Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. Introduces «Aristocrat Future Leaders» Program

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. has launched its Aristocrat Future Leaders (AFL) program. AFL features a comprehensive educational track that creates a unique opportunity for recent graduate students in the United States to learn the land-based gaming industry from the leading slot manufacturer.

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LAS VEGAS, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. has launched its Aristocrat Future Leaders (AFL) program. AFL features a comprehensive educational track that creates a unique opportunity for recent graduate students in the United States to learn the land-based gaming industry from the leading slot manufacturer.

The AFL rotational program offers full-time job opportunities for recent college graduates. In this role, participants will rotate through a variety of major commercial departments including finance, operations, marketing, and others. Each graduate will spend approximately eight months in each department for an immersive educational experience. The rotational program offers competitive benefits and compensation sure to attract nationwide applicants.

«We’re excited to invest in the future of gaming with the introduction of Aristocrat Future Leaders,» said Hector Fernandez, president of Aristocrat Gaming™. «By prioritizing education and placing the gaming supplier industry at the forefront of career opportunities, we look forward to welcoming top talent that will grow their career with Aristocrat for the long term.»

The AFL Class of 2021 starts with Aristocrat today. Email AFL@aristocrat.com to inquire about future opportunities in the program. For information about Aristocrat Gaming, visit www.aristocratgaming.com.

ABOUT ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Aristocrat Technologies Inc. is a subsidiary of Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL), a global games leader with more than 6,000 employees. The company is licensed in over 300 gaming jurisdictions, operates in more than 90 countries, and offers a unique blend of products and services. The company is the leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of Class III games as well as Class II Innovations for Native American casinos and emerging markets. The company’s mission is to bring joy to life through the power of play. Its values are rooted in creativity and technology, and the company has a rich history of innovation that has shaped the gaming industry over many decades. For further information, visit the company’s website at www.aristocrat-us.com

Media Contacts: 
Aristocrat Technologies
Paul Speirs-Hernandez, paul@steinbeckcommunications.com
Meghan Sleik, Meghan.Sleik@aristocrat.com

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SOURCE Aristocrat Technologies Inc.

Kansas City Chiefs Remain Super Bowl Favorites as NFL Playoffs Begin

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — With the NFL Playoffs now set, the favorite to win the Super Bowl remains unchanged from the NFL’s preseason odds, according to analysts TheLines, which tracks odds in the U.S. regulated sports betting market.

With an expanded format of 14 teams, the reigning champion Kansas City…

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — With the NFL Playoffs now set, the favorite to win the Super Bowl remains unchanged from the NFL’s preseason odds, according to analysts TheLines, which tracks odds in the U.S. regulated sports betting market.

With an expanded format of 14 teams, the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs unsurprisingly open the playoffs as +220 favorite, according to a consensus of the nation’s largest legal online sportsbooks — including DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet, PlaySugarHouse, BetMGM, Unibet, and William Hill. The Chiefs opened the season as +600 favorites, meaning bettors would win $600 for every $100 wagered.

While Kansas City has remained on top, much else has changed, including several preseason longshots moving toward the top. The Green Bay Packers, the only other team to receive a first-round playoff bye in the new format, open the playoffs as the NFC favorite at +450. Green Bay opened the season at +3100. The Buffalo Bills open at +700, moving from +2500 before the first week.

Not coincidentally, the three Super Bowl favorites entering the playoffs are led by the three favorites to win the NFL MVP award. That includes Aaron Rodgers, whose strong finish catapulted him from relative longshot to prohibitive favorite at -2500, followed by Josh Allen (+1000) and preseason favorite Patrick Mahomes (+1500).

«The Chiefs have been remarkably steady all year, but anyone who bet on the Packers or Bills to win the Super Bowl before the season began has to be excited now,» said Brett Collson, lead analyst for TheLines.com. «The odds will shift dramatically each week of the playoffs, and there will be plenty of twists and turns. The main certainty, though, is that the NFL playoffs drives bettors to sportsbooks like no other event on the sports calendar.»

The current odds for each playoff team to win Super Bowl LV as of Monday, Jan. 4 (with preseason odds):

  • Kansas City Chiefs +220 (+600)
  • Green Bay Packers +450 (+3100)
  • Buffalo Bills +700 (+2500)
  • New Orleans Saints +750 (+1200)
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers +1000 (+1500)
  • Baltimore Ravens +1100 (+650)
  • Seattle Seahawks +1300 (+2000)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers +2000 (+2500)
  • Tennessee Titans +2800 (+3000)
  • Los Angeles Rams +3300 (+4000)
  • Indianapolis Colts +4000 (+2300)
  • Cleveland Browns +5000 (+3400)
  • Chicago Bears +9000 (+4400)
  • Washington Football Team +10000 (+17000)

The consensus point spreads for Wild Card Weekend, as of Monday, Jan. 4:

  • Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills (-7); over/under 52
  • Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks (-4.5); over/under 42.5
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-8) at Washington Football Team; over/under 46.5
  • Baltimore Ravens (-3.5) at Tennessee Titans; over/under 54.5
  • Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints (-9.5); over/under 47.5
  • Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers (-4); over/under 46.5

To access updated NFL playoff lines and Super Bowl odds, and for more analysis, visit TheLines.com/odds/nfl-playoffs.

