Advertising and Marketing, Business

Black-Owned Consulting Firm Thinkzilla Celebrates 11 Years of Advancing Racial Equity and Economic Opportunity

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- For the past 11 years, CEO Dr. Velma Trayham and her team at Thinkzilla Consulting have been addressing inequality by building and managing programs with the support of public and private partnerships, advancing economic opportunities across diverse and underserved U.S. communities. In addition to the many holidays this month, Dr. Trayham and Thinkzilla, one of the fastest-growing consulting firms in the country, have a lot to celebrate.

"Entrepreneurs of color represent the fastest-growing segment of the small business market, yet they have the least access to capital, are more likely to be denied credit, and have limited access to entrepreneurial training and technical assistance that would allow them to win multi-million dollar contracts through supplier diversity and contracting opportunities. Thinkzilla is solving this problem," Dr. Trayham said. "We are proud to partner with government entities and corporations to expand access and contracting opportunities for underserved businesses. We all have a lot to celebrate this year."

A global company with offices in Atlanta, Houston, Miami, Scottsdale, and a recently opened office in Ontario, Canada, Thinkzilla is based at Arizona State University's Skysong Innovation Center and specializes in supplier diversity development, implementation of technical assistance programs, capacity-building programs and consulting to help organizations improve their social, environmental and economic programs.

President Joseph Biden recently awarded founder and CEO Dr. Trayham the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for the select few who "exhibit outstanding character, work ethic and dedication to their communities." She also joined CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion(tm) in an unprecedented commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

The firm's programs have supported over 8,000 underserved entrepreneurs over the past 11 years, spurring more than $400 million in economic impact and advancement for diverse businesses. During that time, Thinkzilla launched a proprietary DEI Scorecard, used by hundreds nationwide to help organizations grow diversity, equity, and inclusion. Thinkzilla also developed IMPACT AZ 2025 in collaboration with the Arizona Black Chamber, Arizona's largest technical assistance Supplier Diversity accelerator for Black entrepreneurs, which includes the support of JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, the City of Phoenix, the City of Scottsdale, and many more.

"Small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy, accounting for almost half of our GDP and employing nearly half of all private-sector workers, which is why we devote so much time and energy to supporting and sparking small business growth," Dr. Trayham added. "Over the next five years, we aim to triple our impact, creating job opportunities, expanding public and private partnerships, and helping hundreds of communities foster innovation and bridge the racial wealth gap."

About Thinkzilla Consulting Group:

Thinkzilla Consulting Group, LLC is a black and woman-owned consulting firm that helps corporate and government entities engage communities and make an economic impact. Our clients include commercial, corporate, and government entities. Thinkzilla assists financial service firms, Fortune 500 companies, and small to midsize companies in enhancing CRA efforts and providing measurable progress and success metrics.

As one of the fastest-growing consulting companies, Thinkzilla is committed to developing world-class programs and providing data-driven strategies that move our economy forward. Thinkzilla's dual headquarters are in Atlanta and Scottsdale, Arizona.

Visit https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/ to learn more.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

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

Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Free News Articles, Government, VAR and IT Consulting

Planet Defense LLC, the City of Jacksonville Arkansas, and Rokee LLC Partner to Develop a Groundbreaking Innovation Hub in Jacksonville, AR

JACKSONVILLE, Ark. -- Planet Defense LLC, in partnership with the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas, and Rokee LLC, is pleased to announce the launch of the Smart Arkansas Innovation Hub that is now being developed in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Currently, this very important, timely and advanced technology-oriented Public-Private Partnership (P3) includes the three Founding Partners named above along with numerous public and private sector sponsors.

During the public ceremony announcing this hub's launch that was held recently, the Mayor of Jacksonville Arkansas, Jeff Elmore, stated that, "This innovation hub will be transformational for our city. We are delighted to be a part of this very timely project for Jacksonville."

Adding to the Mayor's comments, Karilyn Brown, Arkansas State Representative, further noted, "We are delighted to have this innovation hub in our region and we expect it to contribute significantly to our economic and community development efforts."

The hub's mission is to rapidly build up the entire region's infrastructure and public service capabilities by delivering a well-balanced combination of Smart City technological solutions to address existing area problems, enhanced STEM and Workforce Development initiatives, plus a wide range of economic development projects. The Smart City tech solutions provided through this P3 endeavor will initially focus on five areas: Digital Equity, Smart Health & Connected Ambulance Services, Emerging Public Safety Services, Cybersecurity, and Smart Lighting/Broadband Services.

