Jessica's Press Releases

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Celebrate or Escape? USTOA Tour Operators Offer a Variety of Last-Minute Trips for the 2019 Holiday Season

Whether travelers are looking to visit Christmas markets in Europe to celebrate the season or take a beach vacation to Costa Rica to escape the holidays, the tour operators of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) offer a wide variety of itineraries for end-of-the-year getaways, no matter the reason.

Read all the related news.:

https://jessicapressreleases.blogspot.com/2018/05/pet-perks-may-pay-off-for-employers-new.html

Trips for the 2019 holiday season still have availability, including a romantic New Year's Eve spent under the Eiffel Tower, a cycling escape through Southeast Asia, and a Rhine River cruise through snow-capped mountains and castles.

Here are examples of just some of the holiday trips offered, more can be found at https://ustoa.tripwing.com

Christmas Markets of Germany, Switzerland & Austria - EF Go Ahead Tours celebrates the holiday season in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria by visiting the swiss mountains and Bavarian forest, drinking German beer and Austrian wine, and visiting the Christmas markets of Munich over 12 days. Departures are available on select dates in November and December 2020 and 2021.

Holiday Markets Cruise: The Festive Rhine River – AHI International's seven-day Rhine River cruise takes place on a first-class river ship surrounded by snow-dusted hills and clifftop castles, stopping at the Old World holiday markets in France, Germany, and Switzerland. Departures are available November 27 – December 5, 2019 starting at $2,295.

New Year's in Paris - Go-Today takes travelers to Paris to celebrate New Year's Eve with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop. The six-day trip is filled with the city's famed jazz clubs, champagne, and walks along the Seine. Departure is available December 25, 2019 starting at $949 per person.

Continue reading.:

https://jessicapressreleases.blogspot.com/2018/04/ttpm-reveals-its-2018-spring-wanted_99.html

Christmas on the Elbe - CroisiEurope Cruises leads travelers to the oldest Christmas markets in Germany for seven days to listen to the symphony, join Midnight Mass in Dresden, and have Christmas dinner. Departures is available December 20, 2019 starting at $2,360 per person.

Christmas Markets of Austria & Bavaria - Insight Vacations offers an eight-day journey through the Bavarian Alps to listen to music in Salzburg, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Innsbruck, and view local handicrafts and festive treats in the Christmas Markets. Departures are available November 24 – December 10, 2019 starting at $1,850 per person.

To escape, here are a couple of outgoing adventures for families, friends, and solo travelers looking for a great getaway from the festivities:

Borneo: Hike, Bike, & Kayak – Intrepid Travel showcases rainforests, mountains, and beaches on a nine-day adventure through Borneo Island in Southeast Asia. Built for active travelers, the itinerary is filled with hiking, biking, and kayaking. Departures are available November 18 and December 30 starting at $1,798 per person.

Highlights of Botswana – Goway Travel offers an eight-day safari through Botswana for travelers looking to escape in the new year, with accommodations in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Chobe National Park The trip includes Daily departures are available beginning January 5, 2020 starting at $4,385 per person.

Costa Rica: Jungles & Rainforests – Tauck presents an eight-day journey for families looking to adventure together during the holidays, with zip lining, jungle river-rafting, wildlife walks, a pineapple farm tour, and a chocolate-making demonstration. Departures are available December 18 and 24, 2019 starting at $3,868 per person.

Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort – GoGo Vacations offers a golf adventure package at the Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort, located just north of Cancun and surrounded by sandy beaches, with 65,000 square feet of swimming pools for families and a world-famous golf course and spa. Departures available through December 31, 2019 starting at $849 per person.

For more information on USTOA, visit http://www.ustoa.com, call 212-599-6599, or email information@ustoa.com.

About USTOA:
Representing nearly $19 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow 9.8 million travelers annually unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire globe. Each member company has met the travel industry's highest standards, including participation in the USTOA's Travelers Assistance Program, which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of business. As a voice for the tour operator industry for more than 40 years, USTOA also provides education and assistance for consumers and travel agents. Read this for more information.

