All posts by imreal

Smart Safety Wearable, Punch Rescue, Creates Rapid Response at California YMCA


Punch Rescue helps shave critical seconds off emergency response time. When the wearer enters the water or presses the panic button, everyone nearby is alerted via Rescue’s linked base station’s visual and audio alarms. Additionally, responders are notified in real time through integration with emergency communication software, PunchAlert.

Greg Artzt, the visionary behind Rescue and PunchAlert, expressed his profound satisfaction with the tangible impact of their creation. “I felt pure joy and immense satisfaction knowing our product helped save a life. All the time, effort, and many challenges were worth it as someone’s life was saved.”

The incident serves as a testament to the potential of technology to significantly improve and safeguard lives. Punch Rescue’s dedication to creating practical and affordable solutions has proven to be a game-changer. “Technology can truly be used to save and significantly improve lives. Ultimately, new products must be practical and affordable in order to make a real impact,” emphasized Artzt.

The Punch Rescue wearable and alert station system was designed and manufactured by Enventys Partners in Charlotte, North Carolina. Enventys Partners is the industry’s only full-service, turnkey product launch agency. They combine start-to-finish, all-encompassing product development services with digital marketing expertise to create innovative products and bring them to market

For more information or to schedule an interview, please email Mike Evans ([email protected]) or Greg Artzt ([email protected]).

About Punch Rescue

Punch Rescue is the only water-activated, internet-enabled wearable Panic Button and Alert Station system. The product consists of wearable devices, charging stations, connected Alert Stations, and a native integration with the PunchAlert mobile emergency management platform (now owned by STOPit Solutions). The water activation and patented “fall into water” algorithm makes Punch Rescue an extremely unique device for lifeguards in aquatic environments. http://punchrescue.com.

About STOPit Solutions (owner of PunchAlert)

STOPit Solutions (STOPit) provides a market-leading anonymous reporting solution serving over 8,000 schools and other organizations. In 2023, STOPit merged with Punch Technologies to bring the best in class PunchAlert emergency management platform and mass notification system in house, consolidated with its other safety and wellness offerings. PunchAlert contains a unique set of services including the 911+ dynamic location routing e911 service which works in 100% of the 911 call centers in the US and Canada. The PunchAlert product is in the process of a rebranding launch by STOPit this Fall. For more information, visit http://www.punchalert.com.

About Montecito Family YMCA

As a leading nonprofit, the Y is committed to strengthening communities throughout the nation. Your local Y seeks to fill gaps in community services and develop activities, strengthening communities across Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Believing that everyone should have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive, the Y nurtures potential and brings people of diverse backgrounds together. The Y has a local presence and national reach, mobilizing local communities to affect lasting, meaningful change. For more information, visit https://www.ciymca.org/.

Media Contact

Matt Harris, Enventys Partners, 704-313-9319, [email protected], https://enventyspartners.com/

SOURCE Punch Rescue

Washington Connections Academy Debuts Career Readiness Offering for 2023-2024 School Year


Washington Connections Academy provides students and families with years of expertise in the learning-from-home model. Teachers are specially trained to bring their skills and personality to online learning and emphasize the importance of fostering meaningful connections with students and their families. Recognizing that every student has individual learning needs, Washington Connections Academy offers flexible learning plans that can be tailored to each student’s specific needs. This personalized approach ensures that students can achieve their full potential and reach their academic goals.    

“We always enjoy this time of year, when we can welcome new students to the virtual classroom and reconnect with those returning,” said Jenn Francis, Executive Director of Washington Connections Academy. “This year, we are especially proud to provide our students with a new option to prepare for their futures through our Career Readiness offering. I know the program will benefit many of our students interested in specific career fields or college programs, and exploring these interests further will serve them well for many years to come.”

