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Comcast to Expand Fiber Network in Tulare County

Comcast California

Comcast announced today it will expand its smart, fast, reliable, fiber-rich Xfinity network in Tulare County, California. The project will bring Comcast’s next-generation, best-in-class broadband network to approximately 6,200 previously unserved locations in areas of Alpaugh, Dinuba, Earlimart, Kingsburg, Pixley, Sultana, Traver, Tulare, Visalia, and Tipton and is expected to be completed by early 2026. The planned expansion adds to Comcast’s more than $4 billion in technology and infrastructure investments across California in the last three years. The expansion is made possible by a more than $26 million Federal Funding Account Grant from the California Public Utilities Commission and private funding by Comcast. These locations will have Comcast’s next-generation network, built on DOCSIS 4.0 technology, which enables symmetrical, multi-gigabit Internet options that deliver optimal upload and download speeds and performance. “Today’s announcement builds on our collective unwavering commitment and efforts to close the digital divide in California,” said David Tashjian, Regional Senior Vice President of Comcast. “Comcast is proud to partner with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to bring reliable, high-speed Internet access to several communities across Tulare County, by early 2026. By continuing to invest in public-private partnerships such as this, Comcast will bring its best-in-class broadband services to previously unserved locations and help ensure that no one is left behind, no matter their economic status or where they live.” “I’m thankful to both the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and Comcast for their continued commitment and investments to bridging the digital divide in Tulare County,” said Larry Micari, Chair of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors. “High-speed, reliable Internet is no longer a luxury. This investment will provide more than 6,200 previously unserved homes and businesses in our communities with an accessible and affordable Internet connection to help families succeed, students thrive in school, businesses drive economic growth and foster greater innovation throughout the region.” Comcast’s commitment to new communities goes beyond the build—addressing digital opportunities in communities through Project UP, the company’s $1 billion dollar commitment to help tens of millions of people connect to the Internet and build futures of unlimited possibilities. Over the past three years, Comcast has invested more than $130.5 million in cash and in-kind donations into California nonprofits focused on helping people build digital skills, expanding WiFi connected Lift Zones and funding connectivity and Internet adoption programs. Comcast’s funding also supports ongoing efforts to build awareness about affordable connectivity services like Internet Essentials, which offers eligible households high-speed Internet for $9.95/month or Internet Essentials Plus for $29.95/month. Affordable computers are also available through Internet Essentials. Since its inception in 2011, the program has connected more than 2.2 million Californians. Residential customers will be able to take advantage of Xfinity’s full suite of products, including Internet, video, mobile, voice and managed home solutions. For local businesses, Comcast Business will offer a suite of connectivity, communications, networking, cybersecurity, wireless, and managed solutions to help organizations of different sizes prepare for what’s next. Industry analysts and associations have consistently recognized Comcast Business as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest-growing providers of Ethernet services. Comcast’s network and Internet experience are powering homes today and into the future. Ultimate Capacity: Xfinity customers connect more than 1 billion devices across the company’s network annually. With the next-generation Xfinity gateways, we deliver the most advanced WiFi technology carrying three times more bandwidth to power streaming, gaming, videoconferencing, and more, simultaneously. Fastest Internet: Nearly a third of Xfinity Internet customers subscribe to gigabit speed products. Recently Comcast connected the first customers in the world to a DOCSIS 4.0 connection, delivering symmetrical gig speeds over existing connections in customers’ homes with plans to continue to rollout these speeds across the country over the coming years. Unprecedented Coverage: The latest Xfinity Gateway provides a more reliable connection throughout the home. Customers can get wall-to-wall WiFi coverage with a powerful WiFi Boost Pod that extends coverage to hard-to-reach areas of the home. Most Reliable Connection: Comcast is scaling the nation’s largest and most reliable network that passes 62 million homes and businesses and counting. The company launched Storm-Ready WiFi, a new device that comes powered with cellular and battery backup to help keep customers connected even when the power goes out. Ultra-Low Latency: The Xfinity network and the latest Xfinity Gateway are a powerful combination that deliver ultra-low latency for those moments when response times matter most like video games, a fast-growing category with Xfinity households averaging more than one gaming console per home. For local businesses, Comcast Business will offer a suite of connectivity, communications, networking, cybersecurity, wireless, and managed solutions to help organizations of different sizes prepare for what’s next. Comcast Business has been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest-growing providers of Ethernet services. About Comcast Business Comcast Business offers leading global businesses the technology solutions and forward-thinking partnership they need. With a full suite of solutions including fast, reliable connectivity, secure networking solutions and advanced cybersecurity and a range of managed service options, Comcast Business is ready to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. Comcast Business has been recognized by leading analyst firms for its continued growth, innovation and leadership, and is committed to partnering with customers to help them drive their businesses forward. For more information, call 800-501-6000. Follow @ComcastBusiness on social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Joan Hammel +1 925-519-4874 joan_hammel@comcast.com Company Website https://california.comcast.com/

