s I&E will take place in Long Beach, CA on April 28-30, 2025 at the Long Beach Convention Center. To learn more about NAFA, visit: https://www.nafa.org/

About NAFA Fleet Management Association

NAFA Fleet Management Association is the membership organization for professionals who manage the mobility requirements of vehicle fleets that include commercial, public safety, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes, and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for corporations, governments, universities, utility fleets, and law enforcement in North America and across the globe. NAFA’s members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance, repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 4.8 million vehicles that drive an estimated 84 billion miles each year. NAFA’s members control assets and services well above $122 billion each year.

For more information, please visit www.nafa.org, and communicate with NAFA on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

Media Contact

Keaveny Hewitt

+1 919-622-5276

khewitt@onwrdupwrd.com

American Heart Association (AHA) awarded Centre for Neuro Skills, a leading brain injury and rehabilitation provider, with the Group Stroke Heroes award. The group hero award recognizes a group committed to educating, inspiring, and bringing awareness to stroke. CNS was selected among other stroke support groups, stroke teams, families, private associations, medical facilities and more.

CNS’ mission is to provide quality post-acute neurorehabilitation to stroke and traumatic brain injury survivors, helping them to regain their independence. Its group of physicians, researchers, clinicians, and therapists deliver innovative therapy treatment to stroke patients to reduce disability and maximize independence. CNS regularly partners with organizations like AHA and the Brain Injury Association of America to raise funds, awareness, and education for stroke prevention and rehabilitation.

In 2023, CNS raised more than $26,000 for innovative research and education to fight against heart disease and stroke through the participation of four American Heart Association Heart Walks in Dallas, Tarrant County, Kern County, and Austin. CNS President and Chief Executive Officer David Harrington chaired the Kern County Heart Walk, while Dr. Matthew Ashley, Chief Medical Officer, joined the Executive Leadership Team in Austin County. Clinicians and staff across all seven CNS locations hosted fundraisers, silent auctions, and events - all geared toward raising money for the Heart Walks.

“We at Centre for Neuro Skills are all so proud and honored to be recognized with the Group Stroke Hero Award by the American Heart Association,” said David Harrington, president and chief executive officer of Centre for Neuro Skills. “I want to thank our entire CNS team for their tireless dedication to helping our stroke patients receive the best possible rehabilitation therapy.”

In addition to community involvement, CNS’ experts educate the public about stroke through CNS’ media platforms, website, continuing education webinars, contributed content and media interviews. CNS regularly invites stroke survivors to share their stories through their online blog and YouTube channel, showcasing the different types of strokes, the causes of strokes, and their journeys to recovery. AHA also selected one of CNS’ patients, Craig Northcutt, who received the Stroke Survivor Hero award, recognizing an individual who has survived a stroke and used their experience to educate, inspire and bring awareness about stroke.

To learn more about Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS) and its brain injury rehabilitation programming, visit www.neuroskills.com.

About Centre for Neuro Skills

Centre for Neuro Skills is an experienced and respected world leader in providing intensive rehabilitation and medical programs for those recovering from all types of brain injury. CNS covers a full spectrum of advanced care from residential and assisted living to outpatient/day treatment. Founded by Dr. Mark Ashley in 1980, CNS has seven locations in California and Texas. For more information about Centre for Neuro Skills, visit: www.neuroskills.com, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube.

Media, please note: Visual assets, including photos, are available. To request an interview with CNS leadership or clinical staff, please contact Robin Carr at 415-766-0927 or CNS@landispr.com.

Media Contact

Robin Carr

+1 415-766-0927

CNS@landispr.com

Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation, a private real estate investment firm owned by Ben Ashkenazy, is proud to announce that it has revitalized Vernon Hills Village, the premier, open-air retail village in the heart of Westchester County, serving more than one million residents and visitors.

Vernon Hills Village boasts more than 20 curated retail, entertainment, and food experiences, including newly signed tenants such as Nike, Sephora, Lululemon, Pottery Barn, Ever/Body, Sweetgreen, Serafina, and Starbucks. Ashkenazy is devoted to continually providing the most welcoming, interactive experiences at Vernon Hills Village, which is now 100 percent leased.

Vernon Hills Village is an upscale, open-air retail village located on White Plains Road, a short drive from White Plains’ thriving business district, and surrounded by picturesque towns, quaint villages, parks, and other green spaces. The eclectic mix of coveted lifestyle brands serve shoppers both locally and those who travel from many miles away.

“We’re excited to introduce these leading lifestyle brands into Vernon Hills Village, infusing a new level of energy and excitement into a long-time shopping destination in Westchester County,” said Joe Press, COO of Ashkenazy Acquisition. “Consumers crave in-person experiences that allow them to interact directly with retailers and each other in a vibrant, communal setting with shopping and dining options for the whole family. Our capital improvements and leasing initiative at this outstanding property further reflects our dedication to delivering best-in-class, irreplaceable assets with a sense of vitality.”

The revitalization and upscale leasing at Vernon Hills Village is part of Ben Ashkenazy’s broader business model, investing in and renovating best-in-class, irreplaceable retail destinations in key markets throughout the United States. Additional Ashkenazy locations include Bayside Marketplace in Miami, Shops at Rivercenter in San Antonio, and Shops at the Bravern in Seattle, and Beverly Connection, in Los Angeles, among many others.

