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NSL Analytical Receives a Scope Expansion and Renewal of the ISO/IEC 17025-2017 for both its Metallurgical Laboratory and Analytical Laboratory


NSL Analytical

“This accreditation recognizes the testing competence of NSL in everything we do,” said Larry Somrack, President. “NSL has been accredited since 1999 and our commitment to quality and continuous improvement has made our accreditation of ISO/IEC 17025-2017 the cornerstone of trust for our clients.”

NSL Analytical Services, Inc., an independent commercial testing laboratory, received renewed accreditation for ISO/IEC 17025-2017, a prestigious designation for the quality and competence of its laboratory testing services. Additional methods and tests have been added by NSL and received approval from ANAB the ILAC-approved accreditation body.

The scope expansion includes these added capabilities:

  • ASTM E572, ASTM E1172 Elemental Analysis for Co, Fe, Ni, Ti Alloys, Ceramics by XRF
  • IEC 62321-4 Mercury in polymers, metals and electronics by CV-AAS, ICP-OES for RoHS Testing: Electronic and Consumer Products (All Metals, Alloys, Ceramics, Plastics, Polymers, Coatings)
  • IEC 62321-6 PBB and PBDE in Polymers by GC-MS for RoHS Testing: Electronic and Consumer Products (All Metals, Alloys, Ceramics, Plastics, Polymers, Coatings)
  • ASTM D1293 pH for Aqueous Solutions, Chemicals, Water by pH Ion Meter
  • ASTM D1293 Conductivity & Resistivity for Aqueous Solutions, Chemicals, Water by Fisher Meter
  • ASTM B922, ASTM C1247, ISO9277 Surface Area – BET Analysis for Powders
  • ASTM B923, ISO12154, MPIF 63 Skeletal Volume & Density by Helium or Nitrogen Pycnometry for powders, components
  • PC-009 Material Flow Properties for Powders by Powder Rheometer
  • ASTM D7481 Bulk Density for Powders by Graduated Cylinder

“This accreditation recognizes the testing competence of NSL in everything we do,” said Larry Somrack, President. “NSL has been accredited since 1999 and our commitment to quality and continuous improvement has made our accreditation of ISO/IEC 17025-2017 the cornerstone of trust for our clients.”

The renewed accreditation certificates from ANAB are now available for download from the NSL Analytical website. http://www.nslanalytical.com/accreditations

What is ISO/IEC 17025?

ISO/IEC 17025 was first issued in 1999 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It is the single most important standard for calibration and testing laboratories around the world. Laboratories that are accredited to this international standard have demonstrated that they are technically competent and able to produce precise and accurate test and/or calibration data. This accreditation is a voluntary, third party-reviewed process. As part of accreditation, a laboratory’s quality management system (QMS) is thoroughly evaluated and all accredited tests are observed by an auditor on a regular basis to ensure continued technical competence and compliance with ISO/IEC 17025. A copy of NSL’s QMS is available by requesting it at http://www.nslanalytical.com/quality-system-manual

About NSL Analytical Services, Inc.

A recognized leader in analytical and metallurgical testing, NSL is an Independent Commercial Testing Laboratory specializing in Inorganic Elemental Chemical Analysis, Metallurgical and Microscopy Evaluations, Failure Analysis, Organic Materials Testing and Powder Characterization Evaluations. NSL Analytical helps customers achieve the highest standards of product quality from design to production by providing accurate, reliable and repeatable materials testing results through Trust, Technology and Turnaround. For more information, visit http://www.nslanalytical.com

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New Product Release – Prominence Meets reliability in the CCLB Series


CCLB Series - 0.319" (8.10mm) LED Indicator - Long Body - IP67

CCLB Series – 0.319″ (8.10mm) LED Indicator – Long Body – IP67

We’re pleased to roll out another rugged PMI for a host of applications, our CCLB Series is the first of many from our acquisition of LEDCO. Be on the lookout for additional products designed with the end-user in mind.

Visual Communications Company (VCC), a recognized global leader in the illuminated electronics & HMI recently announced the addition of its newest panel mount indicators, the CCLB Series.

