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COMCAST'S INTERNET ESSENTIALS PROGRAM AND SERJOBS ANNOUNCE TECHNICAL SKILLS TRAINING PARTNERSHIP AND $30,000 DONATION

Comcast Houston

Comcast's Internet Essentials program today announced the award of a $30,000 financial grant and donated 1,000 laptops to SERJobs, whose mission is to help individuals from low-income communities transform their lives through education training, employment, and financial empowerment services. The grant and donation are part of a new partnership to fund technical skills training and readiness certifications for clients of SERJobs. This program will offer digital skills training opportunities, including Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Excel and professional development. “SERJobs is excited to celebrate 10 years of Comcast's Internet Essentials program,” said Sheroo Mukhtiar, CEO, SERJobs. “The Workforce Development Rally highlights the importance of digital literacy in our increasingly virtual world—especially as technology and the needs of our economy evolve. We are grateful to Comcast for their ongoing partnership and support of SERJobs’ and our members.” The announcement is part of Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities; and coincides with the 10th anniversary of its Internet Essentials program, which has connected a cumulative total of more than 10 million people to the Internet at home – most for the very first time. Comcast’s expanded eligibility for Internet Essentials, now including all Federal Pell Grant recipients within its service area, will enable even more students to stay connected as they continue to pursue degrees at colleges, universities, and technical schools. “Ten years is a remarkable milestone, signifying an extraordinary amount of work and collaboration with our incredible community partners across Houston,” said Toni Beck, Vice President of External Affairs, Comcast Houston. “Together, we have connected hundreds of thousands of people to the power of the Internet at home, and to the endless opportunity, education, growth, and discovery it provides. Our work is not done, and we are excited to partner with SERJobs to ensure the next generation of leaders in Houston are equipped with the technical training they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.” Comcast’s top priorities are connecting people to the Internet at home, equipping safe spaces with free WiFi and working with a robust network of nonprofit community organizations, city leaders, and business partners to create opportunities for low-income Americans. As the nation’s largest internet provider, Comcast supports cooperation between communities, businesses and non-profit organizations to enhance digital equity. Comcast’s $1 billion commitment will include investments in several critical areas, including: additional support for the Lift Zone initiative, which establishes free WiFi access in 50 community centers in Houston, and 1,000+ community centers nationwide, for students and adults by the end of 2021; new laptop and computer donations; over $100,000 in digital equity grants for local Houston nonprofit community organizations to create opportunities for low-income Houstonians – particularly in media, technology, and entrepreneurship; and continued investment in the company’s landmark Internet Essentials program. Project UP & Comcast’s $1 Billion Commitment to Advancing Digital Equity: For over a decade, connecting more people to the Internet and the technology they need to participate and excel in an increasingly digital world has been a core focus for the company. Looking toward the next ten years, Comcast is building on that foundation and expanding its impact through Project UP, a comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. Backed by a $1 billion commitment to reach 50 million people, Project UP encompasses the programs and community partnerships across Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Sky that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators. For more information on Project UP and the latest news on efforts to address digital inequities visit https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, Peacock, NBC News, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. About SERJobs: SERJobs Houston, a regional affiliate of SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc., is a nonprofit organization empowering individuals to transform their lives through education, training, employment, and financial empowerment services. Founded in 1965 as a volunteer job bank for Hispanic veterans, SERJobs has evolved, and now operates offices in Houston, Galveston and Fort Bend. SERJobs serves individuals in 13 Texas counties and assists more than 4,000 members access better opportunities every year. For more information, visit serjobs.org Contact Details Comcast Foti Kallergis +1 832-986-0196 Foti_Kallergis@comcast.com SERJobs Christi Vasquez +1 832-890-3606 Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

