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Toledo Edison Completes Inspections and Maintenance Prior to Winter Weather

Preparing Equipment for Colder Weather Helps Enhance System Reliability

PR Newswire

AKRON, Ohio, Nov. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — To help keep the power flowing to customers through the cold winter months, Toledo Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), is completing inspections and conducting equipment maintenance on weather-sensitive equipment across its service area. 

Winter’s cold temperatures can produce increased demand for electricity, and heavy snow and wind have the potential to cause damage to poles, wires and substations, requiring crews to make repairs in difficult conditions. Completing inspections and maintenance of equipment now can help to enhance system reliability when the snow begins to fly.

“Winter maintenance procedures for our infrastructure, combined with fleet maintenance designed to prepare our vehicles for winter operations, make a difference when the weather turns cold,” said Rich Sweeney, regional president of Toledo Edison. “The steps we take now in advance of potential severe weather conditions help to enhance the service we provide to our customers.”

The work includes inspecting heating equipment for substation components, such as capacitor banks, transformers, and oil- and gas-filled circuit breakers. Some substations also include buildings that house protective relays, batteries and various control equipment. These structures will be winterized and have the heating systems checked.

Substation electricians inspect batteries used to power substation controls and protective relays that sense faults on the network and automatically operate circuit breakers to isolate those problems, helping to prevent damage to power lines and other power distribution equipment. Crews use special thermal-imaging cameras to detect hot spots invisible to the naked eye on equipment prone to overheating and malfunctioning as customers crank up their heaters to combat the cold.

Company bucket trucks and other vehicles are being inspected to help ensure safe operation during the winter season. Special emphasis is placed on the condition of tires and any air braking systems, which can freeze up if moisture is present. In addition, snow removal equipment is being checked. Plows are used to help crews gain access to substations, and to clear the work areas and sidewalks at company service garages and other facilities.

Helicopter patrols are completing inspections on FirstEnergy transmission lines located in the Toledo Edison area. The inspections are designed to look for damaged wire, broken cross arms, failed insulators, and other hardware problems not visible from the ground. Any potential reliability issues identified during the inspection can be addressed.  

In addition, tree trimming throughout the year helps meet the rigors of winter operations by maintaining proper clearances around electrical systems and helping to protect against tree-related outages. Toledo Edison has already completed trimming along more than 2,000 miles of lines in 2020, with work along approximately 75 more miles to be completed by the end of the year.

Employee safety remains a priority during the pandemic, and cold weather can impact the health and safety of our workers. Toledo Edison’s cold-weather operational procedures are reviewed with linemen, substation electricians, metermen and meter readers in advance of any frigid conditions. Toledo Edison personnel often take extra measures to stay warm when working in extreme cold to restore power after an outage. Driving safety is reviewed with the crews as winter often brings treacherous driving conditions. 

FirstEnergy’s utilities also have made it easier for customers to check the progress of service restoration efforts when they experience a power outage. The company’s 24/7 Power Center outage maps now display the status of crews restoring service after a power outage. With this enhancement, FirstEnergy utility customers can see when crews have been dispatched, when they are working on a repair, and when additional crews or equipment are needed to complete restoration work. This information is also provided through the companies’ web-based outage information and text messaging and alert services.

Toledo Edison serves more than 300,000 customers in northwest Ohio. Follow Toledo Edison on Twitter @ToledoEdisonor on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ToledoEdison.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company’s transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,500 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.

Editor’s Note:  Photos of FirstEnergy’s utilities’ winter inspection and maintenance programs are available for download on Flickr. A video of utility personnel conducting a thermovision inspection and explaining the work can be found on the company’s YouTube channel.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/toledo-edison-completes-inspections-and-maintenance-prior-to-winter-weather-301172198.html

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

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Penn Power Wraps Up Projects to Strengthen Electric System Ahead of Winter

Inspections and Maintenance Also Help Enhance Service Reliability for Customers

PR Newswire

NEW CASTLE, Pa., Nov. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — As winter approaches, the Pennsylvania Power Company (Penn Power), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), is wrapping up the installation of new interior fencing in three substations to help deter climbing animals that often seek food, shelter and warmth during the cold-weather months, as well as protect against electrical equipment interference that can cause power outages.

This work builds upon the company’s previous system upgrades that have eliminated animal-related power outages in two Mercer County substations where the fence applications were installed last year. The fencing – installed inside of a substation around the perimeter of the equipment – keeps the animals out of harm’s way and the electricity safely flowing to customers.