August 22, 2024 01:04 PM Pacific Daylight Time

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Svenska lagar och regler - en inblick & rapport

AM Europe

Sveriges spellagstiftning genomgick en betydande förändring 2019 med införandet av en ny spellag. Syftet med reformen var att öka konsumentskyddet och kontrollera den svenska spelmarknaden. En direkt konsekvens av detta blev en striktare reglering av utländska casinon som riktar sig till svenska spelare. Utländska Casinon och Svensk Lag Innan 2019 var det relativt fritt fram för utländska casinon att verka på den svenska marknaden. Men med den nya spellagen är det endast casinon med svensk licens som får rikta sig till svenska spelare. Detta innebär att utländska casinon utan svensk licens inte längre får marknadsföra sig till svenska spelare eller erbjuda sina tjänster till dem. Vad betyder detta för svenska spelare? Begränsat utbud: Spelare har ett mindre utbud av casinon att välja mellan. Ökad säkerhet: Spelare som väljer ett svenskt licensierat casino kan känna sig säkrare då dessa casinon följer strikta regler och krav. Skatter: Vinster från spel på svenska casinon beskattas inte, medan vinster från spel på utländska casinon kan vara skattepliktiga. Spelinspektionen – Tillsynsmyndigheten Spelinspektionen är den svenska myndighet som ansvarar för att övervaka och kontrollera spelmarknaden. De har till uppgift att se till att spelbolag följer gällande lagar och regler, samt att skydda spelare från oärliga aktörer. Spelinspektionen har verktyg för att blockera olagliga casinon och kan även utdela sanktioner till bolag som bryter mot reglerna. Läs mer här: Utländska Casino NewsDirect Konsumentskydd och Ansvarigt Spelande Den nya spellagen har också infört skärpta krav på ansvarsfullt spelande. Casinon måste erbjuda verktyg för spelare att sätta gränser för sina spelande, och det finns även stödlinjer för spelberoende. Det är viktigt att komma ihåg att spel alltid innebär en risk. Det är därför viktigt att spela ansvarsfullt och sätta upp gränser för sig själv. Sammanfattning Sveriges spellagstiftning har blivit betydligt striktare för att skydda spelare och kontrollera spelmarknaden. Även om det innebär begränsningar för spelare, så ökar det också säkerheten och skapar en rättvisare spelmiljö. Det är viktigt att alltid välja ett svenskt licensierat casino för att vara säker på att spela på laglig grund och kunna ta del av konsumentskyddet. Viktigt att notera: Denna artikel är en allmän översikt och ersätter inte juridisk rådgivning. För mer detaljerad information rekommenderas att kontakta Spelinspektionen eller en jurist. Nyckelord: svensk spellagstiftning, utländska casinon, Spelinspektionen, ansvarsfullt spelande, konsumentskydd. Resurser Spelpaus.se spelinspektionen.se Stödlinjen.se Contact Details Spiru Borg +356 2735 7227 Spiru.borg@casinolistingmedia.com

August 20, 2024 11:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Avenue Z Announces Strategic Partnerships with TikTok Shops and Shopify: Driving New Advancements in Social Commerce

