Chicago saw Symbia’s arrival in 2019 with the acquisition of ID Commerce & Logistics. They bolstered their presence with a second warehouse in 2023, and the team also plans to relocate their corporate headquarters to the Windy City within the next twelve months. Anchoring in the Midwest, regarded as the country’s supply chain nerve center, aligns with Symbia’s vision of tapping into areas rich in opportunities and talent.
Reno, NV, has remained a beacon of growth for Symbia since 2018. 2023 heralded the arrival of a state-of-the-art warehouse. “Reno has proven to be an insightful choice. With its location close to Northern California and the attractive business conditions in Nevada, it was a prime market for our expansion strategy,” shared Jim Smith, Founder of Symbia Logistics.
Denver is home to another of Symbia’s new fulfillment centers, marking one more milestone in 2023. Designed to cater to brands spanning Colorado, Wyoming, and Northern New Mexico, this facility also serves as a strategic hub for distribution throughout the Rocky Mountain region.
Symbia’s ethos revolves around a deep understanding of logistics and prioritizing custom multi-channel fulfillment solutions from coast to coast. In a landscape where clients seek reliability, scalability, and operational excellence, Symbia stands out by delivering precisely tailored solutions that cater to the evolving needs of enterprise brands.
Symbia Logistics is a premier third-party logistics provider with warehousing and fulfillment centers in Reno, NV; Denver, CO; Kansas City, MO; Chicago, IL; Cleveland, OH; Swedesboro, NJ; and Houston, TX. Committed to operational excellence and offering bespoke solutions, Symbia adds substantial value for its clients by harnessing deep logistics expertise integrated with advanced technology.
John graduated from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Engineering Physics.
“John’s experience in startups and corporate development will make him a vital part of i2k Connect. His expertise in market expansion, product management, and strategic acquisitions will take us to the next level of our growth,” said Becky Thomas, Chief Operating Officer.
About i2k Connect Inc. Founded in 2014, i2k Connect develops and deploys the i2k Connect® AI Platform. The software is game-changing AI technology that reduces by 90% the manual effort users spend to find, extract, and analyze unstructured data in documents across multiple silos of information. The i2k software creates value by helping users find often buried information, leading to better decision-making, safer, more efficient operations, and quantifiable bottom-line results. At i2k Connect our goal is to partner with our customers to solve their pressing needs. How can we help? For more information https://i2kconnect.com
“We’re excited for our community around the world to have the opportunity to bring the Halo universe to life with Gel Blaster’s awesome line of products.” said John Friend, Head of Halo & Xbox Consumer Products. “With Halo’s incredible and expansive universe and Gel Blaster’s commitment to incredible looking products, we’re excited to craft a unique, fan-focused experience together.”
“Gel Blaster and our play experiences have taken over the world in the last few years, experiencing truly incredible growth. As we look to the future, we’re focused on immersive, technology-powered gaming, and there is no better franchise to build these new experiences around than Halo’s incredible gaming universe.” said Colin Guinn, CEO of Gel Blaster. “This marks just the beginning of the gaming plans Gel Blaster has for the future.”
The first licensed Halo products released by Gel Blaster will be announced in 2024, and available through Gel Blaster’s retail partners internationally.
401GO, a leading provider of retirement plan solutions, is proud to announce that it has been honored with the most awards in the micro and small plans segments from the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA).
SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — 401GO, a leading provider of retirement plan solutions, is proud to announce that it has been honored with over 20 awards in the small and micro plans segments from the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA). This prestigious recognition highlights 401GO’s commitment to excellence, technology and innovation in the retirement plan industry.
401GO was recognized as a top recordkeeper in the following areas: plan sponsor website, advisor support, participant statement, plan health, wellness and retirement income, education participant tools, calculators, mobile app, regulatory support, staff credentials, materials, and multilingual capabilities, These accolades serve as a testament to 401GO’s unwavering commitment to providing top-tier retirement plan solutions that empower individuals to plan for their financial futures.
“We are incredibly honored to receive the Advisors’ Choice for Top Recordkeepers in these categories,” said Dan Beck, CEO at 401GO. “Being recognized by NAPA advisors underscores our unique value, not only in the fintech space, but in the retirement industry as a whole. We’re poised to make a much-needed disruption to the small plan market, which has been vastly undervalued before now. Our team is ready to take on this challenge, and advisors clearly agree.”
The NAPA Advisors’ Choice is a prestigious honor within the retirement plan industry, and 401GO is proud to join the ranks of distinguished organizations that have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the field.
401GO remains committed to its mission of providing cutting-edge retirement plan solutions that enable individuals to achieve their financial goals. This recognition from NAPA serves as a motivating force to continue innovating and advancing the retirement planning landscape.