“Climbing animals present a threat to substation operation and electric service reliability,” said Ed Shuttleworth, regional president of Penn Power and Ohio Edison. “We are pleased to have experienced tremendous success with the interior fencing we installed last year, and we anticipate similar results with the new applications to help keep the power flowing safely and reliably to our customers this winter.”

The work is part of Penn Power’s second phase Long Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan (LTIIP II), approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to help enhance electric service for customers. Installation of the fencing was completed at a Mercer County substation in September and a Butler County substation in November. The remaining application will be installed at a Lawrence County substation by the end of this year.

Unlike other types of animal traps and deterrents, this special fencing completely prevents climbing animals from accessing the substation equipment and discourages them from trying again. Many climbing animals, like squirrels, have a highly developed memory that enables them to remember locations for food, warmth and shelter. With one brief contact with a fence panel, animals learn that a substation is not a welcoming location to visit and typically avoid protected substations in the future.

“A single substation outage can cost thousands of dollars in equipment damage and hundreds of man hours to repair as well as cause extended outages for customers served by that circuit,” said Shuttleworth. “The special fencing was an economical solution to prevent these types of service disruptions in the future.”

To determine the best locations for the interior substation fencing, utility personnel reviewed outage patterns across Penn Power’s service area and identified substations in Mercer, Cranberry and New Castle that had experienced animal-related equipment damage that caused lengthy power outages. These substations collectively serve nearly 15,000 customers in western Pennsylvania.

In preparation for winter, utility personnel also have completed inspections and conducted equipment maintenance on weather-sensitive equipment across its service area.

The work includes the use of special thermal-imaging cameras to detect hot spots, or weak points, invisible to the naked eye on electrical equipment prone to overheating and malfunctioning as customers crank up their heaters to combat the cold. Substation electricians also inspected batteries used to power relays that sense faults on the network and motors that automatically operate switches to isolate those problems, helping to prevent service interruptions or limit their size and scope.

Penn Power serves more than 160,000 customers in all or parts of Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Crawford, Lawrence and Mercer counties in western Pennsylvania. Follow Penn Power on Twitter @Penn_Power, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PennPower, and online at www.pennpower.com.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company’s transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,500 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.

Editor’s Note:  Photos of Penn Power crews installing an interior substation fence are available for download on Flickr. A video of utility personnel installing the fence application and explaining the work can be found on the company’s YouTube channel.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/penn-power-wraps-up-projects-to-strengthen-electric-system-ahead-of-winter-301172199.html

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

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Penelec Completes Inspections and Maintenance Prior to Winter Weather

Preparing Equipment for Colder Weather Helps Enhance System Reliability

PR Newswire

ERIE, Pa., Nov. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — With winter just around the corner, the Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), is inspecting and completing maintenance on weather-sensitive equipment to help enhance system resiliency and service reliability for customers in its 31-county western and central Pennsylvania service area.

Winter’s frigid temperatures can increase demand for electricity, and heavy snow, wind and ice have the potential to cause damage to poles, wires and substations, requiring crews to make repairs in difficult conditions. Completing inspections and maintenance of equipment before the snow falls can help keep power flowing to customers.

“Our preparations do not end with inspecting electrical infrastructure and preparing our vehicles for winter operations,” said Nick Austin, Penelec regional president. “Employee and public safety are our top priority. Ours is an unforgiving business, so we review cold-weather procedures and time-proven safety measures with our line workers and other field employees to help ensure not only their safety, but that of our customers during winter.”

Fall work includes inspecting heaters for substation components such as capacitor banks, circuit breakers and gas- and oil-filled transformers. Certain larger substations have buildings that house remote-controlled relay equipment, which are winterized and inspected to ensure their heating systems are ready for the season. 

Meanwhile, substation electricians diligently inspect batteries used to power relays that sense faults on the network and motors that automatically operate switches to isolate those problems, helping to prevent service interruptions or limit their size and scope. Crews use thermal-imaging cameras to detect hot spots invisible to the naked eye on equipment that could malfunction as customers crank up their heaters to combat the cold.

Mechanics inspect bucket trucks – the trusted workhorses of our fleet – to ensure they are safe to operate and ready to roll on snow-covered roads and freezing temperatures. Special emphasis is placed on the condition of tires and air brakes, which can freeze up if moisture is present. Snow removal equipment is checked as well, to ensure that a simple detail like ensuring access to substations, clear work areas and sidewalks at our service centers and other facilities is not overlooked.