Avenue Z

Heading into the crucial Q4 holiday retail season, Avenue Z, a media and technology company, announced its strategic partnerships with TikTok Shops and Shopify. These collaborations amplify Avenue Z’s cutting-edge approach, highlighting its role as an official TikTok Shops Agency Partner and Shopify Plus Partner, delivering unmatched benefits to shoppers, creators, and brands. Avenue Z, a leader in social commerce, is renowned for its ability to drive influence across all channels, where Shopify’s e-commerce platform and TikTok Shops’ affiliate and influencer marketing abilities are a critical part. “Shopify and TikTok Shops are the key drivers paving the new path that is social commerce” said David Corchado, Chief Strategy Officer at Avenue Z, and Head of Channel Partnerships. “They continue to innovate store functionality and enhance the on-platform shopper experience. Now with the prioritization of TikTok Live content, any DTC / B2C brand heading into the holiday retail season must have these two pieces in their e-commerce ecosystem, or they’ll miss the mark on Q4 performance.” This partnership provides direct access to TikTok Shop expertise, along with insights from Shopify and Shopify Plus experts, all designed to optimize the shopping experience, boost revenue, and enhance brand reputation. Avenue Z will also be working with brands on TikTok to stream “LIVE” content allowing viewers and creators to interact in real-time. Easy Access to TikTok Shop Expertise for Brands With over 150 million monthly active users in the US, TikTok is revolutionizing social commerce. Avenue Z’s status as a preferred TikTok Shops Partner (TSP) allows brands to tap into platform expertise and support to leverage viral marketing trends, transforming product discovery into instant purchasing decisions. This collaboration enables brands to easily engage with TikTok’s dynamic audience through Avenue Z’s expertise and creator network, leveraging real-time analytics and advanced tools to maximize sales and brand presence. “Affiliate and influencer marketing have evolved and merged into a highly effective strategy for performance marketing,” said Jonathan Snow, Chief Innovation Officer at Avenue Z, in a recent Fast Company article. “Brands can make the most of this by engaging a large number of affiliates and offering attractive commissions, all through the TikTok Shop platform. Paired with our platform expertise, social commerce will be a critically important revenue generating channel for brands in Q4.” Shopify Expertise for eCommerce Brands As a Shopify Plus Partner, Avenue Z helps brands optimize their digital storefronts and expand their reach, driving growth in a competitive marketplace. With Shopify, brands can manage and grow their online presence across multiple channels, ensuring a seamless shopping experience that meets the evolving preferences of today’s consumers. “This is why our Shopify Plus Partner status is so important, we’re able to bring the best in e-commerce to our clients,” said Snow. “Shopify has the world’s highest converting checkout experience, augmented by Shop Pay which expedites the payment process and offers consumers rewards and cashback. Thanks to this, Shopify Payments represents a staggering 61% of Shopify’s GMV, which climbed $2B in Q2 2024 (YoY), and was able to do so despite unfavorable consumer market conditions. When the tide turns and we enter a stronger consumer market in the near future, just imagine what Shopify’s growth will accelerate to.” Snow’s outlook for DTC/B2C brand performance in Q4 2024 remains strong, but only when best-in-class e-commerce tools and talent align, as is the case with Avenue Z’s Shopify Plus Partnership. Biggest Brand Benefits: Driving Revenue, Elevating Reputation As Avenue Z continues to pioneer advancements in social commerce, the strategic partnerships with TikTok Shops and Shopify mark a significant milestone. “Channels like this - TikTok and Shopify - are critical avenues for driving influence today, for brands looking to elevate reputation or increase revenue,” said Jeffrey Herzog, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Avenue Z. “They are top performers in our channel network, excelling at driving commerce, connections, and conversions for our clients. We will undoubtedly expand in this area by adding more channels and expertise in the coming months." These partnerships highlight Avenue Z's continuous effort to stay at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that their clients can leverage the latest technological advancements to captivate and engage audiences across all channels. About TikTok Shop & TikTok Shop Partners (TSPs): TikTok Shops is a completely personalized and fully integrated commerce solution, where sellers can authentically connect with creators and communities to drive meaningful shopping experiences. Their network of experienced TikTok Shop Partners (TSPs) offer a range of services to sellers, enabling them to scale business on TikTok Shop effectively. About Shopify & Shopify Plus Partners: Shopify is the #1 complete commerce platform that lets anyone start, manage, and grow an e-commerce business. By bundling commerce activities into a single platform, business owners can sell in multiple places, across multiple channels, and integrate features and functionality that shape the future of commerce. Shopify Partners make up a diverse ecosystem across all segments of ecommerce, helping brands to innovate and implement faster. About Avenue Z: Avenue Z is a media and technology company breaking traditional boundaries between digital marketing, advertising and strategic communications. Our unique combination of smart media and smart content, informed by data science, has proven to increase a brand’s revenue and elevate its reputation. From the Wall Street Journal to TikTok, PR to social and search, our approach yields outcomes in commerce, connections, and conversion across all channels. With experts based in Miami, New York, and Orlando, serving a global roster of category leading brands - we drive influence. Visit www.avenuez.com Contact Details Avenue Z +1 407-637-2833 press@avenuez.com Company Website https://www.avenuez.com

