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New Price Index Identifies True Cost of Social Outcomes, Helps Philanthropy and Government Make Every Dollar Count

Next generation approach to social investment unlocks power of standardized data for companies, government, individual donors to optimize societal impact

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — As COVID-19 continues to inflict its toll, companies, governments, and individuals have stepped up their philanthropic investments to address the health, economic, and social fallout. Despite these efforts, one question persists in the minds of all types of donors: what does it really cost to make an impact on someone’s life?  To date, the field has not had the ability to answer that question – until now.

Launched today by The Conference Board in collaboration with the Impact Genome Project® and with support from Moody’s, a new suite of benchmarking tools will enable companies, governments and individuals to evaluate and optimize their societal investments. The goal is to help donors produce more efficient and effective outcomes.

“With philanthropic and government spending at unsustainable levels, now more than ever, we need a way to rationalize our resources and maximize our ‘bang for the buck’ so that we can help as many people as possible,” said Jason Saul, CEO of the Impact Genome Project®.        

Anchoring the digital hub is the Price of Impact (POI) Index™. The tool, which was developed by the Impact Genome Project®, tracks how much it costs to solve problems in 100 different areas of social impact, including the arts, education, and the environment. Updated monthly, the POI Index™ uses inputs from thousands of US-based nonprofits and social programs to create cost-per-outcome averages. For instance, last month, the POI Index™ listed providing one person with a month of hunger relief at $533, compared to $66 for reducing one person’s carbon footprint (such as increasing an individual’s short-term likelihood to recycle or purchase solar panels).

The Conference Board’s flagship report,Data-Driven Corporate Philanthropy: The Revolutionary Potential to Change Lives, was based on data from the POI Index™. Findings from the report include the following:

Higher costs-per-outcome (CPO) often address issues that disproportionately affect minorities.

  • Costs-per-outcome (CPO) vary widely, with short-term changes far more affordable than long-term ones. Across the POI Index, CPOs range from $73 (conservation awareness and responsibility) to $403,070 (affordable permanent housing for one family).
  • As companies increasingly pivot to address social justice issues, they should target their social investments to specific outcomes that deliver the progress they can afford, alongside the impact they seek.

COVID-19’s fallout will likely raise the cost of economic development outcomes – which is already relatively high
– as the pandemic continues to increase demand for areas like job training and personal finance education.

  • Economic development includes a range of short- and long-term outcomes, including providing one person with a financial literacy course ($414), stimulating entrepreneurship through increased access to capital, markets, and information ($1,544), and helping one person acquire full-time employment ($9,331).
  • As COVID-19 continues to adversely affect the economy, both demand for these types of programs and their costs are likely to increase.

COVID-19 could force companies to shift from focusing on long-term to short-term impacts, especially when it comes to education.

  • Education has been a corporate philanthropy priority in recent years. However, due to the immediate upheaval brought about by COVID-19, education could take a backseat to more pressing short-term needs, such as feeding families, taking care of vulnerable people and workers, improving opportunities for racial minorities, and getting people back to work in the forthcoming recession.
  • At the same time, the focus of education philanthropy is likely to shift toward meeting short-term needs such as helping children adapt to online learning, including in many cases supplying computers and digital tools to children.

“In an era where corporations are on the front lines in addressing major societal issues, corporate philanthropy is one of the key tools at their disposal to have an impact.  As businesses give generously, they must also give wisely,” said Paul Washington, Executive Director of the ESG Center of The Conference Board. “That is our purpose with this launch: to enable philanthropic dollars to do more. This is a transformative opportunity.”

The hub also offers member-exclusive programming, including briefings from the Impact Genome Project®. Visit the Optimizing Societal Impact hub to explore all the latest reports, insights, and tools from The Conference Board.

About The Conference Board
The Conference Board is the member-driven think tank that delivers trusted insights for what’s ahead. Founded in 1916, we are a non-partisan, not-for-profit entity holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States. www.conference-board.org

About The Impact Genome Project®
The Impact Genome Project® (IGP) is a field-wide, systematic effort to standardize measurement, reporting, and evidence for the world’s most common social outcomes. The data and tools of the IGP enable funders, policymakers, and practitioners to allocate grant dollars based on impact, to design and implement effective interventions, to benchmark results, and to ultimately solve social problems more efficiently.

