Category Archives: Business

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

UNAIDS and ThoughtFocus Announce IoT Partnership


The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), through the Health Innovation Exchange, today announced its partnership with ThoughtFocus, a leading technology services company, to establish an Internet of Things (IoT) Center of Excellence. IoT has opened a world of possibilities in health. When connected to the internet, ordinary medical devices can collect invaluable additional data, give extra insight into symptoms and trends, enable remote care, and generally give patients more control over their lives and quality of treatment.

The center will work with health care agencies, manufacturers, Governments, NGOs, communities and other relevant stakeholders to promote the use of IoT in public health and contribute towards establishing shared practices and standards.

The Health Innovation Exchange aims to bridge the disconnect that exists between innovators and implementers in health to fast-track progress to reach Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and other health related Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

ThoughtFocus, a recognized IoT innovator will make its platform code base available without charge to the Center of Excellence to develop new innovative health solutions. The ThoughtFocus IoT platform is optimized to serve as an affordable, reliable and efficient platform to build and extend IoT solutions. The IoT platform has achieved success in solutions for transportation and logistics, manufacturing and utilities.

Rajiv Goyal, Executive Vice President at ThoughtFocus, said, “ThoughtFocus is committed to making a positive impact on the world and communities we serve. Our partnership with UNAIDS will help others in the Health Innovation Exchange accelerate innovations that address critical health issues of the world.” He highlighted that, “ThoughtFocus worked with the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation and Kohler to build eco-friendly sustainable toilets. We also provided IoT solutions for dairy farmers in rural India. We have demonstrated how IoT improves the lives of tens of thousands of economically challenged individuals and opens up new opportunities for them.”

“Realtime data is critical for transforming healthcare and we are really looking forward to exploiting the potential of IoT and connected devices to improve access and secure supply chain solutions,” said Pradeep Kakkattil, Director, Office of Innovation at UNAIDS, who also expressed his organization’s delight that ThoughtFocus will be joining the Health Innovation Exchange.

About UNAIDS

UNAIDS is a model for United Nations reform and is the only co-sponsored Joint Program in the United Nations system. The co-sponsors include UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODOC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and The World Bank. Since its beginning in 1996, UNAIDS has led and inspired global, regional and local leadership, innovation and partnership. UNAIDS advocacy and leadership has resulted in putting 22 million people living with HIV on life saving treatment in the last 15 years. UNAIDS provides the strategic direction, advocacy, coordination and technical support needed to catalyze and connect leadership from governments, private sector and communities to deliver lifesaving services.

About ThoughtFocus

ThoughtFocus is a privately held technology and services company serving large to middle-market clients in Financial Services, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Higher Education. Clients look to ThoughtFocus for innovative solutions in product engineering, knowledge process outsourcing and digital transformation. The company has over 1,900 employees globally and is one of the fastest growing technology services companies. ThoughtFocus is a technology partner and portfolio investment company of Blackstone, a leading private equity firm.

ThoughtFocus has its US offices in New York City, Milwaukee, Atlanta, Dallas and Irvine with delivery centers in India at Bengaluru, Mysuru, Gurgaon, Hyderabad and in the Philippines at Baguio City.

Image: (Left to Right)

Pradeep Kakkattil, Director, Office of Innovation at UNAIDS

Rajiv Goyal – Executive Vice President, ThoughtFocus

Gunilla Carlsson – Executive Director, UNAIDS

Suman Radhakrishna – Chief Executive Officer (CEO) ThoughtFocus

Shylesh Krishnan – Executive Vice President, ThoughtFocus

###

Share article on social media or email:

Apex Catalyst Group, A Business Management Firm That Transforms Entrepreneurs Into Leaders Announces Rebranding and Launch Party


To celebrate this momentous occasion, Apex Catalyst Group is hosting a party at WeWork in Fort Worth, TX on October 1st, 2019 from 5:00-7:00PM CST. The party will also be streamed live over Facebook for those that want to join the party, right from their office.

