Category Archives: Business: Executives

News for Business Executives, current, trending, fresh , Press Releases about whats currently happening in the Business Place for executives.

For the Love of Music! New Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (HMAC) Partner is Living his Dream


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Chris Werner, HMAC in Harrisburg, PA

My goal is to help make Harrisburg a thriving music scene and put us back on the map. This is my destiny, and I won’t stop until we achieve what we’re setting out to accomplish.

Even when Chris Werner was grading papers and teaching youngsters as a public school teacher in York, PA, his dream was “always to operate a music venue.” Now, the 42-year-old entrepreneur’s wish is a reality. The life-long York County resident is the newest investor in the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (HMAC), along with his two partners, Chuck London, a former network TV producer and executive; and Javier Diaz, an investment banker and businessman who recently purchased the live music venue and arts center located at 1110 N. 3rd Street in Harrisburg.

“Music was always an interest of mine because of my father Craig,” said Werner. “He taught me all about rock ‘n roll since I was a kid and has been my biggest supporter. I intended to be a DJ, but I did the ‘right thing’, went to college, got a master’s degree in education from York College, taught elementary school for 12 years, but all the while I was completely obsessed with live music.” After teaching class, Werner says he would go to concerts in New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC to see live performances. He admits that he graded papers at concerts, and might have been a little bleary-eyed during a few early morning lessons, but was having a blast burning the candle at both ends like many 20-somethings do. “I always had an obsession with meeting the artists. I would do anything possible to meet the bands when attending shows, and then I started collecting their autographs.” That obsession eventually turned into a business when Werner started selling autographed memorabilia for profit. “I quickly realized there was a market for that, and I had amassed an amazing collection of autographs from artists that I had accumulated throughout my life.” In 2011, Chris was able to quit his day job (teaching) to focus solely on his passion, and decided to launch Lifetime of Autographs, which is considered one of the top music memorabilia businesses in the U.S. (or world?).

Werner recalls the first time he stepped into HMAC. It was to see Bob Mould, known for his alternative rock bands Sugar and Husker Du. “I immediately fell in love with the venue, the vibe the different types of people. Back then, it was just Stage on Herr — a small room with church pew seating. I saw massive potential in the space, and when I was presented with the opportunity to become an investor last spring, I decided to leverage everything to finally live my dream of owning a live music venue.”

“HMAC is not a typical music venue,” added Werner. “We can accommodate 1,000 revelers in the Capitol Ballroom. We’re constructing amazing green rooms and expanding with an additional state-of-the-art stage, which I’m certain will be one of the best nightlife attractions in Harrisburg when it’s completed in early 2020. We curate so many different genres of music at HMAC, which is what makes the venue so special.” In addition to music, Werner envisions hosting weddings, community outreach events, charity balls, performance art and even professional wrestling events. “My hope is that HMAC will be the epicenter of live arts in Harrisburg — the place where everyone wants to go and feels comfortable. My goal is to help make Harrisburg a thriving music scene and put us back on the map. This is my destiny, and I won’t stop until we achieve what we’re setting out to accomplish. I didn’t choose this life, it chose me.”

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Grapevine6 to Host Inaugural Social Sales Engagement Client Symposium with Leading Financial Services Firms


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“Our customers are truly at the forefront of the digital transformation of the customer relationship and this event creates an opportunity for them to connect and share,” said Mike Orr, COO and co-founder of Grapevine6. “I’m excited to see them all in one room!”

Grapevine6, a mobile-first, enterprise content engagement platform for digital selling, will host a two-day client symposium, October 2 -3, 2019, in Toronto’s Distillery District. During the event, Grapevine6 will welcome more than 40 social selling experts from North America’s largest financial services firms to discuss the future of social sales engagement.

“Our customers are truly at the forefront of the digital transformation of the customer relationship and this event creates an opportunity for them to connect and share,” said Mike Orr, COO and co-founder of Grapevine6. “The best part of my job is working with the smartest leaders in digital and sales. I’m excited to see them all in one room!”

The two-day event will include presentations, panel discussions and interactive sessions from leading digital transformation and social selling subject matter experts. Topics include: maximizing ROI; building an authentic content strategy; managing risk; influencing and supporting your field force and measuring success.