About Moody’s
Moody’s (NYSE:MCO) is a global risk assessment firm that empowers organizations to make better decisions. Its data, analytical solutions and insights help decision-makers identify opportunities and manage the risks of doing business with others. We believe that greater transparency, more informed decisions, and fair access to information open the door to shared progress. With over 11,400 employees in more than 40 countries, Moody’s combines international presence with local expertise and over a century of experience in financial markets. Learn more at moodys.com/about.

Moody’s builds toward a world where more people have access to opportunity, and where everyone has what they need to grow and thrive. We are committed to opening the door to brighter futures through our global corporate social responsibility programs connecting people around the world with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed. For more information visit moodys.com/csr.

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SOURCE The Conference Board

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Study Reveals What It Means to Feel Financially Well Today

Perceived Financial Wellness Does Not Equate to Actual Long-Term Financial Security, New Report Shows

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Human Interest, the affordable, full-service 401(k) provider for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), has released data that sheds light on how Americans currently feel about their financial wellness. The study of small business employees reveals that, despite a global pandemic and recession, a surprising 64 percent of respondents rate their financial wellness from ‘good’ to ‘excellent’. But their confidence may be misplaced, as the study shows a lack of certainty about their future financial security. Only 22 percent believe they’ll actually have enough money to last the rest of their life or to cover their needs in retirement.

According to the data, employees consider financial wellness to mean not feeling stressed about money, not living paycheck to paycheck, and having an emergency fund. While these are important aspects of financial health, they do not guarantee fiscal security through life. In fact, traditional hallmarks of financial wellness, such as having enough money to last through retirement, or having a high net income, net worth or credit score, featured far lower down the list of priorities.

Compounding the problem is the fact that employees may not be using the most effective tools for driving long-term growth of their savings. 48 percent say they use checking and saving accounts as a way to save for retirement: a method which is unlikely to keep pace with the rising cost of living. And 24 percent of 45-60 year-old employees surveyed are not even saving for retirement.

“It’s not surprising that people are focused on the here and now, given that many are currently on reduced incomes. But it’s unsettling that such a significant proportion claim to feel financially well without having a plan for retirement. If this emphasis on the short-term continues, there’s a risk of fundamentally altering the trajectory of millions of people’s lifelong financial security,” said Jeff Schneble, CEO of Human Interest. “Our goal is to help people in all lines of work feel confident across all the dimensions of financial wellness, which we consider to be: peace of mind, sufficiency, independence, resilience, and prosperity.”

The study also revealed a disparity in the way different groups define and experience financial wellness:

SMB employees more reliant on working through retirement

Twenty-nine percent of SMB employees say they plan to work through retirement to supplement their income. On average, SMB employees estimated they would retire at 69, an astonishing five years later than the national average1. While this could help reduce their reliance on savings, banking on late retirement is a risky premise.

Men feel more financially well than women

The study also discovered gender disparity in perceived financial wellness. Men are much more likely to feel confident about their financial wellness than women: almost triple the number of men than women rate their financial wellness as ‘excellent’. And almost double the number of men than women feel confident regarding retirement, including that they’re doing all they can to save, that their investments will keep pace with inflation, and that they’ll have enough money to last their lifetime. Yet slightly fewer men than women reported having a 401(k) (58 vs 60 percent) or contributing to it from their paycheck (76 percent for men vs 83 percent for women).

Men’s definitions of retirement are also different from the way female respondents define this goal. A plurality of women, including those aged 18-44, see retirement as leaving the workforce permanently, while men see it as being financially independent and free to do what they want, which may include continuing to work and therefore explain their confidence in long-term financial security.

Geographic differences

Levels of financial wellness varied across the country, with those in the Northeast feeling most confident (67 percent rated their financial wellness as ‘excellent’, ‘very good’ or ‘good’) and those in the South the least (61 percent reported the same). West and Midwest were on par, with 64 percent rating their financial wellness positively.

The role of employers

Employers have a critical role to play in ensuring that employees have access to a path to financial wellness, especially when it comes to retirement. The study shows that employers are the number one reason employees save for retirement. Yet only 60 percent of SMB employees have a 401(k) through their current or former employer (compared with 88 percent2 of large company employees).

Employers eager to educate and support their employees in their quest for holistic financial wellness, can find resources here.

Methodology

Human Interest conducted a national survey of 1,790 respondents ages 18 and older who are employed by a small business. The sample includes 62 percent women and 38 percent men with respondents having household incomes ranging from under $30,000 to over $200,000. The survey explores how small business employees feel about retirement, their own financial preparedness for retirement, and their overall financial wellness. The survey was fielded online using SurveyMonkey Audience Panel from September 25-30, 2020. The data was compiled and analyzed by Human Interest, and is the third part of a series of reports about the retirement preparedness of SMB employees in America.

