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Pencil doubles returns for brands with next generation ads created by AI

Stockwood Strategy

Online video ads can now be generated by artificial intelligence (AI), while learning what resonates with audiences, in order to deliver better results for brands. This innovation is being pioneered by Pencil, the Creative AI company, with the launch of its Machine Generated Creative (MGC) platform. US online sales reached almost $800 billion in 2020, up by 32% year-over-year fuelled by the pandemic*. Over ten million advertisers bought over $80 billion of Facebook ads last year, and research consultancy Nielsen has estimated that creative design can drive almost half of campaign performance. Learning Pencil’s MGC video ads, which are each unique and can be generated in 1 minute, have dozens of creative parameters which can be tracked and analysed through the Pencil platform. Using historic ad performance data, Pencil is able to understand what in the ad is resonating with customers. It can then generate new batches of ad ideas which are new and distinct, but which share winning characteristics with past winners. In this way Pencil learns what works while continuously exploring new ideas that might resonate with audiences. For example, a flashlight brand using Pencil may generate a first batch of ads and find that those pitching battery life outperform those pitching brightness. The brand may then generate more ads exploring how battery life is important when keeping a flashlight in the car for emergencies. Performance Pencil analysed over 100 campaigns that used MGC video ads over the past 6 months and found the best MGC ads delivered an average return on ad spend (ROAS) 2x that of other ads the brands were running. One brand’s MGC campaign delivered 7x higher ROAS. Will Hanschell, CEO and co-founder of Pencil commented: “Great ad campaigns are born from many creative ideas that are distilled down to a few. We are doing exactly this, extremely quickly, using AI. In launching MGC, we want to bring speed, insights and new ideas to marketing teams who care about both the creativity and the results of their ads - that means all marketing teams. Our platform uses the same brainstorm and refine process that creative teams have always used, which means creative teams can collaborate with the platform or use it to automate their day-to-day experimentation.” “Video ads have been dominating marketing campaigns around the world, even more so in 2020 as businesses have pivoted to ecommerce and social channels to engage new customers. The Pencil platform allows brands affordable access to the most powerful AI technology available today to deliver badly needed growth for their businesses, from day one.” Technology Pencil leverages proprietary technology to generate ad video, derive insights and make predictions, as well as integrating the OpenAI API to generate ad copy. The OpenAI API provides access to GPT-3, one of the world’s most powerful language models. Pencil is among the first companies approved to use it commercially. This approval requires strict criteria in AI safety and ethics. GPT-3 allows Pencil to go beyond generating product descriptions, and begin to generate entirely new narratives around a brand or product. For example, pitching a flashlight in an ad by first establishing that working in the dark can be dangerous. This makes Pencil’s ads more compelling to potential customers, and therefore more effective for brands. “Our ads are able to learn from what works for the people - like you or me - who see them and click on them. Our platform gives brands a tool to build a deep understanding of what’s working, what isn’t and what they should try next. We are generating ideas and campaigns that self-learn, providing brands with new insights and a way forward to grow their businesses. With the 2x better results we’ve already achieved at 10x less time and cost, we believe AI will be as fundamental to creativity in the future as the pencil was in the past.” adds Will Hanschell Ends *eMarketer, US Ecommerce Growth Jumps to More than 30% About Pencil Pencil is a Creative AI company on a mission to generate unexpected ideas that get results. Pencil generates ads that learn to perform, delivering the return on ad spend that helps brands scale their businesses. Pencil invented Machine Generated Creative (MGC), a new way of making ads that algorithmically optimises for creative novelty, brand relevance and return on advertising spend. It always starts from a human brief and it always involves total human editorial control. Pencil’s MGC platform generates ads in minutes and has been shown to generate ads that double returns for brands. Pencil was founded in 2018 with a team from Google, Facebook and Uber and is backed by Sequoia, Wavemaker Partners, Singapore Innovate and Entrepreneur First. Contact Details Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://www.trypencil.com/

January 12, 2021 06:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Highline Wellness and Freehand Hotels Collaborate on Limited-Edition CBD Night Gummies