Contact:
Gina Dolecki/Ashley Mindnich
Redpoint
212-229-0119
dolecki@redpointspeaks.com /mindnich@redpointspeaks.com

All information are taken from the news source. We do not promise anything nor take any responsibility for anything the news owner claim. We just share the news as is. You can contact news owner directly in the message for more information.

Durham / Raleigh (Triangle) Real Estate Broker, Jonathan Taylor Smith + Blue Chariot Realty Joins eXp Realty

Blue Chariot Realty, LLC is a Licensed Real Estate Firm located in Raleigh / Durham, North Carolina – providing services of a Triangle Real Estate Agent to Buyers, Sellers and Investors in Durham, Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill and the nearby Cities and Towns of the Triangle, NC.

Blue Chariot Realty has now joined eXp Realty as result of Owner & Broker-In-Charge (BIC), Jonathan Taylor Smith moving his North Carolina Broker's License affiliation over to eXp Realty.

Blue Chariot Realty was started in 2018 by Jonathan Taylor ("J.T.") Smith. J.T. established the Blue Chariot Brand originally back in 2015, getting his North Carolina Real Estate Broker's License later that same year.

Blue Chariot, LLC was initially founded in 2015 to engage in the business of Residential Re-Development, buying distressed houses to rehab for re-sale – to "Flip". J.T. Felt that the education and access gained from becoming a Licensed Real Estate Agent / Broker and Realtor, would strengthen his results as a Real Estate Investor. But he reveals that a strange thing happened on his way to becoming the next popular "Flipper" on HGTV... After each rehab, J.T. kept the houses as Rental Properties, becoming a Landlord instead. And at the same time, he began to perform as a Realtor for both his own property acquisitions, and for Clients, including other Investors.

As J.T. gained experience evaluating and rehabbing houses throughout the Triangle into Rentals and being a Landlord, he also became a knowledgeable Raleigh / Durham Real Estate Agent. Skills of being able to evaluate renovations and knowing what the value of a rehabbed home is likely to be were invaluable to other Investors seeking a Triangle Realtor to work with. And those seeking to buy or sell a house that might need a little work really appreciate working with a Raleigh / Durham Realtor who knows how to price repairs and negotiate the deal accordingly – and who has the local professional team in place to then handle the work.

This all lead J.T. to put more of his Investor / Landlord expertise into being a Durham / Raleigh Realtor, so he started Blue Chariot Realty in 2018 and got the firm licensed to make this his primary business. The only difference is that he takes the commissions earned from being a Durham / Raleigh Real Estate Agent and puts them back into buying more distressed houses to rehab into still more Rentals… Something J.T. also directs others in how to do on his Landlord Podcast (by Blue Chariot Media) – the full title of which is "Husband, Father, Entrepreneur, Realtor… and Landlord!"

Now with Blue Chariot Realty and Jonathan Taylor Smith joining eXp Realty, this puts the final pieces in place for J.T. to expand as a Real Estate Agent / Broker and Realtor in the Triangle and grow Blue Chariot Realty by bringing others onto his team. This sets the stage for Blue Chariot Realty to do great things in the remaining months of 2019 and to have explosive growth in 2020 and beyond.

The Blue Chariot Website at: https://www.bluechariot.com - is fully integrated into Triangle MLS, so you can start (and end) your home search here. And if you have a home to sell in the Triangle, Jonathan Taylor Smith and Blue Chariot Realty will either buy it themselves - or help you sell it!

