Digital Asset DirectAdobe's New Acrobat AI Assistant
News Media Group, Inc.
Contact Details News Media Group, Inc. Karl Wayne +1 334-440-6397 karl@newsmg.com Company Website https://newsmg.com/
April 18, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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Digital Asset Direct
News ReleaseSelect Sector SPDR ETFs: A Strategic Approach to Precision Investing and Customized Portfolios
Select Sector SPDR
In the dynamic world of investing, Exchange-Traded Funds ( ETFs ) have proved to be a powerful tool for investors seeking diversification, flexibility, and potentially a more sector-driven approach. Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer a focused approach to sector investing, enabling investors to specifically target sectors within the broader market. This method of investment strategy is designed to arm investors with greater control and flexibility over their portfolios. Select Sector SPDR ETFs segment the S&P 500 into 11 investable sectors, covering all broad market segments. They provide access to various industries, allowing investors to craft a diversified portfolio that aligns with their unique investment goals. This approach presents an excellent opportunity for both individual and institutional investors to effectively navigate the financial markets. Each ETF comprises well-known, large-cap companies from the S&P 500, ensuring broad exposure and diversification. The transparent nature of ETFs allows for daily disclosure of portfolio holdings and weightings, providing investors with visibility into their investments. The full lineup of Select Sector SPDR ETFs includes: Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC) Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY) Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) Financials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) Industrials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLB) Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) These ETFs provide flexible, transparent, and low-cost investment options to both retail and institutional investors. The flexibility offered by these ETFs empowers investors to make strategic adjustments in their portfolios as market conditions change. This flexibility, combined with the transparency of daily disclosure of portfolio holdings, allows investors to always be aware of where their money is invested. Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer a unique opportunity to invest in various sectors with precision and flexibility. They provide a simplified approach to sector investing, allowing investors to customize their portfolios to meet their specific investment objectives. DISCLAIMER: This is a work of research and should not be taken as investment or financial advice. Therefore, Select Sector SPDRs or the publisher is not liable for any decision made based on the publication. About the Company: Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer flexibility and customization opportunities. Many investors have similar outlooks, but no two are exactly alike. Select Sector SPDR ETFs let investors select the sectors that best meet their investment goals. DISCLOSURES The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 common stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. The index is heavily weighted toward stocks with large market capitalizations and represents approximately two-thirds of the total market value of all domestic common stocks. The S&P 500 Index figures do not reflect any fees, expenses or taxes. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, fees and expenses before investing. One may not invest directly in an index. Transparent ETFs provide daily disclosure of portfolio holdings and weightings All ETFs are subject to risk, including loss of principal. Sector ETF products are also subject to sector risk and nondiversification risk, which generally will result in greater price fluctuations than the overall market. Diversification does not eliminate risk. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus, which contains this and other information, call 1-866-SECTOR-ETF (732-8673) or visit www.sectorspdrs.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust. Media Contact: Company: Select Sector SPDRs Contact: Dan Dolan* Address: 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203 Country: United States Email: dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Website: https://www.sectorspdrs.com/ *Dan Dolan is a Registered Representative of ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is the distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust. SEL007439 EXP 5/31/24 Contact Details Dan Dolan +1 203-935-8103 dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Company Website https://www.sectorspdrs.com/
April 12, 2024 05:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Digital Asset DirectSpring Renewal
News Media Group, Inc.
Contact Details News Media Group Karl Wayne +1 334-440-6397 karl@newsmg.com Company Website https://newsmg.com/
March 25, 2024 01:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time
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News ReleaseReport Reveals Alarming Number of Infants & Toddlers Experiencing Homelessness in the U.S.
