News Hub | News Direct

Communications

Advertising Communications Graphic Design Internet Marketing Media Publishing SEO
Article thumbnail News Release

Comcast to Expand Fiber Broadband Services Across Northern California

Comcast California

Comcast announced it will expand its reliable, smart, high-speed, fiber broadband network in both residential and commercial neighborhoods in Northern California’s Marin and Sutter counties. By mid-2026 these expansion efforts will bring Comcast’s next-generation network to over 150 locations in Marin County and over 450 locations in Sutter County, both of which had previously been unserved. This broadband network expansion is made possible by a $14 million Federal Funding Account (FFA) Grant from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and private funding by Comcast. Comcast also recently announced it has received a $26 million FFA grant to expand its fiber-rich network in Tulare County, which will bring broadband services to nearly 6,200 unserved locations by early 2026. “At Comcast we understand that reliable, high-speed Internet has become a necessity to not only support those looking to participate in the ever-growing digital economy, but also to connect students, families and seniors to those moments that matter the most,” said David Tashjian, Regional Senior Vice President of Comcast California. “This continued investment of funds from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will allow us to expand into unserved communities throughout Marin and Sutter Counties, which will provide residents and businesses with a future of unlimited possibilities.” “This grant project will help level the playing field for a lot of families in Sutter County who have not previously had access to high-speed Internet,” said Mat Conant, Chair of the Sutter County Board of Supervisors. “This is really important for anyone doing any research for school or work, and for small business owners.” “There has always been an overwhelming demand to improve and expand our broadband services in Marin County,” said Eric Lucan of the Marin County Board of Supervisors. “That need is particularly important for our senior community, including my constituents within a mobile home community in Novato. I commend the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and Comcast on today’s announcement and I’m excited to see the lasting impacts these awards will have in connecting more residents to high-speed Internet and the economic opportunities they will create.” Comcast’s commitment to new communities goes beyond network expansion efforts, 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 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 Comcast California Jon Koriel +1 925-315-2690 jon_koriel@comcast.com Company Website https://california.comcast.com/

September 12, 2024 01:46 PM Pacific Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Now Four Years In, Here's How News Direct Leapfrogged the Legacy Newswire Industry

News Direct

In business parlance, the term “Leapfrog” refers to “ a strategy that involves making a significant change or innovation that goes beyond what is expected or incremental. The goal is to improve a position by either skipping stages or taking an alternative path to achieve a desired outcome”*. *Google AI Overview News Direct represents the latter of those two paths. Founded in 2020 by former Business Wire president, Gregg Castano, and owing to his 32+ year career with the Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary, News Direct enjoyed a head start unlike most other “challengers” to the established newswire industry order that also includes PR Newswire and Globe Newswire. Castano leveraged the vast industry knowledge and expertise accumulated across those three plus decades and combined it with a forward-looking vision brought to life with a state-of-the-art, custom-written tech stack sitting atop a cloud infrastructure. The result is what can best be described as a “Next-Gen” news and content distribution platform ideally suited for a 21 st -Century communications ecosystem. News Direct has either vastly improved or completely replaced virtually everything about the legacy newswire model, which Castano believed needed to more strongly embrace and adopt the leading-edge digital technologies that enable the user experience to be modernized and enriched. The features and functions of News Direct are in many ways unrecognizable from traditional wires, with the notable exception of their comprehensive distribution footprint, which is identical to the “Big 3”. Castano stated, “I felt strongly that for the newswire model to be sustainable, remain relevant and to grow, it needed to evolve. But more quickly than the classic interpretation of evolution, which suggests a slow, steady pace. Rapid evolution, I suppose, is what I envisioned, although at some point that becomes revolution. That’s a term I hesitate to use because it’s a bit shopworn and can seem hyperbolic, but there is no doubt that News Direct has changed the game in a big way.” Among the ways in which News Direct has upended and disrupted the traditional newswire model, highlights include: Cutting-Edge Technology: News Direct is built atop a modern, digital cloud infrastructure with a software stack custom-written to precise specifications that perfectly align with today’s communications landscape. Direct-to-SEO Optimization: The platform is engineered to automatically enhance news releases for search engines, ensuring greater visibility and reach. Multimedia Integration: Videos, images, and other rich media are easily incorporated into news releases to stimulate greater engagement – or can be sent as independent assets, no release required. This is a feature unique to the industry. User-Friendly Interface: The workflow is intuitive and designed for speed, efficiency and seamless collaboration, allowing users to create, review and distribute releases in minutes, rather than waiting for remote editors to “process” content. Greater Control and Flexibility: With News Direct, the user maintains complete control over their content throughout the distribution workflow. With no “middleman” editors, the distribution process can be directly managed end-to-end, ensuring that the news reaches the target audience without unnecessary delays, or the security risks of relying on intermediaries. Real-Time Analytics: Customers get instant insights into how their news is performing with real-time analytics that are retrievable on-demand from within the customer interface. Transparent, Cost-Effective Pricing: News Direct offers straightforward flat-rates with no word count limits, no fluctuating, geographically tiered pricing and no opaque hidden upcharges for things such as logos or trade media. Customers know exactly what they’re paying with a pricing model designed to be highly cost-effective and flat rates that make budgeting simple, easy and transparent, a particular advantage for high frequency users. No Distribution Trade-Offs: The News Direct distribution network is identical to that of legacy services, providing a superior user-experience without sacrificing comprehensive reach. Leadership and Industry Expertise: Founder and CEO Castano’s deep understanding of the market and vision for the future of news distribution that has been gained over a 40-year career is embedded into every aspect of News Direct. This wealth of expertise uniquely positions News Direct to meet the needs of modern communicators. News Direct was designed to be thoroughly modern, streamlined and user-friendly, offering unprecedented value, flexibility, and efficiency. The company is committed to helping communications professionals achieve their media outreach goals by meeting the demands they face in today’s fast-paced digital environment. 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 Corp. Media at News Direct +1 917-698-4131 media@newsdirect.com Company Website http://www.newsdirect.com