About TheLines.com:

TheLines.com is a leading source for news, analysis, and research related to the market for regulated sports betting in the United States. Affiliated with the PlayUSA.com Network, TheLines.com provides original daily reporting and offers player advocacy tools related to the advancement of safe, licensed, and legal online sports betting. Based in Las Vegas, the PlayUSA Network is independently owned and operated, with no affiliations to any casino — commercial, tribal, online, or otherwise.

Contact:
Zack Hall, DVA Advertising & PR, 541-389-2411, 288407@email4pr.com

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SOURCE TheLines.com

GC3 Applauds Enactment of Sustainable Chemistry R&D Act

WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Green Chemistry & Commerce Council (GC3) applauds the passage of the Sustainable Chemistry Research & Development Act. Enacted as part of the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act, this measure will accelerate research in an exciting area of innovation that offers U.S. economic growth, as well as a myriad of other benefits. «In particular, the GC3 appreciates the bipartisan leadership of Senators Chris Coons (D-DE)…

WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Green Chemistry & Commerce Council (GC3) applauds the passage of the Sustainable Chemistry Research & Development Act. Enacted as part of the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act, this measure will accelerate research in an exciting area of innovation that offers U.S. economic growth, as well as a myriad of other benefits. «In particular, the GC3 appreciates the bipartisan leadership of Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Susan Collins (R-ME) and Representatives Dan Lipinski (D-IL) and John Moolenaar (R-MI) in enacting this important legislation,» said Michele Jalbert, Chief Operating Officer, GC3.

Sustainable chemistry is the scientific discipline that allows innovators to redesign products and manufacturing processes starting at the molecular level, so they have better health, environmental and energy use profiles. There is surging global market demand for the use of sustainable chemistry in the development and manufacturing of products across virtually all consumer, commercial and military markets. The Sustainable Chemistry R&D Act helps coordinate efforts across all federal agencies to accelerate US innovation in this emerging area of market growth.

The GC3 represents the entire value chain of the U.S. economy—feedstock suppliers, chemical manufacturers, brand companies and retailers—and GC3 members have collectively called for a more concerted federal effort to stimulate the research and development that is needed to unlock the potential of sustainable chemistry.

  • «Consumers today are voting with their wallets for safer personal care products and green chemistry innovation will help us meet this growing demand. We applaud Congress for recognizing the potential of green chemistry to transform consumer markets and better protect public health.» – Gregg Renfrew, Founder and CEO,  Beautycounter  
  • «BASF proudly supports the Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act. Our purpose, ‘We create chemistry for a sustainable future,’ reflects what we do and why we do it. We want to contribute to a world that provides a viable future with enhanced quality of life for everyone. We are encouraged by the enactment of this legislation that seeks to coordinate federal activities including research, development, demonstration, commercialization, education and training efforts in sustainable chemistry.» – Mitch Toomey, Director of Sustainability for North America, BASF Corporation
  • «Safer and more sustainable products is a key design principle for product development at RB. We are delighted to see this bill pass, and look forward to strong collaboration across supply chains and with external stakeholders to advance the development and adoption of sustainable chemistry.» – Jennifer Duran, Global Director, Product Sustainability, RB
  • «The Sustainable Chemistry Research & Development Act will further enable more sustainable innovation across the entire value chain in the U.S. as we all work together to help catalyze the systemic change needed to address some of the most challenging and complex environmental issues we all face today.»  – Victor Aguilar, Chief Research, Development and Innovation Officer, Procter & Gamble

«The GC3 and our member companies have worked for years to pass the Sustainable Chemistry R&D Act. It represents a tremendous step forward in accelerating progress toward more sustainable chemistry for every kind of product on the market today – and even better products for the future,» said Jalbert.

Michele Jalbert | PH: 202.423.3106 | mjalbert@greenchemistryandcommerce.org

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SOURCE Green Chemistry & Commerce Council (GC3)

Auto Guide 2021 -Drivers Can Use Online Car Insurance Quotes And Save Insurance Money

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Compare-autoinsurance.org has launched a new blog post that explains what advantages are gained by using free online car insurance quotes.

For more info and free quotes, visit <a…

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Compare-autoinsurance.org has launched a new blog post that explains what advantages are gained by using free online car insurance quotes.

