Category Archives: Business: Executives

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Beal Law Firm Names Jessica Temple as New Managing Attorney


Managing Attorney Jessica Temple

The firm has grown so much since I began working here and I am truly grateful for the opportunity.

To accommodate their expanding clientele, Beal Law Firm has added locations and attorneys across Texas. Jessica Temple, an employee of the practice for almost nine years, has been announced as the new managing attorney at the firm. Temple started with Beal Law Firm as an assistant and then became an associate attorney after graduating from Texas A&M University School of Law.

“I’m honored and excited to be working as a managing attorney for the Beal Law Firm. The firm has grown so much since I began working here and I am truly grateful for the opportunity,” Temple said. The decision to add a managing attorney to work in conjunction with Constance Mims, the firm’s senior managing attorney and member, came following the recent addition of the Frisco location, three new attorneys, and three new assistants in just over three months.

Beal Law Firm has represented clients with family law needs all over Texas since the early 90’s. Focused on divorce, child custody, child support, modification, enforcement, and grandparent rights, the practice has extended hours of operation, locations, and modes of consultation to foster their growth. There are currently five Beal Law Firm practices, located in San Antonio, Southlake, Dallas (Park Cities), Frisco, and downtown Fort Worth.

Temple grew up around Fort Worth and loves everything Texas, especially the summers, the Tex-Mex, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Texas Rangers. She is no stranger to the level of dedication and hard work it takes to be the managing attorney over a law firm with five locations; Temple worked full-time at Beal Law Firm as a legal assistant while completing law school.

Temple’s mentality is that “family law is more than who gets what and who gets the kids.” “We strive to protect our client’s short-term and long-term interests,” she said of the firm.

About Beal Law Firm:

Beal Law Firm exclusively handles cases relating to divorce, custody, child support, adoption, modification and other matters of family law all over the state of Texas. Senior attorneys of the firm, Eric Beal and Constance Mims, are Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rated, are Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and are members of the College of the State Bar of Texas.

http://www.dfwdivorce.com

Facebook: @BealLawFirm

Southlake (817) 261-4333

Fort Worth (817) 945-3384

Frisco (940) 252-0282

San Antonio (210) 946-3303

Dallas (214) 414-0418

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Central Payments Rounds Out Senior Leadership Team


Central Payments, a leading provider of bank-as-a-service platform technology and the fastest growing issuer of prepaid debit cards in the U.S. since 2015, has rounded out its executive management team with the addition of a payments veteran and the promotion of three senior staff. The team joins Trent Sorbe, Founder and President of Central Payments, to lead the organization’s rapid trajectory in bank/fintech partnerships and open-API banking.

Heather Schumacher Joins as SVP/COO

The company announced today that Heather Schumacher has joined Central Payments as Senior Vice President/Chief Operations Officer. Schumacher brings extensive payments operations and leadership experience from management positions at two nationwide payment card issuers. At Central Payments, she will lead the information systems, settlement, project management, implementations, and quality assurance functions. Schumacher explained her decision to join Central Payments: “I have watched Central Payments’ rapid emergence as the most technologically-forward payments issuer in the country. I was naturally drawn to the opportunity to help transform payments issuing.” Sorbe adds: “Heather embodies our commitment to providing the most stable, technologically adept issuing platform in the industry.”

Cooper, Cotton and Rhody Promoted to SVPs

Along with the addition of Schumacher, Sorbe announced that three current vice presidents have been promoted to senior vice president:

  • Mandy Cooper, Senior Vice President/Chief Risk Officer,
  • Eric Cotton, Senior Vice President/General Manager, and
  • Nikkee Rhody, Senior Vice President/Managing Director of Falls Fintech.

“Central Payments was formed five years ago on the premise that traditional bank issuing was due for disruption. The Central Payments team, led by this group of new senior vice presidents, embodies our commitment to disruptive issuing technology and subject matter expertise. I’m especially pleased to round out our leadership team with three internal promotions,” comments Sorbe.

