“The Render Network remains committed to advancing a fully decentralized ecosystem that harmonizes supply, demand, and infrastructure within the GPU processing landscape. The implementation of the Burn and Mint Equilibrium model represents a significant milestone towards realizing this vision,” said Jules Urbach, founder and architect of the Render Network.
Key aspects of Render Network’s BME model include:
Predictable Fiat Pricing: Rendering and AI network tasks can now be priced in fiat currencies, allowing users to pay in the equivalent amount of native RENDER token or fiat for real-time services.
Emissions and Incentives for Network Participants: Predictable token emissions within the BME model incentivize GPU suppliers to serve the network’s growing demand. Network emissions are distributed on a predefined declining schedule, viewable under RNP-003, ensuring network stability. In RNP-006 the community passed an Emissions Schedule for the first year allocating 9,126,804 RENDER to aid the network.
Token Burning and Emissions: Upon completion of work, creators pay for jobs by converting fiat to RENDER using distributed liquidity pools. The RENDER is subsequently burned in exchange for completion of the work. A transparent log of these transactions is maintained by the protocol, which forms the basis for rewards for contributors at each epoch’s end.
Epoch-Based Allocation: Emissions are also allocated on an epoch-by-epoch basis, typically spanning a week period based on network usage. Adjustments to epoch durations can be made by a governance vote to effectively respond to changes in network utilization.
About The Render Foundation The Render Foundation is a Cayman-based, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing Render Network, the world’s leading decentralized compute network. The Foundation is responsible for helping set the strategic priorities of the network, issuing grants to support them, and facilitating governance through the Render Network Proposal (RNP) system. To learn more, please visit https://renderfoundation.com.
About The Render Network The Render Network® is the world’s leading decentralized compute network. The network connects node operators looking to monetize their idle GPU compute power with artists looking to scale intensive 3D-rendering work and with machine learning developers looking to train and tune AI models. Through a decentralized peer-to-peer network, the Render Network achieves unprecedented levels of scale, speed, and economic efficiency. For more information on Render Network, please visit https://rendernetwork.com.
Media Contact: Render Foundation Media Relations Email: [email protected]
The foundation extends its deepest gratitude to Mr. Willies D. Powells III, acknowledging his generosity and continued dedication to their cause. In addition to being a valued donor, Mr. Powells has previously sponsored one of the foundation’s events, further exemplifying his commitment to making a positive difference in the community.
The Who Dat Nation Charitable Foundation remains committed to its mission of supporting high school seniors in their pursuit of higher education. The proceeds from ticket sales for the Holiday Gala will directly benefit these students, providing them with the resources they need to achieve their academic goals.
About the Who Dat Nation Charitable Foundation The Who Dat Nation Charitable Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Houston, TX, dedicated to empowering and supporting high school seniors in their pursuit of higher education. Through various initiatives and fundraising events, the foundation strives to make a lasting impact on the lives of students, helping them achieve their academic and career aspirations.
Media Contact
Charlotte Arkwright, Law Office of Willie D. Powells III & Associates PLLC, (954) 773 – 9920, [email protected]
SOURCE Law Office of Willie D. Powells III & Associates PLLC
“Our families commit to be in the program from 1 to 2 years, said Executive Director Carrie Christian. “We work to remove all barriers towards our families’ economic stability by helping them learn about financial resources, parenting skills, mental health, and setting boundaries.”
“That’s really what we’re all about, taking an individualized approach to help each person,” added Christian.
This year, the organization has worked with over 75 families and hopes to reach 100 at the end of the fiscal year.
One program Families Forward Charlotte offers participants is a holiday present sponsorship, allowing each family member the opportunity to create a Christmas wish list. Donors can gift each family member clothing necessities or one small and large item. Often, this is the only opportunity the families have to receive holiday gifts.
CNP was carefully matched with a local family of seven, a mother and six children ages 7-17, hoping to provide some holiday cheer. Employees worked together to gift a holiday package that fulfilled each family member’s wish list.