“It is important for business owners to take time to celebrate their growth, accomplishments and milestones. I find myself reminding my clients of that frequently and it is only appropriate that I take this moment to celebrate the company’s achievements”, says Sandi Mitchell, CEO of Apex Catalyst Group. Sandi is a certified executive coach and EOS® Entrepreneurial Operating System Professional Implementer who specializes in creating inspired work environments, aligning teams to maximize potential, and building work ecosystems built on trust and clear communication.

Apex Catalyst Group has worked with small to medium-sized businesses and corporations globally, concentrating in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, for the past six years with a focus on establishing bold organizations unafraid to change. Prior to rebranding, APEX Leadership Mastery was managed solely by Sandi Mitchell, and has grown to include a team of business experts who specialize in HR, sales, operations, marketing and more. Supported by a hand-picked team of elite advisors, the new Apex Catalyst Group will guide entrepreneurs on a strategic roadmap towards intentional success.

In addition to the launch party happening on October 1st, 2019, the rebranding of Apex Catalyst Group includes a completely redesigned website, a social media marketing campaign on Facebook and LinkedIn, a revamped logo, graphics, and print materials.

Share article on social media or email:

Cayman Alternative Investment Summit Announces Appointment of Eurasia Group President & Founder Ian Bremmer to Conference Editorial Board


Ian Bremmer CAIS Cayman Islands

Ian Bremmer was keynote speaker at CAIS in 2019

“As one of the most influential forums in the alternative investment industry, I’m delighted to be joining the CAIS20 Editorial Board and returning again as a keynote speaker.” – Ian Bremmer, Founder and President of Eurasia Group and GZERO Media.

The Cayman Alternative Investment Summit 2020 (“CAIS20”) today announced the appointment of Ian Bremmer, President and Founder of Eurasia Group and GZERO Media, to the conference’s editorial board. Bremmer will help to shape the agenda and speaker lineup around the 2020 conference theme: “Global. Digital. Responsible.”

Bremmer is a political scientist who helps business leaders, policy makers, and the general public make sense of the world around them. He is president and founder of Eurasia Group, the world’s leading political risk research and consulting firm, and GZERO Media, a company dedicated to providing intelligent and engaging coverage of international affairs. Bremmer is the author of 10 books, including the New York Times bestseller “Us vs Them: The Failure of Globalism” which examines the rise of populism across the world. He also serves as the Foreign Affairs Columnist and Editor at Large for Time magazine and teaches at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.

“Through this year’s ‘Global. Digital. Responsible.’ theme, we are continuing to expand the role CAIS plays in spearheading provocative conversations about the future of alternative investing,” said Chris Duggan, CAIS Conference Chair and Vice President of Business Development at Dart. “We are excited to add Ian Bremmer to the CAIS20 Editorial Board as his expertise on applying geopolitical risks to financial markets will help to drive meaningful discussions on and off stage at CAIS.”

Hosted by Dart Family Office, CAIS20 will take place at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa in the Cayman Islands on February 6-7, 2020. The seventh annual conference will convene more than 500 alternative investment managers, institutional investors, economists, policymakers and academics for keynote presentations and panel sessions that cover the latest themes influencing the alternative investing landscape, including globalization, geopolitical risk, artificial intelligence and trading, digitalization, climate, ESG, and responsible investing.

“As one of the most influential forums in the alternative investment industry, I’m delighted to be joining the CAIS20 Editorial Board and returning again as a keynote speaker,” said Ian Bremmer, Founder and President of Eurasia Group and GZERO Media. “At a time when societies are becoming more divided, CAIS20 provides a global platform for real debate on the future of alternative investing and the convergence of geopolitical risks.”

In addition to Bremmer, the CAIS20 Editorial Board includes Anthony Cowell, Partner & Head of Asset Management at KPMG (Cayman Islands); Nancy Davis, Managing Partner & CIO of Quadratic Capital Management; Jackie Doak, President of Business Development at Dart; Bill Kelly, CEO of CAIA Association; Jeff Klein, co-Chief Investment Officer of AIMS Aptitude at Goldman Sachs; Christina Qi, Founding Partner of Domeyard LP; Amin Rajan, CEO of CREATE-Research; Victoria Rock, Managing Director & Head of Alternatives Product at Legg Mason; Phil Schmitt, President & CEO of Summerwood Group; Valerie Sill, President, CEO & CIO of Dupont Capital Management; and, Kareen Stangherlin, Founding Partner of Zelos Capital Ltd.

