Category Archives: Business

Press Releases from the Business World. Announcements, Product releases, Appointments.

Center for Disaster Philanthropy Names Patricia McIlreavy as Next President and CEO


We are thrilled to have Patty join our team. She is a dynamic leader who is deeply skilled and well-respected in the disaster philanthropy community.

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) announced today that Patricia (“Patty”) McIlreavy will succeed Robert G. Ottenhoff as president and CEO of the organization. Ottenhoff is stepping down after a successful seven-year tenure; he was CDP’s first chief executive. Under his leadership, CDP has grown into a leading transformative voice – informing and directing long-term philanthropic disaster resources where they are needed most, helping millions in need.

Serving as a member of its Advisory Council, McIlreavy was part of CDP’s progress. She is currently the vice president of humanitarian policy and practice at InterAction, an organization she joined in 2011 as senior director of humanitarian policy and practice. She leads InterAction’s efforts to assist the humanitarian community, including InterAction Members, UN agencies and the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, to address the needs of vulnerable populations.

Prior to joining InterAction, McIlreavy was based out of Amman, Jordan for three years where she worked with a diverse group of organizations, including humanitarian nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), the Red Cross movement, United Nations agencies and NATO as an international management and training consultant. McIlreavy’s experience in the humanitarian field began in 1993 when she joined USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance.

“We are thrilled to have Patty join our team. She is a dynamic leader who is deeply skilled and well-respected in the disaster philanthropy community,” said Lori J. Bertman, chair of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy board and president and CEO of the Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation. “Her expertise in humanitarian assistance – both on the ground and in DC – coupled with her strong leadership skills will serve our organization well and help move our crucial mission forward.”

McIlreavy will join the organization on March 1 as part of a transition period with Ottenhoff.

About the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP)

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s mission is to leverage the power of philanthropy to mobilize a full range of resources that strengthen the ability of communities to withstand disasters and recover equitably when they occur. CDP is currently managing six domestic and international Disaster Funds on behalf of corporations, foundations and individuals through targeted, holistic and localized grantmaking. For more information, visit: http://disasterphilanthropy.org, call (202) 464-2018 or tweet us @funds4disaster.

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Why Teen Drivers Should Attend Defensive Driving Courses


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“Teen drivers can learn how to drive safely in a stress-free way from qualified instructors”, said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company.

The first couple of years of driving for a teenager are statistically the most dangerous of all. Teen drivers can lower their car crash risk by enrolling in a defensive driving course,

Teen drivers that graduate a defensive driving course can get the following benefits:

  • Learning the fundamentals of driving. Teen drives will learn the traffic rules in a systemic way.
  • Builds confidence. The first time behind the wheels can be a scary or stressful experience for a teen driver. Teen drivers can practice in a safe environment, where they can build confidence in their abilities and skills as they learn how to drive with the help of an experienced driver.
  • Shows them the risks. Teen drivers need to be aware that driving is dangerous. Being too nervous is dangerous, but if a teen driver is not nervous at all, it means he is not aware of how risky driving can be. Teens will learn how dangerous driving can be and what risks are involved. They will also learn how to avoid those risks.
  • Learning the consequences. In this course, teens will learn about the effects of driving under influence (DUI). Teen drivers will also learn they will have to take responsibility for their safety and the safety of others.
  • Practice time. Teenagers will practice their driving skills in a safe, supervised environment. Teen drivers can learn driving techniques from qualified instructors and can develop their skills.
  • Learn the state’s laws. Traffic laws differ from one state to another. Depending on which state the teen driver is taking the course, he will be presented with the laws of that state.
  • Cheaper insurance premiums. Insurance companies place the teen drivers in the high-risk category, thus they have to pay more for their insurance. One way for teen drivers to lower their car insurance rates is by graduating a defensive driving course.

For additional info, money-saving tips and free car insurance quotes, visit http://compare-autoinsurance.org.

Compare-autoinsurance.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.

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Mohr Partners Hires Robin Leamy as Managing Principal, Northern California


Mohr Partners, Inc. the world’s largest wholly-owned commercial real estate advisory firm exclusively focused on representing occupiers & corporations, is pleased to announce that Robin Leamy, a 30-year commercial real estate industrial veteran, will return to Mohr Partners after a decade away running his successful tenant advisory firm known as Leamy Realty Group. Leamy will be based in San Francisco, CA and focus on growing Mohr Partners business throughout Northern California, which will include offices in San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and the East Bay. Throughout his 30-year commercial real estate career, Leamy has advised corporate occupier clients in strategically managing their real estate to align with their growth plans while reducing/containing their operating costs. Leamy will transition his former team into Mohr Partners, joining Matt Wersel who has established Mohr Partners as a leading player in the Bay Area corporate real estate services arena.

