Chipotle Leverages Its Real Change Feature To Support Its Pledge For Equality

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced its new real change feature on the Chipotle app and Chipotle.com will spotlight the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), an American non-profit organization that supports and represents students attending its 47 member-schools that include publicly-supported historically black colleges and universities, (HBCUs) medical schools, and law schools.  From August…

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced its new real change feature on the Chipotle app and Chipotle.com will spotlight the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), an American non-profit organization that supports and represents students attending its 47 member-schools that include publicly-supported historically black colleges and universities, (HBCUs) medical schools, and law schools.  From August 6 – 23, guests can round-up their change to the next highest dollar amount on the app or website to help drive real, meaningful change for the Black community.

To increase its diversity pipeline, Chipotle will also partner with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to utilize TMCF’s Talent Sourcing Program to identify and develop diverse talent. With student loan debt disproportionately impacting people of color, Chipotle is easing access to a college education for its employees, launching debt-free degrees last year with 100% of tuition costs covered upfront in addition to the Company’s existing tuition reimbursement program. Intentional in its efforts to reset the organization over the past few years, Chipotle has been tracking its annual business results against its progress on diversifying its workforce, and all metrics have indicated that diversity is not only good for culture, but also business. Chipotle made a public commitment towards equality in June and continues to be transparent in its progress, providing updates here.

«It is important that we put our words into action and share our progress on combatting the injustices taking place today,» said Marissa Andrada, Chief Diversity, Inclusion and People Officer, Chipotle. «Cultivating a better world takes commitment from all of us and I’m encouraged by the accomplishments to date and eager to see how much more we can achieve together. It is imperative that we keep the conversation going.»

«We are extremely grateful that Chipotle will utilize our Talent Sourcing Program to identify talent at our member-school campuses,» said TMCF President and CEO Harry L. Williams. «Chipotle’s strong support of our mission will help us continue the critical and necessary work of ensuring that students have access to a higher education and new career opportunities.»

After introduction of the round up technology on Chipotle’s app only weeks ago, over 1.4 million guests have contributed on average $.45 with each order, totaling approximately $1,000,000, towards the first spotlight organization, the National Urban League. In June, Chipotle pledged $1,000,000 in support of organizations advocating against systemic racism, beginning with a commitment of $500,000 to the National Urban League. Chipotle will source feedback from its 91,000 employees to identify future organizations to highlight within the program.

To learn more about opportunities within Chipotle’s organization, visit https://jobs.chipotle.com/ 

ABOUT CHIPOTLE
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Chipotle had over 2,650 restaurants as of June 30, 2020, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany and is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants. With more than 91,000 employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. Steve Ells, founder and former executive chairman, first opened Chipotle with a single restaurant in Denver, Colorado in 1993. For more information or to place an order online, visit WWW.CHIPOTLE.COM.

ABOUT THE THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND (TMCF):
Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member-schools include the publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending black colleges and universities. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the PK-12 and higher education space. The organization is also the source of top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs.

TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF, visit: www.tmcf.org.

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SOURCE Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.

Nalgene Outdoor Is First to Market with Reusable Water Bottle Made from 50% Transformed ‘Trash’

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Nalgene Outdoor, maker of reusable water bottles, is first to market with a unique sustainable product made from recycled plastic waste called Nalgene Sustain.  Nalgene Sustain bottles fulfill a critical demand among eco-conscious consumers seeking more…

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Nalgene Outdoor, maker of reusable water bottles, is first to market with a unique sustainable product made from recycled plastic waste called Nalgene Sustain.  Nalgene Sustain bottles fulfill a critical demand among eco-conscious consumers seeking more impactful ways to reduce their carbon footprint. The new bottles are made from 50% certified recycled material from waste with Tritan™ Renew. This revolutionary technology rescues single use plastic materials from landfills and transforms what was once waste into safe, durable, performance-oriented recycled material ideal for reusable consumer goods.  

Nalgene Outdoor is first to market with a unique sustainable reusable water bottle made from 50% transformed 'trash," Nalgene Sustain. These new bottles are made from 50% certified recycled material from waste with Tritan™ Renew. This revolutionary technology rescues single use plastic materials from landfills and transforms what was once waste into safe, durable, performance-oriented recycled material ideal for reusable consumer goods.  The bottles, which deliver the same high quality, leak-proof, BPA- and BPS-free, food-safe bottles Nalgene consumers expect, are available now on Nalgene.com at an MSRP of $14.95

«The new Sustain line fits squarely with Nalgene’s mission: to reduce, reuse and refill all in one even more sustainable bottle,» said Elissa McGee, general manager, Nalgene Outdoor. «With a Nalgene Sustain bottle made from 50 percent recycled single-use plastic, we’ve significantly multiplied the environmental benefits of a reusable bottle without compromising the quality, function, or performance that made Nalgene famous.»