For more info and free quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/top-advantages-drivers-get-by-comparing-online-quotes/

Online users benefit of the following advantages when using brokerage websites or insurers’ official websites to obtain car insurance quotes:

  • Get estimates anytime and anywhere. Drivers can research the insurance market to find a better car policy from the comfort of their homes. They no longer have to travel in bad weather from one physical insurance agency to another. Physical agencies have fixed schedules, while online quotes can be obtained at any hour of day or night.
  • Get estimates really fast. The number of persons that are willing to spend time by going from one insurance agency to another is getting smaller each year. Phone quotes are also a thing of the past. Online quotes take only a few minutes to complete and can save precious time that can be used for other purposes.
  • Find better insurance rates. Typically, drivers find deals that are 5 – 10% lower than their current policy. In that way, a driver can expect to save hundreds of dollars each year. Regional or local insurers are known to offer better deals to get new customers. The only way, most drivers know about these smaller insurers is by comparing online quotes.
  • Accurate data. Brokerage websites and insurance companies, provide accurate online quotes to their customers, so the online estimate of an insurance policy doesn’t differ that much from the real price of the same insurance policy. Of course, the user has to provide accurate data too, when he requests an online quote.
  • Compare multiple companies. With the help of online quotes, drivers can compare numerous insurers that compete with each other. Online quotes will help drivers find deals from less-known insurers.

For additional info, money-saving tips, and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/

Compare-autoinsurance.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.

Media Contact

Daniel C, Internet Marketing Company, 8183593898, cgurgu@internetmarketingcompany.biz

 

SOURCE Compare-autoinsurance.org

BetMGM Debuts Mobile Sports Betting In Iowa

JERSEY CITY, N.J., Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — BetMGM launched its market leading sports betting app in Iowa today, giving customers access to benefits tied to MGM Resorts’ iconic casino-resorts nationwide. Today’s announcement was made in conjunction with Diamond Jo Casino, a high-energy casino in Dubuque’s historic downtown district. 

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JERSEY CITY, N.J., Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — BetMGM launched its market leading sports betting app in Iowa today, giving customers access to benefits tied to MGM Resorts’ iconic casino-resorts nationwide. Today’s announcement was made in conjunction with Diamond Jo Casino, a high-energy casino in Dubuque’s historic downtown district. 

«I can’t think of a better way to kick off the new year than by launching BetMGM in Iowa, a state well known for its passionate sports fans,» said BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt. «Our connection with MGM Resorts enables BetMGM users in the Hawkeye State to earn rewards, from hotel suites to dinners at award-winning restaurants, all while engaging in the excitement of our cutting-edge sports betting experience.»

The BetMGM app offers a user-friendly sports betting experience, making it easy to customize pre-game, live in-play, futures and parlay wagers. BetMGM’s integration with MGM Resorts’ M life Rewards program allows BetMGM users in Iowa the opportunity to redeem their gameplay for world-class experiences at MGM Resorts properties nationwide, including Bellagio and MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Borgata in New Jersey, Beau Rivage in Mississippi and MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

Iowa marks the eighth state in which BetMGM’s mobile app is available statewide, joining Nevada, New Jersey, Colorado, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and West Virginia.

As BetMGM continues to expand its sports betting platforms to new states, responsible gaming education remains a key focus. BetMGM is proud to provide resources to help customers play responsibly.

The BetMGM app is available for download in Iowa on both iOS and Android, and accessible via desktop at www.betmgm.com. For more information, follow @BetMGM on Twitter.

About BetMGM
BetMGM is a market leading sports betting and gaming entertainment company, pioneering the online gaming industry. Born out of a partnership between MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) and Entain Plc (LSE: ENT), BetMGM has exclusive access to all of MGM’s U.S. land-based and online sports betting, major tournament poker, and online gaming businesses. Utilizing Entain’s US-licensed, state of the art technology, BetMGM offers sports betting and online gaming via market leading brands including BetMGM, Borgata Casino, Party Casino and Party Poker. Founded in 2018, BetMGM is headquartered in New Jersey. For more information, visit http://www.betmgminc.com/.

Statements in this release that are not historical facts are «forward-looking» statements and «safe harbor statements» within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and/or uncertainties, including BetMGM’s ability to grow in new or existing jurisdictions. Management has based forward-looking statements on current expectations and assumptions and not on historical facts. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements include the effects of economic and market conditions in the jurisdictions in which BetMGM operates, competition with other iGaming and sports betting platforms, the timing and costs of expanding in new jurisdictions as well as obtaining and maintaining the required permits, licenses, financings, approvals and other contingencies in connection with growth in new or existing jurisdictions. In providing forward-looking statements, BetMGM is not undertaking any duty or obligation to update these statements publicly as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. If BetMGM updates one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect to those other forward-looking statements.

 

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SOURCE BetMGM

As Car Accident Fatality Rate Increases, Belal Hamideh Urges Safe Driving

LONG BEACH, Calif., Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Belal Hamideh, a workers compensation, personal injury, and car accident attorney in Long Beach, implores drivers to drive as safely as possible. This comes in light of how the total number of <span…

LONG BEACH, Calif., Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Belal Hamideh, a workers compensation, personal injury, and car accident attorney in Long Beach, implores drivers to drive as safely as possible. This comes in light of how the total number of United States car accident fatalities fell in 2020, yet the fatality rate actually increased. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fewer people in the United States died of motor vehicle accidents in 2020 when compared to 2019. They decreased by roughly two percent, with over three hundred fewer fatalities. Unfortunately, the NHTSA also found that more people died on average in 2020 as opposed to 2019. 