Joining members of the editorial board on the stage at CAIS20 are early confirmed speakers including Leda Braga, CEO of Systematica Investments; Peter Branner, CIO of APG Asset Management; Wences Cezares, CEO of XAPO; Gerald Butts; Former Advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Former President & CEO of World Wildlife Canada; Megan Greene, former Global Chief Economist at John Hancock Financial Services/Manulife Asset Management; David McKay, CEO of RBC; Rachel Pether, Senior Advisor at the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute; and, John Studzinski, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of PIMCO.

Registration for CAIS20 is now open, with early bird prices available until December 31, 2019 at cais.ky. The event is free to attend for all qualified investors and media.

About the Cayman Alternative Investment Summit

The Cayman Alternative Investment Summit (CAIS) is an annual non-profit conference that convenes leading thinkers and decision makers from diverse segments of the global alternatives industry to discuss and debate the challenges and opportunities that will define the future of the industry. Hosted by Dart Family Office, CAIS is dedicated to supporting financial services both in the Cayman Islands and internationally. For more information, please visit cais.ky.

About Dart Family Office

Based in the Cayman Islands, the Dart Family Office manages Ken Dart’s global investment portfolio. Dart’s investments in Cayman range from real estate development, hospitality, retail, entertainment and finance. Guided by the vision of Ken Dart, Dart has developed more than $1.5 billion in mixed-use, residential, commercial, recreational, educational and hospitality properties throughout the Cayman Islands.

Share article on social media or email:

UniVoIP Welcomes Michael Bacich as Executive Vice President of Sales


News Image

UniVoIP is pleased to announce today that Michael Bacich has been named Executive Vice President of Sales, leading the company’s overall sales and customer relationship strategy, aligning with corporate objectives and growth targets.

Beginning his career in 1986, Michael has a proven track record of success in various leadership roles including Manager of Sales, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at MCI, Pacific Bell, Broadcore, Masergy and most recently, Blulp.

Michael joins the UniVoIP executive team to build, develop and inspire a sustainable, high performing sales team that achieves sales growth and market leadership, while promoting a customer-first culture. “During my interview with Michael for the Executive VP of Sales position, we spoke for two hours about his passion for customer satisfaction and his role in being a major advocate for the people he serves,” said UniVoIP CEO Asghar Ghassemy. “I immediately made my decision that I wanted him to be at the forefront of our leadership team.”

“I am gratified and excited to be joining this talented team and looking forward to having success, having fun and loving our customers,” said Bacich. “We will be a company that customers consistently rank as being their best vendor.”

About UniVoIP

UniVoIP is leading provider of UCaaS (Unified Communications as a Service) solutions with focus on customer satisfaction. UniVoIP serves medium to large enterprises everywhere by leveraging best-of-breed integrated business communications platforms that deliver advanced multimedia contact center functionality, cloud-based collaboration tools, mobility applications, and a world-renowned suite of advanced IP phones including mobile integration. Powered by a team with over 40 years of experience together, UniVoIP is an industry leader, delivering comprehensive UCaaS solutions to a variety of industries including education, legal, finance, nonprofit, real estate and healthcare. For more information, visit univoip.com.

Share article on social media or email:

VETTD Announces Launch of Vettd Studio


Bellevue, Washington – September 26, 2019: Vettd Inc., a leader in adaptive AI solutions for workforce data classification, today announced the launch of its Vettd Studio, a no-code platform that allows HR practitioners to create their own talent classification models to unlock the value of their organization’s talent data.

Vettd Studio allows HR personnel that deal with massive data sets in their decision support systems to build custom deep learning AI models from their own data and deploy them into workflows to organize talent data at scale. AI models working in real-time generate a comprehensive talent database that improves decision-making across the organization. These models are capable of making intelligent decisions to identify and label skills, relevant roles, experience level, or any other important attribute.