Not only was every wish list item included, CNP also ensured the family could experience the true magic of the season with a fully decorated Christmas tree and a delicious meal for Christmas Day.
Amy Portis, CNP human resources manager, expressed the company’s commitment to giving back to the Charlotte community.
“With the challenges faced by many in our community, our employees wanted to make a meaningful impact by adopting a local family for the holiday season. We believe in the power of community and the importance of coming together, especially during this time. Sponsoring a local family in need is a small yet heartfelt way for us to give back and share the joy of Christmas, and we hope our contribution brings smiles to the faces of our sponsored family.”
CNP business analyst Madison Justice echoed the sentiments.
“I have been at CNP for almost seven years, and while we have done a few things for charity over the years, this has been the most impactful,” said Justice.
For media inquiries or more information about CNP’s community initiatives, contact Maegen Becker, CNP Technologies Marketing and Communication Strategist, at [email protected].
About CNP Technologies
CNP Technologies offers a range of services covering Unified Communications, Network Integration and Cloud Services to clients across the Southeast. Focused on delivering top-notch solutions, CNP offers an impressive range of services including VoIP, video conferencing, virtualization, data backup and disaster recovery, storage, security, intelligent WAN, and ongoing support.
With over 200 years of combined experience in information technology, CNP’s team of engineers consistently maintains their knowledge by partnering with leading technology firms and undergoing continuous training.
An industry-leading Mitel (previously Shoretel) Partner, CNP also provides high-quality on-site and remote support services while providing a reliable technology infrastructure to support voice and information system needs. For more information, visit http://www.cnp.net.
The companion documentary film We’re Still Here tells the story of small business owners and communities fighting commercial gentrification in Miami’s Little Santo Domingo, Chicago’s Puerto Rico Town, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Boyle Heights and East LA. The film follows SBAN on site visits to learn more about the efforts of The Allapattah Collaborative, the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, and Inclusive Action for the City.
Produced by social impact production company Unchained Stories, the film premiered at SBAN’s 2023 conference, where more than 250 people from local and national organizations came together for the first time to share knowledge and collaborate around preserving small businesses as vital anchors of diverse communities.
SBAN put out a call for case studies in 2022 to fill critical gaps in research about what small business anti-displacement strategies are effective. The resulting publication and film provide lessons for other organizations on how to advance anti-displacement policies and practices within and beyond their metropolitan areas. The case studies offer on-the-ground examples of community property ownership, culturally relevant technical assistance, Main Street models, new types of small business loan financing, unionization, construction disruption assistance, and cultural heritage preservation.
“Our new publication and film provide diverse perspectives and practical lessons for scholars, policy makers, small business support organizations, and others who work with BIPOC- and immigrant-owned businesses,” says SBAN Director Dr. Willow Lung-Amam. “They also make clear the collective policy response needed at all levels to support small businesses so they can remain vital anchors of stable, equitable, and thriving neighborhoods. These compelling stories make the case for why investments are so critical.”
About SBAN: The Small Business Anti-Displacement Network is a network of organizations across the U.S. and internationally that work to prevent displacement of BIPOC- and immigrant-owned small businesses in gentrifying neighborhoods. Housed at the University of Maryland’s National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education, SBAN includes policymakers, nonprofit advocates, technical assistance providers, real estate developers, financial institutions, scholars, and small business owners, who share knowledge and collaborate to advance innovative policies and practices that keep small businesses in place. SBAN’s work is supported by JPMorgan Chase.
The grants are intended to develop new and innovative programs, partnerships, exhibits, tours, events, and other heritage tourism-related initiatives.
FREDERICK, Md. , Dec. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area (HCWHA), a certified heritage area encompassing parts of Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties, announces $23,728.00 in mini-grant awards to seven local nonprofit organizations:
The Catoctin Furnace Historical Society: $2,028 to acquire an historically accurate marquee tent.
The Washington County Historical Trust, Inc.: $3,400 to develop a strategic interpretive plan, brochure, and wayside marker for the circa 1800 Saylor House.