“We are thrilled with the outstanding response we’ve received for this inaugural event,” said Avi Pollock, president of Grapevine6. “The symposium will offer attendees a firsthand look at the trends and unique challenges faced by top financial services firms who are succeeding in the social engagement space.”

Interested in learning more? Follow Grapevine6 on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, or Grapevine6.com and be the first to hear key insights from the conference.

About Grapevine6

Grapevine6 is a patented social and digital sales engagement platform that accelerates sales and marketing efforts. Launched in 2013, Grapevine6 uses artificial intelligence to provide the content that moves sales opportunities through the pipeline in a more efficient and effective way. Grapevine6 solves the content challenges faced in deploying employee advocacy, content marketing and social selling, and works with existing sales and marketing investments to increase ROI. The company was recently designated a Leader by Forrester in The Forrester New Wave™: Sales Social Engagement Tools, Q2 2019. Headquartered in Toronto and led by an award-winning team of engineers, Grapevine6 is now powering the global social selling program at some of the largest technology and financial services companies in the world. For more information visit Grapevine6.com.

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Shannon Brown Appointed President of ORI to Lead Firm’s Public Sector Practice


I am excited to join the ORI team in crafting data intelligence and data mining solutions that help clients improve not only the digital experience but also the overall customer experience.

ORI, a Herndon, VA-based customer experience consulting firm applying innovative approaches to data collection, data cleansing, and analysis, today announced that Shannon Brown has been appointed the firm’s President. Brown is an experienced executive with a rich background leading organizations in the IT and management consulting industry, helping government agencies apply business planning, IT service management, and IT strategy solutions to deliver improved services to citizens. She also steps into a partner role alongside ORI co-founders Kathy Benson, CEO, and Sue Lynd, who has been appointed Chief Operating Officer.

Brown brings proven experience providing government agencies with next-generation digital transformation services and multi-channel citizen experiences. She most recently served as president and CEO of Primescape Solutions, where she was instrumental in leading the firm’s 2017 acquisition by HighPoint Global. Primescape provided complex, enterprise-scale IT services and solutions in support of government technology transformation initiatives for a diversified base of federal, civilian, and defense customers. Primescape’s customers included the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), and departments of State (DOS), Treasury (USDT), and Health and Human Services (HHS). In her new role, Brown will lead all public sector operations at ORI, helping the firm’s government and commercial sector clients capitalize on shared best practices and forging new partnerships and teaming relationships to expand the firm’s customer base.

“On behalf of the entire team, we are thrilled to welcome Shannon Brown to ORI, and we are eager to continue our growth trajectory across the government, commercial, and association industries by supplying insights powered by agile research, data collection, and AI-powered text analytics capabilities,” said Benson. “Shannon is a dynamic, results-driven veteran of the federal, civilian, and defense markets, and she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in guiding smart, strategic growth for the small businesses that help our nation’s government agencies meet their critical missions every day and foster innovation in serving citizens.”

“My career has centered on supporting customers’ missions—which I firmly believe is directly tied to maintaining a laser focus on the customer and citizen experience,” Brown said. “Applying best-in-class data analytics and technology to transform data into actionable insights is at the core of ORI’s business, and I am excited to join the team in crafting data intelligence and data mining solutions that help clients improve not only the digital experience but also the overall customer experience. Since founding ORI more than 30 years ago, Kathy and Sue have led every aspect of the firm’s day-to-day operations and impressive growth. It is a great honor to be welcomed into the fold and to partner with them in leading ORI into its next phase of growth.”

Before joining Primescape in 2010, Brown served as IT Corporate Development Director at EconSys, where she served customers including the PBGC, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), National Guard Bureau (NGB), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). From 2000 to 2008, Brown served in various positions at Advanced Technology Systems Company (ATSC, which acquired ATS Corporation in 2007), including Senior Vice President, Vice President, and Senior Program Director. From 1991 to 2000, she held positions of increasing responsibility at Litton PRC, now a Northrop Grumman company, after beginning her career with Syllogistics, Inc. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from George Mason University and is an active member of Vistage International and the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG).