Vettd Studio provides continuous data enrichment that enables HR practitioners to shift their focus from tedious tasks to strategically impactful activities. With talent classification implemented into their HR tech stack, organizations can:


  • Diminish time spent on manual review
  • Reduce time spent navigating talent records
  • Create unique automated workflows and experiences
  • Scale and systematically improve decision-making
  • Generate unique analytics & insight.

“We are really excited to bring this new technology to the HR industry,” said Andrew Buhrmann, CEO of Vettd. “We’ve spent years working with some of the top talent acquisition teams around the world developing AI tools to help them better understand their people data. With the launch of Vettd Studio, Vettd is putting tools into the hands of HR personnel, empowering them to rapidly build and deploy their own AI models to create and maintain databases for talent acquisition, strategic workforce planning, employee engagement, and more.”

With Vettd Studio, companies now have the ability to create and manage unique AI models that label talent and optimize their decision-making capabilities. To learn more about Vettd Studio, visit https://www.vettd.ai/landing/studio.

About Vettd: Founded in 2014 and based in Bellevue, Washington, Vettd is a world leader in commercially-deployed high performance deep neural networks. Vettd produces state-of-the-art deep learning AI models for talent profile classification that help Human Resource practitioners and major enterprises improve decision-making around talent acquisition, strategic workforce planning, employee engagement, and more. Vettd was founded to use AI to help uncover the value that every individual brings to an organization. For more information on how Vettd is powering a deeper understanding of talent, visit. http://www.vettd.ai.

Share article on social media or email:

Bill Hanifin, Impact 21’s Practice Leader in Customer Engagement & Loyalty, will Moderate a Presentation on Mobile Customer Loyalty Strategies at NACS Show 2019


https://www.prweb.com/

Impact21_logo

“I have the privilege of leading a discussion with a truly terrific group of professionals. Individually, they each have incredible insight into customer loyalty strategies. Together, we will have a fantastic, educational, and inspirational discussion.” —Bill Hanifin, Customer Engagement & Loyalty P

Impact 21, a retail consulting, analytics and services company, announced its participation at NACS Show 2019 in Atlanta. NACS (The Association For Convenience & Fuel Retailing founded as the National Association of Convenience Stores) is the industry’s voice in the federal government. There are a number of political, economic, and societal issues facing the convenience and fuel retailing industry. NACS advocates on behalf of the 153,000+ stores in the industry to the government and helps fight for their rights. The organization also provides various solutions, tools, and other resources to c-store professionals to help them succeed.

“We are huge fans of NACS,” commented Lesley Saitta, Impact 21 CEO. “We participate in NACS events every year and have partnered with them to help grow our clients’ businesses as well as our own. It is always exciting to attend the annual event and network with new professionals as well as catch up with old friends and clients.”

Impact 21 Practice Leader for Customer Engagement & Loyalty, Bill Hanifin, will moderate an education session titled, “Taking Your Customer Loyalty Strategy Mobile.” Along with Hanifin, three speakers will present:


  • Darrin Samaha, Brand Manager, Yesway
  • Bobbe Morhiser, Senior Guest Experience Manager, MAPCO Express, Inc.
  • David Heilbronner, Director of Brand Strategy & Advertising, Cumberland Farms

During the session, Bill will lead a discussion around creating an effective loyalty and mobile marketing strategy, and how to integrate these strategies with the overall business or fuel strategy.

“I couldn’t be happier about how this session lined up,” shared Hanifin. “I have the privilege of leading a discussion with a truly terrific group of professionals. Individually, they each have incredible insight into customer loyalty strategies. Together, we will have a fantastic, educational, and inspirational discussion. There will be many takeaways for the audience which will help any c-store professional utilize mobile programs to improve customer engagement and loyalty strategies.”

Retailers can learn more about Hanifin’s presentation, as well as Impact 21’s solutions, at NACS Show 2019 and at http://www.impact21.com/. Get live updates on Twitter by searching for #NACSShow. Connect with Impact 21 on Facebook and LinkedIn for insightful industry trends and best practices.