December 02, 2021 09:01 AM Central Standard Time

How One Artist Merged Man and Machine

The Kirby Foundation

Nestled in Loveland, Colorado, is artist Paul Kirby’s studio. Inside that studio stands a 10-foot by 10-foot AI-powered robot named Dulcinea, capable of producing masterful paintings with exquisite brushwork in the manner of the Renaissance virtuosos. Kirby created Dulcinea, named after a character in Don Quixote, as his partner, muse and medium — a delicate dance between man and machine. Unlike other efforts to recreate art with artificial intelligence, Kirby didn’t design Dulcinea to think like a human being. He designed her to paint like a human being, relying on both his artistic skills and his coding prowess in a process he calls “ fusioneering, ” the pursuit of a single vision while combining multiple passions or interests. “My mission was to combine my expertise and passion for technology, science and invention, with my love of art and aesthetics,” said Kirby. Now Dulcinea has a different mission. In hopes to inspire others, Kirby produced a film documenting Dulcinea’s creation and his 40-year journey to embody fusioneering. Entitled “ Brushstroke,” the short documentary film chronicles the pain and passion that fueled him, his work, and Dulcinea’s creation. In his story, we realize that art and science can become one, that our disparate strengths can all work together and that a steadfast commitment to our dreams will make them a reality —no matter how unconventional. "While I remain passionate about creating in collaboration with Dulcinea," he says, "my focus for the work has changed. She stands as a role model now, the manifestation that anyone can carve out a unique path for themselves by cultivating and combining their strengths and passions.” The film has been included in both the Vail Film Festival and the Portland Film Festival, with more appearances scheduled for early 2022. Viewers can also watch “Brushstroke” by visiting Kirby’s website: www.thefusioneer.com. The Kirby Foundation Guided by the belief that all of us can fuse our interests, skills and passions into a unique vision of innovation and purpose, The Kirby Foundation inspires others through the example of its founder Paul Kirby. He was the first "fusioneer," combining his interest in science, technology, and art to create Dulcinea, a 10-foot by 10-foot, AI-powered, painting robot. Unlike efforts to recreate art with artificial intelligence, Dulcinea — using paints, brushes and canvas — creates singular masterpieces based on Kirby’s vision, artistry and coding skills. Today the foundation’s vision is to encourage and empower all to become "fusioneers" and pursue their dreams. Learn more about Kirby's vision and the work of the foundation at www.thefusioneer.com. Contact Details Center Reach Communications Tracy Henderson +1 720-989-3530 tracy@centerreachcommunication.com Company Website https://thefusioneer.com/

December 02, 2021 09:13 AM Eastern Standard Time

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College of DuPage and Nassau Community College Meet in Dec. 4 Inaugural NJCAA Division III Football Championship