Nalgene Sustain is currently available on Nalgene.com in the seven colors of the «Inspired by Nature* Collection», all in Nalgene’s classic 32-ounce wide mouth bottle style. Starting September 8th, the bottles will be also available at all REI stores with an MSRP of $14.95. Initial colors at REI will be pomegranate, clementine and aubergine. Additional sizes and styles in the Sustain collection will debut in early 2021. The next generation of reusable bottles Nalgene Sustain delivers the same high quality, leak-proof, BPA- and BPS-free, food-safe, bottles Nalgene consumers have grown to depend on for life’s everyday adventures.

Made from Recycled Material in the USA: Making a Sustainable Choice Even More Sustainable
Refilling a reusable water bottle is an immediate reduction in waste and in one’s carbon footprint. Choosing a Nalgene reusable water bottle, which is uniquely made in the USA (sourced in Kingsport, TN and manufactured in Rochester, NY) significantly multiplies these benefits. The new Nalgene Sustain bottles offset the use of fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions even further. Each bottle is made from 50% certified recycled content** – or the equivalent of 8 single-use plastic bottles in each bottle.

Relevant for 70 Years, and Counting
Nalgene is committed to the «circular» economy, which aims to keep materials in circulation versus ending up in landfill. This commitment and the Nalgene Sustain line is the next step in an iconic product that has both stayed classic and evolved with consumer desires and environmental trends.

Nalgene established the reusable water bottle category in 1949 in a science lab in upstate New York. Since the 1970s, when Nalgene became a consumer staple, the brand has kept its simple and basic one-cap, one-bottle, design but introduced new colors and graphics to fit emerging active and green lifestyles. Now, Nalgene Sustain propels the brand’s mission forward offering consumers an even more sustainable reusable bottle and a way to actively participate in the «circular» economy, the future of recycling.

Additionally, Nalgene has a variety of large-scale partnerships with non-profits such as REVERB and mass-scale events such as Outdoor Retailer to replace single use plastic water bottles with reusable and sustainable refillable water bottles.

Product samples and high-resolution photos are available to media upon request. For more information, visit https://nalgene.com/collections/sustain/.

*Inspired by Nature collection colors include: aubergine, cerulean, clementine, melon ball, olive, pomegranate, and woodsman

**Certified recycled content allocated using ISCC mass balance

About NALGENE Outdoor
NALGENE® Outdoor Products is based in Rochester, New York. Founded in 1949 as a manufacturer of the first plastic pipette holder, the company soon expanded its product line to include state-of-the-art polyethylene labware under the NALGENE brand. By the mid-1970s, outdoor enthusiasts had discovered the taste and odor-resistant, leak-proof and rugged properties of NALGENE’s large selection of plastic containers. In response to this emerging demand, NALGENE Outdoor Products was formed and today the consumer-oriented business offers its customers a wide choice of safe, environmentally friendly, BPA- and BPS- free products that meet their lifestyle needs. For more information, contact NALGENE Consumer Products or visit www.nalgene.com.  

(PRNewsfoto/Nalgene Outdoor)

Media Contact Information:
Marcia Gray
Gray Communications/Nalgene
617-990-7720
mgray@graycreate.com

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SOURCE Nalgene Outdoor

Kiddie Academy® Provides In-Classroom Option for School-Aged Children

ABINGDON, Md., Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Whether districts are implementing 100% virtual learning or allowing children to attend classes at school—or a mix of both—the back-to-school season looks very different from years past. Kiddie Academy®, a nationally recognized provider of comprehensive educational child care…

ABINGDON, Md., Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Whether districts are implementing 100% virtual learning or allowing children to attend classes at school—or a mix of both—the back-to-school season looks very different from years past. Kiddie Academy®, a nationally recognized provider of comprehensive educational child care programs, is committed to supporting families whose school-aged children are distance learning by providing a safe, healthy environment where they can attend virtual sessions, do homework and connect with other students and teachers daily1.

This alternative to distance learning at home gives children support for virtual learning, the opportunity for physical activity in a safe, developmentally appropriate environment, and socialization—one of the most crucial aspects of children’s development. The full-day program includes before and after school care as well, allowing parents themselves the opportunity to work a full day without distractions and further provides the assurance they need for their children to make the most of virtual learning. Additionally, Academies are integrating their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum—from STEM Daily Challenges to creative activities—between virtual learning times, so children have even more opportunities to keep learning and growing.

«Many parents of school-aged children are struggling with their kids not going back to a classroom for the fall semester or perhaps the entire year. For some, it is nearly impossible to remain productive working from home or returning to a physical job location, while also supervising young children during virtual school five days a week,» said Greg Helwig, CEO at Kiddie Academy. «We’re proud to offer parents a viable solution so they can do what’s best for their families. It allows both children and parents an opportunity to thrive, despite these unprecedented challenges.»