About Human Interest

Human Interest is an affordable, full-service 401(k) provider that makes it easy for small- and medium-sized businesses to help their employees save for retirement. The company was founded in 2015 to ensure that people in all lines of work have access to retirement benefits and a path to financial independence. Headquartered in San Francisco, Human Interest has helped more than 60,000 employees working at 2,000+ businesses across America. For more information please visit humaninterest.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

401(k) participant transaction fees do not include investment management (asset-based) fees. 401(k) participant transaction fees include transactions such as check fees, rollover fees, distribution fees, and fees related to loans from 401(k) accounts.

Investment advising services are provided by Human Interest Advisors LLC, an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks and expenses before investing. There are risks involved with investing. Investors should consider all of their assets, income and investments. All opinions and results included in this publication constitute Human Interest Advisors’ judgment as of the date of this publication and are subject to change without notice.

Media Contact:

Maura Yepez
Firebrand Communications
415 848 9175
[email protected]

______________________


1
 Boston College, 2018
2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020



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GOCO FINAL DEADLINE: ROSEN, GLOBAL INVESTOR COUNSEL, Reminds GoHealth, Inc. Investors of Important Friday Deadline in Securities Class Action – GOCO

GOCO FINAL DEADLINE: ROSEN, GLOBAL INVESTOR COUNSEL, Reminds GoHealth, Inc. Investors of Important Friday Deadline in Securities Class Action – GOCO

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of GoHealth, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOCO) pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement issued in connection with GoHealth’s July 2020 initial public offering (the “IPO”) of the important November 20, 2020 lead plaintiff deadline in the case. The lawsuit seeks to recover damages for GoHealth investors under the federal securities laws.

To join the GoHealth class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-1939.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action.

According to the lawsuit, the registration statement was negligently prepared and failed to disclose that at the time of the IPO: (1) the Medicare insurance industry was undergoing a period of elevated churn, which had begun in the first half of 2020; (2) GoHealth suffered from a higher risk of customer churn as a result of its unique business model and limited carrier base; (3) GoHealth suffered from degradations in customer persistency and retention as a result of elevated industry churn, vulnerabilities that arose from the Company’s concentrated carrier business model, and GoHealth’s efforts to expand into new geographies, develop new carrier partnerships and worsening product mix; (4) GoHealth had entered into materially less favorable revenue sharing arrangements with its external sales agents; and (5) these adverse financial and operational trends were internally projected by GoHealth to continue and worsen following the IPO. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than November 20, 2020. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. If you wish to join the litigation, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-1939.html or to discuss your rights or interests regarding this class action, please contact Phillip Kim, Esq. of Rosen Law Firm toll free at 866-767-3653 or via e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected].

NO CLASS HAS YET BEEN CERTIFIED IN THE ABOVE ACTION. UNTIL A CLASS IS CERTIFIED, YOU ARE NOT REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL UNLESS YOU RETAIN ONE. YOU MAY RETAIN COUNSEL OF YOUR CHOICE. YOU MAY ALSO REMAIN AN ABSENT CLASS MEMBER AND DO NOTHING AT THIS POINT. AN INVESTOR’S ABILITY TO SHARE IN ANY POTENTIAL FUTURE RECOVERY IS NOT DEPENDENT UPON SERVING AS LEAD PLAINTIFF.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 3 each year since 2013. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm’s attorneys are ranked and recognized by numerous independent and respected sources. Rosen Law Firm has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

——————————-

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

Rosen Law Firm

Phillip Kim, Esq.

866-767-3653

[email protected]

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: New York United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Legal Professional Services

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GitLab Completes Integration of Fuzzing Solutions to Bolster DevSecOps Capabilities

Implementation of Peach Tech and Fuzzit enable customers to shift left and find vulnerabilities that traditional testing and quality assurance technique may miss

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today GitLab, the single application for the DevOps lifecycle, announced it has completed integration of Peach Tech, a security software firm specializing in protocol fuzz testing and dynamic application security testing (DAST) API testing, and Fuzzit, a continuous fuzz testing solution providing coverage-guided testing. Both acquired in June of this year, the full integration of Peach Tech and Fuzzit into GitLab provides users with capabilities such as continuous fuzzing, coverage guided fuzz testing, and web API fuzz testing, with results provided directly to the developer while they are still iterating on their code. Traditionally, fuzzing can be difficult and hard to get results from. By bringing Peach Tech and Fuzzit into GitLab, developers and security teams alike can easily integrate fuzz testing into their workflows to take advantage of its powerful benefits in a meaningful and actionable way.