Helicopter patrols also are completing inspections on approximately 2,500 miles of FirstEnergy transmission lines located in the Penelec area. The inspections are designed to look for damaged wire, broken cross arms, failed insulators, and other hardware problems invisible from the ground. Any potential reliability issues identified during the inspection can then be addressed.

Tree trimming throughout the year also helps meet the rigors of winter operations by maintaining proper clearances around electrical systems and helping to protect against tree-related outages. Penelec tree contractors have trimmed about 3,700 circuit miles of electric lines this year and are on track to complete nearly 4,300 total miles of trimming by the end of 2020.

In addition to preparing equipment and vehicles for winter, managers review cold-weather safety procedures with field employees, including how to traverse slippery conditions to avoid slips and falls. They are also reminded to hydrate and take frequent breaks in warm trucks to avoid frostbite and maintain sharp mental focus. Particular emphasis is placed on safe winter driving to ensure crews arrive safely to the work site. 

Penelec serves approximately 585,000 customers within 17,600 square miles of northern and central Pennsylvania. Follow Penelec on Twitter @Penelec and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PenelecElectric.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence.  Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company’s transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,500 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Visit FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and follow FirstEnergy on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.

Editor’s Note: Photos of workers conducting inspections to enhance service reliability for Penelec customers are available for download on Flickr. A video of utility personnel conducting a thermovision inspection and explaining the work can be found on the company’s YouTube channel.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/penelec-completes-inspections-and-maintenance-prior-to-winter-weather-301172193.html

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

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Met-Ed Completes Inspections and Maintenance Prior to Winter Weather

Preparing Equipment for Colder Weather Helps Enhance System Reliability

PR Newswire

READING, Pa., Nov. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — With winter just around the corner, Metropolitan Edison (Met-Ed), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), is inspecting and completing maintenance on weather-sensitive equipment to help enhance system resiliency and service reliability for customers in its 14-county eastern and south-central Pennsylvania service area. 

Winter’s frigid temperatures can increase demand for electricity, and heavy snow, wind and ice have the potential to cause damage to poles, wires and substations, requiring crews to make repairs in difficult conditions. Completing inspections and maintenance of equipment before the snow falls can help keep power flowing to customers.

“Our preparations do not end with inspecting electrical infrastructure and preparing our vehicles for winter operations,” said Linda Moss, Met-Ed regional president. “Employee and public safety are our top priority. Ours is an unforgiving business, so we review cold-weather procedures and time-proven safety measures with our line workers and other field employees to help ensure not only their safety, but that of our customers during winter.”

Fall work includes inspecting heaters for substation components such as capacitor banks, circuit breakers and gas- and oil-filled transformers. Certain larger substations have buildings that house remote-controlled relay equipment, which are winterized and inspected to ensure their heating systems are ready for the season. 

Meanwhile, substation electricians diligently inspect batteries used to power relays that sense faults on the network and motors that automatically operate switches to isolate those problems, helping to prevent service interruptions or limit their size and scope. Crews use thermal-imaging cameras to detect hot spots invisible to the naked eye on equipment that could malfunction as customers crank up their heaters to combat the cold.

Our mechanics inspect bucket trucks – the trusted workhorses of our fleet – to ensure they are safe to operate and ready to roll on snow-covered roads and freezing temperatures. Special emphasis is placed on the condition of tires and air brakes, which can freeze up if moisture is present. Snow removal equipment is checked as well, to ensure that a simple detail like ensuring access to substations, clear work areas and sidewalks at our service centers and other facilities is not overlooked.

Helicopter patrols also are completing inspections on approximately 1,400 miles of FirstEnergy transmission lines located in the Met-Ed area. The inspections are designed to look for damaged wire, broken cross arms, failed insulators, and other hardware problems invisible from the ground. Any potential reliability issues identified during the inspection can then be addressed.

Tree trimming throughout the year also helps meet the rigors of winter operations by maintaining proper clearances around electrical systems and helping to protect against tree-related outages. Met-Ed tree contractors have trimmed about 2,600 circuit miles of electric lines this year and are on track to complete nearly 3,200 total miles of trimming by the end of 2020.

