All posts by imreal

Society: Christianity

Practical Applications for Your Life” instills ideas on how to live life with improved certainty and wisdom

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)

“Power Through Truth: Practical Applications for Your Life”: a cerebral tome that taps into the universal and biblical wisdom in explaining the profoundness of life, leading to self-empowerment and purpose. “Power Through Truth: Practical Applications for Your Life” is the creation of published author Louie Van Greninger, a native of Oklahoma, a navy veteran , and a hairstylist.

Greninger shares, “Socrates once said, ‘An unexamined life is not worth living.’ In ‘Power Through Truth: Practical Applications for Your Life,’ Louis Van Greninger encourages the reader to examine his or her own life fully. He distills thirty-seven years of study and research into a philosophy of life to bring the reader to a new level of awareness and to help all navigate the sometimes rough waters of a material world. Greninger’s book explores the physical, spiritual, and mental facets of everyday life. Through positive thinking and the application of Christian principles, he guides the reader to a better understanding of what it means to be human. The author also provides practical advice—whether it be improving health, buying a car, or choosing a spouse. The goal of the book can be found in the title—empowering the reader to live a more fulfilling life through Christian truths and belief in self.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Louie Van Greninger’s new book beholds an intent to inspire readers with useful points that allow a better understanding of what it truly means to be alive in divine truth and faith.

Within each chapter comes resounding and thought-provoking virtues that bless life with positivity and fulfillment.

View the synopsis of “Power Through Truth: Practical Applications for Your Life” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “Power Through Truth: Practical Applications for Your Life” at traditional brick-and-mortar bookstores or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Power Through Truth: Practical Applications for Your Life,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Technology: Electronics

Simulyze Selected as a Winner in the 2019 “NVTC Tech 100” Awards for Second Consecutive Year

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“Simulyze remains committed to innovating in the Greater Washington, D.C. area and addressing the most pressing needs in the government, military and commercial drone industries,” said Kevin Gallagher, president and CEO of Simulyze.


RESTON, Va. (PRWEB)

Simulyze, Inc., a leading provider of operational intelligence (OI) technology and applications that empower both federal and commercial organizations, today announced it has been named to the 2019 NVTC Tech 100 list by the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC), the membership and trade association for the technology community in Northern Virginia and Greater Washington.

Recognized two years in a row for its federal and commercial drone work as well as its support of the research and development of UAS traffic management (UTM) projects with NASA and the FAA, Simulyze remains the only UAS service supplier who has exercised with all build versions of NASA’s UTM software and continues to play an integral part in supporting ongoing research phases.

“We are thrilled to be recognized by the Northern Virginia Technology Council for the second consecutive year,” said Kevin Gallagher, president and CEO of Simulyze. “Simulyze remains committed to innovating in the Greater Washington, D.C. area and addressing the most pressing needs in the government, military and commercial drone industries while partnering with federal agencies that are putting in place the regulatory and technical backbone to empower UAS in the U.S.”

Since its founding, Simulyze’s OI technology has been deployed across numerous organizations in and around the Greater Washington D.C. area and worldwide, including the Department of Defense and the U.S. Intelligence Community. Operationally deployed globally, its systems are trusted to safeguard data vital to the country’s national security. Simulyze’s flagship product, Mission Insight™, is the industry’s leading commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) application that makes complete situational awareness easy to attain and easy to deploy. After decades supporting government and military organizations, Simulyze has entered into the burgeoning commercial drone space.

Simulyze has led the industry’s support to the federal government in its research and development of technologies and platforms for enabling safe and effective UAS operations. In 2019, Simulyze continued its work with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in partnership with NASA to lay the groundwork for an unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) traffic management system (UTM). Simulyze took part in the North Dakota test site selected by the FAA for the UAS Traffic Management Pilot Program (UPP), which demonstrated that multiple drone flights taking place beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) can be safely conducted at low altitudes in airspace where FAA air traffic services are not provided. Simulyze is working with the FAA and NASA to accommodate these operations safely and efficiently as demand for low-altitude drone use increases.