In a recent report from the Linux Foundation — “Core Infrastructure Initiative FOSS Contributor Survey November 2020” — only 39 percent surveyed said they received formal training in secure software development. For those that rated the highest, their training included bug/security fixes, free security audits, simplified ways to add security tools, and a course on security. Providing fuzz testing and other scan results to the developer, before the code ever leaves their hands, is a powerful element of training. They can see right away what security flaws they just created, without wondering where the vulnerability came from and whether they had a role in it.

“No longer can security be viewed as a separate step outside of DevOps processes,” said David DeSanto, Director, Product for the Secure and Protect stages at GitLab. “With the completed integration of these fuzzing technologies, GitLab is making it easier for development and security teams to incorporate both coverage-guided and API fuzz testing techniques much earlier in the software development lifecycle. Developers can employ DevSecOps best practices with ease as well as understand what security vulnerabilities are being created at code commit. This enables close collaboration with their security counterparts to reduce their organization’s overall security risk.”

Fuzz testing is nothing new, and according to those surveyed for a recent GitLab report, 81 percent believe it’s important. However, because of the difficulty many find with setting up and integrating fuzz testing into their CI systems, only 36 percent said they were actually using fuzzing. With increasing enterprise security concerns as threat vectors and vulnerabilities grow, having fuzz testing in the existing GitLab workflow supports organizations with comprehensive DevSecOps, finding security issues and flaws in the business logic of an application or service. Additionally, fuzzing compliments other forms of application security testing such as static application security testing (SAST) and dynamic application security testing (DAST). SAST and DAST look for known vulnerabilities while fuzz testing will find things that are unique to the application and not identified by a known Common Vulnerability Exposure (CVE).

“A common paint point for security teams is how to integrate automated security testing into the DevOps CI pipeline, ensuring that project teams follow a prescribed set of testing and that security policies are adhered to,” said Cindy Blake, GitLab. “GitLab’s Ultimate tier and Gold tier simplify this effort. Templates can be set up and applied to projects in a consistent manner with exceptions documented.”

With completed implementation of Peach Tech and Fuzzit technologies, GitLab Secure customers have an even more comprehensive and fully-integrated security solution, from Auto DevOps deployment of security testing to vulnerability management and remediation. Fuzzing and all other GitLab scans (DAST, SAST, Dependency scanning, Container scanning, Secrets Detection, and License Compliance) are available within the CI pipeline out-of-the-box, requiring no complicated APIs and no Plug-ins. This fully integrated approach allows GitLab to innovate further with the acquired fuzzing IP, with plans to add replay capabilities to DAST to easily recreate how the vulnerability occurs and to correlate fuzz test findings to improve the fidelity of GitLab’s already leading SAST capabilities.

Fuzz testing specific future plans include advanced configuration options for users who want to customize their fuzz tests and expanding fuzz testing to address additional use cases, beyond only web apps and APIs. More information about GitLab’s plans for maturing fuzz testing can be found on the direction page.

About GitLab

GitLab is a DevOps platform built from the ground up as a single application for all stages of the DevOps lifecycle enabling Product, Development, QA, Security, and Operations teams to work concurrently on the same project. GitLab provides a single data store, one user interface, and one permission model across the DevOps lifecycle. This allows teams to significantly reduce cycle times through more efficient collaboration and enhanced focus.

Built on Open Source, GitLab works alongside its growing community, which is composed of thousands of developers and millions of users, to continuously deliver new DevOps innovations. More than 100,000 organizations from startups to global enterprises, including Ticketmaster, Jaguar Land Rover, NASDAQ, Dish Network, and Comcast trust GitLab to deliver great software faster. All-remote since 2014, GitLab has more than 1,300 team members in 68 countries.

Media Contact

Katie Hyman
Highwire PR for GitLab
[email protected]



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Pure Sunfarms’ Brand Goes International in Lane Crawford Hong Kong Holiday Pop-Up Shops

Brand Appears in the Luxury Department Store’s Exclusive CBC-Infused Holiday Gift Sets

Delta, B.C., Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — This holiday season, Pure Sunfarms’ brand will be appearing as part of a limited-edition Lane Crawford x Found CBD-infused gift set to be sold in the luxury department store’s holiday pop-up shops in Hong Kong. This is Pure Sunfarms first international appearance as a leading Canadian cannabis brand.