With a long body, diameter of 0.319” (8.10mm) and IP67 rating, these PMIs are ideal when working conditions aren’t. OEMs and designers will find features and benefits well-suited for the big jobs in the CCLB Series:


  • Made for harsh environments – IP67 rating guarantees reliability in harsh working conditions in the 6” wire leads option, and the tab terminal is sealed to protect against moisture and dust.
  • Perfect for thick panels – The long body indicator accommodates panels up to .354” (9mm) thick.
  • Enhanced daytime visibility – Increased visibility adds up to increased safety during operation.
  • Wide range of voltage options – The CCLB Series is available in popular voltages, including 12V, 28V or 120 VAC.
  • Secure operation in high-vibration environments – A lock washer, hex nut and weather gasket are included to deliver front and backside protection from the elements and vandals.
  • Achieves full brightness fast – Ultra-bright and super ultra-bright LEDs achieve full brightness in microseconds.
  • Multiple color options for enhanced experience – LED color options include red, yellow, green, white, amber, or blue.

The CCLB Series boasts reliable operation for the toughest applications, including industrial, maritime, oil and gas, safety equipment, and transportation.

VCC’s CCLB Series long-body LED indicators will be ready for purchase through distribution channels in November 2019. To learn more, visit the product overview page here: https://vcclite.com/product-category/panelmountindicator/pmiled/cclbseries/ or the product page:https://vcclite.com/cclb-series/

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AP Breaks Ground on the Aurora Family YMCA at Wheatlands


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This project was possible with two metro districts, one designated recreation authority and a nonprofit to come together for the good of the community.

On a chilly afternoon on an empty lot, Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP) – along with YMCA of Metropolitan Denver, the Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority, Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture (BRS), donors and community members – broke ground on the new Aurora Family YMCA at Wheatlands.

This 40,000-sf facility, designed by BRS, will directly support individuals and families with new and expanded Y programs for healthy living, aquatics safety, childcare, education and teen leadership. It will feature a wellness studio, group x studios, cycling studio, party and community room, competition pool and teen area.

“This afternoon we break ground on the Aurora Family YMCA at Wheatlands and we celebrate the vision, advocacy and commitment of everyone here and behind the scenes,” said Kimberly Armitage, VP of Strategic Growth and Membership for YMCA Metropolitan Denver. “This project was possible with two metro districts, one designated recreation authority and a nonprofit to come together for the good of the community. And, it shows how this unique partnership – one that has never happened in the state of Colorado – can venture outside the box and deliver a resource that is both positive and transformative.”

The Y will be a resource for all surrounding residents and will seek to help low-income and minority families to bolster health outcomes, reduce drop-out rates, improve academic success, and promote child safety.

About AP

Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP) is a family-owned company that is consistently ranked among the top construction managers and general contractors in the nation. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the company delivers innovative and collaborative building solutions for clients across the country from its regional offices in Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis and Phoenix. Founded in 1946, AP serves clients in the Aquatics and Recreation, Healthcare, Higher Education, Hospitality, Industrial, K-12 Education, Multi-Family, Municipal, Office and Senior Living market sectors. For more information, visit http://www.a-p.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.

About the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver

The YMCA of Metropolitan Denver is dedicated to the health and well-being of all. As a catalyst to transform lives and communities, our programs are embedded throughout metro Denver in wellness centers and through partnerships with other nonprofits and community-serving agencies. Each year, the Y brings together over 72,000 children, teens, members, and volunteers to develop a new generation of change makers, deliver lifestyle medicine and uplift communities. The Y is one of 2,700 YMCA organizations nationwide, collectively helping more than 21 million people learn, grow, and thrive. To join, donate, or get more information, visit http://www.denverymca.org.

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Oakworks® Medical is Awarded Premier Inc. Group Purchasing Agreement


Oakworks Medical, a division of Oakworks, Inc. has been awarded a Group Purchasing Agreement- by Premier Inc. in the Product Category of Imaging Tables. Effective October 1, 2019, the new agreement allows Premier members, to take advantage of special tiered pricing for imaging tables manufactured by Oakworks Medical.