The 2019 “NVTC Tech 100” list is comprised of 100 top technology companies and 25 executives that are considered to be the best and brightest in the diverse and thriving technology ecosystem. The individuals and companies listed are accredited for driving technology innovation, implementing new solutions for their customers and leading growth in the Greater Washington region. Nominations received were reviewed and Tech 100 companies and executives were selected by a judging committee. The Tech 100 was celebrated at an event in Tysons Corner, Va. on Dec. 9, 2019.

To learn more about the NVTC Tech 100 awards and see the full list of 2019 winners, visit: https://nvtc.org/NVTC/News/News_Articles/Northern_Virginia_Technology_Council_Announces_the_2019_Tech_100_Honorees.aspx

About Simulyze

Simulyze, Inc. is a leading provider of operational intelligence (OI) technology and applications that empower both federal and commercial organizations to make better, more strategic decisions in real-time. Built on its OI platform, Simulyze’s flagship product, Mission Insight™, is the industry’s leading commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) application that makes complete situational awareness easy to attain and easy to deploy. It processes and analyzes large streams of data from disparate sources to provide air, land and sea operators, commanders and managers with a common operating picture (COP) in a customized graphical interface. Since 2000, Simulyze’s OI technology has been deployed across numerous organizations worldwide, including the Department of Defense, the U.S. Intelligence Community, the Department of Homeland Security and commercial UAS applications. For more information, visit http://www.simulyze.com and follow on Twitter: @Simulyze.

About the Northern Virginia Technology Council

The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) is the membership and trade association for the technology community in Northern Virginia. As one of the largest technology councils in the nation, NVTC serves about 1,000 companies from all sectors of the technology industry, as well as service providers, universities, foreign embassies, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies. Through its member companies, NVTC represents about 350,000 employees in the region. NVTC is recognized as the nation’s leader in providing its technology community with networking and educational events; specialized services and benefits; public policy advocacy; branding of its region as a major global technology center; initiatives in targeted business sectors and in the international, entrepreneurship, workforce and education arenas; and the NVTC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that supports the NVTC Veterans Employment Initiative and other priorities within Virginia’s technology community. Visit NVTC at http://www.nvtc.org.

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Industry: Healthcare

Medicare Premiums Set To Take One Of Biggest Jumps In Years According to New Analysis From The Senior Citizens League

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“The 6.7 percent increase in the Part B premium is the largest since 2006 for a year in which a COLA is payable,” Johnson says.


WASHINGTON (PRWEB)

Medicare Part B premiums are getting set to make one of the biggest jumps in 14 years, according to new analysis from The Senior Citizens League (TSCL). While the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will increase benefits by 1.6 percent in 2020, Medicare Part B premiums are climbing by 6.7 percent, “more than four times faster than the COLA,” says Medicare and Social Security policy analyst, Mary Johnson.

The standard monthly Medicare Part B premium, which covers doctors and outpatient services, will increase by $9.10 from $135.50 in 2019, to $144.60 in 2020. At the same time, the COLA will increase an average Social Security benefit of $1,460 by only $23.40. After deduction for the Part B premium, that would leave just $14.30 per month for someone with average benefits to cover all other rising costs, including other rising Medicare premiums for prescription drugs or supplemental coverage.

“The 6.7 percent increase in the Part B premium is the largest since 2006 for a year in which a COLA is payable,” Johnson says. There have been bigger jumps in Part B premiums as recently as 2016 and 2017, but those were two years in which there was no or almost no COLA paid. This situation can cause unusually high Part B premium spikes.

In 2016 the COLA was zero and Part B premiums rose by 16.1 percent. In 2017 the COLA was just 0.3 percentage point, and Part B premiums rose by 10 percent. “Those premium spikes were due in large part to the cost-shifting effect created when no COLA was payable,” Johnson notes.