Pure Sunfarms’ brand’s appearance on the international stage stems as a result of a partnership between Altum International Limited’s (“Altum”) Found, Asia-Pacific’s first CBD retail platform and café, and Lane Crawford, an iconic luxury department store in Greater China. The co-branded holiday pop-up shops aim to educate consumers and elevate their awareness about CBD.

Luxury gift sets available for purchase at the pop-up shops will feature Pure Sunfarms’ CBD gummies created specifically for the Hong Kong consumer, among other CBD-inspired items such as chocolates, bath salts, and tea bags.

“We’re so pleased for the Pure Sunfarms’ brand to make its debut internationally, alongside such prestigious and progressive partners as Altum and Lane Crawford,” said Mandesh Dosanjh, President & CEO, Pure Sunfarms. “This is just the beginning of what’s to come for Pure Sunfarms as we look to share our love our plants and B.C.-grown cannabis products with the global cannabis market.”

“We are particularly excited to be able to present in Asia-Pacific for the first time, Pure Sunfarms, Canada’s market leading cannabis brand,” Fiachra Mullen, Chief Marketing Officer for Altum International. “We believe that the leading cannabis brands in the Canadian market will hold a special place in the Hong Kong consumer’s heart. We are incredibly proud to have their trust in helping them access the Asia-Pacific markets for the first time through the most progressive cannabinoid jurisdiction in the region – Hong Kong.”

The pop-up shops will run from November 13 through to the end of December 2020 at Lane Crawford’s ifc mall, Canton Road and Times Square locations.

For more information about Pure Sunfarms, visit www.puresunfarms.com.

– 30 –

About Pure Sunfarms

Located in Delta, British Columbia, Pure Sunfarms is one of Canada’s largest, single site, licensed producers of high-quality, greenhouse-grown cannabis. With decades of growing experience and 1.1 million square feet of best-in-class greenhouse operations, the company has capacity to produce 75,000 kilograms of dried flower annually for the Canadian recreational market.

Current supply agreements in place include the Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation (OCRC) (operating as the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS)), the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB), Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC), the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA), and most recently, the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation. Pure Sunfarms also provides cannabis to other Licensed Producers in Canada.

Pure Sunfarms is converting a second 1.1 million square foot greenhouse for cannabis production, which is expected to double annual output capacity to 150,000 kilograms. The company also holds an option on an additional greenhouse facility, currently owned and operated by Village Farms, which could further increase total production area by approximately 2.6 million square feet.

Pure Sunfarms is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Village Farms International, Inc.

www.puresunfarms.com

About Altum

Altum International is a cannabinoid company born from its founders’ desire to bring the life-changing benefits of cannabis back to the Asia-Pacific. Through its Hong Kong headquarters, Altum is disrupting the status quo of decades past by importing, distributing and marketing a curated range of high-quality cannabinoid products across the region in a compliant and cost-effective manner. 

In early 2020, Altum launched a line of consumer-friendly CBD products (Felix & Co), as well as plug-and-play CBD inputs for business operators (LIFE CBD) in the Hong Kong market. Following this, Altum launched Found, Asia-Pacific’s first CBD retail platform and café – designed to educate consumers and elevate category awareness. The August 2020 completion of a strategic investment from Village Farms International (TSX:VFF; Nasdaq:VFF) has further fueled Altum’s growth aspirations for 2021 and beyond. 

Attachment 



Danielle Bronson
Pure Sunfarms
(604) 359-3235
[email protected]

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Moody’s Corporation to Present at Investor Meeting

Moody’s Corporation to Present at Investor Meeting

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Moody’s Corporation (NYSE: MCO) announced today that Andrea Blackman, Global Head of ESG, will be presenting at the Atlantic Equities European Investor Meeting on Monday, November 23, 2020.

The presentation will be recorded and the webcast can be accessed at Moody’s Investor Relations website shortly thereafter, ir.moodys.com.

ABOUT MOODY’S CORPORATION

Moody’s (NYSE:MCO) is a global risk assessment firm that empowers organizations to make better decisions. Its data, analytical solutions and insights help decision-makers identify opportunities and manage the risks of doing business with others. We believe that greater transparency, more informed decisions, and fair access to information open the door to shared progress. With over 11,400 employees in more than 40 countries, Moody’s combines international presence with local expertise and over a century of experience in financial markets. Learn more at moodys.com/about.