Highline Wellness

Boutique hotel collection, Freehand Hotels and premium CBD brand, Highline Wellness, announced a first-of-its-kind collaboration today. Together, they are providing a simple and effective solution to jet lag and restless nights: Highline Wellness x Freehand Hotels CBD Night Gummies. Designed in four new, location-specific bottles and complimentary to all hotel guests, these high-quality and all-natural gummies will perfectly enhance every travelers’ nightly ritual. Highline Wellness x Freehand Hotels CBD Night Gummies are available as an opt-in amenity at guest check-in at all four U.S. Freehand locations, including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago. As the brand’s best-selling product, Highline Wellness’ Night Gummies bestow a peaceful sleep - and help to stay asleep - without the morning grogginess, thus reviving you for a new day in a new city. Infused with 10mg of hemp-derived CBD and 5mg of Melatonin, it is suggested to take 1-2 gummies 30 minutes before bedtime, allowing your body to melt into the sheets. “Since day one, our mission has always been to elevate our customers’ quality of life, both mentally and physically, and Freehand Hotels share the same ethos”, says Chris Roth, founder and CEO of Highline Wellness. “We’re excited to bring our best-selling CBD Night Gummies to Freehand’s community, as it’s vital for the modern traveler to revel in a relaxed, high-quality state of sleep, and wake up feeling ready for whatever their day holds. “We are always on the lookout for like-minded partners that can add to the Freehand experience for our guests and there couldn’t be a better time to launch this partnership”, stated Alastair Thomann, CEO of Freehand Hotels. “With a good night’s sleep at an ultimate premium right now, Highline Wellness’ CBD Night Gummies are the perfect check-in gift to offer our guests, so they can get the best rest possible, no matter where they are.” This unique intersection of hospitality and wellness will expand beyond turndown service offerings, and soon extend into CBD-infused menu items, along with immersive co-branded experiences. About Highline Wellness: Highline Wellness is on a mission to make a more pleasant, chiller world, one dose at a time. A fast-growing, D2C CBD company providing elevated remedies for every moment of your day, Highline’s exceptionally effective broad-spectrum CBD gummies, oils, topicals, and skincare will leave your mind and body completely restored. With products performing at an unmatched quality, the brand’s commitment to revolutionizing, while simplifying, the ever-expanding market, allows everyone the chance to elevate their ease anytime, anywhere. For more information about Highline Wellness, please visit the website at https://highlinewellness.com/ and follow on Instagram at @highlinewellness. About Freehand Hotels: Freehand is a collection of hotels that combine the social culture of a hostel with innovative design, award-winning food and beverage, and a community-driven atmosphere. Each Freehand takes its cues from the surrounding neighborhood, with spaces that are a microcosm of the best each city has to offer. Freehand properties include a range of room types from shared to private bedrooms, as well as chill-out areas, rooftop bars, cafes and a variety of spaces available for private hire. As pioneers of affordable luxury and masters of the social experience, the successful concept begins with the award-winning interior design and continues with the locally inspired, carefully curated events, concluding with a guaranteed great night’s sleep. Throw in the extraordinary food and beverage offerings among celebrated venues such as the Broken Shaker and one begins to understand why Freehand is shaking up the hospitality industry. For more information about Freehand Hotels, please visit the website at https://freehandhotels.com/ and follow on Instagram at @freehandhotels. Contact Details Adrienne Faurote +1 317-362-7975 adrienne@power-pr.com

January 11, 2021 09:07 AM Eastern Standard Time

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VTS Honored by Built In as one of New York City’s Best Places to Work 2021

