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NLPC: Special Counsel Jack Smith Must Close Shop

NLPC

National Legal and Policy Center Counsel Paul Kamenar and Chairman Peter Flaherty issued the statements below regarding the future of federal prosecutions of Donald Trump. “It appears that Special Prosecutor Jack Smith is coming to his senses and preparing to drop the two federal prosecutions against President-elect Donald Trump, ” said Paul Kamenar, counsel to NLPC. Although he vowed this summer to continue the prosecutions up until Inauguration Day if Trump got elected, neither of the two pending prosecutions, one in the District of Columbia for alleged election interference and the other in Florida regarding the classified documents case, could be tried before Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025. “The public jury has spoken overwhelmingly on election day that these political prosecutions be dropped,” said Peter Flaherty, NLPC Chairman. Once he becomes President, Trump can order his Acting Attorney General that Jack Smith be fired and the two cases be dismissed plus under Justice Department policy, a sitting president cannot be prosecuted. The most that Jack Smith can do now is write his report and submit it to Congress before he is fired. NLPC has been critical of Jack Smith’s prosecutions since they began. Indeed, Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the Florida Mar-a-Lago case based on the unconstitutional appointment of Jack Smith, the very issue which NLPC supported in the legal challenge to Robert Mueller’s appointment in the Russia hoax case. As for the two remaining state cases, Trump lawyers are asking that those cases also be dropped. The sentencing in the biased New York hush money was already postponed to November 17 and there are immunity issues in that case as well stemming from the Supreme Court’s decision granting Trump immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken in office. The Georgia case is on appeal regarding the legality of prosecutor Fani Willis staying on the case but should also be dismissed. According to Flaherty, “For the sake of the Rule of Law, it is a good thing that Trump won. If he had not, these prosecutions would continue, and future Republican candidates for President and other offices would face a barrage of lawsuits calculated to destroy their candidacies, livelihoods and reputations. Hopefully, the ‘lawfare’ warriors have learned their lesson, and we can return to free and fair elections.” For more information or to schedule an interview with Peter Flaherty or Paul Kamenar, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Founded in 1991, the National Legal and Policy Center promotes ethics in public life through research, investigation, education and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

November 08, 2024 11:15 AM Eastern Standard Time

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This Ad-Tech Platform Pays Consumers To Recommend Products On Their Social Media, Effectively Doing What Airbnb And Uber Did In A New Industry

