The Latest news about what is effecting Society in North America, These PR articles, bring the newest technologies, initiatives and helpful tools to those who need them.
Her consistent success in fraud prevention led to her promotion as the North American Director of Sales for TROY Group. In this role, Brooke has become a key figure in educating businesses and financial institutions on secure payment methods. She offers webinars and in-person training sessions to address financial vulnerabilities, providing “quick fixes” and direct support to combat fraud. Her multigenerational approach to check elimination strategies ensures comprehensive education and support for top U.S. banks and credit unions.
Over the past year, Brooke has made a significant impact in fraud recovery. She has assisted three credit unions, two top banks, and one state entity in recovering, mitigating, and eliminating substantial fraud amounts. One of her most notable achievements includes helping a credit union identify and recover $750,000 in potential losses within just 90 days. Brooke’s efforts have been instrumental in safeguarding her clients against reputational damage and financial loss.
“Being named one of the Most Influential Women in Payments is a tremendous honor,” said Brooke Turner. “This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire team at TROY Group in advancing secure payment solutions. I am grateful to American Banker for this acknowledgment and remain committed to helping our clients stay ahead of evolving fraud threats.”
Brooke Turner’s recognition as one of the Most Influential Women in Payments is a testament to her expertise, leadership, and unwavering commitment to fraud prevention. Her work continues to protect financial institutions and their clients from the ever-present risks in the payment landscape.
Nanette Plescia and Lauren Zinn of Akel Homes joined Thom Jones, President of the St. Lucie County Education Foundation, to present the check. “We are proud to contribute to a project that not only addresses critical infrastructure challenges but also empowers students with valuable skills for the future,” said Lauren Zinn, Director of Marketing for Akel. “Our partnership with the Education Foundation underscores our commitment to both the Port St. Lucie community and the advancement of technology education.”
This project represents a unique opportunity to engage students with real-world applications of technology, preparing them for careers in an increasingly digital world. As a local homebuilder with long-term plans to build homes in the area, Akel Homes is deeply committed to contributing to the well-being and growth of the community.
For more information about the St. Lucie County Education Foundation and their initiatives, please visit educationfoundationstlucie.org.
About Akel Homes Akel Homes is a boutique semi-custom homebuilder based in South Florida. Akel Homes builds exceptional homes and amenity-rich communities that cater to all lifestyles. Akel Homes utilizes the highest quality building materials, innovative construction methods, and forward-thinking architectural designs to create unparalleled single-family residences, townhomes, and multifamily apartments in resort-style master-planned communities. Since 1986, the principals of Akel Homes have built over 4,000 residences and many of South Florida’s most renowned communities. For more information, visit akelhomes.com.
About the St. Lucie County Education Foundation Established in 1990, the St. Lucie County Education Foundation serves as the non-profit arm of St. Lucie Public Schools, dedicated to advancing public education through community engagement and innovative learning initiatives. The Foundation collaborates closely with educators and community leaders to fund grants, scholarships, and educational programs that prepare students for successful futures.
Armed Forces Bank has earned Distinguished Bank recognition 13 of the last 14 years, underscoring its ongoing commitment to providing the financial services, products, and education that most benefit service members and their families. All told, Armed Forces Bank received a total of 29 Distinguished Bank of the Year awards between 1997 and 2023 – 14 from the Navy, nine from the Army and six from the Air Force.
“The consistent recognition over the last 30 years validates our efforts to help our military customers achieve financial success,” said Paul Holewinski, CEO of Armed Forces Bank and Dickinson Financial Corporation. “We wake up every day trying to better discern exactly what they need from a bank and then work to meet those unique needs. It is extremely gratifying to be named Distinguished Bank of the Year because it reinforces that we are making a positive impact on the lives of service members who sacrifice so much for us.”
Award Recipients – Armed Forces Bank at Naval Station Great Lakes and Luke Air Force Base Both Armed Forces Bank branches to win this year’s Distinguished Bank of the Year recognition – the Naval Station Great Lakes and the Luke Air Force Base locations – are part of the organization’s footprint of 14 branches on 12 military installations in 10 states.
Armed Forces Bank at Naval Station Great Lakes has been recognized as Distinguished Bank of the Year six years in a row and has earned the honor four other times as well, for a total of 10 since it opened in March 1997. It serves approximately 150,000 active duty, retired military, government personnel and their families at Naval Station Great Lakes and in surrounding communities.
Armed Forces Bank at Luke Air Force Base has been an integral part of the installation, fulfilling the financial needs of about 14,000 individuals on base and more than 80,000 retired military in the area with the highest-quality products and services.
Programs that Distinguish Armed Forces Bank “Everything we do is about making life easier and better for service members, veterans and their families, no matter where they are stationed,” said Tom McLean, senior vice president and regional military executive for Armed Forces Bank. “We believe we are uniquely qualified to do that, because 75% of our staff are military-affiliated, meaning they or someone they love has served. So, they’ve walked in our clients’ shoes.”
With an unwavering commitment to helping military clients effectively manage their finances, Armed Forces Bank offers the following innovative programs to make banking solutions and financial education fast, easy and personal for military personnel and veterans:
Career Transitioning/VA Support Armed Forces Bank participates in several government programs that support military service members transitioning to civilian life, including:
Access Freedom Checking Armed Forces Bank created this completely free checking for military personnel who highly value such an option. The account offers:
No monthly fees
No minimum balance required
No-fee money orders
Military Early Pay (access to DFAS direct-deposited funds one business day before actual pay date)
Access to 38,000+ ATMs in the MoneyPass® Network
Free overdraft protection when linked to a savings account
VA Loans According to the [VA, only 6% of the more than 21 million veterans and service members in the country today have used this government benefit that often offers better terms than traditional loans. One of the reasons is because many veterans don’t know about or understand VA loans, available exclusively to retired or active military service members who are buying or refinancing a home. Armed Forces Bank makes sure clients know they may qualify for a VA loan and has helped more than 12,000 homeowners close over $4.7 billion in VA loans since 2013.
“Militarily Speaking” Educational Podcast Armed Forces Bank also produces a podcast called “Militarily Speaking” and invites guest speakers to cover a wide range of relevant topics such as meaningful career transitions for veterans, the healing power of nature, volunteer organizations providing crucial services to military families, while also offering sage financial advice to help service members get ahead.
Military Family Financial Readiness Report New research from Armed Forces Bank reveals insights about the unique financial challenges, attitudes and well-being of military families. In its Military Family Financial Readiness Report, Armed Forces Bank shares comprehensive survey data gleaned from people connected to military life. The report examines benefits and challenges of current financial products, the importance of homeownership, post-military service financial confidence levels, preferred resources for financial insight, the impact of military experience on financial habits, and factors that contribute to or hinder financial literacy and security.
“Military families face distinctive financial concerns due to the nature of their service, including frequent relocations, deployment and fluctuating income. Understanding how they feel about financial readiness is crucial for providing tailored support and services,” said McLean.
Cybersecurity Awareness To protect military personnel and veterans, Armed Forces Bank has implemented a cybersecurity effort to protect them from fraud. Armed Forces Bank provides education about online security including how to identify phishing and spoofing scams, spot red flags and safeguard information. For example, bank associates last fall made over 22,000 phone calls to Armed Forces Bank clients to inform and educate them about trending schemes aimed at tricking consumers into revealing sensitive information. The bankers provided verbal guidance on how to protect their personal data and online banking credentials from fraudsters attempting to gain access to their funds.
Protecting Older Americans & Veterans Armed Forces Bank has implemented a comprehensive behavior-based monitoring program to protect clients – especially those individuals aged 55 and older, who are sometimes more vulnerable – from financial exploitation. Through fraud-prevention initiatives like advanced detection tools, collaboration with law enforcement and client education, the company demonstrates a strong commitment to safeguarding the financial interests of its clients.
About Armed Forces Bank Armed Forces Bank, founded and headquartered in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, is a full-service military bank committed to serving those who serve since 1907. Armed Forces Bank provides affordable, personal and convenient banking and financial services to both active and retired military, as well as civilian clients in all 50 states and around the world. Approximately 75% of Armed Forces Bank associates have some type of military affiliation either by spouse, retired themselves or their children.
Armed Forces Bank has $1.4 billion in assets and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dickinson Financial Corporation, a $4 billion bank holding company headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Armed Forces Bank’s sister bank, Academy Bank, is a full-service community bank with over 70 branch locations in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas and Missouri. For more information, visit http://www.afbank.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Member FDIC.