Public and private sector sponsors supporting this pioneering project in various capacities include the City of Jacksonville, the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) and its related Virginia Smart Community Testbed (VSCT), Verizon, as well as multiple other local and regional businesses.

Dr. Indu Singh, Planet Defense's President and CEO, concluded saying, "The Smart Arkansas Innovation Hub in Jacksonville is one of the key sites in Planet Defense's national/regional model for smart city development which promotes digital equity and strengthens underserved communities. Our efforts will contribute to the growth of local and regional digital economies and deliver a wide range of benefits to minorities, senior citizens and underserved communities."

For additional details about the groundbreaking Jacksonville Arkansas Innovation Hub, please contact: Dr. Michael G. Oehler, Planet Defense's Director of Operations, at: moehler@planetdefensellc.com

For a PDF version of this press release, please see: https://www.planetdefensellc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/PD-Press-Release-8-Smart-Arkansas-Innovation-Hub-Launch.pdf

ABOUT PLANET DEFENSE LLC:

Planet Defense LLC, located in North Virginia USA, specializes in consulting, engineering & training services in Cybersecurity, IT, Satellites/Telecoms, Smart & Safe Cities, & Systems Engineering. The firm supports public/private sector clients worldwide with footprints in the USA & other GCC nations. Key Planet Defense staff are world-leading experts in Cybersecurity, Digital Transformation, Engineering, IT, Public Safety, Science, & Technology. See: https://www.planetdefensellc.com/.

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

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

Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Free News Articles, Safety and Security Solutions, VAR and IT Consulting

Planet Defense LLC and Cape Fox Corporation Partner to Develop a Groundbreaking Innovation Hub in Ketchikan, Alaska

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Planet Defense LLC announced today its close partnership with Cape Fox Corporation (CFC) to develop and manage a technology Innovation Hub in Ketchikan, Alaska, starting immediately. This new project - a Public-Private Partnership - will strengthen Ketchikan's native community and local commercial businesses by providing them with emerging and smart technologies. This endeavor will particularly benefit the Alaska Native people living in the area.

This Innovation Hub will further be supported in various capacities by public and private sector partners. Ketchikan Innovation Hub will collaborate with Virginia Smart Community Testbed (VSCT), which is being supported by Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), Stafford County in Virginia, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as well as multiple technology companies.

Todd Morgan, Cape Fox Shared Service's President of Strategy and Innovation, further noted, "The goal of this multifaceted project is to transform lives and communities in the Ketchikan, Alaska region through innovation and implementation of new technologies, plus educate and prepare a future-ready workforce capable of consistently achieving excellence. We are delighted to have partnered with Planet Defense LLC, which has many years of experience designing and implementing innovation hubs around the world."

Commenting on this very significant development, Dr. Indu Singh, Planet Defense's Director and Chairman of the Board, said, "By working with all of our strategic partners over time, including community leaders and indigenous stakeholders, we will together help support Alaska Native people while advancing that and other local/regional communities into the 21st century. As a result, these communities will be provided with easier access to smart and connected healthcare, broadband communications, new job opportunities, improved public safety using drone technologies, expanded tourism, and other tangible benefits."

For additional details about the groundbreaking Planet Defense/CFC Ketchikan, Alaska Innovation Hub, please contact: Dr. Michael G. Oehler, Planet Defense's Director of Operations, at: moehler[at]planetdefensellc.com

ABOUT PLANET DEFENSE LLC:

Planet Defense LLC, located in N. Virginia USA, specializes in consulting, engineering & training services in Cybersecurity, IT, Satellites/Telecoms, Smart & Safe Cities, & Systems Engineering. The firm supports public/private sector clients worldwide with footprints in the USA & other GCC nations. Key Planet Defense staff are world-leading experts in Cybersecurity, Digital Transformation, Engineering, IT, Public Safety, Science, & Technology. See: https://www.planetdefensellc.com/.

ABOUT CAPE FOX CORPORATION:

Cape Fox Corporation (CFC) was formed as part of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971 & is the Alaska Native Corporation for the village of Saxman, Alaska. Today, CFC is comprised of a family of businesses divided into two distinct groups: The Federal Contracting Group based in Manassas, Virginia, & The Commercial (Tourism) Group located in Ketchikan, Alaska. Collectively, CFC & its subsidiaries specialize in Construction, Cybersecurity, Healthcare, IT, Professional Services, & Tourism. See: https://www.capefoxcorp.com/federal-contracting-group/ and https://www.capefoxcorp.com/commercial-group/.