Note: Images of Vernon Hills Village are available here

About Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation

Headquartered in New York City, Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation is a private real estate investment firm focusing on the acquisition, development, asset management and marketing of retail, hotel, and office assets. Ashkenazy Acquisition's portfolio boasts over 15 million square feet of retail, hospitality, office, and residential properties, located throughout the United States, Canada and England. With a portfolio containing more than 100 buildings valued at approximately $12 billion, Ashkenazy Acquisition has a superior performance history in purchasing and managing premier assets worldwide. Ashkenazy Acquisition is comprised of an experienced team of in-house, seasoned professionals, with deep experience in acquisitions, finance, construction, leasing, development and marketing. The integrated team of real estate professionals offers exceptional expertise at all levels of the transaction and subsequent management.

Media Contact

Russ Colchamiro

+1 646-285-5137

rcolchamiro@marinopr.com

Lura's Kitchen, a multi-generational California benefit corporation founded on the principle of "doing business while doing good," is proud to announce the successful raise of a $10,000 loan from Kiva. This 0%-interest, zero-fee capital will be used to extend the line of flavors and for marketing services.

The 76 investors who contributed to this loan include Umpqua Bank; Michael Gardner, CEO, Gardner Capital; Sarah Prout's Kiva Lending Team and Bank of America, among others, which have collectively invested millions into companies raising on Kiva to spur economic growth. To find a full list of contributing members and organizations, visit Lura Kitchen's Kiva fundraising page here. 

The impact of this loan will allow Lura's Kitchen to continue its mission of offering decadent desserts with convenience and quality in mind. With a focus on providing unique and delicious dry cookie mixes, Lura's Kitchen is committed to delivering delicious products for customers who are looking for a high-quality yet easy to use cookie mix. Based on customer feedback and surveys, Lura's Kitchen is expanding their product suite for customers with food allergies and sensitivities, specially with the addition of gluten-free lemon white chocolate and sugar-free oatmeal raisin to provide healthier alternatives.

According to Lura Daniels-Ball, Founder of Lura's Kitchen, "We are thrilled to have the support of Kiva for a second time to help us expand our product line and offer even more options to our customers. This loan will enable us to continue providing premium gourmet dry cookie mixes that are both delicious and easy to make."

Lura's Kitchen works with co-packer Heartland Gourmet, LLC, and Foodies Urban Kitchen to offer its products currently available for purchase online at www.luraskitchen.com, amazon.com and via online wholesale sites such as Faire, and MeetMable.com. To expand into B2B, Lura's Kitchen has recently become a member of WUSATA, a U.S. non-profit that connect U.S. food and agricultural suppliers with international markets and is currently a member of the Black Business Association Los Angeles, Amazon's Black Business Accelerator Program, and a tier 2 member of the Specialty Foods Association, a global food solution provider for retail and food service and RangeMe, a product discovery and sourcing platform.

Lura’s Kitchen works closely with Heartland to vet the quality and source of the ingredients that replicate the mixes. The semi-sweet chocolate is 100% and responsibly sourced, Flours are non-GMO, the sugars and leavings are kosher, halal and vegan and the spices are preservative free. Lura's Kitchen’s business purpose is unique and is centered around giving back to communities in need as well as promoting diversity in management. In the future, Lura's Kitchen plans to expand its distribution channels to reach more customers who appreciate quality baked goods made with love and tradition.

For more information about Lura's Kitchen, visit https://www.luraskitchen.com.

About Lura's Kitchen

Lura's Kitchen, Inc. is a multi-generational California benefit corporation that was founded with a mission to do business while doing good. With over forty years of experience, Lura has demonstrated her love for family and tradition through her baking ministry, creating specialty named cookie flavors for every milestone and event. In 2021, Lura's Kitchen launched a new line of premium gourmet dry cookie mixes, translating their signature original and traditional recipes into hassle-free dessert solutions for both novice and experienced bakers. Just add eggs and butter, and you'll have a delicious treat in thirty minutes or less, without the mess. The mix comes in three varieties, including Madear's Old Fashion Teacake (the only Teacake mix on the market), Langston's No-Nonsense Chocolate Chip and Tura Lura's Chocolate Chip Pecan. Lura's Kitchen is a certified MBE, WBE and DBE. Lura's Kitchen is located in Los Angeles, California, and their products are available to purchase online at https://www.luraskitchen.

Media Contact

Lura Daniels-Ball

lura@luraskitchen.com

ToolsGroup, a global leader in retail and supply chain planning and optimization software, is proud to announce that it has been recognized in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Supply Chain Planning Solutions.

Gartner Magic Quadrant research methodology provides a graphical competitive positioning of four types of technology providers in fast-growing markets: Leaders, Visionaries, Niche Players and Challengers. In the 2024 report, Gartner recognized ToolsGroup for its “ability to execute and completeness of vision.”

ToolsGroup’s software solutions offer retailers, distributors and manufacturers a comprehensive set of capabilities that enhance the resilience and performance of their operations. Through a unique probabilistic planning approach that leverages AI and real-time enterprise data, ToolsGroup enables decision-making at the pace of modern business. These capabilities include proactive risk monitoring for anticipating and managing uncertainties, as well as advanced probabilistic techniques for precise demand and supply planning. Timely detection of supply chain events is also ensured through adept data latency handling, facilitating swift re-optimization.

“We are honored to be once again recognized in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Supply Chain Planning Solutions,” said ToolsGroup CEO, Inna Kuznetsova. “We believe this recognition reflects our continuous efforts to drive supply chain efficiencies for our customers around the globe, making supply chain a force for good. Proud of the powerful results we deliver to our customers, we are committed to continued innovation as we expand the use of AI and decision-centric planning across the platform.”

Get a complimentary copy of the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Supply Chain Planning Solutions here.