SchoolHouse Connection
Washington, DC, March 20, 2024 | Today, national non-profit SchoolHouse Connection releases "Infant and Toddler Homelessness Across 50 States: 2021-2022," the most comprehensive analysis to date of homelessness among the nation's youngest children. This report offers the first-ever state-by-state collection of data on infant and toddler homelessness and provides detailed recommendations for policymakers and communities alike. “For the first time, we are able to shine a light on the extent of homelessness among infants and toddlers in all 50 states, as well as the gaps in their access to early childhood development programs," said Barbara Duffield, Executive Director of SchoolHouse Connection. "We urge practitioners and policymakers alike to dig into these data and take action, so that we can prevent long-term harm and interrupt cycles of homelessness that may start at the very beginning of life.” Drawing on an extensive analysis of federal and other available data, the report estimates that nearly 365,000 infants and toddlers experienced homelessness during the 2021-2022 program year across the United States. Alarmingly, the report found that only 11% of these children were enrolled in early childhood development programs, with enrollment rates varying significantly by state. "Early childhood development programs offer a wide range of support for infants, toddlers, and families who are homeless, from essential supplies like diapers and hygiene products, to services that counter the impact of homelessness on child development," said Erin Patterson, Director of Education Initiatives of SchoolHouse Connection. "These programs also facilitate vital connections to both short- and long-term housing solutions. We must redouble our efforts to ensure that every expectant parent, infant, and toddler experiencing homelessness receives access to these essential services." The report concludes with a call to action, offering targeted recommendations for state and federal policymakers to increase the identification of homeless families with infants and toddlers and to improve their access to critical early childhood development services and housing supports. The report also includes practical strategies for early childhood development programs that can be implemented immediately. A link to the report, including methodology, can be found here. About SchoolHouse Connection SchoolHouse Connection is a national non-profit organization working to overcome homelessness through education. We provide strategic advocacy and practical assistance in partnership with schools, early childhood programs, institutions of higher education, service providers, families, and youth. Our vision is that children and youth experiencing homelessness have full access to quality learning, birth through higher education, so they will never be homeless as adults, and the next generation will never be homeless. To learn more, please visit schoolhouseconnection.org. SchoolHouse Connection is a national non-profit organization working to overcome homelessness through education. We provide strategic advocacy and practical assistance in partnership with schools, early childhood programs, institutions of higher education, service providers, families, and youth. Our vision is that children and youth experiencing homelessness have full access to quality learning, birth through higher education, so they will never be homeless as adults, and the next generation will never be homeless. To learn more, please visit schoolhouseconnection.org. Contact Details Barbara Duffield, (202) 549-7668 +1 202-549-7668 barbara@schoolhouseconnection.org Company Website https://schoolhouseconnection.org/
March 20, 2024 08:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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News ReleaseComcast Texas Commits More Than $1M to Shrink Local Digital Divide in 2024
Comcast Texas
HOUSTON, TX (March 12, 2024) – Comcast Texas, the Houston area's largest internet service provider, will commit more than $1 million to shrink the local digital divide this year by supporting digital skills training programs, adding more Wi-Fi connected Lift Zones and providing grants to dozens of organizations that help thousands of people. The investment is part of Comcast’s Project UP – a comprehensive $1 billion initiative to advance digital opportunities across the nation and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. Digital Skills in the Workforce Over 90% of jobs available today require digital skills, yet nearly one-third of U.S. workers lack opportunities to build these skills. In 2024, Comcast Texas will continue to fund programs that teach the tech skills needed to land a job and stay competitive in the changing marketplace. Expanding WiFi-Connected Lift Zones and Programming Lift Zones are spaces in neighborhood community centers that provide free Internet access for students and families. In 2024, Comcast Texas will activate a number of new Lift Zones in the surrounding Houston area. There are 53 Lift Zones that serve southeast Texas students and families. In addition to new Lift Zones, additional programming will be added to locations that focus on skills and workforce development. Connectivity & Adoption Grants Connectivity programs give individuals, families and community partners the right tools and resources to take advantage of the Internet. Adoption programs teach