Since physical space and available resources vary by location, Kiddie Academy franchise owners will work with local public education system requirements and within local licensing regulations to offer the following benefits to school-aged children:

  • Dedicated spaces for virtual classes with reliable and secure WiFi
  • Supervised area for schoolwork completion 
  • Socialization with other school-age children
  • Resources for staff professional development 
  • Opportunities for physical activity and chances to play outdoors
  • Enhanced scheduling to ensure children are completing school assignments 
  • Keeping track of student platforms and login information 
  • Creating a reliable virtual learning environment while establishing new routines for students
  • Nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day

Kiddie Academy prides itself on its Health EssentialsSM procedures, designed to help stop the spread of infectious germs into Academies. This new program is an enhancement of the procedures already in place to help ensure children, their families and our staff stay healthy and safe. From daily health monitoring for staff and students and frequent, thorough handwashing, to strictly enforcing its illness policy for staff and students, each Academy is well equipped to ensure children and staff remain as healthy as possible.

«The health and safety of our students and families remains of paramount concern to us,» added Helwig. «Cleaning and disinfecting will be a priority, children and staff will enforce social distancing while indoors as much as possible and Kiddie Academy staff will wear masks at all times.»

In addition to the new option for children who are distance-learning, some Academies are offering full-day private Kindergarten programs, following state regulations and guidelines combined with Kiddie Academy’s proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum.

Kiddie Academy operates 260 locations nationwide. Space is limited, so check with your local Kiddie Academy for availability and to find out how it is adapting school-age classroom(s) for virtual learning this fall and if they have space available. 

About Kiddie Academy® Franchising
Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising is based in Maryland and currently has 257+ open Academies located in 29 states and the District of Columbia. With 35 new Academies expected to open in 2020, Kiddie Academy’s network will grow to more than 280 open and operating locations this year. For more information, visit franchising.kiddieacademy.com. 

About Kiddie Academy® 
Since its inception in 1981, Kiddie Academy has been a recognized, national leader in educational child care. The company serves families and their children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old, offering full-time care, before-and after-school care, and summer camp programs. Kiddie Academy’s proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum, supporting programs, methods, activities, and techniques help prepare children for life. Kiddie Academy has received corporate accreditation from the globally recognized AdvancED accreditation system, signifying its commitment to quality education and the highest standards in child care. For more information, visit kiddieacademy.com or find Kiddie Academy on Facebook at Facebook.com/KiddieAcademy.

1 Program details and availability differ by location – contact an Academy near you for more information.

 

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SOURCE Kiddie Academy® Educational Child Care

Aethlon Medical Announces Collaboration with University of Pittsburgh on NIH Grant for Head and Neck Cancer

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Aethlon Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: AEMD), a therapeutic medical device and technology company focused on unmet needs in oncology and viral diseases announced today that the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), a unit of the National Institutes for Health (NIH), has awarded a grant for studies in head and neck cancer that will be a collaborative project between Aethlon and the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at the

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Aethlon Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: AEMD), a therapeutic medical device and technology company focused on unmet needs in oncology and viral diseases announced today that the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), a unit of the National Institutes for Health (NIH), has awarded a grant for studies in head and neck cancer that will be a collaborative project between Aethlon and the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at the University of Pittsburgh.

The grant, entitled «Depleting exosomes to improve responses to immune therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma« will profile the biomarkers of exosomes in patients with recurrent and metastatic head and neck cancer and will explore the impact of clinical depletion of exosomes using Aethlon’s proprietary Hemopurifier device. Exosomes are nanosized particles that are released in large quantities from cancer cells and carry the complement of a tumor’s genetic and protein cargo, which endows them with the capacity to fuel cancer growth and immune suppression. The Hemopurifier is being advanced as a potential therapeutic device for oncology by virtue of its capacity to capture and remove exosomes from plasma.

The total value of the award is $3.5 million over five years for multi-institution studies that will be led by Drs. Theresa Whiteside at UPMC and Annette Marleau at Aethlon as Principal Investigators. The funds will be primarily allocated to UPMC and two other participating academic institutions that will apply their expertise in immuno-oncology to programs that could accelerate the clinical advancement of the Hemopurifier.

«We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Whiteside, a leading researcher in the area of tumor-derived exosomes, and the multidisciplinary team that has been assembled to evaluate the effects of exosomes in head and neck cancer,» stated Timothy C. Rodell, M.D., CEO of Aethlon Medical. «Head and neck cancer continues to have a poor prognosis due to disease recurrence and the development of metastatic disease.  We believe that the real value of this grant for Aethlon is that this work will provide insights into the potential clinical benefits of depleting circulating exosomes using the Hemopurifier for improving the responses of patients to the standard immunotherapy treatments.»