Sgt. Lawrence Everhart Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution: $2,200 to erect a historical marker as part of the larger commemoration of the march of Gen. Anthony Wayne and his PA Continental troops through the region during the American Revolution.
Washington County Historical Society: $5,000 to fund work and improvements to ensure the appropriate long-term care, storage, and display of the WCHS’s Civil War artifacts.
National Road Heritage Foundation: $5,000 to support the setup of the reception area for the National Road Museum and Boonsboro Welcome Center.
Hood College: $4,000 to enable the digitization of 19th and 20th century Frederick Female Seminary and Hood College documents.
Washington County Free Library: $2,100 to fund essential cleaning and repair of an original 1859 map of Washington County.
The grants range between $2,000 and $5,000 and are intended to develop new and innovative programs, partnerships, exhibits, tours, events, and other heritage tourism-related initiatives that are consistent with the goals and priorities stated in the HCWHA management plan and Strategic Plan (both available at https://www.heartofthecivilwar.org/). Grant-funded projects must take place within the geographic boundaries of the heritage area. The total investment in these projects is $83,030.73.
This year’s donation to local nonprofit Napa CASA will exceed $17,000. “It is with great pleasure that we support and donate to a local nonprofit each year and we feel strongly about selecting Napa CASA as this year’s recipient,” said winemaker Michael Baldacci. Napa CASA advocates for the best interest of children who have become dependents of the court for their safety and protection; they are the only organization in Napa County who serves this group of children by providing advocacy, support, and mentorship throughout the entire time the children are in foster care. “We hope this donation positively benefits the lives of many children and supports the foundation these children need to become confident, healthy, and happy adults.”
Baldacci Family Vineyards selected Napa CASA this year because family life is at the heart of the winery. Owner Thomas Baldacci is a husband, father, and grandfather to four grandchildren. He understands the importance of support and consistency in the lives of children and is thankful that his family can assist local children in need. “Raising children takes a lot of emotional, physical, and financial support. We are grateful to have selected an organization with such an important mission—one that directly impacts the lives of children for the better,” said Thomas Baldacci. “We anticipate that this donation will bring critical assistance to the children who need it most.”
Napa CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that “provides caring, stable and consistent adults to help children cope with adversity and develop resilience,” said Julie DiVerde, CEO of Napa CASA. “Long term, stable and positive relationships with a trained adult is the single most important factor influencing positive outcomes for children in foster care. CASA believes every child needs one person, one person that believes in them and who cares about them.”
DiVerde has already begun planning the allocation of the $17,000+ donation. “The generous donation will be used to support children in foster care and ensure every child has a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate),” said DiVerde. “CASA visits the child weekly and attends all meetings regarding the child—talking to the foster parent, school and social worker. Foster parents, teachers and social workers often change but CASA is consistent in the child’s life.”
The presence of Napa CASA in Napa County and their guidance and services for children in need is critical to the local community. “Napa CASA work is the most important work that can be done for children who are in foster care. Napa County is lucky to have this organization advocating for these children and we are thankful for the opportunity to donate upwards of $17,000 to them this holiday season,” said Michael Baldacci.
About Baldacci Family Vineyards
Baldacci Family Vineyards is a family-owned estate in the distinguished Stags Leap District of Napa Valley. Winemaker Michael Baldacci meticulously crafts a portfolio of elegant and classically styled Cabernet Sauvignon that is approachable in its youth, while still maintaining the complexity and stamina to age. Bottles are limited-production and hail from renowned vineyards and appellations in Napa Valley, including estate-owned vineyards in Stags Leap District, Calistoga, and Diamond Mountain District. The Estate House in Stags Leap District offers intimate wine tasting experiences that aim to educate and foster community among guests. In its luxurious and comfortable setting, the Estate House invites guests to take in vineyard views, enjoy an approachable wine tasting experience, and learn about the family’s sustainability efforts.