Using the measurement «VMT» (an abbreviation of «Vehicles Miles Traveled») the NHTSA found that the fatality rate for motor vehicle accidents climbed .19 percent per 100 million VMT. Possible theories for this include more people driving recklessly, less seatbelt use, increases in people driving under the influence, less traffic and thus increased speeding, and many more.

«2020 has been the hardest year that many people have ever faced. It’s affected everyone in some way. With fewer people out on the road at all times of the year, it may be tempting to drive just a bit faster than you would otherwise, or to have that one drink before you head out on the road. These ideas are just as bad as they would be without a pandemic. If there’s one lesson to take from the year of 2020, it’s that we really are all in this together. By driving as safely as possible, we not only help keep others safe, we keep ourselves as well as those we love safe, too. Hopefully, 2021 will be a safer year. One way to ensure that is for all of us to drive as safely as we can,» said Belal Hamideh

Belal Hamideh Law, in addition to personal injury, also handles many Long Beach workers’ comp cases as well. The firm has provided uninterrupted service to clients throughout the pandemic. 

For more information about personal injury, vehicle accident claims, or to make a press inquiry, call (562) 526-1224 https://belalhamidehlaw.com

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Legwork: Three Predictions That Impact Dentists in 2021

WENATCHEE, Wash., Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Every 365 days, we pause, consider the year behind us, and anticipate the year ahead. As we reflect now, nothing’s ever looked quite like this. And dentists continue to deal with historical shifts in healthcare with little precedent to lean on. Dental practices ground to a halt in March with mandatory restrictions on elective procedures after a strong start to the year. This historical period led to slow re-openings and loosening of some limitations, but…

WENATCHEE, Wash., Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Every 365 days, we pause, consider the year behind us, and anticipate the year ahead. As we reflect now, nothing’s ever looked quite like this. And dentists continue to deal with historical shifts in healthcare with little precedent to lean on. Dental practices ground to a halt in March with mandatory restrictions on elective procedures after a strong start to the year. This historical period led to slow re-openings and loosening of some limitations, but in the most recent American Dental Association (ADA) surveys, practices on average continue to report 80% of previous patient volumes. As COVID-19 cases spike again, unprecedented disruption, anxiety, and loss leave us with uncertainty to start 2021.

The new year demands calculated adjustments that reassure patients to offset the attrition brought on by COVID-19.

The ADA’s Health Policy Institute (HPI) found dental care spending down 38% in 2020, and they project a 20% reduction in 2021. Dental practices need to make strategic, measured decisions soon to navigate through the remaining pandemic. The new year demands calculated adjustments that reassure and attract patients to offset the inevitable attrition brought on by COVID-19.

No one knows what the future holds. But as we study the past and evaluate trends, the following predictions stand:

PREDICTION #1: Dental practices, especially solo practices, will feel extra strain to retain patients and replace churn.

The HPI has tracked consumer sentiment on dental care for the past several months. Every two weeks, the survey connects with people who visited a dental practice in 2019 and gathers their opinion about visiting again. Results in November 2020 revealed the following: 

  • 23% were recently active patients who have already been back to the dentist
  • 60% are ready to go to their dentist when their next appointment arrives
  • 5% are still seeking assurances and may need a little extra signal that it’s safe before they’ll return for their dentist visit
  • 12% are waiting to get a vaccine before returning for treatment

The dental industry blends immediate and elective care, which helps maintain a baseline level than many other industries envy. For example, nearly three times as many people report they won’t resume traveling until a vaccination becomes available. But the implications still carry negative weight as 17% of patients express a hesitation to continue dental care.

Economic uncertainty may alter dental expenditures, even for patients who can afford care, however. The personal savings rate hit a record 33% as consumers stockpiled cash during the pandemic; reluctant spending will continue to shape consumer sentiment in the near-term. Practices also face patients who’ve lost their dental insurance benefits associated with vanishing jobs. Patients may delay dental care until their insurance situation and the general economy improves. 

Some people who lose coverage may be eligible for Medicaid. But not all states have dental benefits for adults, and 29 states offer only emergency or limited benefits. Consequently, the benefits for those who are unemployed won’t equal previous employer benefits. Many practices don’t accept Medicaid, so these patients may drop out of the private-pay system.

PREDICTION #2: Staffing shortfalls will continue to impact the dental industry.

The human resource impact of COVID-19 carries into dental offices. Many employees continue to manage remote schooling for their children and juggle childcare loss during working hours. Dental offices face challenges recruiting the right people to fill critical positions in every economic cycle. A strong job market fueled a simmering staffing crisis before COVID-19, but the pandemic accelerated the strain. Additionally, solo dentists’ offices and DSOs rely on full-time employees who possess specific skills and certifications.