Cooper joined Central Payments in 2015 as Director of AML/Fraud Prevention and in her new role will lead the company’s enterprise risk management program, which includes regulatory compliance, AML and fraud prevention, and third party risk. “Each of the areas Mandy leads for us are pillars of our bank-as-a-service platform. Mandy is an authority when it comes to incorporating risk management inside of technology,” Sorbe commented. “The strength of our issuing foundation starts with deep subject matter expertise in all areas of risk management. We view our commitment to risk management and regtech as a competitive advantage for partners expecting stability in their bank partner,” commented Cooper.

Cotton to Lead Expansion of Central Payments Xchange

Cotton was also one of the company’s first employees in 2015. In his new role, he will have primary responsibility for all business activities, including new business development, existing client services, and product development. Cotton’s product development role includes the continued expansion of the Central Payments Xchange (CPX) open-API platform. Released in October 2019, CPX consolidates all critical functions into one open-API platform, with a fully documented library and test sandbox. Sorbe notes: “Eric has been an integral part of the vision and development of CPX. The platform has emerged as the cornerstone of our issuing strategy, which is why we made it a focal point in his new role as General Manager.” Cotton added: “We believe serving as both the bank issuer and the technological hub for some or all of the major payments functions significantly accelerates our partners’ speed-to-market, decreases upfront costs, and ensures greater compliance.”

Rhody a Co-Founder of Falls Fintech

Rhody will transition from her product and strategy role at Central Payments to lead Falls Fintech, the company’s recently announced fintech accelerator which she co-founded with Sorbe. The 10-week accelerator is targeted to upstart fintechs that are near the minimum viable product stage, require the involvement of a bank as issuer and/or a source of insured deposits, and will utilize the new CPX platform. Sorbe added: “Nikkee has quickly established herself as a leader in bank/fintech partnerships, and she understands the unique requirements to make such partnerships successful.” Rhody comments: “Like CPX, Falls Fintech is a pillar to our fintech strategy.” Applications for the program are currently being taken at fallsfintech.com, with the first cohort slated to begin in March 2020.

About Central Payments and Central Bank of Kansas City

Central Payments operates as the payments division of Central Bank of Kansas City (Member FDIC). The fastest growing prepaid card issuer since 2015*, Central Payments administers payment card and funds disbursement programs with some of the most recognized companies and fintechs in payments. The recent announcement of the organization’s new CPX open-API platform and its launch of the Falls Fintech accelerator solidifies Central Payments as a leader in bank-fintech partnerships and banking-as-a-service technology. Visit central-payments.com, fallsfintech.com, or centralbankkc.com for more information.


  • Source: The Nilson Report, 2015 to 2018.

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CoolIT Systems adds Experienced Manufacturing and Supply Chain Leader


Darko Ulakovic

“I am thrilled to join CoolIT at this point of the company’s growth,” said Darko Ulakovic. “CoolIT has proven to be a key partner for server OEMs around the world who continue trusting us to cool their leading-edge server designs.”

CoolIT Systems, the world leader in scalable liquid cooling technology for data centers and HPC systems, announced that Darko Ulakovic has joined the company as Executive Vice President of Manufacturing and Supply Chain.

CEO Peter Calverley commented, “We are eager to welcome Darko Ulakovic to the CoolIT Systems team. Darko’s track record as a strategic, results driven operations executive will directly contribute to CoolIT’s position as the world leader in data center liquid cooling and key OEM and hyperscale partner.”

“I am thrilled to join CoolIT at this point of the company’s growth,” said Darko Ulakovic. “CoolIT has proven to be a key partner for server OEMs around the world who continue trusting us to cool their leading-edge server designs.”

With over 20 years of experience in scaling manufacturing capabilities, streamlining operations, and increasing global and regional market share, Darko is an excellent addition to the CoolIT Systems team. Before joining CoolIT Systems, Ulakovic was most recently President of AVL Group of companies, charged with overseeing the company’s strategic development and introducing and implementing solutions to drive efficiency and productivity that supported company’s financial and operational goals and objectives.