In addition to preparing equipment and vehicles for winter, managers review cold-weather safety procedures with field employees, including how to traverse slippery conditions to avoid slips and falls. They are also reminded to hydrate and take frequent breaks in warm trucks to avoid frostbite and maintain sharp mental focus. Particular emphasis is placed on safe winter driving to ensure crews arrive safely to the work site. 

Met-Ed serves approximately 570,000 customers in 14 Pennsylvania counties.  Follow Met-Ed on Twitter @Met Ed and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MetEdElectric.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence.  Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company’s transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,500 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Visit FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and follow FirstEnergy on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.

Editor’s Note: Photos of workers conducting inspections to enhance service reliability for Met-Ed customers are available for download on Flickr. A video of utility personnel conducting a thermovision inspection and explaining the work can be found on the company’s YouTube channel.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/met-ed-completes-inspections-and-maintenance-prior-to-winter-weather-301172194.html

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

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Borrego Health’s Triumph Transgender Services to Open in Coachella Valley

Cathedral City, CA, Nov. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Borrego Health is proud to announce the grand opening of its Triumph Trans Services; their first multidisciplinary healthcare service center for transgender and gender-nonconforming (nonbinary) patients. The new center is located at Stonewall Medical Center in Cathedral City, and will be open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

While trans patients have always been welcomed at all of Borrego Health’s clinics, Triumph will provide essential healthcare and social services to meet the unique needs of this patient population. Moreover, services will be offered in an environment that is culturally sensitive, positive, and affirming. 

Borrego Health’s department of trans medicine was established in 2017, and designated as the region’s first and only “Center for Excellence in Transgender Health” by the Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) in 2018. Led by a team of mostly trans and nonbinary professionals, it has grown to become one of the largest and most successful transgender medical practices in the nation.

“Today, we have over 1,000 patients who visit us from all over Southern California,” said Dr. Patric Schine, Borrego Health’s Director of Trans Medicine. “The Triumph Center was designed with our trans patients in mind, and the opening of this new facility will enable us to accommodate many more patients in the future. We are just getting started.”

ln addition to primary care, hormone therapy, wellness exams, referrals for surgeries, support services, and community resources, Triumph patients may access all other Borrego Health’s services. These include internal medicine, reproductive health, pediatrics, dentistry, hepatitis B & C care, HIV/AIDS care, behavioral health, and urgent care. 

A socially distanced ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Monday, November 16, to celebrate the grand opening of Triumph. The event will be livestreamed at 12:00 PM PST on Borrego Health’s social media outlets, and tracked with the following hashtags: #triumphtrans, #transhealth, and #borregohealth.

Borrego Health serves more than 260,000 patients throughout San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego counties, and is one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Centers in the nation. For more information about Borrego Health and its Department of Trans Medicine, visit www.borregohealth.org/transgender-health.

For more information, please contact Michael Woodward, Trans Community Health Manager, at [email protected].

Vitor Coral
Borrego Health
(760) 423-5058
[email protected]

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WHAT TO GIVE THE ESSENTIAL OIL LOVER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

PLEASANT GROVE, UTAH, Nov. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A smile, a hug, and a thoughtful gift bring some of the happiest moments during the holiday season. Essential oils provide a wholesome and uplifting environment and are sure to be among the most memorable gifts this holiday season. doTERRA features several products to add peace and wellness to the lives of those you love.

Holiday Joy

Holiday Joy is a proprietary essential oil blend favored since its introduction 10 years ago. The warm, sweet scent of Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Wild Orange pair with Clove, Siberian Fir and Vanilla Absolute to create the optimal festive atmosphere. This special blend simultaneously works to purify the air and uplift your mood due to the cleansing properties of Clove and Wild Orange essential oils.

Holiday Peace

Holiday Peace recently joined doTERRA’s holiday offering, but has quickly become a seasonal staple. Holiday Peace, affectionately referred to by many as a “Christmas tree in a bottle,” is a calming blend of essential oils from three fir trees, combined with Grapefruit, Frankincense, and Vetiver to create a peaceful environment when used aromatically.

Ultrasonic Diffuser

One of the best ways to use essential oils is with an ultrasonic diffuser. This popular type of diffuser disperses a light mist of water along with your chosen essential oil. doTERRA’s Volo diffuser is the perfect balance of design and function. Available in two modern colors, marble and onyx, the Volo is sure to complement your holiday décor at home or in the office. Add a couple drops of Holiday Joy to the diffuser and experience the warm, welcoming scent of the holidays.