COD Newsroom

The top-ranked College of DuPage Chaparrals (8-2 overall) take on the No. 2-ranked Nassau Community College Lions (6-3) of Garden City, N.Y., Dec. 4 in the debut of the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Division III Championship at the Red Grange Bowl. The inaugural championship game, which kicks off at noon at COD’s Bjarne Ullsvik Stadium on COD’s Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd., offers a rematch against the top two teams in the division. The Chaps, under first-year head coach Matthew Rahn, enter the championship having won five straight games after suffering a 17-15 loss at Nassau on Oct. 16. The Chaps outscored their opposition 195-53 in those five games with three victories over NJCAA Division I opponents. “For our program, our kids and our staff, this is a huge opportunity to showcase and enhance our brand on a national level,’’ Rahn said. “We’re pleased that the NJCAA got it right in terms of a match-up between ourselves and Nassau. The two programs’ schedules mirror each other with a majority of games against Division I programs. It’s going to be a great game for all involved.’’ The Lions, coached by Jamel Ramsay, opened the season with five straight victories, then closed the season with losses in three of their final four games including a 9-7 loss to No. 6 and unbeaten Division I Monroe College. The Chaps feature the No. 1 rushing offense in the country, averaging 209.9 yards a contest. Sophomore Darrell Smith (Kankakee, Kankakee High School) leads the team in rushing with 744 yards on 109 carries with three touchdowns. Teammate Taveon Porter (Chicago, Bremen High School) follows at 454 yards and a team-leading six touchdowns. Nine Chaparrals have scored touchdowns on the ground. Three Chaps have surpassed 600 yards in all-purpose yards. Smith leads with 815, followed by Porter (748) and sophomore halfback Chase Mendoza (Saginaw, Michigan, Swan Valley High School), who has 124 yards rushing, 355 receiving, 101 on punt returns and 65 kickoff return yards for 645 total yards. Freshman quarterback Brooks Blount (Waukesha, Wisconsin, West High School) threw 80 of 137 passing and needs one more yard to break 1,000 through the air with nine touchdowns and seven interceptions. Against Ellsworth College on Nov. 12, he rushed for three touchdowns in the first quarter of a 44-28 victory. Sophomore wide receiver Lazerick Eatman (Chicago, Immaculate Conception High School) leads the Chaps in receiving with 26 receptions, 382 yards and four touchdowns. Freshman Matthew Brown (Aurora, West Aurora High School) joins Eatman and Mendoza as the other receiver with at least 300 yards (23 catches for 319 yards). Sophomore defensive end Tom Trieb (Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove High School) has been a force all season long, ranking second in the division in sacks (13) along with 53 tackles. Freshman linebacker Chase Graham (Sterling, Newman Central High School) leads the Chaps in tackles with 55. The Chaps allowed just 244.9 yards per game, ranking second in the division. As noted, the two programs played Oct. 16 with the host Lions defeating the Chaps 17-15. The Lions took the lead for good on a 30-yard field goal with 12:30 remaining in the game. COD had four possessions in the final 12-plus minutes, but could not sustain a drive. Porter led the Chaps’ ground game with 142 yards on 10 carries and had 251 all-purpose yards and a pair of touchdowns. The national championship game recognizes the feats of the late Red Grange, one of football's all-time greats and arguably the game's greatest all-time offensive player. The Wheaton native, nicknamed the "Galloping Ghost" and the "Wheaton Iceman," is a charter member of both the Pro (1963) and College (1951) Football Halls of Fame. His single-greatest feat remains almost fantasy — scoring four touchdowns in the opening 12 minutes versus Michigan in the University of Illinois Memorial Stadium dedication game on Oct. 18, 1924. All told in that game, Grange was responsible for six touchdowns against the Wolverines and totaled 409 all-purpose yards. Grange went on to earn three All-American honors at Illinois and became the first major signing by Chicago Bears owner and head coach George Halas. Later that year, Halas took Grange and the Bears on a coast-to-coast tour in which the club played 16 games in nine weeks. That effort is thought to have saved the National Football League and fortified Grange as a household name in America, among the likes of such legends as Babe Ruth and Jack Dempsey. “College of DuPage is proud to continue its tribute to the legendary Red Grange and honored to have been selected as host of the inaugural NJCAA Division III championship game,” said COD President Dr. Brian Caputo. “The opportunity to play in this debut game is a testament to the strength of our football program. Our players have seen tremendous success this season and the College is behind them as they get set to take on Nassau.” College of DuPage is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association, National Junior College Athletic Association Region IV and North Central Community College Conference (N4C). The College’s Athletics program offers nine men’s and nine women’s sports teams each year, including outdoor track and field, indoor track and field, cross country, football, volleyball, golf, basketball, tennis, baseball, softball and soccer. Home games are generally played on the Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd. Official Merchandise FineDesigns is the official merchandiser for the NJCAA Division III Football Championship at the Red Grange Bowl. To pre-order any of the merchandise, use this website link. Game notes Although this is first national championship game for the division, the Red Grange Bowl provided a venue for both COD and Nassau post-season action. The Chaps were unbeaten in three appearances, the last during the 2019 season — a 14-0 victory over Itasca Community College. The Lions played in 2018 against Northland Community College and earned a resounding 46-6 victory. Tickets Tickets are $10 and are available for sale (cash only) at the point of entry. The game will be livestreamed at www.njcaa.org with Jim Tirey providing the play-by-play. Contact Details Mark Reinhiller +1 630-942-3761 reinhillerm@cod.edu

November 29, 2021 01:30 PM Central Standard Time

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Actor and Comedian Kevin Hart Is Osmo’s Chief Kindness Officer for the Holidays