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About Blue Chariot:

Blue Chariot, LLC (dba Blue Chariot Homes) is the original Blue Chariot Brand Company of what has become an association of privately held companies related to the businesses of: Real Estate Investing / Residential Re-Development; Rental Property Management & Realty Agency – each owned by Jonathan Taylor ("J.T.") Smith. Blue Chariot Brand Companies additionally consists of: Blue Chariot Properties, LLC; Blue Chariot Management, LLC; Blue Chariot Realty, LLC (Brokered by eXp Realty); the [… and Landlord!] Podcast by Blue Chariot Media; and other Companies and Partnerships – all established beginning in 2015 by J.T. Smith.

Jonathan Taylor Smith (Blue Chariot Realty, LLC) is an independent contractor of eXp Realty and this is not an official release of eXp Realty, LLC, its parent eXp World Holdings, Inc. or any related subsidiary. Continue reading.

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About eXp Realty:

eXp Realty, LLC - The Real Estate Cloud Brokerage™, is the largest Residential Real Estate Brokerage by geography in North America. It is one of the fastest growing Real Estate Brokerage Firms in North America with more than 22,000 Agents across five Canadian Provinces, 50 U.S. States and the District of Columbia. The company recently announced expansion into the U.K. and Australia.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Melvin Woodsen Returns to Farm Credit of the Virginias Lending Team

A native of Mecklenburg County, Virginia, Woodson spent his youth helping his grandfather string together tobacco by hand on his Lunenburg County farm in the late summers and early fall.

Woodson graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in economics and a concentration in finance from Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia. He then went on to pursue his career in the mortgage industry, where he has remained for 14 years. After a brief tenure outside the organization, he now serves as a dual role loan officer with FCV, making loans for land and agricultural purposes as well as specializing in construction and residential home loans.

Woodson's strong sense of community and youth mentorship is apparent in his high level of involvement. He is a former member of the Botetourt Rotary Club as well as the Roanoke Kiwanis Club, a community service organization that serves the needs of children, older adults and the environment. He also serves in the children's ministry at his local church, and has been involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters in Lynchburg, Virginia.

These days, he spends his free time with his wife and his own 4 boys, coaching their various sports endeavors. He also enjoys hunting with his father, cooking (and eating!) a good meal, playing golf with his buddies, and reading a good book. Continue reading.

He is thrilled to help further the vision of Farm Credit to be rural America's lender of choice. In regards to his new role with FCV, Woodson said, "I am excited to partner with our fantastic customer base here in Franklin County and beyond to provide practical and convenient loan solutions for current and future farmers, landowners and homeowners!"

Joey Cornwell, Regional Sales & Lending Manager, said, "We are very excited to have Melvin Woodson back with Farm Credit of the Virginias and our Team here in Rocky Mount. It's great to have someone with his expertise on our team and I know he is excited to be back in the Farm Credit System. We are confident that the Rocky Mount office will continue to grow and provide our Member-Owners with outstanding service."

Playonwords LLC Announces Top 10 PAL (Play Advances Language) Award Picks 2019, Holiday Gift Guide: Top Toys, Games, Books and Media That Spark Fun and Encourage Language

Regular interaction with children guides Playonwords founder, Sherry Artemenko, to a unique set of the best toys, games, books and media that have the chemistry to develop language while delivering great play. Today, Playonwords is announcing its annual "Top 10 PAL Picks for 2019" by age and product category. Our Top 10's take the guesswork out of giving great holiday gifts. Parents and grandparents use our lists to shop for smart toys with lasting play value. Be alert to read related news.

Winners are assessed and reviewed by Sherry with input from parents, kids and educators. Observing kid's play in action, combined with her critical eye for language potential, Sherry awards products and writes insightful reviews offering practical tips on how to maximize the educational value in each winner catalogued on playonwords.com.