About Napa CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate)
The Napa Court Appointed Special Advocate program (CASA) is the only program in Napa County that serves children who through no fault of their own have been made dependents of the court for their safety and protection. Too many of these children face continual uncertainty and must navigate life’s challenges alone. Children who have been abused and neglected need and deserve the opportunity to hope for a better future – a future that includes the chance to succeed in life. This is where Napa CASA fulfills a critical role by providing advocacy, support and mentorship. Napa CASA volunteers are often the only consistent person in the child’s life throughout the entire time that the child is in foster care.
To request bidder credentials or to receive further information on this portfolio available on the Ocean Tomo Bid-Ask™ Market, contact Layna Guo at [email protected] or +1 312 327 8179.
The Ocean Tomo Bid-Ask™ Market (OTBA) was built to further enhance Intellectual Property (IP) liquidity and transaction transparency. OTBA serves a broad community of active buyers and sellers, providing a platform to purchase or sell patents and patent applications globally. This market is supported by Ocean Tomo Transactions and affiliate international voice brokers.
Ocean Tomo provides Expert Opinion, Management Consulting, Advisory, and Specialty Services focused on matters involving intellectual property (IP) and other intangible assets. Practice offerings address economic damage calculations and testimony; business licensing strategy and contract interpretation; patent-focused business intelligence; portfolio development strategy; litigation support; trade secret reasonable measures; asset and business valuation; strategy and risk management consulting; merger and acquisition advisory; debt and equity private placement; and IP brokerage. Subsidiaries of Ocean Tomo include Ocean Tomo Investments Group, LLC, a registered broker-dealer.
As a part of J.S. Held, Ocean Tomo works alongside more than 1500 professionals globally and assists clients – corporations, insurers, law firms, governments, and institutional investors – on complex technical, scientific, financial, and strategic matters across all assets and value at risk.
J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that combines technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise to advise clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risk. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high stakes matters demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, proven experience, clear-cut analysis, and an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations.
Great Hearts Christos Scottsdale is set to open its doors for grades K-7, embodying its commitment to glorify God through the holistic development of its students – intellectually, morally, and spiritually. Christos’ unique Christian Classical approach intertwines faith and reason, fostering a deep love for Christ, family, community, Holy Scripture, and the rich tapestry of Western culture and Christian thought.
Open Enrollment for the upcoming school year begins on Monday, Dec. 11. Early applications will increase the odds of securing a spot on the acceptance list. Enrollment at this location is expected to cap at 145 students.
Led by Atolagbe, who served as headmaster of Arizona’s top performing K-8 school in 2022, Great Hearts Lincoln, Christos includes a Christ-based faith formation incorporated with the proven Great Hearts classical curriculum.
Great Hearts Christos currently serves grades K-5 at its two other locations in the Valley for the current school year, but will grow to K-6 in August of 2024. One is connected to Evident Life Church in Gilbert (415 N. Gilbert Rd.) and the other is at Redemption Alhambra in Phoenix (1830 W. Glenrosa Ave.). Key additions to the classical curriculum include the addition of age-appropriate Scripture instruction, morning prayer with the middle school history programing placing a greater focus on Ancient Israel and the Early Church. Families are not required to be Christian for their children to attend though children will be instructed from a Christian perspective while actively participating in faith formation practices.
Enrollment is ongoing at all three schools. Great Hearts Christos will have set tuition though through the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship program, attendance will be within reach of all families. In addition, financial aid will be available for qualifying income levels. Greats Hearts plans to open multiple campuses across Metro Phoenix, greater Arizona and in the future, other states. For more information and to join the interest list, visit christos.greatheartsamerica.org.
About Great Hearts
Great Hearts is a nonprofit network of tuition-free public charter schools dedicated to improving education nationwide through classical preparatory K-12 academies. As the largest provider of liberal arts classical education campuses in the country, Great Hearts Academies serve more than 22,000 students at 44 tuition-free public charter schools in greater Phoenix, Ariz. and Texas, with waitlists that typically exceed enrollment. Great Hearts will also be opening its first preschool, Great Hearts Young Hearts Preschool in Buckeye, Ariz. and its first location in Baton Rouge, LA. Great Hearts provides a robust liberal arts curriculum incorporating advanced math and science, a focus on the arts and foreign language, and a range of extra-curricular activities and athletics. Learn more at www.greatheartsamerica.org.