VTS

VTS, the commercial real estate industry’s leading leasing, marketing and asset management platform, today announced that it was named one of Built In’s Best Places To Work 2021. Specifically, VTS was recognized as one of the Best Midsize Companies to Work For in New York City. The annual awards include companies of all sizes, from startups to the enterprise, nationally and in the eight largest technology markets. “We’re honored to be recognized by Built In as one of the best midsize companies to work for in New York City in 2021,” said Nick Romito, CEO and Co-Founder of VTS. “This year has presented every company with unprecedented challenges, and I’m extremely grateful for our team of talented, hard-working individuals who when faced with the uncertainty that 2020 presented, rose to the occasion and showed remarkable resilience amid a difficult environment. VTS continues to be dedicated to providing the very best environment for our team – be it remote or in the physical office – so that they feel valued, empowered & excited about their work and its impact.” Built In determines winners for Best Places to Work based on an algorithm, using company data about compensation, benefits and cultural programs. To reflect the attributes candidates are searching for on Built In today, this year’s program weighted criteria more heavily, like remote opportunities and programs for diversity, equity and inclusion. “These companies raise the bar for cultural excellence and the ability to adapt to meet changing needs of employees," says Sheridan Orr, Chief Marketing Officer, Built In. “The 2021 winners show a commitment not just to creating meaningful cultures but to delivering talent needs as they change in a dynamic landscape. We’re thrilled to extend our congratulations to the winners.” Tech professionals rely on Built In’s Best Places to Work lists to discover employers that align with their preferences, passions and values. Since its inception three years ago, the award has expanded in reach, from online views of tens of thousands to just under 1 million views today. ABOUT VTS VTS is commercial real estate’s leading leasing, marketing and asset management platform where the industry comes to make deals happen and real-time data come to life. The VTS platform captures the largest first-party data source in the industry, which delivers real-time insights that fuel faster, more informed decision making and connections throughout the deal and asset lifecycle. VTS Data, the industry’s only forward-looking market dataset, and VTS Market and Marketplace, the industry’s first integrated online marketing solution, give landlords, brokers, and tenants unparalleled visibility into real-time market information and the direct connectivity to execute deals with greater speed and intelligence at every point in the planning, marketing, leasing, and asset management cycle. More than 60% of Class A commercial space in the US and 12B square feet of commercial real estate globally is managed on the VTS platform. Our user base includes over 45,000 CRE professionals including respected industry leaders like Blackstone, Brookfield Properties, LaSalle Investment Management, Hines, Boston Properties, Oxford Properties, JLL, and CBRE. To learn more about VTS, and to see our open roles, visit www.vts.com. ABOUT BUILT IN Built In, a revolution in tech recruitment, serves more than 1,800 innovative companies of all sizes, from startups to the enterprise, delivering content and digital recruitment solutions that work. The platform amplifies companies’ brands as national, local or remote employers of choice, as well as leaders in DEI. Monthly, 2.5 million tech professionals rely on Built In to stay up on trends, grow in their roles and discover companies with missions they want to join. The platform publishes stories about companies’ tech, culture and people. This activates sought-after professionals to apply to customers’ open roles. http://www.builtin.com ABOUT BUILT IN’S BEST PLACES TO WORK Built In’s esteemed Best Places to Work awards, now in its third year, honor companies across numerous categories: 100 Best Places to Work, 50 Best Small Places to Work, 100 Best Midsize Places to Work, 50 Companies with the Best Benefits and 50 Best Paying Companies. Two new national categories reflect what candidates are searching for, including 50 Best Large Companies to Work For and 50 Best Remote-First Places to Work. BEST PLACES TO WORK: METHODOLOGY Built In ranks companies algorithmically based on compensation information, benefits and culture programs. This year, based on data showing tech professionals’ needs, the Best Places to Work algorithm added weight to companies’ commitment to DEI and remote culture. Rank is determined by combining a company’s score in each of these categories. Contact Details Elise Szwajkowski +1 212-402-3495 eszwajkowski@marinopr.com Company Website https://www.vts.com/

January 11, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

CMMC Center of Excellence Announces Engagement Agreement with Capitol Technology University