Media Contact
Elaina Boudreau, BELA Communications, 913-660-0548, [email protected]
The upheld counterclaims center on Woodland’s assertions against Fiskars for false advertising,
based on Fiskars’s statements about the cutting power of the brand’s tools, and some of its statements that certain products were designed in the United States. Woodland Tools is seeking damages, and these claims are set to be heard in trial in the coming months by the Western District of Wisconsin.
The Fiskars lawsuit, filed on 09/21/2022, included allegations of patent infringement and violation of employee contracts. The ruling, delivered on August 26, 2024, dismisses all of Fiskars’ claims.
“We have long maintained that the allegations against Woodland Tools were baseless, and our team cooperated fully with the legal process to ensure a thorough examination of the facts,” said Keegan Nesvacil, Executive Vice President and Co-Founder of Woodland Tools. “Our team would like to thank our dedicated legal team at DeWitt LLP, partners, and loyal customers for their continued support throughout this process.”
About Woodland Tools Co.
Woodland Tools Co. produces innovative garden pruning tools that are the perfect choice for maintaining and shaping plants. With a unique approach to innovation, Woodland Tools Co. blends a lifetime of practical know how with modern insights and manufacturing techniques, to create products that are efficient, versatile, and tough. Manufactured to the highest possible standards of quality and safety using the very finest quality materials, every Woodland Tool is designed right here in the US and Guaranteed Forever to work as long as you do. For more information, visit WoodlandTools.com.
Source: UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF WISCONSIN, OPINION and ORDER, 22-cv-540-jdp, August 26, 2024
The episode will feature interviews with key members of the College of the Muscogee Nation, including educators and students who will share their experiences and insights. Viewers will learn about the college’s unique educational model, which integrates advanced subjects such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with traditional Muscogee knowledge, language, and practices. This holistic approach not only equips students with the skills needed to succeed in modern careers but also ensures that the rich cultural heritage of the Muscogee people is passed on to future generations.
In addition to focusing on STEM education, the episode will explore the college’s efforts to promote and preserve the Muscogee language, which is a cornerstone of their cultural identity. By combining modern education with cultural preservation, the College of the Muscogee Nation is creating a blueprint for other Native institutions to follow, demonstrating that progress and tradition can go hand in hand.
Dr. Monte Randall, President of the College, stated, “the collaboration between ‘Viewpoint’ and the College of the Muscogee Nation exemplifies the importance of two industry leaders coming together to support our individual goals. This partnership will leverage the influential reach of ‘Viewpoint’ to showcase the progress of the College of the Muscogee Nation to provide innovative education to students while leading the charge in Mvskoke Language Revitalization. It’s a testament to the power of education in tribal nation building, ensuring that Native students can thrive in the 21st century without losing touch with their roots.”
This collaboration is part of “Viewpoint’s” ongoing commitment to showcasing stories that educate and inspire. By highlighting the work being done at the College of the Muscogee Nation, the program aims to raise awareness about the importance of culturally relevant education and the positive impact it can have on Native communities.
The segment is expected to air later in 2024, offering valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in the intersection of education and cultural preservation.
About Viewpoint: “Viewpoint” is an educational television series hosted by Dennis Quaid, dedicated to exploring a wide range of topics that impact society. The program features expert insights and compelling stories, aiming to inform and inspire audiences about the innovative solutions and challenges shaping our world.
About the College of the Muscogee Nation: The College of the Muscogee Nation is an institution of higher learning established to serve the educational needs of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Committed to providing a quality education that integrates traditional Muscogee culture and modern academic disciplines, the college empowers students to achieve personal and professional success while preserving their cultural heritage. For more information visit: https://cmn.edu/
Phill Barklow, Experience Senior Living President expressed his excitement, “This marks a significant milestone for us. The Reserve at Lone Tree is the very first community under our new, signature luxury brand. We’re thrilled to open the showroom, giving the community a peek at what’s to come when the Reserve opens next year.”
Additionally, two other Reserve communities are currently under development. Both are in the Washington, D.C. area: The Reserve at Strathmore Square and The Reserve at Falls Church. Like The Reserve at Lone Tree, both communities include stunning design, world-class amenities, and organic, chef-prepared menus.
The Lone Tree showroom will highlight the exceptional finishes, design, and quality craftmanship featured in the development, allowing future community members the opportunity to craft their desired residence.