This recognition in the Gartner Magic Quadrant follows ToolsGroup’s other recent recognitions in the Gartner® Peer Insights™ Voice of the Customer: Supply Chain Planning Solutions and as a Notable Vendor in the 2023 Mid-Market Context Magic Quadrant™ for Supply Chain Planning Solutions. Read more about these reports and download a copy.

Join ToolsGroup at the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium in Orlando

ToolsGroup is exhibiting at the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium in Orlando, FL May 6–8. Attendees looking to experience the latest AI-based solutions should visit Booth #817 in the Planning Village. Book a meeting with our experts today!

Chris Gonzales, Vice President, Operations & Supply Chain Shelter Solutions at Cornerstone Building Brands, one of ToolsGroup’s leading customers, will present on May 6 at 4:35 pm in the Supply Chain Expo, Stage 3 - Pacific Hall, discussing how a fast growing U.S. exterior building products company is leveraging digital supply chain technology from ToolsGroup and partner River Logic to unlock value as it embarks on a fast-paced growth journey with an aggressive acquisition strategy.

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About the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo

CSCOs and supply chain leaders are continuously confronted with increasingly complex challenges and are expected to outperform and overdeliver. Top supply chain organizations navigate through the turbulence by solving present-day issues and positioning themselves for long-term success. The Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo™ 2024 conference offers pragmatic advice and future-focused insight for supply chains to deliver now and in the future. Network with 3,000+ peers and vet new technologies at our Exhibit Showcase.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, and SUPPLY CHAIN SYMPOSIUM/XPO is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

About ToolsGroup

ToolsGroup’s innovative AI-powered solutions enable retailers, distributors, and manufacturers to navigate through supply chain uncertainty. Our retail and supply chain planning suites empower a new level of intelligent decision-making and unlock powerful business improvements in forecast accuracy, service levels, and inventory—delighting customers and achieving financial and sustainability KPIs. Stay in touch with ToolsGroup on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, or visit www.toolsgroup.com.

Media Contact

Meir Kahtan

917-864-0800

mkahtan@rcn.com

Siebert Williams Shank & Co. (SWS) announces a key new hire in public finance industry veteran Collin Teague, most recently an Executive Director of the Municipal Securities Department at Morgan Stanley. Teague will serve as a Manager Director in Siebert Williams Shank’s public finance group, highlighting the firm’s steadfast and growing commitment to expand its municipal finance practice in 2024.

Teague comes to SWS with 19 years of municipal banking experience at Morgan Stanley, BofA Securities, and Goldman Sachs. He has executed numerous public finance deals for a diversified set of infrastructure and transportation issuing clients across the Midwest Region and Texas, including a $2.9 billion green-field toll road for the Grand Parkway Transportation Corporation in Houston.

As a Manager Director of Public Finance at SWS, Teague will focus on originating business with surface transportation issuers throughout the country.

“Collin joining us is further evidence of our commitment to growing our public finance platform with a particular emphasis on those areas where we believe there will be voluminous issuance,” said Gary Hall, President of Infrastructure & Public Finance at the firm. “Given the need for both capital improvements and investment in the surface transportation sector, we want to have a seasoned banker focused in this area.”

Based in Siebert Williams Shank’s New York office, Teague will provide investment banking services and structure deal transactions for toll roads, highways, and transit systems.

“With the COVID relief money running out, we believe these municipalities need to raise capital in other ways, which we think is in the issuance of bonds,” said Sewon Kim, Manager Director and Head of Transportation Group. “So we see opportunities because of that, in addition to tremendous infrastructure needs across the country. Having a senior banker like Collin investing his time and efforts on the surface transportation sector will give us significant leverage in a key growth area of public finance.”

Teague is known as a highly technical banker with broad intellectual curiosity and a strong work ethic.

“Siebert is a growing company while several others are not growing or even contracting,” Teague said. “Municipal finance is a core business of Siebert, and the surface transportation side really attracted me because that’s what I want to focus on in the next step of my career.”

About Siebert Williams Shank

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. Its mission is to exceed expectations through value-added results and leave a lasting impact on the sectors, corporations, and communities they serve. SWS counts 74 Fortune 100 companies among its clients.

Media Contact

Tom Butler

+1 646-213-1802

TButler@ButlerPR.com

Smart Girl Stories, an online platform that empowers Smart Girls, today announced the launch of its self-submission and advocacy programs on SmartGirlStories.com. These programs allow individual Smart Girls to share their stories independently on the platform, while organizations focused on empowering Smart Girls can join as advocates.

By providing a platform for Smart Girls to share their stories and for organizations to advocate for girl/women empowerment, Smart Girl Stories is creating a community where voices are heard, and stories are shared to inspire and empower others.

In the future, Smart Girl Stories plans to expand its programs and partnerships to reach more Smart Girls and organizations dedicated to girl/women empowerment.

For more information, visit Smart Girl Stories at https://smartgirlstories.com.

About Smart Girl Stories

Based in Skaneateles, NY, Smart Girl Stories is a beacon of inspiration for girls globally, offering a safe and supportive online platform for sharing stories that motivate and encourage positive change. Our mission is to empower Smart Girls to make a difference in the world, one story at a time. Our platform invites Smart Girls of all ages and from across the globe to engage with a community that values their voices and experiences and provides a place where the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers can find inspiration and camaraderie. To learn more, visit https://smartgirlstories.com.

Media Contact

Neil Fennessey

+1 617-851-3816

neil@sgmediaco.com

RISE & DREAM Foundation's 7th Annual Charity Celebrity Golf Tournament will take place on Saturday May 4 at the Springfield Golf Course in Chandler, Arizona benefitting the BACK TO SCHOOL FRESH START program. Former NFL athletes already confirmed to attend include Michael Bankston, Robert Tate, Frank Saunders and Jeremy Bridges, with MLB pro Junior Spivey who will also be there.