Interoperability Clearinghouse

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Center of Excellence (CMMC-COE), hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public-private partnership serving the public and private sectors for more than 15 years, is proud to announce a Memorandum of Understanding & Engagement Agreement with Capitol Technology University. This unique partnership will extend efforts to advance the goals and objectives for improving the training and education of the workforce in support of cybersecurity protection and resilience along with supply chain risk management on behalf of the US Department of Defense (DoD) global Defense Industrial Base (DIB) network of contractors, suppliers, and vendors. The CMMC-COE partner network will share a wide range of capabilities from member organizations, including cyber standards frameworks, education, solution architectures, cyber mentoring, workforce, and other elements needed to scale to the demands of the entire DIB marketplace in the US and abroad consisting of over 400,000 contractors. “This is exciting opportunity for us”, said Mr. John Weiler, Chairman of the Board at CMMC Center of Excellence, “This new partnership will further help advance the goals and objectives for improving the supply chain security and resilience of the US Department of Defense (DoD)”. "As a leader in cyber education, Capitol Technology University is excited to partner with the CMMC- COE," said Dr. Bradford Sims, President of Capitol Technology University. "This partnership will allow us to further CMMC implementation through enhanced education, training, and mentoring programs. These programs will advance CMMC implementation guidance issued by the DoD and will allow us to achieve the goals established in the National Defense Authorization Act." Capitol Technology University, located in Laurel, Maryland, is an independent institution that has focused on STEM education since 1927. Capitol Tech, the national winner of the 2020 SC Media Award for Best Cybersecurity Higher Education Program, offers hands-on courses taught by industry experts that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees in emerging fields such as Mechatronics Engineering and Artificial Intelligence. In addition, Dr. Ron Martin, a Professor of Practice at Capitol Tech in a variety of fields including Access and Identity Management, has been appointed to the CMMC-COE Board of Advisors as Capitol Technology University's representative. Dr. Martin's expertise in identity credentialing will afford the organization access to an expert in this unique aspect of cybersecurity while the leadership position will also benefit Capitol Tech by providing the university a voice during meetings. For more information on the CMMC COE, please visit http://cmmc-coe.org email info@cmmc-coe.org or call 703-863-3766 For more information on Capitol Technology University, please visit https://www.captechu.edu/ About Us ---------- CMMC-COE.ORG is a unique non-profit public-private partnership, with a vision to accelerate Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMM) adoption, and reduce time & cost for security compliance for our partners by leveraging commercial best practices, CMMC standards, and innovative solutions for a measurable success. Our mission, focused on DOD mission objectives, cost containment and expeditious CMMC compliance, is to help the DIB improve cyber posture and resilience, and simplify its acquisition. The CMMC-COE is hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public/private partnership (P3) chartered in 2007 as an honest broker to reach outside the confines of the Federal IT advisories that lack dynamic reach into the Global IT Market, and dedicated to the adoption of commercial IT management standards of practice and innovations emanating from the Global IT market. Team IT-AAC has already demonstrated the value of its decade long investment, and provides a unique value to agencies seeking to achieve accelerate the transformation of legacy processes and systems. Our Just-in-Time SMEs apply an innovative suite of Technology Business Management and Agile Acquisition Processes needed to assure the business value of commercial IT. The Interoperability Clearinghouse (ICH), is the managing partner that make up the 24 NGO/SDO organizations that make up the IT-AAC. ICH provides the contract vehicles, clearances, and critical resources proven to guide sustainable, measurable and repeatable processes needed to drive better investment decisions as the speed of mission need, while aligning existing processes, methods and workforce with IT reform mandates contained in Clinger Cohen Act, FITARA, IT MGT Act, EO13838. Contact Details Bob Dix +1 703-975-6633 bob.dix@it-aac.org Company Website https://cmmc-coe.org

January 11, 2021 06:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

USDA Food Guideline Calls to “Make Every Bite Count”

Pocono Organics