According to the ADA, hiring during 2020 for any position in practices hasn’t been without stress. The majority of hiring dentists report that it’s been extremely or very challenging compared to before the pandemic. Nearly 80% reported it was extremely or very challenging to recruit hygienists, and roughly 70% said the same for assistants.

An inconsistent workflow disrupted by shutdowns and restrictions presents another hurdle for dental practices to overcome. Stress-driven dental problems have increased, including TMJ and broken teeth. Emergency visits related to stress and delayed care present another challenge that may accelerate the longer the pandemic goes.

PREDICTION #3: Teledentistry will gain more traction. 
The telehealth revolution came into 2020 at a steady pace. Visits were up 33% before the pandemic, but they escalated as patients sought contactless communication channels. Teledentistry lowers the barrier to care, providing patients with direct access to their dentist from the comfort of their own homes without necessitating a physical visit. In a procedure-based profession, teledentistry plays a limited role. But patients can ask questions, perform some post-op visits, provide smile consultations, and review treatment plans. Practices can bill for the visit and collect reimbursement while keeping patients and staff safe.

Innovate practices began offering teleconsults to help patients during the mandatory shutdown in the spring of 2020. COVID-19 forced the accelerated adoption of teledentistry with creative solutions to patient communication. Teledentistry provides significant benefits to at-risk populations for COVID-19, including older people and those with pre-existing conditions. Plus, Over 80% of patients report high satisfaction with virtual visits in at least four recent studies. These findings bode well for the future of this trend. More dentists will adopt virtual consults as an extension of their practices in 2021, and patients and staff will discover more efficient access to care.

RECOMMENDATIONS for 2021
Communicate regularly with patients.
Dentists are often concerned about inundating patients with too many digital communications. But don’t be afraid to over-communicate with your patients in 2021. Establish systems that identify and manage communication channels preferred by patients through texting, email, social media, chatbots, and phone calls. Make sure you build «safety first» language into your messaging to let your patients know about the precautions you’re taking for their wellbeing. 

Offer your patients and staff convenient, touchless options. 
Safety and comfort remain the number one priority for your patients. Every step your team takes to ensure a safe environment improves the patient experience and your brand story. Plus, offering touchless ways to interact with your team enhances their desire to schedule appointments. Incorporate tools such as online appointment booking, paperless forms, and a pre-appointment comfort survey to help match the user experience found in other industries.

Digital tools also add efficiency and leverage your staff’s time. The need has never been greater as practices juggle recruitment challenges with more patient engagement demands. Every task integrated into a digital workflow frees your team to focus on primary care. Including these vital components can add hours to your team’s availability, reduce stress, and deliver first-class service. 

Attract new patients in 2021.
In 2021, practices will expend more energy attracting new patients and nurturing existing relationships. Most practices will experience economic impacts in navigating the next phase of COVID-19. Address this challenge by taking action now to meet consumer psychology with smart tools. Develop a strategic plan that anticipates new obstacles and recognizes the opportunity to stand out from the crowd. 

Consumers will choose those practices that provide the safe, convenient, and genuine experience they want. Consider an all-in-one Patient Relationship Management (PRM) solution that integrates to your Practice Management Software (PMS). Keep your current patients engaged, attract new patients, and help your staff deliver service that they’re proud to give.

Byline: Dr. Greg Grillo, DDS with Grillo Robeck Dental in Omak, Washington and Korey Korfiatis, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Legwork

About Legwork
Legwork delivers happiness to 20 million dental patients across North America via all-in-one engagement software. Integrating with dental practice management software, Legwork executes dozens of complex tasks, so dental teams don’t have to. Legwork helps streamline the front office, attract new patients, and keep seats filled via our easy-to-use web-based dashboard. From engaging prospects looking for their next dentist to reactivating dormant patients, Legwork covers the entire dental patient journey. Learn more at www.legwork.com

Media contact:
Rachel McKelvey 
rachel@legwork.com 
(509) 888-0233
Legwork

 

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ICAST Awarded Pepco Multifamily Low-Income Energy Efficiency Program

DENVER, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — ICAST (International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise, today announced that it has been awarded a contract to implement Pepco’s energy efficiency program for low-income multifamily housing.

The Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco), an energy company based out of Washington DC, has awarded ICAST a three-year contract to implement its new energy efficiency…

DENVER, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — ICAST (International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise, today announced that it has been awarded a contract to implement Pepco’s energy efficiency program for low-income multifamily housing.

The Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco), an energy company based out of Washington DC, has awarded ICAST a three-year contract to implement its new energy efficiency program for low-income multifamily housing in the District of Columbia. ICAST will focus on deep retrofit measures, such as energy-efficient heat-pump HVAC and hot water upgrades, to maximize savings. Income-qualified properties with three or more apartments can receive Pepco’s cash incentives for energy-saving products installed throughout the property, including common areas and inside residents’ units.

«We are pleased to work with ICAST to expand on our effort to provide energy efficiency options that will have meaningful impact for our customers in the District of Columbia,» said Nathanael Gillespie, Pepco’s manager of customer solutions. «This new program will provide support to low-income multifamily housing owners who may be struggling during these challenging times.»