About Impact 21

Impact 21 was founded in 1998 by industry experts and former retailers, Lesley Saitta and Lisa Biggs Stewart. The company is headquartered in Lexington, KY.

By offering a proven business model for integration of business and technology strategies, as well as a world class collaboration, project, and content management solution, we position companies to drive profitability and enhance their customer’s experience.

Our experienced team of industry experts bring real-world solutions to manage and execute initiatives of all sizes and impact. We have a passion for driving business alignment for our clients and bringing thought leadership to all the industries and clients we serve.

For more information please visit http://www.impact21.com or call (859) 219-3040.

Share article on social media or email:



C3 Risk & Insurance Services Announces Acquisition of Mission West Insurance


News Image

C3 Risk & Insurance Services (C3), a privately-held insurance brokerage firm in California, today announced the acquisition of Mission West Insurance, an Orange County-based insurance brokerage. The acquisition and joining of two powerful forces establishes a larger footprint for C3 in Southern California and gives Orange County brokers a new opportunity to hold equity in a privately-held firm that values integrity above all else.

“We think we have created the best insurance brokerage model. This acquisition proves we are able to share our model throughout California,” said President of C3, Gabe Erle. “We think our model will allow us to attract top talent in all areas of California.”

With C3’s acquisition of Mission West Insurance, there is now an opportunity for brokers to join a privately-held, locally-owned, dominant brokerage with the potential of being equity holders themselves.

“C3 and Mission West’s mutual guiding principles of endless resolve, bringing color to an often stagnant industry, and the certitude of keeping our clients top of mind are the synergies that will allow us to thrive as one brand,” said Tony McIntosh, now Managing Director of C3 in Orange County. “Together under the C3 name, we will not only continue to provide more than a piece of paper and a promise to our clients, but we will also continue to reinvest our revenue into resources and technology that provide more for our clients. I am super committed to restoring the dominant privately-held, locally owned insurance brokerage firm.”

This merger represents a continued trajectory of what the team at C3 believes in most: the restoration of the dominant, privately-held brokerage. For more information on C3 Risk & Insurance Services, visit c3insurance.com.

About C3 Risk & Insurance Services:

C3 Risk & Insurance Services is a California-based, privately-owned insurance brokerage built on a foundation of transparency and a team of insurance professionals with a combined 500+ years in the insurance space. C3 Risk & Insurance Services’ mission is to create peer business relationships in order to help insureds prevent unexpected loss. The company accomplishes this by listening with empathy to understanding and looking at its clients’ businesses from obscure angles with divergent thinking to solve problems. C3 Risk & Insurance Services values integrity above all, and maintains empathy with all client relations. For more information on C3 Risk & Insurance Services, visit c3insurance.com.

Share article on social media or email:

Helium Advisors Opens New Office in Scottsdale


Helium Advisors today announced the opening of its new office in Scottsdale, Arizona. This milestone is a major move and further commitment by Helium Advisors in its mission to provide wealth management and consulting services of the highest standard to clients throughout the West.

Co-Founder and Partner Howard Morin will be leading the effort in Scottsdale to build out the market for Helium Advisors in Arizona and Southern California.

“We are seeing major trends in migration moving from big, high-cost cities throughout the US into regions such as Arizona for more favorable economic reasons,” says Gary Russell, Co-Founder and Partner at Helium Advisors. “Additionally, we are seeing a tremendous transfer of wealth right now in the US and it confirms our strategic assumption and firm belief that location matters.”

Today’s news illustrates a long-term growth initiative by Helium Advisors towards expansion beyond its traditional Pacific Northwest footprint.

“Our clients are everywhere, and for so many that we proudly serve it is about the lifestyle they want coupled with the cost and tax implications of that lifestyle,” says Morin.