Before AVL, Ulakovic had several executive roles at Tesco Corporation leading the Product Business line, exploring new market share opportunities and growing the manufacturing capabilities. Earlier in his career, Ulakovic spent 15 years honing his business excellence at Com Dev in multiple operational and customer facing roles.

About CoolIT Systems

CoolIT Systems specializes in scalable liquid cooling solutions the world’s most demanding data centers and HPC systems. Through its modular, rack-based Direct Liquid Cooling technology, Rack DLC™, CoolIT enables dramatic increases in rack densities, component performance and power efficiencies. CoolIT partners with the global leaders in OEM server design to provide the most efficient and reliable liquid cooling solutions that provide high performance cooling for their own leading-edge products. Together, CoolIT and its partners are leading the way for widespread adoption of high-performance computing. For more information about CoolIT Systems and its technology, email or visit http://www.coolitsystems.com

Media Contact:

Jason Zeiler

Product Marketing Manager, CoolIT Systems

marketing(at)coolitsystems(dot)com

+1 (403) 235 4895

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Prairie State Insurance Cooperative Agent of the Year 2019


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ARM of Illinois, Inc. recently announced that Brian Blough, Vice President and Cheri Plummer, Commercial Lines Sales Agent from Lee/O’Keefe Insurance Agency, Inc. in Springfield were named as Prairie State Insurance Cooperative (PSIC) Producers of the Year.

Blough and Plummer were recognized for their sales success and service commitment to PSIC.

PSIC is a full-service insurance and risk management program offered to public schools in Illinois. The comprehensive program gives members long-term stability as well as broader coverages and increased limits. In addition to workers compensation, coverages include property & casualty, automobile, excess liability, school board legal, student accident, cyber liability, pollution and more. The program is administered by Gallagher, the leading provider of risk management and insurance solutions for Illinois public school districts.

ARM of Illinois is the exclusive marketing agent of PSIC. A member of ARM International, the group provides a proven distribution platform for insurers, wholesalers, and program managers. ARM of Illinois has 24 independent agency members operating from locations throughout Illinois.

Lee/O’Keefe Insurance Agency is located at 2501 Chatham Road, Suite 100, Springfield. Email info@leeokeefe.com or call 217-528-5679 for more information.

For more information and local contacts, visit http://www.prairiestateinsurance.org.

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Lurn Receives 2019 Best of Gaithersburg Award


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The fact is marketing Lurn is easy because we’re serving a mission bigger than ourselves

Each year, the Gaithersburg Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Gaithersburg area a great place to live, work and play.

“The fact is that marketing Lurn is easy because we’re serving a mission bigger than ourselves,” said Lurn CEO Anik Singal. “We’re empowering hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs around the world to take the initiative to improve both their own lives and the lives of those around them instead of waiting for someone else to do it for them.”

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2019 Gaithersburg Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Gaithersburg Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Gaithersburg Award Program

The Gaithersburg Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Gaithersburg area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Gaithersburg Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

CONTACT:

Gaithersburg Award Program

Email: PublicRelations@organizationnotice-2019.org

About Lurn

Lurn is the transformational home for entrepreneurs. We provide a virtual and in-person training center to teach, coach and guide entrepreneurs all over the world.

Founded by Anik Singal in 2004, Lurn’s approach has always been a straightforward one:

1. To empower others to create & grow passion-based businesses

2. To encourage big ideas that will change the world

3. To educate people about how to be the best entrepreneur they can be – no matter where they are on their journey

For more about Lurn, please visit http://www.lurn.com.

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Tim Carney joins BrightBenefits as Executive Vice President & Chief Sales Officer


Tim Carney, Executive Vice President & Chief Sales Officer for BrightBenefits

“We are pleased for Tim to join the BrightBenefits team as we launch a dental and vision employee benefits product line,” said Danny Bentley, BrightBenefits President.

BrightBenefits, a recently established dental and vision insurance business, is pleased to welcome Tim Carney as Executive Vice President & Chief Sales Officer. Carney has the primary responsibility of building, leading and overseeing the activities of the sales team, identifying new markets, as well as designing and delivering special programs and partnerships for the company.