ICAST’s success with implementing similar programs for energy companies such as Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Ameren, combined with its nationally recognized one-stop shop service model that offers multifamily clients a host of services from property assessment to staff training to access to financing, made ICAST a natural fit for Pepco’s program. The hassle-free approach ensures property owners and managers receive the best possible incentive for their energy efficiency upgrades with the least amount of effort.

«By participating in the Pepco Multifamily Low-Income Energy Efficiency Program, our Multifamily clients can increase the value of their property while reducing their operating costs during these trying times,» according to Ravi Malhotra, ICAST’s founder and President. «Their collaboration with this program will make their properties safer, more affordable, and comfortable for their low-income residents.»

The program will launch on January 1, 2021 and will be ICAST’s first energy efficiency program on the East coast. It represents another step in ICAST’s efforts to expand its solutions to benefit under-represented and low-income communities nationally.

About ICAST    
ICAST (icastusa.org) is a 501c3 nonprofit with a long history of designing and launching programs that meaningfully impact low-income underserved communities while advancing access to clean energy, affordable housing, and local jobs.

Media Contact

Monica Paici, http://www.icastusa.org, +1 3038771931, monicap@icastusa.org

Ed McIlvain, http://www.icastusa.org, 720.525.8314, edm@icastusa.org

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SOURCE ICAST

MGM Resorts International Responds And Clarifies News Reports Related To A Possible Offer For Entain plc

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — 

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — 

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF A FIRM INTENTION TO MAKE AN OFFER UNDER RULE 2.7 OF THE UK’S CITY CODE ON TAKEOVERS AND MERGERS (THE «CODE»). THERE CAN BE NO CERTAINTY THAT ANY FIRM OFFER WILL BE MADE

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) (the «Company» or «MGM») is aware of  the announcement by Entain plc («Entain»), its partner in the U.S. sports betting and iGaming market, regarding a possible offer by the Company for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Entain.

The Company confirms that it has proposed an offer of 0.6 MGM shares for each Entain share, which, based on closing prices on December 31, 2020, represents a value of 1,383 pence per Entain share and a premium of 22% to Entain’s share price.  Under the terms of the proposal, Entain shareholders would own approximately 41.5% of the combined company.  The Company has also indicated that a partial cash alternative could also be made available to Entain shareholders. In addition, IAC, the Company’s largest shareholder, has indicated it would potentially fund a portion of the partial cash alternative through a further investment in MGM.

The Board of Entain has stated that it believes the proposal undervalues Entain but has also asked the Company to provide additional information in respect of the strategic rationale for a combination of the two companies. MGM believes both its proposal and the strategic rationale for the combination are compelling and looks forward to engaging with Entain on this basis. In particular, the Company believes that a combination with Entain would:

  • Deliver full control of the BetMGM business to leverage the rapidly growing U.S. iGaming and sports betting opportunity
  • Position the Company as a global gaming company across both online and retail with a leading end-to-end technology stack
  • Expand and diversify the Company’s operations, product offerings and earnings
  • Position the combined Company for future growth and investment by leveraging its leading brands, leading technology platform and strong balance sheet

There can be no certainty that any offer will be made for Entain.

In accordance with Rule 2.5 of the UK’s City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the «Code»), the Company reserves the right to:

  1. vary the form and/or mix of the consideration described in this announcement; and
  2. make the offer on less favourable terms:
    1. with the recommendation or consent of the Board of Entain;
    2. if Entain announces, declares or pays any dividend or any other distribution to shareholders, in which case the Company will have the right to make an equivalent reduction to the proposed price;
    3. if a third party announces a firm intention to make an offer for Entain on less favourable terms than its proposal; or
    4. following the announcement by Entain of a whitewash transaction pursuant to the Code.

The Company does not intend to comment further on this or other rumors or speculation.

*     *      *

ABOUT MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500® global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels and casinos, state-of-the-art meetings and conference spaces, incredible live and theatrical entertainment experiences, and an extensive array of restaurant, nightlife and retail offerings. MGM Resorts creates immersive, iconic experiences through its suite of Las Vegas-inspired brands. The MGM Resorts portfolio encompasses 29 unique hotel and destination gaming offerings in the United States and Macau, including some of the most recognizable resort brands in the industry such as Bellagio, MGM Grand, ARIA and Park MGM. The Company’s 50/50 venture, BetMGM, LLC, offers U.S. sports betting and online gaming through market-leading brands, including BetMGM and partypoker. The Company is currently pursuing targeted expansion in Asia through the integrated resort opportunity in Japan. Through its «Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet» initiative, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make a bigger difference in the lives of its employees, guests, and in the communities where it operates. The global employees of MGM Resorts are proud of their company for being recognized as one of FORTUNE® Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies®. For more information, please visit us at www.mgmresorts.com. Please also connect with us @MGMResortsIntl on Twitter as well as Facebook and Instagram.