 «We are appreciative of the funding from NIDCR for this investigation of the roles of exosomes in head and neck cancer,» stated Theresa Whiteside, Ph.D., Principal Investigator and Professor of Pathology, Immunology and Otolaryngology at UPMC. «Exosomes have emerged as major contributors to tumor-associated immune suppression and as significant barriers to cancer therapies. The overarching objective of this work will be to advance therapeutic capabilities and novel exosome-based predictive tools for head and neck cancer.»

About Aethlon Medical, Inc. and the Hemopurifier®

Aethlon Medical, Inc. is focused on addressing unmet needs in global health. The Aethlon Hemopurifier is a clinical-stage device designed to combat cancer and life-threatening viral infections.

In preclinical studies in cancer, the Hemopurifier depletes the presence of circulating tumor-derived exosomes that are believed to promote immune suppression. These tumor derived exosomes also appear to seed the spread of metastases and therefore may inhibit the benefit of leading cancer therapies. The Hemopurifier® is an FDA designated «Breakthrough Device» related to the treatment of individuals with advanced or metastatic cancer who are either unresponsive to or intolerant of standard of care therapy, and with cancer types in which exosomes have been shown to participate in the development or severity of the disease cancer.  The FDA has approved an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) application to initiate an Early Feasibility Study (EFS) of the Hemopurifier® in patients with head and neck cancer in combination with standard of care pembrolizumab (Keytruda).  The Hemopurifier also is an FDA designated «Breakthrough Device» related to life-threatening viruses that are not addressed with approved therapies. The FDA also has approved a supplement to the Company’s existing IDE to allow for the testing of the Hemopurifier® in patients with SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 in a new feasibility study.

Aethlon also owns 80% of Exosome Sciences, Inc., which is focused on the discovery of exosomal biomarkers to diagnose and monitor cancer and neurological disease progression. Additional information can be found online at www.AethlonMedical.com and www.ExosomeSciences.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that involve risks and uncertainties. Statements containing words such as «may,» «believe,» «anticipate,» «expect,» «intend,» «plan,» «project,» «will,» «projections,» «estimate,» «potentially,» «appear» or similar expressions constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Factors that may contribute to such differences include, without limitation, Aethlon Medical, Inc.’s (the Company) ability to successfully complete the grant for studies in head and neck cancer with the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at the University of Pittsburgh, or to successfully complete the Early Feasibility Studies in head and neck cancer or in COVID-19, Aethlon’s ability to demonstrate that the removal of exosomes with the Hemopurifier will result in better outcomes for the treatment of cancer, and Aethlon’s ability to successfully develop and commercialize the Hemopurifier, its ability to raise additional funds and other risks. The foregoing list of risks and uncertainties is illustrative, but is not exhaustive. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements can be found under the caption «Risk Factors» in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2019, and in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Except as may be required by law, the Company does not intend, nor does it undertake any duty, to update this information to reflect future events or circumstances.

Company Contact:
Jim Frakes
Chief Financial Officer
Aethlon Medical, Inc. 
858-459-7800 x3300
Jfrakes@aethlonmedical.com

Media Contact:
Tony Russo, Ph.D.
Russo Partners, LLC
tony.russo@russopartnersllc.com
212-845-4251

Investor Contact:
Susan Noonan
S.A. Noonan Communications, LLC
susan@sanoonan.com 
212-966-3650

 

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SOURCE Aethlon Medical, Inc.

CFI Realizes Immediate and Ongoing Safety Improvement After Installing SmartDrive Video-Based Safety Program

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ —

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — SmartDrive Systems, a leader in video-based safety and transportation intelligence, announced today that CFI, a North American full-truckload carrier and operating company of TFI International Inc., has reported significant improvements in safety outcomes, including multiple driver exonerations and a reduction in DOT accident frequency, after 18 months with the SmartDrive program.

«CFI is committed to our core value of safety,» commented Jeff Yarnall, director of safety at CFI. «Our fleet is always looking for opportunities to do better and that’s when we turned to video. It was the next step in the evolution of our safety program. After evaluating five companies, we found SmartDrive offered the best product for our specific needs at CFI.»

Initially, CFI planned to test the SmartDrive program in 500 vehicles. After discovering video-based safety’s positive impact on culture and the bottom line, the CFI leadership team rolled the program out to the entire fleet of 2,000 vehicles.

«We were looking for a program that was going to help us coach to safe driving techniques by providing actionable information that could be leveraged at any level within our organization,» said Yarnall. «SmartDrive helped us to quickly identify the leading indicators that lead to unsafe behavior, and this allows us to intervene and reduce collisions. We had acceptance across the fleet when we began the program and, since complete installation, some of our original challenges have turned into success stories.»

During a 12-month period, CFI reported a 73% improvement in its SmartDrive Safety Score, an objective measurement of specific driving habits including speeding, seat belt usage, distracted driving and other habits that increase the likelihood of collisions. Since adopting the SmartDrive program, the fleet has reported a decrease in its preventable DOT accident frequency, a reduction in the total number of accidents, and a drop in the cost per accident.

