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Intercept Music revolutionizes music marketing with groundbreaking AI integration in latest software update

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — PrismMediawire – Intercept Music, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sanwire Corporation (OTC: SNWR), is proud to announce the launch of its latest software version, now incorporating cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology into the music marketing process.

 

As the first in the industry to introduce AI integration, Intercept Music is empowering artists and musicians to level the playing field and market their music on-par with major labels.

 

 

The music industry has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, with the rapid advancement of technology significantly influencing the way music is produced, distributed, and consumed. AI, in particular, has emerged as a powerful tool that is reshaping the landscape of music marketing, bringing personalized and data-driven strategies to the forefront.
With Intercept Music’s latest software, artists gain access to a wealth of AI-powered features, enabling them to optimize their promotional efforts and connect with their target audience like never before. The incorporation of AI in the marketing process offers invaluable insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and trends, ensuring that artists can tailor their campaigns for maximum impact.

 

 

CEO of Intercept Music, Tod Turner, expressed his enthusiasm about the company’s pioneering achievement, saying, “We are thrilled to introduce the world’s first AI-integrated music marketing software. At Intercept Music, we believe that every artist deserves the opportunity to succeed in the music industry. With our latest update, we are bridging the gap between independent artists and major labels, providing them with sophisticated tools and resources to effectively promote their music and build a loyal fan base.”

Intercept Music’s AI-powered platform offers a wide array of features, including advanced data analytics, targeted marketing campaigns, personalized recommendations, and audience segmentation. This enables artists to identify their most engaged listeners, better understand their fan base, and tailor their content to enhance the overall fan experience.

 

Sanwire Corporation’s CEO, Ron Hughes, also commented on the significance of this innovation for investors, stating, “The integration of AI technology into Intercept Music’s software represents a major milestone for Sanwire Corporation and our shareholders. With the music industry constantly evolving, we are committed to staying at the forefront of innovation and offering our customers the latest tools to thrive in this digital era. This cutting-edge AI integration positions Intercept Music as a trailblazer in the music marketing space, and we are excited about the growth opportunities it presents.”

Artificial Intelligence has the potential to redefine how music is marketed and consumed, and Intercept Music is leading the way by providing independent artists with the same powerful marketing capabilities that were once exclusive to major labels. The latest software update reinforces Intercept Music’s commitment to empowering artists and musicians, fostering creativity, and fostering a diverse and thriving music ecosystem.
About Intercept Music:
Intercept Music, a subsidiary of Sanwire Corporation, is an innovative technology company focused on helping independent artists and musicians navigate the digital music landscape. Their advanced platform offers a wide range of marketing and distribution tools to enable artists to reach their fullest potential in the music industry.

 

Read more:

https://prismmediawire.prowly.com/256855-intercept-music-revolutionizes-music-marketing-with-groundbreaking-ai-integration-in-latest-software-update

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WSOP Online returns for players all over the world

WSOP gold bracelets to be won at GGPoker, WSOP.COM & GGPoker.CA

Join Daniel Negreanu in playing for your share of poker history

 

 

DUBLIN & LAS VEGAS — (BUSINESS WIRE) — The World Series of Poker® (WSOP®) – the richest, most prestigious, and longest-running poker series – and GGPoker, the World’s Biggest Poker Room, today announced further details for WSOP Online 2023.

 

Since its launch in 2020, WSOP Online has become the world’s most prestigious online poker tournament series, with each new bracelet winner joining the honor roll of champions that includes the most successful and famous players ever to sit at a poker table.

International players can pursue official WSOP gold bracelets exclusively at GGPoker, Ontario residents can do likewise at GGPoker.CA, while United States residents physically present in Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania have their own slate of tournaments on WSOP.COM. Both GGPoker and WSOP.COM will each offer a total of 33 coveted WSOP gold bracelets during WSOP Online 2023, while GGPoker.CA has a total of eight more WSOP bracelets up for grabs.

 

The tournament series is hosted at GGPoker and GGPoker.CA from Aug. 20, 2023, to Oct. 2, 2023, and WSOP.COM from Sept. 10 to Oct. 17. The WSOP Online 2023 schedule caters to players of all levels, with a wide range of buy-ins and satellites running daily.