The annual charity golf tournament hosted by the RISE & DREAM Foundation is a significant event that raises funds for the BACK TO SCHOOL FRESH START program, providing underprivileged children with essential school supplies and resources to kickstart their academic year. The participation of former NFL athletes adds excitement and star power to the event, attracting more attendees and ultimately increasing the impact of the fundraiser.

Looking ahead, the RISE & DREAM Foundation is committed to expanding its philanthropic efforts and hosting more events that make a difference in the lives of those in need. The company aims to continue partnering with local organizations and individuals to create impactful and memorable experiences for all participants.

To register as a golf participant, click here.

About RISE & DREAM Foundation

RISE & DREAM Foundation is a Phoenix-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a purpose to make an impact in the lives of children, families and homeless that need it most. This purpose is accomplished through our mission to:

RESTORE – We restore communities of disparity through our homeless initiatives.

INVEST – We invest in at-risk children and families by supplying their essential needs.

STRENGTHEN – We strengthen children and adults through sports, fitness, and nutrition.

EMPOWER –  We empower people to get involved and invest in their community.

For more information, visit https://riseanddreamfoundation.com.

Media Contact

Donna Segura

+1 210-902-3937

donna@oleanderpr.com

Kava Coalition is pleased to announce its support and funding for an upcoming review by the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP) focusing on the safety profile and therapeutic potential of traditional aqueous kava and modern kava extracts. This comprehensive review, based on the collaborative research efforts of kava experts globally, will culminate in the production of a monograph and therapeutic compendium. These resources aim to address historical concerns surrounding kava use and provide valuable guidance to kava producers, regulators, healthcare practitioners, and consumers on best practices to ensure quality and minimize risks associated with kava consumption.

Kava (Piper methysticum) is a botanical native to the Pacific Islands, where it has been used for centuries in traditional ceremony and to elevate mood and produce a feeling of relaxation.

"It is unfortunate that misconceptions surrounding kava have impeded its recognition and acceptance despite centuries of safe traditional use and a wealth of contemporary scientific evidence supporting its safety and efficacy," said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Kava Coalition.

Kava faced regulatory challenges in the early 2000’s due to concerns over its safety, particularly regarding liver health which still clouds the facts about traditional aqueous kava and modern kava extracts today. However, emerging research has challenged these assertions, suggesting that any reported instances of adverse effects are either extremely rare or related to other factors such as adulteration or improper use.

"The extensive body of evidence now available unequivocally demonstrates the safety of kava for the general population when used responsibly," said Roy Upton, Founder and President of AHP. "The forthcoming monograph and therapeutic compendium by AHP will provide a valuable resource for dispelling myths and promoting evidence-based understanding of kava’s safety and therapeutic potential."

The Kava Coalition is committed to advocating for the dissemination and utilization of AHP's forthcoming resources upon their release, aiming to foster informed decision-making and responsible use of kava worldwide.

About Kava Coalition

The Kava Coalition is an alliance of kava consumers, experts, and industry leaders committed to advancing kava education, advocacy, and choice. Through educational initiatives and community engagement, KC promotes awareness and appreciation for kava’s traditional practices and cultural significance. Simultaneously, the Kava Coalition advocates for modern regulation that reflects current scientific knowledge, ensuring consumer safety and product integrity.

About American Herbal Pharmacopoeia

AHP was founded in 1995 to promote the responsible use of herbal medicines and ensure they are used with the highest possible degree of efficacy and safety. This is done primarily through the development of standards of identity, purity, and analysis for botanicals, as well as by critically reviewing traditional and scientific data regarding their efficacy and safety. AHP’s qualitative and therapeutic monographs represent some of the most comprehensive and critically reviewed body of information on herbal medicines in the English language, and serve as a primary reference for academics, health practitioners, manufacturers, and regulators.

Media Contact

Matthew Lowe

Executive Director, Kava Coalition

+1 916-202-1982

mlowe@kavacoalition.org

Leela AI, a provider of advanced visual intelligence solutions for improving productivity and safety in manufacturing, today announced its selection as a finalist in the 2024 Innovation Showcase at the 21st annual MIT Sloan CIO Symposium. Among the elite group of ten early-stage companies chosen, Leela AI has distinguished itself by pioneering cutting-edge solutions that seamlessly blend innovation with tangible value for the Enterprise IT sector.

Leela AI representatives will appear at the in-person MIT Sloan CIO Symposium, to be held May 13–14, 2024.

"We are honored to be chosen as a top-10 finalist from an elite group of technological innovators for the MIT Sloan 2024 Innovation Showcase," said Cyrus Shaoul, CEO of Leela AI. "Leela AI’s team has deep roots at MIT, and the Showcase nomination affirms that the global CIO community is ready to harness cutting-edge visual intelligence to deliver more value to their stakeholders."

"We are thrilled to announce the finalists of the 2024 Innovation Showcase, which is held each year in conjunction with the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium," said Anton Teodorescu, Chair of the Innovation Showcase. "Collaborating with emerging enterprises to foster connections with established industry leaders is a privilege and continues to yield mutually beneficial outcomes with each passing year."

After careful consideration, the Innovation Showcase judges selected the 10 impressive companies because they:

• Have an enterprise IT solution product available in the market
• Are a start-up with less than $10 million in annual revenues
• Are selling enterprise IT solutions to CIOs or corporate IT departments
• Show innovation and/or strategic value and potential impact on the top and/or bottom lines

The Innovation Showcase will take place as part of the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium at The Royal Sonesta in Cambridge, Massachusetts on May 13–14, 2024. The full agenda for the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium is available here and tickets are available for purchase here.