Benzinga

By Josh Enomoto, Benzinga Increasingly, the concept of democratization – both in the social and economic realms – has become a central rallying cry for society. Digital marketing platform Thumzup Media Corp (NASDAQ: TZUP), recently uplisted to Nasdaq, takes this principle and applies it to the advertising ecosystem. Rather than the typical top-down approach deployed in this arena, Thumzup turns that business model on its head. Under the “analog” paradigm of advertising, businesses were forced to rely on major agencies and media outlets. At the time, only the largest enterprises controlled mass media channels such as television, radio, newspapers and billboards. Essentially, product and service messaging was funneled through centralized and hierarchical networks. Under this construct, the actual consumers were merely relegated to passive receivers of information. However, the internet – especially social media – has ushered in a fresh framework for how advertisers can influence their target audience. Through various hubs of connectivity, individuals can foster product discovery through a bottom-up approach. Such peer-to-peer recommendations lend a certain weight of authenticity that celebrity endorsements may not quite be able to match and are the central focus of Thumzup’s vision. Best of all, to incentivize this organic engagement, Thumzup offers cash rewards to users. Effectively, consumers are rewarded for doing what they do naturally: making recommendations to their family and friends. On the other end of the spectrum, businesses can potentially see their advertising dollars go much further than they could with traditional celebrity endorsements, which carry high costs and unpredictable results. Disruption Is At The Heart Of Thumzup’s Vision While big businesses occupy the collective consciousness thanks to their legacy standing, it’s the category of emerging and mid-tier enterprises that offer a compelling opportunity for Thumzup. Currently, 33.2 million small businesses operate in the U.S., accounting for 99.9% of all firms. Among this group, data from 2021 revealed that about 45% purchase digital ads, with the average monthly expenditure per business reaching $534. However, because of the meteoric success of digital ads, more recent research indicates that 69% of small enterprises use the medium to find new customers. Even with the older numbers, if Thumzup is able to capture 10% of this market and receive 20% of the average monthly spending rate, its potential annual revenue could skyrocket to nearly $442.5 million. But with the growth in the ecosystem, the actual sales potential could be far higher. Although it’s an ambitious goal, the directive is tied to a compelling concept of disruption. Last year, Matter Communications reported that 69% of consumers trust recommendations stemmed from influencers, friends and family as opposed to narratives originating directly from brands. What’s even more startling, preference for celebrity influencers slipped to 11%, down sharply from a range of 17% to 22% in Matter’s 2020 report. Notably, even social media influencers – who benefit from grassroots sentiment – are starting to feel the heat of skepticism. As sponsored material becomes more commonplace in the content environment, consumers rightfully question whether product endorsements are truly authentic or sincere. Such a friction point in the trust dialogue opens the door for Thumzup. Fundamentally, the key driver for Thumzup is the decentralization of information. In contrast to a top-down approach where only the largest, centralized entities dictate the broader information flow, Thumzup empowers individual voices. In turn, those voices become amplified through its programmatic incentivization structure. As the company states on its website, consumer voices have value. In this case, Thumzup pays people to promote specific products or services on their social media accounts. Furthermore, the reward is tied to the volume and quality of the posts. This setup encourages detailed product feedback while businesses enjoy that expanded reach and the return on their advertising dollars. Proving The Potential By directly engaging end users, Thumzup aims to enliven the dead space occupying the economic connection points in the product/service value chain. Specifically, consumers can put their downtime to productive use through quality recommendations and getting paid for it. Businesses can better ensure that their messaging is reaching out to their target clients. In this manner, Thumzup is analogous to Uber Technologies Inc (NYSE: UBER) or Airbnb Inc (NASDAQ: ABNB). Both entities allowed regular people to become economic agents: ride-sharing drivers for the former and landlords (hosts) for the latter. With Thumzup, individual customers can effectively become marketing partners. In many ways, Thumzup is introducing the potential in an entirely new economy. Robert Steele, Chief Executive Officer of Thumzup, shared, “Our growth strategy includes expanding into new target markets, adding powerful features like an integration with Instagram Reels, enhancing attribution tools, and integrating additional social media platforms. These improvements are designed to make Thumzup even more attractive to advertisers, which we believe will help us reach our goal of a tenfold increase in advertisers over the next 12 months.” Since its launch, Thumzup has proven this potential through tangible outcomes. The company has paid out over $200,000 in cash for roughly 20,000 posts in its initial test area around Los Angeles, and the company reports that it has grown subscribers by 131% since January. These payouts serve as a direct testament to the platform's ability to incentivize users to create authentic content that reaches a broader audience. Additionally, repeat business is a key indicator of success. For example, the Harley-Davidson Inc (NYSE: HOG) dealership in Marina del Rey has renewed its campaign multiple times, showcasing the effectiveness of Thumzup's strategy for both brand exposure and customer engagement. The company’s first strategic investor also believes their range of products – which includes Star Trek brand wines – will benefit from Thumzup’s innovative approach. Such success demonstrates that Thumzup’s business model is applicable to multiple industries. Redefining Advertising Through Authentic Connections Thumzup is helping reshape the future of advertising by empowering everyday consumers to share genuine brand experiences. Through incentivizing real, peer-driven recommendations, the platform offers brands a powerful alternative to traditional advertising models. With its scalable approach, Thumzup is positioning itself to potentially transform how businesses connect with their audiences, driving more authentic engagement and lasting brand loyalty. Featured image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 07, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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PrestigePEO Acquires Georgia-Based PEO, Teamwork Services Expanding Reach and Increasing Service Offerings