 

“With record-smashing events and something for everyone, WSOP Online is quickly realizing its vision to be the premier annual online poker series,” said Senior Vice President and Executive Director of the World Series of Poker, Ty Stewart. “We’re the ‘World’ Series of Poker and backed by GGPoker, WSOP Online is where we can deliver a chance for glory to players across the world who might not otherwise travel to live events. Bling is the thing, and we’ll be looking forward to welcoming new members to poker’s most exclusive club.”

 

Poker players worldwide are invited to join Daniel Negreanu at GGPoker during the upcoming WSOP Online tournament series, as he seeks to add to his haul of six WSOP bracelets. Negreanu intends to take aim at gold in a variety of bracelet events, including #7 $10 Mystery Millions $10M GTD, #10 $1,050 Beat The Pros Bounty NLH and #12 $500 Mini Main Event NLH $2.5M GTD. He will live stream much of his play, allowing viewers to follow his progress and cheer him on, and also plans to sell some of his action via the GGPoker app.

 

“I cannot wait to get into WSOP Online 2023 and play for WSOP gold alongside thousands of other players,” said Daniel Negreanu, GGPoker Global Ambassador. “I’ll be streaming a lot during the series and you’ll also be able to buy some of my action via GGPoker’s legendary integrated staking feature, so why not buckle in and ride along with me this WSOP Online?”

 

Players can also join Negreanu at GGPoker’s Rush & Cash tables for a very special promotion, Rush & Cash Double DNegs. During the days this special event will run, the daily Rush & Cash Leaderboard will be doubled to $60K and all cash drops at Rush & Cash tables at which Negreanu or any other GGTeam ambassador is playing will also be doubled, with cash drops of up to 1,200 big blinds waiting to be won. Further details on Rush & Cash Double DNegs will be unveiled in the near future.

 

WSOP Online 2023’s domestic schedule begins with the $400 Series “Kick-off” No Limit Hold’em event and is highlighted by returning player favorites, including the Colossus, “Lucky Sevens,” “Crazy Eights,” and the $1,000 Online Championship. New events for this year’s series include “PLOssus” and a $1,500 Bounty No-Limit Hold’em 6-Max.

 

The domestic series offers fifteen events of $1,000 or higher, including a $3,200 High Roller Championship and a $5,300 Super High Roller 6-max Freezeout. Players must be physically located within state borders to participate. Special resort rates will be available in Nevada and New Jersey at Caesars Entertainment destinations for players traveling into each state to play. For complete information and schedule, please visit: WSOP.COM or ggpoker.com/tournaments/wsop-online-2023/.

 

 

About the World Series of Poker

Part of Caesars Entertainment’s Caesars Digital operations, the World Series of Poker® is the largest, richest and most prestigious gaming event in the world, having awarded more than $4 billion in prize money and the prestigious gold bracelet, globally recognized as the sport’s top prize. Featuring a comprehensive slate of tournaments in every major poker variation, the WSOP is poker’s longest-running tournament in the world, dating back to 1970. In 2023, the event attracted 214,641 entrants from more than 114 different countries to the Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe Las Vegas and awarded more than $403 million in prize money. In addition, the WSOP has formed groundbreaking alliances in broadcasting, digital media and corporate sponsorships, while successfully expanding the brand internationally with the advent of WSOP Europe in 2007 and the WSOP Asia-Pacific in 2013 and the WSOP International Circuit Series in 2015. All WSOP events are subject to the then-current and applicable WSOP tournament rules. For more information, please visit www.wsop.com.

 

 

About Caesars Entertainment, Inc.

Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CZR) is the largest casino-entertainment Company in the U.S. and one of the world’s most diversified casino-entertainment providers. Since its beginning in Reno, NV, in 1937, Caesars Entertainment, Inc. has grown through development of new resorts, expansions and acquisitions. Caesars Entertainment, Inc.’s resorts operate primarily under the Caesars®, Harrah’s®, Horseshoe®, and Eldorado® brand names. Caesars Entertainment, Inc. offers diversified gaming, entertainment and hospitality amenities, one-of-a-kind destinations, and a full suite of mobile and online gaming and sports betting experiences. All tied to its industry-leading Caesars Rewards loyalty program, the Company focuses on building value with its guests through a unique combination of impeccable service, operational excellence and technology leadership. Caesars is committed to its employees, suppliers, communities and the environment through its PEOPLE PLANET PLAY framework. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER. For more information, please visit www.caesars.com/corporate.