When there is no or a very low COLA, a special provision of law known as “hold harmless” protects beneficiaries when the dollar amount of their COLA is lower than the dollar amount of their Part B increase. The Part B premium is adjusted to prevent a reduction in Social Security benefits from one year to the next. “But when this provision occurs on a program-wide basis — as it did in 2016 and 2017, the entire increase in Medicare Part B for the year is shifted to the people who are not protected by hold harmless, Johnson notes. Instead of the Part B increase being spread over all Medicare beneficiaries, the total cost increase is borne by only 30 percent of Medicare beneficiaries who are not protected by the hold harmless provisions. They include:

  • people who are still working and pay Medicare Part B by check,

  • low – income Medicare beneficiaries whose Part B is paid for by state Medicaid programs, and,

  • beneficiaries with incomes in 2019 are $85,000 (single) $170,000 (couple) or more and who pay an income-related surcharge.

Because Medicare Part B premiums are automatically deducted from Social Security benefits, retirees find it difficult to fully anticipate the squeeze that rising Medicare Part B (and other Medicare premiums) can put on benefits and their budgets. In the past 15 years the percentage of the Social Security COLA increase has been lower than Medicare Part B premium increase 9 times.

All beneficiaries get a notification letter from the Social Security Administration explaining the amount of their benefits and the amount that will be deducted for Part B and any other deductions. “Those with the lowest benefits – less than $570 per month in 2020 — are at risk of seeing their Medicare Part B premium consume their entire COLA,” Johnson notes.

Medicare costs take a significant portion of retirees’ Social Security benefits. A survey conducted by The Senior Citizens League found that more than 51 percent of survey participants report spending at least $376 per month on total healthcare costs (including premiums and out-of-pocket costs) and more than one – in- five spend $1,000 or more per month.

To learn more, visit http://www.SeniorsLeague.org.

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With 1.2 million supporters, The Senior Citizens League is one of the nation’s largest nonpartisan seniors’ groups. Its mission is to promote and assist members and supporters, to educate and alert senior citizens about their rights and freedoms as U.S. Citizens, and to protect and defend the benefits senior citizens have earned and paid for. The Senior Citizens League is a proud affiliate of The Retired Enlisted Association. Visit http://www.SeniorsLeague.org for more information.

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Health: Mental Health

Georgia Tech and People Power Collaborate on Senior Care Project

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PALO ALTO, Calif. (PRWEB)

Georgia Tech’s Institute for People and Technology (IPaT) and IoT software company People Power are working together to collect and analyze data from in-home sensors as part of a study to better understand certain behaviors of people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The neurological condition creates increased challenges with memory, problem-solving, and spatial ability. As part of the Cognitive Empowerment Program (CEP), Georgia Tech researchers first explored the People Power IoT System in the technology-equipped Aware Home, a 5,000 square foot home designed to facilitate research.

“Collaborating with Georgia Institute of Technology’s Aware Home Research Initiative is a real honor for our company,” said Gene Wang, CEO and cofounder of People Power Co. “As a technology provider for senior care solutions that address technical, design and social challenges of aging, we are delighted to assist in this important research initiative with one of the top research universities in the country.”

The CEP’s technology team focuses on designing interventions and applications, as well as collecting data in the homes of study participants including sleep patterns, bathroom and kitchen habits, and more. The team will use the data to empower CEP members and their care partners, through mobile apps, in-home interventions supporting independence, and by sharing key information with the CEP therapeutic team to identify where members may need further training on strategies to compensate for cognitive impairment. In the Aware Home Research Initiative (AHRI), the People Power IoT System will provide device and data management and a framework for creating machine learning microservices, allowing researchers to more effectively conduct long-term studies and collect and view data.

“Changes in daily habits provide key indicators for informing lifestyle interventions that combat decline in cognitive function,” said Elizabeth Mynatt, executive director of the Institute for People and Technology and co-director of the CEP technology core. “Through this collaboration, we have the unique opportunity to collect critical data to inform care and empower people with MCI and their care partners.”

People Power is a leading provider of consumer and institutional services for senior care, energy management and home security. The company’s recent introduction of a comprehensive senior care solution that brings together agencies, caregivers, clients and families reconfirms People Power’s mission of helping with life’s important challenges with easy-to-use technology.

“What People Power is providing is the opportunity to hit the ground running on this project,” said Brian Jones, director of the Aware Home initiative. “We can have different studies running, view all of the homes in each study, and through a web browser we can see the status of in-home devices that provide the system with data.” Although the collaboration between IPaT and People Power currently focuses on adults with MCI, Jones envisions expanding it to other data science research at Georgia Tech.