Students head back to school on the heels of Washington Connections Academy’s recently released 2022-23 Parent Satisfaction Survey, an annual third-party survey that provides families with the opportunity to review their experience with the school. According to the survey results:

  • 97 percent of parents say the Connections Academy program gives them greater opportunity to be more involved with their child’s education
  • 96 percent of parents are satisfied with the helpfulness of their child’s Connections Academy teachers
  • 94 percent of parents say their child is satisfied learning at Washington Connections Academy
  • 94 percent of parents agree the curriculum is high quality
  • 94 percent of parents agree their child is making good progress

In addition to the rigorous curriculum, Washington Connections Academy offers innovative and diverse courses, including foreign languages, game design, sign language and more. Additionally, the school offers flexible learning plans that can be tailored to the student’s specific needs whether it’s for children with a dynamic schedule, students who are ahead or behind in the classroom, learn at a different pace from their peers or want a more individualized approach to learning. Beyond the curriculum, Washington Connections Academy provides numerous socialization opportunities for its students. For this upcoming semester, Washington Connections Academy students can take advantage of the school’s free online clubs and activities, where they can collaborate with others interested in art, science, sports, gaming and more.

Enrollment is still open for the 2023-24 school year is open. Families interested in Washington Connections Academy are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more, ask questions and discover if virtual school is the right fit for their student. For more information on Washington Connections Academy schools or to begin the enrollment process, please visit http://www.WashingtonConnectionsAcademy.com or call 1-800-382-6010.

About Washington Connections Academy
Washington Connections Academy is a tuition-free online public school delivering a meaningful, high-quality online learning experience that keeps students engaged and motivated. The combination of state-certified quality teachers, a proven, student-centric school curriculum, unique electives, technology tools, and community experiences empowers students to gain the skills and confidence they need to thrive in a changing world. Washington Connections Academy in partnership with the Mary M. Knight School District serves grades K-8 and Washington Connections Academy in partnership with Goldendale School District serves grades K-12. For more information, call 1-800-382-6010 or visit http://www.WashingtonConnectionsAcademy.com.

Survey Methodology
Connections Academy conducts the annual Parent Satisfaction Survey to find out how parents, guardians and Learning Coaches grade the program in several key areas. The 2023 survey was conducted from January 17 to March 3 by Shapiro + Raj, an independent market research company that created the questionnaire, collected the data and tabulated the results. Parents and caretakers of all students enrolled at the time of the survey were invited to complete the survey online. An invitation was sent to each parent and caretaker, and one response per household was submitted.

Media Contact

Kendra Hale, Connections Academy, 503.432.9846, [email protected], https://www.connectionsacademy.com/washington-online-school/

SOURCE Connections Academy

Ohio Connections Academy Celebrates 20 Years of Teaching Life-Long Learners


Ohio Connections Academy provides a personalized education that is supported by teachers who are specially trained in online learning. The curriculum is designed to have real-world value by focusing on preparing each student for wherever life takes them. As a public school, the school requires students to meet the same state standards as their traditional brick-and-mortar school counterparts.

According to Superintendent Marie Hanna, Ohio Connections Academy is a great fit for a variety of students and each student is unique. Those who attend Ohio Connections Academy come from different backgrounds and choose full-time online school for various reasons. Some students prefer to take ownership of their education and benefit from the flexibility that virtual school offers, while others are looking for a consistent, safe learning environment.

“Finding the school environment that is the right fit for your student is an important decision, so I invite families to join us and see how learning in a true virtual classroom setting might make a difference,” said Hanna. “We also encourage parents to contact us directly and speak with one of our faculty members. This is a critical decision, and we are here to help families determine what would be the best learning environment for their student this fall.”

Anna Ridenour was among the first students to enroll in Ohio Connections Academy when it opened in 2003. She was entering the fifth grade and her parents were seeking a more individualized academic setting where she could advance at her own pace.

According to Ridenour, online education was very new and her first year at Ohio Connections Academy was a big adjustment, however she immediately enjoyed the flexibility it provided. As she continued to attend the school through her senior year, she appreciated how the virtual platform offered many ways to interact directly with her teachers and her peers. She said her teachers inspired her to become an educator.

