SHOREHAM, Vt. (PRWEB)
May 15, 2020

WhistlePig Rye Whiskey is pleased to announce the introduction of WhistlePig HomeStock Whiskey, a whiskey blended together, while apart. The limited edition whiskey was created via a virtual crowd blending experience in collaboration with Flaviar, a leading online spirits club. WhistlePig will donate 20% of online sales via Flaviar & Caskers from HomeStock to the U.S. Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) Foundation’s Emergency Assistance Program, which provides COVID-19 Relief Grants to bartenders. HomeStock is the first variant from WhistlePig’s award-winning portfolio that stretches outside of the Rye category, also using Wheat and Barley whiskeys.

WhistlePig HomeStock Whiskey is a result of an innovative, multi-faceted immersive crowd-blending experience designed to lift spirits and raise vital funds for the U.S. bar industry community. The collaboration between WhistlePig & Flaviar and the entrepreneurial nature of both companies ensured this concept went from idea to reality in just a matter of weeks. An engaging exclusive content program was created and hundreds of WhistlePig ‘Blend Your Own’ whiskey kits were dispatched to a combination of Flaviar’s membership of whiskey enthusiasts and industry professionals, who were asked to experiment at home before submitting their preferred recipe. The at home blending kits included samples of WhistlePig Rye, wheat and barley whiskeys, along with blending tools and instructions, were universally welcomed by whiskey lovers stuck indoors.

Pete Lynch, WhistlePig’s Master Blender, is no stranger to crowd-blending, which has formed the basis of WhistlePig’s award-winning FarmStock range, but he would usually host sessions around the country in person. Adjusting to the times, he shared his expertise via a video from the WhistlePig Farm and distillery in Vermont and written instructions. With the submissions received, Lynch analyzed the data and determined the three most popular styles of whiskey submitted.

Thousands of consumers tuned in to Flaviar’s social media pages to take part in a live blending session, hosted on April 28 by spirits industry veteran, Dan Dunn and Lynch. During the live stream, all three whiskeys were blended, tasted and then voted upon to decide which should be bottled as WhistlePig HomeStock.

Despite over half of the submissions being Rye dominant, the surprise winner, with 44.1% of the votes on the night, was Blend Number 3, which involved 45% Rye, 30% Wheat and 25% Barley.

Jeff Kozak, CEO, WhistlePig Whiskey, adds “HomeStock is a truly special blend for us, not only due to how it was made but it’s the first time we’re releasing a whiskey that features something other than Rye. We’re thrilled that this blend got voted as the winner, it could be a sign of things to come from us in the future as a natural extension of our famed FarmStock range.”

Grisa Soba, Co-Founder of Flaviar, comments: “We’re going to be talking about this period in history for a long time, and what we all did to stave off cabin fever. Instead of saying they learnt how to make sourdough or banana bread like some kind of quarantine cliché, Flaviar members will be able to brag about learning to blend whiskey during lock down and being part of a piece of liquid history that they can now own and savor. Exclusive content and experiences like this have always been a big part of Flaviar and we’ve just taken it to another level.”

On the nose, HomeStock is sweet and fruity, with pipe tobacco, vanilla and orange vest. Upon tasting, one will experience a big hit of baking spice with toffee, with nutmeg, roasted nuts, ripe berries and a great mouthfeel. The finish on HomeStock is long, spicy and lovely.

WhistlePig HomeStock Whiskey is now available for pre-order via Flaviar and Caskers, priced at $72.99 per 750ml.

ABOUT WHISTLEPIG RYE WHISKEY

Founded in 2008, WhistlePig Rye Whiskey is the premier aged Rye whiskey, featuring the bold and often untapped flavor of Rye. WhistlePig Whiskey is leading a surge of innovation in the emerging field of North American whiskey. As the most decorated Rye whiskey – having received the coveted ‘Best in Show Whiskey’ title from the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, WhistlePig is widely viewed as the world’s finest Rye. With the opening of its distillery on its 500-acre Vermont farm in the fall of 2015, WhistlePig has also become one of the leading farm-to-bottle Rye whiskeys in the world. For additional information please visit whistlepigwhiskey.com. Please enjoy WhistlePig Rye Whiskey Responsibly.

ABOUT FLAVIAR

Founded in 2012, Flaviar is the world’s largest premium spirits club, with operations in the US and Europe. Flaviar offers a better way to experience fine spirits. Flaviar members enjoy a full suite of benefits including quarterly tasting boxes and full-size bottles sent directly to their home, invitations to exclusive spirits events, access to rare and original spirits available only to members, free shipping, over 200K member reviews and more. Flaviar is here to help more people try more new things more often. Flaviar membership is $300 per year, or $95 a quarter. For more information visit http://www.flaviar.com You’ve got to try this!