 

 

About GGPoker: GGPoker is the World’s Biggest Poker Room, with a global player base. It offers a range of innovative games and features such as the patented Rush & Cash poker, All-In or Fold, Flip & Go, Spin & Gold, Battle Royale, GGCare & GGCheers, integrated staking platform, SnapCam video messaging, PokerCraft, and Smart HUD, all designed to enhance gaming experiences and make poker more fun than ever.

 

In 2020, GGPoker hosted the world record-breaking WSOP Online main event. In 2021, GGPoker won PokerListing’s ‘Best Poker Software Overall’ award. In 2022, GGPoker became the world’s largest online poker room and was awarded the Online Poker Operator of the Year Award at the SiGMA Americas Gaming Awards. In 2023, GGPoker sent more than 750 players to the live WSOP 2023 Main Event and will support WSOP Paradise at the Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

 

Find out more about GGPoker at GGPoker.com and on Facebook and Twitter.

Contacts

Media Contacts:

Brad Harwood

bharwood@caesars.com

Paul Burke

press@ggpoker.com

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Business Lifestyle Technology

Factbird enters the US to offer manufacturing intelligence solutions to local industry

Factbird provides U.S. manufacturers with a 22–25% increase in OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) on average in the first year by making it easy to gather and analyze data from production lines.

 

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) —#ManufacturingIntelligence–Factbird established its first U.S. office in mid-2022 with the vision of helping thousands of American facilities digitally transform. By making facilities more profitable through data, Factbird has helped customers save millions of dollars by reducing waste, identifying bottlenecks, and avoiding unnecessary IT projects. Among its current customers are top global pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and industrial solution companies, including Novo Nordisk, Grundfos, Danfoss, Royal Unibrew, and Bosch.

 

Data-driven operational excellence boosts productivity and global competitiveness

Factbird’s Manufacturing Intelligence Solutions combine plug-and-play hardware and cloud software. Regardless of the company’s size or the age of the machines in use, Factbird is quick to install and brings an immediate ROI. Data from manufacturing processes provides a goldmine of valuable information on how to operate more efficiently and profitably.

 

After implementing Factbird, management can check the factory overview daily, plant managers can track the order fulfillment, and the head of engineering can see which problems need the most attention. The data in the Factbird cloud can be as high level or as granular as users need.

 

Michael Borman, US Head of Sales and Country Manager at Factbird, says, “Labor shortages, global competition, and inflation are major challenges for facilities in the US. Process improvement is more important than ever, and Factbird makes this simple by presenting real-time data from any process in a way that immediately benefits everyone, helping operations produce more with less waste.”

 

A more digitalized, sustainable industry with productivity increases from day one

Factbird’s goal is to help manufacturers produce more using fewer resources, contributing to higher profitability and sustainability. Factbird is a proven solution where customers see a 22–25% increase in OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) on average in their first year.

 

Additionally, Factbird costs as little as 10% to implement compared to similar solutions on the market, bringing massive returns to factories using Factbird’s powerful Manufacturing Intelligence Solutions.

 

A strong presence in the US for better accessibility and local advice

Factbird’s US arm, Factbird Inc., is based in Morristown, New Jersey, and is committed to supporting American manufacturing companies by boosting digitization as quickly and seamlessly as possible.

 

Salman Rehan, Senior Enterprise Account Manager at Factbird, says, “It’s an exciting time as we expand our client base from an already solid foundation. I’ve been in the industrial automation space for several years supporting manufacturers in digitalization, process improvement, and LEAN methodologies—essentially implementing Industry 4.0 initiatives. Our clients enjoy real-time visibility into performance, understanding reasons for variances in production, and attaining concrete improvements to their bottom line.”

 

Factbird is attending the 2023 Process Expo in Chicago

Michael Borman & the US team will be attending the Process Expo in Chicago, a global food equipment and technology show, from October 23–25. There, the US Factbird team will be ready to advise manufacturers on methods to improve their data capture processes, reduce waste, improve OEE, and increase profitability.

 

About Factbird

Factbird is a pioneering provider of Manufacturing Intelligence Solutions aimed at driving operational excellence. Our focus on data and factual insights empowers businesses to optimize operations, reduce downtime, and boost productivity. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies, Factbird delivers real-time insights and actionable intelligence. For more information, visit factbird.com.