August 20, 2024 08:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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News Direct Unveils TradeUp Powered by Instinct

News Direct

News Direct proudly announces the launch of TradeUp, a cutting-edge new media outreach solution powered by Instinct, poised to transform trade media dissemination and engagement. For years, newswire users have faced difficulty in effectively connecting with trade journalists due to a reliance on ill-suited methods of outreach — choosing broad industry verticals and sending press releases to generic lists of publications and anonymous writers. The most common result has been an inability to determine if journalists are engaging with their content. TradeUp, empowered by Instinct’s innovative AI technology, represents a groundbreaking advancement in media outreach. TradeUp removes the guesswork and inefficiency offered by legacy newswires by offering a laser-focused, data-driven approach. TradeUp, allows issuers to move past generic media lists and instead begin engaging with journalists who have a genuine interest in, and have recently written about, their industry news. Key Features of TradeUp Include: Precise Journalist Identification: Instinct's AI instantaneously scans millions of articles in real-time, identifying and delivering key details about journalists, including contact information, beat, publication, recently published articles and even the Domain Ranking of the publishers' websites. This ensures news reaches the appropriate targets and enables interaction with individual journalists, thereby boosting the chances for earned coverage. Automated Pitching: Send personalized pitches directly from the Instinct platform, streamlining media relations efforts and making it easier to connect with the most relevant journalists. Reach More Than Just Trade Journals: The capabilities of TradeUp extend beyond solely vertical industry publications. The platform will generate data from reporters from a wide range of media outlets, from newspapers to broadcast stations, broadening the outreach footprint and increasing the chance to earn meaningful coverage. Elevates Trade Media Outreach Strategy TradeUp lets News Direct customers experience the new era of trade media engagement that uses an AI-driven approach to simplify the media targeting process and amplify the message by matching content with the appropriate journalists with the precision, speed and efficiency that only AI can deliver. About News Direct News Direct is a technology-driven content distribution and amplification platform for PR, IR, corporate communications and marketing professionals. Our automated platform delivers a completely reimagined, modernized user experience for newswire users that has reshaped the industry landscape. Additionally, the company has expanded its offerings to include an array of technology-enhanced message amplification tools ranging from sponsored content to podcasting products, all from a single online destination. Contact Details News Direct Gregg Castano, CEO +1 917-698-4131 gregg.castano@newsdirect.com Company Website http://www.newsdirect.com

August 14, 2024 08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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COMCAST RISE, A NATIONAL INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT AND STRENGTHEN SMALL BUSINESSES, AWARDS ANOTHER 100 HOUSTONIANS WITH COMPREHENSIVE GRANT PACKAGES