About the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium

The MIT Sloan CIO Symposium is the premier global conference for CIOs and digital business executives to become more effective leaders. CIOs and senior IT executives explore enterprise technology innovations, business practices and receive actionable information that enables them to meet the challenges of today and the future. The Symposium offers a unique learning environment by bringing together the academic thought leadership of MIT with the in-the-trenches experience of leading global CIOs and industry experts. The MIT Sloan CIO Symposium is organized and developed by the MIT Sloan Boston Alumni Association. For more information and to register for this year’s Symposium, visit www.mitcio.com.

About Leela AI

Leela AI is helping manufacturers achieve greater visibility into their operations to drive performance and continuous improvement. Leela’s privacy-enabled visual intelligence software identifies and times every step in the manufacturing process to spotlight best practices, bottlenecks, and safety hazards. Leela Platform helps our customers track hourly performance, support standard work, reduce waste, boost capacity, and improve safety, while also expanding digitization beyond machine data.

Media Contact

Eric Brown

eric@leela-ai.com

FilmChain, co-founded by Maria Tanjala and Irina Albita, has completed a significant funding round, securing a $3M (£2.3M) investment. This financial milestone was achieved through a priced round led by the Holt IntersXion fund, with support from Roca X, DeBa Ventures, TechAngels Romania, and returning investor HearstLab. The investment, which also converts previous notes, signals a robust vote of confidence in FilmChain, currently dealing with over-subscription demand. 

Addressing the challenges of delayed settlements and opaque financial processes in the entertainment industry, FilmChain introduces a groundbreaking payment platform that ensures immediate access to detailed financial reports and analytics. With its cutting-edge solution, FilmChain is transforming the landscape of collection services, offering real-time payments and on-demand reporting capabilities. With over 1900 clients across the UK, Europe, and Australia, FilmChain is poised for expansion in North America. 

At the core of its technological advancement, FilmChain utilizes financial technology with its own architecture and fintech APIs, and a private Ethereum blockchain, enhancing the transparency and auditability of transactions. This strategic integration instills a higher level of trust and accountability in the intricate financials of film, television, and gaming industries. The blockchain tracks ownership in an architecture that enables future secondary sales in asset management. 

"Revenue collection can be a black hole for a producer. As soon as you give your film away to the world's sales agents, you are more or less a passenger, and then you wait for your money and reports. Real-time distributions are important as cash flow is a big issue in the industry. Traditional reports are Excel monsters, prone to errors, and basically impossible to check for plausibility. It's data chaos compared to FilmChain, which is so well prepared, so easy to digest," said Christoph Lange, One Two Films, FilmChain client and investor.

In 2023, FilmChain embarked on a strategic partnership with the German Producers Association (Produzentenverband), launching a bespoke reporting platform. This innovative solution empowers producers to track and report on critical metrics like revenue and audience data directly to content creators. As a natural extension of their Collection Account Management (CAM) service, FilmChain collaborated with the German Producers Association to ensure the platform was thoroughly aligned with the unique demands of the industry.

"The reporting platform streamlines bureaucratic processes and simplifies the data flow for authors and copyright holders. Theatrical, streaming, and TV productions can now be tracked transparently and standardized, which was long overdue. More transparency is also necessary along the entire value chain—because transparency creates trust," said Fabian Massah, Endorphine Productions, responsible for the Producers Association.

Now operational in Germany, the bespoke platform is not only revolutionizing how producers and creators interact with data but is set to extend its transformative impact across additional European territories. This expansion signifies FilmChain's commitment to enhancing transparency and efficiency in the entertainment industry, marking a significant leap forward in its mission to redefine the standards of financial reporting and analytics in the creative sector.

"We are honored to have attracted an exceptional group of investors to our capital table, encompassing seasoned fintech specialists, successful entrepreneurs, and distinguished professionals from entertainment," said Maria Tanjala, co-founder of FilmChain. "As we forge ahead in our quest to revolutionize global payments and expedite cash flow, we are excited to broaden our suite of products and harness cutting-edge technologies. Our strategic expansion into North America represents a natural progression for FilmChain," Tanjala said.

"In an era where transparency and immediate access to funds are paramount for filmmakers, talent, financiers, and sales agents, FilmChain stands as a beacon of innovation," declared Irina Albita, co-founder of FilmChain. "Our payment infrastructure is meticulously crafted to cater to the critical needs of these stakeholders. With the infusion of fresh capital, we are poised to empower a new wave of filmmakers across North America," Albita asserted.

"We see a particular under-the-radar moment to invest in the intersection of fintech and the sports, media & entertainment sectors. FilmChain’s fintech infrastructure, alongside its blockchain technology, ensures that every dollar of revenue generated is equitably distributed among stakeholders and royalties management is executed with unambiguous precision, driving more efficient, transparent, and secure financial operations in the management of film revenues," said Brendan Holt Dunn, GP HOLT IntersXion Fund, CEO Holdun Family Office. 

About FilmChain

FilmChain's innovative platform utilizes digital banking and blockchain technology to simplify revenue management for production companies through a Digital Collection Account Manager (CAM) system. The company enables efficient revenue collection, allocation, and analysis and enhances operational efficiency, transparency, and settlements. For more information, visit https://filmchain.co.