PrestigePEO

PrestigePEO, a leading Professional Employer Organization (PEO), announced the acquisition of Teamwork Services, Inc., headquartered in Brunswick, Georgia. This strategic transaction, finalized on October 25, 2024, represents a pivotal step in expanding PrestigePEO's geographic footprint and service capabilities. Expanding Capabilities and Market Reach The acquisition of Teamwork Services will allow PrestigePEO to extend its market reach in the Southeastern United States, providing a broader network of clients and benefits brokers with high-quality Fortune 500-level employee benefits, compliance and risk management solutions, and extensive HR support. This acquisition strengthens PrestigePEO’s mission to empower small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with the tools they need to scale and succeed in a competitive landscape. " Bringing Teamwork Services into the PrestigePEO family represents an incredible opportunity to enhance our service delivery and expand our reach," said Andy Lubash, CEO of PrestigePEO. " Our shared commitment to providing premium benefits and personalized service will enable us to make a meaningful difference for businesses and broker partners across the Southeast, helping them grow and thrive in an evolving marketplace.” Strategic Value and Executive Insight PrestigePEO and Teamwork Services share a strong client-centric approach grounded in innovation, professionalism, and deep industry expertise. The collaboration will provide expanded solutions for clients while maintaining the high service standards each company is known for. Robyn Rusignuolo, COO of PrestigePEO, commented, " This acquisition is a great match between companies with proven leadership and a commitment to providing an excellent service experience. We are thrilled to welcome Teamwork Services’ clients, employees, and partners into our network, and we look forward to leveraging our combined expertise to support PrestigePEO’s market expansion." Pam Morris, President of Teamwork Services, expressed her enthusiasm: " We are excited to join forces with PrestigePEO and bring expanded resources and benefits to our valued clients. PrestigePEO's innovative approach to HR and compliance aligns perfectly with our mission to provide personalized and effective HR solutions. This partnership will only strengthen the support and expertise we can offer." About PrestigePEO PrestigePEO is one of the nation's leading PEOs, offering premium employee benefits, comprehensive HR solutions, compliance guidance, payroll management, retirement plan options, and more. PrestigePEO supports benefits brokers and their small and medium-sized business clients by providing personalized services and Fortune 500-caliber benefits, empowering businesses to scale confidently and successfully. Headquartered in Melville, NY, PrestigePEO operates nationwide, focusing on client support and industry-leading service. To learn more about, visit www.prestigepeo.com and follow PrestigePEO on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube. About Teamwork Services, Inc. Founded in 1989, Teamwork Services, Inc. is a Brunswick, Georgia-based PEO specializing in payroll management, HR consulting, risk management, and business planning services. Teamwork Services has a long-standing reputation for providing customized solutions to businesses across various industries, emphasizing trust, support, and reliable expertise. The company's commitment to its clients is paramount, making this partnership with PrestigePEO a natural progression in its mission to provide the highest level of HR support. Contact Details PrestigePEO Jay Zamft, Director of Marketing +1 516-692-8202 jzamft@prestigepeo.com Company Website https://www.prestigepeo.com/

November 04, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Velocity Global Recognized as Leader in Everest Group’s Global EOR PEAK Matrix® for Third Time Running

Velocity Global

Velocity Global, the leading expert on global workforce management, proudly announces its designation as a Leader in Everest Group’s 2023 PEAK Matrix® Assessment for Employer of Record (EOR) Solutions. This prestigious recognition marks the third consecutive year that Velocity Global has earned this accolade, reaffirming its role as a trailblazer and trusted partner for businesses scaling internationally. In its evaluation of 23 EOR solution providers, Everest Group assessed companies on their vision, capabilities, and impact in 2023. Velocity Global’s repeated success underscores its innovation and unwavering commitment to helping organizations expand their global reach effortlessly. “Velocity Global has been recognized as a Leader in Everest Group’s EOR Solutions PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2023 for the breadth and depth of its services that span across EOR, supplemental benefits and perks, and equity management along with local expertise across multiple geographies. Its focus on compliance and continuous investment in compliance, advanced analytics, technology sophistication, and improving the customer experience along with a strong product roadmap is well aligned with the market needs and expectations to position it well in the EOR market,” stated Priyanka Mitra, Vice President, Everest Group. The Leaders in this report distinguish themselves through their ability to meet diverse customer needs—from onboarding to offboarding and beyond. They continuously innovate, delivering solutions that elevate the customer experience and drive real-time benefits for both employers and employees across the globe. Since its inception, Velocity Global has been a driving force in revolutionizing global workforce solutions. Evolving from a point solution provider to a strategic global growth partner, the company empowers businesses of all sizes with its unique combination of technology and expertise. Velocity Global’s Global Work Platform™ offers a seamless experience, combining self-service functionality with deep legal and HR expertise to ensure compliance across 185+ countries. Everest Group recognized Velocity Global as a Leader for their customer support, compliance management, and country-specific payroll, benefits, mobility, and legal expertise. As a pioneer in global workforce management, Velocity Global offers: Comprehensive Global Expansion: Velocity Global enables companies to hire, manage, pay, and retain a global workforce worldwide. With services that include statutory and supplemental benefits, companies can scale confidently across borders, fully supported by Velocity Global’s extensive offerings. Tech-Driven Innovation: Velocity Global continuously enhances its Global Work Platform™, empowering clients to onboard, manage, and pay global employees compliantly—all through one intuitive platform and augmenting its capabilities and market impact in the EOR market. With seamless bi-directional data integrations, businesses can synchronize their core HR functions with leading HR systems. Expert-Led Customer Support: Velocity Global’s dedicated teams of global payroll, benefits, immigration and mobility experts, coupled with in-country HR and legal expertise, provide unmatched support. Customers have consistently praised Velocity Global for its exceptional customer service and unmatched compliance management. “When it comes to addressing talent gaps or expanding into new markets, the ability to hire anyone, anywhere is a game-changer for companies,” said Francoise Brougher, CEO of Velocity Global. “To succeed in the global workforce, businesses need more than just speed—they need a frictionless user experience and reliable and trustworthy compliance. Our legal and HR expertise, combined with our cutting-edge technology, delivers all three, allowing our customers to focus on what really matters - growing their business.” To learn more about what differentiates us, download the report here. For more information on how Velocity Global makes opportunity borderless for people everywhere, visit www.velocityglobal.com. About Velocity Global Velocity Global gives you the power to build your team everywhere—combining seamless technology and local expertise in 185+ countries. We make it simple to compliantly hire, pay, manage, and retain talent anywhere. With Velocity Global, the world is yours. Contact Details Media contact +1 720-650-4348 press@velocityglobal.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

October 30, 2024 11:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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K3 Holdings and Alpine LA Properties Warn of Possible Unintended Consequences of Proposition 33 on Los Angeles Housing Market

K3 Holdings

K3 Holdings, a privately held real estate investment firm with extensive holdings throughout the United States and Alpine LA Properties, a leasing company providing newly remodeled apartments at affordable rates in Los Angeles voiced concern today about debate over California Proposition 33. Proposition 33 moves the decision of rent control laws into the hands of municipalities. While the proposal is intended to support vulnerable renters, via rent control and/or vacancy control solutions, many within the real estate and housing industries are raising concerns about its potential impact on housing availability. As municipalities create new legislation and regulations, many of these policies may have unintended negative consequences, especially for low-income families. Some experts are warning that Proposition 33 may result in fewer affordable housing options and discourage investment in new development, exacerbating the city's housing crisis. “As a property management company with deep roots in the Los Angeles community, we are committed to supporting renters and ensuring the availability of safe, affordable housing options,” stated Michael Kadisha, a Principal of K3 Holdings. “We have long been a resource to local leaders and policymakers, offering insights into the needs of renters and the realities of the housing market, and we look forward to further collaboration.” “While we understand and respect the goals behind Proposition 33, we are concerned that its unintended consequences will be harmful to the very communities it aims to protect. Proposition 33 could reduce the supply of housing options, especially for low-income families, by discouraging new development and forcing out existing property owners. This could exacerbate the housing crisis, not alleviate it,” Michael Kadisha continued. “By making it financially untenable for real estate owners and developers to operate, this proposal may inadvertently limit the number of available homes, leading to fewer choices for renters and higher prices in the long term,” Nathan Kadisha a K3 Principal added. “Surely this is not what local leaders, and the community is intending with these proposals.” “Our goal is to remain a partner in crafting balanced, effective housing policies that protect renters while also ensuring a healthy, sustainable housing market. We stand ready to work with city leaders to find solutions that benefit both renters and property owners alike,” Nathan Kadisha continued. While K3 does not endorse or reject any specific legislation and refrains from political involvement, its sole focus remains on building strong communities and helping renters thrive. About K3 Holdings and Alpine LA Properties K3 Holdings and Alpine LA Properties are committed to creating strong, vibrant communities through thoughtful property management and a focus on fostering neighborly connections. By hosting community events and providing quality living spaces, we strive to make our neighborhoods places where residents feel a sense of pride and belonging. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with a K3 spokesperson, please contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or dan@danrene.com Contact Details K3 Holdings/Alpine LA Properties Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 dan@danrene.com Company Website https://k3holdings.com/

October 29, 2024 02:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Ohio Pension Funds Sue Boeing and Former Chairman Over Plane Failures

NLPC

Why is former Boeing Chairman Larry Kellner – who led the company’s governance oversight during last year’s infamous Alaska Airlines door plug blowout – now head of the safety committee on ExxonMobil’s board of directors? That’s what a shareholder in both companies – National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC) – is asking. And now two pension funds for the State of Ohio are demanding answers from Boeing and its board members (both current and former) about the devaluation of their investment. Attorney General Dave Yost announced Tuesday that he is suing the board of directors for the Washington, DC-based jet manufacturer, “seeking accountability for a pattern of safety and compliance failures that have harmed the company and its investors.” Yost is representing the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio in the litigation, and accuses Boeing board members of breaching their fiduciary duties by failing to properly oversee the company. The lawsuit alleges the members knew “about the ongoing unsafe practices but even today fail to address them, choosing instead to prioritize profits over safety and regulatory compliance.” Among the defendants singled out by Yost is former Boeing chairman Kellner, who departed from the company under a cloud earlier this year, following the Alaska Airlines incident and other safety failures, in what CNN described as “a complete decapitation” of leadership. Among the allegations pointed out in the Ohio lawsuit about Kellner was that he: served on the board’s Aerospace Safety Committee since 2019; solicited votes from shareholders with other directors who “issued materially false or misleading statements with knowledge of their falsity or reckless disregard for their truth” in both 2023 and 2024; with other directors, “knowingly or with reckless disregard made false or misleading statements of material fact and omitted material information concerning the safety of Boeing’s airplane manufacturing…”; was opposed by proxy advisor Glass Lewis for re-election to the board in 2021 and 2022, “given his role as Audit Committee Chair during the [737] MAX Crashes” in Indonesia and Ethiopia. Yost summarizes the lawsuit against Boeing directors, including Kellner, by alleging they issued “false or misleading” statements “with knowing intent to deceive, manipulate, or defraud.” Yet today Kellner enjoys a soft landing on the board of directors for ExxonMobil, where he chairs the oil giant’s Environment, Safety and Public Policy Committee, with millions of dollars in stock awards and remuneration. This is after Boeing on Wednesday reported a third-quarter loss of more than $6 billion in the wake of the financial, reputational and litigation disaster left behind in the wake of Kellner’s failed leadership. “In the part of his career and experience which is supposed to highlight the majority of his credentials to serve in his current role on ExxonMobil’s board, Larry Kellner has been an unmitigated disaster,” said Paul Chesser, director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project, an investor in both Boeing and ExxonMobil. “Exxon is not without safety and environmental failures in its history that have cost lives, injuries and destruction. How can it say with a straight face that Mr. Kellner is the best person to oversee the company’s environment and safety policies and practices?” Earlier this year in advance of ExxonMobil’s annual meeting, NLPC filed a proxy memo with the Securities and Exchange Commission, detailing Kellner’s shortcomings for the director role and asking fellow shareholders to oppose his candidacy for the board. NLPC also released a short video in May that highlighted Boeing’s mishaps under Kellner’s leadership. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Founded in 1991, the National Legal and Policy Center promotes ethics in public life through research, investigation, education and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

October 24, 2024 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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ASTRO America’s AM Forward Initiative Receives Final Approval for Private Equity Fund

ASTRO America

Applied Science & Technology Research Organization ( ASTRO ) of America executives will join senior officials from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and Small Business Administration (SBA) at the Pentagon today to mark a major milestone in its “ AM Forward ” initiative. This effort, launched by ASTRO President Neal Orringer and U.S. President Joseph R. Biden in May 2022, accelerates small businesses’ adoption of additive manufacturing (“AM”, or 3D printing) technology to advance key aerospace and defense supply chains across the country. Today’s announcement of final federal approval for the Fund (formally known as the ‘Stifel North Atlantic AM-Forward Fund’) marks a historic moment in the nation’s effort to build, scale and accelerate public-private investments in critical technologies, a key component of AM Forward. This Fund, earning a Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) license in partnership with the DOD under the SBIC Critical Technology (SBICCT) initiative, aims to use a range of financing structures targeted to the specific needs of small businesses, with a focus on increasing additive and advanced manufacturing capabilities in the domestic supply chain. The initial investors of the Fund include significant capital commitments from industry-leading companies Lockheed Martin, GE Aerospace, and ASTM International, among others. “Two years ago, we launched AM Forward to build up resilience in America’s key supply chains,” said Neal Orringer, President of ASTRO America. “Our partners– most notably, Lockheed Martin and GE Aerospace– have demonstrated what it means to be strong stewards of America’s Defense Industrial Base. Today, we are grateful to have them and two other critical organizations, Stifel North Atlantic and ASTM International, contributing important resources, expertise, and mentorship to support the backbone of America’s economy– small and medium sized manufacturers.” ASTRO leads AM Forward’s implementation– a compact of seven leading companies as well as key federal agencies– focused on helping small businesses expand their adoption of metal 3D printing technology through: access to capital, machine validation processes called “qualification,” and workforce development. ASTRO selected Stifel North Atlantic (NYSE: SF) as the financial partner to support AM Forward’s access-to-capital efforts by managing the Fund, based on its rich history of support for small and middle market companies and extensive experience managing SBIC Funds. ASTRO leadership will remain involved with the Fund as advisors to the Fund’s Technical Advisory Board. “We are pleased to receive this license from the SBA,” said Victor Nesi, Stifel Co-President. “In collaboration with our strategic partners, we are proud to give America’s emerging small businesses the capital and strategic support they need to advance innovation that supports our supply chain, creates domestic jobs, amplifies manufacturing capacity and importantly, increases national security.” Earlier this year, ASTRO America and Stifel North America announced the Fund became the first recipient to receive an initial ‘green light’ to raise private capital under the SBIC Critical Technologies (“SBICCT”) program. The Applied Science and Technology Research Organization of America (ASTRO America) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, non-partisan Research Institute and Think Tank. It was established in 2018 to advance the public interest through manufacturing technology and policy. Led by manufacturing professionals with broad public and private sector experience, ASTRO America supports collaborations by government agencies and companies to address supply chain challenges in highly regulated industries, including aerospace and defense. Established in 1890, with headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, Stifel is a full-service financial services firm with a distinguished history of providing securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, institutions, corporations, and municipalities. Contact Details Raynor Ave. Bradley Sinkaus +1 570-446-7585 bradley@raynoravenue.com Company Website https://astroa.org/

October 23, 2024 04:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Investor Releases Satirical Video Calling for Reid Hoffman’s Removal from Microsoft’s Board

NLPC

Poor judgment that led him to visit [Jeffrey] Epstein Island, asking friends to meet with the late pedophile, and an overwrought obsession with the defeat and downfall of President Trump, are just a few of the reasons why tech investor Reid Hoffman should no longer serve on Microsoft’s board of directors, according to an investor in the company. And now that shareholder, National Legal and Policy Center, has released a satirical video to amplify the case it has made for the last 18 months – that the LinkedIn co-founder is unfit for such a prestigious role with the software giant. Last year NLPC submitted a memorandum to the Securities and Exchange Commission asking shareholders to vote against Hoffman’s re-election to the Microsoft board. The nonprofit investor again called for his removal this year in an additional filing at the SEC, after he told fellow billionaire elites at a Sun Valley, Idaho conference that he wished he had made Donald Trump an “actual martyr,” just days before an assassination attempt was made on the former President in Butler, Pa. “There are plenty of active and generous donors, mostly to left-leaning candidates, on corporate boards in the U.S., but we don’t consider them unfit to serve,” said Paul Chesser, director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project. “But with his excessive Trump obsession, dubious political ethics and funding of lawfare, Reid Hoffman is in another class, which should eliminate him from consideration for any public company leadership role.” Microsoft’s annual meeting is scheduled for December 10, and release of the company’s proxy statement is expected before the end of October. Watch NLPC’s video on Hoffman and his role at Microsoft here. For more information or to schedule an interview with Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Founded in 1991, the National Legal and Policy Center promotes ethics in public life through research, investigation, education and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