“This purchase agreement will allow hospitals and institutions utilizing the contract to reduce expenses by purchasing a wide range of medical imaging tables designed to last,” said Jeff Riach, Founder/CEO, Oakworks, Inc. “This will expand access to our advanced line of medical tables that provide safe, durable, comfortable and ergonomic advantages for individuals receiving treatments and ultimately allow clinicians to focus on what is important, providing outstanding health care in their communities.”

Premier Inc. is a leading healthcare improvement company, uniting an alliance of more than 4,000 U.S. hospitals and health systems and approximately 175,000 other providers and organizations to transform healthcare. With integrated data and analytics, collaboratives, supply chain solutions, and consulting and other services, Premier enables better care and outcomes at a lower cost.

About Oakworks Medical

Oakworks Medical collaborates with leaders in various medical specialties to create cutting edge table designs and patient positioning devices that balance the needs of both patients and practitioners. Oakworks Medical is ISO 13485 certified. The ISO standard is intended to ensure that medical device manufacturers have the required quality management systems in place to safely design, manufacture and distribute medical devices. Oakworks Medical is committed to identifying the needs of customers and providing solutions that are cost effective. For all your Ultrasound, Imaging & Pain Management and Exam Table needs, discover why Oakworks Medical is the choice of medical professionals around the world.

For more information, visit http://www.oakworksmed.com

Oakworks Medical Contact:        

April Burtnett

Vice President of U.S. Medical Business Development                                

717-227-3114

aburtnett@oakworks.com

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Meridian Senior Living Communities Celebrate GivingTuesday by Supporting Validation Training Institute


Naomi Feil using Validation

Through VTI’s work worldwide more and more people have better personal interactions with people with dementia.

In celebration of GivingTuesday on December 3, 2019, Meridian Senior Living’s more than 70 communities collectively will participate in increasing awareness and raising donations for the Validation Training Institute (VTI) and its work to train and educate people on effective communication techniques with dementia residents. Leading up to GivingTuesday, Meridian communities will spread enthusiasm about the VTI fundraiser by posting social media communications and running a grassroots effort in their different markets.

GivingTuesday is a “Global Generosity Movement” that encourages people and organizations to donate time, funds, or offer a voice about an important cause in their local community to make a positive impact. In 2012, GivingTuesday started as a simple idea of establishing one day for people to give back. Today, it has grown into a global undertaking encompassing hundreds of millions of participants inspired to celebrate generosity. Meridian Senior Living has chosen VTI after years of seeing it benefit its residents.

“I have personally watched thousands of people’s lives affected in a positive way when they use the Validation Techniques,” expresses Kevin Carlin, Owner, Meridian Senior Living and Volunteer Board Member for VTI. “Through VTI’s work worldwide more and more people have better personal interactions with people with dementia.”

Founded by Executive Director Naomi Feil in 1983, VTI is a U.S.-based, not-for-profit organization that offers progressively developed certification levels and training programs in addition to a network of national and regional Validation organizations to disseminate information, train interested individuals, and maintain the Validation Method, a distinct way of communicating with those with dementia. VTI’s ultimate objective is to “nurture respect, dignity and well-being in the lives of older adults experiencing age related decline and their caregivers.”

Validation is a method of communicating with and helping cognitively impaired seniors. It helps

reduce stress, enhances dignity and promotes happiness. Built on an empathetic and holistic approach,

Validation asks caregivers to ‘step into the shoes’ of those with dementia and ‘see through their eyes’ to

understand the meaning of their often-complex behaviors. This method allows seniors the opportunity

to express, both verbal and non-verbal, their often-suppressed feelings and needs.

To make a donation to support VTI’s mission to advance knowledge, values, education and research in the Validation method, visit https://vfvalidation.org/. For more information about Meridian Senior Living, visit meridiansenior.com.

About Meridian Senior Living:

Meridian Senior Living, a privately held company based in Bethesda, Maryland, owns and operates seniors housing communities across the country and provides operational consulting to 24 communities in China. With more than 70 communities in 21 states and more in development, Meridian is one of the largest seniors housing operators in the U.S. The company prides itself on providing the highest quality care, exceptional lifestyle programming and a distinctive dining experience for its residents. For more information on Meridian Senior Living, visit meridiansenior.com.