About Holt Xchange – IntersXion Fund 

Over a hundred years, five generations of experience, and a robust global network, The Holt Xchange is powering innovative tech products, world-class companies, and entrepreneurs, helping shape the future of their businesses and growth. The Holt IntersXionFund is an innovative venture capital initiative that focuses on harnessing the transformative power of Fintech technologies within the realms of Sports, Media & Entertainment. This groundbreaking initiative is poised to revolutionize these industries by investing in cutting-edge companies that are shaping the future of content production, distribution, and consumption. For more information, visit https://holtxchange.com.

Media Contact

Irina Albita

irina@filmchain.co

Maria Tanjala

maria@filmchain.co

Elisabeth Laett

elisabeth@holtxchange.com

PathAI, a leading precision pathology company, today announced that Hoag Health System, the leading health system in the southern California region, will adopt the AISight Image Management System (IMS) as their primary platform, powering their transition to digital pathology. The transition from analog, glass-slide-based pathology to digital pathology continues to accelerate across anatomic pathology, globally. This transition is in part driven by the availability of AI pathology tools that harness machine learning (ML) algorithms to augment and assist the pathologist interpretation.

“The transition to digital pathology will unlock dramatic improvements in how care is provided to Hoag’s patients. By utilizing the most advanced image management system on the market with embedded algorithms, we expect to be able to deliver faster turnaround times to our physicians, more accurate and reproducible pathologist assessments, and expand our understanding of how biomarkers can drive optimal care decisions,” said Dr. Michael Brant-Zawadzki, MD, FACR, Hoag Vice President, Research Administration, CATALiST and Addiction.

AISight (1) is a cloud-native intelligent enterprise workflow solution that is used by the world's leading laboratories and research centers to power their digital pathology workflows and AI applications. It serves as a central hub for case management, image management, and best-in-class artificial intelligence tools from PathAI and third-party partners, to enable a broad spectrum of histopathology use cases.

“Together with our partners, we will continue to pursue our vision to improve patient outcomes with AI-powered technology,” said Eric Walk, MD, FCAP, Chief Medical Officer, PathAI. “We are excited to partner with forward-thinking industry leaders like Hoag who embrace the science of what machine learning algorithms can offer healthcare professionals and how those learnings can augment and empower the important work of pathologists.”

According to Dr. John Cupp, MD, Director of Digital Pathology, Hoag Health System and PathAI Advisor, “Hoag is particularly excited to utilize PathAI’s ArtifactDetect algorithm that can improve pathology review, specifically to address pre-analytical factors that typically would delay pathologist review, as well as applying PathAI’s quantitative IHC scoring algorithms to support complex interpretation in PDL1 and HER2.”

Importantly, PathAI will collaborate with Hoag and their laboratory information system (LIS) provider to build a bi-directional integration between AISight and their Epic Beaker LIS instance to ensure a fully integrated pathologist experience.

“Computational pathology promises to unlock great potential for predictive biomarkers for patients with cancer,” said Dr. David R. Braxton, MD, Chief of Molecular Pathology Services, Hoag Family Cancer Institute. “This is an exciting next step in Hoag’s digital transformation as we continue to look ahead towards healthcare innovations that offer continual advancements in patient care, treatment efficacy, and overall public health outcomes.”

(1) AISight is For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

About Hoag

Hoag is a nonprofit, regional health care delivery system in Orange County, California. Delivering world-class, comprehensive, personalized care, Hoag consists of 1,800 top physicians, 16 urgent care facilities, 11 health & wellness centers, and two award-winning hospitals. Hoag offers a comprehensive blend of health care services that includes seven institutes providing specialized services in the following areas: cancer, digestive health, heart and vascular, neurosciences, spine, women’s health, and orthopedics through Hoag’s affiliate, Hoag Orthopedic Institute, which consists of an orthopedic hospital and four ambulatory surgical centers. Hoag is the highest ranked hospital in Orange County by U.S. News & World Report and the only OC hospital ranked in the Top 10 in California, as well as a designated Magnet® hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). For more information, visit hoag.org.

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

On the way to the exciting milestone celebrating its 195th Anniversary in October 2024, Historic Neir’s Tavern will be hosting a special spring edition of their Community Block Party on April 27, 2024. Neir’s will be celebrating their Queensmark Award, a bronze plaque which designates Queens buildings that have historical, architectural, and cultural merit. The festivities will take place from noon to 6:00 p.m. in Woodhaven (Queens), NY on 88th Avenue between 78th Street (also known as Neir’s Tavern Way) and 77th Street.

The highlight of the afternoon will commence with Neir’s Tavern officially accepting and receiving the bronze plaque from the Queensmark Awards Program. Neir’s has invited several city agencies to set up helpful informational stations for attendees as well as community organizations such as the Forest Hills Ambulance Corps. who will be providing education on CPR. 

The family-friendly outdoor event will feature fun activities for people of all ages. There will be a bouncy castle (children only) and a “Kids’ Table” nearby which will feature free activities including face-painting. Making a return appearance, the “Goodfellas Challenge” banner will give everyone the opportunity to “do their best DeNiro” and pose for a souvenir photo on the spot. 

There’s an all-day pop-up market, and a fun raffle for baskets full of prizes such as Neir’s T-shirts and caps and other great surprises! A portion of the proceeds from the raffle will be donated to a local Veterans’ organization. 

The primary sponsor, The Kiwanis Club of Ozone Park-Woodhaven, will have a table set up at the event. "The Kiwanis Club members believe in the importance of celebrating and preserving historic local businesses, and Neir’s Tavern is a wonderful example of a place that means so much to so many Woodhaven residents, as well our neighbors in Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Howard Beach, and beyond. All of us look forward to celebrating the awarding of the Queensmark Designation to Neir’s along with the entire community!"

