Black River Distributing‘s mission is to make e-commerce fulfillment services more accessible and affordable for e-commerce store brands. What sets Black River Distributing apart is its commitment to offering transparent, low-cost fulfillment services. The company does not mark up storage or shipping costs, ensuring complete cost visibility for e-commerce brand owners.
Another significant and unique aspect of Black River Distributing’s fulfillment service is its dedication to employing and supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. The tasks involved in packing and shipping orders align perfectly with the preferences and abilities of this talented workforce, providing them with meaningful employment opportunities.
“We are excited about our partnership with thirdzy.com as it allows us to expand our services to e-commerce businesses seeking affordable and reliable fulfillment solutions,” said Dan Suchorski, owner of Black River Distributing. “Our commitment to cost transparency, competitive pricing, and our focus on empowering individuals with developmental disabilities sets us apart in the industry. We believe in giving back and making a positive impact on both small businesses and our community.”
Black River Distributing offers e-commerce brands an exceptional pricing structure, with pallet storage and order fulfillment fees ranging from $5 to $12 per month. Moreover, order pick and pack fees start at just $2.50 per order, making it an attractive starting point for pricing discussions.
By choosing Black River Distributing for their fulfillment needs, e-commerce businesses can not only optimize their cost structures but also contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate community. Every order processed by Black River Distributing goes toward employing or assisting individuals with developmental disabilities, making a positive social impact with every package shipped.
Black River Distributing is a pick and pack warehouse and fulfillment company offering shipping services for Ecommerce, Amazon fulfilled prime, and other online purchasing systems. With experience in utilizing Amazon, Shopify, WooCommerce, Big Commerce, and other ecom platforms, we are able to give you fast, consistent, and reliable delivery from our warehouse facility.
To help children attain that future, parents are onboard to help. 81% plan to fund their children’s higher ed, with 28% paying primarily through savings, second only to the 37% of parents who expect help from grants, scholarships or direct aid. Nearly half of all respondents, 47%, had saved at least $5,000 per child.
“After three years of disrupted education experience for our young people, we are seeing that higher ed is an important goal of parents across the nation, and we are pleased to learn that they are valuing and saving for it,” said CSF Chair Vivian Tsai. CSF is a leading national nonprofit helping families save for education for a lifetime.
At the same time, 70% of parents said that higher education has to change, with 38% of those parents saying that the most important changes needed include classes focusing on career needs and training, and 26% desiring schools that provide credentials along with degrees to better meet workforce needs.
The concerns of parents correspond with the findings from CSF’s 14th Annual Youth Survey of high school students released in August 2023, showing that 89% wanted credit for actual work that they plan to do in conjunction with the higher ed institution; and 89% wanted more job placement and counseling services as they embark on their chosen careers.
This focus on career and workforce readiness extends to the parents themselves. Nearly half, 46%, said that they were interested in changing careers and would need additional education or certifications to do that and 17% of respondents have already started.
When asked what kind of credential or diploma is important today, 31% said a four-year degree from a traditional college, 11% said a credential from a vocational or career and technical school, and 54% said both were important, another indicator of the increasing acceptance and importance of workforce training today.
How Families are Saving in 529s
Nearly a third of all parents surveyed, 29%, are saving in a 529 education savings plan, with 80% of those using a strategy of systematic recurring contributions. Of the parents expecting their children to contribute to higher ed costs,18% said their children were saving in a 529 account. Some other highlights:
Preferred method of saving: 20% of all parents said 529s are their primary way to save, on par with the 21% primarily using non-tax advantaged CDs or bank savings accounts.
Awareness of usability: 40% of all respondents knew that 529s may cover qualified tuition and expenses for career and technical/vocational education as well as traditional 4-year college. One quarter (26%) are aware that 529s may be eligible to be rolled over into a Roth IRA in the beneficiary’s name beginning in 2024.
Roughly one-quarter of respondents are aware that 529s can be used for computers, books and technology software; that 529s may be used for up to $10,000 for K-12 tuition; and that 529s can be used toward student loans, with a lifetime maximum of $10,000 per student.
Parents’ own careers: 27% of all parents said that they know a 529 education savings plan can be used for their own education, and 22% plan to use it in that way.