September 11, 2024 09:07 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Kevel and Placements.io Announce Strategic Partnership to Address Unique Challenges in Retail Media

Kevel

Kevel, the API-first ad serving company for building custom, in-house ad platforms, and Placements.io, the leading revenue management platform for media companies, today announced a strategic partnership that will empower retailers and ecommerce brands to seamlessly manage, optimize and scale their retail media networks with unparalleled flexibility and precision. The partnership will integrate Kevel’s state-of-the-art Retail Media Cloud™ solution with Placements.io revenue management system. With this unified platform, retailers can manage, monetize and scale their ad inventory effectively in-house, which will help to maximize return on ad spend and drive more significant results from retail media investments. “At Kevel, we’re committed to providing our clients with the tools they need to succeed and scale their retail media networks,” commented James Avery, CEO of Kevel. “This partnership is a no-brainer for us - we are aligned with Placements.io in our relentless drive to make the internet a better place. Now, we can extend our capabilities even further to offer a more comprehensive solution that meets the complex needs of our retail and ecommerce customers.” As retail media continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, the ability to efficiently manage ad inventory, optimize campaigns, and maximize revenue while maintaining control of data and reporting has become crucial for retailers. “This partnership can help unlock revenue opportunities for retailers, ecommerce and media companies,” said Edwin Fu, Founder and CEO of Placements.io. “By bringing together two powerful platforms, retailers can achieve their goals with greater accuracy and efficiency.” By integrating Kevel’s cutting-edge API infrastructure with Placements.io’s robust order and billing management capabilities, this partnership aims to provide a solution that unifies processes and data across ad operations, sales, and finance to show the true value of advertising and address the unique challenges of the retail media landscape. Key Benefits of the Partnership: Enhanced Customization: Retailers can now build fully-customized ad platforms, streamline operations, and take advantage of advanced revenue management tools. Seamless Integration: Combining Kevel and Placements.io’s tech on one unified platform will help retailers manage and monetize their ad inventory more effectively. Scalable Solutions: Both platforms are built to scale, allowing retailers to expand their retail media networks without the limitation of traditional black-box ad tech solutions. Improved ROI: The collaboration will help retailers and ecommerce brands maximize return on ad spend, driving more significant results from their retail media investments. This partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to raising the bar within ad tech and retail media. By joining forces, Kevel and Placements.io are at the forefront of empowering today’s modern retailers to build custom, in-house, privacy-first, revenue-generating ad platforms that can adapt to the rapidly changing digital advertising landscape. For more information about the partnership and how it can benefit your business, please visit Kevel.com and Placements.io. About Kevel Kevel is powering innovative, flexible ad tech infrastructure APIs that fuel its Retail Media Cloud™. This unique offering is the only API-based solution for in-housing retail media technology that enables multi-brand retailers to differentiate based on their unique brand, improving shopper experience while maintaining total control of their first-party data.Kevel believes that every digital retailer should have the capability to build and scale their own distinct ad platform, just like big tech players like Amazon. Customers like Edmunds, Delivery Hero, Sonae, Leroy Merlin, Slickdeals, and other leading retailers and marketplaces all launched their own retail media networks with Kevel. The company has garnered numerous accolades, most recently earning recognition as one of the leading 100 innovative tech start-ups driving the future of brand-to-consumer in 2023 and awarded the MarTech Breakthrough Award for best overall ad tech company in 2022. Learn more at www.kevel.com About Placements.io Placements.io was founded in 2014 to provide a more modern platform for companies buying and selling digital-focused, omnichannel advertising. Placements.io powers over $12B in annual ad revenue for publishers, broadcasters, OTT/CTV companies, retailers, and emerging media companies. Placements.io has offices across the U.S. and in London, Singapore, and Taiwan. Contact Details Kevel Jennifer Choo Director of Marketing +1 973-343-8819 jchoo@kevel.com Placements.io Lindsey Bradshaw lindseyb@placements.io