the skills needed to increase competency and confidence in technology to use it proficiently. In 2024, Comcast Texas will provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to fund connectivity and adoption programs. “This investment in our communities will literally change generations of southeast Texas families,” said Jose Espinel, Comcast Texas’ Regional Senior Vice President. “Everyone deserves a chance to participate in the digital economy. You can’t do that without the resources and skills to use the Internet. Our commitment will ensure that people from all backgrounds can connect to the moments that matter most.” Comcast Texas’ 2024 grant funding and other support to local organizations will be announced throughout the year. Additional support will be considered for local organizations that raise awareness about connectivity programs like Internet Essentials, a low-cost, high-speed Internet plan for qualifying households ($9.95/mo for up to 50 Mbps, or $29.95/mo for up to 100 Mbps). Internet Essentials also provides low-cost computers, free WiFi hotspots, and free internet training. 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. About Project UP: Project UP is Comcast Corporation’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. Backed by a $1 billion commitment to reach tens of millions of people, Project UP encompasses the programs and community partnerships across Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Sky that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility, and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators. Contact Details Ilona Carson +1 346-624-2074 Ilona_Carson@comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/
March 11, 2024 04:15 PM Central Daylight Time
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News ReleaseSecond Annual Rehart Gesner Benefit Recital
Rehart Gesner Fund
Dr. Michelle Latour and Katy Morris, co-founders of the Rehart Gesner Fund, are thrilled to announce their Second Annual Benefit Recital. The fund, dedicated to supporting CCSD music educators by helping with the costs of private voice lessons, will culminate in this event, scheduled for Sunday, April 14 th, 2024, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. The evening will showcase the talents of adult students from the LATOUR voice studios, LLC, in a celebration of song. In this community, there are multiple options for young singers to apply for financial assistance, though very few resources available for music teachers. The Rehart Gesner Fund fills that gap, giving deserved recognition and support to CCSD music teachers who would like to cultivate their own talent. "The overwhelming support at last year's recital left us incredibly grateful to all who donated.” said Katy Morris. “We eagerly anticipate another successful year, empowering more music teachers to nurture their talent and share their passion for music with the next generation." Reflecting on the inaugural year, we are proud to have achieved these significant milestones: Granted scholarships for private voice lessons to six CCSD music teachers Welcomed two additional voice teachers Forged a partnership with renowned Los Angeles-based laryngologist, Dr. Reena Gupta, to provide scholarship recipients with comprehensive voice examinations Sponsored five music teachers for stroboscopy sessions to assess any potential medical issues affecting their voices Supported two music teachers with additional Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) therapy following their initial examinations The Second Annual Rehart Gesner Benefit Recital will be held at a private residence on April 14 th, 2024, and will be available to view via livestream. It will feature an elevated silent auction with a number of items from local businesses, all available for bidding online beginning March 14 th, 2024. Donations are being accepted via Givebutter, with a fundraising goal of $40,000 in an effort to surpass the $35,000 donated last year. All proceeds will be used to help defray costs of private voice lessons for local music educators. ABOUT THE REHART GESNER FUND Born from a place of inspiration, the Rehart Gesner Fund is named after Latour and Morris’ grandmothers, Ruth Rehart and Lorraine Gesner, both of whom had a profound impact on the co-founders’ musical upbringing. The cause is named after them and strives to “provide opportunities to nurture the artist within.” Rehart was always present in encouraging Latour with her artistic endeavors, whether it be attending dance, flute, piano or voice recitals. Gesner, Morris’ grandmother, was her advocate in life and in music. She paid for private piano and voice lessons and attended every performance. Latour and Morris wanted to honor the memory of their grandmothers by advocating for singers the way their grandmothers advocated for them. Offering assistance to those who want to grow and nurture their talent, when they otherwise might not be able to, is the heart of their cause. Follow us on Instagram at @rehartgesnerfund and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rehartgesnerfund. Learn more about the Rehart Gesner Fund or inquire about the application process at www.rehartgesnerartists.com. Contact Details Rehart Gesner Fund Dr. Michelle Latour, Co-Founder +1 702-381-4089 info@rehartgesnerartists.com Company Website https://www.rehartgesnerartists.com/
March 05, 2024 09:00 AM Pacific Standard Time