A 529 Debit card: CSF asked parents if a 529 offered a debit card for qualified education expenses, would they allow their child to use it. 71% of all parents said “yes,” of which 40% said that option would be convenient and 31% would agree to it as long as they can apply spending limits.
Other Ways to Pay for Higher Ed
Most parents (84%) are having conversations with their children about the costs of higher education and their involvement in it. A significant majority of parents (69%) expect their children to help pay for higher ed, primarily through jobs, scholarships, grants and fellowships.
Even with saving and student participation, a substantial majority of parents (65%) still would take out loans, with 61% anticipating education loans. Among the 35% who would not take out loans, 52% of them said it’s because they “do not want debt.”
How Families Pay for Higher Ed at Different Life Stages
The survey provided insight into families’ plans for higher education with a section for parents with children 15-17 years old and one for parents whose children are between the ages of 18-25.
Among parents with children aged 15-17, 50% said their child was heading to traditional public (37%) or private (13%) schools. An additional 13% said their children were going to vocational or career and technical schools, and 12% to community college. 16% said their children didn’t know yet, but 4% expect their children to go to workforce training and credentialing and 3% into the military out of high school.
Among the parents of 18-25-year-olds, 47% of all those said their child was in a 4-year college (31% public and 16% private), 15% in community college, 7% in career and technical ed, 3% in workforce training/credentialling, 3% in the military, and 21% not attending higher ed at all.
Across all the educational opportunities available, 81% of these parents said their child believed their choices were preparing them for the future. When asked why, almost half (44%) focused on the coursework being relevant to their career choice. 21% said it offered a basic educational credential from which they can specialize in the future, and 18% cited access to internships and work experience. 40% of this group said that tuition and fees incurred for higher ed today represent a good value for the education their child is receiving.
The CSF 2023 State of Higher Ed Savings survey of parents was conducted with 1,000 parents across the country via Survey Monkey. The College Savings Foundation (CSF) is a Washington, D.C.– based not-for-profit organization helping American families achieve their education savings goals for a lifetime. www.collegesavingsfoundation.org
The Center’s broad-based services address the full spectrum of private business owners’ advisory and financial needs, from continuity planning and merger and acquisition support to tax planning and financial, retirement and wealth transfer planning. The Center will also provide a unique and customized set of educational programs and events to support client needs, delivered both in-person locally and virtually.
“Our Center for Private Business Owners represents the latest evolution in our work with business owners and enhances the expertise, tools and resources we’re able to deliver,” said Cynthia Adams Harrison, Managing Director, Center for Private Business Owners. “Through close collaboration and an in-depth understanding of clients’ unique challenges and opportunities, our team enables private business owners to optimize operations, add value, manage risk, plan for the future and achieve both personal and professional success.”
About PKF O’Connor Davies PKF O’Connor Davies is a top-tier accounting, tax and advisory practice with a long history of serving domestic and international clients. “Know Greater Value” speaks to the confidence and guidance that our clients realize when they work with us. It reinforces our commitment to delivering the highest levels of value, expertise and service in everything we do. Our clients Know Greater Connections, Know Greater Insights and Know Greater Value. “PKF O’Connor Davies” is the brand name under which PKF O’Connor Davies LLP and PKF O’Connor Davies Advisory LLC, independently owned entities, provide professional services in an alternative practice structure in accordance with applicable professional standards. PKF O’Connor Davies LLP is a licensed CPA firm that provides attest services and PKF O’Connor Davies Advisory LLC and its subsidiary entities provide tax and advisory services. For more information, please visit pkfod.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).
Their dental office in San Francisco revolves around our passion for high-quality dentistry and the artistry skills that can improve a person’s health, smile, confidence, and even their life. They are committed to providing their patients the exceptional dental care, a relaxing environment, patient education, and preventive dentistry expertise they deserve by using the latest dental technology and cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Dr. Mahsa Hakim: After earning her Invisalign (invisible orthodontics) certification in 2005, she was one of a select group of practitioners invited to participate in the firm’s “Innovative Leadership Panel” in 2011.
Dr. Nazanin Hakim: After graduating first in her class in clinical performance, Hakim rejoined her former faculty as a clinical instructor and went on to do likewise at the University of the Pacific.
Haute Beauty is affiliated with the luxury lifestyle publication Haute Living. As a section of Haute Living magazine, Haute Beauty covers the latest advancements in beauty and wellness, providing readers with expert advice on aesthetic and reconstructive treatments through its network of acclaimed doctors and beauty experts.