Osmo

Award-winning STEAM brand Osmo announces that actor and comedian Kevin Hart is Osmo’s Chief Kindness Officer for the holidays. As Chief Kindness Officer, Hart brings joy to children and parents across the country, bringing them smiles, holiday cheer, in addition to a very big surprise. Hart, using all his “heart,” recently delivered holiday cheer to three household heroes via an unexpected video call, telling them they won a complete collection of STEAM starter kits and games by Osmo, in addition to a tablet. The three lucky parents, who entered into Osmo’s holiday giveaway in November but had not received any notification of final result, were incredibly surprised and overwhelmed by the actor’s call telling them “ you won!” As a father of four including two toddlers, Hart loves to see his children engaged in STEAM technology, which helps them learn core subjects, while they play. About Osmo Osmo is an award-winning STEAM brand whose products are used in over 50,000 classrooms and 2.5 million homes. It is building a universe of hands-on play experiences that nourish the minds of children by unleashing the power of imagination. The company brings physical tools into the digital world through augmented reality and its proprietary reflective artificial intelligence. Osmo is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, and is part of BYJU’S, a global leader in online learning. Learn more at PlayOsmo.com. For information about its educational division, Osmo for Schools, visit schools.playosmo.com. Contact Details Carolyn Kamii Carolyn Kamii PR +1 310-251-0550 carolynkpr@gmail.com Company Website http://www.playosmo.com

November 29, 2021 09:00 AM Pacific Standard Time

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100 Houstonians in Harris and Ft. Bend Counties Awarded a Total of $1 Million Through Comcast RISE, National Initiative to Support Small Business Owners

Comcast Houston

Comcast today announced the 100 recipients of the Comcast Rise Investment Fund grants. Each small business will receive a one-time $10,000 grant from the fund. More than 100 businesses in the area will also receive technology and marketing resources. The recipients are among nearly 6,700 entrepreneurs nationwide who have been selected through the Comcast RISE program, which provides marketing, technology, and capital support to small business owners. “We are proud of all of our small businesses, the impact they have in Fort Bend County is invaluable. Many of our business owners, particularly our minority owned businesses, have faced unprecedented challenges over the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and require a wide range of support to help their businesses survive,” stated Fort Bend County Judge KP George. “The Comcast Rise Investment Fund Grant provides these business owners with the critical financial lifeline and the resources needed so they can sustain and grow their businesses.” Through Comcast RISE, the company also announced it is on track to support 13,000 small businesses by the end of the year with marketing or technology support such as a TV campaign, production of a TV commercial or consulting services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, or computer equipment, internet, voice or cybersecurity services from Comcast Business. “Since we launched Comcast RISE a year ago, we have assisted more than 200 small businesses throughout the Houston area with either marketing, technology, or monetary grants. This round of Comcast RISE grants will provide even more small business owners of color with the resources and tools they need to thrive,” said Ralph Martinez, senior vice president for Comcast’s Houston region. “We look forward to empowering their success.” To further build on the program’s success and provide support to even more small businesses, Comcast also announced today a major expansion to eligibility, enabling all women-owned small businesses nationwide to apply. This expansion recognizes and seeks to help address the persistent inequities women continue to face in accessing the resources and funding that are critical to success. Comcast RISE and the Comcast RISE Investment Fund, initially launched as a response to help small businesses owners of color hardest hit by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to focus on uplifting small businesses, ensuring they continue to prosper in an ever-shifting post-pandemic economy. “As we continue to rebuild and emerge from the effects of the pandemic, small businesses will continue to be the backbone of our economy – and we must take every opportunity to help them thrive,” said Dave Watson, President and CEO, Comcast Cable. “Looking forward, this expansion will enable Comcast RISE to further empower and strengthen even more small businesses that are the heart of our local communities across the country.” In the year since its inception, Comcast RISE has awarded more than $11 million in grants and $50 million in in-kind support for marketing and technology services, impacting more than 6,700 entrepreneurs of color in 432 cities across 34 states. By the end of 2022, 13,000 businesses across the country are expected to benefit from the Comcast RISE initiative, either through the grant program or from the resources provided through Effectv and Comcast Business. In addition to the financial and business support services provided, a key part of the program is ensuring the long-term sustainability of businesses. To help address this, Comcast invests in and partners with organizations such as Ureeka to provide ongoing mentorship and resources to help small businesses succeed over the long-term. Comcast RISE, which stands for Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment, is part of Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help provide underrepresented small business owners with access to the digital tools and funding they need to thrive. Over the next 10 years, Comcast has committed $1 billion to programs and partnerships that will reach an estimated 50 million people with the skills, opportunities, and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. The program will continue to be open to racially and ethnically diverse small business owners and the expanded Comcast RISE eligibility to all women-owned businesses will be effective on January 16, 2022. More information and the applications to apply for either the grant program or marketing and technology services are available at www.ComcastRISE.com. To help drive outreach and awareness about Comcast RISE and provide additional support, training and mentorship, Comcast has also awarded $50,000 in grants to local community partners – Houston Hispanic Chamber, Houston Black Chamber, Empresarios Latinos Foundation, Houston LGBT Chamber, Asian Chamber of Commerce, Greater Houston Women’s Foundation and East End Chamber of Commerce. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. About Comcast Business Comcast Business offers a suite of Connectivity, Communications, Networking, Cybersecurity, Wireless, and Managed Solutions to help organizations of different sizes prepare for what’s next. Powered by the nation’s largest Gig-speed broadband network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and one of the leading service providers to the Enterprise market. Comcast Business has been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services. For more information, call 866-429-3085. Follow on Twitter @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social. About Effectv Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, helps local, regional and national advertisers use the best of digital with the power of TV to grow their business. It provides multi-screen marketing solutions to make advertising campaigns more effective and easier to execute. Headquartered in New York with offices throughout the country, Effectv has a presence in 66 markets with nearly 35 million owned and represented subscribers. For more information, visit www.effectv.com. Contact Details Comcast Foti Kallergis +1 832-986-0196 Foti_Kallergis@comcast.com Comcast Misha McClure +1 832-547-6783 Misha_McClure@cable.comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