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News ReleaseCSD Social Venture Fund and Gallaudet University Present "Holographic Horizons: Bridging the Educational Divide" at SXSW
Communication Service for the Deaf
CSD Social Venture Fund and Gallaudet University have partnered with Proto Inc., to utilize Proto’s “Epic” holoportation technology as a groundbreaking tool in delivering lifelike, interactive American Sign Language (ASL) education for students who are Deaf and hard of hearing. "Deaf education is on the brink of a transformative leap, where geographical, socioeconomic, and communication disparities will no longer be barriers to quality learning," said Rosa Lee Timm, Division President of CSD Social Venture Fund. “Epic allows students to see and interact with remote instructors as if they are present in the same space, making it an inclusive environment that celebrates and nurtures diversity.” The demo and event, “Holographic Horizons: Bridging the Educational Divide” is set to debut at the Southwest (SXSW) festival on March 4th, 2024, led by panelists Rosavetta Jackson, CSD Social Venture Fund Program Manager; Topher Myers, an educational technology expert; and Dr. Laurene E. Simms, a leading voice for inclusive learning. The panelists will discuss how the Epic holoportation device from Proto Inc can serve as a medium for improving educational accessibility, including how it allows for greater clarity of information exchanged in ASL due to its usage of 3D space over more traditional 2D spaces found in video conferencing platforms. Epic’s lack of physical proximity will be highlighted to show how it opens doors to unimaginable use within the realm of universal design in classroom environments, creating far more learning opportunities and accessibility for students affected by inequity and geopolitics. For more information and to register for the event, please visit: https://sxswedu.com About CSD Social Venture Fund Founded in 2017, the CSD Social Venture Fund aims to support Deaf entrepreneurs in creating jobs, breaking down barriers, and serving as positive representations within the Deaf community. By investing in Deaf-owned businesses and providing resources for entrepreneurs, they seek to strengthen the community of Deaf entrepreneurs and, in turn, the Deaf community at large. About Gallaudet University Gallaudet University has been a cornerstone of the deaf and signing community for over 150 years, promoting the intellectual and professional advancement of deaf and hard of hearing individuals through American Sign Language and English. It upholds a proud tradition of research, scholarly activity, and prepares its graduates for careers in a dynamic, technological world. Gallaudet's vision is to be the university of first choice for the most qualified deaf and hard of hearing students globally. Contact Details Communication Service for the Deaf Rosa Lee Timm +1 518-569-1841 svf@csdsvf.com Company Website https://www.csd.org/
February 27, 2024 11:15 AM Eastern Standard Time
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News ReleasePhotography and Videography Jobs Soar in 2023, Finds Freelancer.com
FREELANCER.COM
Freelancer.com (ASX: FLN), the world’s largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace by number of users and jobs posted, today published the fastest growing online jobs for 2023 based on data from more than 1 million projects posted to the platform. The data reveals that jobs related to video content creation are in high demand. Videography ranked as the second fastest growing skill of 2023, with Video Production and Video Editing jobs also growing significantly and placing in the top growing jobs. Other video-related jobs, such as YouTube Video Editing and TikTok, were also amongst the top 25 fastest growing jobs on Freelancer.com for 2023. Fueling this demand is an increase of brands incorporating video in their marketing strategies. According to Wyzowl, video content marketing is an essential part of a majority (88%) of marketers strategies with most (85%) planning to increase spending on video in 2024. Demand for skills in photography and photo editing was also a driver for new jobs. Adobe Lightroom projects saw the highest percentage growth across the year, while Photography as a skill grew by 3,625 total jobs. In terms of earning potential, freelancers in the United States are charging up to $300/hour for Photography skills, $200/hour for Videography and Video Editing, and $160/hour to create TikTok content. “Advances in generative AI are changing the way businesses are communicating and marketing themselves. A boom in video and photography services is a clear indication that there’s a shift towards visual, highly-produced content as opposed to reliance on legacy forms of internet marketing, such as a reliance on blog posts and articles to generate traffic. We expect this trend to continue and are already seeing signs of video and marketing categories continuing to increase in 2024,” said Matt Barrie, Chief Executive at Freelancer.com. One example of how businesses are shifting towards video and moving away from written content is evident when looking at the decreasing skills of 2023. Blog writing ranked as 13th in the top falling jobs on Freelancer.com, decreasing by 66% from 4,872 to 1,648 jobs posted in 2023. While some may speculate that the introduction of generative AI tools is impacting writing, blog