Sep, 20
2023
Business, Free News Articles, Government, Reports and Studies

Concordia Releases 2023 Amazonas Summit Solutions Report and Announces Guyana as Location for 2024

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Today, at its 2023 Annual Summit alongside the UN General Assembly in New York City, Concordia released its 2023 Amazonas Summit Solutions Report and announced Guyana as the location for next year's gathering.

The 2023 Concordia Amazonas Summit took place in Ecuador in July and brought together a group of leaders and decision makers in the Amazon rainforest with the goal of establishing market-driven, nature-based solutions to protecting the most important haven of biodiversity in the world.

The 2023 Amazonas Summit Solutions Report, available here ( https://uploads.concordia.net/2023/09/13154649/2023-Concordia-Amazonas-Summit-Report.pdf ), details key summary and action points related to three core themes: environmental sustainability, health opportunities & challenges, and cultural diplomacy & youth advocacy.

At today's 2023 Concordia Annual Summit, Concordia Leadership Council Member Iván Duque, Former President of the Republic of Colombia, said: "The Concordia Amazon Solutions Report is a mechanism to identify market-driven nature-based solutions, in which we are able to enhance the accessibility of Amazonic products in developed countries, reduce or eliminate deforestation, and identify market mechanisms to provide seed capital and angel investments to local entrepreneurs and indigenous entrepreneurs." He continued: "This report gathers the ideas of the brightest minds on environmental matters in the Western Hemisphere and it will become the reference model for the actions that we're going to embrace in the following months."

Concordia's Co-Founder, Matthew Swift, said: "The inaugural Concordia Amazonas Summit explored ways in which we can protect the biodiversity of the region, encourage indigenous entrepreneurism, mobilize climate finance, create a credible and replicable carbon market, and forge partnerships around innovative and scalable ideas to protect and renew the irreplaceable ecosystem. Today's release of this report represents a crucial step forward in our next steps and follow up, and we look forward to continuing these efforts ahead of gathering in Guyana next year."

Watch Concordia's just-released documentary here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xw93PnKIxto

About Concordia:

Concordia, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, is the leading public-private sector convener, establishing and elevating market-led solutions to global challenges. Concordia was founded in 2011 by Matthew A. Swift and Nicholas M. Logothetis.

Learn more: https://www.concordia.net/

https://www.concordia.net/annualsummit/2023-annual-summit/

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

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

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, 15
2023
Business, Free News Articles, Government, NonProfit and Charities, Regional Events

Presidents of Türkiye, Dominican Republic, Paraguay, Malawi, and European Parliament among world leaders addressing 2023 Concordia Annual Summit

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Heads of state from around the world will attend and speak at the 2023 Concordia Annual Summit, taking place September 18-20 at the Sheraton New York Times Square during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Current heads of state participating in the summit include: H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President, Republic of Türkiye; H.E. Luis Abinader, President, Dominican Republic; H.E. Santiago Peña, President, Republic of Paraguay; H.E. Lazarus Chakwera, President, Republic of Malawi; H.E. Guillermo Lasso, President, Republic of Ecuador; H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President, Republic of Guyana; H.E. Tsai Ing-wen, President, Republic of China (Taiwan) (via video); and, H.E. Dritan Abazovic, Prime Minister, Republic of Montenegro.

The leading public-private sector forum alongside the UN General Assembly, the Concordia Annual Summit, upholds a remarkable legacy of uniting heads of state, policymakers, business executives, NGO leaders, entrepreneurs, and activists for over a decade. This year's gathering will establish market-led solutions to the greatest challenges of today, including the pivotal role of the private sector in combating disinformation to urgent issues like mental health, environmental sustainability, and artificial intelligence.

Additional speakers include: H.E. Roberta Metsola, President, European Parliament; The Rt. Hon. Tony Blair, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change; T.H. Sadiq Khan, Mayor, City of London; Hon. Eric Adams, Mayor, City of New York; Jon Banner, EVP, Global Chief Impact Officer, McDonald's Corporation; Nazanin Ash, CEO, Welcome.US; Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & CEO, DP World; Simon Bishop, CEO, BBC Media Action; Tim Christophersen, Vice President of Climate Action, Salesforce; T.H. Elizabeth M. Allen, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, U.S. Department of State; David Miliband, President & CEO, International Rescue Committee; and, Sam Stephens, Executive Director, AB InBev Foundation.

View all confirmed speakers and the agenda at:

https://www.concordialive.com/annualsummit23/speakers

https://www.concordialive.com/annualsummit23/4179467

Concordia's Co-Founders, Matthew Swift and Nicholas Logothetis, said: "Over the last 13 years, our Annual Summit has emerged as the largest, most inclusive, and most politically balanced forum alongside the United Nations General Assembly. Through our three-day program featuring over 100 sessions and over 200 speakers, we look forward to advancing public and private sector cooperation and elevating market-led solutions to complex issues within the context of this important week for the world."

They continued: "Today's announcement truly demonstrates the global nature of this annual convening of a few thousand leaders from a range of sectors and industries and from across over 90 countries. There is no other time where the majority of the world's heads of state descend upon one city and we must use this time to step up and engage."

Concordia's Programming Sponsors are: Libra Group (Founding Sponsor); Calamos Investments, Meta (Principal Programming Sponsors); Merck, Siemens Healthineers (Lead Programming Sponsors); APCO, AT&T, BHP, DP World, ExxonMobil, Horizon Therapeutics, Salesforce, TC Energy, Trane Technologies, McDonald's, Microdose Psychedelic Insights, Microsoft (Patron Programming Sponsors); United Airlines (Travel Sponsor).

Concordia's Programming Partners are: Zayed Sustainability Prize Forum (Principal Programming Partner); AB InBev Foundation, CARE USA, Environmental Defense Fund, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation, International Copper Alliance, Knight Foundation, Movement Health Foundation, Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, Stop TB Partnership, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, TREAT California, Word Vision (Lead Programming Partners); Knight Foundation, International Medical Corps, Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, Food for the Hungry, NYC Mayor's Office of International Affairs, Rockefeller Foundation, Operation Smile, USA For International Organization For Migration, U.S. Department of State Office of Global Partnerships (Patron Programming Partners).

To attend the 2023 Concordia Annual Summit, register here ( https://www.concordialive.com/annualsummit23/begin ) for a $2000 All Access Pass, $800 General Access Pass, or $250 Wednesday-only Pass, or sign up to Concordia's organizational membership program.

Learn more: https://www.concordia.net/annualsummit/2023-annual-summit/

ABOUT CONCORDIA:

Concordia, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, is the leading public-private sector convener, establishing and elevating market-led solutions to global challenges. Concordia was founded in 2011 by Matthew A. Swift and Nicholas M. Logothetis.

Learn more: https://www.concordialive.com/

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

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/

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

Sep, 06
2023
Fertility and IVF, Free News Articles, Government

Senate Bill 729 to Increase Access to Fertility Care for Millions of Californians Postponed to 2024 by Assembly Appropriations Committee

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- State Senator Caroline Menjivar's (D-San Fernando Valley) Senate Bill 729, sponsored by California State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, was converted to a two-year bill by the California State Assembly Appropriations Committee on Friday. The bill can be considered again as early as January 2024. SB 729 would require large group health plans to provide coverage for fertility care, including treatment for infertility and in vitro fertilization (IVF) - expanding access, improving care, and removing economic barriers for millions of eligible Californians.

SB 729 passed the state Senate in May by a large margin of 31-3 and advanced out of the Assembly Health Committee in August. Fourteen states have passed IVF insurance laws.

"A two year bill is not the outcome we hoped for, but it does allow us to continue our fight," said Senator Menjivar. "SB 729 progressed farther in the legislative process than any similar bills attempting to decrease inequities in fertility care coverage, which is why I am optimistic and will not give up. Californians who wish to build a family deserve equity and justice, not the current discriminatory law that withholds the safest and most reliable methods of fertility care from many of them. Soon, we will make California the true leader in reproductive justice."

According to a recent report, the World Health Organization estimates 1 in 6 people globally experience infertility. Lack of insurance coverage for fertility services is the most significant barrier to creating a family.

"Infertility affects people of all socioeconomic levels, racial identities, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, and religious beliefs," said Insurance Commissioner Lara. "As someone who has fought for affordable and more equitable access to healthcare services during my time in the California State Legislature and as Insurance Commissioner, I am proud to co-sponsor SB 729 to ensure fair and equal access to fertility treatments."

"I remain committed to this important issue that unfairly impacts so many Californians," said State Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), who has introduced several pieces of legislation since 2019 to address this issue. "Paying out of pocket for infertility treatment imposes an insurmountable financial burden on the LGBTQ+ population and others whose insurance does not cover this medically-necessary care. We must address this gap in our healthcare system."

In addition to protecting against exclusionary insurance coverage for infertility, SB 729 ensures cancer patients are eligible for IVF insurance to complete their family building after preserving their eggs, sperm, or embryos under SB 600. In 2019, SB 600 passed to provide insurance coverage for fertility preservation for patients with medical indications.

"Nobody should be faced with the heartbreaking choice of deciding whether to have a child or to get lifesaving treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation, which can impact fertility," said State Senator Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank), who introduced SB 600. "SB 600 helped give cancer patients a path to preserve their fertility. SB 729 is the crucial next step in our fight for California families."

"Infertility is recognized as a disease by the World Health Organization, the American Medical Association, and The American Society for Reproductive Medicine," said Dr. Marcelle Cedars, the Immediate Past President of American Society for Reproductive Medicine and Director of UCSF Center for Reproductive Health. "Yet California continues to set infertility apart from other diseases in one basic, shameful way - by allowing insurance companies to diagnose but not to comprehensively treat."

"Our state is a leader in reproductive freedom, but we're lagging behind when it comes to ensuring that all people who want to have children are able to do so," said NARAL Pro-Choice California Director Shannon Olivieri Hovis. "California's existing law is grossly inadequate; coverage for fertility and infertility treatment is the only element of reproductive care excluded from insurance coverage. By excluding IVF alone, it leaves out the most effective treatment for infertility."

"No one should have to choose between their livelihood and their aspiration to become a parent, including members of the LGBTQ+ community," said Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang. "SB 729 is a long overdue step to expand access to fertility coverage for all Californians and remove discriminatory language from our state's insurance laws. We are grateful to Senator Menjivar for being such a fierce champion for LGBTQ+ families and look forward to continuing this fight with her next year."

In addition to Insurance Commissioner Lara, the bill is cosponsored by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association; NARAL Pro-Choice California; The Alliance for Fertility Preservation; Equality California; American Society for Reproductive Medicine; and Our Family Coalition. SB 729 has received the endorsement of more than 65 non-profits, associations, and organizations across the state, as well as thousands of advocate letters to lawmakers voicing support for the bill.

Learn more about Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley) at: https://sd20.senate.ca.gov/

CITATIONS:

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/978920068315

Related link: https://sd20.senate.ca.gov/

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

Sep, 06
2023
Business, Defense and Military, Free News Articles, Government, VAR and IT Consulting

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. Opens DoD Cyber Collaboration Facility

HANOVER, Md. -- Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI), a By Light Company, has a nearly 20-year history of developing and supporting complex training systems for the Department of Defense (DoD). CESI, an industry leader in the Modeling and Simulation (M&S) industry, holds large prime contracts to develop and field constructive, virtual, and cyber simulation systems that are used around the world. Responding to significant growth in their cyber training and operations business over the past five years, they are opening a new CESI Hanover Facility Supporting the National Capital Region (NCR) collocated with By Light Professional IT Services, LLC (By Light), in Hanover, Maryland.

CESI is the prime contractor for the Persistent Cyber Training Environment (PCTE) and Joint Cyber Training Enterprise (JCTE) programs, where they build and operate the largest cyber range in the world, specifically focused on ensuring readiness for the DoD's Cyber Mission Forces (CMF). In their execution of the $957 million Cyber Training, Readiness, Integration, Delivery and Enterprise Technology (Cyber TRIDENT) Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract, CESI has teams in Orlando, FL; Fort Gordon, GA; and in the Fort Meade, MD, area. CESI is committed to providing United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), the service cyber components and all other DoD customers with highly skilled cyber operations engineers, cyber planners, cyber training content developers, and mission rehearsal support teams at the customer's point of need. The new facility will allow CESI to better serve its core customer base at Fort Meade and the NCR.

"Opening CESI Hanover allows us to be closer to our core customer while providing a local home for our existing staff of highly skilled cyber operations engineers. The facility will enhance our ability to deliver both enterprise cyber training tools and a highly skilled staff of operational cyber professionals to support USCYBERCOM's critical mission," says CESI Vice President of Cyber Programs, Stephen Lopez.

Cyber TRIDENT provides the management, integration, maintenance, and evolution for the PCTE platform and provides a holistic, on-demand, standardized training platform that enables the end-to-end planning, preparation, execution, and assessment of training events for the CMF and the entire DoD cyber workforce.

"By Light is committed to bringing our customers the services they need where and when they need them. The facility, collocated with By Light's Global Networks and existing Cyber Divisions, provides world-class professional support for the important work of USCYBERCOM, the military services, and the Cyber National Mission Forces by allowing greater integration and collaboration within the By Light enterprise and among our cyberspace operations and cybersecurity training customers," says By Light Chief Executive Officer Bob Donahue.

The new facility was opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, where By Light and CESI executives welcomed local staff and VIPs from DoD and Fort Meade.

About CESI:

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI), a By Light Company, is a premier integrator and provider of modeling and simulation and cyber training solutions. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training, and other support in live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) and cyber domains. CESI designs, builds, and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications, and processes that enable converged training for the integrated multi-domain force. As a full spectrum LVC and cyber developer, integrator, and services provider, we deliver open-source solutions that empower our warriors.

Learn more at https://coleengineering.com/.

About By Light:

By Light Professional IT Services LLC, headquartered in McLean, VA, is an ISO 9001, 20000-1, and 27001 registered and CMMI-Dev Level 3 rated systems integrator that provides secure, turnkey systems by incorporating exceptional engineering, project management, telecommunications, and cyber capabilities to safeguard mission success. Founded by industry professionals with extensive knowledge in the DoD, DISA, and other U.S. Government agencies, By Light successfully implements technical solutions that integrate commercial best practices to meet the needs of government.

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

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

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

Aug, 31
2023
Free News Articles, Government, NonProfit and Charities, Regional Events

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, UN Under-Secretary-General Melissa Fleming, Whole Foods CEO Jason Buechel, Bezos Earth Fund President & CEO Andrew Steer, Former Estonian President Kaljulaid, and National Intelligence Director Avril Haines to join 2023 Concordia Annual Summit

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- The 2023 Concordia Annual Summit is taking place on September 18-20, 2023 at the Sheraton New York Times Square during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The leading public-private sector forum alongside the UN General Assembly, the Concordia Annual Summit upholds a remarkable legacy of uniting heads of state, policymakers, business executives, NGO leaders, entrepreneurs, and activists for over a decade.

This year's gathering will establish market-led solutions to the greatest challenges of today, including the pivotal role of the private sector in combating disinformation to urgent issues like mental health, environmental sustainability, and emerging technologies.

SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

Hon. Eric Adams, Mayor, City of New York; President Kersti Kaljulaid, Former President of Estonia; Jason Buechel, CEO, Whole Foods Market; Andrew Steer, President & CEO, Bezos Earth Fund; Hon. Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General, United Nations; Hon. Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence, Office of the Director of National Intelligence; Barbara Humpton, President & CEO, Siemens USA; Richard Buery, CEO, Robinhood Foundation, Hon. Reta Jo Lewis, President & Chair, Export-Import Bank of the United States; Rt Hon. Nick Clegg, President, Global Affairs, Meta; John Koudounis, CEO, Calamos Investments; Dr. Bernd Montag, Chief Executive Officer, Siemens Healthineers; Amb. Carlos Pascual, Senior VP, Geopolitics & International Affairs, S&P Global; Holly Copeland, Executive Director, CSR, Sustainability & Impact, Horizon Therapeutics; Dr. Andrew "Drew" Otoo, President, Global Vaccines, Merck; H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President, Republic of Guyana; Hon. Jose W. Fernandez, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, U.S. Department of State; Juliana Olayinka, London Bureau Chief, Channels Television; Alex Amouyel, President & CEO, Newman's Own Foundation; Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO, Africa Finance Corporation; H.E. Dritan Abazović, Prime Minister, Republic of Montenegro; Dave Regnery, Chair & CEO, Trane Technologies; Amy Pope, Director-General Elect, International Organization for Migration; and, Elmo, The Muppet, Sesame Street.

View all confirmed speakers and the agenda:

https://www.concordialive.com/annualsummit23/speakers

https://www.concordialive.com/annualsummit23/4179467

"Concordia's unwavering nonpartisan status and convening power give us a critical responsibility to address the biggest issues of our time," commented Concordia's Co-Founders, Matthew Swift and Nicholas Logothetis. "We feel this responsibility now more than ever before, at a time when the partisan divide we're witnessing in the United States-and indeed in so many other parts of the world-threatens to erode the spirit of cooperation and trust in our institutions. At Concordia, we believe the path forward requires rebuilding this trust and creating confidence in the power of community. Over three days in New York City, our 13th Annual Summit will hear from dozens of business, government, and NGO leaders to define the biggest challenges and prompt solutions. We all have a role to play, so we urge individuals and organizations to join us in this collective effort."

Concordia's Programming Sponsors are: Libra Group (Founding Sponsor); Calamos Investments, Meta (Principal Programming Sponsors); Merck, Siemens Healthineers (Lead Programming Sponsors); APCO, AT&T, BHP, ExxonMobil, Horizon Therapeutics, Salesforce, TC Energy, Trane Technologies, McDonald's (Patron Programming Sponsors); United Airlines (Travel Sponsor).

Concordia's Programming Partners are: Zayed Sustainability Prize Forum (Principal Programming Partner); AB InBev Foundation, CARE USA, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation, International Copper Alliance, Knight Foundation, Movement Health Foundation, Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, Operation Smile, Stop TB Partnership, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, Word Vision (Lead Programming Partners); International Medical Corps, Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, Mayor's Office of International Affairs, USA For International Organization For Migration, U.S. Department of State Office of Global Partnerships (Patron Programming Partners).

To attend the 2023 Concordia Annual Summit, register here ( https://www.concordialive.com/annualsummit23/begin ) for a $2000 All Access Pass, $800 General Access Pass, or $250 Wednesday-only Pass, or sign up to Concordia's organizational membership program.

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

About Concordia:

Concordia, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, is the leading public-private sector convener, establishing and elevating market-led solutions to global challenges. Concordia was founded in 2011 by Matthew A. Swift and Nicholas M. Logothetis.

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

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

Aug, 31
2023
Elections and Politics, Free News Articles, Government

Opposition to AB-1147 Gains Momentum: Advocates Raise Concerns Over Consumer Voice

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Assembly Bill 1147 (AB-1147) is under scrutiny as concerns mount over its potential impact on the voice of consumers and the democratization of decision-making. Leading this charge is Dr. Henny Kupferstein, a vocal advocate and DDS consumer who has rallied opposition against the bill, and who is a candidate for Assembly #77 coastal San Diego 2024. AB-1147 is scheduled for a hearing, and its implications have ignited a wave of concern among consumers and advocates alike.

Henny Kupferstein and a coalition of concerned consumers have voiced their objections to AB-1147, citing a lack of safeguards for consumers' interests. The bill, as it stands, appears to prioritize substantial financial gains for traditional vendors within the $15-billion program, without explicitly addressing consumer protection and advocacy.

"It's disheartening to witness the exclusion of consumer perspectives from the analysis of AB-1147," laments Kupferstein. "This exclusion sends a troubling message about the state of our democracy, making consumers feel voiceless and sidelined in matters that affect them directly."

Kupferstein, in a bold move, has initiated contact with the Senate Appropriations Committee, urging them to reconsider AB-1147 in light of the widespread consumer opposition. This opposition is underscored by consumers' collective demand for the bill's rejection, claiming it would lead to unjustified expenses and an unbalanced distribution of resources.

Notably, consumers of Regional Centers have united in submitting a letter of opposition to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Their aim is not only to register their protest but also to ensure that their voices are heard and acknowledged. The demand for confirmation of receipt of their opposition letter highlights the gravity of their concerns.

Clarifications have been made by Kupferstein, who emphasizes that the sponsor, Disability Voices United (DVU), does not represent consumer interests in their opposition to AB-1147. Kupferstein further urges the Senate to discern individualized consumer voices from DVU template letters, affirming that these templates do not truly reflect the breadth of consumer sentiment against the bill.

In a surprising twist, Dr. Henny Kupferstein, a dedicated consumer-constituent, has announced her Campaign for Assembly #77 coastal San Diego 2024. This underlines the determination of consumers to secure their rights and influence legislative decisions that impact their lives.

For further inquiries, please contact:

Dr. Henny Kupferstein, votehenny@gmail.com or http://www.votehenny.com

As AB-1147 approaches its hearing date, the voices of concerned consumers like Henny Kupferstein ring clear: democracy must be upheld, consumer voices must be honored, and bills like AB-1147 must be critically assessed to ensure their alignment with the interests of those they affect.

See You in Sacramento

Join the movement, and look advocates in the eye on Friday, September 1st, as they gather in Sacramento to occupy the Senate for consumer rights and democratic representation.

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/SyxhCCiYFII

Related link: http://www.votehenny.com

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

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

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

Aug, 10
2023
Environment and Ecology, Free News Articles, Government, NonProfit and Charities, Sports and Activities

California’s Sacramento River Trail and Rail Trail Inducted into Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), the nation's largest trails advocacy organization, today announced that California's Sacramento River Rail Trail and Sacramento River Trail will be inducted to its iconic Hall of Fame.

Nestled beneath the Cascade and Trinity mountains, the trails provide 21 miles of transportation and recreation along California's largest river. The trail pair was selected for outstanding merits, including RTC's expanded eligibility criteria this year, which prioritizes multiuse trails that deliver exceptional accessibility and user experience, and contributions to the connectivity of regional trail and active transportation systems.

"Across the country, connected trail systems are proving their significance as essential community assets-creating safe space for people to be active outside, connecting neighbors and neighborhoods, and creating more transportation and mobility options for entire regions," said Ryan Chao, president of RTC. "This year's Hall of Fame nominees were examples of exceptional trails that are fundamental to our vision of a future where trails connect everyone, everywhere. The Sacramento River Rail Trail and Trail stand out by illustrating the impact of connecting trails in ways that provide opportunities for recreation, transportation and intimate connections to the history and nature steeped in place."

Once serving as a travel and trade route for indigenous peoples, then later by a subsidiary of the Central Pacific Railroad, the Sacramento River Rail Trail and Sacramento River Trail provide opportunities for the community to be active, access the outdoors, and connect to neighborhoods and destinations in and around the City of Redding, including the Shasta Lake Recreation Area and the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. The trails also serve as a backbone for a developing regional trail system that encompasses more than 250 miles and will eventually stretch from the Shasta Dam to Redding's southern neighbor, Anderson, and beyond.

"We are excited to share with the world that the Sacramento River Rail Trail and Trail are indeed Hall of Fame worthy. We are grateful for our many partners who have collaborated on the development and expansion of the trails and our many users and support organizations who make the trails better every day. We invite you to visit and experience these world-class trails and scenic river," said Kimberly Niemer, director of community services for the City of Redding.

The trails are home to the Sundial Bridge, an awe-inspiring feature that links both sides of the Upper Sacramento River. The 700-foot-long, cable-stayed, glass and steel working sundial spanning the Sacramento River attracts an estimated 100,000 global visitors each year.

The bridge, park and Redding's vast network of trails-built in phases over the past three decades - have helped transform the region. The vast regional system of trails is a product of a partnership managed by the City of Redding, the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service with the support of local groups, foundations, other agencies and community members.

"We are proud to partner with the City of Redding and other groups in managing these trails that improve the quality of life for residents of our area, while offering destination-worthy opportunities for outdoor recreation," said Jennifer Mata, manager of the BLM's Redding Field Office.

The trail pair was among three nominees voted on by the public between Jul. 31 and Aug. 7, 2023, securing nearly 48% of the vote. The Sacramento River Rail Trail and Trail duo is the 37th inductee in RTC's Hall of Fame, joining an exemplary list of trails recognized for their outstanding scenic value, use, amenities, historical significance and community benefit. More than 30,000 votes were cast in the 2023 Hall of Fame contest. The other nominees were the Hennepin Canal State Trail in Illinois and the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail network in South Carolina.

For more information about the Hall of Fame, visit railstotrails.org.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is the nation's largest trails organization - with a grassroots community more than 1 million strong - dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors.

Connect with RTC at https://www.railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MEDIA CONTACT: Patricia Brooks, Patricia@matchmapmedia.com, 202.351.1757

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/y6U-Re1nKRM

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.traillink.com/trail/sacramento-river-rail-trail/

https://www.cityofredding.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks

https://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/2013/september/12/the-road-to-a-thousand-wonders/

https://www.railstotrails.org/our-work/trail-promotion/rail-trail-hall-of-fame/

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

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

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