Read this here.:

https://jessicapressreleases.blogspot.com/2018/05/iowa-police-chiefs-gathering-may-22.html

Language catalyzing PAL winning toys and games are powerful additions to a child's tool box, since children learn through play, and language is integral to learning! Our 2019 Top 10's include a number of great winners that inspire imagination and story-telling with engaging props, from Schleich's "Adventure Treehouse" to Hape's "Cook 'n Serve Kitchen" and VTech's "Treasure Seekers Pirate Ship." Promoting children's literacy skills is a strong theme throughout this years' winners, often combined with STEM skills as children build and learn letters and corresponding sounds with "LeapBuilders ABC Smart House" by LeapFrog and re-tell Jack and the Beanstalk while manipulating Geomagworld's "Magicubes" and illustrated story clips. The toy industry continues to value new games to build EQ (emotional quotient including social language skills) with exciting tools like "Guess It. Get It. Gumballs" by Peaceable Kingdom, a MindWare Brand and picture sequenced stories in SPARK Jr. Sequencing Cards.

Sherry's expertise has been tapped by NBC Connecticut TV, FOX TV News 6 Milwaukee, Parents Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, parents.com, parenting.com, ASHAsphere (official blog of the American Speech Language Hearing Association), and ASHA LEADER magazine.

For Sherry, great play is not just about fun, or language development, it's about going deep in both. Her expertise has been built on science and more than 17,000 hours of client experience. Each set of Top 10's represents a breadth of themes and genres, but they all have one thing in common - they are trusted lists of fun products that boost learning through play. Read all the related news.

Here are 2019's Top 10 PAL Picks - See her reviews at http://www.playonwords.com

TOP TOYS: INFANT

TOP 10 TOYS: TODDLER

TOP 10 TOYS: PRESCHOOL

TOP 10 GAMES: PRESCHOOL

TOP 10 TOYS: SCHOOL AGE

TOP 10 GAMES: SCHOOL AGE

TOP 10 BOOKS AND MEDIA

Each holiday season, millions are spent on kids' toys, games and books. These PAL winners above are not only great fun but also encourage rich language development. Think "tastes like ice cream, fortifies like spinach," optimizing your toy purchases to build language while maintaining all the fun. Now's the time to be intentional about your child's toy chest, game drawer, bookshelf and tablet! Read related news now.

ABOUT PLAYONWORDS, LLC
Playonwords.com was founded by well-respected speech-language pathologist, Sherry Artemenko. Her 35 years championing language rich play, esteemed PAL Award, popular blog, and insightful tips to parents set her apart as the leading advocate for the language component in toys.

Over 17,000 hours working directly with children has shown her that a unique set of the best toys, games and books have the capability to develop language while delivering great play. Studies show:

Sherry established the PAL Award to identify unique toys, games and books that through their design, quality and character, encourage play that advances language. PAL winners in the hands of kids, spark fun and creative play with lots of talk. Such toys, recognized on the basis of her child development expertise, are complemented by practical coaching in her blog, showing parents and caregivers how to get the most from toys, games and books to build language and underlying cognitive skills.

Solariant Capital Closes Financing on a 50 MW Biomass Power Plant Project in Ibaraki, Japan

On September 30, 2019, Solariant Capital, along with its equity partners, Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc., Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance Co., Ltd., and Bio Fuel Co., Inc., have closed financing on a 50 MW biomass power generation project, developed by Solariant Capital, in Kamisu City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan.

The biomass plant project will be constructed, operated and managed through Kamisu Biomass Power Generation LLC, a joint venture project company among the four partners with a senior project debt arranged by Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Ltd. and mezzanine debt through Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance Co., Ltd. The 50 MWp plant will be utilizing biomass fuel, primarily palm kernel shell (by product of palm oil) and wood pellets to produce approximately 350 GWh's of electricity annually, which is equivalent to an amount consumed by 110,000 households in Japan. The fuel for the biomass plant will be provided based on long-term supply contracts with 4 Japanese trading houses. The plant will also utilize wood pellets produced by Lumino Biomass Fuel, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Solariant Capital LLC. Click here to read the latest news.