• The Reserve at Lone Tree Showroom Grand Opening
• Friday, August 29, 2024
• 11010 High Note Avenue
• Lone Tree, Colo.
About Experience Senior Living:
Experience Senior Living is a full-service, vertically integrated owner, developer and operator of active adult, independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities. We are reimagining senior housing by leveraging our vast experience to seamlessly integrate strategic, operational, and human-centered aspirations. We translate those experiences to create new and inspiring models of care focused on hospitality, which are responsive to residents’ needs and centered around holistic wellness and engagement with a broader community. Experience drives everything we do, and our team of dynamic professionals is fueled by their passion for empowering individuals to lead enriching lives at every stage of their journey. Experience Senior Living is based in Denver, with communities operating or under development in seven states: Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, and Washington. Visit www.experiencesrliving.com
Media Contact
Laura Larson, NexCore Group, 1 7209851768, [email protected], NexCore Group
The EasySwitch vacuum creates a powerful vacuum (at a quiet 79 decibels) without the need for electricity. Because the vacuum generator has no moving parts and uses no electricity, there is little concern for failed parts, motor failure or working with liquids associated with electric industrial vacuums. The CE compliant EasySwitch is just the latest addition to EXAIR’s large selection of Industrial Housekeeping products, including the Reversible Drum Vac, High Lift Reversible Drum Vac, Chip Trapper, High Lift Chip Trapper, Chip Vac, Heavy Duty Dry Vac and Heavy Duty HEPA Vac. EasySwitch prices start at $2,270.00.
Prestigious annual award honors top women business leaders in the state
MONTCLAIR, N.J. , Aug. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Strat House, LLC, an experiential agency specializing in strategic development of live and virtual b2b events, today announced its Founder and CEO, Erin Mills, was selected by NJBIZ, New Jersey’s leading business publication, as an honoree in its Leading Women in Business 2024 annual list of top female leaders.
Launched in 2007, the award is given to a select group of women who have significantly impacted New Jersey’s business community and the winners’ communities at large. Following an open nomination process, a panel of judges reviews hundreds of nominations before choosing the final list of honorees.
Mills is a 25-year veteran in the experiential marketing space who previously served as COO of The MAG Experience, one of New York City’s premiere l event marketing companies, before founding Strat House in September 2020. Strat House provides strategy, design, and production of B2B events that promote employee engagement, learning and development, and customer acquisition and retention for a wide range of clients within the technology, finance, and healthcare tech sectors. Clients have included Shopify, Microsoft, X (formerly Twitter), Stripe, EisnerAmper, Constant Contact, Jefferies, and many more.
“As a longtime New Jersey resident who not only chose to locate my business here but also raise my family here, this is a particularly gratifying honor,” said Mills. “The dynamic business environment present in Northern New Jersey now rivals that of New York City – which has afforded women such as me – and many of my fellow honorees, the opportunity to create a thriving business without the “big city” commute. This allows me to participate more fully in my family and my community.”
Mills and other NJBIZ Leading Women honorees will be presented with their awards at a ceremony this October.
Strat House, LLC is an experiential agency specializing in live & virtual b2b events. Headquartered in Montclair, NJ, Strat House provides strategy, creative, content, and event production for a variety of clients in tech, finance & venture, healthcare & sports/entertainment/lifestyle… Strat House believes that corporate events should engage audiences with the same, if not more, passion, purpose & ethos as consumer marketing campaigns. Basically, b2b can and should be cool.
The Early Educational Child Care Brand Achieved Over 10% Increase in Key Learning Domains from Fall 2023 to Spring 2024
ISELIN, N.J. , Aug. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Lightbridge Academy, The Solution for Working Families® and one of the fastest-growing early childhood education franchises, celebrates an impressive 95% proficiency rate in kindergarten readiness skills according to a 2023-2024 Vine Assessment of four and five-year-old pre-kindergarteners at Lightbridge Academy centers with pre-K programs utilizing the Seedlings Early Childhood Program were assessed across key learning domains. This result showcases that Lightbridge Academy students possess the aptitude to succeed not only in kindergarten but in their future elementary years.
“For our Lightbridge Academy team, this achievement not only highlights the effectiveness of our whole child approach to education but is also a testament to the dedication of our teachers and the eagerness of our children to learn,” said Jennifer Romanoff, Vice President of Education and Training at Lightbridge Academy. “By focusing not just on academic skills but also on emotional and social development, we’re ensuring that our students are well-equipped to succeed in all aspects of their lives.”