“We are very excited to welcome Robin back to Mohr Partners. His proven leadership skills in building a best-in-class tenant advisory & corporate real estate services will enable Mohr Partners to execute our aggressive growth strategy with companies based in Northern California whose business extends nationally and internationally. ” stated Robert Shibuya, Chairman & CEO of Mohr Partners. Leamy commented, “I am thrilled to be returning to Mohr Partners which will allow me to enhance my ability to serve my clients by leveraging their industry-leading data analytics platform, full-service end-to-end capability and global market coverage.”

About Mohr Partners, Inc.

Mohr Partners, Inc. is a global corporate real estate advisor, providing corporate tenants with an integrated set of portfolio services including strategic planning, business intelligence, lease administration/accounting & FASB ASC 842 compliance, research and site selection, labor analytics, project and construction management, comprehensive demographics analysis, economic incentives negotiations and transaction management. Since 1986, Mohr has been managing real estate portfolios for corporations, and each year completes transactions for its clients in all 50 U.S. states, all provinces of Canada and locations around the world. Mohr seamlessly provides corporate real estate services globally through its strategic alliance partners in Canada, Mexico/Latin America, EMEA and Asia Pacific. For more information on Mohr, please visit http://www.mohrpartners.com.

For more information, contact:

Robert Shibuya

Chairman & CEO

214 907-8094

robert.shibuya@mohrpartners.com

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Barry’s Auto Body, Staten Island Collision Repair Shop, Provides Tips to the Public About What to Do at an Automobile Accident Scene If Police Do Not Come


Barry's Auto Body Staten Island collision repair shop provides tips for what to do at a car accident if the police don't respond.

What to do at the scene of a car accident if the police do not come

“I decided to create this checklist to reduce the anxiety and panic drivers may feel in the event a police officer doesn’t respond to the scene of their accident.” – Barry Crupi, owner of Barry’s Auto Body

Across America, some metropolitan area police departments have stopped responding to car accidents if (1) No person or domestic animal is hurt. (2) The vehicles can move. (3) The owner of the vehicle is present at the scene. The practice is being put in place to free up police officer’s time.

Understanding that drivers don’t always know what to do when they have a car accident, Barry’s Auto Body, Staten Island collision repair shop, is providing drivers with a checklist of actions which should be taken to protect themselves and ensure that their insurance company will honor whatever claim may arise from the accident.

Said Barry Crupi, owner of Barry’s Auto Body, “Because I run a Staten Island collision repair shop, I deal with insurance companies everyday. Even though I know what information they are looking for following an accident, the process can be quiet daunting. For a driver who may have only one or two accidents throughout all their years driving, it is important to know what to do in case of an accident. I decided to create this checklist to reduce the anxiety and panic drivers may feel in the event a police officer doesn’t respond to the scene of their accident.”

What to do at an automobile accident scene if police do not come:

(1) Both Drivers must exchange drivers licences, vehicle registrations and insurance information at the scene of the accident under the laws of most states.

(2) Immediately take photos of the other vehicle’s license plate, the damage to the car and scene photos to show how the accident happened. Step back 20 – 30 yards to get pictures of the entire scene. Showing all street signs, any corners or intersections where the accident happened. Take pictures of the person driving and the people in the car so you have a record of who was there.

(3) If possible, create a voice recording of you and the other driver describing how the accident happened. People don’t always remember things clearly when they are stressed.

(4) You should not assign or accept fault at the accident scene. Many times people think they are wrong when they are not.

(5) Get the other drivers telephone number.

(6) If you called the police and they decided that the accident did not rise to the level of response but a tow truck driver appears on the scene anyway, be cautious. Do not be pressured into taking a tow or signing anything. Most states have laws prohibiting unscrupulous activity by tow truck drivers. It is a good idea to know your rights when it comes to tow truck drivers by searching for them on the internet in advance of a vehicle accident. If you are a New York Driver you can watch a video here.

(7) If your vehicle is in need of repair, take it to an auto body collision facility you trust. Let the facility help you put in an insurance claim if necessary. Many people make the mistake of calling their insurance company before they know the extent of their vehicle damage. You should go over the car with an auto body expert before you report a claim to your insurance company to ensure that any repair work needed on the vehicle is done correctly and is completely covered by your insurance company.