The EPC general contractor is a joint venture entity between Hitachi Zosen and Okumuragumi with the CFB boiler and the generator from General Electric Co and Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corp, respectively. The O&M contractor is JERA, one of the largest independent power producers in Asia. The construction of the plant will begin at the end of 2020 and is scheduled to start operation in July 2023. The energy generated by the power plant will be sold to Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) at a fixed rate of 24 yen plus value added taxes per kWh for 20 years under the current feed-in tariff program (renewable energy subsidy program). Japan enacted its current renewable energy subsidy program in July of 2012.

About Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. Chubu Electric Power is a Japanese utility company established in 1951 and headquartered in Nagoya, Japan. It is one of the top three electric utility companies in Japan in terms of power generation capacity, electric energy sold, with a total assets of over 5.4 trillion JPY as of March 2019.

Be alert to read related news.:

https://jessicapressreleases.blogspot.com/2018/05/netnumber-expands-number-portability.html

About Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance Co., Ltd. Founded in 1971, Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance leverages its flexibility as a nonbank and its knowledge of various products to address a diverse range of customer needs by expanding upon the functions we offer, from lease finance, corporate finance, service provision, business participation, to business operation.

About Bio Fuel Co., Inc. Founded in 2005, Bio Fuel is a Tokyo based company that handles planning, design, and construction of fuel production facilities as well as the development of renewable energy resources and consulting on natural energy.

About Solariant Capital LLC/Co., Ltd. Solariant Capital is a utility scale renewable energy project development and finance company, focusing on solar and biomass projects in Asia and North America with its offices in Pasadena, California, Tokyo, Japan, Manila, Philippines, Seoul, Korea, and Hanoi, Vietnam. Solariant Capital and its wholly owned subsidiary Lumino Capital are currently developing a number of solar and biomass projects in Japan, Philippines and the U.S., as well as energy wood plantations and biomass pellet plants in S.E. Asia.

For further information, contact:

Daniel Kim, CFA
Managing Director
Solariant Capital, LLC
+1 213-364-1414
+81-80-3986-6554
Pasadena, CA / Tokyo, Japan
dkim@solariant.com

The Executive Women’s Forum on Information Security Risk Management & Privacy (EWF) Announces Markel as a New Corporate Benefactor

The Executive Women's Forum on Information Security Risk Management & Privacy (EWF) announces the Markel Corporation joining as a corporate benefactor. Corporate Benefactors support the EWF's community 365 days a year, enabling the EWF to continue their mission of attracting, developing and advancing women in information security, cybersecurity and privacy fields through education, leadership, development and the creation of trusted relationships. Read this for more information.

"The EWF is thrilled to have the Markel Corporation join as a corporate benefactor," said Lynn Terwoerds, EWF Executive Director. "We are thankful for Markel's partnership and commitment to the EWF's mission, as well as women and diversity everywhere."

The Markel Corporation will partner with the EWF by developing women leaders through their National Conference, mentorship and leadership programs, regional meetings, and networking events. This year marks the 17th Annual EWF National Conference: "Driving Digital Transformation" that took place October 15-17 at the Hyatt Regency in Scottsdale, Arizona. The EWF National Conference provides an exclusive opportunity to personally interact with more than 500 global thought leaders.

"We are excited about our partnership with EWF in supporting their mission to develop women leaders and help them succeed in the cybersecurity field," said Sue Davies, Chief Human Resources Officer, Markel Corporation. "Markel is committed to diversity and inclusion, and our foundation is built on guiding and empowering our employees through education, development, networking, and support. By working with EWF, we can expand on these efforts with our employees and the industry." Read news here.

About the Executive Women's Forum on Information Security, Risk Management & Privacy
Founded in 2002, the Executive Women's Forum on Information Security, Risk Management & Privacy (EWF) is the largest member organization dedicated to engaging, advancing and developing women leaders in Cybersecurity, IT Risk Management, Governance Risk & Compliance and Privacy. The EWF serves emerging leaders as well as the most prominent and influential women in our field by facilitating programs and events throughout the year, including a National Conference, regional meetings, leadership development, and mentorship programs as well as interaction with global thought leaders through an online community. For more information, visit http://www.ewf-usa.com

About Markel Corporation
Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. The Company's principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products. In each of the Company's businesses, it seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so that it can be a market leader. The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value. Visit Markel Corporation on the web at http://www.markel.com.