September 11, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

VOESH New York Launches New 28 oz. Vegan Hand & Body Crème Collection

VOESH New York

VOESH New York is debuting a new 28 oz. Vegan Hand & Body Crème Collection, created to provide salon clients with a luxurious and healthier hydration experience. These larger bottles offer the same high-quality, vegan-friendly ingredients that have established VOESH as a leader in the body care industry. “We’re thrilled about the addition of these generously sized lotions to VOESH’s product line,” said Tom Harrison, Principal of Coleman Harrison. “VOESH consistently outshines the competition with expert formulas. This new size will undoubtedly enhance manicure and pedicure services, delivering superior results for both clients and technicians.” “As a bonus, technicians can pair these lotions with VOESH’s best-selling Pedi in a Box products,” added Kendall Stone, Principal of Jay Stone Sales. Enriched with 94+% natural-origin ingredients, VOESH’s 28 oz. crèmes are formulated with organic virgin olive oil and natural extracts. They are infused with 100% vegan, clean, and certified organic components and are free from parabens, phthalates, gluten, mineral oil, and more than 1,680 other potentially harmful substances. The velvety texture provides long-lasting moisture and a radiant glow without a greasy feel. These larger bottles not only provide a superior experience but also ensure lasting hydration and value. “Our lotions have always been a best-seller, so we’ve brought them back in a more convenient size for salons,” said Joseph Choi, Co-Founder of VOESH New York. “Salon owners have been asking for our popular massage butter in a bottle, and we’re ecstatic to fulfill this request.” The new collection is available in five delightful scents: Olive Sensation, Lavender Relieve, Vitamin Recharge, Jasmine Soothe, and Green Tea Detox. Each scent is made with premium, IFRA-certified fragrances that pair perfectly with VOESH’s best-selling Pedi in a Box Deluxe 4 Step pedicure kits. This allows for a cohesive pampering experience that caters to clients’ preferences. With a transparent ingredient list, dermatologist testing, and U.S. FDA registration, VOESH’s new 28 oz. Vegan Hand & Body Crèmes are the best addition to guarantee clients and technicians feel good about what goes on their skin. For more information about VOESH’s new 28 oz. Vegan Hand & Body Crèmes, please visit voeshpro.com. About VOESH New York: Founded in 2013, VOESH New York has emerged as a premier destination for clean and efficacious body care solutions catering to head-to-toe wellness. Noteworthy products include Pedi in a Box, Mani in a Box, the award-winning Shower & Empower Vitamin C Shower Filter, and Collagen Gloves and Socks. VOESH New York is committed to providing 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainable products because every body deserves better beauty! All VOESH New York products are certified by PETA and registered with the US Mocra, EU CPNP and UK SCPN, maintaining vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested standards. VOESH New York proudly excludes all 1,680+ EU-banned ingredients and an additional 400+ potentially harmful ingredients. For more information, visit VOESH New York’s website at Voesh.com or contact press@voesh.com. All VOESH New York products are certified by PETA and registered with the EU CPNP, and UK SCPN. Always vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested, VOESH New York proudly excludes all 1,680+ EU-banned ingredients and an additional 400+ potentially harmful ingredients. Contact Details Colleen Mathis +1 917-690-5560 Colleen@absoluterrelations.com Company Website https://voesh.com/

September 06, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Introducing Brick Media: A New Force in Media Management and Innovation