The USDA’s 2020-2025 food guidelines highlight the need for Americans to eat more nutrient-dense foods to promote better health and fight the risk of chronic disease. Pocono Organics founder and president, Ashley Walsh, knows the power of using food as medicine from her personal health journey with gastroparesis which led her to starting one of the largest regenerative organic farms in North America. “I was diagnosed with gastroparesis in my late 20s,” said Walsh. “That means that my stomach is paralyzed and I can’t digest food properly. The doctors told me that they could help me by cutting out parts of my stomach, using feeding tubes, and putting me on a regimen of medications. Those weren’t options I was willing to accept. That started my journey with organic and more nutrient-dense foods. The powerful results of using food as medicine along with plant-based supplements were undeniable for me - instead of being sick five days a week, I was sick five days a month. I was also able to get off of all the medications I was taking for my health because of my stomach. “The problem was that I wasn’t able to get the nutrient-dense organic foods I needed. That’s when the vision for Pocono Organics came to life. I was thrilled to see the USDA theme because when you live with gastroparesis, every bite of food does count! And, when you consider that we rely on just four crops to provide 60% of our daily caloric intake, we have to explore and grow more nutrient-dense food options.” Pocono Organics, which opened to the public in June of 2020, spans more than 380 acres atop the iconic Pocono Mountains and grows regenerative organic produce for retailers, distributors, restaurants, and consumers. Regenerative organic agricultural practices make soil health the priority and include low-till methods and zero-use of chemicals and pesticides. Pocono Organics’ farming approach, in partnership with Rodale Institute, produces some of the cleanest and most nutrient-dense crops grown on earth – making them better for consumers – while also strengthening and healing the soil in which they are grown – which is better for our planet. “For more than 70 years, our partners at Rodale Institute have led the world in regenerative organic science and research that shows how healthy soil grows more nutrient-dense food,” Walsh continued. “Our vision, as a health and wellness organization, is to inspire people and heal the earth. The United Nations has reported that we have less than 50 farming cycles left before our soil is completely depleted of the nutrients needed to grow the food we need. So, we are not only facing issues of human health, but of soil health that will further impact humanity and the food we eat.” Pocono Organics is a Global Center for Research, Education, and Discovery, and is an agritourism destination. Visitors enjoy freshly picked ingredients and prepared meals from its café and are able to stock up with certified organic pantry items in the market. There are also regular in-person and virtual experiential series ranging from cooking masterclasses from executive chef and Food Network Chopped Champion, Lindsay McClain to wellness and food education programs for children. The Pocono Organics education team will also be offering virtual food label reading webinars to share tips on how to read package labels to know what you are really putting in your and your family’s bodies. Walsh and her team have recently launched one of the cleanest and one of the first regenerative organic grown, full-spectrum hemp extract product lines in the world. Pocono Organics’ CBD is the only line to carry the respected Rodale Institute logo on its products and packaging. Pocono Organics’ wellness products are CBD-abundant and harness the power of full-spectrum hemp extract to deliver a broader range of health-promoting cannabinoids. These wellness resources - available online and carried in retail outlets, spas, and numerous doctors’ offices across multiple states - are formulated in Pocono Organics' in-house lab to create artisanal, small-batch items including tinctures, creams, salve sticks, lip balms, and bath bombs. Pocono Organics Pocono Organics is a health and wellness organization with a mission to inspire people and heal the earth. The Global Center for Research, Education, and Discovery is one of the largest regenerative organic farms in North America. Located in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, Pocono Organics has more than 380 acres of farm land and, at full build out, will have 120,000 square feet of greenhouse. Pocono Organics has a strategic partnership with Rodale Institute, the global leaders in Regenerative Organic Agriculture practices and research and is one of their largest research satellite facilities. Awarded the 2019 Environmental Innovator of the Year by the Green Sports Alliance, sustainability is a hallmark of Pocono Organics. The farm draws power from a 3MW, 25-acre solar farm and reclaims rain water from 70,000 square feet of roofs for irrigation. Pocono Organics also serves the local community through its Clean Food, Dirty Hands school education program and veterans in transition through a Veteran Farmer Training Program. In addition, the property includes an organic farmer’s market and café, and with a 56-room adjoining hotel, is an agritourism destination, and host location for annual festivals. Please visit www.PoconoOrganics.com to learn more about Pocono Organic’s mission and work. Contact Details Mike Mooney +1 704-361-9499 mike@poconoorganics.com Company Website https://www.poconoorganics.com/