Georgia Tech’s Cognitive Empowerment Program (CEP): http://ipat.gatech.edu/helping-aging-adults-take-their-power-back, and their Aware Home: http://www.awarehome.gatech.edu

About People Power

An IoT software company specializing in the development of consumer and institutional services for senior care, energy management and home security, People Power leads the industry with advanced AI-powered connected home solutions delivered through brands seeking recurring revenue business growth. For more information visit http://www.peoplepowerco.com

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Business: Executives

EFM Events Hits The $3.2 Million Mark In Charitable Donations To Cities They Produce Events In Since 2001

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Find Out More: www.efmevents.com

EFM exists to positively impact todays and tomorrows IT leaders in a way that enables them to create greater value for both their companies and our entire world for generations to come.” Gary Peyton, VP/Co-Founder of EFM.


HUMBOLDT, Iowa (PRWEB)

EFM Events is the leading and most important annual gathering of CIOs and their senior IT leaders in their respective geographies. EFM believes in building long term relationships and making an impact in the communities they serve. There’s a charitable component to each event in which EFM donates a portion of the event’s proceeds to a local technology community non-profit organization within the region. Total charitable contributions since 2001 has pushed up over $3.2 million dollars with $760,000+ of that being donated in 2019 alone.

The EFM single day IT Symposiums/events are currently held in 31 cities across 29 states spanning from the Upper Northwest, through the Rocky Mountains, stretching past the Ohio Valley to Upstate New York – and from the Northern Plains to the Lone Star State of Texas. Delivering independent and objective content – the IT Symposiums explore critical business, technology, and leadership strategies. Additionally, it serves as a conduit for IT professionals to build a stronger professional peer network and attain real-world knowledge on business changing technology and management solutions.

The Symposium is a conference designed to bring together CIOs and their management teams for a day filled with IT best practice experiences. A typical Symposium will have over 20+ executives sharing throughout the day. The content is a mixture of keynotes and breakout discussions made up of panel discussion and individual speakers. Many companies send multiple attendees so they can cover the Symposium day better and maximize the ROI for their company.

Attendees and sponsors alike enjoy the Symposium because there is no travel or overnight stays. Come in the morning and get home after dinner. Many events focus on what they can do in that year. EFM approaches building partnerships and Symposiums with a long term vision of wanting to make a difference in the communities they are in.

“I am firm believer in paying things forward in both my personal and professional life. The main objective for most event companies is to maximize profit. Our goal is to use our event series as a vehicle to contribute money back to each community we serve. EFM exists to positively impact today’s and tomorrow’s IT leaders in a way that enables them to create greater value for both their companies and our entire world for generations to come.” Gary Peyton, VP/Co-Founder of EFM.

If you are interested in finding out more information about our events or becoming a sponsor for an EFM Event please visit our website, http://www.efmevents.com.

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Health

Planet DDS Rapidly Expands by Opening a Second Office in Phoenix, Arizona

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Second Planet DDS Office in Phoenix, Arizona

Second Planet DDS Office in Phoenix, Arizona

Our job is to help solve the problems that many dental organizations are facing as the industry continues to consolidate—and Denticon, with its robust capabilities, is well suited to do just that.


NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (PRWEB)

Planet DDS’ new office in Phoenix, Arizona now serves as the central hub for the company’s expanding sales team to help meet the growing demand for the company’s flagship enterprise software, Denticon.

Mike Huffaker, Planet DDS VP of Sales, has built an exceptional sales team in Arizona and serves as the head of the Phoenix office.

According to Huffaker, “this is a one-of-a-kind sales team here in the Planet DDS Phoenix office and we’re very excited to broaden Denticon’s reach with this expansion. Our job is to help solve the problems that many dental organizations are facing as the industry continues to consolidate—and Denticon, with its robust capabilities, is well suited to do just that.”

The newly expanded sales team includes a diverse set of experts that are uniquely equipped to not only continue to meet Denticon’s growing demand, but to also help educate many dental practices that are still on traditional software about the benefits of a cloud-based, time-tested solution like Denticon.