Media Contact
Liz Renninger, Evolve PR and Marketing, 1 480-862-4765, [email protected], Evolve PR and Marketing
More than 50% of the homes impacted by hail were in Texas, Colorado, Illinois, Oklahoma and Missouri. Texas led all states with almost 2.8 million homes subjected to 1-inch or greater hail. Six million homes experienced a hailstorm in both April and June, making them the months with the most hail damage.
With an estimated $8 billion in damages in June alone, severe convective storms were the costliest category of weather events in 2023, with hail being the primary loss driver. More in-depth explanation about these storm events will be available in CoreLogic’s 2023 Severe Convective Storm Report, which will be available in February 2024.
“The combination of a record active season and inflationary pressures on reconstruction materials and labor with both an increase and shift in the geographical concentration of homes/businesses, created a situation where year-end losses from severe convective storms rival that of a single major hurricane,” said Jon Schneyer, Catastrophe Response Director, CoreLogic. “Roof age and materials play a huge role in whether a roof will sustain damage during a hailstorm. Understanding this and taking proactive measures to ensure quality materials are used is the best way property owners can seek to mitigate damage.”
The Atlantic Ocean Basin was highly active in 2023 and saw 20 named storms (fourth highest since 1950), seven of which were hurricanes—and three of them major. Yet, Hurricane Idalia was the only landfalling hurricane in the U.S. this year. The storm made landfall in a remote section of the Florida coastline, reducing the potential insured-loss total to under $2 billion.
Devastating wildfires raged through the town of Lahaina on Maui, Hawaii in August. In addition to extensive damage to thousands of homes, the fires forced thousands of evacuations; disrupted communication systems and transportation networks, including cell service, road closures and flights; and burdened firefighting efforts.
“What occurred in Lahaina was a tragedy, one of if not the deadliest wildfires on record. Once the strong winds pushed flames or embers into the buildings of Lahaina, they became the primary fuel source,” said Schneyer. “Wood siding and porches with lattices underneath were common construction practices, which are very vulnerable to embers and flames. The only positive aspect was that we saw an example of effective wildfire mitigation practices, like replacing asphalt shingles with a metal roof and clearing vegetation from within five feet of the property.”
Each event has been a stark reminder of the need for preparatory efforts to mitigate the damage of natural disasters. In addition to physically preparing for these disasters, the industry can leverage data and insights to help better predict the outcome of these events, as they increase in frequency and severity.
About CoreLogic CoreLogic is a leading provider of property insights and innovative solutions, working to transform the property industry by putting people first. Using its network, scale, connectivity and technology, CoreLogic delivers faster, smarter, more human-centered experiences, that build better relationships, strengthen businesses, and ultimately create a more resilient society. For more information, please visit http://www.corelogic.com.
“Small Business Majority is honored to partner with Founders First Job Creators to help share information on resources small businesses need to thrive,” said Josaline Cuesta, California Program Director, Small Business Majority. “Opportunities like the Southern California Job Creators Grant invest in the often-overlooked entrepreneurs. Supporting funding sources like the SoCal Job Creators Grant is not only common sense, but it will also help eligible entrepreneurs in the Southern California region keep their American dreams alive. We happily support diverse-led small businesses and look forward to seeing how the seed of entrepreneurship will grow.”
The purpose of the Job Creators Quest Grant is to help business owners create premium wage jobs and reward diverse-led businesses throughout the Southern California regions to retain and grow their workforce through the pandemic. This will help to positively impact the local economy, create job opportunities with higher wages and provide the human capital needed for businesses to grow and expand.
“California Southern SBDC is honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with Founders First CDC in championing the growth and resilience of these Southern California businesses, now celebrated as finalists in the Job Creators program. Our dedication resonates with Founders First CDC’s vision for a thriving and inclusive economy, and we are truly excited to be involved in initiatives like this that play a pivotal role in fostering economic empowerment. We take great pride in being a part of their impactful work, contributing to a brighter future for all,” said Juan Carlos Hernandez, President and CEO at California Southern SBDC.