Share article on social media or email:

MORRISTOWN, N.Y. (PRWEB)
May 14, 2020

PerformLine, the leading provider of automated compliance technology and organizer of the COMPLY Conference, announced Priority Payment Systems as the winner of the prestigious 2020 Kraken Culture of Compliance Award. Typically presented at the annual COMPLY Conference, this exclusive client-only award, named after the company’s Kraken discovery technology, celebrates the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of one PerformLine client. Due to the postponement of the COMPLY conference until May 2021, this year’s Culture of Compliance Award award was presented virtually to Priority Payment Systems during a client-only workshop.

Priority Payment Systems (PPS) is one of the fastest-growing payments companies in the U.S and is a long-time client of PerformLine. PPS has grown their business exponentially over the last 5 years through their dedication to raising the standard of service in financial transactions and payments services.

“This is a truly well-deserved win and a true testament to their consistency and commitment to compliance, and more importantly, the high cultural value they place on ethics,” said Chief Customer Officer at PerformLine, Mike Polavieja.

“We continuously place a high priority on our culture and reputation, which stems from a strong compliance infrastructure. We’re thrilled and honored to receive this prestigious award,” says Bill Christensen, VP-Credit & Risk Management of Priority Payment Systems.

Ahead of the Kraken Award presentation, Director of Client Success at PerformLine, Jasleen Lamba, spoke to the significance of a strong commitment to compliance as organizations navigate through the changing regulatory landscape. Lamba went on to explain the qualities looked for in the award winner, including growth within the compliance landscape and their commitment to compliance, not only within their organization, but also in their network of partners and in the industry as a whole. Past winners of this award have included: Progrexion, TD Bank, Barclays, and Quicken Loans.

ABOUT PERFORMLINE

PerformLine is a leading provider of compliance technology that empowers leaders with a first-line of defense solution to mitigate risk across consumer touchpoints including web, voice, messaging, email, and social media from one platform. By combining scalable technology with a proprietary rule engine, PerformLine automates the path to discover, monitor, and mitigate compliance risks and ensure brand safety. The PerformLine SaaS platform features full workflow capabilities, real-time analytics, remediation, and monitoring while providing clients with significant time and cost savings by automating compliance activities across channels and departments. For more information, visit http://www.PerformLine.com.

ABOUT COMPLY

COMPLY, the longest-running RegTech and Compliance event, brings together the most influential gathering of legal and compliance professionals, innovators, investors, and regulators from across the globe. COMPLY is focused on actionable take-aways for mitigating risk, maintaining brand safety, and meeting regulatory obligations for any company. COMPLY was named a “Can’t-Miss RegTech Conference” and takes place in NYC each May. Pre-Register at http://www.COMPLY2021.com

Share article on social media or email:

NEW YORK (PRWEB)
May 14, 2020

PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP, one of the nation’s largest accounting, tax, and advisory firms, announced today it has hired Tina Wei to serve as Director of Transaction Advisory Services in the Firm’s New York City office. Wei’s expertise and leadership enhances the Firm’s transaction advisory practice and demonstrates its commitment to recruiting top talent. Wei joins the Firm after spending more than 15 years at a Big 4 accounting firm.

“Tina has a proven track record of helping clients navigate complex transactions and investments, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to the team,” said Jonathan Moore, Partner-in-Charge, Transaction Advisory Services. “Yet another hire from a Big 4 accounting firm speaks volumes about the complexity and quality of our work. It shows we’re exceeding our high-caliber clients’ expectations as we expand our national and international presence in the transaction advisory space.”

Prior to joining the Firm, Wei led cross-function M&A teams to consult through more than 100 deals for clients regarding all aspects of transactions, including Quality of Earnings, Quality of Assets, Net Working Capital and Net Debt, SPA review and post-close integration. These domestic and cross-border transactions spanned across various industries with a focus in the telecom, media, technology, retail, and consumer goods sectors.

“In each transaction I support, my focus is on providing the best possible advisory services and insights to the client,” said Wei. “From my first interactions with the transaction advisory team at PKF O’Connor Davies, it was clear they shared that commitment, and I look forward to working together to best serve our clients.”

Wei is a graduate of Nanjing University in China and received her M.B.A. from the University of Michigan. She is a certified public accountant and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

PKF O’Connor Davies has 12 offices in five states and continues to expand through organic growth and acquisitions on the East Coast. It has supported this growth with a strategic combination of promoting from within coupled with tactical external hires.

About PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP

PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP is a full service certified public accounting and advisory firm with a long history of serving clients both domestically and internationally. With roots tracing to 1891, 12 offices in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland and Rhode Island and more than 800 professionals led by over 100 partners, the Firm provides a complete range of accounting, auditing, tax and management advisory services.