MATE Inspiration for Innovation Receives Motorola Solutions Foundation

MATE Inspiration for Innovation (MATE II) announced it received a grant for $45,000 from Motorola Solutions Foundation, the charitable arm of Motorola Solutions, Inc., to further expand its reach of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

MATE II is a nonprofit organization that challenges students to apply STEM skills in an underwater robotics competition called the MATE ROV (remotely operated vehicle) Competition. Through these dedicated grant funds, MATE II will target underrepresented populations in specific locations in Southern California, Illinois and South Florida with the goal of providing resources to get them involved in the competition and expose them to careers that they might not have otherwise considered. Motorola Solutions Foundation awards grants each year to organizations, such as MATE II, which support and advance public safety programs and technology and engineering education initiatives. Click here to read the latest news.

"We are so pleased to have been awarded Motorola Solutions Foundation funding again this year," said Jill Zande, president and executive director of MATE II. "This funding will allow us to establish a regional competition program in Colorado, as well as to engage and support underserved students in South Florida and Southern California and inner-city youth in Chicago. We are excited to introduce these students to STEM via the MATE ROV Competition, and to help them realize there are education and career opportunities available to them in STEM fields." Read related news now.

The MATE ROV Competition requires students to brainstorm and engineer solutions to problems based on real world scenarios, from removing plastics from our oceans to maintaining healthy waterways and ensuring public safety. The competition challenges students from K through 12, community colleges and universities throughout four levels (EXPLORER, RANGER, NAVIGATOR and SCOUT) to design, build and test underwater robots to complete specified, simulated, real-life missions. Students also must organize themselves into mock companies, which encourages them to develop entrepreneurial thinking, innovate and work together to essentially manufacture, market and sell their product (a.k.a. the ROV).

Competition consists of a network of 40 regional contests that take place around the world each spring with the winning teams advancing to the international championship. The 2020 MATE International ROV Competition, June 25-27, is expected to bring together more than 1,000 students as they descend in Villanova, Pennsylvania.

This year, Motorola grants will support programs that help more than two million students, teachers, first responders and community members around the globe. They have a specific focus on providing grants to programs that impact underrepresented populations, including females, minorities, people with disabilities, veterans and others.

"We are very pleased to support the work of MATE II," said Monica Mueller, executive director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation. "We believe in organizations that foster innovation and drive change, and we're proud to be part of the positive impact they are making in the community." Read related news here.

For additional information on Motorola Solutions Foundation grants program, visit motorolasolutions.com/foundation. For more information on MATE II, visit https://mateii.org .

About MATE II:
MATE Inspiration for Innovation (MATE II) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to inspire and challenge students to learn and apply scientific, engineering and technical skills. By providing real-world underwater problems to solve, MATE II inspires creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, entrepreneurship and innovation. MATE II, along with its sister organization the MATE Center, organizes the MATE International Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) competition and manages the network of 40 (and growing) regional competitions that take place around the world and feed into the international event. For more information on MATE II, the MATE ROV Competitions and annual giving campaign, visit https://mateii.org.

About the Motorola Solutions Foundation
The Motorola Solutions Foundation is the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions. With employees located around the globe, Motorola Solutions seeks to benefit the communities where it operates. The foundation achieves this by making strategic grants, forging strong community partnerships and fostering innovation. Motorola Solutions Foundation focuses its funding on public safety, disaster relief, employee programs and education, especially in science, technology, engineering and math. For more information on Motorola Solutions Corporate and Foundation giving, visit http://www.motorolasolutions.com/foundation