«By adopting a video-based safety program and effectively introducing the technology to fleet managers and drivers, CFI immediately saw results in terms of collisions and risky behavior,» said Steve Mitgang, CEO of SmartDrive. «We are excited to see that, like many other fleets that have implemented the program, CFI has continued to experience improvement in individual driver performance through effective driver coaching and video recordings.»

About CFI

CFI, a wholly owned operating company of TFI International Inc., is a multifaceted leading transportation provider. Established in 1951, the truckload segment delivers time-definite 53-foot dry-van truckload transportation services. Operations in Mexico add an owned LTL network to the portfolio. CFI offers global logistics solutions to support all modes of transportation including ground transport, air freight, warehousing and intermodal with North American cross-border expertise and bilingual support. TFI International Inc. is a North American leader in the transportation and logistics industry, operating across the United States, Canada and Mexico through its subsidiaries.

TFI International Inc. is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol TFII. For more information, visit www.tfiintl.com.

About SmartDrive Systems

SmartDrive Systems gives fleets and drivers unprecedented driving performance insight and analysis, helping save fuel, expenses and lives. Its video safety, predictive analytics, telematics, compliance and personalized performance program help fleets improve driving skills, lower operating costs and deliver significant ROI. With an easy-to-use managed service, fleets and drivers can access and self-manage driving performance anytime, anywhere. The company, which is ranked as one of the fastest growing companies by Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500™ for six consecutive years, has recorded over 15 billion miles and compiled the world’s largest storehouse of more than 300 million analyzed risky-driving events. SmartDrive Systems is based in San Diego, Calif., and employs over 725 people worldwide.

For more information on SmartDrive Systems, please visit www.smartdrive.net.

Contact or Follow SmartDrive on:
Email – tryuson@smartdrive.net
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/smartdrivesystemsinc
Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/smartdriveinc
YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/smartdrivesystemsinc
LinkedIn – http://www.linkedin.com/company/smartdrive-systems

 

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SOURCE SmartDrive Systems

Michigan’s Sports Betting and Online Gambling To Bring $650M In First-Year Revenue, According to MichiganSharp.com

DETROIT, Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Sports betting and online casinos could produce as much as $93 million in first-year tax revenue in Michigan, according to projections from MichiganSharp.com.

The first of

DETROIT, Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Sports betting and online casinos could produce as much as $93 million in first-year tax revenue in Michigan, according to projections from MichiganSharp.com.

The first of Michigan‘s online sports betting and casino platforms might launch by the end of 2020. This sets the stage for Michigan to become one of the top online gambling states in the U.S.

Competitive State Tax Rates Make for an Online Betting Hub

Gross revenue from sports betting, both online and retail, will be taxed at 8.4% from the state. Detroit‘s three commercial casinos pay an additional 1.25% city tax.

Michigan hosts 26 land-based casinos, all of which can be expected to offer sports betting and online gaming to the state‘s 10-million population at some point.

«All of the pieces are in place for Michigan to become a major hub for sports betting and online gambling,» said Geoff Fisk, analyst for MichiganSharp.com. «Virtually all of the state‘s casinos should want a piece of the new market, especially with the attractive tax rates.»

By comparison, New Jersey taxes land-based sports betting at 9.75% and online sportsbooks at 13%. Indiana‘s online sports betting tax is levied at 9.5%, while Pennsylvania taxes sports betting at 36%.

State lawmakers passed House Bill 4916 in December 2019, which legalized both retail and online sports betting. The bill also brings online casinos and online poker to the state, setting the stage for Michigan to become one of the biggest legal online gambling markets in the US.

All 26 of Michigan‘s retail casinos can apply for sports betting and internet gaming licenses through the Michigan Gaming Control Board. In a situation unique to Michigan, the state‘s three commercial casinos, as well as the 23 tribal casinos, are eligible to offer internet gaming.

Online sports betting has proven massively successful in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In both states, online wagering accounts for more than 80 percent of total sports betting revenue.

First-Year Revenue Projections of $650M, According to MichiganSharp.com

MichiganSharp.com projects that the state could bring in as much as $400 million in total first-year sports betting revenue, producing $33.6 million in tax revenue for the state.

«Mobile wagering should be the major revenue driver for Michigan‘s sports betting market,» Fisk said. «The convenience and ease of access of online sports betting opens up a whole new world of opportunities for both bettors and sportsbook operators.»

Online casino and poker revenue will be taxed at 20-28% from the state, using a tier system dependent on earnings. MichiganSharp.com projects that online casinos and poker could earn as much as $250 million in first-year operations, bringing in a possible $60 million in tax revenue.

MichiganSharp.com projects that total revenue from sports betting, online casinos, and online poker, could earn $650 million in year one of operations, resulting in $93.6 million in tax revenue for the state.