Full Scope PR

Brick Media announces its powerful entrance into the media landscape, asserting itself as a catalyst for transformation. With a bold vision for content innovation and unparalleled management expertise, Brick Media is set to redefine and lead the charge in shaping the future of media. As a full-service media management firm at the intersection of content strategy and business execution, Brick Media is committed to nurturing the growth and monetization of its clients' careers across the digital media landscape. With a multifaceted approach, the company aims to elevate brands and voices across sports, entertainment, and beyond. Drawing from over a decade of unparalleled success in sports and entertainment management, Aaron & André Eanes of A&A Management bring their strategic expertise and deep industry insights to position Brick Media as a transformative force in the media sector. Leading this ambitious venture alongside them is CEO of Brick Media, Maggie Clifton. Formerly with Blue Wire and Wasserman, Maggie brings a wealth of experience and a visionary outlook to the company. Under her guidance, a team of highly skilled media professionals will spearhead the optimization of innovative and compelling content. Together, they stand ready to redefine the boundaries of the industry, heralding a new era of influence. "We founded Brick Media with the strategic vision of being a vital resource in the media industry for those seeking to elevate their clients' success to new levels. When we helped with the launch of New Heights, it revealed a critical need for an independent partner adept at steering through the intricacies of advertising, ancillary revenue streams, digital creation, and social growth. Brick Media fulfills that role, offering expert guidance and the best-in-class resources to empower achieving maximum value." says Aaron & Andre Eanes of A&A Management Group. "Brick Media is here to support our partners’ media businesses via strategy, monetization, distribution, marketing, and all other opportunities for growth. We’ve been building quietly all year and are excited to finally launch publicly.” says CEO of Brick Media, Maggie Clifton. In a remarkable inaugural achievement, Aaron Eanes of A&A Management Group and Maggie Clifton of Brick Media led negotiations a ground-breaking deal between the leading podcast studio Wondery and the widely acclaimed show, "New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce," alongside Andre Eanes of A&A Management Group and Jason Bernstein of Clarity Football. This marks the beginning of Brick Media's mission to forge impactful partnerships and deliver unparalleled growth across the digital media landscape. Brick Media is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of creativity and strategic content development. As the company continues to forge influential partnerships and manage transformative projects, Brick Media is poised to become a leader in the digital media ecosystem. About Brick Media Brick Media is a media management firm specializing in content strategy and business development. Dedicated to fostering client growth and monetization across diverse media landscapes, including sports, entertainment, and news, Brick Media is set to make its mark on the future of media. Contact Details Alessandra Chisolm alessandra@fullscopepr.com

September 05, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Broadband Leaders Publish Permitting Success Strategies for ISPs and Local Governments

Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

Today, a group of leading broadband organizations published a strategic paper titled “ Permitting Success: Closing the Digital Divide Through Local Broadband Permitting. ” The paper will help local governments and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) navigate broadband network construction challenges and maximize investments in broadband connectivity for all Americans. The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, in partnership with the Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy, the American Association for Public Broadband, Fiber Broadband Association, Brightspeed, and GFiber, wrote the Permitting Success paper. The paper publishes at a critical moment when broadband infrastructure funding is at an all-time high due to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program—the single largest broadband program in U.S. history. This historic level of funding creates an opportunity to bring high-speed internet access to every community in America and close the digital divide. Historic levels of funding will accelerate broadband network construction, putting enormous pressure on local governments responsible for permitting infrastructure construction within municipal boundaries. These processes take time and resources, and not every government is equipped for the coming wave of construction. This is especially true in rural areas, where municipal resources are lowest and BEAD activity will be highest. Effective and efficient permitting processes are critical for ISPs and local governments to successfully deploy broadband networks that will give every American community modern connectivity. The Permitting Success paper includes case studies; strategic checklists for ISPs, local governments, and state and federal agencies; and outlines three main categories for permitting success: Fostering partnerships between the permit seeker and the permitting authority Maximizing resources available to the permitting authority Ensuring transparency and consistency in the permitting process The paper’s findings were identified during a collaborative national summit on local permitting processes convened by Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy, which was attended by more than 30 permitting leaders representing local, state, and federal governments; ISPs; civil society organizations; philanthropies; and other key stakeholders. The paper will be explored during an episode of FBA’s Fiber for Breakfast on September 25, at 10:00am EDT. Register here to watch the episode live. Supporting Quotes: Drew Garner, Director of Policy Engagement, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society: “Broadband is fundamental to modern life. Yet, for millions of Americans, broadband is unavailable. To correct this, the U.S. has launched a historic effort to bring broadband to every household in the country. But such extensive broadband construction will require extensive construction permitting, and construction permitting often happens at the local level. Thus, the historic effort to close the digital divide will ultimately flow through the permitting offices of our local governments. This paper is intended to help those offices and their applicants operate at maximum efficiency.” Natalie Roisman, Executive Director, Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy: “The Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy seeks to be a convener for conversations that are necessary, challenging, and will move the needle on urgent technology policy issues. We were pleased to host the permitting summit that sought input from a wide range of expert private and public sector perspectives, culminating in this thoughtful paper, and hope this process will get us closer to the critical goal of broadband for every American." Gigi Sohn, American Association for Public Broadband Executive Director: “The permitting paper being released today was made possible by a unique collaboration among representatives from across the broadband ecosystem—local, state and federal government officials, civil society, philanthropy and diverse segments of the industry. While there was not always unanimity on every finding, there was complete agreement that everyone benefits when all US households are connected to robust, affordable high-speed broadband. The result is a common sense guide that seeks to ensure that everyone in that ecosystem contributes to a successful local permitting process.” Fiber Broadband Association President and CEO Gary Bolton: “There is tremendous opportunity ahead to connect every American to reliable, high-speed broadband and to the economic benefits that come with high-quality connectivity. But every player across the broadband ecosystem needs to develop their best strategy to ensure network construction is safe and efficient and broadband deployment is effective and successful. The Fiber Broadband Association offers a growing library of research and resources to help the industry develop successful strategies for fiber broadband deployment, and we believe this paper is a valuable addition that will help ensure these networks are built right the first time.” Brightspeed: Tom Dailey, senior vice president, Public Policy, Government Affairs and Regulatory, Brightspeed “Brightspeed is actively building our state-of-the-art fiber network across 17 states mostly in rural and suburban communities, and positive and timely engagement with permitting authorities is critical. This is especially true when permitting requirements vary from state to state and jurisdiction to jurisdiction. By creating more streamlined, consistent and transparent permitting processes, we can ultimately reach more homes and businesses more efficiently. We very much appreciate the opportunity to engage with the many permissions and policy professionals who contributed their time, energy and most of all their expertise to developing this paper, which will facilitate the successful deployment of broadband networks across the nation.” GFiber: Darrel Hegar, Head of Market Operations, GFiber “Everyone deserves access to high-quality broadband internet. Communities and providers must work together to speed up network construction and service delivery. The policies and procedures laid out in this paper provide a clear roadmap for how we can make real, tangible progress to bringing the promise of next-generation internet to reality for all Americans.” ### Press Contacts: Benton Institute for Broadband & Society: Drew Garner, dgarner@benton.org Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy: Samantha Simonsen, sas497@georgetown.edu American Association for Public Broadband: Aaron Alberico, alberico@raynoravenue.com Brightspeed: Gene Rodriguez Miller, pr@brightspeed.com Fiber Broadband Association: Autumn Minnich, FBA@connect2comm.com GFiber: gfiber-pr@google.com About the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society’s primary mission is to bring open, affordable, high-capacity and competitive broadband to all people in the U.S. to ensure a thriving democracy. For over 40 years Benton has provided information and analysis about communications policy, including universal service. In recent years, Benton’s activities strengthened local, state, and national leadership by providing the timely information, rigorous evidence, practical guidance, and advocacy support needed to articulate and implement a broadband for all agenda. Benton has long advocated for universal, affordable telecommunications access for everyone living in the United States. About Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy The Institute for Technology Law and Policy is a hub at the Georgetown University Law Center for policymakers, academics, advocates, and technologists to study and discuss the most pressing issues in technology law and policy. With the leading academic program for law and technology in the U.S., the Tech Institute supports faculty research initiatives and trains the next generation of tech lawyers and policymakers through an unmatched combination of up-to-the-minute curriculum, world-class faculty, and impactful experiential and career development opportunities. In addition, the Tech Institute convenes public and private discussions on urgent and cutting-edge policy issues, conducts workshops for government staff, and works to identify and create opportunities for technology to improve access to justice. About the American Association for Public Broadband The American Association for Public Broadband proudly represents community-owned broadband networks and co-ops that are fueling the nation's economic future through reliable high-speed internet access. With more than 650+ networks across 33 states, public––or municipal broadband––is answering America's call for reliable, affordable, and accessible internet for all. Learn more at aapb.us. About the Fiber Broadband Association The Fiber Broadband Association is the largest and only trade association that represents the complete fiber ecosystem of service providers, manufacturers, industry experts, and deployment specialists dedicated to the advancement of fiber broadband deployment and the pursuit of a world where communications are limitless, advancing quality of life and digital equity anywhere and everywhere. The Fiber Broadband Association helps providers, communities, and policymakers make informed decisions about how, where, and why to build better fiber broadband networks. Since 2001, these companies, organizations, and members have worked with communities and consumers in mind to build the critical infrastructure that provides the economic and societal benefits that only fiber can deliver. The Fiber Broadband Association is part of the Fibre Council Global Alliance, which is a platform of six global FTTH Councils in North America, LATAM, Europe, MEA, APAC, and South Africa. Learn more at fiberbroadband.org or subscribe to FBA’s Fiber Forward Weekly newsletter here. About Brightspeed Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., and with assets and associated operations in 20 states, Brightspeed provides broadband and telecommunications services through a network platform capable of serving more than 6.5 million homes and businesses. Our 4,000 employees are committed to building a future where more communities benefit from a more connected life, deploying a state-of-the-art fiber network and a customer experience that makes being connected as simple as it should be. For more information, please visit brightspeed.com. About GFiber GFiber delivers fast, reliable, fairly-priced and open fiber internet service, prioritizing customer service and speed. GFiber started in 2010 as a Google-driven experiment to catalyze the gigabit internet ecosystem, and has since pioneered the gigabit and multigig internet future. For more than a decade, GFiber has maintained its $70/1 Gig base internet plan without any rate increases, and remains committed to bringing the best internet experience to customers in nearly 20 states with plans to further expand. GFiber was awarded PC Mag Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Overall and Fiber ISP in 2024, Best Fiber Internet Provider by Forbes in 2024 and Best Fiber Provider for Gig Internet by CNET in 2024, in addition to top recognitions from J.D. Power, HighSpeedInternet.com and many more. You can find more information, check availability in your area and compare plans at fiber.google.com. Contact Details Benton Institute for Broadband & Society Drew Garner dgarner@benton.org Company Website https://www.benton.org/