BrightBenefits is a national dental and vision insurance business lead by long-time insurance industry expert, Danny Bentley. BrightBenefits’ focus is on providing employee benefits, products and services that help employers and their employees protect their families.

“Tim is a confident leader who is successful in advancing initiatives that aid in business development, product development and growing revenue. We are pleased for him to join the BrightBenefits team as we launch a dental and vision employee benefits product line,” said Danny Bentley, BrightBenefits President.

Most recently, Carney served as Vice President of Commercial Sales for Avesis, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. During his career there he expanded territories, improved lead generation and introduced strategic partnerships. Carney was also integral to developing new products and initiating marketing campaigns, promotions and communications for healthcare partners.

Prior to joining Avesis, Carney served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Davis Vision, the nation’s third largest vision insurer with approximately 22 million members.

“I look forward to collaborating with Danny on building a solid framework for BrightBenefits. This is an exciting opportunity for me to help drive initiatives that can lead to sustainable future growth and make an impact on employee benefits,” said Carney.

Carney holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and Management degree from Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas. Carney is a former United States Marine and has served on the boards for the Ronald McDonald House Charities, American Red Cross-Arkansas and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

About BrightBenefits

Established in 2019, BrightBenefits, a national dental and vision insurance business, is a strategic partnership between National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) and Insurance Capital Group (ICG). NGL and ICG, through its Federal Life Group, Inc. affiliate, have jointly developed and launched BrightBenefits. Policies will be issued by Commercial Travelers Insurance Company, an A.M. Best A- (Excellent) rated affiliate of NGL, in which Federal Life will make a significant equity investment, subject to receiving regulatory approval. For more information, go to http://www.BrightBenefits.com.

About National Guardian Life Insurance Company

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. NGL is rated A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best. Information about NGL can be found at http://www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

Commercial Travelers Life Insurance Company (CT), which has been providing insurance coverage since 1883 and became a wholly owned, stock subsidiary of National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) in 2017.

About Insurance Capital Group

Insurance Capital Group is a holding company which acquires and makes investments in insurance businesses across targeted sectors with a focus on sponsored demutualizations and other complex conversion transactions. Our objective is to create long term shareholder value as measured by growth in tangible book value through the ownership and oversight of our partner companies. For more information about us, visit http://www.insurancecap.com.

About Federal Life Group, Inc.

Federal Life Group, Inc. is the parent of Federal Life Insurance Company (FLIC), an independently operated provider of quality life insurance and annuity products, incorporated in 1899. FLIC is headquartered in Riverwoods, Illinois, a suburb approximately thirty miles north of Chicago. FLIC is proud of its longstanding tradition of financial strength and stability and serves over 28,000 policyholders. For more information, go to http://www.federallife.com.

Ratings current as of 02/21/19. National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

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SouthNorte Secures Increased Investment to Drive Company Growth


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“With SouthNorte, we’ve aimed to bring the authentic flavor of Mexico to American craft beer in a manner that evokes the thrilling and unexpected, cross-cultural vibrancy percolating along the border,” said John Gallegos, ‎founding partner, SouthNorte.

Founded at the crossroads of cultures, SouthNorte Beer Co. today revealed that it has secured new investment to drive company growth led by advertising executive and founding partner, John Gallegos, who has increased his investment in the brand to further accelerate the company’s marketing efforts, expansion into new territories and exploration of new partners throughout the country. This influx of funding positions Gallegos as the majority owner of SouthNorte, with Coronado Brewing Company offering continued operational support with a minority stake in the company.

The infusion of new investment comes at an important juncture for SouthNorte —the brand has garnered critical acclaim and grassroots fan support in San Diego, and now, Gallegos and partners recognize that the time is ripe to amplify SouthNorte’s message and brand essence beyond its current footprint and into new markets. Having focused on creatively bringing together the best of both sides of the border in its craft beer portfolio, SouthNorte was recently recognized for its brewing excellence with a gold medal for Sea Señor Mex Lager (Cream Ale category) and a silver medal for Agavemente Hibiscus Lager (Specialty Ale category), at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival (GABF). This recognition from the world’s largest commercial beer competition is a testament that these flavors are resonating with both fans and critics alike. This additional funding will allow SouthNorte to remain focused on delivering exceptional beers, while maximizing its ability to share its crossroads of cultures message with new audiences.