(8) Call a lawyer if you need legal advice.

Barry’s Auto Body has developed a series of videos and blogs to help drivers understand best practices when it comes to auto body repair. The information can be found on http://www.BarrysAutoBody.com and on Barry’s Auto Body YouTube channel.

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The Frescobaldi Group Continues Global Growth and Expansion Through Strategic Appointments


Renowned wine producer Frescobaldi Toscana has officially announced the recent appointments of Andrea Orsini Scataglini to the role of Communications Manager of the Frescobaldi Group Worldwide and Michael Miller as the Vice President of Sales & Operations in the U.S.

As Communications Manager of the Frescobaldi Group, Andrea Orsini Scataglini leads the company to forge stronger relationships with journalists and opinion leaders around the world. An accomplished journalist with a master’s degree in business communications, Scataglini’s passion for wine lead him to obtain his WSET level 3 Certification and a membership in La Confrère des Chevaliers di Tastevin Vins de Bourgogne. Prior to taking on this new role, Scataglini managed communications for Tenuta dell’Ornellaia and Masseto for eleven years.

Previously U.S. Area Manager, Michael Miller will continue to grow the U.S. business in the three sectors of importing, distribution, and sales as Vice President of Sales & Operations in the U.S., Miller will act as the liaison for Manicaretti, the importer for Frescobaldi’s olive oil brand Laudemio, the duty-paid importers Shaw-Ross International, and the duty-free agent Slainte Wines, Inc. Originally from Connecticut, the married father-of-four has more than 30 years of wine-focused sales experience in the beverage industry.

“The opportunity to work as Vice President of Sales & Operations in the U.S. with Frescobaldi Toscana is an honor,” says Miller, “I look forward to this new chapter to lead the sales and marketing teams to build further upon Frescobaldi’s market presence on the national level.”

These appointments mark the latest phase in Frescobaldi Toscana’s growth strategy across its vital national and international markets, aimed at preserving and expanding its leading role in the premium Italian wine sector.

About Frescobaldi Toscana | en.frescobaldi.com

Frescobaldi Toscana, the leading wine producer of Tuscany and one of the most historic and respected wine companies in the world, combines centuries of tradition with progressive winemaking techniques and practices. Founded in the 14th century and a supplier of wines to the royal courts of Europe for generations, Frescobaldi Toscana is still a family-owned company today. Comprised of seven distinct estates totaling approximately 1,300 hectares, Frescobaldi Toscana produces terroir-driven wines utilizing only the grapes grown in its own vineyards. The company continually upgrades and modernizes its grape growing and winemaking operations, maintaining a relentless focus on producing unique wines that express the individuality of each unique terroir from which they are produced.

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PCM Partners with Dropsuite to Offer Cloud Backup and Archiving to Enterprises


Dropsuite, a leading cloud data backup and archiving platform, partners with PCM, Inc. (now part of Insight Enterprises) a leading technology solutions provider in North American and the UK. Dropsuite’s fully automated Cloud Backup and Archiving solution for Office 365 is now part of PCM’s Cloud Solutions offerings and available to PCM’s client-base of SMBs, Enterprises as well as government and education institutions.

“We are thrilled about our partnership with PCM,” said Ridley Ruth, Dropsuite’s Chief Operating Officer. “Dropsuite is seeing rapid growth of cybersecurity threats such as ransomware and increasing regulation around data and privacy protection. With ever more reliance on digital information and communications, it’s critical for organizations, big or small, to backup and archive their Office 365 data.”

Dropsuite Backup and Archiving for Microsoft Office 365 is a highly-scalable software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform that allows users to automatically safeguard user data in the cloud — and the solution can restore any lost or deleted data on demand. Microsoft applications that are protected by Dropsuite include Exchange Online, SharePoint, OneDrive, Groups and Teams. Dropsuite’s management console and advanced product features empower IT administrators to efficiently manage all data protection, search and recovery efforts.

About PCM

PCM, Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is a leading multi-vendor provider of technology solutions, including hardware, software and services to small, medium and enterprise businesses, state, local and federal governments and educational institutions across the United States, Canada and the UK. We generated net sales of approximately $2.2 billion in the twelve months ended December 31, 2018. For more information, please visit investor.pcm.com or call (310) 354-5600.

About Insight

Today, every business is a technology business. Insight Enterprises Inc. empowers organizations of all sizes with Insight Intelligent Technology Solutions™ and services to maximize the business value of IT. As a Fortune 500-ranked global provider of Digital Innovation, Cloud + Data Center Transformation, Connected Workforce, and Supply Chain Optimization solutions and services, we help clients successfully manage their IT today while transforming for tomorrow. From IT strategy and design to implementation and management, our employees help clients innovate and optimize their operations to run business smarter. Discover more at http://www.insight.com.