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Liberty Mutual Insurance Donates $1 Million to MentorWorks Education Capital to Help Provide Access to Students Pursuing Educational Opportunities


We believe all students should have access to education and we’re looking forward to helping MentorWorks provide students opportunities and much-needed support, both financially and professionally, as they begin their careers.

Liberty Mutual Insurance has donated $1 million to MentorWorks Education Capital to help students, primarily from low-income backgrounds, fund educational opportunities with the prospect of successfully entering the workforce upon graduation.

The purpose of the program is to provide participating students access to funding to pay for their educational program, supported by an Income Share Agreement (ISA) with MentorWorks.

MentorWorks provides ISA financing which enables students to complete their program without incurring up-front tuition costs. ISAs are an alternative to loans that allow students to have their tuition paid and then students repay the ISA based on a percentage of their future income for a fixed period of time, up to a maximum cap without incurring interest. MentorWorks students enrolled in four-year colleges and universities, short term vocational and certificate programs, and two-year technical programs, are eligible to apply for the program.

MentorWorks will also connect its students to Liberty Mutual, as well as other companies, for potential placement in internships and full-time, entry-level positions. Students currently studying or with a degree in a wide range of majors, including business, finance, economics and accounting, are eligible.

“This program allows us to partner with MentorWorks to help remove the financial barriers that many students face,” said Liberty Mutual Insurance Assistant Vice President of Campus Recruiting Programs Maura Quinn. “We believe all students should have access to education and we’re looking forward to helping MentorWorks provide students opportunities and much-needed support, both financially and professionally, as they begin their careers. Programs like this help companies positively impact their communities, diversify their talent base and ultimately become stronger.”

“Liberty Mutual is an incredible company that recognizes that the student debt issue is, in the long term, a talent acquisition issue. This program is the first one of its kind that addresses this problem head on and creates an active education-to-career pathway for the students we support,” said MentorWorks Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder Karthik Krishnan. “We have seen that the lack of financial and social capital inhibits education and career opportunities for students in higher education, particularly for those from underserved backgrounds. Our program addresses both parts of the problem, creating a comprehensive solution to the current student debt crisis.”

About Liberty Mutual Insurance

Liberty Mutual’s purpose is to help people embrace today and confidently pursue tomorrow. The promise we make to our customers throughout the world is to provide protection for the unexpected, delivered with care.

In business since 1912, and headquartered in Boston, Mass., today we are the fifth largest global property and casualty insurer based on 2018 gross written premium. Liberty Mutual also ranks 75th on the Fortune 100 list of largest corporations in the U.S. based on 2018 revenue. As of December 31, 2018, Liberty Mutual had $41.6 billion in annual consolidated revenue.

Liberty Mutual employs nearly 50,000 people in 30 countries and economies around the world. We offer a wide range of insurance products and services, including personal automobile, homeowners, specialty lines, reinsurance, commercial multiple-peril, workers compensation, commercial automobile, general liability, surety, and commercial property.

Liberty Mutual is proud to be recognized as a Great Place to Work by Great Place to Work® US. This honor is awarded annually by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work, the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplaces.

You can learn more about Liberty Mutual by visiting http://www.libertymutualinsurance.com.

About MentorWorks Education Capital

MentorWorks Education Capital provides Income Share Agreement (ISA) financing which enables students to complete their program without incurring up-front tuition costs. ISAs are an alternative to loans with which approved students will have their tuition paid and then will pay a percentage of their future income for a fixed period of time, up to a maximum cap without incurring interest. Uniquely, MentorWorks also provides career development support, mentoring and access to employers.

To learn more about MentorWorks Education Capital visit: http://www.mentorworksedcap.com or reach out to MentorWorks Education Capital COO, Micha Sabovik at micha@mentorworksedcap.com. Follow MentorWorks Education Capital on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/mentorworksedcap/.

Contact:

Adrianne Kaufmann

617-574-5983

Adrianne.kaufmann@libertymutual.com

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NAAIM Shark Tank Winners Named for Stock Selection Strategies and Tactical Stock Market Strategies


The National Association of Active Investment Managers (NAAIM) announced that first place winners for the November 2019 NAAIM Shark Tank Competition were Bill Davis, Managing Director, Stance Capital LLC and John Worthington with Dauble+Worthington Equity Portfolios. Davis took top place in the Stock Selection Strategy category with his firm’s Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core, while Worthington’s D+W Sector Rotation was named the top Tactical Stock Market Strategy at the competition held in Dallas, Texas, on Sunday, November 10, 2019.