“With SouthNorte, we’ve aimed to bring the authentic flavor of Mexico to American craft beer in a manner that evokes the thrilling and unexpected, cross-cultural vibrancy percolating along the border,” said John Gallegos, ‎founding partner, SouthNorte. “Phase one was to strike a chord and leave a lasting impression with craft beer aficionados. We’ve clearly done that – and now we are in a position where we look to the future and say, ‘How do we grow?’ ‘How can we continue to elevate, evolve and introduce SouthNorte’s portfolio to more people as a lifestyle beer brand that is synonymous with the best flavors and rollicking, crisscrossing culture of both sides of the border?’ I see endless opportunities as we continue to shape SouthNorte into one of the most highly sought-after breweries.”

In addition to increasing his investment in the brand, Gallegos will take on additional operational management roles in the company. A seasoned advertising and marketing executive, Gallegos is CEO of the United Collective, a culturally-attuned, creatively driven communications group comprised of five interconnected independent agencies – built for where the market is going. Adept in understanding the complexity of unique challenges brands face when looking to reach new audiences to drive growth, Gallegos’ majority stake investment cements a renewed emphasis in creatively marketing SouthNorte and fully realizing its potential beyond its grassroots fanbase.

“It’s an exciting time to take up and reinvigorate the marketing, sales and creative mantle to build differentiation and preference for SouthNorte,” added Gallegos. “It’s the perfect match to my passion points – a love of cultural collaboration, an appreciation of multiethnic heritage fused with the California border lifestyle and the pursuit of campaigns that connect and resonate authentically with culturally diverse American consumers today.”

The new resources will allow SouthNorte to focus on a long-term strategy and growth objectives to move the brand forward in the future, including building-out a rededicated sales and marketing leadership force. Founding partner Ryan Brooks, the heart, soul and pioneering spirit of SouthNorte will stay on as brewmaster focused on continuing to creatively expand SouthNorte’s offerings.

“I was originally drawn to the craft beer industry because everyone is so passionate about what they do,” said Ryan Brooks, founding partner and Brewmaster, SouthNorte. “With SouthNorte, I wanted to create beers that truly embodied my experiences living on both sides of the border and engaging with brewers in both San Diego and across Mexico. I want people to enjoy SouthNorte beers and get a taste of what I experience when I am in Mexico—amazing flavor combinations, unique ingredients, crafted with respect and brewed with the highest quality. I am thrilled to be on this journey fulfilling my passions, and with this additional investment, I am confident we can take SouthNorte to the next level. I love that I can dedicate my craft to transporting people on a cross-border journey through our beers.”

Under this new arrangement, former CEO, Brandon Richards, credited for his contributions in making SouthNorte a success, will remain as a partner and Coronado Brewing Company will also remain a partner in the business offering various levels of support including brewing, sales, and marketing. SouthNorte beer will continue to be contract brewed and packaged at Coronado facilities.

SouthNorte Images:

Logo Link

Brewmaster, Ryan Brooks

John Gallegos

Social Media Links:

@SouthNorte

Facebook.com/SouthNorte

http://www.southnorte.com

About SouthNorte

Established in 2016, SouthNorte was born at the crossroads of cultures, where the blend of energies, wisdom, and talents equal more than the sum of the parts. We are brewers, makers and travelers wanting to see where we can take beer. And where it can take us. We explore the best of what each lado brings to the table. We cross borders and brew locally. We craft with an accent. We are SouthNorte. Inspired by Mexico. Crafted with an accent, hecho en San Diego. Taste the combinación. For more information, visit southnorte.com.