Comcast Texas

Today, Comcast announced the 100 businesses in the Greater Houston area that will receive comprehensive grant packages, which include business consultation services, educational resources, a $5,000 monetary grant, creative production, media schedule, and a technology makeover. The recipients are among more than 14,000 entrepreneurs nationwide who have been selected through the Comcast RISE program to date. Comcast RISE is committed to supporting the growth of all small businesses, while advancing the objectives of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as community investment. The program was created to help businesses and their communities thrive, with a focus on economic growth. The regions in this round included Atlanta, Houston, Jacksonville, Richmond, VA and southern Colorado. 100 grants per city, or 500 grants overall, were announced today and will be awarded in September 2024. A sample of Houston’s grant recipients include Red Circle Ice Cream in southwest Houston, and Miyagi Ken International Karate Academy in Spring. “I’m speechless. As a small business, this means the world to us,” said Nickey Ngo, owner of Red Circle Ice Cream. “We’re a small mom and pop ice cream shop, doing everything by ourselves. I feel like I won the lottery. Comcast RISE will help grow my business and keep up with the competition.” “Supporting small businesses means investing in the heart of our communities,” said Loren Hudson, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer, Connectivity and Platforms, Comcast. “By empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners with the skills and resources they need to grow and succeed, we help ensure our local neighborhoods can flourish and thrive too.” Comcast RISE was created in November 2020 to help small businesses hardest hit by COVID-19, from bakeries and barber shops to childcare centers and cleaning services, by providing the grants needed to survive and recover. The program has evolved from helping businesses survive the pandemic, to helping businesses and their communities thrive with a focus on economic growth. Grant packages include: COACHING SESSIONS - Business assessment and coaching that provide business owners with recommendations on how to help grow their businesses. EDUCATION RESOURCES - 12-month access to online entrepreneurship courses, learning modules and resources for small business owners. MONETARY GRANT - $5,000 monetary grant. CREATIVE PRODUCTION & MEDIA – Professionally produced 30-second TV commercial, plus a media strategy consultation and a 180-day linear media schedule. (Taxes and other fees may apply for production and media services.) TECHNOLOGY MAKEOVER - Computer equipment and Internet, Voice and Cybersecurity services for 12 months. (Taxes and other fees may apply for tech makeover services.) In addition, any small business owner can visit the Comcast RISE destination on X1 featuring aggregated small business news, tips, insights, and more. X1 customers can say “Comcast RISE” into the voice remote. Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity through programs and community partnerships that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers and creators. More information is available at www.ComcastRISE.com. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Ilona Carson +1 346-624-2074 ilona_carson@comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

August 13, 2024 11:06 AM Central Daylight Time

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Open Letter Demands ‘Newsroom Reset’, Pushes for Adoption of Pro-Democracy Election Coverage Guidelines

Media and Democracy Project

Today, the Media and Democracy Project (MAD), along with 3,258 individuals, sent an open letter to executives, publishers, and union leaders of major media organizations urging them to adopt pro-democracy election coverage guidelines ( PDF ) that center fact-based reporting, push back against election lies, and uplift voting. MAD’s proposed guidelines respectfully request newsrooms switch their focus from polls and drama to candidates’ policies, past-governance, and behavior. “It’s time that newsrooms start to cover elections like they matter more than sports scores,” said Brian Hansbury, cofounder of MAD. “Our democratic institutions are under attack and it’s incumbent on newsrooms to recalibrate their political coverage to adopt and adhere to practices that are pro-truth, pro-voting, and pro-democracy.” MAD’s guidelines contain 18 recommendations organized into three categories—a focus on substantive issues coverage, extensive reporting on threats to democracy, and protecting Americans against the spread of disinformation. The guidelines provide specific actions reporters and editors can take to ensure practices that help voters make informed decisions at the ballot box. They include: Prioritize substantive coverage of the issues that matter to voters' lives; Make headlines accurate and informative, not clickbait; Stop making predictions and pushing polls at the expense of issue coverage; Celebrate and uplift election workers, voters, and the election process; Don’t set aside moral judgment when covering obvious lies and bigotry; Hold politicians to account for their positions, statements, and behavior, as well as those of their party’s leader; Expose candidates who foment political violence. The open letter emphasizes how crucial it is for voters to understand what’s at stake in November and the damaging impact that election lies have already had on our democracy. For instance, lies about the 2020 election have caused a spike in death threats for election officials and poll workers, making it difficult to recruit and retain them. Half of all female state legislators are considering leaving public office due to increased intimidation. Meanwhile, Trump allies are preparing plans like Project 2025, which would harm millions of Americans and cripple our democratic system. With 3,258 signatures and counting, the letter includes signatories such as Ruth Ben-Ghiat, NYU Professor of History and author of Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present and the Lucid newsletter, who stated, "It's never been more important for news organizations to analyze the threats to U.S. democracy in clear and precise terms. Americans deserve to know the scale and nature of the challenges we face this November and beyond." The rights and freedoms that Americans cherish are at risk. As an essential pillar of democracy, journalists and the news media have a moral responsibility to inform Americans about anti-democratic extremist movements. Another signatory, Mark Jacob, former Chicago Tribune editor and author of the Stop the Presses newsletter, said, “The news media know it's their job to warn people when a hurricane is bearing down on them. But when a fascist assault on our democracy is bearing down on them, the media sometimes think it would be biased to warn people about it. That has to change before it's too late.” It’s more important than ever for journalists, editors, and their publishers to step up and put the public before profit, democracy before tyranny, and truth before lies. "Democracy is at stake–and as the open letter so powerfully demands, we need our news media to step up and be responsible,” said Norm Ornstein, political scientist and Senior Fellow Emeritus at the American Enterprise Institute. To learn more about this effort advocating for pro-democracy election coverage, and see who else signed the open letter visit MAD’s website. The Media and Democracy Project: MAD is a non-partisan, all-volunteer, grassroots organization focused on strengthening a free and independent media in the public interest. MAD aims to improve our national discourse so that American voters can engage in informed decision-making. As part of that goal, MAD has an interest in the responsibility of journalists and media to report fully, accurately, and fairly on the electoral process and the outcome of elections. Additional information is available at www.MediaAndDemocracyProject.Org. Contact Details Aaron Alberico +1 202-744-0786 aalberico@raynoravenue.com Company Website https://www.mediaanddemocracyproject.org/