September 04, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

NAVEX Announces 2024 Excellence Awards Finalists

NAVEX Global

NAVEX, a leading provider of integrated risk and compliance management software, announces today the 2024 NAVEX Excellence Awards finalists. Now in its fourth year, the awards celebrate organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to corporate governance, risk mitigation, and ethical practices. Each year, the NAVEX Excellence Awards highlight how robust governance, risk and compliance (GRC) programs can strengthen corporate culture and meaningfully impact business outcomes that matter. The 2024 finalists exemplify how effective GRC initiatives can proactively manage and mitigate risks when woven into the organizational fabric. "Congratulations to this year’s nominees and finalists for their outstanding achievements," said NAVEX Chief Customer Officer, Steve Chapman. "We are proud to partner with customers who are dedicated to advancing their GRC efforts. These awards shine a spotlight on some of the most innovative and effective programs in the industry, and we applaud the compliance teams at these companies for their ongoing efforts to build highly ethical, risk-aware organizations." The winners will be honored in several categories, including Ethics & Compliance, Risk Management, and Risk and Compliance Program of the Year. Selected from a highly competitive pool of nominations, this year’s finalists include: As in previous years, the judging panel brings together a mix of NAVEX leaders and seasoned GRC professionals. This year’s esteemed panel features: Barbara Boehler, Senior Director, Program on Corporate Compliance and Ethics, Fordham Law Bill Cameron, Founder and Principal, Cameron Advisory Services Carol Williams, CEO and Enterprise Risk Management Consultant, Strategic Decision Solutions Carrie Penman, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, NAVEX Kyle Brasseur, Former Editor in Chief, Compliance Week Kyle Martin, Vice President of GRC Solutions, NAVEX Matt Kelly, Editor and CEO, Radical Compliance LLC Stephen Chapman, Chief Customer Officer, NAVEX Vera Cherepanova, Ethics Advocate, Consultant, Author, Studio Etica Award recipients will be announced after to the 2024 NAVEX Next Virtual Conference on October 1. 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 +1 617-388-5773 scott.levesque@navex.com Company Website https://navex.com