writing was the only writing skill present in the falling jobs. In fact, other forms of writing such as Fiction Writing (up 36.1%), Creative Writing (up 18.8%) and Microsoft Word (up 16.8%) were both amongst the fastest growing jobs of the year. “AI can’t replace creativity, yet. Although this may emerge with model scale. We said this in the middle of the year when we saw creative writing jobs increase in Q2 2023 and the sentiment remains the same in 2024. What we are seeing is that our freelancers are moving up the stack. They’re evolving from just blog writers to editors. Moving from just illustrators to directors. Ultimately, AI is elevating our talent and improving efficiency and productivity in the process,” added Barrie. Top Freelance Jobs The most popular job in 2023 was graphic design, with more than a quarter million projects requiring the skill. Graphic design has always historically been the number one job type on Freelancer.com for over a decade. Jobs related to graphic design are also the best way for new freelancers to break into freelancing, as there is an abundance of projects offering Website Design, Logo Design, Icon Design, and other forms of graphic design available. Best Paid Skills Per Hour on Freelancer.com in 2023 Marketing, photography and video related jobs took out the top spots for the best paid skills per hour on the platform for 2023. These skills being paid the most is consistent with these categories also being the most in-demand for the year Best Paid Jobs per Project on Freelancer.com in 2023 As for jobs paid per project, internet marketing takes out the top spot, followed by website design, graphic design, data entry and video services. ###### Freelancer Fast 50 Freelancer Fast 50 The Freelancer Fast 50 index is the world’s largest forward indicator of trends in online jobs related to industries, technologies, products, and companies. The data is based on 1,122,000 jobs posted to the Freelancer platform between 1 January to 31 December 2023. 2023 Growing Skills 2023 Falling Skills About Freelancer Twelve-time Webby award-winning Freelancer.com is the world’s largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace by total number of users and projects posted. More than 71 million registered users have posted over 23 million projects and contests to date in over 2,000 areas as diverse as website development, logo design, marketing, copywriting, aerospace engineering and manufacturing. Freelancer also owns Escrow.com, the leading provider of secure online payments and online transaction management, and Loadshift, an Australian enterprise freight marketplace. Freelancer Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ticker ASX:FLN and is quoted on OTCQX Best Market under the ticker FLNCF. Contact Details Freelancer.com Marko Zitko +61 404 574 830 mzitko@freelancer.com
February 27, 2024 08:23 AM Eastern Standard Time
News ReleaseFuelRod Installs Swappable Charger Kiosks at Union Station in DC
Fuel Rod
FuelRod, a leading provider of portable power solutions, today announced the installation of their innovative swappable charger kiosks at Union Station in Washington, DC. FuelRod’s patented two-way exchange mobile charging program will help to keep travelers connected as they pass through the station, and act as the latest addition to their growing network of kiosks both within DC and Nationwide. FuelRod’s installation at Washington Union Station—their second within an Amtrak-serving hub, following a 2023 installation at Los Angeles Union Station—will provide city residents and long-distance travelers alike with portable, environmentally friendly power within the railway station. Visitors will now be able to purchase a FuelRod charging kit or swap an empty charger for a fresh, fully charged replacement at the kiosks to be installed. Washington Union Station is the latest FuelRod location to join an already established network throughout the nation’s capital city. Examples of existing stations in DC include the Walter E Washington Convention Center, Entertainment and Sports Arena, Washington Dulles International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), and Six Flags America. “We are extremely proud of the expansion of our FuelRod mobile charging program into Union Station, Washington DC. We have a strong commitment to the traveling public and are focused on continued growth in transportation hubs across the United States,” said COO Joe Yeagley regarding this newest deployment in the nation’s capital. “Staying connected in today’s fast-paced world is more essential than ever, and people on the go should have convenient access to mobile charging regardless of where they happen to be.” The company’s presence in Washington, in turn, is part of a nationwide effort by FuelRod toward a network that people can rely on to stay powered and connected wherever they go. About FuelRod FuelRod is a California-based portable power solutions company and developer of the FuelRod kit—the first reusable, portable charging system that allows you to charge your mobile device on the go, and then recharge or swap for a fresh one. With a growing network of kiosks nationwide, FuelRod can keep your devices powered virtually anywhere you go. Learn more at www.fuel-rod.com. Contact Details Claudio Frescas +1 423-914-9647 claudio@fuel-rod.com Company Website https://www.fuel-rod.com/
February 20, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