* * *

Statements in this release that are not historical facts are «forward-looking» statements and «safe harbor statements» that involve risks and/or uncertainties, including those described in the Company’s public filings with the SEC. The Company has based forward-looking statements on management’s current expectations and assumptions and not on historical facts.  Examples of these statements include, but are not limited to, statements the Company makes regarding the expected benefits of any transaction. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements include the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business, the general economic conditions and market conditions in the markets in which the Company operates and competition with other destination travel locations throughout the United States and the world, the design, timing and costs of expansion projects, risks relating to international operations, permits, licenses, financings, approvals and other contingencies in connection with growth in new or existing jurisdictions and additional risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K reports (including all amendments to those reports). In providing forward-looking statements, the Company is not undertaking any duty or obligation to update these statements publicly as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. If the Company updates one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect to those other forward-looking statements.

MGM RESORTS CONTACTS:

Investment Community

News Media

CATHERINE PARK

BRIAN AHERN

Executive Director, Investor Relations

Director of Media Relations   

cpark@mgmresorts.com

media@mgmresorts.com

Lead financial adviser to MGM

PJT PARTNERS

Simon Lyons      +44 (0) 20 3650 1100/

Amish Barot      +1 212 364 7800

Jonathan Hall

Important notices

This announcement is not intended to, and does not, constitute or form part of any offer, invitation or the solicitation of an offer to purchase, subscribe for or otherwise acquire, or to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, whether pursuant to this announcement or otherwise.

The release, publication or distribution of this announcement in, into or from jurisdictions outside the United States or the United Kingdom may be restricted by law and therefore persons into whose possession this announcement comes should inform themselves about, and observe, such restrictions.  Any failure to comply with the restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities law of any such jurisdiction.

Disclaimer

PJT Partners (UK) Limited («PJT Partners») which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom is acting exclusively for MGM and no one else in connection with the matters described herein and will not be responsible to anyone other than MGM for providing the protections afforded to clients of PJT Partners or for providing advice in connection with the matters described herein. Neither PJT Partners nor any of its subsidiaries, branches or affiliates owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of PJT Partners in connection with this announcement, any statement contained herein or otherwise.

Disclosure requirements of the UK’s City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the «Code»)

Under Rule 8.3(a) of the Code, any person who is interested in 1% or more of any class of relevant securities of an offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror (being any offeror other than an offeror in respect of which it has been announced that its offer is, or is likely to be, solely in cash) must make an Opening Position Disclosure following the commencement of the offer period and, if later, following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified. An Opening Position Disclosure must contain details of the person’s interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror(s). An Opening Position Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(a) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the 10th business day following the commencement of the offer period and, if appropriate, by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the 10th business day following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified. Relevant persons who deal in the relevant securities of the offeree company or of a securities exchange offeror prior to the deadline for making an Opening Position Disclosure must instead make a Dealing Disclosure.

Under Rule 8.3(b) of the Code, any person who is, or becomes, interested in 1% or more of any class of relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror must make a Dealing Disclosure if the person deals in any relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror. A Dealing Disclosure must contain details of the dealing concerned and of the person’s interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror(s), save to the extent that these details have previously been disclosed under Rule 8. A Dealing Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(b) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the business day following the date of the relevant dealing.

If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire or control an interest in relevant securities of an offeree company or a securities exchange offeror, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3.

Opening Position Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company and by any offeror and Dealing Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company, by any offeror and by any persons acting in concert with any of them (see Rules 8.1, 8.2 and 8.4).

Details of the offeree and offeror companies in respect of whose relevant securities Opening Position Disclosures and Dealing Disclosures must be made can be found in the Disclosure Table on the Takeover Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk, including details of the number of relevant securities in issue, when the offer period commenced and when any offeror was first identified. You should contact the Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit on +44 (0)20 7638 0129 if you are in any doubt as to whether you are required to make an Opening Position Disclosure or a Dealing Disclosure.

Disclosure under Rule 26.1 of the Code

In accordance with Rule 26.1 of the Code, subject to certain restrictions relating to persons resident in restricted jurisdictions, a copy of this announcement will be available at MGM’s website (investors.mgmresorts.com) no later than 12 noon (London time) / 7 a.m. (New York time) on 5 January 2021 (being the business day following the date of this announcement). The content of the website referred to in this announcement is not incorporated into and does not form part of this announcement.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mgm-resorts-international-responds-and-clarifies-news-reports-related-to-a-possible-offer-for-entain-plc-301200325.html

SOURCE MGM Resorts International

Ecommerce Boom Creates Army of Undertrained Yard Hostlers

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 ecommerce sales in the U.S. are more than 30% above those of the preceding year. By 2024, ecommerce is projected to reach $1.2 trillion, accounting for over 19% of total retail sales.(1) «Supporting this burst of economic activity,» says <a target="_blank"…

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 ecommerce sales in the U.S. are more than 30% above those of the preceding year. By 2024, ecommerce is projected to reach $1.2 trillion, accounting for over 19% of total retail sales.(1) «Supporting this burst of economic activity,» says John Kearney, CEO of Advanced Training Systems, «is an equally fast-growing coast-to-coast network of distribution centers. Each distribution center employs a staff of Hostler drivers whose job it is to handle cargo trailers while they are in the yard. A rising accident rate among these employees(2), and their importance as truckers of tomorrow, clearly shows the need for better training hostlers commonly known as yard jockeys.»