September 03, 2024 08:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

PRSA Colorado Chapter Announces Winners of the 2024 Gold Picks Awards

PRSA Colorado

The Colorado Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA Colorado) hosted its highly anticipated 2024 Gold Picks Awards Ceremony last night at Stick and Feather in Denver, Colo. The event, which has become a cornerstone of the Colorado public relations community, celebrated the outstanding achievements of professionals and organizations in the field of public relations and corporate communications. Honoring Two Pioneers A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Special Awards, including the Jane Dvorak Mentor of the Year Award and the Sharon Linhart PR Person of the Year Award. These awards were renamed at the event in honor of two trailblazers in the Colorado PR community, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to the industry. The 2024 Special Awards winners are: Joe Fuentes Rookie of the Year: Caroline Campbell, VISIT DENVER Jane Dvorak Mentor of the Year Award: Shawna Seldon McGregor, Maverick Public Relations Media Person of the Year: Greg Avery, Denver Business Journal Business Person of the Year: Doyle Albee, Comprise PR Team of the Year: Gomez Howard Group Ayers Chapter Service Award: Liz Viscardi, APR, LV Events and PR Sharon Linhart PR Person of the Year Award: Merideth Hartung, B Public Relations Rising Stars and Industry Leaders The event also shone a spotlight on the next generation of PR professionals. Members of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) from the University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado State University were acknowledged for their contributions to the event and their dedication to the profession. The PRSSA's efforts in fundraising and their anticipated participation in the ICON conference in Anaheim, Calif. this fall were particularly commended. 2024 Gold Picks Award Winners All award winners are listed below under their corresponding category. Gold Picks are the highest-scoring awards based on a specific scoring system but each award is judged individually instead of against the other submittals within that category, meaning multiple organizations can win a Gold Pick within the same category. All awards are judged anonymously by another chapter of PRSA. Gold and Silver Pick Awards: Integrated Communications: Consumer Products: Gold: SchroderHaus – "Justin’s Nuts About Bees" Silver: SchroderHaus – "Justin’s #JustinMyLunch Hunger Relief Program" Government: Gold: CIG Public Relations – "Express Lanes Safety Enforcement" Silver: CIG Public Relations – "CDOT’s Cannabis-Impaired Driving Campaign" Associations/Nonprofits/Educational Institutions: Silver: SchroderHaus – "Fairtrade America’s 'We Are Fairtrade.' Awareness Campaign" Events and Observances - Seven or Fewer Days: Government: Gold: National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic – "Miracles on a Mountainside" Silver: National Renewable Energy Laboratory – "NREL Welcomes Neighbors Back to Campus During Community Open House" Associations/Nonprofits/Educational Institutions: Gold: Meadows PR and Visit Golden – "Goldens in Golden" Silver: CU Boulder Office of Strategic Relations & Communications – "ScienceWriters2023 at CU Boulder" Silver: Metropolitan State University of Denver – "9News Denver Mayoral Debate hosted by MSU Denver" Content Marketing: Government: Silver: CIG Public Relations – "CDOT Motorcycle Safety campaign" Business to Business: Silver: Graebel Companies with Linhart Public Relations – "Amplifying Thought Leadership and Demonstrating Value through Creative Storytelling" Silver: BOK Financial – "Healthcare Cyberattacks Hurt Providers and Patients Alike" Community Relations: Associations/Nonprofits/Educational Institutions: Silver: JKD & Company and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – "11th Hour Push - Denver’s Giving Machines" Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability: Silver: SideCar Public Relations – "Seizing Streets for Community Not Cars: ¡Viva! Streets Denver Brings a Global Phenomenon to the Mile High City" Influencer Marketing: Micro-Influencers: Silver: SchroderHaus – "Increasing Reach and Credibility through Influencer Partnerships for Clipper Tea" Organizational Awards: Best Agency - Midsize: Gold: B Public Relations – "From Local to Global: B Public Relations Elevates Hospitality Brands and Experiences" Component Awards: Annual Reports: Gold: Western Resource Advocates – "WRA’s 2022 Impact Report - Building a Better West" Gold: JKD & Company – "Native American Bank - Honoring Community" Social Media: Gold: CU Boulder Office of Strategic Relations & Communications – "CU in 60" Gold: SchroderHaus – "Leveraging Social Media for Awareness and Engagement for Clipper Tea" Branded Content: Gold: BOK Financial – "Healthcare Cyberattacks White Paper" Feature Stories: Gold: Linhart Public Relations with Spire Midstream – "Contributed Content Highlights Need for Natural Gas Storage" Gold: CU Boulder Office of Strategic Relations & Communications – "How Animals Get their Stripes and Spots" Gold: Metropolitan State University of Denver – "Call Me Mister" Newsletters/Magazines: Gold: Metropolitan State University of Denver – "RED Newsfeed" Gold: Western Resource Advocates – "Field Notes" Best Use of Generative AI - Direct Audience Engagement: Gold: CIG Public Relations – "CDOT Impaired Driving Holiday Mug Shot Campaign" Data Insights: Gold: Hensel Phelps Marketing Communications Team & Swing Strategic Communication – "Hensel Phelps 2023 Communications Audit" Influencer Marketing: Gold: Linhart Public Relations with Chocolove – "Sweet Success: Activating Existing Brand Fans on Instagram by Showing the Chocolove" Gold: SchroderHaus – "Justin’s #JustinMyLunch Influencer Marketing" Gold: SchroderHaus – "Earth Month Goes Regenerative for Artisan Tropic" Videos: Silver: Metropolitan State University of Denver – "Art of Dueling" Websites: Gold: Western Resource Advocates – "A New Website for Western Resource Advocates’ Future" Podcasts: Silver: National Renewable Energy Laboratory – "NREL Reaches New Audiences with Launch of Science News Podcast" Media Relations: Gold: JKD & Company and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – "11th Hour Push - Denver’s Giving Machines" Gold: Linhart Public Relations – "Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Combines Bench of Culinary Experts and Creative Media Strategy to Garner Year-Round National Media Coverage" Silver: CU Boulder Office of Strategic Relations & Communications – "Full Triceratops Skeleton Now Calls Boulder Home" Silver: SideCar Public Relations – "¡Viva! Streets Denver Drives Sustainability and Community Engagement Through Car-Free Streets" Silver: Barefoot PR – "Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation Invests in Oral Health Equity" Silver: Elasticity on behalf of Elevate Quantum – "A Mountain of Opportunity" Silver: Root Marketing & PR on behalf of Bubbies Fine Foods – "Making a Big Dill Out of Bubbies" Grand Gold Picks: The Grand Bold Pick is awarded to the "Best of Show" for the campaign with the highest overall score. This years, two organizations took home a Grand Gold Pick: Meadows PR and Visit Golden – "Goldens in Golden" National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic – "Miracles on a Mountainside" PRSA Colorado congratulates all winners for their exemplary work and contributions to the public relations industry in Colorado. The Public Relations Society of America ( www.prsa.org ) is the nation’s largest association for the professional practice of public relations. The Colorado Chapter ( www.prsacolorado.org ), headquartered in Westminster, is consistently one of the largest chapters in the country. The chapter provides timely and profession-specific educational programs, information and networking opportunities to all of its members, which include professionals at all levels working at corporations, local and national public relations agencies, government offices, universities, nonprofits and independent PR practitioners. Contact Details PRSA Colorado Chapter Alicia Nieva-Woodgate +1 415-515-0866 info@prsacolorado.org Company Website https://prsacolorado.org/