About ORI

ORI is a full-service customer experience (CX) consulting firm applying innovative data collection and analysis to help government, commercial, and association clients gain a full understanding of citizen and customer expectations. By offering quick and efficient data collection, agile research and analysis, and systematic listening to mine all types of structured and unstructured customer feedback for insights, ORI translates data into decisions and decisions into stronger citizen and customer engagement. ORI, a certified women-owned small business (WOSB) and eight-time Inc. 5000 honoree, has been recognized consistently for three decades for the successful delivery of data collection and processing and customer satisfaction research services. http://www.ORIresults.com

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NFTE Welcomes New President and Chief Executive Officer


Dr. J.D. LaRock

Dr. J.D. LaRock

NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship), a global educational nonprofit focused on activating the entrepreneurial mindset and building startup skills in young people from underserved communities, announced it has named Dr. J.D. LaRock as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer effective September 30, 2019. Reaching more than 100,000 students annually, NFTE works with schools and community partners across the country through its nationwide network to teach entrepreneurial skills that prepare young people to thrive in today’s job market. Each October, NFTE hosts the National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, a business plan/pitch competition that gives young entrepreneurs an opportunity to win seed capital to grow a startup or pursue educational goals. This year’s Challenge, presented by the Citi Foundation and EY with support from PayPal, will be held in New York City on October 16.

A respected educator, scholar, and policy expert, Dr. LaRock joins NFTE from the Commonwealth Corporation, Massachusetts’ public-private state authority focused on workforce development and regional economic development. As president and CEO of Commonwealth, Dr. LaRock chaired Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker’s Commission on Digital Innovation and Lifelong Learning, producing a blueprint for innovative work-based learning models that garnered significant investment from major foundations. Previously, he served as a senior education advisor to the late U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy, leading work on the renewal of the federal Higher Education Act, as well as passage of a law that provided $20 billion in new Pell Grants to college students. As education policy director for former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, he helped author a K-12 education law that enabled turnarounds in low-performing school districts and helped the state win $250 million through the U.S. Department of Education’s “Race to the Top” program.

“With his experience working at the intersection of workforce development and economic development, as well as his deep knowledge of educational policy, J.D. is extraordinarily well-positioned to lead NFTE,” said Gus Harris, member of the NFTE Board of Directors and Chairman of the Executive Search Committee. “We’re excited to welcome him on board this month and look forward to seeing NFTE continue to grow and thrive under his leadership.”

For much of the past decade, Dr. LaRock has worked as a teacher, scholar, and university administrator focused on experiential learning, entrepreneurship, and the future of work. As chief of staff to the president of Northeastern University, he served on the leadership team that completed the institution’s transformation from a commuter college to a top-ranked global research university. He has also served as Professor of the Practice of Law and Policy at Northeastern and as a Fellow with the Aspen Institute’s Economic Opportunities program.

“At a time when inequality is growing and technology is changing the shape of work, NFTE’s mission is more urgent than ever,” said Dr. LaRock. “I’m excited to collaborate with our team and educators around the world to change young people’s lives through the power of entrepreneurship education. And I’m thrilled to be meeting some of NFTE’s most promising young entrepreneurs in my first days on the job, at our National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge.”

Dr. LaRock grew up in Queens, New York, in a family of public school educators, and is a proud graduate of the city’s public schools. He went on to earn his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate at Harvard University and his law degree at Georgetown University. He currently resides in Massachusetts with his wife Christina, a sign language interpreter, and their daughter Callie.

About NFTE

NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship) is the leading educational nonprofit focused on teaching startup skills and activating the entrepreneurial mindset in young people from under-resourced communities. Research shows the entrepreneurial mindset—a set of skills including initiative, self-reliance, adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration—leads to lifelong success. Empowered by the entrepreneurial mindset and equipped with the business and academic skills NFTE teaches, program alumni are prepared to thrive. NFTE works with schools and community partners across the U.S. through its nationwide network of program offices. Alliances with global youth development organizations bring NFTE programs to additional students internationally. NFTE reaches more than 100,000 young people annually and has served well over a million students since its founding. Learn more at nfte.com.

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Dr. Wayne Blanton Receives Lifetime Achievement Award for Education Leadership


National Literacy Summit Logo

“Dr. Blanton is one of those educational leaders who not only had the necessary drive and vision, but the powerful leadership capabilities needed to make real change happen for Florida’s students,” said Ray McNulty, President of the Successful Practices Network.