January 08, 2021 08:05 AM Eastern Standard Time

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The Channel Company Announces Acquisition of Seattle Based Audienz

The Channel Company

The Channel Company, premier provider of news, insights, events and marketing services for the technology channel announces the acquisition of Audienz, a leading B2B consulting and marketing services agency focused on enabling the largest cloud services provider brands to differentiate their products and grow revenue. The acquisition will provide an unmatched portfolio of expanded services focused on driving client outcomes from increased brand awareness to revenue growth. Audienz is known in the cloud services industry as a premium agency that has achieved its rapid growth by meeting the market need for services that connect strategic consulting with creative execution. The Channel Company is known as the leader in the technology channel space, offering a breadth and depth of products and services, from its CRN media entity to industry events to marketing and research services. Together the unified company offers an unmatched end-to-end ecosystem to enable its clients to build brand awareness and grow revenue through every channel, including direct to customer. This acquisition is part of The Channel Company’s vision for expansion to build out its portfolio of services offerings. With a focus on helping companies bridge strategy and creative to build marketing and sales programs that are uniquely effective at achieving business goals, Audienz adds a distinctive element to The Channel Company’s portfolio that complements its media, events, insights, and marketing services. With the focus on customer experience, value creation, and a strong employee-driven culture, The Channel Company and Audienz share the same core values and client success mindset that have made each of these two companies successful. Combined, The Channel Company will provide a richer value proposition to customers and become a much stronger competitor in the market to drive its growth. A Combined Strength in B2B and Cloud B2B marketing is growing rapidly. The acquisition of Audienz strengthens The Channel Company’s marketing services delivery capability and expands cloud services expertise. The cloud market is also exploding, and this growth has, in turn, fueled a massive expansion of the channel. This vast ecosystem represents a great opportunity for the combined organization, as companies adopt better and more sophisticated marketing and sales motions and vendors quickly recognize the value of the channel to drive greater sales and customer support. With Audienz’ client base that includes the world’s largest cloud providers, this acquisition will help The Channel Company expand its impact with existing clients while capturing new cloud clients leveraging its brand and global presence. A Catalyst for Growth The merger of the two companies offers immediate opportunities for revenue expansion. For Audienz, The Channel Company’s footprint and brand reputation open the door to larger opportunities where size and global presence are key. The power of the combined companies will enable cross-selling Audienz capabilities and services to existing TCC clients in the cloud industry and B2B. The Channel Company gains the opportunity to sell broader solutions and capabilities to Audienz’ market-leading clients and to expand its services footprint with existing TCC clients. With an immediate opportunity to expand in the cloud space, The Channel Company is investing in a market that is experiencing significant growth. Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company said, “In a time when many business customers are uncertain about marketing budgets, the cloud space is still booming, and the current landscape has also created an acceleration of marketing services demand. The Channel Company is well-known in the industry as the premier services provider in the technology channel space. Audienz has a reputation for delivering consultative excellence to the world’s leading cloud services providers. This acquisition combines our strengths to expand high value services that drive business outcomes for our clients and accelerate their growth.” A Combined People-Focused Culture With a reputation and strong business growth built on stellar people who provide highly consultative client service and delivery, Audienz is a natural fit to extend The Channel Company’s marketing services delivery capability. Both companies have developed a people-oriented culture and values. The core values of The Channel Company (Innovation, Growth, Transparency, Diversity, Collaboration, Change and Accountability) are entirely consistent with the values of the Audienz team. They bring an ambition, entrepreneurial spirit, and focus that will add to the essence of what The Channel Company is. About The Channel Company Headquartered in Westborough, MA The Channel Company has been servicing the technology channel community for over 35 years. From CRN, the #1 source of technology news, insights and analysis for the IT Channel, to industry-leading events that connect clients to customers, to powerful research and engaging education to accelerate growth, to transformative marketing services to maximize investment, The Channel Company provides a full suite of business outcome-driven services focused on addressing the channel’s unique needs. www.thechannelcompany.com About Audienz Audienz is a Seattle, WA based technology B2B consultancy and agency working with the top cloud services organizations. Audienz blends business consulting and creative marketing at scale to solve B2B business challenges while delivering agency services that increase impact. Audienz offers a wide range of services, such as research and strategy, content development, channel programs and digital marketing. Audienz has active practice areas in Strategy, Marketing and Sales services. www.audienz.com Cascadia Capital, an investment bank serving middle market clients, acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Audienz. Contact Details Corporate Communications +1 508-416-1175 corporatecommunications@thechannelcompany.com Company Website https://www.thechannelcompany.com

January 06, 2021 05:02 PM Eastern Standard Time

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CMMC Center of Excellence Announces Engagement Agreement with SideChannel