"We are so grateful to have a sponsor that shares our community values," said Loycent Gordon, owner of Neir’s Tavern. "We especially acknowledge the connection we’ve forged over the past few years with the President of the Kiwanis Club, Walter Chaluisant, and to all of the members who are aligned with our concept of working together to support Neir’s Tavern on the Road to 200. Receiving the Queensmark Designation is a great honor, and we are happy to be able to provide an afternoon of free entertainment and fun for everyone in the community."

And don’t forget to save the date for the 195th Anniversary Celebration on October 5, 2024.

About Historic Neir's Tavern

Founded in 1829, Neir's Tavern is the oldest tavern in NYC and one of the oldest and most historic continuously operating taverns in America. Famed for being featured in classic films such as Goodfellas and Tower Heist, as well as having hosted performances by a young Mae West, it retains its historical charm with a more than 150-year-old mahogany bar and an original draught beer system. Neir’s remains a community-based destination with the ambiance of a historic American tavern offering casual drinks, hearty meals, and good company. Neir's is located at 87-48 78th Street in Queens, NY. For more information, visit https://neirstavern.com.

Media Contact

Loycent Gordon

+1 347-620-1314

loy@neirstavern.com

NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA), the vehicle fleet industry’s largest membership association, today announced the 100 Best Fleets in the Americas for 2024. NAFA’s 100 Best Fleets in the Americas program recognizes peak-performing public and commercial fleet operations, as well as the Fleet Professional and Fleet Technician of the Year. The winners were announced this morning during NAFA’s annual Institute & Expo (I&E) in San Antonio.  

This contest aims to cultivate industry pride, enhance visibility within the fleet community, improve productivity and operational efficiency, and inspire individuals to pursue careers in fleet operations. Originally conceived by the late fleet industry advocate Tom Johnson, this contest is now in its 25th year running.

“The 100 Best Fleets contest plays such an integral role in the NAFA community,” says Mike Camnetar, CAFM, NAFA Board President. “These awards showcase the outstanding achievements and leadership within our industry. We commend these fleets and individuals for their dedication to excellence and innovation, and we look forward to seeing what they accomplish in 2024.” 

The 2024 winners for each of the following categories:

• Best Public Fleet: Dakota County Fleet Management, MN
• Best Commercial Fleet: Essential Utilities
• Fleet Professional of the Year Award: Kenny Stimson, Carvana
• Fleet Technician of the Year Award: Curtis Mullins, City of Round Rock, TX

The full list of the 2024 100 Best Fleets in the Americas can be found here https://www.nafa.org/100-best-fleets-2024/. The 100 Best Fleets Program Sponsors include Agile Fleet Management Solutions, AssetWorks, Fleet Worthy Solutions/Bestpass, Fuel Force, Geotab, Pure Forge Brakes, the NC Clean Energy Technology Center, RTA, Samsara and Toyota Fleet. 

NAFA is excited to host a 100 Best Webinar Series and Regional Roundtable events throughout 2024. Webinar attendees will have the opportunity to learn from the 100 Best fleet winners and leaders, discover the top five success trends for 2024 and understand what actions these top fleets have taken to become a 100 Best fleet. Attendees will walk away with initiatives and action steps they can immediately implement within their fleet. To register for this webinar series, visit: https://www.nafa.org/events/100-best-fleets-webinars/ 

To learn more about NAFA, visit: https://www.nafa.org/

About NAFA Fleet Management Association

NAFA Fleet Management Association is the membership organization for professionals who manage the mobility requirements of vehicle fleets that include commercial, public safety, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes, and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for corporations, governments, universities, utility fleets, and law enforcement in North America and across the globe. NAFA’s members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance, repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 4.8 million vehicles that drive an estimated 84 billion miles each year. NAFA’s members control assets and services well above $122 billion each year.

For more information, please visit www.nafa.org, and communicate with NAFA on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

Media Contact

Keaveny Hewitt

khewitt@onwrdupwrd.com

919-622-5276

TheHandover.com, a pioneering online marketplace, is excited to announce early sign-ups for its platform, revolutionizing how real estate investors, brokers, and developers connect with leading-edge construction and renovation projects worldwide.

Designed to streamline the fund raising process, TheHandover.com offers a unique opportunity for industry professionals to gain first access to top-tier projects, enhancing their portfolio with potentially high-return investments. Our platform not only connects you to exclusive projects but also provides a suite of analytical tools to evaluate investment potential effectively.

Why You Should Sign Up Early

• Exclusive Access: Get first dibs on the latest construction projects before they go public.
• Strategic Advantage: Leverage advanced tools and data analytics for smarter, faster investment decisions.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow real estate professionals and expand your industry presence.

"We're thrilled to open TheHandover.com for early registrations. This platform is more than just a marketplace; it's a community where the brightest minds in real estate converge to find the best opportunities that the market has to offer," said Matthew Guarneri, founder of TheHandover.com. "We believe that TheHandover.com will set a new standard in real estate investing and project development."

Why You Should Join TheHandover.com

Don't miss out on becoming a part of this exclusive real estate community. Early sign-ups are now open at https://www.thehandover.com/sign-up and use referral code EZNews. Secure your spot at TheHandover.com and start transforming your real estate strategy today.

About TheHandover.com

TheHandover.com is an innovative online marketplace that connects real estate investors, brokers, and developers with high-quality construction and renovation projects around the world. With a focus on innovation and connectivity, TheHandover.com aims to empower real estate professionals with the tools and opportunities needed to succeed in a competitive market. For more information, visit https://www.thehandover.com.