August 12, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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NAVEX to Demystify IT Risk Communication at ISACA GRC Conference

NAVEX Global

NAVEX, the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software, will deliver a key session at the upcoming ISACA Governance, Risk, and Control (GRC) Conference in Austin, Texas, August 12-14, 2024. The session, " Getting Our Wires Crossed: How to Speak IT Risk as a Compliance Professional," will be presented by Kyle Martin, Vice President of GRC Solutions at NAVEX, and Robert Clark, Chief Audit and Compliance Officer at Howard University. In an era where cybersecurity threats and regulatory pressures are at an all-time high, the ability to effectively communicate IT risks across organizational silos has become a critical skill for compliance professionals. Attendees can join the session, CS 7–4, on August 13th at 11:00 to gain valuable insights into: Understanding and translating risk and compliance terminology. Evaluating program maturity levels and their organizational implications. Assessing risks and controls across all business facets, including third-party risk management. Crafting compelling IT risk reports for executive teams and board directors. "In today's interconnected business environment, the ability to translate IT risk insights into compelling narratives for CEOs is no longer optional—it's essential," said Kyle Martin. "As a result, this session aims to empower compliance professionals with the tools they need to navigate this critical intersection confidently." The ISACA GRC Conference, now in its 11th year, brings together leading minds in governance, risk management, and control to provide world-class content and practical guidance. NAVEX's participation underscores its commitment to advancing the field of integrated risk and compliance management. For more information about NAVEX's participation in the ISACA GRC Conference 2024 or to schedule an interview with the speakers, please contact Senior Public Relations Manager, Scott Levesque at scott.levesque@navex.com. NAVEX is trusted by thousands of customers worldwide to help them achieve the business outcomes that matter most. As the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software and services, we deliver solutions through the NAVEX One platform, the industry’s most comprehensive governance, risk and compliance (GRC) information system. For more information, visit NAVEX.com and our blog. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Contact Details Navex Global scott.levesque@navex.com Company Website https://navex.com

August 06, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum to Open Voting by Mail Exhibition