SHIVANI KAK

Investor Relations

212.553.0298

[email protected]

MICHAEL ADLER

Corporate Communications

212.553.4667

[email protected]

moodys.com

ir.moodys.com/

moodys.com/csr

KEYWORDS: New York United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Professional Services Finance

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With Many Still Sheltering at Home During the Pandemic, PG&E Keeping Customers Safe and Warm With Free Annual Gas Safety Checks

With Many Still Sheltering at Home During the Pandemic, PG&E Keeping Customers Safe and Warm With Free Annual Gas Safety Checks

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
With winter and colder temperatures right around the corner and the COVID-19 pandemic enduring, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is reminding customers to call and schedule a free in-home safety inspection of their in-home gas appliances. During the visit, PG&E will also relight pilot lights for customers who have heaters or other appliances that have been turned off during warmer months.

Inspections help ensure that gas appliances—including water heaters, furnaces and ovens—are operating safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide exposure within the home. Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it can’t be seen, smelled or heard. According to the Center for Disease Control, every year in the U.S. at least 430 people die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning and approximately 50,000 people will be sent to the hospital.

In-Home COVID-19 Health Protocols

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, PG&E frontline employees are adhering to strict safety protocols when visiting customers’ homes, including mandatory daily health checks, wearing masks and nitrile gloves and maintaining at least six feet of distance. Customers are asked to do the same when an employee visits, and if anyone inside the home is ill, that they isolate themselves away from the room where work is being performed.

“The safety of our customers is the most important responsibility we have as PG&E employees. To help ensure that customers’ gas appliances are operating safely, they can call us to schedule a free gas safety check, and we will send a qualified PG&E technician to your home to inspect your appliances. Our dedicated workforce is prepared to provide this vital service while adhering to strict COVID-19 health protocols to ensure the safety of customers and our employees,” said Sally Romero, PG&E senior director of Gas Operations.

Before the colder winter months when natural gas appliances typically see the most use, PG&E encourages customers to schedule an inspection by calling the customer helpline at 1-800-743-5000.

Helpful Winter Gas Safety Tips

  • Install carbon monoxide detectors to warn when concentration levels are high.

    • All California single-family homes are required to have carbon monoxide detectors.
    • Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on every floor, near sleeping areas and common areas.
    • These devices should be tested twice a year, and batteries replaced if necessary.
    • Check the expiration date – most carbon monoxide detectors have a shelf life of five to seven years.
  • Never use products inside the home that generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, such as generators, outdoor grills, or propane heaters.
  • Never use cooking devices such as ovens or stoves for home heating purposes.
  • When using the fireplace to stay warm, make sure the flue is open so venting can occur safely through the chimney.
  • Make sure water heaters and other natural gas appliances have proper ventilation.

If you suspect carbon monoxide in your home, you should leave immediately and call 911. If a PG&E customer ever smells the distinctive “rotten egg” odor of natural gas in or around their home or business, they should immediately evacuate and then call 911 and PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 23,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/ and www.pge.com/en/about/newsroom/index.page.

MEDIA RELATIONS:

415-973-5930

KEYWORDS: California United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Other Energy Women Utilities Seniors Men Energy Family Consumer

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Juniper Square Ranked Number 54 on Deloitte’s 2020 Technology Fast 500™ List of the Fastest-Growing Companies in North America

Attributes 2721% revenue growth to relentless customer focus and determination to help commercial real estate investment managers become more efficient, more productive, and more profitable.

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Juniper Square today announced it ranked 11th in the Bay Area and 54th nationally on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500,™ a ranking of the 500 fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies in North America.

Juniper Square’s Co-founder and CEO, Alex Robinson, credits obsessive customer focus and determination to solve pervasive problems within the commercial real estate industry for the company’s 2721% revenue growth. “Our team has been relentlessly focused on building a modern, world-class investment management solution to meet the needs of commercial real estate managers and their investors. Through our software and services, our clients now manage more than $1 trillion in real estate assets, and we’re primed to continue pushing our industry into the future by helping organizations become more efficient and productive, and ultimately enabling them to drive more growth and revenue.”

“For more than 25 years, we’ve been honoring companies that define the cutting edge and this year’s Technology Fast 500 list is proof positive that technology — from software and digital media platforms, to biotech — truly does permeate so many facets of our lives,” said Paul Silverglate, vice chairman, Deloitte LLP and U.S. technology sector leader. “We congratulate this year’s winners, especially during a time when innovation is needed more than ever to address the monumental challenges posed by the pandemic.”