The National Literacy Summit’s Lifetime Achievement Award is given to a distinct leader who has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment, initiative, and foresight in their work to improve educational outcomes and impact perennial change for students, teachers, schools, and districts throughout their career.

Dr. Wayne Blanton is a native Floridian who graduated from Florida State University (FSU) in 1968. After serving time in the U.S. Army and leaving as a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, Dr. Blanton completed his Master of Education degree at Florida A&M University in 1973. He then earned his doctoral degree at FSU in 1978 and dedicated more than 30 years leading the Florida School Boards Association as an executive director.

Under Dr. Blanton’s leadership, the Florida School Boards Association became the voice of education throughout the state of Florida. His tireless efforts working with school board members, superintendents, legislators, and governors made FSBA one of the most respected educational organizations in Florida over the next three decades.

“Dr. Blanton is one of those educational leaders who not only had the necessary drive and vision, but the powerful leadership capabilities needed to make real change happen for Florida’s students,” said Ray McNulty, President of the Successful Practices Network who is co-sponsoring the National Literacy Summit. “We are excited to have the opportunity to honor his great work during this conference dedicated to transforming students’ lives through improved literacy.”

The award will be presented by Dr. Bill Daggett during the National Literacy Summit to take place this coming November 11th – 13th at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Participants at the National Literacy Summit will have the opportunity to meet with Dr. Blanton during special sessions and various networking events throughout the conference. In its inaugural year, the National Literacy Summit offers an exceptional lineup of speakers, an interactive literacy planning approach and multiple guided workshop sessions with the opportunity to earn a certificate for up to 20 continuing education hours.

Dr. Blanton, retired since 2015, is still active as a consultant with educational organizations across the country. Dr. Blanton stated that he is “deeply honored to be chosen for this award since there are so many that have done so much for me during my career. I know we have made Florida a better place for all of our students and that is the greatest award of all.”

About the National Literacy Summit

The National Literacy Summit is an interactive, professional development event for all educators. It is brought to you by the Successful Practices Network (SPN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing best practices with k12 education leaders and practitioners and by co-host Achieve3000, a leading ed-tech company accelerating literacy growth for more than 3 million students, from preschool to adult learners.

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Vendavo to Define Role of Customer Experience in Pricing During Oct 1 Webinar with Professional Pricing Society


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Strategies learned in the webinar will be discussed in more detail and with the premise of how to monetize them during the Annual Fall PPS Pricing Workshops and Conference October 16 in Las Vegas.

To help pricing professionals decipher the strategies and technologies designed to improve customer insight and experience, Vendavo, a leader in commercial excellence solutions, will host a webinar, Why Customer Experience is the New Battleground in B2B Pricing and How to Monetize It with the Professional Pricing Society (PPS) on Tuesday, October 1 at 9am PT | 12pmET | 6pm CET. Registration for tomorrow’s webinar is now open.

Led by Ben Blaney, Vice President, Business Consulting with Vendavo and Joe Dallimore, Head of Pricing and Packaging at Qualtrics, participants will learn about why keeping in touch with customers’ wants and needs is more important in B2B than ever before.

During the 45-minutes session, participants will also learn:


  • Principles of customer experience management
  • Techniques for analyzing and developing improvement hypotheses
  • Success stories of organizations that are at the forefront of customer experience

Strategies learned in the webinar will be discussed in more detail and with the premise of how to monetize them during the Annual Fall PPS Pricing Workshops and Conference October 16 in Las Vegas. Vendavo will exhibit at PPS in the main exhibit hall in booth 102 where Blaney will demo Vendavo Intelligent CPQ and Vendavo PricePoint. Industry thought leader, Stephan Liozu, PhD will also be on hand to discuss and sign copies of his new book, Pricing Strategy Implementation as will chapter contributor, Mitchell D. Lee, Profit Evangelist, Vendavo.

Registration is required to attend the Expo and take the course. Visit the PPS Fall Conference website.