Interoperability Clearinghouse

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Center of Excellence ( CMMC COE ), hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public-private partnership serving the public and private sectors for more than 15 years, is excited to announce a partnership with SideChannel, an innovative tech-enabled advisory firm providing a wide range of risk management and cybersecurity capabilities working with small businesses, mid-market companies, non-profit corporations, venture capitalist portfolios, startups, municipalities and governments on how to protect their digital assets and bolster their cybersecurity posture. This unique partnership will extend efforts to advance the goals and objectives for improving supply chain security and cyber resilience of the US Department of Defense (DoD) global Defense Industrial Base (DIB) network of contractors, partners, and vendors. The executed Engagement Agreement establishes a collaborative partnership between SideChannel and CMMC COE to partner in the furthering of their respective and complementary missions and objectives regarding the adoption, use, and expansion of CMMC based cybersecurity practices, risk management, and compliance for the DIB contractor community and the information and communications technology community creating a broader CMMC ecosystem globally to improve security and resilience. Specific actions will include: The co-development of CMMC advisory services, cyber training and education programs to accelerate CMMC certification, increase cyber adoption and improve cyber protection & resilience. Co-sponsor symposiums, training programs and podcasts leveraging their combined cyber and IT expertise. Host regular working groups, with other partners, to enable collaboration and communications. Source qualified CMMC/ cyber professionals to serve as advocates. Establish an independent Industry Cyber Security Advisory Council with peer organizations to advise and educate leaders across government and industry on the continued evolution and effectiveness of CMMC. The CMMC-COE ( http://cmmc-coe.org ) and SideChannel partnership will focus on bringing together the many disparate cyber and national security communities of interest to reduce complexity, improve awareness, and accelerate industry effort to become more cyber resilient against the growing threats from nation states and criminal enterprises. The range of capabilities offered by SideChannel, including its virtual and fractional Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) service, further strengthens the portfolio of technology partner providers supporting the CMMC Center of Excellence. SideChannel’s focus is on the delivery of vCISO services and expert level advisory, from former CISOs, to organizations that cannot attract, fund or retain a full-time employee. Their model provides a subscription to industry recognized experts that will build, guide, and mature any organization’s security program. SideChannel’s adoption by both large and smaller clients has led to significantly reduced risk, better aligned prioritization of resourcing and corrected budgets without sacrificing capabilities. “This is exciting opportunity for us”, said Mr. John Weiler, Chairman of the Board at CMMC Center of Excellence, “This new partnership will further help advance the goals and objectives for improving the supply chain security and resilience of the US Department of Defense (DoD)”. “We are honored and excited about the opportunity to partner with the CMMC COE and support the critical efforts to protect our supply chain, to improve cybersecurity protection and better the resilience across the Defense Industrial Base globally,” said Brian Haugli, Managing Partner, SideChannel. The CMMC-COE establishes both a Market Place and Knowledge Clearinghouse that includes resources and supports the overall effort including white papers; tutorials; recorded webcasts; presentations; and more. This will help reduce the cost and burden on small and medium size contractors already struggling from the impact of COVID. For more information on the CMMC COE, please visit http://cmmc-coe.org email info@cmmc-coe.org or call 703-863-3766 For more information on SideChannel, please visit https://www.sidechannel.com About Us ---------- CMMC-COE.ORG is a unique non-profit public-private partnership, with a vision to accelerate Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMM) adoption, and reduce time & cost for security compliance for our partners by leveraging commercial best practices, CMMC standards, and innovative solutions for a measurable success. Our mission, focused on DOD mission objectives, cost containment and expeditious CMMC compliance, is to help the DIB improve cyber posture and resilience, and simplify its acquisition. The CMMC-COE is hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public/private partnership (P3) chartered in 2007 as an honest broker to reach outside the confines of the Federal IT advisories that lack dynamic reach into the Global IT Market, and dedicated to the adoption of commercial IT management standards of practice and innovations emanating from the Global IT market. Team IT-AAC has already demonstrated the value of its decade long investment, and provides a unique value to agencies seeking to achieve accelerate the transformation of legacy processes and systems. Our Just-in-Time SMEs apply an innovative suite of Technology Business Management and Agile Acquisition Processes needed to assure the business value of commercial IT. The Interoperability Clearinghouse (ICH), is the managing partner that make up the 24 NGO/SDO organizations that make up the IT-AAC. ICH provides the contract vehicles, clearances, and critical resources proven to guide sustainable, measurable and repeatable processes needed to drive better investment decisions as the speed of mission need, while aligning existing processes, methods and workforce with IT reform mandates contained in Clinger Cohen Act, FITARA, IT MGT Act, EO13838. Contact Details Bob Dix +1 703-975-6633 bob.dix@it-aac.org Company Website https://cmmc-coe.org

January 06, 2021 06:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Introducing Airbnb.org: A New Nonprofit To Connect People With Places To Stay In Times Of Crisis