A yard jockey, Kearney explains, is a truck driver whose primary responsibility is moving loaded or unloaded trailers from one point to another while they are in a distribution center or other terminus. (Long-haul truckers, he notes, are governed by strict Department of Transportation limitations on the number of daily hours they spend behind the wheel, time more profitably spent on the road.) A yard hostler is a jockey whose duties may also include loading and unloading trailers. As these workers, primarily entry-level employees, normally do not drive trucks outside the grounds of the warehouse or distribution center, they may or may not have earned a commercial driver’s license.

Kearney, whose company is a leading designer and manufacturer of virtual simulators for driver training, among other applications, notes that these positions have traditionally involved a fairly low level of primarily on-the-job training. The limits of this informal system, however, are being sorely tested by the recent explosion of ecommerce. Amazon has recently added 33 new fulfillment centers in the U.S.(3), bringing its total to over 100.(4) Walmart, which runs one of the largest distribution operations in the world, currently has over 150 distribution centers.(5) Home Depot, which has recently added three new distribution centers in Atlanta alone, plans to spend $1.2 billion on supply-chain facilities over the next five years.(6)

In addition to adding thousands of new jobs, says Kearney, the ecommerce boom, with its emphasis on rapid delivery, has raised the bar for performance at every level of the supply chain—including yard jockeys and hostlers. «In a 10-hour shift,» says Kearney, «a hostler might have to back, turn, and move 50 to 100 trailers, working in a confined space full of people and other vehicles. To do that well and safely, a few hours of informal training is not enough. These employees need to be given a well-educated understanding of the space they’re operating in.»

The best way to provide that understanding, says Kearney, is through virtual-reality simulator training, which enables workers to learn to operate heavy equipment in a confined space without endangering themselves or anyone else.(7) Noting that employment in these off-road positions is a traditional entry point to the better-paid profession of long-haul trucking, where new drivers are urgently needed,(8) Kearney says, «We have two major supply chain problems in this country, an exploding ecommerce boom and a looming shortage of truck drivers. Properly trained, yard jockeys and hostlers can provide part of the solution to both.»

About Advanced Training Systems LLC:
Advanced Training Systems (ATS) is a technology and engineering firm that has revolutionized the design and manufacture of high-tech simulator systems to improve training for operators of all types of motor-powered vehicles. ATS, the holder of multiple patents in its field, is dedicated to providing cutting-edge adaptive training at an affordable cost to all involved in the transportation industry, resulting in more qualified drivers/operators and safer streets. For more information, visit http://www.atstrainingsystems.com.

1. «US Ecommerce Growth Jumps to More than 30%, Accelerating Online Shopping Shift by Nearly 2 Years.» Insider Intelligence, Insider Intelligence, 12 Oct. 2020, emarketer.com/content/us-ecommerce-growth-jumps-more-than-30-accelerating-online-shopping-shift-by-nearly-2-years.
2. Romaine, Ed. «12 Warehouse Safety Statistics to Guide Your Design Build.» Conveyco, 1 Dec. 2019, conveyco.com/warehouse-safety-statistics/.
3. Steiner, Ina. «Amazon Adds 33 New US Fulfillment Centers in 2020.» EcommerceBytes, 18 July 2020, ecommercebytes.com/2020/07/18/amazon-adds-33-new-us-fulfillment-centers-in-2020/.
4. «This Map Shows How Amazon’s Warehouses Are Rapidly Expanding across the Country.» CNBC, CNBC, 19 Jan. 2020, cnbc.com/2020/01/19/map-of-amazon-warehouses.html.
5. «Our Business.» Corporate, corporate.walmart.com/our-story/our-business.
6. Repko, Melissa. «Home Depot Wants to Speed up Deliveries with New Distribution Centers as Pandemic Fuels Home Projects.» CNBC, 4 Aug. 2020, cnbc.com/2020/08/04/home-depot-to-speed-up-deliveries-with-new-distribution-centers.html.
7. Hirsch, Pierre. «Evidence of Driver Training Simulator Benefits.» Viragesimulation.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/2015-Hirsch-Evidence-of-Driving-Simulator-Benefits.pdf
8. Long, Heather. «Analysis | America Has a Massive Truck Driver Shortage. Here’s Why Few Want an $80,000 Job.» The Washington Post, 28 May 2018, washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2018/05/28/america-has-a-massive-truck-driver-shortage-heres-why-few-want-an-80000-job/.

Media Contact

Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR Disruptors, 727-777-4621, khelms@jotopr.com

Daniel Mutter, JOTO PR Disruptors, 727-777-4621, dmutter@jotopr.com

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SOURCE Advanced Training Systems LLC