About Vendavo

Vendavo powers the shift to digital business for the world’s most demanding B2B companies, unlocking value, growing margin and accelerating revenue. With the Vendavo Commercial Excellence platform, companies develop dynamic customer insights and optimal pricing strategies that maximize margin, boost sales effectiveness and improve customer experience. With an annual margin improvement totaling more than $2.5 billion across companies in chemicals, distribution, high-tech and manufacturing, Vendavo delivers cutting-edge analytics and deep industry expertise that help companies stay one step ahead. Vendavo is headquartered in Denver, CO and has offices around the globe. Learn more at Vendavo.com.

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San Diego’s Menas Realty Company Achieves ACMC Designation


Julie Menas understands the importance of California education in today’s competitive marketplace

San Diego based management company, Menas Realty Company, ACMC, has achieved California Association of Community Managers’ (CACM) highest designation available for California community management companies–Accredited Community Management Company (ACMC). Accreditation as an ACMC demonstrates that a management company adheres to the highest state-specific standards for professional business practices when managing associations.

ACMC management companies meet strict risk management, education and insurance requirements which include:

  • Adhering to accounting standards for risk management practices and internal financial controls.
  • Submitting to and passing an independent CPA review that demonstrates compliance with best practices.
  • Ensuring community managers on staff obtain and maintain the Certified Community Association Managers (CCAM) or the Certified Association Financial Manager (CAFM) certification.
  • Maintaining a higher level of insurance coverage to protect the interests of the HOA clients, including general liability, fidelity insurance, errors and omission, and workers’ compensation.


In addition, the ACMC designation must be renewed every five years.

Menas Realty Company, ACMC is proud to serve 150 different communities throughout San Diego and Temecula. The company was founded in 1973 and today is led by Julie Menas who serves as President and CEO. Menas currently has 13 managers holding CACM’s Certified Community Association Manager (CCAM) designation, while the remaining five managers on staff are actively working to complete the state-specific CCAM designation.

Menas Realty Company encourages its managers to go through education and certification by CACM and contributes to the cost of the programs. Company managers are encouraged to attend legal seminars and events that offer an educational benefit, providing employees who have a long tenure with the company the ability to be fully reimbursed for these important educational opportunities.

“Expanding their knowledge and education makes them more valuable to the clients we serve and the company,” said Julie Menas. “Homeowners don’t just want a body in front of them. They want an experienced professional giving them good advice. Having an ACMC certification shows clients we’re a reputable company and that we’re an ethical company with integrity. It shows we can be trusted.”

“Julie Menas understands the importance of California education in today’s competitive marketplace,” said Judy Levinsohn, Director of Education & Credentialing for CACM. “We commend her for taking a leadership role in ensuring that her staff are up to date on the latest laws and issues around California CIDs. Her business is growing rapidly in San Diego and there’s no doubt that encouraging professional development at her company has a lot to do with that trend. We congratulate her and her staff on achieving ACMC.”

About CACM: With nearly 3,000 members, CACM is the only community association management organization to offer California-specific programs leading to a state-recognized designation of Certified Community Association Manager (CCAM®). The association trains community managers to understand and have a working knowledge of more than 1,200 laws and statutes regulating homeowners associations for the benefit of homeowners throughout California. For more information about CACM, our programs or services, visit http://www.cacm.org or contact Emily Yost, Director of Marketing & Communications, at (949) 340-6629 or eyost@cacm.org.

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Colorado Chapter of AA-ISP Announces New Board Members to Expand Learning and Networking Amongst Local Sales Community


“There is still a huge need to get the word out on the importance of proper alignment between sales and marketing. AA-ISP can serve as a platform to educate marketers and sellers on the benefits of true collaboration to grow the funnel.

The Colorado Chapter of the American Association of Inside Sales Professionals (AA-ISP) today announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors. Joining the Board of Directors are Gretchen Lehman, Jen Holtvluwer and Morgan Kirkland. “All three of our newest Board members embody the spirit of giving back to the local sales community and bring talent, vigor and energy to the table. We are fortunate to have them serve on the board as we continue to strengthen the Colorado chapter of AA-ISP,” Tim Corken, President, Colorado AA-ISP.

Gretchen Lehman leads the sales and marketing strategy at Unthink Solutions. Unthink Solutions is a Denver based team of consultants & specialists that work with B2B startups and professional services nationally. Lehman’s background of branding and marketing includes over 16 years of experience in the creative industry. “Together with an incredible team of leaders I am eager to showcase what is likely one of highest concentrations of high caliber sales professionals in the nation. I am honored to assist in building strong connections within our Colorado chapter and watch our community become unstoppable,” stated Lehman.