PKF O’Connor Davies is a top-ranked firm according to Accounting Today’s 2020 “Top 100 Firms” list and the Firm is also recognized as a “Leader in Audit and Accounting,” a “Pacesetter in Growth” and one of the “Top Firms in the Mid-Atlantic.” In 2021, PKF O’Connor Davies was named one of Vault’s Accounting 50, a ranking of the 50 best accounting employers to work for in North America and ranked among the top 50 most prestigious accounting firms in America in a complementary Vault survey. The Firm is the 12th largest accounting firm in the New York Metropolitan area, according to Crain’s New York Business, and the 10th top accounting firm in New Jersey according to NJBiz’s 2019 rankings.

PKF O’Connor Davies is enrolled in the AICPA Peer Review Program and has central memberships in the Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS), the Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC), Government Audit Quality Center (GAQC) and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB).

By consistently delivering proactive, thorough and efficient service, PKF O’Connor Davies has built long-lasting, valuable relationships with its clients. Partners are closely involved in the day-to-day management of engagements, ensuring a high degree of client service and cost effectiveness. The Firm’s seasoned professional staff members employ a team approach to all engagements to provide clients with the utmost quality and timely services aimed at helping them succeed. Continuity of staffing and attention to detail in all client engagements make the Firm stand out among its competitors.

PKF O’Connor Davies is the lead North American representative of the international association of PKF member firms. PKF International is a network of legally independent member firms providing accounting, tax, and business advisory services in over 400 locations in 150 countries around the world. With its tradition, experience and focus on the future, PKF O’Connor Davies is ready to help clients meet today’s ever-changing economic conditions and manage the growing complexities of the regulatory environment. For more information, visit http://www.PKFOD.com.

# # #

Share article on social media or email:

Chris Sykes, CEO, Swoogo

Swoogo’s people and product are the best in the industry. I’m excited to work with Leonora, Tim, Neil and the rest of the team to continue delivering on our mission of helping event marketers get sh!t done.

WARREN, R.I. (PRWEB)
May 13, 2020

Swoogo is excited to announce that Chris Sykes, backed by a group of experienced entrepreneurs and advisors, has acquired a majority ownership stake in the company.

Sykes’s long-term strategic investment with Swoogo represents the next phase of succession planning for event tech visionary and industry leader Leonora Valvo. Leonora & Chris’s partnership culminates a long and thoughtful search process by both parties that spanned over a year.

Chris is joining as Swoogo’s CEO after founding and leading Eagle Rock Capital and running a nationwide search focused on the events industry. Prior to Eagle Rock, Chris spent five years advising companies on marketing, sales, and growth strategy at Axia Limited and Accenture Strategy. Chris holds an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management and a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University.

“My experience working with companies on event strategy, planning, and execution has given me a firsthand understanding of the value that Swoogo brings to customers,” said Sykes. “Swoogo’s people and product are the best in the industry. I’m excited to work with Leonora, Tim, Neil and the rest of the team to continue delivering on our mission of helping event marketers get sh!t done.”

Chris will acquire Swoogo’s assets, team, and customer contracts, and the business will continue to operate under the Swoogo Brand. Swoogo’s former leadership team will remain intact, with Tim Cummins and Neil Keefe continuing to run the product side and Leonora Valvo serving as an advisor to the new CEO. “I am excited to work with Chris as he takes over the reins at Swoogo,” said Leonora. “My ongoing participation as an Advisor is perfectly suited to my passion for the company and the industry as well as my dream of sailing adventures.”

Founded in 2016, Swoogo provides user-friendly, intuitive registration and marketing software for live and virtual events. Swoogo’s roots are deeply embedded in the event technology world, with all three of its founders having previously founded and developed Aventri (formerly etouches) and its core team composed of long-time event tech veterans.

Swoogo will continue to serve the 300+ businesses that rely on the software for their experiential marketing operations while continuing to improve Swoogo’s product, processes, and ability to deliver on the company’s mission of making life simpler for event planners. Swoogo’s customer base spans the US, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region, and Sykes plans to continue to grow the business from a global perspective.

The acquisition announcement was delivered to Swoogo employees, all of whom will remain in their current positions, late last week. The business has recently made a significant and successful pivot to support virtual events, and the entire team looks forward to continuing to build the Swoogo Virtual offering alongside the longer-standing live events business.

“The events industry is going through a tough time right now, but I’m confident that it will emerge from this stronger. When it does, Swoogo will be there to facilitate whether it’s in person, virtual, or hybrid,” said Sykes.

Swoogo’s operations are currently fully remote, with employees around the US, South America, Europe, and Australia. While the business will remain distributed, the official Swoogo headquarters will shift from its current base in Warren, Rhode Island to Los Angeles, California.

Share article on social media or email: