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Cloud Conventions Introduces SafetyNet to Create a Virtual Backup Plan for Live Events

Convey Services

Cloud Conventions today introduced SafetyNet ™, a new program to provide a virtual event backup options for associations, tradeshows, event managers or trade groups that have a live event scheduled now or in the near future. SafetyNet provides a standby virtual event platform that can be activated if needed when attendance for a live event declines or if there is a requirement to pivot to an all-virtual program. A SafetyNet platform can be brought online in a matter of days without technical support or programming. Cloud Conventions is a sophisticated event management platform that redefines the attendee and exhibitor experience with a strong focus on delivering virtual and hybrid events, regardless of size or budget. “It seems like a repeat of 2020 as event managers, associations and other trade groups are struggling to decide if they should cancel their live event, shift to virtual or hybrid, or take other precautions to make attendees and exhibitors feel safe,” said Carolyn Bradfield, CEO of Cloud Conventions. “Any group hosting live events today needs a virtual backup plan that can be activated to ensure attendees and sponsors can participate in industry sessions, continuing education and still make connections that they would miss when they can’t attend in person.” SafetyNet maintains a low-cost Cloud Conventions virtual platform on standby behind a private login until required. It is hosted on a custom URL, is fully branded, customized and organized to host live or on-demand sessions, exhibitor and sponsor booths or provide a resource center for all event-related content. Attendees can be imported from a live event registration system and have their record transferred to SafetyNet including demographics and event access permissions. Sponsors are assigned a virtual booth template and configured to go live without technical assistance, in a matter of hours. “Now that live events have partially returned, many groups ask themselves if virtual events are worth it, so they only focus on their in-person event, often to their detriment,” added Bradfield. “A 2020 study of 1,000 respondents, ‘ Association Trends: From Disruption to Opportunity’ produced by Community Brands, details that having a virtual option for membership participation has changed from a nice-to-have to a must have. Some live events scheduled for the fall of 2021 are being abruptly cancelled due to on-going COVID risks. This is clearly an indicator that the pandemic is far from over. A SafetyNet option is the best insurance that the show will go on, no matter what.” SafetyNet is offered for a low, setup fee to create a fully branded and configured virtual environment. If the organizer chooses to go live with a hybrid or all-virtual event, the setup fee applies to the event package. Show managers can choose as much or as little assistance from Cloud Conventions to bring their event online quickly with all the features needed to educate and engage attendees. Having a virtual option guarantees a rewarding experience for attendees, better ROI for sponsors and ensures smoother event operation for organizers. Explore SafetyNet at: https://cloudconventions.com/page/139455/safetynet. About Cloud Conventions Cloud Conventions from Convey Services is Cloud Conventions is an enterprise virtual/hybrid event management platform that redefines the exhibitor and attendee experience to allow companies to provide easy access to in-depth product information, showcase their brands with graphics and videos, create calls to action and generate immediate sales leads. Used around the world for large managed events and smaller self-directed meetings, conferences and corporate kickoffs, Cloud Conventions automates exhibitors and virtual booths, continuing education, speaker sessions and reminders, invitations and email communication, while at the same time producing detailed analytics on attendee, session and exhibitor activity. Cloud Conventions supports multiple languages and currencies, internal, external and single-sign on registration, and supports all conferencing carriers and platforms. Trade Associations and event managers can explore all of the Cloud Conventions solutions by visiting https://cloudconventions.com or contacting info@cloudconventions.com or call 888-975-1382. Cloud Conventions™, Community™, SafetyNet™, Cloud Kickoffs™, Conduct™, One-Touch Email Share™, Hub & Spoke™, 360° Virtual Exhibit Hall & Lobby Experience™ and ListLock™ are trademarks of Convey Services LLC Contact Details Bruce Ahern +1 770-580-0810 bahern@conveyservices.com Company Website https://cloudconventions.com

August 19, 2021 10:29 AM Eastern Daylight Time

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Reveals the Inspired Experiences Awaiting Visitors at its Stunning Expo Pavilion

Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai

The Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai has been awarded the LEED Platinum Certificate from the US Green Building Council (USGBC), placing it among the most sustainable designs in the world. The pavilion, the second largest after the UAE’s, holds three Guinness World Records for longest interactive state-of-the-art water feature, largest LED mirror screen display, and largest interactive lighting floor. Celebrated Saudi artists will exhibit their work as part of the pavilion’s ‘Vision’ exhibition. With less than two months to go, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is preparing to welcome the world to its state-of-the-art pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. At the Saudi Pavilion – the second largest after the UAE’s – visitors will experience the Kingdom’s rich past, vibrant present, and promising future. A 68 square-meter, curved LED screen greets visitors as they embark on a technology-enabled journey through five ecosystems, hinting at the Kingdom’s natural spaces, beautiful coasts, vast deserts, surrounding seas, and high mountains. The journey will walk through the flora of Al Bardani Valley in Asir Region to the mighty mountains of Tabuk, and from the dunes of the Empty Quarter in southeastern Saudi to the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea. Visitors to the Saudi Pavilion will then experience 14 cultural landmarks along a stunning escalator ride. These include acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as At-Turaif District in Ad-Diriyah, Hegra Archaeological Site in AlUla, Historic Jeddah, Rock Art in the Hail Region, and Al-Ahsa Oasis. Through an audiovisual guide, guests can explore 23 other destinations, including world-leading giga-projects which are rewriting the possibilities of sustainable development such as Qiddiya, Diriyah Gate, and King Salman Park. Following this, visitors will enter ‘Vision,’ a one-of-a-kind art exhibition curated by celebrated Saudi artists. Highlights include a 30m floating virtual sphere and a bespoke interactive floor. Finally, the pavilion will take visitors through the ‘Discovery Center’, where an innovative platform will connect leaders from around the world to forge exciting partnerships and discuss investment opportunities, visualized through an interactive digital map of Saudi Arabia. People, opportunity, nature, and heritage are the four pillars that anchor the visitor experience of the Kingdom’s 13,000 square-meter pavilion; an adventure woven into one of the most sustainable structures at Expo 2020 Dubai. It has been awarded the LEED Platinum certification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), the highest internationally recognized sustainability rating in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. In addition, the pavilion holds three Guinness World Records: the largest interactive lighting floor with around 8,000 LED lights, the longest interactive water feature at more than 32 meters, and the largest LED interactive digital mirror screen at 1302.5 square meters. Expo 2020 Dubai is an opportunity to reconnect, meet new people, and discover new horizons. The people of Saudi Arabia are excited to open the doors and for visitors to experience their renowned hospitality first-hand. Contact Details Hanin Faroun +971 58 823 6024 hfaroun@apcoworldwide.com

August 19, 2021 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Spiceology Launches Sensory Retail Experience in New York City at SHOWFIELDS

Spiceology

Spiceology, the fastest growing spice company in America, this week announced its first-ever physical storefront in partnership with SHOWFIELDS, a retail concept in the heart of NOHO, New York City, that hosts the most innovative brands and art of tomorrow. Spiceology products are featured on the ground floor of this 4-story retail hub along Bond Street, where passersby are presented with a 3D visual representation of the company’s “Experiment with Flavor” ethos. With the help of the curious and creative community that SHOWFIELDS attracts and a captivating display, this brick-and-mortar experience is nothing short of magic. Spiceology’s adventurous and visceral flavor profiles come to life in an explosive and surreal floating dinner scene, as a giant hand, dinnerware, food objects, and other elements float above a central table. Spiceology’s exhibit highlights its Periodic Table of Flavor, which is made up of over 400 small-batch ground spices, chiles, herbs, salts, confections, fruit and vegetable powders, and modernist ingredients. “We’re makers of delicious and innovative flavors for all, and our SHOWFIELDS residency is truly a feast for the senses.” said Chip Overstreet, CEO at Spiceology. “Most consumers have been lulled into believing that spices are just pantry staples, but we want New Yorkers and passersby to come along for the ride of Experimenting with Flavor and see what quality taste is really about.” In addition to Spiceology’s original spices and unique blends, the company plans to leverage SHOWFIELDS to officially launch partner collaborations, starting with New Belgium Brewing, makers of beloved beers that include Fat Tire and Voodoo Ranger. Each month Spiceology will unveil one of its featured partnerships in the SHOWFIELDS showroom. SHOWFIELDS strategically curates and selects emerging brands that are aligned with its community, focusing on brands that are mission driven, consumer-centric and design-oriented. SHOWFIELDS is a place for the people, with its guests' behaviors and desires being the determining factor as to whether or not a brand is the right fit for the community. "We look for like-minded brands that boast big and bold ideas, and from the moment we learned about Spiceology, we knew they would bring the flavor that SHOWFIELDS needed,” said Nicole Levinson, VP of Marketing at SHOWFIELDS. “We believe that it’s time we bring everyone back to the table, and with Spiceology’s evocative presence, we can do exactly that. We wanted to take our favorite aspects of their online presence and striking product branding and turn it into an immersive, in-person experience for New Yorkers.” SHOWFIELDS is located at 11 Bond Street (at the corner with Lafayette Street) in New York City and will be open Monday through Sunday 12-7pm. For more information, visit showfields.com or follow along on social media @showfields. ABOUT SPICEOLOGY Founded in 2013, Spiceology is the fastest-growing privately owned spice company in America and is on a mission to bring the magic back to spices, the world’s first currency. The chef-owned and operated, one-stop spice shop develops innovative blends and offers over 400 ingredients that are ground fresh in small-batches and shipped fresh to consumers and chefs. Spiceology’s “experiment with flavor” ethos is not only embraced through excellent ingredients and unique combinations, but also through responsible business practices designed to create a better world with diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of the workforce. Spiceology products can be found on spiceology.com, in specialty retailers and grocers, in restaurants around the US, and as far away as Australia and Dubai. Visit spiceology.com for more information or to place an order, or follow Spiceology on Facebook and Instagram. For recipe inspiration, visit here. ABOUT SHOWFIELDS SHOWFIELDS, the most interesting store in the world, is a groundbreaking retail concept curated to drive discovery and inspiration through mission driven and innovative brands and art, from all over the world, creating immersive storytelling in a forward thinking culture and experience hub. Contact Details Spiceology Cassidy Levine +1 908-770-7880 cassidy@spiceology.com Company Website https://spiceology.com/

August 19, 2021 08:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Velocity Global Wins Company of the Year in Best in Biz Awards 2021 International

Velocity Global

Company wins top award in Business to Business category Independent global business awards judged by prominent media including Bloomberg News, Huffington Post, TechRadar, and others Velocity Global is the gold winner in the Company of the Year business-to-business category in Best in Biz Awards 2021 International, the only independent global business awards program judged each year by prominent editors and reporters from top-tier publications from around the world. “This award recognizes the hard work of our team in a year that forever changed the work landscape,” said Ben Wright, Velocity Global founder and CEO. “Living our ‘People-First’ brand, we prioritized the jobs and safety of our teammates and supported employees for our clients. We achieved significant growth in a difficult year for many. That momentum paved the way for us to make two acquisitions this year as we build upon our leading global work platform.” The company’s global work platform simplifies the employer and employee experience through proprietary cloud-based workforce management technology, personalized expertise, and unmatched global scale. Users access a streamlined technology interface as well as partner with a dedicated experienced team for individualized solutions and expertise. Winners in the 9th annual program were determined based on scoring from an independent panel of judges from a wide spectrum of top-tier publications and media outlets from 10 countries. Each year, only editors, writers, and contributors to business, consumer, financial, trade, and technology publications, as well as broadcast outlets and analyst firms, serve as judges in Best in Biz Awards. The program’s uniqueness stems, in part, from this distinct composition of its judging panels, enabling it to best leverage the judges’ unparalleled expertise, experience, and objectivity to determine award winners. This year’s judging panel included writers and contributors to such publications as Bloomberg News, Data Breach Today, HTMAG (Israel), Huffington Post, NDR (Germany), Panorama Magazine (United Arab Emirates), Small Business IT (Canada), TechRadar (UK), as well as other outlets from Brazil, Canada, India, United Kingdom and more. For a full list of gold, silver, and bronze winners in Best in Biz Awards 2021 International, visit http://intl.bestinbizawards.com/intl-2021-winners. About Velocity Global Velocity Global accelerates the future of work beyond borders. Its global work platform simplifies the employer and employee experience through proprietary cloud-based workforce management technology, personalized expertise, and unmatched scale. As the largest global Employer of Record (also known as International PEO) in 185 countries and all 50 United States, more than 1,000 brands rely on Velocity Global to build global teams without the cost or complexity of setting up foreign legal entities or state registrations. The company offers additional services including Independent Contractor Compliance to assess a workforce, and Agent of Record (AoR) to streamline payments to contractors. Velocity Global was named a “Leader” in Global Employer of Record services by prominent analyst firm NelsonHall. Founded in 2014, the company has hundreds of employees across five continents. For more information visit velocityglobal.com. About Best in Biz Awards Since 2011, Best in Biz Awards has made its mark as the only independent business awards program judged each year by a who’s who of prominent reporters and editors from top-tier publications from North America and around the world. Best in Biz Awards honors are conferred in two separate programs: North America and International, and in more than 90 categories, including company, team, executive, product, and CSR, media, PR, and other categories. For more information about the International program, see: http://intl.bestinbizawards.com. Contact Details Velocity Global John Hall +1 720-650-4348 news@velocityglobal.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

August 18, 2021 07:02 AM Mountain Daylight Time

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SPICEOLOGY NAMED INC. 5000 FASTEST GROWING SPICE COMPANY IN AMERICA FOR THIRD YEAR IN A ROW

Spiceology

Spiceology, the fastest growing spice company in America, today announced that it has been named to the Inc. 5000 annual ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States for the third year in a row. Spiceology grew 537% from 2017 to 2020, and is now ranked 903 by Inc. 5000, an exclusive annual guide to America’s most inspiring entrepreneurs and companies. “We are pleased to be recognized by Inc. for the third consecutive year as the fastest growing spice company in America,” said Chip Overstreet, CEO Spiceology. “What started with a humble farmers market beginning is now a company beloved and trusted by chefs, home cooks, grocers and retailers across the nation. We focus on flavor and innovation, and we’re bringing the magic back into a very tired category that's sorely in need of a fresh alternative.” The chef-owned and operated, one-stop spice shop develops innovative blends and offers over 400 ingredients that are ground fresh in small-batches and shipped direct to consumers and chefs. The announcement follows a year of collaboration and innovation efforts, including partnerships with New Belgium Brewing, makers of beloved beers Voodoo Ranger and Fat Tire, as well as MeatEater, Chef Isaac Toups, The Grill Dads, Chef Lawrence Duran, Huy Fong Sriracha, Girl Carnivore, Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois and Chef Chad White. Spiceology also added four new consumer-chosen blends to its salt-free line in support of the National Kidney Foundation and the American Heart Association’s ‘Life is Why’ campaign. Through a company-wide belief in the power of collaboration and innovation, Spiceology is on a never-ending journey to eliminate dull flavors in the kitchen, for all. Spiceology’s Experiment with Flavor™ ethos is not only embraced through unique collaborations, but through responsible business practices designed to create a better world. This includes Spiceology’s commitment to being plastic neutral via a partnership with Cleanhub.io, a new production facility optimized for low-energy use, and by packaging in glass jars and #1PET, the most recyclable of all plastics. For more information on Spiceology, please visit Spiceology.com. ABOUT SPICEOLOGY Founded in 2013, Spiceology is the fastest-growing spice company in America and is on a mission to bring the magic back to spices, the world’s first currency. The chef-owned and operated, one-stop spice shop develops innovative blends and offers over 400 ingredients that are ground fresh in small-batches and shipped fresh to consumers and chefs. Spiceology’s “experiment with flavor” ethos is not only embraced through excellent ingredients and unique combinations, but also through responsible business practices designed to create a better world with diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of the workforce. Spiceology products can be found on spiceology.com, in specialty retailers and grocers, in restaurants around the US, and as far away as Australia and Dubai. Visit spiceology.com for more information or to place an order, or follow Spiceology on Facebook and Instagram. For recipe inspiration, visit here. ABOUT INC. AND THE INC. 5000 Methodology Companies on the 2021 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2017 to 2020. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2017. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2020. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2017 is $100,000; the minimum for 2020 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Growth rates used to determine company rankings were calculated to three decimal places. There was one tie on this year’s Inc. 5000. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.’s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at http://www.inc.com/inc5000. About Inc. Media The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including web sites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Vision Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com. Contact Details Spiceology Cassidy Levine +1 908-770-7880 cassidy@spiceology.com Company Website https://spiceology.com/

August 18, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

DSI Aluminum Cable Fence offers Superior Durability and Distinctive Designs

DSI/Digger Specialties Inc.

DSI aluminum cable fencing provides beauty, safety, and exclusive features for residential and commercial properties. The fencing system combines aluminum posts and rails with thin vertical stainless-steel cables and aluminum pickets. These thin cables and pickets allow for a full unobstructed view of the surrounding areas. To provide labor savings, DSI aluminum light weight cable fencing sections are pre-assembled, tensioned, and ready to install. Offered in twelve standard colors or optional custom colors with satin or textured finishes, DSI aluminum cable fencing options are extensive. No other aluminum fencing manufacturer offers as many color choices to compliment a residential or commercial structure. Incorporating a ten-step powder coating system, DSI’s production process is the most comprehensive in the industry. DSI’s powder coating process is PCI 4000 certified. The result is a fencing system that provides a lasting color fast finish that resists the elements and stands the test of time. DSI Aluminum fencing offers superior low maintenance performance when compared to wood, vinyl or steel fencing products. DSI cable fencing is available in two-rail or three-rail designs. The two-rail design is offered in 48-1/2” height and the three-rail design is available in 48” and 54” heights. Optional Magena Star ® lighting provides beauty and function to DSI aluminum fencing. DSI cable fencing is the perfect solution for protecting the perimeter of a home or business while providing property owners a virtually unobstructed view. DSI’s aluminum fencing is engineered to provide years of low maintenance performance while enhancing the property owners’ expansive views and curb appeal. DSI cable fencing comes with a lifetime limited warranty from DSI, the leading manufacturer of aluminum fencing and aluminum railing products in North America. All DSI building products are made in America and are designed to Transform the Outdoor Living Experience. Visit the Where to Buy section of the DSI website, diggerspecialties.com, to discover where you can purchase Cable Fencing. DSI is an industry leading manufacturer of aluminum and vinyl railing, aluminum and vinyl fencing, composite and fiberglass architectural columns, gates, and deck lighting. Contact Details DSI/Digger Specialties Inc. Chris H. Beyer +1 704-438-7998 cbeyer@dsiwestbury.com

August 17, 2021 04:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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WiBotic Introduces New Lineup of Chargers and Transmitters for Drones and Autonomous Mobile Robots

WiBotic

WiBotic, a Seattle company that specializes in advanced charging and power optimization solutions for the rapidly expanding ecosystem of aerial, mobile, marine, space and industrial robots, today introduced several new cutting-edge chargers and transmitters for drones and autonomous mobile robots. The products showcase WiBotic’s expertise in innovating efficient charging solutions for robots that operate in all sorts of environments, even under the harshest conditions. Specifically, these new products include: OC-262 onboard charger. The OC-262 is a passively cooled onboard charger that was developed as a ruggedized system for the Department of Defense, but is now being released for wider use in response to customer demand. Passive cooling is particularly beneficial in punishing environments where water, dust, dirt and corrosion are significant concerns, and the OC-262 offers considerable benefits to customers operating in the oil and gas, mining, construction, marine exploration and agriculture industries. Providing up to 300W of power, the OC-262 has no moving parts, supports all common robot battery chemistries, and pairs with a weatherproof receiver antenna for a complete outdoor solution. Two models of the OC-262 are now available: An ST model with IP20 rating for applications that require passive cooling but can be more open to the environment. A WP model with IP67 rating for use in outdoor or extreme environments. OC-150 onboard charger. Designed for UAVs and smaller robots, the OC-150 is a compact and lightweight onboard charger that delivers up to 150W of total power and up to 10A of current depending upon battery voltage. As with other OCs, it supports multiple battery chemistries and has an output voltage range of 9V to 58.5V. TR-150 transmitter. A compact transmitter, the TR-150 uses the latest high-efficiency GaN transistors from WiBotic partner GaN Systems Inc. It is designed primarily for use with the new OC-150 onboard charger but supports all WiBotic OCs when deployed in diverse robot fleets. Delivering up to 150W of power, its new GaN-driven power amplifier has an exemplary 95% efficiency – leading to end-to-end wireless power system efficiencies of 85% or more. TR-300 transmitter. Like the TR-150, the TR-300 is a compact wireless power transmitter using GaN Systems’ technology for maximum efficiency. The TR-300 offers the same core benefits as the TR-150 but delivers up to 300W of power when paired with WiBotic’s OC-262 or OC-301 onboard chargers. Paul Wiener, VP of Strategic Marketing at GaN Systems, congratulated WiBotic on the announcement: “These new products are just as exciting for GaN Systems as they are for WiBotic. We continue to believe the market for high-power wireless charging systems is going to explode in the coming years and companies like WiBotic are going to lead the way through the use of GaN technology.” At the AUVSI Xponential show in Atlanta, GA, August 17-19 th, WiBotic is also demonstrating an innovative new use for onboard chargers. As drone service providers will attest, it can be difficult to keep track of individual battery health when large collections of diverse batteries are manually charged for repetitive field use. When used with WiBotic’s new Commander Fleet Energy Management software, lightweight WiBotic OCs can now track and report on individual battery charge cycles, termination voltage, charge rate (amps), and other critical factors that determine how a battery will perform day-to-day. “When it comes to power delivery for autonomous drones and mobile robots, it’s crucial to innovate with new technologies such as GaN to maximize efficiency,” said Ben Waters, CEO at WiBotic. “These new products not only push that technical envelope but are also designed to survive in the most extreme operational conditions. And when used together with WiBotic software, they now let operators track and optimize the performance of individual batteries within large and diverse collections - whether charging is performed manually or fully autonomously.” About WiBotic: WiBotic provides autonomous charging and fleet energy management solutions for the rapidly growing ecosystem of aerial, mobile, marine, space and industrial robots. Its products help companies optimize the uptime of robot fleets and are an integral component of fully autonomous robotic operations. WiBotic works with companies in a variety of industries. For more information, please go to: www.wibotic.com Contact Details Forrest Carman +1 206-859-3118 forrestc@owenmedia.com Company Website https://www.wibotic.com/

August 17, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Comcast Business Helps Salem Florist’s Business Blossom with Enhanced Connectivity

Comcast Oregon / SW Washington

Comcast Business today announced that it is supplying Salem-based flower shop Green Thumb Flower Box Florist with a Business Internet connection and business phone services, enabling the florist to stay connected to enhance customers’ experiences and deliver bespoke services to its loyal customer base. Green Thumb has been in business for more than five decades. In that time, the shop has amassed a loyal following and was named Best Florist in Mid Valley by the Statesman Journal. While some florists offer the same bouquet arrangements, almost all of Green Thumb’s floral arrangements are customized based on individual customers’ needs by a small team of floral designers. The shop relies on its internet and phone lines for ordering. “Our floral designers are creating arrangements that hopefully make our customers feel special and eager to come back,” said Steve Outslay, owner of Green Thumb Flower Box Florist. “Our technology from Comcast Business is key to helping us keep customers coming back because it is reliable. Our internet is consistently fast, and our phone services are high-quality. Those solutions are our lifeline, so it makes all the difference that we can count on them.” With more grocery stores offering floral arrangements that consumers can pick up quickly, Green Thumb continues to distinguish itself from the competition with their custom arrangements, and what Outslay calls the “florist experience.” “We think that our reputation combined with technology will allow us to reach a larger group of people,” Outslay explained. “Knowing the quality and support of other floral companies, once a customer comes to us they will not want to go anywhere else.” Comcast Business’ Internet services are delivering fast, reliable connectivity with the bandwidth Green Thumb needs to handle all its devices. Meanwhile, its phone solutions allow Green Thumb to stay in touch with its customers while their staff is onsite or as they make deliveries. “It’s no surprise that Green Thumb Flower Box Florist has a dedicated group of customers that love their arrangements,” said Alan Goldsmith, vice president of Comcast Business Oregon/SW Washington. ”The passion that their teams have for what they do really shines through. We are proud to be powering possibilities for Green Thumb’s operations as they look to bolster their operations and local reputation.” About Comcast Business Comcast Business offers a suite of Connectivity, Communications, Networking, Cybersecurity, Wireless, and Managed Solutions to help organizations of different sizes prepare for what’s next. Powered by the nation’s largest Gig-speed broadband network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and one of the leading service providers to the Enterprise market. 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. For more information, call 866-429-3085. Follow on Twitter @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social. Contact Details Amy Keiter +1 503-407-9109 amy_keiter@comcast.com Company Website https://business.comcast.com/

August 16, 2021 10:05 AM Pacific Daylight Time

UNFCC Climate Report delivers a message of hope stating 1.5 is within reach if immediate action is taken

North American Marine Environment Protection Association

The Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs) sees the UNFCC Climate report as a message of hope and believes the authors have made it abundantly clear that it is possible to avert climate catastrophe by pursuing the “very low emissions scenario” within the next two decades. As reported, there are no other options; it is global society’s obligation to act now with “drastic, rapid and large-scale reductions in greenhouse gases to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees”, because it can. ZESTAs is nailing their colours to the mast by starting at true zero with their unprecedented “SHIP ZERO – Charging to True Zero” workshop 1-3 November coinciding with COP 26 in Glasgow, Scotland. ZESTAs’ SHIP ZERO workshop will be the first ever shipping event to align with the IPCC “very low emissions scenario”, by not contemplating the use of fossil fuels or any GHG emitting fuel or technology. “The simple truth is the time for discussion is past – nothing remains but for us to act. Whatever your beliefs, whatever your passions, whatever your politics, insuring that we, as a society are no longer contributing to the end of life as we know it is imperative. This century is about reckoning – the morals, purpose and goals of society must align with the common good in every aspect of life. Sustainability is not just a goal but a social imperative that transcends our societies and presents us with both opportunities and obligations – future societies will either praise us or damn us for our actions today” observed Brent Perry, CEO, Sterling PlanB, Chair of ZESTAs Board of Directors. Only truly zero GHG emissions systems, solutions and technologies will be considered at this workshop. ZESTAs states that the technology to achieve true zero in all sectors of shipping exists today but that weak or misaligned policies and lack of finance are preventing these technologies from upscaling, achieving economies of scale and penetrating the wider market. “We need to stop throwing the ball out to 2050 and investing in half measures that won’t get us where we need to be. We need to invest in true zero now, upscale and shoot for 2030. If we don’t, we have no chance of stopping warming anywhere near 1.5. The IPCC report clearly states we’ve got a shot. We need to take that shot and act now to change policy and finance, allowing zero emissions ship technologies to get to market before 2030” said Madadh MacLaine, ZESTAs Secretary General The SHIP ZERO workshop will feature highly technical presentations, followed by discussions and brainstorming sessions, bringing together shipping stakeholders from; innovation, policy, finance, infrastructure, energy, and the wider shipping sector to combine solutions into an actionable road map. “Our intention is that the outcome of SHIP ZERO is an action plan, a navigational chart to true zero with waypoints based on realizable actions, available technologies, and implementable policies that will keep warming below 1.5 degrees” MacLaine continued. The SHIP ZERO workshop will demonstrate that marinized battery and hydrogen systems are market ready at multi megawatt scales, and that wind propulsion is being installed across the world fleet to delivers significant emissions reductions today. “Wind propulsion uses the power of the wind as a direct renewable energy source and is available everywhere at sea. Any energy taken from wind directly on ships by modern sail technology does not burden the infrastructure that ultimately will be powered by wave, sun and wind, reducing the renewable energy required to produce clean fuels. Wind assisted technology therefore makes all other technologies more feasible. ‘The answer my friends, is blowing in the wind’!” stated Frank Nieuwenhuis, eConowind, ZESTAs Board of Directors, Advisor More good news is that renewable energy and green hydrogen production infrastructure are being rolled out across the globe. From Scotland to Chile, from the United Arab Emirates to Monaco, governments are creating strategies that will achieve a price for green hydrogen that can compete with fossil fuels by the end of the decade. “If shipping is looking for that silver bullet, ZESTAs has a fully loaded chamber and we’re ready to fire” said MacLaine. In light of the "code red for humanity", declared by United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres in his response to the IPCC report, ZESTAs calls on governments and regulators to acknowledge that fully developed market ready zero emissions ship technologies exist by creating the policy frameworks necessary for these technologies to have a fighting chance of competing against incumbent fossil fuel technologies and achieve market availability before 2030. “I urge the governments of the world and each person living today to go “all in” – shift away from polluting activities and scale up climate solutions that deliver as close to zero emissions as possible. We still have the opportunity to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. Governments can change policies to support this goal. As individuals we can make changes in our lives directly and speak with our votes to ensure our governments are not watered down by misrepresentative interests that are not focussed on climate management.” Brent Perry, CEO, Sterling PlanB For additional information on SHIP ZERO 26, go to https://zestas.org/ship-zero/. Contact Details NAMEPA Carleen Lyden Walker +1 203-255-4686 executivedirector@namepa.net Company Website https://zestas.org/ship-zero/

August 15, 2021 10:08 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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