November 23, 2021 09:31 AM Central Standard Time

Osmo Kicks Off Black Friday With Up to 60% Off Exclusive Kits & Bundles at PlayOsmo.com (11/25 - 11/29), and Cyber Monday Deals of Up to 40% Off at Amazon

Osmo

Osmo announces an exciting holiday sale that encourages kids ages 3 to 10+ to explore reading, writing, math, coding, drawing, creative problem-solving, and more. From 11/21 through 12/4, get 30% off bestselling kits and games at PlayOsmo.com, Amazon, Target, Best Buy, Meijer, PC Richard’s, Kohl’s, and select InMotion airport locations. To kick off Black Friday, Osmo offers up to 60% off select kits and bundles at PlayOsmo.com from 11/25 to 11/29; and on Cyber Monday, Osmo offers special deals of up to 40% off select products through its Amazon store. From 11/21 to 11/27, Target offers a Black Friday deal on an Osmo bestseller, while Walmart offers holiday rollbacks on eight Osmo exclusives through 1/15/22. Bestselling kits and games at 30% off through 12/4 at PlayOsmo.com, Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other retailers include: Genius Starter Kit (base included) Little Genius Starter Kit (base included) Coding Starter Kit (base included) Creative Starter Kit (base included) Pizza Co. (base required) Detective Agency (base required) Super Studio Disney Mickey Mouse & Friends (base required) Super Studio Disney Princess (base required) Super Studio Disney Frozen 2 (base required) Math Wizard and the Magical Workshop (base required) Math Wizard and the Secrets of the Dragons (base required) Exclusive Black Friday / Cyber Monday Deals at PlayOsmo.com From 11/25 to 11/29, Osmo offers exclusive deals of up to 60% off specific kits and bundles at PlayOsmo.com, which include: Essential Math Bundle (60% off) Early Literacy Bundle (60% off) Ultimate Expansion Bundle (60% off) Kindergarten Starter Kit (60% off) Super Osmonaut Starter Kit (40% off) Preschool Starter Kit (40% off) Genius Family Starter Kit (40% off) Explorer Starter Kit (40% off) Math Wizard Bundle (up to 30% off) Pretend Play Bundle (30% off) The full list of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals at PlayOsmo.com can be viewed here. Exclusive Cyber Monday Deals at Amazon Osmo’s Amazon Deal of the Day runs on Cyber Monday (one day only)--starting at 12:01 AM Pacific Time--and features 30% off several items, including the bestselling Genius Starter Kit for iPad (includes base set), in addition to 40% off Genius Starter Kit + Family Game Night for Fire Tablet (includes base set). The full list of Black Cyber and Monday deals at Amazon can be viewed at Osmo’s Amazon store. Exclusive Black Friday Deals at Target Target offers a Black Friday deal of 40% off the Little Genius Starter Kit for iPad from 11/21 to 11/27. The full list of Osmo‘s Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals at Target can be viewed here. Exclusive Holiday Deals at Walmart Through 1/15/22, Walmart offers holiday rollbacks of 13-20% on these items: Super Studio Disney Princess Starter Kit for iPad Super Studio Disney Mickey Mouse & Friends Starter Kit for iPad Sticks & Rings Starter Kit for iPad Monster Starter Kit for iPad Words Starter Kit for iPad Numbers Starter Kit for iPad Pizza Co. Starter Kit for iPad Detective Agency Starter Kit for iPad The full list of Osmo’s holiday specials at Walmart can be viewed here. About Osmo Osmo is an award-winning STEAM brand whose products are used in over 50,000 classrooms and 2.5 million homes. It is building a universe of hands-on play experiences that nourish the minds of children by unleashing the power of imagination. The company brings physical tools into the digital world through augmented reality and its proprietary reflective artificial intelligence. Osmo is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, and is part of BYJU’S, a global leader in online learning. Learn more at PlayOsmo.com. For information about its educational division, Osmo for Schools, visit schools.playosmo.com. Contact Details Carolyn Kamii +1 310-251-0550 carolynkpr@gmail.com Company Website http://www.playosmo.com