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Howard Fischer Associates Helps Comcast Cable Recruit Shawna Erdmann as Senior Vice President of Learning


Howard Fischer Associates (“HFA”), one of the leading executive and board search firms in the nation for more than 35 years, partnered with client Comcast Cable to recruit Shawna Erdmann as Senior Vice President of Learning.

At Comcast Cable, Shawna will define the strategic direction, development, execution, and evaluation of all aspects of functional, broad-based, and high-potential learning and development efforts with seamless business alignment with functional and business unit senior executives, HR partners, and other key stakeholders across the organization.

Shawna brings more than 23 years’ experience in education, learning and talent development, and training from her previous roles at Liberty Mutual Insurance, Intel Corporation, Apple, NetApp, and Cisco Systems. In her most recent position at Liberty Mutual Insurance, she served as the Chief Talent and Learning Officer, where she pioneered the company’s first globally deployed leadership program and creation of effective management tools.

Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and provides these services to businesses. To learn more about Comcast Cable, please visit http://www.corporate.comcast.com

About Howard Fischer Associates

Howard Fischer Associates (HFA) is one of the leading executive and board search firms in the nation, committed to helping clients achieve their goals by identifying outstanding leaders who will effectively fit or help change their culture. The HFA process has been well-honed after 35 years of sustained excellence in the industry. HFA is headquartered in Philadelphia, with additional offices in Boston, Silicon Valley, and Chicago. For more information, visit http://www.hfischer.com.

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Dr. Hans Langer Selected for AMUG’s 2020 Innovators Award


Dr. Hans J. Langer

Dr. Hans. J. Langer to be presented with AMUG’s Innovators Award following his interview in AMUG’s Innovators Showcase.

With his background and lengthy list of achievements, he is an excellent addition to the exemplary list of recipients of the Innovators Award.

The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) today announced Dr. Hans J. Langer, founder and former CEO of EOS GmbH and now the CEO and chairman of EOS GROUP, as the recipient of its esteemed Innovators Award. AMUG bestows this award on those that have cultivated innovative ideas that in turn have advanced the additive manufacturing industry.

The Innovators Award will be presented at the 2020 AMUG Conference, following Dr. Langer’s onstage appearance during the conference’s Innovators Showcase. Previous recipients include technology creators Chuck Hull, Scott Crump, and Carl Deckard—inventors of Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Laser Sintering, respectively—Fried Vancraen, founder of Materialise, and Gideon Levy of Technology Turn Around.

Carl Dekker, AMUG president, said, “Hans’ journey in additive manufacturing is an interesting tale that begins with him capitalizing on an opportunity created by the possibilities that others’ had rejected. He built on that to bring the world new solutions in stereolithography, polymer laser sintering, and Direct Metal Laser Sintering and to develop an ecosystem of companies supplying end-to-end solutions to industry. With his background and lengthy list of achievements, he is an excellent addition to the exemplary list of recipients of the Innovators Award.”

Dr. Langer is the CEO and chairman of the EOS GROUP, a family-owned business that comprises EOS GmbH, Additive Manufacturing Customized Machines (AMCM), Additive Manufacturing Metals (AM Metals), Metal for Printing (M4P, Advanced Laser Materials (ALM), and Kunststoff Vertrieb Dr. Schiffers (KVS). As CEO and chairman, he oversees the strategic alignment of the EOS GROUP of companies.

In 1989, Dr. Langer founded EOS GmbH with the vision to produce three-dimensional objects directly from CAD data using laser technology. With a pioneering spirit and an in-depth knowledge of market requirements, Dr. Langer expanded the company into an independent and world-leading manufacturer of high-end solutions in the field of additive manufacturing.

Prior to the founding of EOS, Dr. Langer was active in research at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics and managing director at General Scanning. He studied physics at the Technical University of Munich and was awarded a Ph.D. in Laser Technology at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich in 1980.

On Wednesday, March 25, 2020, Dr. Langer will take the stage for a casual, relaxed interview during the AMUG Conference. In this Innovators Showcase, he will respond to questions asked by the host and conference attendees with the intent of getting to know the man behind the innovations and gaining guidance from his experiences. The Innovators Showcase is unique in that it is structured to be an intimate conversation between two acquaintances that is witnessed by over 2,000 AMUG Conference attendees.