About 401GO:
401GO provides a comprehensive retirement solution for small businesses and financial advisors with automation technology and industry-leading support.
“Banks are recognizing the need for strategic alignment, which goes beyond just tech adoption,” says Janet King, VP of Research at Arizent. “This means financial institutions need to shift toward a tech-driven organizational culture — one that prioritizes innovation, aligns it with technology and leverages fintech collaborations.”
Additionally, only 40% of banks strongly agree that their organization’s technology roadmap (including investment strategies) is aligned with key areas of innovation, indicating a potential missed opportunity for many. Despite substantial investment in tech and innovation programs, a gap persists between some of the technologies that financial institutions see as critical and the tech they have actually implemented, primarily with AI and cloud computing.
Survey respondents also reveal that culture and resourcing are the primary barriers to innovation at financial institutions. Two in five cite limited resources (limited recruiting or in-house expertise, limited budget or not enough time) as the primary block for efforts to drive innovation.
“Addressing this shortcoming demands a fundamental shift in company culture,” continues King. “Deliberately pursuing mergers and acquisitions, fintech investments and joint ventures can be a successful strategy, but it requires the organization to be ready to collaborate effectively in these new relationships.”
Arizent, the parent company of publications including American Banker, conducted an online survey in July 2023 of people who work for financial institutions (credit unions and banks, not financial technology companies) and insurance companies or carriers. A total of 179 U.S.-based respondents completed the survey, of which 110 are financial institutions and 69 are insurance companies or carriers. Of the 110 financial institutions surveyed, 77% are banks and 23% are credit unions.
For more information on this survey or other Arizent research, contact: Janet King Vice President, Research Arizent [email protected] M 207-807-4806
About Arizent
Arizent is a business information company that advances professional communities by providing insights and analysis and convening industry leaders. The company uses deep industry expertise and a data-driven platform to deliver its services, which include subscriptions, marketing services, live events and access to Leaders, an executive forum. Arizent also connects business communities through leading financial services brands like American Banker, The Bond Buyer, Financial Planning and National Mortgage News, as well as professional services brands like Accounting Today, Employee Benefit News and Digital Insurance.
About American Banker
American Banker is the essential resource for senior executives in banking and financial services, keeping its users updated on vital developments and focusing sharply on their most important concerns — innovation, transformation, and disruption; technology, regulation, and reform. Financial industry professionals turn to American Banker, every day and throughout the day, to stay maximally informed — drilling down on complex issues, keeping up with breaking news, and downloading research and data.
About SoftServe
SoftServe is a premier IT consulting and digital services provider. We expand the horizon of new technologies to solve today’s complex business challenges and achieve meaningful outcomes for our clients. Our boundless curiosity drives us to explore and reimagine the art of the possible. Clients confidently rely on SoftServe to architect and execute mature and innovative capabilities, such as digital engineering, data and analytics, cloud, and AI/ML.
Our global reputation is gained from more than 30 years of experience delivering superior digital solutions at exceptional speed by top-tier engineering talent to enterprise industries, including high tech, financial services, healthcare, life sciences, retail, energy, and manufacturing. Visit our website, blog, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages for more information.
“The brokerage sector represents a strategic opportunity for Crowley to leverage its supply chain management capabilities and bring more value to customers for land transportation services. Dennis’ digital experience and expertise in supply chain management will drive our growth in this important and competitive sector,” said Chief Operating Officer Ray Fitzgerald.
Prior to joining Crowley, White served in multiple leadership and management roles at DHL Supply Chain, Forward Air and C.H. Robinson Worldwide. He has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Dayton.
About Crowley
Crowley is a privately held, U.S.-owned and -operated maritime, energy and logistics solutions company serving commercial and government sectors with $3.4 billion in annual revenues, over 170 vessels mostly in the Jones Act fleet and approximately 7,000 employees around the world – employing more U.S. mariners than any other company. The Crowley enterprise has invested more than $3.2 billion in maritime transport, which is the backbone of global trade and the global economy. As a global ship owner-operator and services provider with more than 130 years of innovation and a commitment to sustainability, the company serves customers in 36 nations and island territories through five business units: Crowley Logistics, Crowley Shipping, Crowley Solutions, Crowley Wind Services and Crowley Fuels. Additional information about Crowley, its business units and subsidiaries can be found at http://www.crowley.com.
The sleek and modular design offers flexibility and versatility tailored to growing preferences and available space. With a small or large kit available, enjoy planting indoors or outdoors. The advanced IoT (Internet of Things) automation system takes the hassle out of watering, ensuring plants receive the right amount of nourishment at the perfect time.