About Dropsuite

Dropsuite Limited (ASX: DSE) is a global cloud software platform that provides cloud backup, eDiscovery, archiving and recovery solutions delivered at scale to power business defense. Dropsuite’s network of preferred reseller partners has a combined customer reach of millions of businesses worldwide. Dropsuite has partnered with some of the biggest names in the web hosting and IT service provider markets such as 1&1 IONOS (Germany), Pax8 (North America), UOL (Brazil) and ALSO (EU) to safeguard businesses from the threat of unexpected data loss. Dropsuite Delivers™. https://dropsuite.com

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Burnett Marus, RFC® Retired Receives Financial Association Founder’s Award


Burnett Marus, RFC® Retired

The Founder’s Award honors those who have specifically taken interest in leadership of the IARFC and supported its mission through Board of Director participation. IARFC Trustee Chair, H. Stephen Bailey, MRFC®

For his longevity with the Association, service as a Board Member, and ardent supporter of the IARFC mission, the IARFC taps Burnett Marus, RFC® Retired of Burnett Marus Associates in Richardson, TX as the 2020 recipient of the Founder’s Award.

As a regular contributor for the IARFC publication, the Register, Burnett has praised the IARFC for reaching beyond its geographical limits to include international chapters. He acknowledged that he was initially attracted to the Association by the multitude of professionals with years of experience and the concern about continuing education. Further he feels that the IARFC always provided a broader forum for topics that are inherent to financial consulting.

“I am honored and humbled to be the recipient of the IARFC Founder’s Award,” declares Marus. “This Association has been an important part of my professional life since 1984 when I first met Jack Gargan in Amelia Island, FL at the inaugural meeting of what is now the IARFC. I am very proud of what the IARFC has become and extremely proud to be recognized for being a part of this excellent Association.”

In his own personal financial services pursuits, Marus provides distinct services for financial professionals and investors through the following companies:

  • Burnett Marus Associates – Financial Services
  • Burnett Marus Associates – Tangible Asset Management Services (TAMS)
  • Investor’s Rare Coin and Bullion Service
  • CoinAnalysis.com

In addition, Burnett Marus Associates is a source for meeting planners seeking presentations on marketing, alternative investments, and asset allocation topics.

“The Founder’s Award honors those who have specifically taken interest in leadership of the IARFC and supported its mission through Board of Director participation,” stated IARFC Trustee Chair and CEO, H. Stephen Bailey, MRFC®. “Burnett Marus had given his time, experience and vision throughout the years for the growth of the membership and the adherence to the IARFC Code of Ethics. I am appreciative of his commitment and dedication to the Association.”

This Founder’s Award will be presented to Burnett Marus, RFC® Retired, during the Awards Banquet on Thursday, April 23 at the Westin Hotel in Downtown Cincinnati, OH. More information on all Association Awards can be found on http://www.iarfc.org/events/awards.

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Robert Oliva Promoted to Vice President, Sales and Marketing, at Victory Productions


Victory Productions, Inc. (Victory), a company offering custom development services for educational curriculum/assessment programs and the development or translation of educational materials in multiple languages, has announced that Robert Oliva has been promoted to Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Mr. Oliva’s responsibilities will encompass sales-team leadership, guiding the company’s marketing and business development strategies, and accelerating Victory’s growth as a service provider in assessment development, curriculum development, and world languages, with a focus on business-to-business sales.

Mr. Oliva brings nearly 15 years of experience in a variety of roles with educational organizations, primarily within business development and assessment operations. Prior to his promotion, Mr. Oliva served as Director, Business Development, for Victory, where his customer-oriented approach was instrumental in the acquisition and expansion of several key accounts. His experience also includes business development roles at Questar Assessment, Pacific Metrics, and Assessment Systems.

“Rob has been an outstanding addition to our Victory team, and we are excited to see him expand his responsibilities to include leadership of both our sales and marketing teams,” says Victoria Porras, founder of Victory Productions. “As Victory continues to grow, Rob’s sales leadership and his strong background in education and assessment will ensure we remain customer-focused and provide only the highest quality to our clients.”

“In my time at Victory,” says Mr. Oliva, “I have been very involved with our customers as we’ve helped them build a variety of quality educational products in English and other languages and also translated their existing educational products into languages other than English. I am honored by this opportunity, and I look forward to helping Victory expand our portfolio within curriculum, assessment, and translation.”

