Sep, 18
2023
Business, Economic Development, Entertainment, Fine Art and Artists, Free News Articles, Government

Bailey Contemporary Arts is Proud to Introduce the 2023 / 2024 Artists in Residence

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. -- The City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department is delighted to introduce the 2023/2024 class of the Artists in Residence (AiR) program at the historic Bailey Contemporary Arts Center (BaCA). The AiR Program provides artists with studio space to create new work, collaborate with fellow resident artists, and engage with the community.

This dynamic and diverse group of artists will be in residence though June, and each will be featured as an "Artist of the Month," offering them the opportunity to showcase their work and create unique programs to attract art lovers to BaCA.

Learn more at https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/.

"In our second season of our reinvigorated Artists in Residence program, we are thrilled to welcome an extremely talented group of creatives who will fill our studios with an eclectic mix art including paintings, ceramics, and dance," said Ty Tabing, Cultural Affairs Director. "We look forward to supporting each artist's growth during this semester, while also supplying them with additional business and marketing skills required to accelerate their careers."

Below are brief bios of our artists, which include the month, they will be featured in multiple programs and workshops. For more details about each artists visit https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/bailey/artists-in-residence

:: Michele Del Campo / October

At the age of twenty, Michele Del Campo began a global artistic journey, resulting in his work being exhibited in numerous international galleries. His familiarity with different cultures has fostered a visual repertoire that is a fusion of different places; mixing elements that shifts focus to stories and moods. While his portraits are more than simple individuals; instead, capturing autobiographical moments and a broader humanity. His figurative works include large-scale oil paintings and intimate charcoal drawings.

:: Alejandra Abad / November

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Alejandra Abad is an interdisciplinary visual artist and educator who explores belonging and mutual compassion as key parts of collective wellness. Through layering, abstraction, and light, she creates new landscapes that relate to place, family, and community. Her playful storytelling often features fragmentation, folklore, and mythology. Abad's installation work creates environments that include sculptural elements and video projection that relate the history of anticolonial movements to international surrealism and magical realism.

:: Renée Rey / December

Renée Rey's art reflects a vision for an inclusive, just, and healthy world. In both large and intimately scaled paintings, mixed media, and assemblage artwork, she creates other-worldly ecospheres that celebrate connection and kinship among diverse people, cultures, nature, and technologies. As she considers these concepts, Rey experiments with combining abstraction, realism, and surrealism, and varied media including oil, acrylic, paper, sandpaper, pins, clay, and wood branches.

:: Walter O'Neill / January

Walter O'Neill had been a painter for over 30 years, exhibiting his oil and fresco paintings in group and solo exhibits in New York, Maine, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. In 2017, his artistic focus changed after taking a clay class and now ceramics is his primary art form. The Deerfield Beach resident has exhibited his work at ArtServe in Fort Lauderdale, Gallery 21 in Wilton Manors, Sugar Sand Community Park in Boca Raton, and in several venues as a member of the LGBTQ arts group ArtsUnitedFlorida.

:: T.M. Pride / February

Terrence "T.M." Pride is a multifaceted artist, with an expansive career showcasing many roles including director, choreographer, dancer, costume designer and teacher. A graduate of Florida A&M, he has choreographed over sixty pieces of work, including musicals, and commissioned ballets. T.M. is a member of Actors Equity Association and the Stage Directors & Choreographers Society, with Off-Broadway credits including For Colored Boyz; Regional credits in American Black Princess and American Son; along with Film/TV credits in: First Ladies, Lovecraft Country, and Underground Railroad. He currently serves as the producing artistic director for Brévo Theatre and director of the dance program at Dillard High School for the Arts.

:: Louiveste La Croix / May

Louiveste La Croix is an artist born in Haiti and currently based in South Florida. His artwork is a unique combination of multimedia techniques, gestural figures, and abstract color schemes that captivate viewers. La Croix uses his art to convey messages of spiritual awareness, unity, and consciousness through natural elements while also paying tribute to historical roots to promote conscious evolution. He believes that true artistry comes from taking risks and doing something that has never been done before, as well as expressing oneself authentically.

About the City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department:

The mission of the Cultural Affairs Department is to provide cultural programming that includes visual arts, digital media, music, film, theater, dance and public art for the enjoyment and enrichment of residents and visitors to Pompano Beach, Broward County, and the greater South Florida area. The department programs and manages the City's premiere cultural arts venues, including the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Ali Cultural Arts Center, Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, and the Blanche Ely House Museum. The department also oversees the City's Public Art Program and the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts' Our Town grant awarded to the Pompano Beach Crossroads place-making arts initiative.

Related link: https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Sep, 12
2023
Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government, NonProfit and Charities

Arizona’s Largest Supplier Diversity Business Accelerator Welcomes Bank of America as New Sponsor

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- The Millionaire Mastermind Academy today announced Bank of America is its newest supporter for IMPACT AZ 2025, a three-year supplier diversity readiness program designed to close the racial wealth gap for black owned businesses. Other sponsors include the City of Scottsdale, APS, SRP and VIA West Group as well as title sponsor JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Bank of America recently provided a grant for IMPACT AZ 2025 as part of the company's commitment to delivering responsible growth to improve the financial lives of individuals, families, and entire communities.

"Closing the racial wealth gap is one of the best things we can do within Arizona's business community and having support from financial services organizations like our newest partner, Bank of America, shows the importance of such programming," said Dr. Velma Trayham, creator of IMPACT AZ 2025 and founder of the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, which manages the program.

IMPACT AZ 2025 is an action-focused program with a physical space at Arizona State University's Skysong 3 in Scottsdale to share resources for promoting stability and growth as well as supplier diversity opportunities for local businesses. Supplier diversity programs could add $280 billion in income and 4 million new jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent McKinsey & Co. report. By 2025, the initiative aims to support the growth of 250 businesses while empowering more than 500 established businesses to grow their employee base.

Bank of America's industry-leading supplier diversity program has been in place for more than 30 years and is proud to have one of the most recognized supplier diversity programs in the financial services industry.

"We partner with organizations like Millionaire Mastermind Academy to help us deliver on our commitment to responsible growth," said Scott Vanderpool, president, Bank of America Phoenix. "Together, we can help tackle complex societal challenges, advance racial equity and promote greater economic mobility across Phoenix by boosting entrepreneurs and small business resiliency in communities of color."

Corporations interested in supporting IMPACT AZ 2025 or learning more about the program's impact can contact info@impactaz2025.com

About IMPACT AZ 2025

IMPACT AZ 2025 is Arizona's largest supplier diversity readiness program designed to close the racial wealth gap of black business owners. Millionaire Mastermind Academy in collaboration with the Black Chamber of Arizona, IMPACT AZ 2025 is a three-year technical assistance business accelerator focused on supplier diversity training to grow business opportunities.

For more information, visit https://impactaz2025.com/

MEDIA CONTACT:

Thinkzilla Consulting Group

Nancy Davis

Info@thinkzillaconsulting.com

888-509-1145

CITATIONS:

https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/expand-diversity-among-your-suppliers-and-add-value-to-your-organization

Related link: https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/

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Aug, 30
2023
Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government

McNab House & Botanical Gardens Awarded $1.5 Million in Grants – Pompano Beach CRA Announces Next Phase of Redevelopment

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. -- The Pompano Beach CRA is proud to announce that the McNab House & Botanical Gardens project has been awarded two prestigious grants totaling $1.5 million. The Cultural Facilities Program Grant has awarded $500,000 for the construction of the botanical gardens and children's classroom, while the $1 million Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program Grant will go towards outdoor recreational use of the site. These grants will facilitate the progress of this historic preservation and economic development project, with further advances coming with the September announcement of the architectural firm that will be awarded this project.

"We are honored to have been awarded these significant grants, which attest to the importance of this project," said Nguyen Tran, CRA Director. "The McNab House and Botanical Gardens will create a destination venue which will have a positive economic impact on our City. These grants will help us continue developing our vision of a world-class experience for residents and visitors alike."

The CRA relocated the McNab House and garage to its namesake park located on the main commercial corridor of Pompano Beach for adaptive reuse as a restaurant and botanical garden. The LWCF grant will specifically go towards the construction of pathways, an interactive water feature, playground elements, seating, landscaping, restrooms, and design and engineering fees for the McNab House and Botanical Gardens Project, and the Cultural Facilities grant will support the building of the children's classroom and the botanical gardens.

These grants are part of the next phase of this project, which will be advancing with the announcement of the architectural firm. An RFQ was announced for architectural design services several months ago and received five respondents. An evaluation committee scored the respondents, and a recommendation for the highest scoring architect will be brought forth at the CRA September board meeting. With board approval, the site plan process will continue along with restauranteur operator negotiations. Additional opportunities to provide public input will be available in the future.

The McNab House, built in 1926, was moved from its original location on Atlantic Boulevard, when the owners sold the land for development. With the support of the Pompano Beach Historical Society, the Pompano Beach CRA saved the historic home, moving it several blocks to McNab Park, with the vision of transforming the home into a restaurant and the surrounding land into a botanical garden. The goal of the McNab House & Botanical Gardens project is to continue economic growth within the East CRA and Atlantic Boulevard corridor. Activation of the public space will encourage more pedestrian activity and create a unique attraction for residents and visitors to enjoy.

About the Pompano Beach CRA:

The CRA was created in 1989. It has two independent districts: Northwest CRA and East CRA established by City government for the purpose of carrying out redevelopment activities that include reducing or eliminating blight, improving the economic health of an area, and encouraging public and private investments in a CRA district.

The CRA is funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The funds are collected as property values increase and a portion of that increase is captured by the Agency. TIF raises revenue for redevelopment efforts without raising taxes.

For more information: https://www.pompanobeachfl.gov/government/cra/

Related link: http://pompanobeachfl.gov/index.php/pages/cra/cra

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Jul, 28
2023
Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government, NonProfit and Charities, Regional Events

Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland Announces 12th Annual Regional Hiring Event

HUGHESVILLE, Md. -- The Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland (TCCSMD) is pleased to announce the date for the region's largest job fair, the 12th Annual "#TCCSMDGetHired" Hiring Event on August 23, 2023, at the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department. New this year, the 1st Annual Family Resource Day will be featured, connecting families with important community resources. This joint event will connect Southern Maryland residents to career opportunities, assist local businesses in finding talent, and help meet the needs of our community on a holistic level.

"As the demand for a skilled workforce continues to negatively impact our local businesses, hiring events are critical," says Ruthy Davis, TCCSMD Director of Regional Workforce and Business Development. "We're thrilled to connect businesses with qualified jobseekers and offer attendees resources."

The hiring event will be held inside the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department on August 23 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and will feature local Southern Maryland businesses seeking candidates for their current job openings. Standard business registration is $150 with sponsor packages available.

Businesses interested in attending can register on Regfox by visiting https://bit.ly/2023HiringEventBusinessRegistration.

The family resource event will be hosted outside the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department in the spacious parking area. This event will feature representatives from various organizations throughout the tri-county area ready to meet residents with information about resources such as free job training, work-ready activities such as resume assistance, interview preparation, housing and food bank information, connections for justice involved citizens and more.

This is a family friendly event which will include free food, back-to-school backpacks, haircuts, children's games, moon bounce, face painting, and more. Community resource organizations will receive a complimentary table for the event by registering on the business registration link https://bit.ly/2023HiringEventBusinessRegistration.

Jobseekers will have the opportunity to speak with employers and gather employment information directly from hiring managers. Industries represented include healthcare, hospitality, retail, construction, government, IT/professional services, manufacturing, and more. Jobseekers may register on Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/2023_TCCSMDGetHired_HiringEvent where they will receive email updates on all participating businesses in advance of the event.

This is an exceptional opportunity for anyone seeking new or better employment to network and make connections. Jobseekers should review the list of hiring companies, visit their websites, and create a strategy for making a great first impression. Come dressed for success and bring plenty of resumes.

For jobseekers with limited transportation, Lifestyles of Southern Maryland will provide free rides from select county transit line locations. Registered jobseekers will receive detailed information via email. We thank Lifestyles of Southern Maryland for their partnership, along with the Rural Maryland Council and the American Rescue Plan Act whose funding is making this event possible.

To learn more about the 12th Annual "#TCCSMDGetHired" Hiring Event and Family Resource Day happening Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at the Mechanicsville VFD, 28165 Hills Club Rd, Mechanicsville, MD 20659, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., visit https://www.facebook.com/SouthernMarylandJobSource or call 301-645-8712.

For more information about the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland's Workforce Division visit https://southernmarylandjobsource.org.

For more information about the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, a 501(c)(3) charity, visit https://www.tccsmd.org.

Related link: https://tccsmd.org/

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May, 24
2023
Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government, NonProfit and Charities, Regional Events

Concordia to host the 2023 United States Summit on November 7 in North Carolina’s Research Triangle

CARY, N.C. -- Concordia, the leading global convener on private and public sector cooperation, is hosting its 2023 United States Summit on November 7 in Cary, North Carolina, in the state's Research Triangle.

This one-day event is the second iteration of Concordia's domestic-focused summit, building on the 2022 United States Summit, which took place in Lexington, KY. Occurring at a pivotal moment in domestic affairs as the country looks toward the 2024 election cycle, this year's gathering will focus on delivering action-oriented public-private solutions to advance national priorities in the key areas of Trade, Manufacturing, & Supply Chains, Workforce Development & the Future of Work in a New Economy, and Health Opportunities & Challenges, with an overarching focus on leveraging the scale and buy-in of key private sector players.

Placing Concordia's inclusive and nonpartisan approach at its core, the Summit will provide a necessary platform for both multi-sector and bipartisan collaboration to effectively drive innovative solutions to the country's most pressing issues. It will occur at the headquarters of global analytics and AI leader SAS, a long-time collaborator of Concordia's and a Principal Programming Sponsor of the event.

"As the United States navigates an increasingly challenging domestic environment - with increased geopolitical tensions, rising inflation rates, industry and supply chain disruptions, and much more - Concordia will provide a key platform to bring together public and private sector leaders to explore market-led solutions that shape the outlook for the country," commented Concordia's Co-Founder & CEO, Matthew Swift. "We look forward to collaborating with government officials and U.S. businesses as we collectively identify opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and progress in the domestic agenda."

"Our mission at SAS is to provide knowledge in the moments that matter through being the most trustworthy analytics partner on the planet," said Paula Henderson, SAS' Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer for the Americas and a speaker at the inaugural United States Summit last year. "Hosting Concordia and this impactful event focused on finding solutions, opportunities, and innovations aligns perfectly with our ambition to use analytics to inspire a safer, faster, healthier, and more equitable world."

Ahead of the 2023 United States Summit, Concordia is hosting a dinner series in key U.S. cities. These small, curated gatherings will build the foundations for the Summit in terms of both network and focus areas. Interested parties are encouraged to email partnerships@concordia.net to learn more.

Registration will open in the coming months.

More information: https://www.concordia.net/united-states/2023-united-states-summit/

For press inquiries, contact Rita Lockheart at rlockheart@concordia.net.

For event partnership and sponsorship opportunities, contact partnerships@concordia.net.

About Concordia:

Concordia is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that builds meaningful partnerships for positive social impact. As equal parts convener, campaigner, and idea incubator, Concordia is actively fostering cross-sector collaboration to create a more prosperous and sustainable future. Concordia was founded in 2011 by Matthew A. Swift and Nicholas M. Logothetis. Learn more: https://www.concordia.net/.

Related link: https://www.concordia.net/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

May, 22
2023
Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles

Kashmir Conclave in California Sparks Economic Collaboration and Trade Opportunities for Jammu & Kashmir

MILPITAS, Calif. -- The highly anticipated Kashmir Conclave 2023, held in Milpitas, California, brought together distinguished attendees, including Milpitas City Mayor Carmen Montana, accomplished lawyer and CPA Neeraj Bhatia, and prominent Kashmiri figure Jeevan Zutshi, along with Tasawar Jalali, to discuss and explore crucial trade, economic development, and collaboration opportunities for the dynamic region of Jammu & Kashmir.

The event brought together industry experts in import-export laws, taxation, and other key stakeholders to explore and strengthen economic ties between the two regions.

During her address at the event, Mayor Carmen Montana emphasized the paramount importance of promoting trade and economic development. She showcased Milpitas City's unwavering commitment to supporting the Kashmir Conclave team in establishing fruitful partnerships with businesses in the Jammu & Kashmir region. Mayor Montana applauded the city's relentless efforts in attracting businesses, including the visionary plans for an innovation district, specifically designed to allure enterprises to Milpitas.

Neeraj Bhatia, an esteemed accounting professional based in Silicon Valley, shared invaluable insights during the conclave, drawing upon his expertise in international and domestic tax planning, startups, and multinational entities. Bhatia shed light on several incentives offered by the Indian government to attract investment in Jammu & Kashmir. Notably, he highlighted the revised policy allowing Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) to purchase and own property in the region. Bhatia also emphasized the availability of capital subsidies and interest subvention for industrial development, which facilitates capital investment and propels sustainable growth.

Jeevan Zutshi, a prominent figure of Kashmiri origin and chairman of the Indo-American Community Federation (IACF), delivered an impactful speech during the conclave, expressing his unwavering commitment to the region's development and his firm belief in promoting pluralism and empowering women through progressive local laws. Zutshi passionately advocated for shifting the narrative surrounding Jammu & Kashmir, redirecting the focus from discussions of terrorism and unrest towards comprehensive development. He stressed the pressing need to create an inclusive environment where all communities can coexist harmoniously, just as they did in the past.

Zutshi expressed his delight at witnessing significant strides taken towards the implementation of progressive local laws, empowering women and providing them with a platform to voice their aspirations. He underscored the vast potential for investment opportunities in sectors such as agriculture and horticulture, while commending the state government and the Government of India for their relentless efforts in overcoming challenges and propelling the growth of the region.

Tasawar Jalali, a notable entrepreneur from Kashmir and chairman of the unity and diversity movement known as Ibadatkhana, passionately advocated for a shift in the narrative surrounding Jammu & Kashmir. Jalali emphasized the urgency of moving away from associating the region solely with political unrest and instead focusing on its untapped economic potential.

Looking ahead, Jalali shared his vision for the future of the Kashmir Conclave, revealing plans to host a conference in the heart of Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu & Kashmir. This forthcoming initiative aims to provide a platform for face-to-face interactions between entrepreneurs from the USA and Kashmir, fostering meaningful connections and exploring potential business opportunities.

Anu Nakka, a distinguished board member of both the Milpitas Chamber of Commerce and the Milpitas Unified School District, expressed her enthusiasm for exploring potential collaborations between the school district and Jammu & Kashmir. With her esteemed background, holding a doctorate in finance and corporate secretary, Nakka highlighted the transformative power of education and its ability to open doors to limitless opportunities. She emphasized the importance of educational exchanges and partnerships to foster mutual growth and understanding between the two regions.

The Kashmir Conclave in California served as a pivotal platform to promote trade, economic growth, and collaboration between the United States and Jammu & Kashmir. By harnessing the power of entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive development, the event aimed to unlock the vast potential of the region and enhance the overall quality of life for its residents.

As the conclave concluded, attendees were left with a sense of optimism and renewed commitment to realizing the region's untapped potential. The future holds promising possibilities for entrepreneurs, investors, and individuals seeking to contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of Jammu & Kashmir.

Learn more about the Kashmir Conclave at: https://kashmirconclave.com/

ABOUT KASHMIR CONCLAVE:

The Kashmir Conclave is an annual event organized primarily by individuals from Kashmir, aimed at fostering bilateral trade relations and economic collaboration between the United States and the region of Jammu & Kashmir. The conclave brings together industry experts, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and key stakeholders to explore opportunities, exchange ideas, and strengthen ties between the two regions. With a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive development, the Kashmir Conclave serves as a catalyst for unlocking the economic potential of Jammu & Kashmir.

Related link: https://kashmirconclave.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

May, 04
2023
Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government, Product Launches, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

Broward County’s First Shipping Container Restaurant Arrives in Hallandale Beach

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. -- The City of Hallandale Beach is thrilled to welcome the first shipping container restaurant in Broward County, KAO Bar & Grill, to the newly rebranded District 8, formerly the Fashion and Art District (FAAD). The grand opening of KAO Bar and Grill will take place on Friday, May 19, 2023, from Noon to 11:00 pm, located at 11 NE 1st Avenue.

KAO Bar & Grill is a two-story unique concept of a shipping container restaurant that perfectly adds to Hallandale Beach's vibrant and diverse community. The restaurant is a 5,000-square-foot design hand-painted by artist Falopapas. KAO offers indoor dining with floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor patio, and a 14-seat full bar. Customers can expect an immersive dining experience with Argentine grill-inspired cuisine.

"The Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (HBCRA) is excited to have KAO Bar & Grill in Hallandale Beach and District 8," said City Manager Dr. Jeremy Earle. The HBCRA has invested over half a million dollars to position KAO in the heart of our community, District 8, confident that this restaurant will be a great addition to our city and the surrounding community."

District 8, where KAO Bar & Grill restaurant is located, has been undergoing significant redevelopment in recent years, transforming into a thriving design district focusing on innovative concepts and businesses. Adding KAO Bar & Grill to the district is a testament to the City of Hallandale Beach's and HBCRA's commitment to creating a unique, diverse, and progressive community for residents and visitors.

The grand opening of KAO Bar & Grill promises an unforgettable experience with a chance to sample some of their delectable menu items. There will also be chalk artists and possibly a live mural painting during the event. Surrounding businesses in District 8 will show their support for the launch of KAO by activating their space with light refreshments. The City of Hallandale Beach encourages everyone to come out and celebrate the opening.

Parking will be available at the FEC Parking lot on NE1st Avenue and 3rd Street. If you would rather not drive yourself, the HBCRA is offering a 30-day promotion on Uber and Lyft for "D8 Night." Receive $25 off per ride for two rides to and from KAO.

Take advantage of this offer using the links and codes below:

* Uber:

Link: https://r.uber.com/rMVboiIteeK

Code: rMVboiIteeK

* Lyft:

Link https://lyft.com/lp/HBD8NITE

Code: HBD8NITE

MORE INFORMATION:

For more information on KAO Bar & Grill, District 8, and the D8 Night ride promotion, please visit https://cohbcra.org/BeLocal/ or contact Public Information Officer, Kisha Eugene, keugene@cohb.org

About the City of Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency:

The mission of the Hallandale Beach CRA is to promote economic development and enhance quality of life by eliminating and preventing blighted conditions through the facilitation of community partnerships, business growth, job creation, and neighborhood rehabilitation. Learn more: https://cohbcra.org/about/.

Related link: https://cohbcra.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Apr, 11
2023
Advertising and Marketing, Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government

California Cannabis Corridor video, hosted by Vista City Council Member, takes viewers on tour of city’s successful recreational and medical cannabis industry

VISTA, Calif. -- A new GuideMe.Tours video premieres April 15 that takes a "behind-the-doors" look at five of Vista, California's successful cannabis dispensaries and the positive impact the new industry is making in the North County town. The California Cannabis Corridor™ is an informative and heartfelt look at how dispensary community is making an impact on peoples' lives.

The film features Vista Council Member Joe Green as the host and tour guide. A trailer for the film is available today at http://CCCTheMovie.com/.

Green was elected in 2016 and championed the citizens' initiative Measure Z which was passed by Vista voters in 2018 to allow legal cannabis dispensaries. Green believes the film is an important step towards dispelling any remaining myths about the safe and legal operation of cannabis dispensaries.

"Each of our 11 dispensaries is helping to revitalize several areas of our community, and are providing safe, reliable access to medical and recreational cannabis in comfortable and friendly environments. The industry has evolved into treating everything from insomnia, PTSD and other mental health conditions to relief from aching joints and gluten intolerance," says Green.

Prior to legalizing cannabis in 2018, the City of Vista spent more than $1 million per year combatting 21 illegal retail dispensaries. "Measure Z has been 100 percent effective in removing the illegal cannabis trade from our city while becoming a tremendous community benefit contrary to sceptics' concerns," adds Green.

The city estimates the dispensaries will generate $9 million in tax revenues in the 2023-24 fiscal year which will support programs for homeless relief, health clinics, community events and new parks.

The film captures Green's passionate personality as he interviews dispensary operators from Off The Charts, Tradecraft Farms, Coastal Cannabis, Wellgreens and Hello Cannabis.

About the production:

California Cannabis Corridor™ is produced in collaboration with A Different Day Radio, Star Fox Media and HPC.Media under the GuideMe.Tours collaborative. GuideMe.Tours produces video and audio podcast tours, including Vista's Pioneer Beer Trail and Visiting Downtown Vista. Learn more at: https://guideme.tours/

Related link: https://guideme.tours/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Mar, 14
2023
Advertising and Marketing, Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government, Product Launches

RMS announces California Lottery® could offer its first game option for SuperLotto Plus®, Powerball®, and Mega Millions®, increasing funding for schools

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Relationship Marketing Systems, LLC ("RMS") is pleased to announce that its patented option for jackpot draw games has been submitted for approval to the California Lottery. If adopted, it would be California's first draw game add-on option. Currently, California has no game options due to the state's pari-mutuel statutes. Additionally, California would be the first state in the nation to offer this add-on, which has received high favorability among players.

The option is a lottery pool akin to traditional pooling. Integrated with the current lottery system, pooling will be easier and more accessible to players.

Much like "office pools" where people pool their money together to get multiple chances to win and share any winnings, this add-on would be available to players at the point of sale just like any other ticket. This is achieved through existing lottery infrastructure. Players would buy their own pooling ticket and collect their own share of winnings from their retailer, just as they do today. With this option, players do not need to organize people, trust in money collection or disbursement of winnings.

The pooling option would give players 10 lines of play for the same price as a single play. In return, they would receive 10% of all winnings. For example, if the last $2 billion jackpot won in California was from a pooled line of play, California would have had 10 $200 million dollar winners. Consider when the jackpot is lower, say $50 million -- even at this level, a pooled winning ticket would produce 10 $5 million dollar winners. This is still a windfall, life-changing amount of money.

Player options = more revenues.

Players like having options. Research studies show an average increase in draw game sales from pooling to be 25%. For California, if this option was available in FY2022, this would have produced an additional $341 Million dollars in sales revenues, resulting in over $115 Million dollars to California public schools, the lottery's primary beneficiary.

California's looming budget deficit will negatively impact statewide programs. This option can boost lottery benefits to public schools and help mitigate funding reductions therein.

This sample state lotto ticket shows 1 personal play for $1 and the add-on of 1 pool consisting of 10 more plays for an extra $1. In this example, the player would receive 100% of any winnings from their personal play and 10% of all winnings from the pool of 10 plays.