National Postal Museum

Voting by mail did not start during the Covid-19 pandemic. It began in various forms during the Civil War when soldiers could not get home to vote and it picked up steam again during World War II for the same reason. Mail has been and continues to be a method for providing citizens with access to election information and materials. Today, every state has some form of voting by mail. The National Postal Museum’s exhibition “Voting by Mail: Civil War to Covid-19” explores the significant role of voting by mail in America’s democracy. Over time, legislation for both military and civilian voting using the mail has been shaped by events and politics with provisions added, removed and amended. On view Saturday, Aug. 24, through Feb. 23, 2025, “Voting by Mail” invites visitors to explore the changing logistical and political reasons for the various ways mail has been part of the election process, and how it continues to define where, when and how Americans vote in elections. Early methods for absentee voting that used the mail enabled military members to participate in elections when wartime deployments took them away from their polling precincts. The Civil War and World War II caused many states to temporarily establish or expand absentee voting for significant numbers of voters in the military. Allowances for civilians voting absentee grew in the early 20th century and in 1901 Kansas became the first state to permit voting by mail but limited this to railroad employees traveling for work. Since the 1980s, in addition to in-person voting, some jurisdictions, including eight states and the District of Columbia, have instituted all-mail voting with the automatic distribution of ballots to registered voters. The public health emergency of the Covid-19 pandemic brought about temporary procedures, new laws and debates over using the mail for voting. Objects on display focus on the early history of voting by mail in the U.S. and ways the mail is used in modern elections. A Civil War envelope for mailing soldiers’ votes on a tally sheet enabled deployed military service members to participate in the Ohio state election of 1864. World War II absentee voting materials developed for U.S. Armed Forces, including the design of a blank ballot allowed the government to distribute them before specific candidate names became available, thus accommodating weeks-long mailing time for U.S. forces overseas. Examples of modern election mail including an absentee ballot, an envelope for a mail-in ballot, an official election information guide, and notices announcing elections. “We are excited to present the role of mail in U.S. elections for government representatives serving the American public,” said Elliot Gruber, director of the museum. “The history of mail as an official conduit of election information and election voting materials has long been part of our nation’s history.” The exhibition is supported by public and exhibition programming, as well as educational resources for teachers. A special website makes available the stories, themes and historical artifacts presented in the exhibition. About the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum The National Postal Museum is devoted to presenting the colorful and engaging history of the nation's mail service and showcasing one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of stamps and philatelic material in the world. It is located at 2 Massachusetts Ave. N.E., Washington, D.C., across from Union Station. The museum is currently open Friday through Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information about the Smithsonian, call (202) 633-1000. Contact Details Smithsonian National Postal Museum Marty Emery +1 202-431-8963 emerym@si.edu Company Website https://postalmuseum.si.edu/

July 31, 2024 09:26 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Text Patents a Method for Combining Asynchronous and Real-Time Communication

Text, Inc.

Text, a global leader in B2B text communication solutions, has secured its fifth patent in the United States. The patented "system and method" enables the seamless integration of asynchronous communication channels with real-time communication within a single platform. "Customers want to communicate with companies in various ways. Sometimes, an email or another method that allows the recipient to respond later is best, which is asynchronous communication. However, sometimes rapid, direct, real-time interaction is necessary. Our technology enables seamless integration of these communication types, providing real benefits for our clients: increased user satisfaction, faster issue resolution, and better management of existing information, " explains Konrad Kruk, Head of Widget and the patent's author. The patent granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) describes a system and method that integrates asynchronous messaging with real-time communication, allowing smooth transitions between different communication modes within a single platform. The invention enables users to switch between messages (such as emails or SMS) and real-time interactions (such as voice or video calls) without leaving the communication platform or starting a new session. "This is our fifth patent, confirming our position as one of the technological innovators in the industry. We are especially proud because the secured solution introduces significant improvements in online communication, ensuring companies maintain uninterrupted and consistent communication with customers across various industries, " said Katarzyna Rogowska, head of Text's legal department. The key benefits of the newly patented solution for Text's clients and end-users include: - Improved communication efficiency: Combining asynchronous messaging with real-time communication on one platform reduces the need to switch between different communication tools, saving time and increasing productivity. - Enhanced user experience: Internet users communicating with companies via solutions like LiveChat can enjoy seamless communication, effortlessly transitioning between messaging and real-time conversations. This particularly benefits customer service, remote work, and collaborative projects. - Increased accessibility: The unified interface makes managing communications easier, ensuring that important messages and real-time interactions are never missed. This is particularly useful in environments where timely communication is critical. - Easier and more efficient record-keeping: The synchronization feature ensures that all communications are recorded, providing a reliable record of interactions. This can be crucial for legal, compliance, and reference purposes. - Scalability and flexibility: The system can be scaled to suit different organizational sizes and integrated with other systems, making it a flexible solution for various industries and applications. In summary, the invention registered by the USPTO enhances communication by combining the advantages of asynchronous messaging and real-time communication in one coherent system, offering increased efficiency, user experience, and accessibility for individuals and organizations. Operating in the “customer service” business, Text (formerly LiveChat) is one of the leaders in the global market for live chat solutions. Its LiveChat product supports companies in customer service, online sales support, and lead generation—allowing its partners to stay in touch with their customers anywhere and anytime. Text’s other products include ChatBot, HelpDesk, KnowledgeBase, and OpenWidget. LiveChat is used by over 37 thousand companies in 150 countries, the ChatBot product has over 2,800 customers in more than 30 countries, and the Helpdesk product has over 1,000 customers. Contact Details PR Team pr@text.com Company Website https://text.com/

July 29, 2024 05:34 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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