“Each year the Technology Fast 500 listing validates how important technology innovation is to our daily lives. It was interesting to see this year that while software companies continued to dominate, biotech companies rose to the top of the winners list for the first time, demonstrating that new categories of innovation are accelerating in the pursuit of making life easier, safer and more productive,” said Mohana Dissanayake, partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP, and industry leader for technology, media and telecommunications, within Deloitte’s audit and assurance practice. “We extend sincere congratulations to these well-deserved winners — who all embody a spirit of curiosity, and a never-ending commitment to making technology advancements possible.”

About Deloitte’s 2020 Technology Fast 500™

Now in its 26th year, Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies — both public and private — in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2016 to 2019.

In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company’s operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least $US50,000, and current-year operating revenues of at least $US5 million. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America. Overall, 2020 Technology Fast 500™ companies achieved revenue growth ranging from 175% to 106,508% from 2016 to 2019, with median growth of 450%. Juniper Square grew 2721% during this period.

About Juniper Square

Founded in 2014, Juniper Square is transforming the private funds industry with easy-to-use software that streamlines fundraising, investment operations and investor reporting. Designed specifically for real estate, Juniper Square is trusted by hundreds of investment sponsors to manage more than $1 trillion in real estate investments. By using Juniper Square, clients such as Tishman Speyer, Rockpoint and Beacon Capital improve investor satisfaction, boost fundraising productivity and save time and money on investment administration. Juniper Square is based in San Francisco and Austin, Texas, and has quickly become the leader in commercial real estate investment management software. Learn more at www.junipersquare.com.

About Deloitte

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the “Deloitte” name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms.

PR Contact: Jade Terry, Idea Hall, (512) 415-6923, [email protected]



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Valence Group Inc. Announces Microsoft OCP Program Inclusion

SEATTLE, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Valence Group Inc., a digital transformation solution provider focused on helping enterprise customers worldwide understand and apply next-generation technologies in a smart and innovative way, today announced continued advancement of their partnership with Microsoft and has recently joined the One Commercial Partner (OCP) program.   OCP enables Valence to participate in co-selling, go to market activities with Microsoft sellers and partners, receive additional Microsoft technical support, and establish their credibility as a technical partner with Microsoft. As a result, Valence will further position itself as a leader in providing modern technology solutions to its customer worldwide.

“As part of the OCP program we will be able to deliver digital transformation solutions to our customers in tight collaboration with Microsoft,” said Jim Darrin, Chief Executive Officer, Valence Group. “Additionally, it will strengthen our Microsoft offerings across growing set of technologies such as Power Platform and Power Apps and reinforce our commitment to Azure and the Azure platform. These technologies provide us the tools to build solutions that allow our customers to gain business insight, increase operational efficiencies, and improve the customer experience.”

Valence has created several new service offerings to support Microsoft OCP, which utilize Azure technologies to help clients with their digital transformation journey. These service offerings are based on proven solutions that Valence has developed for enterprise customers and include a Cloud Strategy Assessment, Reporting and Analytics Dashboard, IoT Proof of Concept, DevOps Workshop, and Azure Chatbot Implementation.

“With our ongoing commitment to Microsoft as a partner, we are thrilled to be elevated into the OCP program and expand our ability to serve Microsoft customers and partners,” said Scott Rupert, Vice President of Strategic Accounts, Valence Group.

For more information on these new initiatives or to learn more about how to work with Valence, please visit the http://www.valencelevel.com.

About Valence Group Inc.

Valence is a digital transformation solution provider focused on helping enterprise customers worldwide understand and apply next-generation technologies in a smart and innovative way to advance their business goals.  From cloud enablement to cutting-edge, Valence operates across all stages of the digital transformation journey with integrated creative, consulting, and engineering services. We take pride in our ability to provide new perspectives and build solutions that result in operational efficiencies and improved user experiences.   Learn more at http://www.valencelevel.com.