This year’s scholarship recipient, Angelo Kline, is a second year student at Southern New Hampshire University where he is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in information technology with a focus in cybersecurity. While in school, Kline also works for the Department of Public Work in American Samoa, which has exposed him to different technology and helped him to see the vulnerabilities and cyber threats that face the island. Kline continuously seeks opportunities to grow his cybersecurity skills including participating in ethical hacking events and pursuing additional certifications to further his education in addition to his collegiate coursework. Additionally, Kline’s family is his biggest inspiration, especially as his kids grow up during this rapid technological development era. They are a driving force behind his passion for cybersecurity. Kline was chosen as the recipient of this scholarship due to his dedication and passion to further his education in cybersecurity and make a difference in the industry.
“KnowBe4 is thrilled to once again offer our Military, Veteran and Spouses Cybersecurity Scholarship in partnership with the Center for Cyber Safety and Education for the third consecutive year,” said Ani Banerjee, chief human resources officer, KnowBe4. “Angelo’s passion for cybersecurity pairs well with his dedication to pursue his degree while also working full time in a technical role. He is committed to honing his skills in order to make a meaningful impact in this industry and bring awareness to the cybersecurity threats facing his island. Angelo is an ambitious student and a deserving scholarship recipient with a bright future ahead of him.”
“This scholarship will provide me with the financial support needed to complete my degree,” said Kline. “With this education, I can further my skills and contribute more to the IT department I am working in. Additionally, this will help bring awareness of cybersecurity threats to my island and its people.”
About KnowBe4 KnowBe4, the provider of the world’s largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, is used by more than 65,000 organizations around the globe. Founded by IT and data security specialist Stu Sjouwerman, KnowBe4 helps organizations address the human element of security by raising awareness about ransomware, CEO fraud and other social engineering tactics through a new-school approach to awareness training on security. The late Kevin Mitnick, who was an internationally recognized cybersecurity specialist and KnowBe4’s Chief Hacking Officer, helped design the KnowBe4 training based on his well-documented social engineering tactics. Organizations rely on KnowBe4 to mobilize their end users as their last line of defense and trust the KnowBe4 platform to strengthen their security culture and reduce human risk.
Angela Channell, CNC, MBA, shared her journey: “My path into the world of aesthetics and wellness began with a strong foundation in wellness medicine thanks to my mother, Dr. G. I’ve always been captivated by the profound impact that nutrition has on our bodies. This fascination led me to pursue education in nutrition and integrative aesthetics at the Natural Healing Institute and the American Academy Of Anti-Aging. Now, under the expert guidance of Dr. G, I can use my knowledge to help our clients. Our mission is to seamlessly blend nutrition, aesthetics, and holistic health to create an experience that’s just for you.”
Euphoria’s unique biohacking health methodology not only enhances the impact of their aesthetic treatments but also supports lasting health and vitality. Clients like Kristal Murphy, 46, have experienced remarkable results, with a visible improvement in aesthetics and a significant boost in overall well-being.
Dr. Patricia Guevara, Euphoria’s medical director, is a celebrated expert in the field, renowned for her expertise in PRP treatments and two decades of experience in aesthetics. Her reputation as an authority in cosmetic rejuvenation precedes her.
Euphoria has successfully advocated for a whole-body approach to aesthetics and anti-aging, merging lifestyle enhancements, medical-grade nutraceutical supplementation, and IV therapy with advanced aesthetic treatments. Their commitment to enhancing well-being from the inside out has set them apart.
As Euphoria Skin and Beauty celebrates its first year, they invite you to join them in continuing to pioneer integrative aesthetics, optimizing client well-being and confidence.
For more information about Euphoria Skin and Beauty and their holistic approach to aesthetics, please visit www.euphoriaskinandbeauty.com or contact them at 909-212-0280. Euphoria Skin and Beauty is conveniently located at 7180 Day Creek Blvd, Ste 139, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739, in the Day Creek shopping center off of Baseline and Day Creek.
AccuFACE is a video-based AI facial mocap tool designed to capture facial expressions from any footage. When it comes to live webcam performances, AccuFACE is the go-to choice, offering compatibility with standalone USB web cameras or laptops equipped with integrated webcams. It delivers optimal tracking resolution at 720p and a smooth 30 frames per second. Furthermore, the software allows users to easily rotate or mirror the recording, accommodating mobile video feeds from mounted helmet cams.