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

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

Business, Construction and Building, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government

RMA’s Kevin Crowder on What Cities Need to Know Before They Seek a P3

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. -- Kevin Crowder was in great demand at the recent Florida Council for Public Private Partnership (P3) conference in Orlando. As the Economic Development Director for RMA - Redevelopment Management Associates (www.rma.us.com) he has successfully guided many cities through the complicated P3 process. During the conference, he shared how cities can avoid some of the biggest P3 pitfalls and emulate the most successful P3 projects.

"P3s can be a terrific tool to attract investment, but the first step is to determine if the P3 process is actually right for your city," explained Crowder. "Many city leaders feel if they want to attract a new hotel or create a new downtown, then they should automatically use a P3. But there are other viable options, and cities must weigh them all. Due diligence is critical before embarking on this route. Choosing a P3 process without fully understanding all the aspects is a common error with serious consequences."

RMA has guided many city and county clients through the evaluation process, and it is a formidable one. Successful P3s entail intense prior analysis of market potential, real estate feasibility studies, zoning evaluations and public input. However, this process does not end with the analysis; understanding the market potential from the private perspective is critical. If a P3 is embarked upon, Crowder stresses that city leaders must accept the fact they do not speak the same language as developers.

"The public and private sectors inherently do not understand each other," explained Crowder. "City leaders will need a 'translator.'"

As Crowder relays during his presentations, cities often hire specialists such as attorneys and financial advisors to guide them through various municipal issues, yet they often underestimate the need for a specialist to translate 'developer speak' and structure a successful negotiation.

"Developers bring their A-team to the negotiating table; cities must bring theirs," stressed Crowder.

During the conference, Crowder highlighted the recent successful P3 for the Town of Davie in Florida, which will transform the unstructured downtown into a Rodeo Western Village featuring entertainment excellence, world-class infrastructures, residences, a hotel and more.

"The Town of Davie is terrific role model for cities seeking a development partner," he explained. "City leaders completed the three key requirements for a successful P3: they did their due diligence, they brought their A-team to the table, and they brought forth a project that was compatible with the community's character."

About RMA:

Founded in 2009 by Kim Briesemeister and Chris Brown, Redevelopment Management Associates (RMA) is comprised of a phenomenal team of redevelopment experts passionate about building better communities. RMA is the most experienced full-service economic redevelopment consulting and management firm, headquartered in the state of Florida, specializing in revitalizing core areas and corridors for cities, counties and special districts nationwide. The co-founders are also the authors of one of the definitive books about city redevelopment, "Reinventing Your City: 8 Steps to Turn Your City Around."

More information: http://www.rma.us.com/.

Related link:

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Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government

RMA Selected to Establish P3 for Town of Davie

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. -- Redevelopment Management Associates (www.rma.us.com) today announced that their firm was selected by the Town of Davie to establish the Public-Private Partnership (P3) that will develop the Town's downtown center. RMA will consult with the Davie CRA and the Town of Davie to create a western theme district that will enhance the community's economic and social offerings.

"RMA has garnered a reputation as the leader in P3 development in Florida," said Kevin Crowder, Director of Economic Development. "Our team has vast experience in the practice, having established P3s in Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach. We are pleased to be working with Davie to create a downtown that will resonate with the area's equestrian lifestyle."

RMA's full service team encompasses a wide variety of skill sets that, when combined, produce results unmatched by a single purpose firm. Comprised of architects, urban designers, planners, economic developers, financial analysts, real estate experts and marketing professionals, RMA is capable of assisting clients on multiple levels to create successful communities.

RMA co-founder, Kim Briesemeister, was recently selected by the International Downtown Association (IDA) to serve on the Top Issues Council for Public-Private Partnerships. IDA is the premier association of urban place managers who are shaping and activating dynamic downtown districts, connecting all the stakeholders in a downtown area, and bridging the gap between the public and private sectors.

Kevin Crowder is a noted speaker on P3 issues and recently conducted a seminar at the 2016 conference for the Florida Council of Public-Private Partnerships.

Following an open procurement process, the Town of Davie selected RMA to guide the CRA and the Town's officials throughout the entire process of developing a Public-Private Partnership. The initial phase includes extensive market research, conducting public forums, and establishing market position. The next phase entails guiding the Town on developer selection and managing the negotiation process.

"This is a unique project that will help define the Town of Davie," explained Crowder. "We are excited and honored to be part of creating such a distinctive downtown."

About RMA:

Redevelopment Management Associates (RMA) was formed in 2009, bringing together a phenomenal team of redevelopment experts passionate about building better communities. RMA doesn't just draft plans, they implement them. RMA is the most experienced full service consulting and management firm in the state of Florida specializing in revitalizing core areas and corridors for cities, counties and special districts nationwide.

More information: http://www.rma.us.com/.

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