November 22, 2021 03:00 AM Pacific Standard Time

Velocity Global’s 2022 Work In Progress Report: Businesses and talent benefit from distributed work

Velocity Global

1,000 surveyed tech leaders say distributed work increases productivity and diversity Most remote talent to remain untethered to an office post-pandemic Tech leaders desire to increase remote work for themselves 72% utilize a distributed workforce but face hurdles to expand it Remote and distributed workforces are here to stay due to the mutual benefits to both businesses and talent according to a new study from Velocity Global, the leading provider of global employment solutions. The 2022 Work In Progress — The State of Distributed Work: Tech Sector published today touts multiple benefits of distributed work, shows optimism for growth in the tech sector, but also names challenges for businesses to increase their global workforce. More than 1,000 U.S. and UK tech company decision-makers participated in the study and 72% say their business utilizes a substantial distributed workforce; 59% say more than half of their workforce is remote, and 61% of U.S. tech leaders report more than half of their remote workers will remain that way for the foreseeable future. “The world of work is forever changed. The global pandemic accelerated the desire to work from anywhere, and it lit a fire for employers to embrace a truly distributed workforce,” said Velocity Global founder and CEO Ben Wright. “The untethered nature of work was on the rise before COVID-19, but the tailwinds accelerated this new way of work as businesses tapped into new talent pools and workers themselves embraced a new freedom. Neither is going back - this change is here to stay.” Despite the growth of distributed and remote work, businesses cite several challenges to embrace the change even further. “This dramatic shift accelerated faster than the legacy ecosystem built to support the employment infrastructure was capable of handling,” added Wright. “We remove the roadblocks to grow businesses and connect employers and talent to simply get work done anywhere and anyhow.” Organizational and personal benefits of remote and distributed work Remote work refers to talent working at a location other than a company-owned office. Related to the concept of remote work is distributed work, in which companies employ talent that is located in multiple locations domestically or internationally. The majority of companies (72%) employ a distributed workforce and 79% of these organizations’ talent also works remotely. Respondents who utilize a distributed workforce report clear advantages: 95% say a distributed workforce model benefits their company by increasing productivity (54%), securing top talent (40%), and building a more diverse team (37%). Respondents indicate talent prefers remote work for similar reasons, reinforcing the mutual benefits. Interestingly, 3 in 4 of the tech leaders themselves work remotely at least one day per week and desire to increase the amount of time they work remotely. “Business leaders are people too, and they see the benefits in their personal life as well to their broader organization,” said Wright. “Flexibility and mobility are now must-haves for workers fresh out of school or in upper management, and lead to greater productivity and long-term talent retention. It’s a win-win.” Optimism for growth with an untethered workforce The increase in remote and distributed work drove unprecedented demand in the tech sector and organizations feel optimistic about expansion. The survey reports 96% are very or somewhat confident about their company’s financial growth over the next year, and 83% believe their industry will grow as well. That growth is realized by a remote and distributed workforce that mostly will not return to an office. More than half (54%) of respondents say 51-75% of their remote workforce will remain remote over the next year. Roadblocks create disconnect between employers and talent The data indicates a brewing dilemma regarding remote work. Talent and businesses both recognize significant benefits, but logistical challenges drive businesses to initiate a return