Jen Holtvluwer leads the marketing and inside sales function at Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise (ALE). ALE is a leading network, communications and cloud solution provider. Holtvluwer’s background includes creating demand generation and inside sales organizations for challenger brands looking to substantially increase revenue. She has served on previous boards for PRSA (Public Relations Society of America), AMA (American Marketing Association) and Alpha House of Tampa. “There is still a huge need to get the word out on the importance of proper alignment between sales and marketing. AA-ISP can serve as a platform to educate marketers and sellers on the benefits of true collaboration to grow the funnel. I look forward to working with some of the brightest sales leaders in the nation,” stated Holtvluwer.

Morgan Kirkland leads the inside sales team at Autodesk. Autodesk makes software for people who make things. For over a decade Kirkland has managed inside sales teams for several brands, some include SAP, Epicore Software, Epicor and Veritiv. He has served on the Minneapolis and Columbus AA-ISP boards and brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the chapter.

The mission of the Colorado chapter of AA-ISP is to create compelling programs and content the local sales community can leverage to grow their knowledge of inside/digital sales. This is done by offering learning and networking events in the greater Denver area in addition to compelling on-line webinars. “The chapter is already seeing higher engagement rates due to added support from our new board members. The August chapter event included a panel-discussion of 5 sales leaders sharing candid best practices and was standing room only. We make sure there is plenty of learning and networking and are known to offer free libations to those that attend – we have fun in addition to offering compelling content,” shared Corken.

About AA-ISP – https://www.aa-isp.org/chapter/colorado

The AA-ISP is a global community dedicated exclusively to advancing the profession of Inside/Digital Sales. Our mission is to help Inside/Digital sales reps and leaders leverage our peer community and resources through published content, local chapters, community research and benchmarking, global conferences, career development, and Inside/Digital Sales virtual training/certification programs for all levels.

Media Contact:

Jen Holtvluwer, Denver AA-ISP Chapter Officer

Jen.holtvluwer@al-enterprise.com

1-616-540-7656

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IfOnly and Boys & Girls Club of America Bring You the Chance to Shoot Hoops with NBA Great Shaquille O’Neal


We are thrilled to be working with Boys & Girls Club to bring this unique experience with basketball legend, Shaquille O’Neal. This experience will resonate with basketball fans far and wide…

IfOnly, offering the greatest experiences for the greater good, has teamed up with the Boys & Girls Club of America with a sweepstakes opportunity for one lucky fan to play basketball with Shaquille O’Neal.

The sweepstakes gives you the chance to kick it with Shaq, playing an epic game of one-on-one at his favorite place to play, The Boys & Girls Club of America. Entry is limited to the U.S. only and closes on October 29th, 2019.

The winner and a friend will receive:


  • One-on-one game with Shaquille O’Neal at the Boys & Girls Club in Atlanta, GA.
  • Enjoy a Papa John’s Pizza with Shaquille O’Neal
  • Photo with Shaquille O’Neal
  • Set visit to NBA on TNT
  • Roundtrip flight and hotel for 2 people

Founded in 2012 with the purpose of unlocking access to extraordinary experiences for social good, IfOnly partners with local and world-class ‘luminaries’ who are experts in their field, celebrities or other noteworthy personalities, brands and charities, to offer extraordinary experiences across entertainment, culinary, music and more, with up to 80 percent of the funds going to an associated charity.

“We are thrilled to be working with Boys & Girls Club to bring this unique experience with basketball legend, Shaquille O’Neal. This experience will resonate with basketball fans far and wide,” said John Boris, CEO of IfOnly. “Fans of Shaq will have an incredible opportunity to meet him in person while supporting Boys & Girls Club of America.”

Boys & Girls Club of America is committed to enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

“The Boys & Girls Club was instrumental in my development as a youth growing up in the inner city. Being able to support and give back to an organization that meant so much to me is a wonderful feeling,” said Shaq.

“We are excited that Boys & Girls Club alum, Shaquille O’Neal continues to give back through his philanthropic efforts to youth all across the country,” said Frank Sanchez, Vice President of Marketing at Boys & Girls Club of America. “I’m also excited to partner with IfOnly to offer this unique opportunity to see and meet a basketball legend.”