About Victory Productions: Victory Productions develops curricular materials and assessment items for both digital and print publication on behalf of a variety of educational organizations in the private and public sectors. Victory performs this developmental work in English and in other languages, and can help customers translate or transadapt existing products from English into numerous languages, as well as translate foreign-language products into English. Victory, a woman-owned, minority-owned business based in Massachusetts, has served the education market for over 25 years.

Further information about Victory can be found at http://www.victoryprd.com.

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Pinnacle Financial Services Announces 2020 Sales Summit


“Our goal for the Summit is simple, provide our agent partners accessibility to the top carriers in the industry” said Kevin Shields, CEO at Pinnacle Financial Services

Pinnacle Financial Services, a well-known leader in sales of insurance and financial products serving the senior market, today announced the date and exhibitor lineup of its annual Sales Summit. The event which will focus on providing valuable product and sales information on Medicare Advantage, Part D, Medicare Supplements, Life Insurance, Annuities, Final Expense and Ancillary Health. The Summit will take place at the Sheraton Valley Forge in King of Prussia, PA from March 10th – 11th, 2020.

The conference will include a combination of exhibits, training and breakout sessions that bring the top insurance professionals together with the premier insurance carriers in one location to build on sales strategies and best practices.

Featured presenter this year is John Greene NAHU Vice President of Congressional Affairs. He will be discussing a multitude of topics critical to insurance professions including information on Medicare Legislative changes and updates on Medicare for All, MACRA and COBRA to name a few.

“Our goal for the Summit is simple, provide our agent partners accessibility to the top carriers in the industry” said Kevin Shields, CEO at Pinnacle Financial Services. “This year, our speakers will focus on growing sales through education and use of Pinnacle’s state of the art technology platform.”

The Summit will also feature a who’s who of insurance carriers with focus on the senior market including, United Healthcare, Aetna, Independence Blue Cross, CIGNA, Humana, Anthem, Lincoln Financial Group, AIG, Guarantee Trust Life, ARM leads and Oakstreet Health.

“Education is more important than ever as the insurance landscape continues to evolve. From more providers to continuing pressures from legislative changes today’s insurance professional can never stand still,” states Angela Palo, EVP.

Under Kevin and Angela’s leadership Pinnacle Financial Services has become one of the largest and most respected organizations of its type. Specializing in the Medicare market and retirement solutions, Pinnacle has continued to focus on delivering its service first value proposition to its partner agents.

About Pinnacle Financial Services, Pinnacle Financial Services based in Warminster, PA is a National agency doing business in all 50 states. An innovative agency and market leader in the Senior Market, Pinnacle continues to grow its brand through service to their agent distribution and longstanding business relationships with their carrier partners.

For more information, please contact:

Bob Brzyski

Vice President of Marketing

800-772-6881

BBrzyski@PFSinsurance.com For Summit news and updates, please go to http://www.PFSSummit.com

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SR Homes Announces Mark Willis as New Chief Financial Officer


SR Homes Announces New Chief Financial Officer

SR Homes looks forward to Willis continuing his career in the Atlanta area and seeing his new influence at SR Homes.

Top Atlanta home builder SR Homes is pleased to announce Mark Willis as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The new hire is a result of Willis’ extensive background in the homebuilding industry.

In his new role as CFO, Willis will oversee the financial actions of SR Homes including monetary development, tracking spending and evaluating the company’s financial strengths and weaknesses to recommend corrective actions. SR Homes builds quality new homes throughout the metro Atlanta area.

Willis’ far-reaching background in the residential homebuilding market includes work with Rausch Coleman Homes, Baessler Homes and Cooper Homes, to name a few.

Willis holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees, both from Northeastern State University. SR Homes looks forward to Willis continuing his career in the Atlanta area and seeing his new influence at SR Homes.

To learn more about the SR Homes team, visit http://www.SRHomes.com/our-team.

About SR Homes:

Georgia Certified Professional Home Builder SR Homes was ranked No. 17 on the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2017 Atlanta’s Top 25 Homebuilders list. Atlanta native Alex Tetterton serves as the President and Founder of SR Homes. With over 40 years of combined homebuilding experience, SR Homes, a 100% James Hardie builder, is known for exceptional craftsmanship, commitment to service and for building quality communities in the most sought-after locations. To learn more about SR Homes and its mission to being A Builder Focused on You, visit http://www.SRHomes.com.

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