October 16, 2024 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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New Study Shows Rise in Independent by Choice Workers over Traditional Employment

MBO Partners

A new study from MBO Partners highlights a transformative shift in the American labor market, revealing a 6.5% increase in full-time independent workers, now reaching 27.7 million, since last year. Nearly one in five independent workers now earn more than $100,000 annually, reflecting the expanding economic opportunities offering Americans options from traditional employment toward the freedom and flexibility of self-employment. “This 6.5% growth in full-time independents signals a clear rejection of the traditional employer-employee social contract,” said Miles Everson, CEO of MBO Partners. “The concept of stable benefits, job security, and mutual loyalty is unraveling. Our study found that 65% of full-time independent workers feel more secure in their careers, and their confidence is reflected in their decision to pursue autonomy and forge their own paths.” MBO’s State of Independence report, The Independent by Choice Movement: Authentic and Intentional, now in its 14th year, shows that 72.7 million Americans are choosing independent work in 2024. Millennials and Gen Z are at the forefront of this movement, with their combined share of the independent workforce rising from 52% in 2023 to 59% in 2024. As traditional employment loses its appeal, these younger generations are redefining career success, prioritizing flexibility, purpose, and financial independence over conventional job structures. Additional insights from the 2024 study include: Traditional Employment is on Shaky Ground The study reveals that 34% of traditional jobholders fear losing their jobs, while 42% are considering a career change this year. In contrast, 65% of full-time independents feel more secure, and nearly 60% say their work aligns with their identity, compared to just 47% of traditional workers. As the employer-employee social contract frays, traditional jobholders question employer commitment to retaining talent. Many workers are switching jobs more frequently or transitioning to independent work, with job tenure steadily declining. Independent by Choice Drives a Bold New Era of Self-Directed Careers In 2024, 61% of independent workers chose this path by choice, not necessity, with only 10% saying they felt forced into it. Confidence in independent work is growing, with 65% of full-time independents feeling more secure than in traditional jobs, and 54% saying they wouldn’t return to payroll employment. Independent work is now seen as a viable career strategy, with 4.7 million independents earning over $100,000 annually, up from 3 million in 2020. This shift represents a growing movement toward autonomy and purpose, not just a fallback option. AI and Global Reach Fuel Independent Growth In 2024, the number of full-time and part-time independent professionals providing services to businesses surged by 14%, reaching 11.2 million. These independents are climbing the value chain, leveraging specialized skills and generative AI—65% now use AI tools, up sharply from 37% in 2023. AI has become a game changer, enhancing productivity and competitiveness, leading to a rise in six-figure earners. Additionally, thanks to platforms, marketplaces, and social media, the global reach of independent workers is expanding. In 2024, 31% reported providing services to customers outside the U.S., nearly triple the proportion from 2012. “More people are turning to independent work,” Everson added. “This is not just a trend - it’s an inspiring shift, with a workforce determined to redefine success on its own terms.” About MBO Partners®​ MBO Partners is a global talent solutions platform designed to optimize the engagement between enterprise clients and high value independent workers. MBO’s comprehensive enterprise solutions allow clients to source exceptional talent, scale their independent workforce and optimize their workforce management practices. With vast experience and industry expertise, MBO helps you build a better, independent workforce for the future. For more information, visit mbopartners.com. Contact Details Words For Hire Karen Swim, APR, Public Relations +1 586-461-2103 karen@wordsforhirellc.com MBO Partners Michelle (Mick) Lee, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) MLee@MBOPartners.com Company Website https://mbopartners.com

October 15, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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