to the office for some. The implications for this disconnect are great, considering the difficulties of finding skilled talent and employees’ desired flexibility. One factor contributing to that discord is the lack of involvement of talent in the decision to return to the office. Eighty-seven percent of organization leaders say their company decides whether remote talent transitions back to working at a company-owned office, as opposed to it being a joint decision. Only 12% report that both the company and talent make that determination. Tech leaders point to a pivotal moment for distributed work as both businesses and talent desire the benefits. The pandemic increased distributed work for most tech businesses, and 43% will maintain their current distributed workforce. However, the next stage is in question: 21% say they will expand their distributed workforce, 26% plan to reduce it. These decision-makers cite several forces that challenge their ability to grow their distributed workforce domestically and internationally, particularly among U.S. companies. Ninety-three percent of U.S. tech leaders say they do not have plans to expand their domestic distributed workforce. They point to recruiting, legal registrations in other states, and managing multiple vendors among other challenges. The growth of international distributed work faces similar roadblocks. Again, 93% of U.S. and UK tech leaders say they do not plan to expand their worldwide distributed workforce, adding foreign entity set-up, global payroll and immigration challenges to a similar list of difficulties. “The same friction comes up over and over again. Finding the right talent tops both lists and businesses want to tap larger talent pools across the country and the world,” said Wright. “Add in the bureaucracy of global regulation and the multiple vendors to navigate it on disparate platforms, and businesses get skittish. We built an end-to-end platform that removes all of this friction because the data is clear: employers and talent just want to work with anyone, anywhere, and anyhow.” Click here to download the full report: 2022 Work in Progress — The State of Distributed Work: Tech Sector. Methodology To gather the data in this report, Velocity Global surveyed 506 U.S. and 505 UK business leaders in the technology industry (e.g., software, hardware, and IT) who are employed at companies with 50–1,000 employees. The respondents work in a wide range of technology subsectors, including technology, media, and telecom; biotech; mortgage technology, property technology, and real estate technology; insurance technology; cryptocurrency; cybersecurity; and more. Respondents are in director-level and higher positions, including C-suite officers and business owners. Their job functions include human resources, finance, legal, IT/ technology, and operations. About Velocity Global Velocity Global accelerates the future of work beyond borders. Its global work platform simplifies the employer and employee experience to employ any talent anywhere with just a click through its proprietary cloud-based workforce management technology, backed by personalized expertise and unmatched global scale. As the largest global Employer of Record (also known as International PEO) in 185 countries and all 50 United States, more than 1,000 brands rely on Velocity Global to build global teams without the cost or complexity of setting up foreign legal entities or state registrations. The company offers additional services including Independent Contractor Compliance to assess a workforce, and Agent of Record (AoR) to streamline payments to contractors. Velocity Global was named a “Leader” in Global Employer of Record services by prominent analyst firm NelsonHall. Founded in 2014, the company has hundreds of employees across six continents. For more information visit velocityglobal.com. Contact Details Velocity Global John Hall +1 720-650-4348 news@velocityglobal.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

November 19, 2021 07:02 AM Mountain Standard Time

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COD, Hinsdale District 86 Partner on Outdoor Living Skills Class