The Clovy system includes:
Two size options: Small Kit: 4 pots + container vase Large Kit: 8 pots + container vase IoT Automation system Two soilless cultivation methods Water level sensor Plug-and-play irrigation system and accessories Access to the Hexagro mobile app (with chatbot Hexbee)
Clovy can grow up to 40 plants via hydroponic fertigation methods as well as low-pressure aeroponics. The plug-and-play sensors provide real-time data on crucial factors like water level, temperature and light conditions. These sensors work in conjunction with the IoT system to optimize plant growth. Unlike other gardening systems currently available, Clovy’s upgraded design allows gardeners to use their own seeds to grow whatever they prefer.
The Hexagro app serves as an educational and interactive way for users to grow. With the help of an AI digital growing assistant, Hexbee, users can chat, learn and gain valuable guidance and insights on how to grow plants successfully. Hexbee offers tips, reminders and personalized recommendations based on the gardening needs, allowing access to the Hexagro online community.
“Clovy is revolutionary in its kind, made out of 100% recycled or recyclable materials, plug-and-play components which allow anyone to start small and scale-up over time,” said Alessandro Grampa, co-founder of Hexagro. “Clovy is perfect for anyone just starting out or those willing to take the next step towards self-sufficiency and professional growing.”
After launching Poty during the pandemic, Hexagro has delivered more than 4,000 vertical gardens around Europe. Clovy is the result of customer feedback and learning how important it is to deliver simple yet efficient products to grow healthy plants and reconnect with nature in the tiniest of spaces. Clovy is an affordable, sleek and functional vertical garden that offers various growing options that can easily be adapted to different areas and surfaces in their space.
Hexagro is leveraging core technology by deploying it within educational institutions, empowering the next generation, and in emerging economies to aid micro farmers in their battle against climate change. Clovy customers are not only improving their wellbeing by embracing urban farming but also supporting vulnerable communities to adopt sustainable agriculture practices.To pre-order Clovy, visit pr.go2.fund/clovy.
About Hexagro Hexagro strives to allow anyone, anywhere to grow and access to healthy food by increasing the accessibility to urban-vertical farming technologies. With a team of engineers, designers, project managers, marketers and creators who come from more than six countries and backgrounds, Hexagro is an innovative and impactful company leveraging exponential technologies to decentralize food production and reconnect people to nature. For more information, visit https://www.hexagro.io/.
Technology Distributor Sandler Partners announces the location and dates of their Superstar Trip, an annual growth-focused program recognizing the efforts and achievements of individual Partners.
REDONDO BEACH, Calif., Oct. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Sandler Partners is excited to announce that the first annual Superstar Trip will take place at the beautiful Chileno Bay Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico, from June 2nd to 5th, 2024.
This trip brings together Sandler’s top-performing Partners to honor their outstanding efforts and show appreciation for their hard work and dedication. Partners can qualify by meeting their customized sales objectives for 2023, and there is still ample time to achieve this until the end of the year.
“The commitment, skill, and professionalism our Partners showcase daily is inspiring,” states Justin Marano, Chief Revenue Officer. “And they deserve a great location, like the Chileno Bay Resort, to celebrate and reward their efforts. It will be wonderful to see so many qualifying Partners get together to share ideas and strengthen their place in the community.”
“Partners work so hard to bring valuable services and solutions that benefit their customers, and it’s important to make sure that effort is recognized,” states Mark Phaneuf, Senior Vice President, Channel – East. “Our Partners are the basis for everything that we do, and this experience, beachfront at this wonderful resort, is created to reward the hard work of our top performers.”
For more information about the terms and conditions of the Superstar Trip, Partners should visit SandlerPortal.com/Trip-Contest (located in the Sandler Portal under the Advantages tab) or connect with their Sandler Partners Channel Manager.
About Sandler Partners Sandler Partners is America’s fastest-growing independent Technology Solutions Distributor of Connectivity and Cloud services. They’ve expanded beyond their telecom roots to deliver best-in-class Cloud, Colocation, Mobility, Continuity, and Cybersecurity solutions. With over 200 suppliers, they’re able to remain vendor-agnostic, empowering the Partner community of sales agents, VARs, and MSPs to deliver the best price, performance, and products that address challenges and meet goals for organizations of all sizes, industries, and complexity, both now and as they evolve into the future.
How Our Partners Benefit, and their Customers, Benefit Independently owned. Independent spirit. Our Partner community gains access to our industry-leading support network of sales, marketing, and engineering professionals, plus the Sandler Portal‘s Marketing Center (with customizable campaigns), and sales tools like SCOUT‘s real-time cable pricing, the Solution Finder, and Scout for Solutions. We also have the industry’s strongest agreements and a team with a proven track record of ensuring all commissions are found, tracked, and paid.