Users can forego the high costs associated with special mocap equipment and opt for consumer-grade cameras or commonplace mobile phones to create footage. Or, they can choose to directly capture facial animation from recorded videos. AccuFACE empowers remote collaboration by enabling production studios to seamlessly work with professional actors and voice talents from around the world. This liberates animation productivity from equipment dependencies and the limitations of time and location, providing a flexible and efficient solution for content creators.
AccuLIPS: lip-sync enhancer and multilingual enabler
The built-in AccuLIPS engine enables intricate lip and tongue motion where other facial mocap systems fall short. By extracting text data from the voice, AccuLIPS generates an additional viseme track for precise lipsync editing.
If added with corresponding text scripts, the lips detection accuracy can be improved. By cleverly bypassing voice-to-text recognition, AccuLIPS can extend its capabilities to languages beyond English, while free tools are readily available to convert non-English text files into their romanized counterparts.
AccuFACE also captures synchronized audio data and facial animation, enabling the rapid generation of voice-synced animations using audio from the webcam, microphone, or recorded video. Regardless of the source media framerate being set at 24, 30, or 60 fps, the AccuFACE engine will consistently generate audio-synced animations according to the source framerate.
Full-spectrum calibration and mocap refinement
By establishing a neutral baseline and tailoring brow movements for optimal results, AccuFACE can be used to enhance the performer’s expressive capabilities. Calibration profiles can be conveniently saved and reused within the same mocap setup. The versatility of LIVE and VIDEO mode calibrations also allows for effortless alignment between live performers and the sourcing of calibration frames from multiple video files. It presents a comprehensive toolkit designed to tackle typical facial mocap challenges, ultimately bringing artists closer to achieving flawless animation.
LIVE Mode Calibration: Tailor the character’s facial settings to match the live performer with an easy-to-follow guided process, and receive immediate animation feedback for thorough refinement.
VIDEO Mode Calibration: When obtaining the ideal calibration poses from a single video source proves challenging, AccuFACE offers the flexibility to search for calibration frames across multiple video files.
Strength Balancing: Adapt regional strength adjustments to the actor’s individuality and balance expression intensity.
Smooth Filter: Eliminate undesirable spasms from the tracking data as a result of exceeding tracking angles, excessive hair coverage, or uneven lighting and shadowing.
Denoise: AccuFACE offers a comprehensive toolkit to address these common challenges, bringing artists several steps closer to achieving flawless animation.
Anti-Interference: Cross-region interference and cross-triggering can lead to muddied expressions. AccuFACE interference cancellation can reduce unwanted head, brow, and mouth movements.
Timecode sync for lossless recording
Timecode-based full-frame animation recording, independent of computer performance. Capture up to 60 fps of clean facial animation data without frame drops.
Other Features
Boost or decrease facial blendshape signals sent from AccuFACE tracker.
Multi-pass recording for layering or replacing selected facial animation.
Compatible with Character Creator’s CC3+ facial rig standard, tools and pipeline for custom character creation.
Access to Reallusion digital human and stylized content ecosystems.
With iClone Motion LIVE, AccuFACE can sync with body mocap and data gloves for full-body live performance.
Pricing Information – AccuFACE for iClone 8 is offered at a price of $499. Reallusion is offering a launch special price of $250 with 50% off. This is a limited-time offer and is only available at reallusion.com/store.
The DeClues combine their extensive background in real estate investment with a heartfelt mission to assist seniors in managing life’s transitions. “Take care of those that took care of us” is their guiding mission. They bring over 20 years of experience and a personal touch to their work, stemming from their own experiences with family estate challenges.
“Throughout our careers, we’ve met many seniors burdened by a lifetime of possessions that complicate their ability to move and live comfortably. We’re here to alleviate that stress,” Bob DeClue states. “Our work is more than a service—it’s a promise to provide care and dignity during these pivotal moments.”
The DeClues recognized the necessity of a service like Caring Transitions in the area, as their personal journey with Bob’s parents’ estate was a three-year, daunting journey of preparing a home for sale and handling belongings. Mary also spent years in social work, where she saw patients enter the hospital but not be capable of returning to living independently at home.