College of DuPage

College of DuPage’s Field and Experiential Learning department and Hinsdale Township High School District 86 Bridge Program together have encouraged students’ growth in learning outdoor living skills. The initial course offering launched in 2019, when District 86 Bridge Case Manager Justin Ladas approached COD Coordinator of Experiential Education and Training Gib Egge to collaborate on a program for students in the Bridge Program to help create a seamless transition from high school to COD. Eager to provide an opportunity for these students, Egge and Ladas developed an Outdoor Living Skills class for the group. "We are grateful that our Bridge Program students are able to earn COD credit while getting to learn more about recreational, nature and leadership skills through this course," Ladas said. Through District 86’s Bridge Program, students transitioning from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) support strengthen their abilities in executive functioning skills necessary for managing schedules and coursework at the college level. Students become familiar with the COD campus, public transportation systems and social engagement opportunities. In the first for-credit class in 2019, students traveled to Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Park and learned wilderness navigation, outdoor cooking, Leave-No-Trace outdoor ethics, and basic outdoor living skills, all while becoming better acquainted with one another and the staff and becoming familiar with taking college classes. COD Field and Experiential Learning, Study Abroad and Global Education Manager Maren McKellin said the partnership with District 86 is an opportunity for them to learn more about the community they serve. “The Bridge Program is another opportunity to make connections with our greater community,” she said. “We are grateful for the chance to connect with a group of students very early in their higher ed journey, with whom we can share the many benefits of experiential education and our passion for the outdoors.” This past summer, students traveled to Middle Fork River Forest Preserve and Kickapoo State Park near Champaign, Illinois. Over a weekend of camping, students enjoyed night hikes and learned camp craft, wilderness navigation and Leave-No-Trace outdoor ethics. “I don’t normally get to work with this kind of population, but the experience is always rewarding,” Egge said. “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people are using the limited resource that is our public lands, and many of these people don’t know how to use these areas without harming them in one way or another. I am happy to say that all the students who have taken this class left as better stewards of the land. We hope they will teach others what they learned.” For more information or partnership inquiries, contact Egge at (630) 942-2787 or eggegi@cod.edu. Learn more about Field Studies, Study Abroad and Global Education at COD. Learn more about District 86’s Bridge Program. Contact Details Angela Mennecke +1 630-942-3134 menneckea@cod.edu

November 18, 2021 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Comcast Increases Xfinity Internet Speeds in Houston

Comcast Houston

Comcast has increased speeds for its highest-residential speed tier for Xfinity Internet – Gigabit Pro – providing an extra boost for both current and new customers in Houston. Beginning this month, Gigabit Pro speeds will increase from 2 gigabits-per-second (Gbps) upload and download speeds to 3 Gbps symmetrical speeds nationwide. Xfinity is the country’s largest Gigabit network, delivering speeds faster than a Gig. Gigabit Pro uses enterprise-grade, fiber-based ethernet technology to make it possible for Xfinity Internet customers to receive symmetrical multi-gigabit speeds so you can stream or game in 4K in multiple rooms in your home. “Faster speeds will give Xfinity customers added capacity to power all their connected devices, in addition to the cybersecurity protection, in-home WiFi controls, and wall-to-wall WiFi coverage Xfinity already provides customers,” said Demian Voiles, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Comcast Houston Region. In addition to delivering the fastest speeds, Comcast provides unmatched value to Xfinity Internet customers through: Superior WiFi coverage – WiFi coverage with the xFi Advanced Gateway that is WiFi 6-capable and can deliver speeds faster than a gig, and xFi Pod s, which together creates a mesh network that reaches every corner of the home. Control connected devices – Using the Xfinity app, customers who lease an xFi Gateway have total control of their home network; manage device access, set parental controls, and pause WiFi. Advanced cybersecurity protection – xFi Advanced Security helps to protect all connected devices at the gateway level from malware and other cyber security threats. 4K streaming device with voice search – Xfinity Flex, a 4K streaming device with an award-winning voice remote to seamlessly watch and search for content from the Xfinity Stream app, Peacock, Netflix, Hulu, Prime, and other popular streaming services. Xfinity Mobile Xfinity Internet customers can get Xfinity Mobile, which combines the nation’s best 5G network with the power to auto-connect to millions of Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country. Starting at $45 for one line, the lowest entry price for 5G unlimited data in the market, unlimited pricing for Xfinity Mobile is $80 for two lines, $100 for three lines, and $120 for four lines ($30 per line). Peacock Premium and thousands of hours of free content – Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, delivering originals, libraries of hit TV shows like “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation,” plus films from Universal Pictures, Focus Features, DreamWorks Animation, Illumination and Hollywood’s biggest studios. Over the last decade, Comcast has invested nearly $30 billion to build an expansive, fiber-dense network that carries an immense amount of traffic and has demonstrated extraordinary performance throughout the pandemic. The company has doubled network capacity every 2.5 years to stay well ahead of demand. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Foti Kallergis +1 832-986-0196 Foti_Kallergis@comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

November 17, 2021 08:00 AM Central Standard Time

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