YourUpdateTV

As communities around the world grapple with the devastating impacts of natural disasters and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Airbnb.org, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has dedicated itself to facilitating temporary stays for people in times of crisis. Recently, Kristen Berlacher, the Head of Airbnb.org Programs, teamed with YourUpdateTV on a satellite media tour to discuss the important initiative. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/yg0u4NmpGDg The inspiration for Airbnb.org began in 2012 with a single host named Shell who opened up her home to people impacted by Hurricane Sandy. This sparked a movement and marked the beginning of a program that allows hosts on Airbnb to provide stays for people in times of need. Since then, the program has evolved to focus on emergency response and to help provide stays to evacuees, relief workers, refugees and asylum seekers, and most recently, frontline workers fighting the spread of COVID-19. From Australia to France, more than 100,000 hosts have offered to open up their homes and helped provide accommodations to 75,000 people in times of need. Going forward, Airbnb’s Open Homes and Frontline Stays programs will now be called Airbnb.org. Airbnb.org’s initial commitments include $2 million to support expanded partnerships with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE). Over the next two years, Airbnb.org will commit $1 million to cover stays for IFRC staff and volunteers supporting communities worldwide hit by COVID-19 and other humanitarian disasters. CORE will utilize Airbnb.org’s $1 million contribution to fund stays for frontline workers administering free COVID-19 tests, conducting contact tracing, providing flu shots and coordinating quarantine support resources in ten cities across the U.S. with the opportunity to launch in new cities as hotspots arise. When a vaccine becomes available, CORE will also use Airbnb.org funding to house relief workers traveling to vaccine distribution centers. How it works Airbnb.org will allow hosts on Airbnb to provide free and discounted stays to people impacted by emergencies, including natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. These stays, which provide alternative accommodation and shelter options, are especially helpful to government and nonprofit partners in a year where the COVID-19 pandemic has made housing vulnerable people in traditional congregate shelters extremely challenging. Hosts who support Airbnb.org by offering free stays or making recurring donations will receive a special badge on their profile to recognize their generosity and commitment to communities in need. To ensure community donations go further towards helping house people in times of crisis, Airbnb has pledged 400,000 shares of Airbnb stock to support the organization’s emergency response, natural disaster response and refugee programs. Airbnb co-founders Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia and Nate Blecharczyk are committing $6 million to support partners and impacted communities. In addition, Airbnb will continue to provide ongoing operational support for Airbnb.org. Anyone who finds joy in helping others, who believes in kindness and is interested in helping by opening their homes or donating to this cause, can learn more at airbnb.org. About Kristen Berlacher: As Head of Airbnb.org Programs, Kristen leads a global team that supports the organization’s efforts to help people impacted by natural disasters, refugees and frontline responders fighting the spread of COVID-19. With a background in both corporate philanthropy and nonprofit management, Kristen oversees strategic partnerships, program operations and product integration with the goal of leveraging Airbnb’s unique assets to provide innovative housing solutions and livelihoods opportunities for vulnerable populations around the globe. Prior to Airbnb, Kristen led Hyatt Hotel Corporation’s global philanthropy programs focused on economic empowerment, disaster response and employee volunteerism. Before Hyatt, Kristen served as interim Executive Director for Working in the Schools, a nonprofit focused on literacy programming for vulnerable youth. Kristen holds a BA in Leadership Studies from the University of Richmond, VA. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

January 05, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Minuteman Press Printing Franchise in Beaver Falls, PA Wins Small Business of the Year

Minuteman Press International Inc

Karl and Nancy Chapple first bought their Minuteman Press franchise located at 920 7th Ave., Beaver Falls, PA in June 2007. Their full-service design, printing, and marketing center has remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as an essential business. As a result of their continued hard work and dedication to the local business community over the years, Karl and Nancy have been awarded Small Business of the Year by the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce. “Winning small business of the year is a great honor,” says Karl Chapple. “It is a confirmation that we are fulfilling our promise to provide an Awesome Customer Experience.” According to the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce website, award winners such as Minuteman Press Beaver Falls are “being recognized for exceptional contributions as business people and community leaders” as well as working “well beyond their own self-interests, in collaboration with others in the community, to improve the quality of place and lives of all residents in our region.” Since the pandemic first took hold in March, Minuteman Press Beaver Falls has been there for their clients. Karl reflects, “In March and April, many of our customers were calling to ask if we were still open for business, and they were thrilled to hear that we were. While we offer COVID-19-related products to promote safety and social distancing, it was obvious that our ability to deliver the printed products that our customers depend on to keep their businesses going was a welcome relief, and that we were one constant during a time of turmoil and uncertainty.” As a local business leader with over 13 years of experience, many other small business owners have turned to Karl for advice in addition to his products. Karl explains, “My advice to small businesses at the start of the pandemic was to 1) conserve cash; and 2) continue to market. While those still apply as strongly as ever, it is time to look ahead. The pandemic will not last forever, but many businesses will see a lasting paradigm shift. It will be important to understand what things need to change and what things need to stay the same. Be careful to avoid ‘throwing the baby out with the bathwater’ as you chart your course forward.” Minuteman Press Beaver Falls is locally owned and operated by Karl and Nancy and yet they are part of the larger Minuteman Press International franchise network. Karl credits his franchisor for providing ongoing support over the years including during the pandemic. “We took over our franchise on June 1, 2007. My wife Nancy came from a customer service background. Previously, I was an operations manager for Xerox Business Services (XBS) in-plant customers, and in sales as a Production Print Specialist for Konica Minolta and for Ricoh. While we both brought industry skills to the business, the ongoing support and systems Minuteman Press provides has been a great help.” “I’d like to congratulate Karl and Nancy Chapple for winning Small Business of the Year for all of the fantastic work they do for their clients and in their community,” says Bob Heimbuch, Regional Vice President (Mid-Atlantic and Pittsburgh), Minuteman Press International. “Minuteman Press Beaver Falls is a real asset to both their local community as well as the Minuteman Press franchise family.” For more information on Minuteman Press Beaver Falls, visit https://www.beaverfalls.minutemanpress.com. Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

January 05, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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