The new sales team includes Business Development Representatives, Lead Development Representatives, and an expanded number of Account Executives.

“Mike has done a fantastic job cultivating a sales team that appreciates the challenges that dental practices face. There are still many dental organizations that are stuck on outdated practice management software and Mike and his team plan on using Denticon to help them operate more efficiently and ultimately achieve their goals,” added Eric Giesecke, Planet DDS CEO.

Planet DDS’ Denticon cloud-based practice management software is the only proven, time-tested software offering that was built from the ground up for multi-location groups in the cloud. Denticon has the largest footprint among emerging and established dental groups of any cloud software provider, allowing clients to break free from the constraints of desktop software with a comprehensive solution that includes the tools needed to standardize, centralize, and grow. All while reducing IT cost and enhancing security. Learn more about Denticon at http://www.planetdds.com.

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Society: Christianity

Susan Stoppenbrink’s newly released “Encounters with the Living God” treasures a powerful journey of faith in God despite life’s brokenness

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)

“Encounters with the Living God”: an expressive book that tells of a woman’s struggles in life that led to her deeper realization of God’s astounding providence and mercy. “Encounters with the Living God” is the creation of published author Susan Stoppenbrink, a classically trained singer and songwriter.

Stoppenbrink shares, “Each chapter reveals riveting accounts of miraculous encounters with God. With each encounter, the living God uniquely and supernaturally responded to the cries of a woman who in desperate situations called out to the Savior who loved her. Susan experienced life being legally blind from birth, incurring numerous eye surgeries and suffered through a series of abuse-filled situations, many brought about by unwise choices. This later culminated in her suffering the disabling effects of multiple sclerosis. In her deep desire to know God and His healing grace, she cried out to Him for help. He answered her with many miraculous encounters. Through them, the Lord revealed to her His true character, her broken understanding and finally after much healing of her body, her emotions and her spiritual life, she received many rich insights that are woven through each chapter.

“The pages of this journey will bring hope to all who have suffered devastating illness and/or abuse at the hand of others. It is told from the perspective of one whose life reflects the healing and grace that expresses compassion, empathy, and hope to all who seek the love that heals.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Susan Stoppenbrink’s new book inspires hope and trust to every reader as they witness a life redeemed by God’s unparalleled healing and love.

This book is a captivating proclamation of God’s openness and promise of healing to those who are afflicted with overwhelming trials and a sense of foreboding.

View the synopsis of “Encounters with the Living God” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “Encounters with the Living God” at traditional brick-and-mortar bookstores or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Encounters with the Living God,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Industry: Healthcare

Winners Announced for the 2019 Senior Housing News Architecture and Design Awards

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The 2019 SHN Architecture & Design Awards has surpassed our expectations, said George Yedinak, founder of Senior Housing News.


CHICAGO (PRWEB)

Senior Housing News, an Aging Media Network publication, is pleased to announce the winners of the 6th annual Senior Housing News (SHN) Architecture & Design Awards, sponsored exclusively by senior living furniture provider Kwalu. (http://www.shnawards.com)

More than 100 communities across the country and globe submitted new construction and renovation projects, vying for top honors across nine categories: Affordable, Assisted Living, Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Hospice, Independent Living, International, Renovation / Repositioning, Skilled Nursing / Post-Acute Care and Standalone Memory Care.

Introducing the 2019 winners by category:

Affordable

Winner: Rotary Terrace – South San Francisco, CA

Second Place: Normandy Square – Madison, WI

Third Place: The Vintage at the Crossings – Reno, NV

Assisted Living

Winner: The Village at White River Junction – White River Junction, VT

Second Place: Balfour at Littleton – Littleton, CO

Third Place (tie): Arbor Terrace Fulton – Fulton, MD

Third Place (tie): The Trousdale Assisted Living and Memory Care Facility – Burlingame, CA