Now in its sixth year, the NAAIM Shark Tank competition is a rapid-fire competition of investment managers making 7-minute strategy presentations in front of a live audience, followed by 10 minutes of questions from the judges and audience. Strategy performance data must be based on verifiable, real-money returns from actual trading, gross of fees.

The November 2019 event marked the first competition in which strategies competed based on investment approach. “When we looked at the active investment strategies that have competed in the Shark Tank over the last five years, there were distinctly different approaches and performance goals, which made judging a bit like comparing apples to oranges,” explained Dave Moenning, chair of the Shark Tank Committee and winner for the 2018 Shark Tank Competition. “By grouping investment strategies by type of approach, the competition drills down to superior strategies within specific investment niches.”

The winning Stock Selection Strategy – Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core – is an actively managed quant strategy focused on members of S&P 500 that offer compelling financial fundamentals and off balance sheet outperformance relative to industry group peers on material risk factors relating to environmental, social, and governance risk factors. Stance Equity’s objective is to outperform benchmarks on both absolute and risk-adjusted returns, while at the same time demonstrating significant impact with respect to lower carbon profile and higher “green” product and service revenues. Notably, the strategy does not hold fossil fuel, tobacco, and weapons. Stance Capital is a Massachusetts-based Registered Investment Advisor, serving individuals, families, endowments, and institutions. The firm also builds products for other investment firms under research and sub-advisory agreements.

First place in the Tactical Stock Market Strategy category – D+W Sector Rotation – is an aggressive growth focused tactical sector rotation strategy. It seeks capital appreciation in rising markets as well as capital preservation during extreme market losses. The model follows proprietary trend and relative strength indicators and seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in specific mutual funds in the ProFunds Ultra Sector series which include leverage. It may invest in and may shift frequently among these funds and money markets. Manager Dauble+Worthington Equity Portfolios (D+WEP) is a Registered Investment Advisory firm (RIA) located in Evansville, IN. The firm specializes in tactically allocated, trend-following investment programs that focus on risk control while striving for absolute and relative price performance.

The winning managers received a cash prize of $1,000 each; promotion to NAAIM Membership; live meetings with Manager-of-Managers firms; and, pending due diligence approval, the winning strategies will be promoted to a TAMP platform’s client base and the manager will receive an invitation to the firm’s annual conference.

The competition judges were comprised of a panel of investment professionals selected by the NAAIM Shark Tank committee. The 2019 judges included David Daughtrey, Copperwynd Financial, LLC; Dina Fliss, Global View Capital, and past Shark Tank winners David Bush, founder of ALPHATATIVE, and John McClure, founder, president and CIO of ProfitScore Capital Management, Inc.

About the Winners:

Bill Davis

Managing Director, Portfolio Manager, Stance Capital LLC

Prior to forming Stance Capital, LLC, Mr. Davis was co-founder and Managing Director of Empirical Asset Management, and Portfolio Manager on EAM Sustainable Equity, a strategy he launched in 2014. Prior to co-founding Empirical, he was the founder and CEO of Ze-gen, a venture and private equity backed renewable energy company. Mr. Davis received a B.A. from Connecticut College, and his career in business has included serving as CEO or founder of numerous companies including: Database Marketing Corporation in 1986, Holland Mark in 1997, and Cambridge Brand Analytics in 2003. He is Vice Chair of Impact Infrastructure, LLC, and serves on not-for-profit boards of Seven Hills Global Outreach and Commonwealth Corporation. He is a founding member of the President’s Council of Ceres. Mr. Davis has taught at Columbia University Center for Environmental Research and Conservation, and guest lectured at Harvard College, Harvard Business School, MIT, MIT/Sloan, and Boston University. Mr. Davis holds a Series 65.

John Worthington

Partner, Dauble+Worthington Equity Portfolios

Mr. Worthington has been a founder and Partner of Dauble+Worthington Equity Portfolios since 2008 and manages multiple equity portfolios focused on managing risk and achieving growth. He holds a B.S. degree from the University of Evansville, with a focus on marketing, business.