In an ever-evolving landscape where innovation is the heartbeat of industry, Haizol, a trailblazer in the field of industrial supply chain services, reaffirms its commitment to remaining at the forefront of the industry. Today, Haizol proudly announces the release of its revolutionary AI technology, Ji Xiao‘an, marking another remarkable step forward in the pursuit of excellence.
SHANGHAI, Oct. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — With a legacy of pioneering solutions that drive efficiency and foster growth for factories and businesses, Haizol has once again pushed the boundaries of innovation by introducing Ji Xiao‘an—an AI tool designed to support factories in processing the vast volumes of project data they encounter daily. This cutting-edge technology leverages data-driven insights to facilitate matchmaking between businesses and factories, setting a new standard in the industry.
Ji Xiao‘an’s capabilities extend far beyond conventional systems. It operates as a 24/7 information officer, delivering real-time updates and meticulously decoding essential data elements, such as processes, industries, order volumes, and payment methods. This unrivaled data analysis provides factories with a comprehensive understanding of their projects, ultimately enhancing procurement and supply matching efficiency.
“At Haizol, we believe in the power of innovation to shape the future of industry,” said Vivian, Head of the Supplier Division at Haizol. “Ji Xiao‘an embodies our unwavering commitment to supporting Chinese factories by simplifying complex data and fostering mutually beneficial connections between businesses and manufacturers. It’s a testament to our dedication to driving progress in the industrial supply chain.”
Ji Xiao‘an’s arrival not only bolsters Haizol’s position as a leader in the industry but also reaffirms the company’s mission to connect businesses and factories in a smarter, more efficient way. By offering this cutting-edge AI technology, Haizol empowers its clients to make informed decisions, streamline processes, and seize opportunities that will shape the future of manufacturing.
As Haizol continues to pave the way for innovation, the release of Ji Xiao‘an stands as a testament to the company’s enduring commitment to progress. It embodies Haizol’s vision of a more connected and efficient industrial supply chain, where data-driven insights transform the way businesses and factories collaborate.
For more information on Haizol and its groundbreaking AI technology, please visit www.haizol.com
About Haizol:
Haizol is a leading full-stack supply chain service platform founded in 2015. With a focus on industrial components, Haizol leverages digital and intelligent means to enable on-demand manufacturing, improve procurement and sourcing efficiency, and enhance supply chain management capabilities for various manufacturing enterprises.
Kemal Hawa, co-chair of the Digital Infrastructure, Data Center and Cloud Computing Industry Group at global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP, was named “TMT Lawyer of the Year” at the TMT M&A Awards USA Gala Dinner, which took place Sept. 28 at the Metropolitan Club New York.
The awards recognized the leading companies, investment banks, law firms, investors, and advisors on both an organizational and individual level for their contributions to technology, media and telecommunications mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and investment activity.
The TMT M&A Awards are unique in that the independent panel of judges comprises a broad cross section of industry leaders spanning all aspects of the industry. TMT Finance, the host of the awards, stated that “the judges felt that Kemal is the go-to lawyer in this sector, with few people who are as plugged in to the digital infrastructure sector as Kemal,” making him “a valuable partner.”
Based in the firm’s Washington, D.C., office, Hawa represents many of the world’s largest private equity firms, infrastructure funds, real estate investors, and lenders across a broad range of transactions in the digital infrastructure sector domestically and internationally, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), investments, financing arrangements, joint ventures, and development projects. Hawa also represents dozens of companies throughout the digital infrastructure and telecommunications, media, and technology industry, including many of the world’s largest data center operators, telecommunications carriers, tower companies, Cloud providers, fiber providers, media companies, submarine cable operators, fintech companies, wireless and international carriers, Internet service providers, satellite companies, equipment manufacturers, and electric utilities. In addition to M&A and financing transactions, he represents companies in connection with a full spectrum of other transactions globally, including the negotiation of data center leases and colocation agreements, telecommunications master service agreements, licensing deals, and other commercial transactions.
About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP has more than 2650 attorneys in 47 locations in the United States, Europe and the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm is a 2022 BTI “Highly Recommended Law Firm” for superior client service and is consistently among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100 and NLJ 500. Greenberg Traurig is Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certified Plus by The Diversity Lab. The firm is recognized for powering its U.S. offices with 100% renewable energy as certified by the Center for Resource Solutions Green-e® Energy program and is a member of the U.S. EPA’s Green Power Partnership Program. The firm is known for its philanthropic giving, innovation, diversity, and pro bono. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com.