“At Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF), we know how important empowering underresourced entrepreneurs is. Partnering with Founders First CDC is one of the ways we can have an impact beyond our own capital and educational programs to support minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses. The Job Creators Quest Grant is a testament to the positive change that can be achieved when organizations come together with a shared vision for community impact. Congratulations on a job well done to all of the finalists,” said Sophia Zisook, Senior Director of Partner Management at Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF).
The 25 recipients of the Southern California Job Creators fund includes:
Crush It Marketing Inc.
Rich RNB
Anese & Associates LLC
Growler Logistics LLC
G&J TAX CPA
Pure Health Alliance
F2 MANUFACTURING LLC
The Crease Beast LLC
Muaydirigma International LLC
DTLA Loft LLC
B3 Media Solutions Inc
Ducens Med Tech Inc
Amazon Graphics Inc.
Worksters, Inc.
ESCO AEROSPACE MFG,INC.
Sapient Logic LLC
Dynamic Education Services, Inc.
eBrand
360 Human Services
Graduate Communications, dba “GradComm”
La Salle Solutions, LLC
Sign Factory
Connect Logistics
Portship International Company
Care Staffing Professionals
The judging committee for the Southern California Job Creators Grant includes a panel of our partners and other successful business owners.
“Being part of the judging committee for the Southern California Job Creators Grant was an inspiring experience. Witnessing the dedication and innovation of Southern California business owners was truly remarkable. Congratulations to all the recipients – your commitment to job creation and community impact is commendable and sets a positive example for others,” said Amanda Cheyney, Client Advisor at California Manufacturing Technology Consulting.
To be eligible for the Job Creators Quest Grant, the company’s founder had to be Black, indigenous, a person of color, LGBTQIA+, military veteran, woman or located in a low to moderate income area and be a for-profit company with annual revenues between $100,000 to $3 million. Grant winners will use the funds to help create and add 1-2 net new premium wage jobs in the next 12 months.
Funding for this program was facilitated by a $1 million grant from the Rockefeller Foundation, in conjunction with Founders First CDC Capital Partners’ recent $9 million Series A financing accelerator to support underrepresented entrepreneurs in underserved communities. Additional partners include Union Bank, US Bank, Accessity, CMTC, Inland Empire Business Journal, Connect, Small Business Majority, Small Business Finance CDC, We The Plug, Kauffman Foundation, Women’s Business Center, Veterans Chamber of Commerce, Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce, Surdna Foundation, Startout, San Diego Imperial Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, JP Morgan Chase, Mission Edge, Stella Labs, City National Bank, Inner City Capital Connections, Southern California SBDC, Accion Opportunity Fund, City of Escondido, Escondido Chamber of Commerce, San Diego Regional EDC, Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce and many more.
On a national and global scale, many companies struggled to stay afloat amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, many small businesses that are vital to the communities they serve, were forced to close their doors. With greater availability of the vaccine and resources provided by organizations like Founders First CDC, small businesses are hopeful as they move forward. According to a recent article by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a majority (65 percent) of small business owners are more optimistic that the worst of the pandemic is over, and say that easing COVID-19 restrictions (29 percent) and ramping up vaccinations in their area (28 percent) are the two biggest keys to their success.
In addition to announcing the winners of the Job Creators Quest Grant today, Founders First CDC is planning to launch another grant opportunity, the Chicago Job Creators Grant for business owners in the state of Illinois.
About Founders First CDC
Founders First CDC is a not-for-profit 501c3 that was founded in 2015 and has received significant support from the regional community reinvestment banks to empower diverse founder-led, revenue-generating small businesses through three primary programs: (1) Founders Challenge; (2) Founders Bootcamp; and (3) Founders FastPath. By building recurring revenues, tech-enablement, and essential solution focus, Founders First serves as a catalyst for positive change to entrepreneurs of color and female founders to become leading employers in their communities. www.foundersfirstcdc.org.