About NAAIM

The National Association of Active Investment Managers (NAAIM) is a non-profit trade group of more than 130 registered investment advisors who collectively manage over $35 billion in assets. NAAIM members provide active money management services to their clients to produce favorable risk-adjusted returns as an alternative to more passive, buy-and-hold investment strategies. NAAIM publishes the weekly NAAIM Exposure Index, maintains a members-only NAAIM Indicator Wall of stock market indicators, sponsors the annual NAAIM Founders Award for outstanding papers advancing awareness of active investments management, and sponsors the annual Uncommon Knowledge and NAAIM Outlook conferences. For more information, visit http://www.naaim.org.

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Dylan Walker, New Existence Recovery Center Founder (and father) Shares The Family Inspiration For His Continued Sobriety From Opiates As The Holidays Approach


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“As a new father, still very close to my own parents, I’m even more thankful for my recovery and want to help other families reconnect.” – Dylan Walker, Founder of New Existence Recovery Center

It’s easy to have a “not in my backyard” mentality when it comes to those suffering from drug and alcohol dependency. However, it is closer than anyone imagines.

As the holidays approach, it is hard to overlook the effect of addiction on the family, especially in light of the growing opiate and vape crisis. An estimated 1.9 million people in the US have some type of opioid addiction, with both the numbers for opiate overdose and vape related deaths on the increase.

Dylan Walker, the founder of the New Existence Recovery Center, is one such case. Walker grew up on a dairy farm near Seattle, “My Mom and Dad very much instilled in me the value of hard work,” he recalls. “Dad taught me how to build barns and x the farm machinery.” Since he was a young boy growing up on the farm, Dylan has always enjoyed helping people.

When he was 14-years-old, Dylan started drinking and smoking marijuana, “I was experiencing a lot of social anxiety and social pressure.” Then he started drinking until he blacked out. He graduated to harder drugs in college, much to his parents’ despair. “I experimented with opiates in college and was immediately hooked,” he says. “I used every day.”

Dylan, like many people, suffers from an addictive personality disorder and keeping clean and sober is a daily effort. As a new father, still very close to his own parents, Dylan is even more thankful for his recovery and wants to help others become clean and sober, “God did for me what I couldn’t do for myself”.

The mission of New Existence Recovery center is to provide the highest level of affordable personalized care to those struggling with substance and alcohol abuse through compassion, commitment, and industry-proven educational techniques. A critical aspect of this care includes addressing the well being of each individual.

Perhaps it is Dylan’s farm-grown ethics that can be seen in the way he runs the center, “Since Day One, all of our clients have had my cell number – not a dollar sign and a piece of paper”. According to clinical director John, who has been with Dylan since the center’s inception, “Dylan is an extremely supportive, compassionate, and morally- sound individual. He isn’t greedy or egotistical. He just listens and supports.” Dylan has an open-door policy, which makes things a little hectic sometimes. “I need the chaos to keep me out of my head,” he admits.

If long-term recovery is of importance to you, continued support should be a critical decision factor when choosing your recovery center, especially when choosing one out of state. The right recovery center not only offers a family-like environment but also offers mentorship and continual support from those who have achieved recovery themselves and won their families back. New Existence wishes you and yours a renewed sense of family connection this holiday season.

About New Existence

New Existence Recovery (https://www.newexistencerecovery.com/) is designed to guide those struggling with alcohol and substance abuse toward a path of long-term sobriety. Their professionals provide the highest level of affordable personalized care to every client through compassion, commitment, and industry-proven educational techniques. For more information, please contact Dylan Walker at (253) 653-2243 or visit https://www.facebook.com/NewExistenceRecovery/ or https://www.instagram.com/newexistencerecovery/

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Brava Diagnostics Awarded Advanced Industry Grant from the State of Colorado


Brava Diagnostics, Inc., a company transforming acute care diagnostics with a next generation point-of-care platform, announced today that the Company was awarded $250,000 by the State of Colorado through Advanced Industry Early Stage Capital and Retention Grant Program. The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) awarded 24 Colorado start-ups funding. A total of $5,214,528 Proof-of-Concept and Early Stage Capital and Retention Grants that fuel the growth of Colorado’s advanced industries were awarded in this reporting cycle.