August 29, 2024 04:24 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Comcast Names Barry French Senior Vice President of External Affairs

Comcast Colorado

Comcast today announced that Barry French joined the company as Senior Vice President, External Affairs for Comcast’s West Division, based in Denver, Colo. An award-winning global marketing and communications executive and recognized government relations leader, French will drive the external affairs strategy for five regions and 13 states as the company expands its next-generation network. “Barry comes to Comcast with an excellent track record of achieving growth through brand awareness, government and regulatory affairs, and communications, said Rich Jennings, President, Comcast West Division. “His competitive nature and experience leading exceptional teams make him a great addition to our management team.” Having led engaged teams as large as 450 throughout 40 countries, French is known for driving change and delivering strong performance. His career has spanned industries, continents, and companies, including Dell, United Airlines, Nokia and the U.S. government. He most recently served as the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Inmarsat where he helped facilitate the successful $7.2 billion sale of the company to Viasat. As Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Nokia, he significantly increased the value of its brand, repositioned the company, and added billions of dollars to the sales pipeline. Barry started his career in political consulting, working with clients in the United States and in more than a dozen other countries. A lifelong learner, French holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Bates College and a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University. He is an avid hiker and runner and lives with his wife and son in Boulder, Colo. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Leslie Oliver +1 303-810-6326 leslie_oliver@comcast.com Company Website https://colorado.comcast.com/

August 29, 2024 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
12345 ... 257