This school year’s results showcase an impressive increase in readiness results from the fall to spring assessments including an 11% rise in social studies, a 10% increase in literacy knowledge and skills, along with a 9% jump in mathematics and science. This increase can be attributed to the focus on individualized instruction based on each child’s prior assessment and an increase in thematic unit activities. Lightbridge Academy’s whole-child educational approach to learning prioritizes the full scope of a child’s developmental needs to ensure that every child reaches their fullest potential. Lightbridge Academy’s proprietary Seedlings Early Childhood Education Curriculum utilizes theme-based lessons to strengthen your child’s emerging skills in reading, writing, science, technology and math. Additional enrichment programs included in the curriculum are also available such as Spanish Sprouts, Signing Sprouts, Singing Sprouts, Yoga & Mindfulness, and reading/writing curriculum to expand on key building blocks that support its multi-sensory approach.
“The Vine Assessment results are a testament to the incredible work being done at Lightbridge Academy where 95% of our children are proficient in kindergarten readiness skills,” said Gigi Schweikert, Chief Executive Officer at Lightbridge Academy. “These extraordinary results not only prepare our students for the school year ahead but also lay a solid foundation for their future academic success and careers. At Lightbridge Academy, we’re committed to nurturing the skills and confidence that children need to thrive, not just in their early years, but throughout their entire educational journey.”
Lightbridge Academy partnered with Procare’s Vine Assessment to enable its teachers to observe and assess the developmental milestones each child achieves throughout the year. Utilizing the Vine Assessment, teachers actively observed and assessed children in the areas of Mathematics, Science, Literacy Knowledge & Skills, Language & Communication, Social/Emotional, Perception, Motor & Physical, Creative & Cultural Arts, and overall approaches to Learning. The Vine Assessment is a developmentally appropriate early childhood assessment that aligns with the common core standards across all 50 states to ensure children’s success in their future elementary years.
To schedule a tour and learn more about Lightbridge Academy’s early childhood education programs visit, LightbridgeAcademy.com.
About Lightbridge Academy
Established in 1997, the company was founded as a family business based on core values and a Circle of Care philosophy that places equal importance on the needs of children, their families, teachers, center owners and the community. Lightbridge Academy, The Solution for Working Families®, provides quality early education and child care programs to children aged six weeks through kindergarten. The company currently has over 150 child care centers either open or in development throughout Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. We also have years of experience helping current center owners through their transition with a careful eye on maintaining continuity of care. The Lightbridge Promise also leads the industry as the Gold Standard for health and safety in the child care industry. In 2023, Lightbridge Academy was ranked #192 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 and #296 on the Franchise Times Top 400. Lightbridge Academy has been named a 2024 Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review as rated by franchise business owners and a Top Franchise for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion by Entrepreneur Magazine. For more information on Lightbridge Academy’s successful franchise business model, or information on selling or converting your existing center, visit LightbridgeAcademyfranchise.com.
Faster Minis, a prominent pitbike provider, proudly announces the auction of a custom pitbike at the 2024 MAG Auctions, part of the Hot August Nights celebration in Reno. The auction raised a substantial $24,000, fully donated to the Reno Police Department’s K-9 Unit.
RENO, Nev., Aug. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Faster Minis, a prominent pitbike provider, proudly announces the auction of a custom pitbike at the 2024 MAG Auctions, part of the Hot August Nights celebration in Reno. The auction raised a substantial $24,000, fully donated to the Reno Police Department’s K-9 Unit.
Faster Minis’ CEO, Jake Oberle, expressed enthusiasm about the community’s support. “It’s an honor to assist the local law enforcement’s K-9 Unit and ensure they have the necessary resources to serve the community effectively,” said Oberle.
The event highlighted community support and the continual need for funding to assist in the training and maintenance of the K-9 unit’s capabilities. Reno PD emphasized the impact of this donation, stating that the generous contribution will directly enhance their unit’s operational effectiveness.
Faster Minis and the Reno community extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in this supportive effort during Hot August Nights. This contribution underscores Faster Minis’ ongoing commitment to community engagement and support.
About Faster Minis:
Based in Medford, OR, Faster Minis specializes in high-performance pitbikes and accessories, continually pushing innovation in motorsports.