Hospice

Winner: Faith Presbyterian Hospice – Dallas, TX

Second Place: Care Dimensions – Lincoln, MA

Independent Living

Winner: Warwick Woodlands – Lititz, PA

Second Place: Sterling Estates Of West Cobb – Marietta, GA

Third Place: Parc at Traditions – Bryan, Texas

International

Winner: Sun City Tachikawa – Tokyo, Japan

Second Place: San Sereno – Johannesburg, South Africa

Third Place: Amica Georgetown – Georgetown, Ontario, Canada

Life Plan / CCRC

Winner: Ventana by Buckner – Dallas, TX

Second Place: The Club at Briarcliff – Briarcliff, NY

Third Place: Oak Trace Senior Living Community – Downers Grove, IL

Renovation/Repositioning

Winner: Anthology of the Plaza – Kansas City, MO

Second Place: San Sereno – Johannesburg, South Africa

Third Place: Grandview Terrace – Sun City West, AZ

Skilled Nursing/Post Acute Care

Winner: Disney Celebration Care Center – Celebration, FL

Second Place: Katherine and Charles Hover Green House Homes – Longmont, CO

Third Place (tie): Gardens at Terracina Health & Rehabilitation – Naples, FL

Third Place (tie): Gunnison Valley Health Senior Center – Gunnison, CO

Stand Alone Memory Care

Winner: Adelaide of Newton Centre – Newton, MA

Second Place: Sterling Estates of West Cobb – Marietta, GA

Third Place: North Shore Place – Northbrook, IL

“The 2019 SHN Architecture & Design Awards has surpassed our expectations,” said George Yedinak, founder of Senior Housing News. “It’s a privilege to showcase these projects from around the world. The owners, operators and developers continue to implement cutting-edge work from world-class architects, designers and engineers.”

For more information on this year’s winners and nominees, visit http://www.shnawards.com.

About the SHN Architecture & Design Awards

The Senior Housing News Architecture & Design Awards recognize cutting-edge design, excellence and innovation in senior living. The annual awards contest celebrates unique projects and companies that are improving the lives of seniors through innovative design. Visit http://www.shnawards.com for more information.

About Kwalu

Kwalu is the leading provider of furniture to senior living in the U.S. Its products are Designed to Last® and will continue to look like new, year after year – which is so important right now, given the trend of residents’ rising acuity levels and the resultant ongoing beating the furniture takes from walkers and wheelchairs and the like.

When attracting new residents and maintaining high satisfaction levels for existing residents is important, Kwalu’s senior living furniture can make the difference.

About Aging Media Network / Senior Housing News

Aging Media Network is an innovative publishing company based in Chicago, Illinois, and is the publisher of Senior Housing News, Reverse Mortgage Daily, Home Health Care News, Hospice News and Skilled Nursing News.

Senior Housing News (SHN) is the leading independent source for news and information covering senior housing and senior living. With a global reach of more than 30,000 industry professionals, SHN boasts an audience that includes senior housing operators, developers, banking institutions, real estate investment trusts, private equity and service providers catering to the industry. Visit http://www.seniorhousingnews.com for more information.

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Business: Insurance

While Most Americans See Motor Vehicle and Home Ownership As Good Investments, New Transportation Options May Change Those Views

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“Home and motor vehicle ownership are two of the most significant expenditures for most households and significant lines of business for many property-casualty insurance companies,” said Elizabeth Sprinkel, CPCU, senior vice president of the IRC.


MALVERN, Pa. (PRWEB)

A new study from the Insurance Research Council (IRC) shows that motor vehicle ownership is considered a good investment by most adults, but that attitudes toward ownership are challenged by the availability of transportation alternatives such as Uber and Lyft. Two-thirds of all respondents surveyed for the study (66 percent) either strongly or somewhat agreed that owning or leasing a vehicle was a good investment. However, one-third of all respondents (32 percent) said that it was very or somewhat likely that they would forego owning or leasing a vehicle if they had ready access to autonomous vehicles operated by companies such as Uber or Lyft. Younger drivers, age 18-34, were four times more likely to express a willingness to forego vehicle ownership than drivers age 55 and up (51 percent and 13 percent, respectively). Urban drivers were more than twice more likely to express a willingness to forego ownership than rural drivers (46 percent and 19 percent, respectively).

The study also examined public attitudes toward home ownership and found overwhelming belief (90 percent) that owning a home is a good investment. Although younger respondents and respondents living in urban areas were less likely to believe that owning a home was a good investment, the differences across age groups and locations were relatively small.