Ridenour graduated from Ohio Connections Academy in 2011 and was named the class valedictorian. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Mount St. Joseph’s College in 2015 and returned to Ohio Connections Academy to begin her teaching career as a freshman math teacher. Ridenour currently serves as Ohio Connections Academy’s state testing coordinator.

“It’s hard to imagine my life without Ohio Connections Academy. The most significant benefit has probably been having a community of teachers who believed in me and want to help me succeed,” Ridenour said. “My teachers and my education changed how I thought about myself and the world around me, and I wanted to continue that for other students.”

Ohio Connections Academy recently received very high marks and is considered a high-quality academic option according to its 2022-23 Parent Satisfaction Survey, an annual third-party survey that provides families with the opportunity to review their experience with the full-time online public school.

Ninety-six percent of parents say the Ohio Connections Academy program gives them greater opportunity to be more involved with their child’s education. Ninety-five percent of parents also agree their children are satisfied with the program and 93 percent of parents agree the curriculum is high quality.

In addition, 96 percent of parents are satisfied with the helpfulness of their child’s teachers and 92 percent of the parents who responded said they would recommend Ohio Connections Academy to parents whose children are not enrolled in the program.

Enrollment for Ohio Connections Academy’s 2023-24 school year is still open for students in grades K-11. Families who are interested in learning if a full-time online school is the right fit for their child are encouraged to attend an online information session. During the session, parents will have the opportunity to speak to staff members, learn how the online classroom works and how teachers engage and support the students.

For more information about Ohio Connections Academy or to begin the enrollment process, visit http://www.OhioConnectionsAcademy.com or call 1-800-382-6010.

About Ohio Connections Academy
Ohio Connections Academy is a unique, tuition-free, online public school for K-12 students. Every day, we create a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers focus on emotional well-being and social development, working closely with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students gain the skills and confidence they need to direct their own educational journey, learning to thrive in the real world by first learning how to be resourceful and resilient. For more information, call 1-800–382–6010 or visit http://www.OhioConnectionsAcademy.com.

Survey methodology
Connections Academy conducts the annual Parent Satisfaction Survey to find out how parents, guardians and Learning Coaches grade the program in several key areas. The 2023 survey was conducted from January 19 to February 26 by Shapiro + Raj, an independent market research company that created the questionnaire, collected the data and tabulated the results. Parents and caretakers of all students enrolled at the time of the survey were invited to complete the survey online. A WebMail invitation was sent to each parent and caretaker, and one response per household was submitted.

Media Contact

Mark Rickel, Connections Academy, 614-232-8309, [email protected], https://www.connectionsacademy.com/ohio-eschool/ 

SOURCE Connections Academy

Wellness Together, Inc. and Blue Shield of California Partner to Celebrate Education Leaders with the Mental Health Innovator Awards


“Educators and school leaders are vital in promoting student mental wellness and cultivating a positive school environment. In a time where the well-being of our students is more critical than ever, these leaders shine as beacons of hope, forging innovative partnerships to respond to the student mental health crisis,” says Marlon Morgan, Founder and CEO of Wellness Together.

The Wellness Together Mental Health Innovator Awards, sponsored by Blue Shield of California, will be presented at the 7th Annual Student Mental Wellness Conference, in partnership with the California Department of Education, held on September 7-8th, 2023, at the Anaheim Convention Center. The award ceremony will be a conference highlight, bringing together a wide range of professionals – from educators and school administrators to mental health advocates and policymakers nationwide and beyond. “Since 2019, Blue Shield’s BlueSky youth mental health initiative and Wellness Together have worked to provide culturally responsive mental health supports for middle and high school students in California. The awards recognize leaders who have been integrally involved in these efforts,” says Antoinette Mayer, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship, Blue Shield of California.

For more details on the award or conference, please visit the conference website (https://www.wellnesstogether.org/conference) or contact event organizers.