Media Contact

Matthew Guarneri

marketing@thehandover.com

Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley, PLLC, announces the filing of a lawsuit alleging sexual abuse against the Catholic Bishop of Chicago (aka the Archdiocese of Chicago). The complaint outlines Fr. Keehan’s extensive history of abusing minors, which began in 1967, shortly after his ordination. In 1993, the Archdiocese's Professional Fitness Review Board determined that there was at least one "credible" allegation of child sexual abuse involving Fr. Keehan. Despite this finding, the Archdiocese allowed Fr. Keehan to continue his ministry at St. Ann School and Parish in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago throughout the 1990s. During this time, Fr. Keehan served as Head Pastor, overseeing the elementary school and parish, which had approximately 300 children. Parents and parishioners at St. Ann’s were never informed of Fr. Keehan history of abuse, and consequently he continued to prey upon unsuspecting minors. Fr. Keehan remained at St. Ann’s until around June 2002, when he was eventually placed in the Cardinal Stritch Retreat, a facility where the Archdiocese placed many of its pedophile priests.

For decades, the Archdiocese misled the public and parishioners regarding the serious dangers children faced at Archdiocesan parochial schools and parishes by predatory priests. For example, in late 1992, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin and the Archdiocese’s Director of Legal Services informed media outlets, including the Editorial Board of the Chicago Tribune and the Catholic Reporter, that no priest who has ever engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor will ever return to parish ministry or any type of ministry that includes access to minors. At the time they made these statements to the public, they knew they were not true. 

Plaintiff, now an adult, filed this case as John Doe 2 to protect his identity. He is the third former St. Ann student to file a lawsuit against the Archdiocese related to abuse perpetrated by Fr. Keehan at St. Ann’s. Plaintiff is the 6th known victim to report being abused by Fr. Keehan. The Archdiocese did not report any allegations of abuse perpetrated by Fr. Keehan to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), law enforcement, or the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office until 2002 (approximately 10 years after receiving written notice of allegations). 

A history of Fr. Keehan’s assignment history within the Archdiocese is below, with notes regarding locations where there have been allegations of sexual abuse misconduct with minors.

• 1967: Year Fr. Keehan was Ordained by the Archdiocese
• 1967-1974: St. Basil, Chicago, IL (CHI) *allegations Fr. Keehan abused several minors, male and female
• 1974-1979: Our Lady of Good Counsel, Chicago, IL (CHI) *at least one former student
• 1979-1980: St. Benedict, Blue Island, IL (CHI)
• 1980-1983: St. Thomas of Canterbury, Chicago, IL (CHI)
• 1981-1983: Truman College, Chicago, IL (CHI)
• 1983-1985: Our Lady of Lourdes, Chicago, IL (CHI)
• 1985-1990: Queen of Angels, Chicago, IL (CHI)
• 1990-1991: Holy Innocents, Chicago, IL (CHI)
• 1991-2004: St. Ann, Chicago, IL (CHI) *at least three former students
• 2004: On Leave
• 2005-2010: Other Assignments (CHI); Cardinal Stritch Retreat House, Mundelein, IL (CHI)
• Fr. Keehan is still alive

Plaintiff is represented by Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley, PLLC Founding Partners Martin D. Gould, Mike R. Grieco, Bryce T. Hensley, and Attorney Valerie A. Letko. 

"For decades the Archdiocese of Chicago has denied or covered up the abuse by its priests, actively misled parishioners and the public regarding what it knew and when, impacting countless lives and denying them justice. This lawsuit which is the second lawsuit we have filed involving Fr. Keehan aims to obtain that justice for our client and encourage the other survivors of Fr. Keehan’s abuse to come forward so they can obtain justice and some sense of closure as well,"  said Founding Partner Martin Gould.

"Our client’s story is tragic. Not only because of the abuse he endured, but because it was entirely preventable. The Archdiocese’s own commission warned Cardinal Bernardin in 1992 about the irreparable harm that would occur if the Archdiocese didn’t adequately address clerical sexual abuse. Instead, the Archdiocese chose to allow this known-perpetrator priest to oversee approximately 300 children at St. Ann’s. This lawsuit is a direct result of the Archdiocese’s institutional failures, which have left a wake of destruction in the lives of countless survivors," said Attorney Valerie A. Letko.

If you are a former student, altar server, or parishioner who experienced sexual abuse at St. Ann’s or within the Archdiocese of Chicago, or have any helpful information, please contact Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley, PLLC (justice@SGGHLaw.com; www.sgghlaw.com) to discuss your legal rights. Media inquiries, please contact Lynn Smith, lynn@lynnsmithtv.com.

About Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley, PLLC

Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley, PLLC is a boutique national personal injury firm dedicated to advocating for victims of abuse and catastrophic injuries in high-stakes litigation. We pride ourselves on being Innovators of Law and Providers of Justice. Our attorneys have litigated and won cases nationwide, representing thousands of individuals, including hundreds of survivors of rape, sexual assault, and childhood sexual abuse in many of the highest profile abuse cases across the country. These cases include claims against institutions such as University of Michigan (Dr. Robert Anderson), Michigan State University (Dr. Larry Nasser), professional sports teams, Jeffrey Epstein, private and public schools, elite private boarding schools, orphanages, foster care programs, hospitals, mental health facilities, Fortune 500 companies, and numerous religious institutions and related entities. Recent successes include participating in global settlements valued at nearly $3 billion. For more information, visit https://www.sgghlaw.com.

Media Contact

Lynn Smith

+1 646-717-0354

lynn@lynnsmithtv.com