For more analysis and news on the latest developments in Michigan‘s legal gambling industry, visit MichiganSharp.com.

Contact: Amber Hoffman, Managing Editor of MichiganSharp.com: amber.hoffman@i15Media.com 

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SOURCE MichiganSharp.com

Egan Law Launches «Walk In» Family Law and Immigration Clinic (FLIC)

SANTA MARIA, Calif., Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Egan Law today announced the opening of FLIC (Family Law & Immigration Center).  FLIC’s Executive Director and Supervising Attorney M. Jude Egan reports that the center is providing a new model of legal assistance services to those who otherwise may not be able to afford to hire full-service legal assistance or pay retainer fees, or who choose to assert more control over their legal fees and costs. «The need for…

SANTA MARIA, Calif., Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Egan Law today announced the opening of FLIC (Family Law & Immigration Center).  FLIC’s Executive Director and Supervising Attorney M. Jude Egan reports that the center is providing a new model of legal assistance services to those who otherwise may not be able to afford to hire full-service legal assistance or pay retainer fees, or who choose to assert more control over their legal fees and costs. «The need for this center stemmed from the lack of lower-cost legal resources in the areas of family and immigration law. Existing legal aid clinics are often limited by their mandates to only serve people under a certain income threshold or with defined immigration status and are, in any event, limited by available staffing resources,» said Egan.  

According to the 2010 US census, 64% of households in Santa Maria speak a language other than English and 62% of households subsist within 125% of the poverty line. Additionally, approximately 65% of family law parties are representing themselves in the family court, while data from the American Immigration Council indicates that only 37% of immigrants in removal cases had counsel nationwide, with the number far lower for Central American immigrants. 

Egan, who is also a Certified Family Law Specialist certified by the State Bar of California, adds that because «FLIC operates on a clinic or doctor’s office model, it is not subject to government limitations on whom it can serve.  All are welcome without regard to income or immigration status.  An attorney counsels the client, sets forth strategy and advises the client and assigns staff members to draft and submit documents to the Courts or the consulate.»  

FLIC’s access-to-a-lawyer-at-any-time model distinguishes it from Legal Document Assistant and self-help legal services, who can help with legal forms, but are not permitted to dispense legal advice under state law. «While there is a place for Legal Document Assistants in poor communities, they are often pushed to inappropriately dispense legal advice. I’ve seen this ‘advice’ cost parties tens of thousands of dollars and even cause them to lose their case so many times. Just a 30-minute meeting with a lawyer could have avoided sometimes tragic results,» said Egan. «We are not trying to take aim at LDAs or self-help legal providers, per se, but FLIC can provide accurate legal advice and deliver paperwork on a timely basis for the same or less than the cost of a non-lawyer, leaving clients with the possibility of full-service engagement if they decide to go that route and access to counsel at any time for a fraction of the cost of full-service representation.»

Elizabeth Ramirez Barragan, an immigration attorney who also handles family law matters and FLIC’s Assistant Director and Staff Attorney says, «One of the biggest challenges of working with full-service law firms is that the lawyer and the client often do not know exactly how much a legal action is going to cost. We help anyone, from those trying to control their legal costs to those who need legal help but can’t afford to hire a lawyer to do it all for them; and they know exactly how much it will cost them before the work is done.»  Furthermore, Ramirez explains, «FLIC lets clients pick and choose the legal services they get from a menu of options each with a set price, from simple consultations and drafting documents to full-service representation. All of this is done so that almost anyone can afford to hire a lawyer to advise them throughout their case» 

ABOUT FLIC: FLIC provides legal advice, helps draft divorce, custody and child and spousal support motions and declarations, fee waiver applications and financial disclosures. Our team will fill out proper forms under direction from lawyers, and provide advice on how to handle a case in court, including how to fix problem cases.  For immigration, we will assist you with all aspects of immigration law from DREAM Act filings to visa applications. Attorneys may also make limited scope appearances for clients, by mutual agreement, on a case by case basis.  

FLIC attorneys and staff are meeting with clients via Zoom. We are licensed across the State of California and can assist people in matters across the State. 

For more information, visit www.fliconline.us

 

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SOURCE FLIC – Attorney M. Jude Egan

Qintess Announces An Investment Of Ten Million BRL Towards Programs Fostering Entrepreneurship, Diversity And Social Innovation In Brazil

SÃO PAULO, Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — QINTESS, one of the top ten major IT companies in Brazil, announces an investment of R$ 10 million over the next five years to support and foster entrepreneurship, diversity, and social innovation in Brazil. Vale do Dendê, an entrepreneurial innovation center based in the city of Salvador, will be the first organization to receive funding. Resources for training and…

SÃO PAULO, Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — QINTESS, one of the top ten major IT companies in Brazil, announces an investment of R$ 10 million over the next five years to support and foster entrepreneurship, diversity, and social innovation in Brazil. Vale do Dendê, an entrepreneurial innovation center based in the city of Salvador, will be the first organization to receive funding. Resources for training and seed capital will be provided to young Afro-descendant-led startups and businesses focused on cultivating diversity and creating growth in this area.