Contacts

US Media Contact:

Michael Borman, US Head of Sales/Country Manager, Factbird

mibo@factbird.com

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Business Economics Lifestyle

Celsius disclosure statement approved by court

Plan Focused on Distributing a Meaningful Liquid Cryptocurrency to Customers as well as Equity in NewCo

Celsius Creditors Encouraged to Vote in Favor of Chapter 11 Plan by September 22, 2023

 

HOBOKEN, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Celsius Network LLC “(Celsius” or the “Company)” announced Thursday that its Disclosure Statement was approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York “(the Court).”

 

As previously announced, the Company completed a successful Court-approved auction process in May 2023 that resulted in the selection of Fahrenheit, LLC “(Fahrenheit)” as the winning bidder. Celsius’ proposed Chapter 11 Plan (the “Plan)” contemplates a transaction with Fahrenheit, which will provide the capital, management team, and technology required to successfully establish and operate the new company “(NewCo).” NewCo will be overseen by a new Board of Directors, a majority of which will be appointed by the statutory committee of unsecured creditors that was appointed in Celsius’ Chapter 11 cases (the “Creditors Committee).”

 

“We remain laser focused on creating the best outcome for customers and creditors and returning value as soon as possible,” said Chris Ferraro, Chief Restructuring Officer & Interim Chief Operating Officer, Celsius.

 

“The approval of the Disclosure Statement marks another major milestone in our process to transition Celsius’ assets to NewCo and provide a path to complete the proposal from Fahrenheit,” added David Barse and Alan Carr, members of the Special Committee of the Board. “We remain committed to working with the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, regulators, Fahrenheit, and creditors throughout this process to achieve a strong result for all stakeholders.”

 

The Plan outlines a proposed path to a value-maximizing conclusion that returns as much value to the Company’s creditors as possible. Celsius’ eligible creditors will receive a Solicitation Package in the mail from the Company’s claims, noticing, and solicitation agent, Stretto. The Solicitation Package will include Celsius’ Disclosure Statement and Plan, detailed voting instructions, and additional important information. In order for a vote to be counted, it must be received by Stretto on or before September 22, 2023, at 4 p.m. prevailing Eastern Time. Celsius encourages customers to read the Disclosure Statement in full to learn more about the Plan. Votes will be solicited until September 22, 2023, and the Company encourages all eligible creditors to vote in favor of the Plan by the voting deadline.

 

A Court hearing to consider approval of the proposed Plan is currently scheduled to begin on October 2, 2023. Following confirmation of the Plan, Celsius expects to distribute Liquid Cryptocurrency to account holders on the Plan’s effective date (or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter), and create NewCo., which will manage Celsius’ illiquid assets, including Celsius’ institutional loan portfolio, mining business, and alternative investments for the benefit of account holders as contemplated in the Plan. Under the Plan, Celsius’ account holders will own 100% of the new equity in NewCo (subject to dilution by the equity to be distributed to Fahrenheit as management fees).

 

“We are excited about the progress that has been made and remain steadfast in our commitment to create a stronger organization coming out of this process,” said Steve Kokinos of Fahrenheit Holdings. “We are continuing to work with all stakeholders to ensure a successful transition and a bright future for NewCo. Our vision includes optimizing existing infrastructure, exploring new growth opportunities, diversifying revenue streams, and delivering meaningful benefits to Celsius’ customers and creditors. We look forward to engaging more deeply with the Celsius community in the weeks ahead regarding the Plan.”

 

Additionally, the Company previously confirmed that it has secured a backup bid with the Blockchain Recovery Investment Consortium “(BRIC),” which, if required for any reason, would provide for the orderly wind down of Celsius’ remaining assets.

 

Additional details regarding the outcome of the vote will be forthcoming when the results are available.

 

Additional Information about the Restructuring Process

The full terms of the Plan and Disclosure Statement, as well as additional information about the Chapter 11 filing, including Court documents, can be found online free of charge at https://cases.stretto.com/celsius. Stakeholders with questions may call Stretto at +1 (855) 423-1530 (U.S.) or +1 (949) 669-5873 (international) or email celsiusinquiries@stretto.com.

 

Advisors

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel, Centerview Partners is serving as financial advisor, C Street Advisory Group is serving as strategy and communications advisor, and Alvarez & Marsal is serving as restructuring advisor to Celsius.

 

White & Case LLP is serving as legal counsel, Perella Weinberg Partners is serving as investment banker, and M3 Partners is serving as financial advisor to the Creditors Committee.

 

Brown Rudnick LLP is serving as legal counsel to Fahrenheit, LLC.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is serving as legal counsel to the BRIC.

Contacts

Media Inquiries
C Street Advisory Group

celsius@thecstreet.com

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County Exec. Hughes not long ago, announces Certified Diverse Vendor Directory

Building on his Small Business Set-Aside Program, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes announced that a digital directory of participating businesses is now available online on Mercer County’s website.

The  Mercer County New Jersey Certified Diverse Vendor Directory will include New Jersey State certified Women Business Enterprises (WBE), Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Veteran Owned/Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses (VOB/DVOB) and Small Business Enterprises (SBE).

“The online directory is an effort to support the business enterprises of women, minorities and veterans, along with small businesses,”  Mr. Hughes said.

“Small  businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy, and our goal is to create and identify ways to increase business traffic to certified small businesses and encourage others to become certified. This online directory, managed by our Small Business Outreach Department, is another tool to support our business community.”

In his 2023 State of the County address, County Executive Hughes recognized Job One Lawn and Landscape, a Woman and Minority-owned small business in Ewing. Owned by Jocelyn and Stan Tucker of Ewing, Job One recently won a county contract for $75,000, and are just one of Mercer County’s set-aside success stories.

How will my business benefit?

No-cost advertising. The digital directory will be accessible to all Mercer County departments and the public, and for even greater exposure for businesses listed in the directory Mercer County will share information with municipal purchasing departments within the county. All businesses will be displayed by category and will include the business’s contact information and Capability Statement.

Hands-on help. Mercer’s Small Business Outreach pros will walk you through the process to learn how to participate in the county’s formal bidding process.

Free training. Mercer partners with the Small Business Development Center at The College of New Jersey to review business plans, and obtain funding from the UCEDC.

Please note, only current certified businesses registered with The State of New Jersey SAVI Selective Assistance Vendor Information Portal will be included.

Digital directory accessible at www.mercercounty.org

Sign me up!

 

Questions? Please contact James Chambers, Coordinator of Small Business Outreach at (609) 989-6212, jchambers@mercercounty.org.

Adopted in July 2018, the Qualified Minority-, Women-, Veteran-owned Business or Small Business Set-Aside Program reserves 10 percent of the dollar value of all the county’s goods, professional services and construction contracts to be utilized for qualified businesses. Of that 10 percent, 30 percent is allocated for qualified minority businesses; 30 percent for qualified women-owned businesses; 30 percent for qualified veteran-owned businesses; and 10 percent for small businesses. The Set-Aside Program makes it easier for qualified businesses to contract with the county, as it provides access to $70 million in procurement. An estimated $7 million worth of contracts will be available to eligible businesses as part of the new program.

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Best’s Review’s popular stories focus on insurance asset management, telemedicine, non-property cat bonds and more

OLDWICK, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — In the last 90 days, Best’s Review readers have been most interested in the following stories:

 

Best’s Review is AM Best’s monthly insurance magazine, covering emerging issues and trends and evaluating their impact on the marketplace. Access to the complete content of Best’s Review is available here.

 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

 

Copyright © 2023 by A.M. Best Company, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contact:

Patricia Vowinkel
Executive Editor, Best’s Review®
+1 908 882 1771
patricia.vowinkel@ambest.com

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Business Culture Entertainment News Lifestyle

New music video for Houston music artist DOM goes viral

Houston based music artist, DOM recently releases music video for new single, and it has garnered a phenomenal number of views.

 

Singer, producer, and rapper, DOM is the alter ego of Houston, Texas based music artist Dominique Side. She has become known for her fierce voice and unstoppable energy.
DOM recently released a wild music video for her latest single and it’s already received well over 300K  views, thus quickly becoming a viral visual sensation.

 

Born originally in Biloxi, Mississippi, Dominique had been a part of several R&B outfits until forming VgnBae Music Group in 2019. After producing and singing on different recordings at their studios, in 2021 she stepped into the spotlight, creating music as the force named DOM. Her first EP “IRL” was a full concept album following the journey of a woman pushed to the edge by a cheating partner. Critics called it  a “deliciously deranged, dark and sexy rollercoaster ride”, songs from the EP were featured on the radio, soundtracks, and in fashion retail stores.

 

Dominique has stayed busy in the 2 years since her last release came out creating her own luxury vegan clothing line, “Nikki Green”. and working on numerous projects with artists at VgnBae Music Group where she is the co-owner. Returning to the studio this summer DOM delivered a new, super twerk-able single entitled “SDA” featuring Erica Banks and a “Missy Elliot-esque” vibe.

 
Her latest single, abbreviated from “Shake Dat Ass”, gives fans a mouthwatering taste of DOM’s contagious songwriting and versatility in hip-hop and rap. Continuing her uncompromising views on female empowerment of sexuality and success, the accompanying music video has been called “gloriously bootylicious” and “shows that DOM will have her cake and eat it too.”

With a brand new EP on the way set for later this year, it would appear fans can continue looking forward to DOM releasing songs featuring her many different sides and undeniable boss energy.

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PBGC approves SFA application for Newspaper Guild International Plan

Newspaper Guild International Plan averts insolvency and reduction of benefits through receipt of Special Financial Assistance

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) recently announced that it has approved the application submitted to the Special Financial Assistance (SFA) Program by the the Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan (Newspaper Guild International Plan). The plan, based in Washington, D.C., covers 5,824 participants in the printing industry.

The Newspaper Guild International Plan will receive approximately $62 million in special financial assistance, including interest to the expected date of payment to the plan. The plan was projected to become insolvent and run out of money in 2034.

Without the SFA Program, the Newspaper Guild International Plan would have been required to reduce participants’ benefits to the PBGC guarantee levels upon plan insolvency, which is roughly 15 percent below the benefits payable under the terms of the plan. SFA will enable the plan to continue to pay retirement benefits without reduction for many years into the future.

“Today, the Biden-Harris administration kept our promise to fight for America’s workers and retirees by taking action to protect the retirement security of 5,824 workers across America,” said Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su.

“As part of the American Rescue Plan, Special Financial Assistance will ensure workers get the secure and dignified retirement they deserve as we grow our economy from the middle out and the bottom up.”

 

About the Special Financial Assistance Program

The SFA Program was enacted as part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021. The program provides funding to severely underfunded multiemployer pension plans and will ensure that millions of America’s workers, retirees, and their families receive the pension benefits they earned.

The SFA Program requires plans to demonstrate eligibility for SFA and to calculate the amount of assistance pursuant to ARP and PBGC’s regulations. SFA and earnings thereon must be segregated from other plan assets and may be used only to pay plan benefits and administrative expenses. Plans are not obligated to repay SFA to PBGC. Plans receiving SFA are also subject to certain terms, conditions and reporting requirements, including an annual statement documenting compliance with the terms and conditions. PBGC is authorized to conduct periodic audits of multiemployer plans that receive SFA.

As of August 1, 2023, PBGC has approved nearly $52.2 billion in SFA to plans that cover over 751,000 workers, retirees, and beneficiaries.

The SFA Program operates under a final rule, published in the Federal Register on July 8, 2022, which became effective August 8, 2022, and was amended effective January 26, 2023.

About PBGC

PBGC protects the retirement security of over 33 million American workers, retirees, and beneficiaries in both single-employer and multiemployer private sector pension plans. The agency’s two insurance programs are legally separate and operationally and financially independent. PBGC is directly responsible for the benefits of more than 1.5 million participants and beneficiaries in failed single-employer pension plans. The Single-Employer Program is financed by insurance premiums, investment income, and assets and recoveries from failed single-employer plans. The Multiemployer Program is financed by insurance premiums. Special financial assistance for financially troubled multiemployer plans is financed by general taxpayer monies.

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Mercer County Clerk continues to issue warnings to passport applicants

TRENTON — Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello is again issuing warnings to constituents in order to prevent them from wasting their precious time and money.

Residents should know the following:

Passport fees are required at all passport facilities

The U.S. Department of State advises all passport applicants that there are no free passports, nor fee waivers. Instead, it is true that a fee is required for all passport applications.

Payment is required at all Passport Acceptance Facilities, including the Mercer County Connection in Hamilton Township, and the Mercer County Clerk’s Office in Trenton.

There are recent social media videos circulating on the internet, which advise customers that passports can be free by submitting form I-912, but these are false, misleading and incorrect.

The form they are referring to is for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and not for Passport Services. The form is NOT a Department of State form and it is not honored by them.

Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello explained that videos on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, are not being produced by government officials, and have created confusion among constituents who believe they (the videos) are accurate.

For further information on the Form I-192 and the individuals eligible, please visit https://www.uscis.gov/i-192 for clear instructions and additional information.

It is recommended for those who are planning international travel to begin submitting their paperwork well in advance of any travel dates, to allow for any unforeseen delays. The current wait times for passport services are 7-9 weeks for expedited services and up to 14 weeks from the time of submission for a regular application. Please note, these times are estimates; if the workload is significantly heavy or light, that number can change.

For detailed information on documentation required for a passport, or office hours at the Mercer County Clerk’s Office, please visit https://www.mercercounty.org/government/county-clerk-/office-services/passportsand for detailed information on services at the Mercer County Connection in Hamilton, please visit https://www.mercercounty.org/departments/county-connection/passport-application-information

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Innovative educator makes ‘Forbes 50 Over 50’ list as star helping teachers and raising millions

Lacey Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer of UnboundEd, has been recognized by Forbes 50 Over 50 list for IMPACT:

 

•       Lacey Robinson serves as the CEO and President of UnboundEd, a professional development solution for educators. When the coronavirus pandemic hit in 2020, Robinson led a pivot from an in-person model to a fully virtual one, scaling its reach from a few thousand to tens of thousands of educators looking to prioritize equity in the classroom.

•       At the same time, she led the organization’s merger with Pivot Learning and CORE Learning—a move that solidified UnboundEd as the leading national K-12 equity-focused educator development organization.

•       When she began leading the organization in 2020, UnboundEd recorded $14.3 million in revenue. In two years’ time, she’d grown it to $35 million.

•       Funders include the Gates Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Schusterman Family Foundation, the Hewlett Foundation and the MacKenzie Scott Foundation.

•       Robinson has spent time in and around the classroom for her entire career, having worked as a teacher, a principal and a school staff development specialist.

 

“All students deserve a learning environment that is grade-level, engaging, affirming, and meaningful. All students flourish when their education not only acknowledges their identities but the identities of others, affirming who they are as academics and as human beings,” says Robinson.

 

“Adopting this mindset begins our journey toward justice as educators. My life’s work aims to help educators in school systems disrupt systemic racism and all of its legacies in classrooms. I work with our collective educator community to ensure that future generations can stand free within themselves to be whomever they choose to be. I choose to be a truth-teller. I choose to own my story of internalized racism that I had to overcome and to stare at the hard truth about my toolkits of pedagogical practices and concepts to be the educator I am now. I choose not to look away.”

 

In her new book, Justice Seekers: Pursuing Equity in the Details of Teaching and Learning, Robinson delivers an engaging combination of storytelling and research that explains why justice is happening―or not happening―inside the classroom and within the details of teaching and learning. An intuitive and exciting roadmap for K-12 teachers, teachers-in-training, school administrators, and principals who aim to reverse the racial injustices today’s children face every day, Justice Seekers belongs in the hands of everyone who cares about educational equity.

 

Lacey Robinson is the President and Chief Executive Officer of UnboundEd, a role that accelerates her life’s work to help educators in school systems disrupt bias and systemic racism and its legacies in classrooms. As President and Chief Executive Officer of UnboundEd, Robinson sets the organization’s vision for equity-driven national change. While continually monitoring the design, delivery, and quality of UnboundEd’s national K-12 educator professional learning programs,  Robinson concurrently maintains the nonprofit’s health, sustainability, and future-driven vision for what teaching and learning can be in the 21st century.

 

Robinson engaged with industry partners to support standards-aligned, content-focused, equity-driven adult professional learning and development from the organization’s infancy as its Chief of Program and Engagement. She also endorsed vital design and execution elements for UnboundEd’s signature professional learning opportunity, the illustrious Standards Institute. Robinson’s contributions led to the organization’s rapid growth and positioned UnboundEd as an industry leader. Robinson spearheaded migrating this work into a virtual space during the pandemic to meet the needs of educators. Ultimately, she believes the work of UnboundEd/CORE will be a catalyst of support for teachers and leaders in what she likes to coin as the Edusphere. Robinson focused on literacy, equity, and school leadership for over two decades as a teacher, principal, and staff development specialist. Inspired by Langston Hughes, her path is to build temples for tomorrow as strongly and bravely as she knows how and to ensure that future generations can stand freely within themselves to be whomever they choose.