About Wellness Together, Inc.:

Wellness Together, Inc., is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation leading the mental health movement through increasing mental health awareness, advocacy, and access. Wellness Together clinicians deliver

mental health services for students and educators on campus and individuals everywhere online, ensuring accessible support for all without any insurance requirements. Learn more about their free youth advocacy and mental health training initiatives at https://www.wellnesstogether.org/.

About Blue Shield of California:

Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. Blue Shield of California is a tax-paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Shield Association with over 4.8 million members, over 7,500 employees, and more than $24 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid, and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. Learn more at https://news.blueshieldca.com/.

Media Contact

Britney Stone, Wellness Together, 1 9162343367, [email protected], https://www.wellnesstogether.org

SOURCE Wellness Together

Nonprofit Wellness Together selected as Pinterest Purpose Partner to Support Student Mental Health and Social Connection


Mind Out Loud (MOL), a division of Wellness Together, is the youth-led mental health movement amplifying the voice of youth, empowering students (13+) to become advocates for mental wellness on their school campuses. The highlight of the year is the free MOL annual virtual event, bringing together renowned figures and influencers from various fields, including Platinum Hip Hop Artist Big Sean, NYT Bestselling Author Angie Thomas, Actor/Writer Tony Hale, California Senator Anthony Portantino, and Marvel’s first queer Latina Author Gabby Rivera. The annual event is a powerful platform for youth from across North America, the UK, India, and beyond.

In partnership with the California Department of Education, the California Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, and the San Diego County Office of Education, Wellness Together has developed Mind Out Loud (MOL) as a free year-round mental health advocacy program available to all middle and high school students (13+).

About Wellness Together

Wellness Together, Inc. is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in California. They deliver on-campus mental health services to students and educators, ensuring accessible support for all without any insurance requirements. Mind Out Loud (MOL), a division of Wellness Together, is a youth-led mental health movement empowering youth voices through free online programming, promoting mental health advocacy, decreasing mental health stigma, and equipping students with suicide prevention resources. To learn more, please visit wellnesstogether.org or mindoutloud.org.

Media Contact

Britney Stone, Wellness Together, 1 (916) 234-3367, [email protected], https://www.wellnesstogether.org/

SOURCE Wellness Together

Argon 18 and Team Novo Nordisk on the World Stage in Quebec


“It’s incredible for our riders to line up with these teams, the best in the world,” says TNN General Manager, Vassili Davidenko. “Our team has made our mark on the ProTeam circuit this season, and to receive the invitation to compete at the World Tour level is validation of our hard work. To be able to race in front of our partners at Argon 18 just makes it even more special.

Argon 18 has been bike sponsor for the team since 2022, and will extend that sponsorship for another three years, through 2026.

“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Team Novo Nordisk, and even more thrilled to be able to celebrate this partnership in our hometown of Montreal,” says Martin Le Sauteur, CEO of Argon 18. “We’ve heard from the riders how much they appreciate the quality and performance of our bikes. Committing to another three years with the team and contributing to the cause is as exciting for us as it is for them.”

“We are very excited to be extending our successful partnership with Argon 18 for three more years,” adds Vassili Davidenko. “To be able to compete at the highest level you need the best, most cutting-edge equipment possible and that’s what Argon 18 gives us.”

“Our results over the last two years of racing on the Sum Pro have been extremely positive, from Andrea Peron gaining his first career victory at GP Kranj last year to numerous breakthrough performances in big races by Matyas Kopecky and Filippo Ridolfo in 2023. Our aim is to continue building on this upward trend and Argon 18 bikes will help us to do that.”

The team has been riding Argon 18’s flagship road race bike the Sum Pro, as well as the UCI-legal aero-optimised TT model, the E-118.

The two iconic Grands Prix races see the world’s top cyclists race through the downtown core of Montreal and Quebec to the delight of thousands of cycling fans. In Argon 18’s hometown of Montreal, the company will host several related events throughout the city, and will have a major presence in the athletes’ village at both races.