To learn more about Helium Advisors, visit http://www.heliumadvisors.com and find them on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Share article on social media or email:

Elite Insurance Partners Ranks No. 20 on the Tampa Bay Business Journals Florida Fast 100


News Image

Once again, we’re honored to be ranked by the Tampa Bay Business Journal as one of the fastest growing companies in Florida.” says Jagger Esch, Elite Insurance Partners CEO and co-founder. “Our continued growth is all because of our amazing dedicated team who goes above and beyond for our clients.

Companies on the List provided documentation to verify the reported revenue figures. Information was gathered by the research directors for the four Florida markets (Orlando, Jacksonville, South Florida and Tampa Bay).

In order to qualify, companies must be headquartered in Florida, privately held, for-profit organizations, in business prior to 1/1/2016 and with revenues greater than $1 million in 2016 or $5 million in 2018.

“Once again, we’re honored to be ranked by the Tampa Bay Business Journal as one of the fastest growing companies in Florida.” says Jagger Esch, Elite Insurance Partners CEO and co-founder. “Our continued growth is all because of our amazing dedicated team who goes above and beyond for our clients.”

EIP continued growth has been celebrated the past year by being ranked as an Inc. 5000 fastest growing company for the 2nd year in a row, was recognized as one of the “Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America” by Entrepreneur magazine’s Entrepreneur360 list and earned best places to work by both Inc. & the Tampa Bay Business Journal. Elite Insurance Partners also ranked #11 on TBBJ Fast 50 list.

EIP announced tremendous growth in 2018 with plans to double the size of our team this year. The company is hiring, sales, support and marketing. For open positions, visit http://www.eliteinsurancepartners.com/careers/

For more information, please visit https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/subscriber-only/2019/09/20/florida-fast-100-the-100-fastest.html

Share article on social media or email:

Jon Centella has been Named Director of Sales – Critical Power for Alpine Power Systems


“We are excited to have Jon in this dynamic sales leadership role. His energy, instinct and industry knowledge, fits in perfectly with our Customer-First philosophy.”

Alpine Power Systems is proud to announce that Jon Centella has been promoted to Director of Sales – Critical Power. Jon will be leading Alpine’s sales efforts for their Backup Power, Telecom, and Cable Divisions.

Jon Centella has had a successful 15-year career at Alpine Power Systems in several different service, marketing, and sales roles. Centella completed his degree in Business Management at the University of Tennessee before taking a full-time role at Alpine in 2005. Jon started his beginnings in the critical power business in operations while interning during college and quickly propelled himself to new and greater opportunities within the Alpine organization. Jon Centella was most recently tasked with launching Alpine’s Cable Division and has established Alpine as a leader in this business segment.

Jon’s objective is to work closely with Alpine’s strategic vendors and talented field sales team to secure incremental growth. Jon is responsible for planning and implementing sales strategies, tactics, and action plans for Alpine’s Back-up, Cable / Broadband, and Telecom Divisions. Jon will be working under the direction of Alpine’s Vice President of Sales, Sean Davis.

Davis said, “We are excited to have Jon in this dynamic sales leadership role. His energy, instinct and industry knowledge, fits in perfectly with our Customer-First philosophy.”

Centella said, “I’m very appreciative of the opportunity to lead our Critical Power Division. I’m a firm believer in People and Process. Our Sales and Service Teams are second to none and our consultative approach to selling will continue to separate Alpine from our competition.”

About Alpine Power Systems

Alpine Power Systems, established in 1963, is an independent B2B global solution provider specializing in backup power, telecom, cable, and motive power solutions. Alpine has expanded operations to become one of the largest independent organizations in our industry. Alpine is a dynamic and growing company supplying numerous Fortune 1000 companies. Alpine Power Systems is ISO 9001 Quality & 14001:2018 Environmental Certified.

SOURCE

Alpine Power Systems, 877-993-8855, connect@alpinepowersystems.com

Related Links

https://alpinepowersystems.com

https://alpinepowersystems.com/about-us/

https://alpinepowersystems.com/services-and-solutions/backup-power-services/

https://alpinepowersystems.com/services-and-solutions/telecom-services/

https://alpinepowersystems.com/services-and-solutions/telecom-services/cable-and-broadband-services/

Share article on social media or email: