Books and Publishing, Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles

Scientific Studies Show That Fiber and Antioxidants Can Counteract the Effects of Junk Food and Promote Cholesterol and Weight Control Without Restriction – Diet, Nutrition, Health

CHICAGO, Ill. -- DéShond E Barnes, author and nutrition enthusiast, has announced the release of his book "Counteract the Fat: How Scientific Studies Have Shown That Fiber and Antioxidants Can Counteract the Physiological Effects of Junk Food & Promote Cholesterol & Weight Control Without Restriction" (ISBN: 979-8397068956). In "Counteract the Fat," Barnes compiles research findings that indicate that fiber and antioxidants can mitigate the health risks associated with junk food by counteracting the physiological effects of high-fat and other junk food.

This does not mean that unlimited consumption of junk food without consequences is now possible. What it does mean is greater freedom, less restriction and a wider variety of food choices for healthy individuals.

Such groundbreaking research findings include:

* High-fat foods produce cholesterol-related acids that can clog arteries and raise cholesterol levels - opening the door to heart disease. Scientists at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine have identified a type of fiber known as "beta glucans" that can counteract that effect. Scientists have reported that beta glucans promote healthy cholesterol by nabbing cholesterol-related acids produced by dietary fat - ushering them out of the body before they can ravage the heart and arteries.

* The excess calories in high-fat foods are absorbed by the body and stored as fat, and can cause weight gain - opening the door to obesity. Fiber can counteract that effect. Scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Research Center in Maryland have reported that fiber helps prevent weight gain by reducing the amount of calories the body absorbs. It does that by nabbing calories before they can be absorbed and stored as fat - making it harder to gain weight and lowering the risk of obesity.

* Deep-fried fatty foods form "oxidized lipids" that damage cells and the lining of the blood vessels - opening the door to heart disease. Antioxidants can counteract that effect. Scientists at the Cardiology Research Institute in Moscow have reported that antioxidants inhibit the formation of oxidized lipids - thus inhibiting damage to cells and to the lining of the blood vessels and lowering the risk of heart disease.

* The excess calories in high-fat foods are absorbed by the body and stored as fat, and can cause weight gain - opening the door to obesity. Antioxidants can counteract that effect. Scientists have reported that antioxidants help prevent weight gain by providing the body with the energy needed to burn fat more efficiently - making it harder to gain weight and reducing the risk of obesity.

* Hot dogs, bacon and other tasty processed meats contain "nitrites." Over time, nitrites can open the door to pancreatic cancer by breaking down and converting to "nitrosamines." Vitamins C and E can counteract that effect. Scientists have reported that vitamins C and E neutralize nitrites - thus inhibiting nitrosamine formation over time and reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer.

* Many junk foods are high in sodium. Excess sodium can open the door to high blood pressure by causing the body to retain water, which increases the volume of blood. Potassium can counteract that effect. Scientists have reported that potassium flushes excess sodium out of the body - thus reducing the risk of high blood pressure.

* And many, many more groundbreaking research findings.

"Counteract the Fat" is a viable alternative to restrictive eating habits that stands alone as an informative, research-backed contribution to dietary science. The book explains how fiber and antioxidants can help stave off illness and obesity in a non-restrictive diet.

"Counteract the Fat" is perfect for healthy adults with no history of debilitating illnesses who would like to maintain their health without sacrificing their favorite indulgences. "Counteract the Fat" uncovers discoveries made by scientists at more than a dozen world-class institutions.

About the Author:

DéShond E Barnes discovered the "Counteract the Fat" concept in the late 1990's by poring through medical journals and health, nutrition and diet publications for nearly a year, and has practiced the revolutionary "Counteract the Fat" methodology ever since - with incredible success. By examining nutrition facts labels, calculating the total amount of fiber, antioxidants and other nutrients provided by health foods, and consuming a daily diet containing 100+% of the Recommended Daily Allowance for fiber, antioxidants and other nutrients - Barnes has maintained excellent blood cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure and body weight over the decades without sacrificing junk food favorites.

This has inspired Barnes to share this information with the rest of the world by publishing "Counteract the Fat" more than two decades later. Barnes also teaches "Counteract the Fat" seminars at local Y.M.C.A.'s and public libraries in northern Illinois to spread the word about the "Counteract the Fat" methodology.

More information about the book is available at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6WBR4J6.

Complimentary review copies are available to editors and journalists upon request to: nathanael.eh.123@gmail.com

REFERENCES:

* Donald L. Brown. "Antioxidants and cancer prevention: the epidemiologic evidence." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1998.

* Dr. Ed Blonz, Ph.D. "Power Nutrition." Penguin Putnam Inc., 1998.

* Editors of Prevention(r). "Prevention's Healing With Vitamins." Rodale Press, Inc., 1996.

* James Gordon. "Vegetables, fruit and cancer prevention: a review." Journal of the American Medical Association, 1999.

* Jean Carper. "Food, Your Miracle Medicine." HarperCollins Publishers Inc., 1993.

* Judy Jameson. "Fat-Burning Foods and Other Weight-Loss Secrets." NTC/Contemporary Publishing Group, Inc., 1994.

* Mark Bricklin. "Prevention Magazine's Nutrition Advisor." Rodale Press, Inc., 1993.

* Michael Murray. "Long-term intake of dietary fiber and decreased risk of coronary heart disease." New England Journal of Medicine, 1999.

* Robert Garrison Jr., M.A., R.Ph. and Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D. "The Nutrition Desk Reference." Keats Publishing, Inc., 1995.

* Selene Yeager and the Editors of Prevention. "Prevention's New Foods For Healing." Rodale Press, Inc., 1999.

Related link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/D%C3%A9Shond-E-Barnes/author/B0C74LLZXP

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Business, Environment and Ecology, Free News Articles, Government, Reports and Studies

Scorecard Ranks States for Water Efficiency and Sustainability Policies – States Responding Slowly to Escalating Water Supply Challenges

CHICAGO, Ill. -- Today the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) released the 2022 U.S. State Policy Scorecard for Water Efficiency and Sustainability (Scorecard), which ranked each U.S. state based on its adoption of laws and policies that advance water efficiency, conservation, sustainability, and affordability. California was the top-ranked state in the nation, followed by Texas, Arizona, Georgia, Washington, New York, Nevada, New Hampshire, Colorado, and Minnesota.

While some states improved since AWE's previous Scorecard was released in 2017, the analysis found little progress overall, even as droughts and other climate change impacts increasingly undermine affordable, reliable water services. The average state score was only 23 out of 89 possible points.

"Providing sustainable water services is increasingly costly and complicated because of climate change and other factors," said Ron Burke, President and CEO of AWE. "It is important that states, as well as the federal government, support local efforts to reduce water use with financial assistance, policies that drive best practices, and planning that facilitates cooperation across watersheds."

In the Western U.S., a prolonged drought, fueled by climate change, has contributed to significant water supply shortages. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has called for states in the Colorado River Basin (CRB) to significantly reduce water demand, but negotiations have not resulted in an agreement. AWE found numerous opportunities for policy improvement among the seven CRB states - which averaged 37 out of 89 possible points - such as adopting plumbing efficiency standards, limiting water loss from utility distribution systems, and funding water reuse and recycling.

A common misperception is that water efficiency and conservation are only important in the American Southwest. However, drought is increasingly common across the nation, with nearly every state experiencing drought in 2022. In addition, the benefits of reducing water use go beyond preventing water shortages. That is reflected in the geographic diversity of the top ten ranked states, with representation from the West but also the South, Midwest, and East.

"Water efficiency and conservation are typically the fastest and least expensive ways to save water while also lowering water bills, reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, protecting rivers and lakes, and enhancing resilience to extreme weather events," said Burke.

Effective state-level water conservation policies are even more important now that the U.S. Congress has authorized billions of dollars in loans and grants for water services as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Many of these funds will be administered by states and can only be maximized with good state policies in place.

Key findings include:

* Connecticut was the only state that reported using its own funds to support customer water bill assistance

* California is the only state that requires water utilities to plan for climate change

* 18 states use their own revenues to fund water efficiency and conservation

* 16 states provide funding for water reuse.

* 13 states require rate structures that encourage water efficiency

* 19 states require coordination between local land use and water planning agencies.

Despite the low scores, there were some bright spots, including ten states adopting point-of-sale plumbing efficiency requirements since 2017 that go beyond federal standards, for a current total of 15 states plus the District of Columbia.

To download the full report and access individual state scorecards, click here: https://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/2022scorecard

About the Alliance for Water Efficiency:

The Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) is a nonprofit organization with more than 500 organizational members dedicated to the efficient and sustainable use of water across North America. AWE provides training, research, and other resources for water efficiency professionals, and we encourage the public to conserve water through tools like our Home Water Works Calculator. In addition, AWE advocates for products, programs, and policies that advance water efficiency.

Learn more about AWE at: https://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/about.

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

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Business, Electronics, Free News Articles, Insurance, Product Launches

BlueStone Advisors Announces Launch of its Lithium-Ion Battery Insurance Captive

CHICAGO, Ill. -- BlueStone Advisors, a specialty commercial insurance brokerage firm, announced today the launch of their BlueStone Lithium-Ion Battery Captive to help advanced battery companies manage their insurance costs and offer a broader policy with comprehensive and consistent coverage terms.

"We're excited to announce the launch of BlueStone's Lithium-Ion Battery Captive to the advanced battery ecosystem for employers who are adversely affected by rising insurance rates, limited capacity, and shrinking coverage terms offered in today's insurance and reinsurance marketplace," said Andy Royce, President of BlueStone Advisors.

We've seen reinsurance rates spike due to global economic uncertainty, geopolitical unrest, and increased catastrophic claims paid to international lithium-ion battery operators with inferior safety standards. The BlueStone Lithium-Ion Captive is for U.S. employers with sound risk management practices who want more control of their insurance costs, pricing stability, and coverage certainty.

With the BlueStone Lithium-Ion Captive, BlueStone Advisors continues its decade-long commitment to providing innovative insurance solutions designed to advance a sustainable circular economy.

About BlueStone Advisors:

BlueStone Advisors is a specialty commercial insurance broker that has provided insurance and risk management services to the lithium-ion battery industry for over ten years. BlueStone Advisors delivers advanced brokerage solutions that reduce the total cost of risk and insurance while leveraging best practices that strengthen an organization's risk profile.

Additional information can be found at: https://www.bluestoneadvisors.com/lithium-ion-battery-2/

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/N3lWUanAzdY

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

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Books and Publishing, Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Product Launches

Designer John Robert Wiltgen Beats the Odds: ‘The Candy in My Pocket’ – An Inspirational Memoir About Designing Your Best Life

CHICAGO, Ill. -- With holiday shopping just around the corner, John Robert Wiltgen's riveting memoir "The Candy in My Pocket" (ISBN: 979-8986007007), is now available for the gift giving season. As a type 1 diabetic for more than 55 years, Wiltgen has been a successful business owner and now author whose memoir describes his journey of finding joy and success amidst a life riddled with obstacles and despair due to insulin-dependent diabetes.

Critics describe "The Candy in My Pocket" as an inspirational but irreverent story about designing your best life despite horrifying circumstances.

His memoir journals the dramatic days of his forty years as an award-winning designer commissioned by celebrities, world leaders, and other luminaries; his (secret) debilitating and death-defying battle with diabetes; and the struggle to hold on to himself and those he cared about along the way.

"I first knew I was going to live an extraordinary life when Zsa Zsa Gabor said I should be on stage," said Wiltgen.

But then Sid Caesar told him, "If you don't have tragedy, you won't have comedy."

The years have taught Wiltgen they were both right.

Wiltgen was diagnosed with T1D when he was eight. At that time, his parents were told he would not live to see 40. For a kid from a middle-class suburb of Chicago his life has been exceptional.

He graduated high school in three years.

When he was 16, he apprenticed at a theatre working with Hollywood legends such as Zsa Zsa and Eva Gabor, Louis Jordan, Leslie Caron, Syd Caesar, and Imogene Coca.

Wiltgen started his own residential design firm at 18 and never looked back-even when he could not see. "After all, who wants to hire a blind designer?" he laughs.

Wiltgen fought diabetic retinopathy in his early 20's for four years and won. A year later he was told he needed a kidney transplant. Performed at the University of Minnesota, it is now 36 years post-surgery and still functioning! "The surgeons told me it would last 12-15 years but they were mistaken," said Wiltgen.

In his 30's he developed heart disease, fought cellulitis, osteomyelitis, a below the knee amputation, pulmonary fibrosis and skin cancer.

Wiltgen also survived COVID in April of 2020 when no one knew anything about it. "The doctors would not come into my room. Instead, they phoned me on the hospital's phone to find out how I was doing," he said.

Nonetheless, his memoir includes larger-than life tales that are extremely entertaining. Though his life involves many tragedies, it also includes exciting personal and professional adventures as well as celebrity cameos with stars such as Jane Seymour, Timothy Hutton, Angelina Jolie, Sean and Robyn Wright Penn, Steve Harvey, John Cusack, the former Governor and First Lady of Lagos State, Nigeria (who is now running for President of that country) and Jesus.

His career has included designing homes across the United States, Canada, Mexico-even Africa. Wiltgen has appeared on HGTV, NBC, FOX, WTTW etc. His completed projects have been featured in more than 200 newspapers and magazines not including the hardcover coffee table books that also display his work. He has received 45 awards from his peers.

Navid Ziran, an orthopedic trauma surgeon said, "I perform many amputations due to diabetic foot infections and am very familiar with the effects of diabetes on the mental and physical quality of life as well as the overall longevity."

"The five-year mortality rate after an amputation is 62%," Ziran noted. Other individuals would have died a long time ago, yet he not only survived but became a world-renown designer," said Ziran.

"John is a quintessential example of how the human spirit can not only adapt but also flourish and succeed despite overwhelming obstacles. Truly, his life story embraces "ad astra per aspera"-a crooked path leads to the stars," said Ziran.

"I would say that regarding survivability and inner strength, John represents the end of the bell curve for not only diabetic patients but also humans," he concluded.

Holly Hunt, founder of the celebrated luxury home furnishings and design brand said, "John has a talent for storytelling and writing as well as for design, but the most important part of this memoir is his amazing energy and determination to live with the debilitating disease type 1 diabetes, Hunt said. "He enjoys a full life gathering fabulous, famous and adventurous friends, and gives back to many far more than he takes. He never looks back, always forward choosing to be happy and fully engaged while hiding his scars and physically damaged parts with Versace!"

Cynthia Rowley, global fashion designer, remarked, "I laughed out loud at every story. John's triumph over medical adversity is enormously uplifting. He chooses joy, happiness and unwavering positivity in his quest to live life on his own terms. I have never met a person with more energy and pathological optimism."

"I wrote this book to help people of all beliefs and backgrounds remain optimistic in the worst of times-no matter what personal or professional challenges they're dealing with," stated Wiltgen. "You might not have diabetes or know someone who does, but we all have challenges-and need stories exemplifying how to live our best lives-or, at least, laugh while trying!"

"The Candy in My Pocket" would make a great holiday gift not only for any one of the 500,000,000 diabetics around the globe, but for anyone fighting a debilitating disease. It can be purchased online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, the Book Depository, even Walmart.

MORE INFORMATION:

For more information, please go to the following websites:

https://www.jrwdesign.com/

https://www.jrwdesign.com/awards/

https://www.jrwdesign.com/jrwd-press/

https://www.thecandyinmypocket.com/

A portion of the profits realized from the sale of this book will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

John Robert Wiltgen has spoken on numerous topics at various venues including colleges, trade shows, private clubs, professional organizations and numerous podcasts. He's appeared on HGTV's I Want That! Baths; I Want That! Kitchens; and Homes Across America as well as NBC's Open House, Fox Television, and WTTW. He is a great interview.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

John Robert Wiltgen started writing as soon as his mother bought him a used Underwood typewriter at a garage sale. During middle school he was editor of the school newspaper. He graduated high school in 3 years studying art, literature, creative writing and theater. After a brief stint at design school, he embarked on his career as a residential designer and never looked back.

Wiltgen continued to grow his award-winning and successful residential design firm while fighting many obstacles. He obsessed over making his client's worlds beautiful taking him across North America and halfway around the world-from Chicago's Gold Coast to Africa's Ivory Coast. John Robert Wiltgen Design is synonymous with its reputation for excellence and superior quality in design, styling, and craftsmanship.

"The Candy in My Pocket" is Wiltgen's first book-a very personal memoir. However, he promises to delve into writing fiction next.

About his life John likes to quote the American writer, Elbert Hubbard. Born in 1857, raised in Illinois, he wrote, "Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out alive."

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

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

Business, Free News Articles, Insurance

EPIC Continues Strategic Expansion of Life and Executive Benefits Platform – Acquires Larry Gordon Agency

CHICAGO, Ill. -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants ("EPIC") announced today that it has acquired Larry Gordon Agency ("LGA"). The acquisition continues the strategic expansion of EPIC's geographic footprint in the Midwest across its life insurance, executive benefits, and financial advisory distribution businesses under the Vanbridge Life and Executive Benefits umbrella.

Established in 1965, the Larry Gordon Agency was one of the first independent brokerage agencies in the country and pioneered the concept of providing brokers a diversified mix of life insurance options with access to multiple carriers. Today, LGA services its customers with industry-leading life insurance and annuity products, and an experienced management team with extensive knowledge in impaired risk evaluation, business insurance solutions, estate planning techniques and financial planning tools.

LGA will continue to serve clients from its offices in Chicago and Rockford, Illinois. In addition, the current leadership team will remain in place including principals Mike Smrt and Larry Grapenthin, with Tom Braigel serving as a consultant.

"Joining Vanbridge and EPIC creates opportunities for Larry and me to provide a broader array of solutions and resources to our clients and provides our staff with new avenues for growth and development," said Mike Smrt, advisor and long-time partner at LGA. "Our agency has succeeded for more than 57 years because of our commitment to identifying the best products for clients' needs, and a shared sense of tenacity and commitment to results. We are excited what we can continue to achieve in partnership with Vanbridge and EPIC as we join their platform."

"I have been fortunate to know Tom, Larry and Mike for many years and have admired their approach to their business. The addition of the LGA team will enable our Life and Executive Benefits practice to become more efficient, grow organically at a higher rate, and improve on the best-in-class service delivered to our clients," said Tom Bellig, EPIC Life and Executive Benefits and Managing Principal of Vanbridge.

"We are thrilled to continue our expansion in the Midwest with the addition of LGA, whose vision and values align strongly with ours. We are proud that LGA has chosen to partner with us and honored to welcome Mike, Larry and the entire LGA team to the EPIC and Vanbridge family," concluded Mitchell K. Smith, EPIC Life and Executive Benefits and Managing Principal of Vanbridge.

About EPIC Brokers & Consultants:

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has more than 2,800 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients. Visit: https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

About Vanbridge Life and Executive Benefits:

Vanbridge's Life and Executive Benefits division provides coordinated advice about insurance planning, executive benefits, estate, tax, distributions, business succession, and other related financial matters. Our clients rely on our team to identify relevant areas of risk, ask clarifying and exploratory questions to identify goals, generate custom solutions and manage the implementation in conjunction with their legal and tax advisors, when applicable.

Vanbridge's infrastructure, tools, services, and strategies cater to RIAs, Family Offices, CPA firms and financial service professionals and institutions. We have assembled a distinguished interdisciplinary team that combines the best in life and annuity, capital markets, tax, and legal expertise. A true independent firm with offices and leadership across the country, Vanbridge provides objective access to the world's leading carriers across life insurance, annuities, disability income, long-term care, and linked benefits. Visit: https://www.vanbridge.com/.

About Larry Gordon Agency:

Established in 1965, the Larry Gordon Agency was one of the first independent brokerage agencies in the country to pioneer the concept of providing brokers a diversified mix of life insurance options with access to multiple carriers. LGA has been synonymous with performance and expertise specializing in multiple carrier management, aggressive impaired risk underwriting and an extensive annuity portfolio. Visit: https://www.lganet.com/

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

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

Business, Education and Schools, Free News Articles

ACI Board of Trustees Appoints April Arnold as ACI Executive Director

CHICAGO, Ill. -- The Board of Trustees of Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI) (https://acifund.org) appointed April Arnold, CFRE, as ACI executive director, succeeding Mick Weltman, who will retire after leading the organization for nearly eight years. Arnold brings substantial experience as a leader and fundraiser in higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations. She begins her leadership role with ACI July 5.

Currently, Arnold is an independent consultant who has worked with organizations such as Kidsmatter, Naperville, Illinois, and Futures Fundamentals, Chicago.

Arnold, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, said she is honored to be selected as ACI's next executive director. "My passion has always been to support youth," she said. "As a first-generation college student, I understand what degree completion means not only for student success, but also for the success of the family. My own experience would have been quite different without encouragement and guidance from others. To me, the secret sauce of ACI is in what we can do to augment resources, provide connections, and foster opportunities to support the colleges and universities served."

Arnold's experience as a fundraiser was key in her selection as executive director, said Lyn Bulman, chair of the ACI Board of Trustees. "The breadth of her not-for-profit experience, and particularly her time in higher education, was also an attraction," she commented. "In addition to her previous roles, everyone who met April as part of the selection process felt that she would be a good fit with ACI's culture. I am confident that April Arnold will be a worthy successor and a strong ambassador for ACI's mission."

Arnold's previous work experience includes serving as operations director for Sounds Good Choir, NFP, Downers Grove, Illinois, from 2019 to 2022. In that role, she established procedures and operations for the startup organization that serves hundreds of older adults in the Chicago area through community-based choirs. Her success included annual fundraising campaigns that increased at least 9 percent each year.

In higher education roles, she was director of corporate and foundation relations at Northern Illinois University (NIU) from 2014 to 2018. At NIU, she developed new giving policies, raised $2.5 million towards scholarship and program support, and secured one of the largest seven-figure gifts to the foundation. From 2007 to 2013, Arnold worked at Elmhurst University, Elmhurst, Illinois, an ACI member, where she was director of institutional giving and served in other senior development roles. Among her achievements were generating more than $1 million in new gifts to support capital, endowed and annual initiatives, raising $1.7 million toward a department goal of $3 million, organizing a signature fundraising event that netted more than $300,000 annually and establishing corporate alumni gatherings to build engagement.

In addition, Arnold held senior-level development and marketing roles with several nonprofit organizations, including Elmhurst Art Museum; Museum Explorer, Inc., North Riverside, Illinois, where she was also co-founder; DuPage Children's Museum, Naperville; plus Arts Alliance Illinois, Classic Digital, Inc., and Chicago Symphony Orchestra, all in Chicago.

Arnold became a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) in March 2020. She is also active in community service activities. In 2019, she was named Outstanding Volunteer for West Suburban Philanthropic Network, Wheaton. Since 2019, she has served on the DuPage Board of Directors for Metropolitan Family Services, Wheaton, and is development and stewardship chair. She previously served on the board for Family Shelter Service, Wheaton, and served on strategic planning committees for DuPage Convention and Visitor's Bureau, and DuPage Arts for All.

Arnold and her family reside in suburban Chicago.

About Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI):

ACI is a collaboration of 26 private, independent colleges and universities, representing more than 70,000 students. Established in 1952, ACI supports member colleges and universities by advancing independent liberal arts and sciences education and helping underserved students succeed in college, careers and life. The organization raises funds for scholarships, emergency financial aid and peer mentoring, and it provides member services such as professional development conferences, college-to-career seminars and other events.

Learn more: https://acifund.org/

Related link: https://acifund.org

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

Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial

The Obsidian WROTE Collection and Black Writers Workspace Launch Writing Competition for Black Creators

CHICAGO, Ill. -- Black writers, bloggers, journalists, poets, songwriters, and screenwriters now have a place to showcase their work, find writing jobs, win cash prizes, and collaborate with peers. The Black Writers Collaborative, a new literary competition designed to empower writers with a flair for crafting culture-infused works of art, is the latest brainchild of The Obsidian WROTE Collection, a Chicago-based content marketing platform designed to connect Black writers to top industry brands looking to amplify African American voices, and the Black Writers Workspace, a New Orleans-based online community of over 13,000 new and independent writers.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/BCCWROTE.

"Black writers are telling the stories of this time in history," said Michelle D. Jackson, author, and founder of the Black Writers Workspace. "Not only are we historians; we are lyrists, playwrights, authors, reporters, and poets committed to sharing our life experiences with the world, our way. The Collaborative gives voice to writers who never felt our stories mattered and now appreciates the growing marketplace for our craft."

Known in many circles as the Black writer's 'LinkedIn,' the Obsidian WROTE hopes to utilize the Collaborative to build a pipeline of qualified writers by inspiring participants to create a free profile and share their work on the platform.

"It's time for Black writers to reclaim our narrative and reshape the Black experience," said Angela Ford, Founder and Executive Director of The Obsidian Collection Archives. "WROTE is a marketplace that connects brands, media outlets, and agencies with Black voices with the hope that they can profit from their stories. That's why our partnership with the Collaborative provides an opportunity for more Black voices to be highlighted and heard."

To participate, writers must create an Obsidian WROTE profile and submit a 5-8-page response to the following writing prompt: What Black leader or literary legend inspired me the most? Or writers can submit 5-8 pages of any culture-infused written work of art. Submissions can be a fictional or non-fictional narrative, screenplay, song, or journalistic article. There is no fee to participate. To register, visit https://bit.ly/BCCWROTE. The deadline is August 15, 2022.

The top winner will receive $500 cash, access to The Obsidian Collection of Black media images, and a Black Writers Workspace promotional package worth over $750. The second and third place winners will receive $250 and $150 cash and a Black Writers Workspace promotional package.

To learn more, visit the website or email Michelle Jackson at events@prsolutionsllc.org.

To join the Black Writers Workspace, follow the group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwritersworkspace

MEDIA CONTACT: marketing@prsolutionsllc.org.

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.theobsidiancollection.org/

Related link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwritersworkspace

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Business, Free News Articles, Insurance

Graham V. Bayly Joins EPIC’s Midwest Region and Financial Services Division

CHICAGO, Ill. -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Graham V. Bayly has joined the firm as a managing principal and Midwest Private Equity practice leader in its Financial Services division.

Bayly joins EPIC with nearly 20 years of industry experience in the Private Equity and M&A space. During his career, he has represented business owners, management teams, and private equity firms. He has also provided transaction-facilitating insurance products for investment bankers, lawyers, and deal professionals. Bayly has a proven ability to bridge the M&A space, with considerable experience conducting pre-closing insurance due diligence, structuring transactional insurance products, developing post-closing insurance programs and budgets, and supporting post-closing representation of businesses. Bayly will be based in Chicago and New York while working with all of EPIC's national teams in the financial services space.

"The breadth of Graham's knowledge and his experience working in the Private Equity and M&A space makes him a tremendous asset to EPIC and will create value for our clients on day one. He has a proven track record of establishing long-term client relationships and the diversity of his experience is highly complementary to our existing team," said Adam Meyerowitz, President, Midwest and Southeast Region.

"Graham is joining us at an exciting time, and we're looking forward to drawing upon his significant expertise in the private equity space as we expand our footprint in the Midwest market and beyond. I expect him to play an integral role in the development of our growth strategy going forward," said Philip V. Moyles, Jr., President, Financial Services and Chief Growth Officer.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants:

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a retail insurance brokerage, has more than 3,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to clients. EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S.

More information: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

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

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

Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Construction and Building, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities

ACLENet and Government of Uganda Sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to Further ‘Building Lightning Safe Communities’ Effort

CHICAGO, Ill. -- An important milestone for promoting lightning safety across Africa occurred with the February 2022 signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Uganda-based African Centers for Lightning and Electromagnetics Network (ACLENet) and the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) of Uganda. This MoU was piloted and promoted by the Ministry of Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees (MoRDP'R) within the Prime Minister's Office.

"My Ministry is working with ACLENet on the scientific aspects of disaster preparedness," said Hilary Onek, the Hon Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees. "It is the hope of parties involved in this partnership to make this optimism a reality," Onek explained during a Public Service Announcement (PSA), an integral part of engagements leading to the signing of the MoU that was broadcast during the 2021 holiday season in both English and Luganda, the primary indigenous language in Uganda.

The MoU is an important milestone for ACLENet, as it is expected to provide instrumental framework for: 1) A national mandate to plan, promote, and advocate for lightning safety across Uganda; 2) Introduction of scientific principles of lightning safety for people, property, and places according to globally recognized lightning protection system (LPS) safety standard provisions of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

"This partnership is expected to further ACLENet's goals of saving lives and property across Africa," said Dr. Mary Ann Cooper, Managing Director of ACLENet.

Data sets and information packages are being prepared for the Hon. Minister for onward submission to appropriate units within the Government of Uganda and general public and include priorities outlined in The United Nation's Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 as well as a database on lightning injuries.

"Specifically, ACLENet plans to expand the work piloted with programs and interventions over the last seven years and in partnership with the National Emergency Coordination and Operations Centre (NECOC), a specialized department of MoRDP'R," explained Dr. Cooper. "Together, we aim to advance the 'building lightning safe communities' effort by reducing the number of deaths, injuries, and property damage from lightning."

Here in the U.S., the International Code Council (I.C.C.) is celebrating its 42nd annual Building Safety Month campaign with the theme "Safety for All: Building Codes in Action," to raise awareness about the importance of building codes in ensuring safety in spaces in which we live work and learn.

"Building Safety Month focuses on issues that impact our everyday lives: building safety, energy, water and disasters-factors of constant concern for homes, schools, businesses and communities," said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO.

Learn more: https://aclenet.org/how-to-help/overview.html

About ACLENet:

ACLENet, a nonprofit organization incorporated in both the US and Uganda, seeks funding and volunteers to help reduce injuries, save lives, and decrease crippling infrastructure damage from lightning in Africa. Visit https://aclenet.org/ to learn how you can support the effort.

ACLENet uses lightning protection, public, primary, and secondary education, and research to interface with African governments and protect communities from the lightning threat.

RELATED LINKS:

https://opm.go.ug/disaster-preparedness-and-management/

https://www.iec.ch/homepage

https://aclenet.org/news-publications/country-news/

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/aj4iifLdI7E

Related link: https://aclenet.org/

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Business, Free News Articles, Real Estate

Chicago-based Swift Homes Achieves 500 5-Star Reviews

CHICAGO, Ill. -- A professional home buying company that helps homeowners across the United States sell their properties quickly for top cash value, Swift Homes is proud to have surpassed 500 5-star reviews from highly satisfied sellers.

"Swift Homes' mission is to help homeowners achieve the best possible outcome when selling their home, and we are thrilled that the service we provide to sellers is reflected in our 5-star reviews," said Zach Fertig, President of Swift Homes.

Supported by a multi-billion-dollar private equity fund, the business has sent out over a million reliable and competitive cash offers to prospective sellers from California to Maine. The time-tested Swift Homes process benefits not only homeowners, but also local families that are able to rent the properties purchased.

From the very beginning, the skilled and knowledgeable team at Swift Homes has been fully committed to assisting clients looking to sell their single-family houses due to a variety of life circumstances. One of the many reasons why sellers are so satisfied with the company is that Swift Homes masterfully guides them and keeps the process as straightforward, efficient, and hassle-free as possible.

The Swift Homes representatives have more than 20 years of combined industry experience, which enables them to provide a client experience and level of service that other companies cannot match.

Starting the Swift Homes process is as simple as answering a few questions about the property for sale. Typically, within 2 business days the company's team will furnish a proposal with their dependable top cash offer included. If the seller decides to accept the offer and sign the contract, Swift Homes has a 3rd party inspect the house first hand. As soon as the inspection is finished and the title has cleared, the company can complete the transaction and provide sellers with their funds.

"Sellers greatly appreciate the fact that Swift Homes keeps control of the process in their hands, and never pressures them to move forward on anything they are not fully comfortable with," added Fertig. "They are also grateful for the fact that they can sell their properties in as-is condition rather than needing to make extensive repairs or modifications." While Swift Homes will request a repair credit if the 3rd party inspection finds any excessive damage or other issues that must be fixed, homeowners can always opt out of the deal at that point or choose to handle these necessary repairs themselves.

With Swift Homes, homeowners also have the ability to set a closing date that works well for their particular situation and then change that closing date if need be. While closing time can vary from transaction to transaction, the process is usually complete within a few weeks to a few months. To help sellers get the most value out of the deal as possible, Swift Homes does not charge any fees for their services, and even handles customary closing costs (Title Search, Notary Fees, Recording Fees, and Deed Preparation/Attorney Fees).

About Swift Homes

Now operating in over 100 major real estate markets that encompass thousands of towns and cities throughout the country, Swift Homes has industry-leading programs that have helped improve the lives of countless homeowners and local families alike. Sellers approved by the rental fund can also choose to rent their properties back after the sales have closed. While Swift Homes primarily facilitates the purchase of single-family properties, they do consider multi-family properties as well as condos and commercial properties. The company also works with investment properties (even those with existing tenants), as well as realtors.

Swift Homes can be reached by calling (877) 861-2466. For more information visit https://www.selltoswift.com/ or email hello@SelltoSwift.com.

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/F3api2mPF_s

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

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