“We personally understand the emotional weight of transitioning a family member’s home,” says Mary DeClue. “Having worked in social work, I’ve seen the challenges families face when a loved one can’t return home from the hospital. We’re here now to help families navigate these challenging transitions with ease and respect.”
Caring Transitions of Central St. Louis serves Kirkwood, Sunset Hills, Des Peres, Crestwood, Rock Hill, Webster Groves, Town and Country, Frontenac, Ladue, Creve Coeur, and Maryland Heights. Caring Transitions currently has more than 300 franchise locations serving families across the country.
“The DeClues will make a huge impact on the community by providing top-tier transition services from decluttering a room to helping families move their loved ones into a senior community,” said Ray Fabik, President of Caring Transitions. “Bob and Mary’s real estate investment experience and the family’s passion to serve their community make them perfect franchise owners. The St. Louis community is in great hands with the DeClues.”
Caring Transitions, founded in 2006, is the most trusted and experienced national franchise specializing in senior relocation and transition services. With more than 300 locations throughout the United States, all owned and operated by Certified Relocation and Transition Specialists, Caring Transitions provides clients with supportive moves, auctions, rightsizing, and transitions. This includes expert advice plus a well-executed transition plan beginning with the initial sorting of personal belongings through packing, unpacking, resettling, and selling of items to the final clearing and cleaning of the property. For more information, visit http://www.caringtransitions.com or visit us on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/CaringTransitions/.
Media Contact
Mike Toper, 919 Marketing, (919) 813-6511, [email protected], 919marketing.com
In recognition of its commitment to ensuring data integrity and precision, CriticalRiver was named one of the front-runners for providing data quality solutions in the North American and APAC regions, with a notable focus on high-tech product manufacturing. These solutions cleanse and standardize data, enrich information, remove duplicates, correct errors, and monitor critical metrics, offering flexible deployment options, including on-premises, hosted, and private SaaS.
Acknowledging the recognition, Anji Maram, CEO of CriticalRiver, said, “In today’s complex digital landscape, data quality can make or break an organization’s strategic initiatives. At CriticalRiver, we proudly lead the charge in ensuring that data not only fuels insights but does so with an unwavering commitment to integrity and precision. The recognition by Forrester serves as a powerful testament to the enduring value we deliver to our clients every day.”
Sunil Sharma, Global Head of Data Science and Digital Engineering at CriticalRiver, highlights the significance of data cleansing and standardization in their solutions. These solutions empower organizations to enhance decision-making, operational efficiency, customer interactions, and marketing strategies. The flexibility in deployment options ensures scalability and compliance with data governance standards. Clients can expect substantial cost savings, risk mitigation, and a competitive edge in their markets. Sharma’s statement emphasizes the pivotal role of clean, standardized data in achieving cost-effective, data-driven decisions and overall business success.
Forrester defines data quality solutions as those “ensuring data accuracy, completeness, consistency, reliability, and monitoring for the intended use while adhering to business policies, rules, and constraints.”
About CriticalRiver
CriticalRiver is a trusted digital technology consulting company that champions Digital Transformation, Digital Experience Management, Digital Engagement, and Digital Engineering. With partnerships with top technology providers like Salesforce, Oracle, Microsoft Azure, and AWS, CriticalRiver provides personalized solutions rooted in innovative tech and industry best practices. Their team of seasoned consultants and architects are dedicated to understanding customer needs and delivering tailored, strategic solutions. From CRM and Cloud Applications to Data Analytics and Software Engineering Solutions, CriticalRiver is committed to helping businesses simplify operations, enhance automation, and achieve growth.
“We are excited to host this exclusive webinar, offering healthcare providers a deep dive into the CMS 2024 Final Price Transparency Rule,” said Kevin Chmura, CEO of Panacea Healthcare Solutions. “Our industry experts are committed to providing attendees with valuable insights that will empower them to navigate these complex regulations successfully.”
Govind Goyal, President of Financial Services at Panacea Healthcare Solutions, stated, “Understanding the implications and timelines of the CMS 2024 Transparency Rule is crucial for healthcare organizations striving for compliance excellence. Through this webinar, attendees will gain practical knowledge and actionable strategies to ensure their organizations remain compliant and focused on delivering exceptional patient care.”