Contact Information

Contact:

Bruce Slywka
Chief Revenue Officer
bruces@valencelevel.com



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The First Ever AI Santa Claus is Coming to Town for Christmas 2020, Powered by StoryFile

The artificial intelligence leader brings holiday magic to every home with Ask Santa, providing kids pandemic-proof, face-to-face conversations with Santa; StoryFile has made the interactive visits to his North Pole workshop free

Los Angeles, CA, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — StoryFile, the AI startup that is revolutionizing the media and storytelling landscape through its proprietary technology, brings Santa Claus home this holiday season. The COVID-19 pandemic is preventing hundreds of thousands of children from meeting Santa in person, but Ask Santa has a solution. StoryFile, the powerful natural language processor and cloud-based interactive conversational video platform, has created the world’s first AI Santa. This personal experience with Santa will bring holiday cheer to those near and far, pushing past the challenges of social distancing. Visit now.

This online interaction with Santa is designed for families and children of all ages, especially for children aged 3 through 12. Users visit Santa at his Grotto in the North Pole (where he has just completed renovations on his red sled) and have a real-time, natural conversation. Ask Santa is available online at AskSanta.com, and can be accessed and showcased on any monitor, computer, mobile device, or screen. Ask Santa can also be life-sized or larger than life for use in a public setting. Santa is live now through Christmas, and will finish his AI duties on New Year’s Eve.

“The StoryFile team decided to bring AI Santa to every child for the holiday season, since they wouldn’t be able to visit him in person this year. I am very excited to announce that AI Santa is here and ready to talk to you all!” said StoryFile CEO Heather Smith. “We combined our innovative technology and passion for connecting people with the magic of Christmas. I hope families everywhere come together to speak with Santa and have a wonderful Holiday season. After the past few months, I can imagine we are all in need of the holiday spirit.”

“We will get through these hard times and we can make it uniquely fun,” said our AI Santa, also known as Santa Cortney. “Through AI can you imagine how exciting it will be to talk to Santa when he’s at home in the North Pole? And when children can talk to Santa on Ask Santa from their own homes, I believe the comfort to spend more time with Santa this way and having many questions answered is more than awesome! So I am excited about these upcoming virtual visits! And just know this: There is always a little bit of Santa living in your heart. And Santa WILL always be around for Christmas!”

In order to ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the holiday magic this year, regardless of circumstance, Ask Santa is free to use, and there is no time limit. Because the holiday season is the time for giving, Ask Santa, together with StoryFile and Red Sled Santa Foundation, will be accepting charitable donations to benefit the American Heart Association (AHA). All donations and contributions will go directly to the AHA to make long lasting impact. Giving to the AHA makes a dramatic impact in the fight against heart disease and stroke, in children and adults alike. We are encouraging kids to help kids by making a gift, spreading the holiday magic to save a child’s life and improve lives through a variety of programs and initiatives.

“We are proud to support the American Heart Association. In a time of such uncertainty and chaos, Ask Santa will bring us all together in a safe and health-conscious way using AI. We hope our AI Santa will inspire people to give to the AHA and share the gift of a heartbeat,” said Smith.

For more information or media requests for AI Santa and StoryFile’s Heather Smith, contact [email protected].

About StoryFile: StoryFile is rapidly evolving the media and storytelling landscape through its proprietary innovative technology, creating new ways to interact and communicate with each other and the world through user-led, voice activated interactive conversational video technology. StoryFile’s mobile native cloud-based automatic AI-driven interactive conversational video platform creates an individualized and curated historical and living narrative. StoryFile leverages AI to enhance a natural conversation with the video captured on any device. StoryFile offers in-studio and remote legacy capture experiences, a beta-version of the StoryFile App on the app store, and [soon] a StoryFile Life version for users to create their personal full length StoryFiles using their own devices. To learn more, visit www.StoryFile.com.

About the American Heart Association: Children are the future in a world where cardiovascular diseases claim more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined. The American Heart Association is a relentless force dedicated to saving and improving every child’s life. Its vision is that all children, regardless of gender, race, location or economic status, should be able grow to their full potential. The American Heart Association is laser-focused on enabling our children to build a world free from heart disease and stroke, working to improve environments where kids live, learn and play, and arming them with information, advocating for healthy environments and encouraging healthy habits. To learn more, visit www.heart.org.

About Red Sled Santa Foundation: For many years, the Red Sled Santa Foundation has made the holidays special for children. The Foundation provides programs, services, fun and educational holiday gifts, and essential needs for low income, special needs, medically challenged and terminally ill children so they experience a memorable and meaningful loving holiday. The Foundation accomplishes this mission through fundraising efforts, gifts from generous donors, and support from local merchants for our annual “Fill the Sleigh Toy Drive.” To learn more, visit www.redsledfoundation.org.

Attachments 



Alana
StoryFile
[email protected]