This national initiative, spearheaded by Qintess, seeks to increase the number of entrepreneurs in the tech industry who are of African descent, who are from the LGBTI+ community and who are disabled, as well as from other marginalized communities. It also seeks to help small businesses make the transition to digital in order to remain viable during and after the Coronavirus pandemic. Collaborative businesses, gaming companies and digital startups will be supported with training, with global and national mentorship, as well as with access to seed capital.

Qintess has selected Vale do Dendê as their strategic partner in the social business space because of their successful track record with regard to organizing and supporting entrepreneurs from marginalized communities. They are one of Brazil’s leaders among businesses focused on social impact. Vale do Dendê focuses on the Northeast of Brazil, one of the regions currently in the most need of investment. Furthermore, this partnership will result in the establishment of new innovation hubs mirroring the ones currently in place at Vale do Dendê. These will exist in every capital where Qintess is located, including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Porto Alegre, Curitiba and Fortaleza.

As part of this strategic partnership, Qintess will be sponsoring Vale do Dendê to ensure that the organizational culture and vision created by its founders is cultivated and given the opportunity to grow and expand. «This initiative is coherent with my philosophy. It is fundamental for the companies to develop and implement concrete actions instead of only talking about diversity and inclusion», says Nana Baffour, CEO, Chairman and Culture Chief Officer of Qintess.

Qintess’ aims to have 2,000 young people from marginalized communities virtually trained in coding (Java, .Net, and Python) within the next five years. The company also looks to accelerate 500 companies by leveraging professional mentors with great market experience as well as their relationships with investors. Fifty of these companies will have access to Qintess’ company fund of R $2.5 million as seed capital to scale their businesses.

According to Lauro Chacon, Vice-President of Qintess Human Capital, this initiative meets the company’s strategies in considering ESG practices in order to promote sustainable growth. «We are an organization oriented to people and we use best environmental, social and corporate governance practices to guide our business. When establishing a partnership such as this one, it is important to reinforce our commitment to promoting diversity, to speeding up innovation and to contributing to all of our clients, collaborators and stakeholder ecosystems, as well as to society as a whole.», he says.

Qintess’ executives and its team of collaborators will bring new digital technologies and management techniques to increase Vale do Dendê’s scalability. Valde do Dendê has been operating an acceleration program since 2018. This initiative, which operated out of a physical hub inside one of the biggest bus and subway stations in Salvador, has already benefitted 90 startup companies.

«It is a moment of celebration and pride! I have no doubts that all of the legacy built by Vale do Dendê for Salvador and Brazil’s ecosystem will be strengthened by this partnership.», says Ítala Herta, Vale do Dendê’s co-founder.

«This partnership with Qintess confirms our bet on the importance of Salvador’s outskirts in particular, and of the Northeast in general, in the development of a creative economy and of innovation in Brazil. I believe the country will not fulfill its destiny of being a great nation if it is not capable of integrating young Afro-Brazilians into sustainable development», says Rosenildo Ferreira, co-founder and Innovation and Marketing Director of Vale do Dendê. 

«We are very happy to be entering in this agreement with Qintess. We believe that because Qintess is a great technology company with great investment capacity, it can support our dream and allow it to thrive for many years, expanding on the work we have started,» says Paulo Rogério Nunes, co-founder and Executive Director of Vale do Dendê.

Teams involving Qintess’ and Vale do Dendê’s executives and collaborators are beginning their joint activities this month. The plan is to implement more than one round of acceleration and of training courses in the technology sector for young people, which will be in operation until the end of the year.

According to Roberto Silva, Qintess Regional Director for The Northeast and Minas Gerais, that partnership makes Vale do Dendê the protagonist in digital transformation for the region. «We are very proud of this partnership because we are going to bring together social entrepreneurship and cutting-edge technology to promote responsible practices.»

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SOURCE Qintess

Cape Cod Project Brings Innovation to Long-Term Care

BOURNE, Mass., Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Canal Street Crossing – a private, fully permitted residential and health care development in Bourne, Massachusetts – is bringing an innovative model for long-term care to Massachusetts seniors, just…

BOURNE, Mass., Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Canal Street Crossing – a private, fully permitted residential and health care development in Bourne, Massachusetts – is bringing an innovative model for long-term care to Massachusetts seniors, just as the impact of COVID-19 on this population is being fully realized.

In the US, 40% of all COVID-19 fatalities have been associated with long-term care facilities and nursing homes. In Massachusetts COVID-19 related deaths in nursing homes and long-term care facilities account for 62% of the state’s total. More than 80 long term care facilities in Massachusetts reported at least 20 resident deaths and five homes recorded more than 50 deaths each.