There is no financial risk to the California Lottery.

The uniqueness of the pooling option is that it doesn't introduce any new prize liability like that of other games. Every pooled ticket contributes to the current prize fund and every winning prize share is paid for from the same prize fund. Since it's not a new game, rather an add-on, player education and marketing incur virtually no cost with simple measures like ticket messaging and social media.

"The PoolingPLUS option brings new excitement to the games, producing more winning experiences while generating more funding for education," said Andy Amada, President of RMS, LLC.

SUPPORT "Pools for Schools," as some call it:

Send an email to your state representative or the California Lottery at: customerservice@calottery.com

ABOUT RMS:

PoolingPLUS™ by Relationship Marketing Systems, LLC ("RMS").

RMS designs products and solutions for state lotteries, players and stakeholders. To learn more, visit: https://www.poolingplus.com/ or email: info@poolingplus.com.

Related link: https://www.poolingplus.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Sep, 20
2022
Advertising and Marketing, Business, e-Commerce, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

Yiftee Surpasses 400 Community eGift Cards, Launches New In-Person Sales Capability

MENLO PARK, Calif. -- As of today, Yiftee, Inc. is offering another way to "Keep Local Dollars Local" with its new "Order Desk" capability. City offices, Chambers of Commerce, Main Streets, and Downtown Associations can now sell their custom-branded Community eGift Cards to walk-in buyers and at public events, in addition to online sales. These Community Cards can be spent exclusively at local shops and restaurants. Order Desk is available as an add-on for existing Community Card customers at no cost.

"Because we moved from paper-based gift certificates to Yiftee, we have a lot of customers who are used to coming into our office to purchase gift cards for holiday gifts and employee or customer appreciation," said Kenyetta McFall, Marketing and Public Relations Manager for the Quincy, IL Chamber of Commerce. "We used to have to write them up by hand - but now we can create five or five hundred gift cards in a few minutes, print them out and hand them to the buyers."

Yiftee reports that approximately a third of its Community Card sales are from corporate, government, schools, hospitals, and other organizational buyers who give them to their employees and customers. Unlike single brand gift cards, the recipients have many choices of where to spend them. Since corporate purchasers are not as likely to buy a nail salon, pizza place or ice cream shop, these purchases bring new revenue to main street merchants.

Adding new communities rapidly, Yiftee tops 430 US cities in 48 states

The Company also announced that more than 430 communities across the country have adopted its easy-to-use platform for custom Community eGift Cards, and more than 15,000 small businesses use their digital gift card technology either in Communities or as single-brand eGift Cards. There's no cost to the merchants or Yiftee's community partners for the Community Card program. Yiftee charges an eDelivery fee at the time of purchase which can be paid by the buyer or a program sponsor. Yiftee eGift Cards require no special equipment or point-of-sale integration for merchants to participate.

New communities are invited to Yiftee's step-by-step 4-week launch curriculum; with all the materials they will need to market the program, and Yiftee continues to send weekly "Best Practices" all year long, learning from their communities as they grow.

About Yiftee, Keep Local Dollars Local

Yiftee serves more than 400 communities and 15,000 local businesses with simple, secure, PoS-independent eGift Cards that keep local dollars local - more than $30M since the pandemic began in 2020. The company works with Chambers of Commerce, Downtowns, Main Streets, Business Improvement Districts, City Governments and other local organizations to create "Community Cards," branded for the community and redeemable at 10s to 100s of local businesses.

Organizations and individuals purchase them online and send them via email, text or print to friends, family, and co-workers to support their local businesses. There is no cost to the organizers or merchants for the program. Yiftee also provides custom-branded cards for individual merchants, franchises, and chains.

More info at https://www.yiftee.com/, email: sales@yiftee.com, Twitter: @Yiftee, Facebook: facebook.com/yiftee/.

Related link: https://yiftee.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

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