“Home and motor vehicle ownership are two of the most significant expenditures for most households and significant lines of business for many property-casualty insurance companies,” said Elizabeth Sprinkel, CPCU, senior vice president of the IRC. “These findings confirm that consumers place high value on both home and vehicle ownership, but that owning a vehicle may decline in importance as other transportation alternatives take hold with younger and more urban drivers.”

The report, Attitudes on Home and Vehicle Ownership, is based on an online survey conducted by Dynata on behalf of the IRC in March 2019. The survey sample of 2,000 adult respondents nationwide was representative of the general countrywide population with respect to age, gender, income, and region. For more detailed information on the study’s methodology and findings, contact David Corum at 484-831-9046 or by email at IRC@TheInstitutes.org. Visit IRC’s website, http://www.insurance-research.org, for information about purchasing a copy of the report.

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The Insurance Research Council is an affiliate of The Institutes, a leading provider of risk management and insurance education. The Institutes offer professional designations, including the CPCU® program, along with introductory, foundational, and leadership programs; online and continuing education courses; events and conferences; custom solutions; and assessment tools. The IRC provides timely and reliable research to all parties involved in public policy issues affecting insurance companies and their customers. The IRC does not lobby or advocate legislative positions. It is supported by leading property-casualty insurance organizations.

CPCU is a registered trademark of The Institutes. All rights reserved.

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Business: Executives

Jeff Wassenaar promoted to VP Field Services, Sales at Astro Pak

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Jeff Wassenaar - VP Field Services, Sales

Jeff Wassenaar – VP Field Services, Sales

I can lead the team and can understand the challenges they face because I actually did that same work myself!


COSTA MESA, Calif. (PRWEB)

One of the hallmarks of Astro Pak is the long-term partnerships it forges with its clients. That is reflected by the long-term relationships many of its team members have with the company itself. Jeff Wassenaar is a good example of how Astro Pak’s commitment to its team members results in much of its leadership coming up from within.

Since joining Astro Pak in December of 2008, Jeff has served as Technical Sales Manager, Regional Sales Manager and Director of National Sales before assuming his current role as Vice President of Field Services – Sales. Much of his career with the company has been in the Great Lakes and Midwest territories. There he hit the ground running, first filling in for a co-worker on leave, followed by some hands-on training in the field learning the practical aspects of the day-to-day operations of Astro Pak’s service technicians. It was only a matter of a few weeks before he was called back to the office to fill an urgent need to create estimates and put out proposals in response to clients’ requests for bids. By the time his co-worker returned from leave, Jeff was wearing two hats, covering operations and estimating. He credits his success through that whirlwind first few months to his fellow team members, “I am super thankful to have had such a great team that came together and helped me to succeed!” He also credits that time for giving him a unique experience that has helped him during his career at Astro Pak, saying, “I can lead the team and can understand the challenges they face because I actually did that same work myself!”

Jeff joined Astro Pak after previously running his own business. With management’s support he and his team were able to run the Great Lakes regional office much as its own business entity. “We owned it and were in the trenches together,” he recalls noting that he is especially proud of the Great Lakes and Midwest regions’ continued success and growth as well as the individual successes of his former team members there.

Among the many jobs he has worked on, the Sanford Underground Research Facility stands out. Located deep underground in a former mine in South Dakota, getting to the job site in a mine elevator was an adventure itself. Additionally, he takes pride in knowing that many of the projects that Astro Pak supports enable the company’s clients to produce products that literally save lives.

In his role as VP Field Services – Sales, Jeff will continue to partner with Tom Tate, Astro Pak’s Vice President of Field Services – Western Operations and Keith Marlin, the VP of Field Services – Eastern Operations, to lead Field Services into the future.

About Astro Pak

Astro Pak has been the leading provider of passivation, high purity and precision cleaning services in North America since 1959. Astro Pak meets the critical cleaning and surface conditioning requirements for a myriad of industries such as biopharmaceutical and aerospace via our on-site services, as well as our state-of-the-art cleanroom and shop facilities.

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