«We’re building a development which we believe will become a new standard for long-term care for our senior and disabled populations, one that may prevent recurrence of the tragedy we are currently witnessing,» said Bob Gendron, CEO and President of GenReal, Inc., which owns the projects.

Gendron, a Cape Cod native and a global leader in facilities management, cited the current physical environment of care in nursing homes as having a significant impact in the high infection and fatality rates. Often rooms are occupied by four residents and conventional nursing home wings can house as many as 40 residents. The common areas promote intermingling of populations sick and healthy. Medical attention is focused on immediate physical symptoms and not long-term health care management.

Canal Street Crossing takes a more innovative approach to design and management, using the nationally recognized Green House Project Model, developed in conjunction with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Under this model, each elder has a private room and bathroom suite, and also encourages social interaction by bringing together 10-14 elders in homelike settings with shared space. The private suites are wired with rapid response telehealth technology and Certified Nursing Assistants manage each home on a 24/7 basis.

«As the vision came together for this project, our team knew that we needed to bring ideas at the forefront of design and care together to meet the challenges being face by our seniors,» said Gendron. «By bringing together key services, an innovative model and state-of-the art architectural design, we’ll be able to keep seniors safer and improve their overall quality of life.»

The Canal Street Crossing campus will contain 30 independent living units, 48 supportive assisted living units, 28 skilled nursing home beds and 14 memory care beds. A health care facility will be located on the campus, consisting of medical and diagnostic services as well as a full range of health care services.

GenReal, Inc., will own the project. The supportive assisted living, skilled nursing care beds and the memory unit beds will be managed by Navigator Elder Homes. A program for older adults, known as PACE, will be integrated on the campus and owned and administered by Harbor Health Services, Inc.

CONTACT:
Patrick Murphy
617-898-7985
pmurphy@cref.com

 

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SOURCE Canal Street Crossing

BTL files complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission to seek an exclusion order to prevent the unlawful importation of infringing Cooltone and Coolsculpting products into the United States

MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — BTL Industries, Inc. («BTL»), the leading manufacturer of the EMSCULPT body-contouring device and other products for non-invasive body-shaping procedures, filed a complaint today with the United States International Trade Commission («ITC»), asking the Commission to prevent Allergan Limited, Allergan, Inc., Allergan USA Inc., Zeltiq Aesthetics, Inc., Zeltiq Ireland Unlimited Company («Allergan»), and Zimmer…

MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — BTL Industries, Inc. («BTL»), the leading manufacturer of the EMSCULPT body-contouring device and other products for non-invasive body-shaping procedures, filed a complaint today with the United States International Trade Commission («ITC»), asking the Commission to prevent Allergan Limited, Allergan, Inc., Allergan USA Inc., Zeltiq Aesthetics, Inc., Zeltiq Ireland Unlimited Company («Allergan»), and Zimmer MedizinSysteme GmbH, Germany («Zimmer») from importing products that infringe BTL’s patents into the United States. BTL concurrently filed a lawsuit with the U.S. Federal District Court in the District of Delaware against Allergan and Zimmer on the same matter.

The U.S. International Trade Commission is an independent, quasi-judicial federal agency with broad investigative responsibilities on matters that affect trade and commerce, including intellectual property infringement.

«We have asked the ITC to determine whether Cooltone and Coolsculpting products infringe BTL’s patents and, if they are found to be infringing, to issue an exclusion order barring importation of Cooltone and Coolsculpting products into the U.S., as well as issuing a cease-and-desist order prohibiting Allergan and Zimmer from selling their infringing products and their components in the American market space,» said Ron Borsheim, VP of Business Development.

BTL’s ITC complaint and Delaware lawsuit follows a lawsuit that BTL filed with the U.S. District Court in Delaware in December 2019 on similar matters.

About BTL Group:
Founded in 1993, BTL Group has grown to become an innovator and world leader in non-invasive products and treatments for the aesthetics and physiotherapy industries. With over 2,000 employees in more than 53 countries, BTL offers the most advanced non-invasive solutions for body shaping, skin tightening & other medical aesthetic treatments, including treatment of incontinence. BTL’s brands include EMSCULPT, EMSELLA, EXILIS, and EMTONE.

About Emsculpt:
BTL’s Emsculpt has been a clear innovation leader in the muscle category, revolutionizing the non-invasive body shaping market. Utilizing its proprietary high intensity focused electromagnetic energy (HIFEM®), the Emsculpt introduced an entirely new category of muscle toning and muscle strengthening to the aesthetic industry that goes beyond waistline reduction and elimination of fat cells. For more details, go to www.emsculpt.com.

 

(PRNewsfoto/BTL)

 

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SOURCE BTL