Media Contact

Tim Lindley, Team Novo Nordisk, +39 391 110 6499, [email protected], www.teamnovonordisk.com

SOURCE Team Novo Nordisk

Schoox Sponsors Session on Attracting and Retaining Employees at Inaugural QSR Evolution Conference


Sessions at QSR Evolution address the challenges of quick-service restaurant operators. Attendees won’t want to miss Schoox’s sponsored session Becoming a Best Brand to Work For, featuring executives from Whataburger Restaurants LLC., Starbird, Noodles & Company, Papa Johns, Wingstop and Portillo’s on Thursday, September 7 at 10:30 am.

“QSRs want to deliver consistently great service to customers and employees alike,” said Lefteris Ntouanoglou, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Schoox. “Schoox helps restaurants streamline operations and improve the guest experience by making training available wherever and whenever employees need it.”

The QSR Evolution Conference promises to be a can’t miss gathering of industry leaders and innovators. The list of speakers and conference agenda is available at QSREvolutionConference.com.

About Schoox

Schoox is workplace learning software with a people-first twist. People aren’t cogs, and Schoox was designed for how humans actually learn. We keep learners curious by letting you deliver more kinds of content wherever they are, from the front line to the corporate office. And by making learning easy, accessible, rewarding, and fun, we help you get everyone more excited about their career development. Learners can “up” their skills, grow on the job, and get more done—and you can measure the impact of their awesome accomplishments. Schoox powers people-focused learning experiences for organizations around the world, including Subway, Celebrity Cruises, Phillips 66, and Sonesta Hotels. Learn more at schoox.com

Media Contact

Michelle Sullivan, Schoox, 7032839272, [email protected], https://www.schoox.com/

SOURCE Schoox

Positive Intelligence® Ranks No. 567 on the 2023 Inc. 5000


The Inc. 5000 class of 2023 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. Among this year’s top 500 companies, the average median three-year revenue growth rate ticked up to an astonishing 2,238 percent. In all, this year’s Inc. 5000 companies have added 1,187,266 jobs to the economy over the past three years.

For complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, location, and other criteria, go to www.inc.com/inc5000. The top 500 companies are featured in the September issue of Inc. magazine, available on newsstands.

“Running a business has only gotten harder since the end of the pandemic,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “To make the Inc. 5000 — with the fast growth that it requires — is truly an accomplishment. Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that are building our future.”

Positive Intelligence (PQ) is a vibrant global community of coaches, entrepreneurs, scientists, designers, engineers, and passionate servant leaders. PQ offers coaching, training, and resources to individuals, teams, and organizations. The PQ Program for mental fitness is based on the science of positivity and is designed to help individuals and teams build mental fitness to fulfill their true potential.

Every person has negative thoughts that live quietly in their minds, causing most of their setbacks and sabotaging their potential. The PQ Program helps build new mental muscles that intercept these negative thoughts and activate positive reflexes. By shifting the balance of power in their minds, individuals and teams can elevate their mental fitness and increase their capacity to navigate life’s challenges. Through the PQ Program, participants experience profound changes in their wellbeing, performance, and relationships.

To learn more about Positive Intelligence, visit https://www.positiveintelligence.com/.

More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000

Methodology

Companies on the 2023 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2019 to 2022. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2019. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2022. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2019 is $100,000; the minimum for 2022 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Growth rates used to determine company rankings were calculated to four decimal places.

About Inc.

Inc. Business Media is the leading multimedia brand for entrepreneurs. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of our community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating our future. Inc.’s award-winning work reaches more than 50 million people across a variety of channels, including events, print, digital, video, podcasts, newsletters, and social media. Its proprietary Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to rank the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The recognition that comes with inclusion on this and other prestigious Inc. lists, such as Female Founders and Power Partners, gives the founders of top businesses the opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers and credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. For more information, visit www.inc.com

For more information on the Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, slated for October 31 – November 2 in San Antonio, visit http://conference.inc.com/

Media Contact

Melanie King, Positive Intelligence, 1 8014488936, [email protected], www.positiveintelligence.com

SOURCE Positive Intelligence