About IfOnly

IfOnly is the world’s premier consumer and B2B marketplace of extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From top celebrity talent to local luminary artisans, chefs, guides, and experts, IfOnly offers access to the greatest experiences for the greater good—raising millions of dollars for over 200 charitable organizations.

We also leverage our proprietary technology and unique content to provide turnkey corporate solutions—including experience platforms, content, gifting, speakers, and events—for leading global brands like Mastercard, Amex, Dell, Salesforce, and many others.

IfOnly was founded in 2012 and is Series D start-up which has raised $40 million to date. Our investors include NEA, Khosla Ventures, American Express, Mastercard, Hyatt, Sotheby’s, Condé Nast, and Founders Fund. You can visit our US site at http://www.ifonly.com.

About Boys & Girls Club of America

For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,600 Clubs serve over 4.7 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at http://www.bgca.org.

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Peterson Acquisitions Named Top U.S. Business Broker


https://www.prweb.com/

Peterson Acquisitions is the top business broker in the nation, according to one website’s rankings. The Kansas City-based M&A advisory firm is listed alongside 10 other top business brokers from places as diverse as New York, Florida, Nevada, Arkansas, and Ohio.

What sets Peterson Acquisition apart from other business brokers is its President, Chad Peterson. He is an expert business broker who uses his extensive business background as an entrepreneur to perform for his clients. While most business brokers function more like a sales agent, Chad Peterson has built and sold several of his own businesses and countless businesses for others, giving him an unparalleled advantage over the competition.

“I’ve never had a job. I’ve always been in business for myself. From the time I was a little boy, I was always hustling a business whether that was walking dogs or mowing grass. This grew into large corporations that I built and sold” Peterson said. “That experience translates into real-world application, where I have been there and done that and my clients fully know and understand the advantage that brings”

Peterson Acquisitions boasts a 90% closing rate. In comparison, the national closing rate for business brokers fluctuates between 11% and 25%.

Part of the secret of Peterson’s success is that his company provides a business analysis of the businesses he sells. The honest and thorough assessments help entrepreneurs see their own businesses through the eyes of prospective buyers, helping them put their best foot forward. Peterson has been in the entrepreneurial trenches, and knows the passion and pain of self-employment, and the joy of selling when the passion has dwindled and you are ready for something new,” he said.

Peterson Acquisitions specializes in selling businesses with revenues from $1 million to $25 million. Peterson credits his philosophy and tenacity in helping him earn accolades like the top listing from Blogger Local.

“I sell Heaven and Hell,” he said. “There’s somebody right now that’s sitting in a cubicle. He has nine bosses. He works in corporate America. He hates his life. That guy really, really wants to become his own boss. I help him get there.”

On the other hand, there’s a guy who has been running his own business for a long time. He’s ready to give up the headaches of self-employment and move on to his next adventure, one man’s heaven is another man’s hell and vice versa.” Peterson explained.

With the Baby Boomers retiring, Chad Peterson and his staff have found an eager group of business owners ready to pass on their knowledge, expertise, and ultimately their businesses to the next generation of Entrepreneurs. A great buyer’s market with low-interest rates is helping cube workers escape the corporate world and thrive as their own bosses.

Peterson uses a deliberate approach and process to make good deals between buyers and sellers, ensuring the transactions are a perfect fit for everyone involved. “I don’t do bad deals for either party.” Chad explained.

Located in Kansas City, Peterson Acquisitions assists in selling businesses with revenues ranging between $1 million and $25 million. Peterson founded the company in 2005 The company is on track to sell more than $100 million in businesses by 2020.

About Blogger Local

Blogger Local was founded by a small group of marketing executives and bloggers who seek to provide unique and timely information about local businesses through a variety of websites and social media platforms.

About Peterson Acquisitions

Located in Kansas City, Peterson Acquisitions assists in selling businesses all around the United States with revenues ranging between $1 million and $25 million. Peterson founded the company in 2006 The company is on track to sell more than $100 million in businesses by 2020.

Business owners with more than $1 million in revenue can contact with Chad on LinkedIn or call him directly at (913) 207-5895.

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