Designed for both novice and experienced additive manufacturing users, the AMUG Conference agenda topics range from technology basics to advanced applications to business considerations. Although the agenda is still in development, AMUG anticipates having nearly 160 presentations, workshops, and hands-on training sessions. The AMUG Conference will be held March 22 – 26, 2020, at the Hilton Chicago in Chicago, Illinois. Conference details and registration are available at http://www.amug.com.

ABOUT ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING USERS GROUP (AMUG)

AMUG is an organization that educates and advances the uses and applications of additive manufacturing technologies. AMUG members include those with industrial additive manufacturing/3D printing technologies and materials used for professional purposes from companies such as 3D Systems, 3YOURMIND, BASF 3D Printing Solutions, Carbon, CATI, DSM Additive Manufacturing, Dyndrite, EOS, Essentium, ExOne, Formlabs, GE Additive, HP Inc., Renishaw, SLM Solutions, and Stratasys, AMUG meets annually to provide education and training through technical presentations on processes and new technologies. This information addresses the operation of additive manufacturing equipment and the applications that use the parts they make. Online at http://www.amug.com.

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Investment in Talent Development Remains Steady


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“It’s not surprising that organizations are concerned about managerial skills; the ATD report Bridging the Skills Gap finds that nearly two-thirds of TD professionals thought their organization was experiencing a ‘gap’ in managerial and supervisory skills.” — Maria Ho, ATD Research.

Despite a slowing of global economic activity in the second half of 2018, organizations continued to make a significant investment in employee learning, according to ATD’s 2019 State of the Industry report.

The publication, sponsored by American Management Association International, showed the average organization had a direct learning expenditure of $1,299 per employee in 2018 and each worker used 34 hours (slightly higher than four eight-hour workdays) on formal learning.

According to the report, “Learning hours have held quite stable in recent years; in both 2017 and 2016, the average number of learning hours used was 34.1, which is almost identical to this year’s figure. The traditional instructor-led classroom continues to be of major importance as more than half of these hours were delivered in that setting.”

Organizations continue to focus on managerial and supervisory employee development. This has been the top content spot for the last several years in terms of the percentage of the learning portfolio dedicated to it.

“It’s not surprising that organizations are concerned about managerial skills; the ATD report Bridging the Skills Gap: Workforce Development and the Future of Work finds that nearly two-thirds of talent development professionals thought their organization was experiencing a “gap” in managerial and supervisory skills,” says Maria Ho, associate director of ATD Research.

ATD’s 2019 State of the Industry report is based on data from 318 organizations of various sizes, industries, and locations. Key findings were that:


  • 62 percent of direct learning expenditure went toward internal services (talent development staff salaries, in-house development, delivery, and administration expenses for example); 27 percent went to learning suppliers; and 11 percent went to tuition reimbursement.
  • 14 percent of the learning budget went to managerial and supervisory training while compliance came in at 13 percent.
  • 54 percent of the formal learning hours used were delivered using the traditional, live, face-to-face classroom while 22 percent were delivered as online, self-paced e-learning programs.

Learning experiences that happen during work are critical to employee development. In 2018, 55 percent of organizations emphasized on-the-job training to a high or very high extent. Another 33 percent highlighted it to a moderate extent.

The 2019 State of the Industry report is free to ATD members at td.org/SOIR2019, on the ATD Publications app, and available for purchase in the ATD Store during conferences. ATD is also hosting a free webcast featuring the State of the Industry report on January 29, 2020. Register here.

About ATD

The Association for Talent Development (ATD) is the world’s largest professional membership organization supporting those who develop the knowledge and skills of employees, improve performance, and help to achieve results for the organizations they serve. Originally established in 1943, the association was previously known as the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD).

ATD’s members come from more than 120 countries and work in public and private organizations in every industry sector. ATD supports talent development professionals who gather locally in volunteer-led U.S. chapters and international member networks, and with international strategic partners.

For more information, visit td.org.

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