“Funding such a diverse cross-section of innovative Colorado companies continues to advance Colorado’s key industries and solidify our state’s reputation as an innovation incubator,” said Senior Manager of Advanced Industries, Katie Woslager. “Innovation drives economic growth and these grants directly support Colorado’s vital innovation ecosystem.”

Brava is developing a next generation test for heart attack: a point-of-care, high-sensitivity troponin test to assess patients with chest pain in 15 minutes. Rapid triage is critical to saving lives and improving quality of care in the emergency department. Of 8 million visits for chest pain in the U.S., 87% of patients do not receive a diagnosis of heart attack. High-sensitivity troponin tests can measure the protein 4-5 hours sooner than contemporary assays and have demonstrated more efficient rule-in and rule-out of heart attack. Rapid rule-out and safe discharge of low-risk patients eases crowding in the emergency department, reduces hospital admissions and improves patient satisfaction. Savings to the healthcare system are estimated at over $7 billion annually.

Byron Hewett, Co-Founder and CEO commented, “We are thrilled to have won this competitive Advanced Industry grant to support our product development program. U.S. and European guidelines are driving the shift to high-sensitivity troponin to improve diagnosis and rule-out of heart attack. Brava could be among the first high-sensitivity troponin point-of-care tests.”

About Brava Diagnostics

Brava is developing a NextGen test for heart attack for the emergency department. Our first product is a point-of-care high-sensitivity troponin test to assess patients with chest pain to guide treatment decisions or safe discharge. Unlike the central lab that takes 60-90 minutes to return results, the Brava test delivers lab-quality results in 15 minutes, which means faster rule-in of heart attack and faster rule-out and safe discharge of low-risk patients. Rapid rule-out eases crowding in the ED, reduces the number of admissions, improves resource utilization, improves patient satisfaction and reduces costs to the healthcare system. Learn more at http://www.bravadx.com

About Advanced Industry Grants

The purpose of the Advanced Industry Early Stage Capital and Retention Grant Program is to fund early stage start-ups that have created viable products, meet a market need, and can be created or manufactured in Colorado and exported globally. The Advanced Industries include aerospace, advanced manufacturing, bioscience, electronics, energy, infrastructure engineering, and technology and information. See the OEDIT press release at https://choosecolorado.com/5-2-million-advanced-industries-awards-in-fall-2019-will-fuel-24-colorado-start-ups/

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A Natural Formula with Glutathione”


José Luis Rodríguez (“El Puma”)

Venezuelan singer José Luis Rodríguez, recipient of the Latin Recording Academy’s 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award

“I am grateful to the Academy for recognizing my singing career of more than 50 years; to my doctors who gave me these lungs; to my wife; to my friend Raimundo Santamarta, who accompanies me here today and whose product creation came in the nick of time; and to the donor and his family…”

Considered one of the biggest pop icons and cultural treasures on the Latin American music scene for decades, Venezuelan singer José Luis Rodríguez (“El Puma”) received the Latin Recording Academy’s 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding artistic significance to Latin music during his more than 50-year career.

His frequent use of a nutraceutical containing the antioxidant Glutathione enabled El Puma to return to the stage in a surprisingly short time when, up until recently, he could sing only with the aid of an oxygen tank. After recovering successfully from a double lung transplant – in good health and with vitality – he received this well-deserved award while also on a successful tour of several cities throughout Latin America and the United States. El Puma’s 2019 Agradecido (Grateful) Tour includes stops in Bogotá, Miami, Guatemala, El Salvador, Santo Domingo, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador and Mexico where he’s inspired by a tremendous spiritual motivation to celebrate, together with the public, the opportunity to sing again and share his experience of survival.

“I am grateful to the Academy for recognizing my singing career of more than 50 years; to my doctors who gave me these lungs; to my wife; to my friend Raimundo Santamarta, who accompanies me here today and whose product creation came in the nick of time; and to the donor and his family. This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Now I want to enjoy every moment, every second, and celebrate the miracle of life,” said El Puma.

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