Yoga Collection

We all have friends or family members who loves Yoga. Whether they practice Bikram, Ashtanga, or another type, they can benefit from incorporating essential oils into their routines. The benefits of aromatherapy are often overlooked, especially during meditation. The doTERRA Yoga Collection is a set of three blends, Anchor, Align and Arise, specifically formulated for use during Yoga. Each blend is designed for a variety of specific poses. Anchor pairs with seated meditation or Bhu Mudra and promotes feelings of completeness and courage. Align pairs with Warrior II or Triangle and encourages harmony and calm progress. Arise pairs with standing side stretch or Half Moon and instills feelings of happiness and clarity. This thoughtful collection of oils is sure to be remembered gift for the special yogi in your life.

 

About doTERRA

dōTERRA® International is an integrative health and wellness company and the world leader in the Global Aromatherapy and Essential Oils market. dōTERRA sources, tests, manufactures and distributes CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® essential oils and essential oil products to over eight million dōTERRA Wellness Advocates and customers. Through industry leading responsible sourcing practices, dōTERRA maintains the highest levels of quality, purity and sustainability in partnership with local growers around the world through Cō-Impact Sourcing®. The dōTERRA Healing Hands Foundation®, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, offers resources and tools to global sourcing communities and charitable organizations for self-reliance, healthcare, education, sanitation, and the fight against human trafficking. Through the life-enhancing benefits of essential oils, dōTERRA is changing the world one drop, one person, one community at a time. To learn more, visit www.doterra.com.

 

Attachment 

Kevin Wilson
doTERRA
[email protected]

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UnitedAg Announces 2020 Vocational Scholarship Recipients

Irvine, CA, Nov. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — This year, the Agribusiness Education Foundations’ Vocational Scholarship Program has awarded a total of $4,225 to two UnitedAg members seeking to further their education and specific training in agriculture.

In Gonzales, California, Petra Mena of V&V Farms was awarded $2,500 to pursue her career in Business Administration. Sandra Bravo of Mann Packing Co., Inc. in Salinas, California, was awarded $1,725 to complete a certification in Worker’s Compensation Claims Administration. 

“At UnitedAg, we are thrilled to be able to present these vocational scholarship recipients with these awards to help them financially in their chosen agricultural specific goals. We wish them the best in their future endeavors. Thank you for being the best part of UnitedAg; a member.” said Raul Solis, Chair of the Education Committee for UnitedAg. 

The vocational scholarship program was developed to provide financial support for UnitedAg member employees seeking agriculture job-specific education and training at certified vocational schools, trade schools, or other institutions. Recipients are selected based on both merit and need. 

Since its inception, the Agribusiness Education Foundation has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarship monies to more than 950 students. 

UnitedAg will recognize the Vocational Scholarship recipients during a special virtual ceremony set to take place Tuesday, November 17, at 9:00 am. 

About UnitedAg

Founded in 1980, UnitedAg is a member-owned agricultural trade association dedicated to providing innovative health benefits and services for a strong and healthy agricultural industry. UnitedAg represents more than 1,000 agriculture-affiliated member organizations, including agricultural companies (growers, shippers, coolers, processors, dairy and livestock producers, and supporting businesses); associates; cooperatives; and partner agricultural associations. UnitedAg helps its members meet their employee benefits needs, promotes their interest with lawmakers, and helps them achieve their academic and career goals. Based in Irvine, Calif., UnitedAg has offices and health and wellness centers in Oxnard, Salinas, Fresno, Napa, Colusa, King City, Turlock, Selma, and Santa Maria. For more information, visit unitedag.org. 

Attachments 

Maribel Ochoa
UnitedAg
7146155583
[email protected]

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Latin American Bitcoin & Blockchain Conference Gathers Industry Leaders for One-of-a-Kind Digital Experience December 7-12

LABITCONF speakers include Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao, Keiser Report’s Max Keiser and Stacey Herbert, and Bitcoin developer and entrepreneur Jameson Lopp

LATIN AMERICA, Nov. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (via Blockchain Wire) – The Latin American Bitcoin & Blockchain Conference (LABITCONF), the longest running bitcoin and blockchain event in the region, today announced its 8th annual event, LABITCONF 2020, will be held on December 7-12, 2020.  The event will replicate the enormous success of previous years with a one-of-a-kind digital experience featuring key international industry players represented for the first time in Motion Capture 3D.  Attendees are invited to pre-register for free on the event page.

LABITCONF 2020 Key Speakers Include: 

  • Changpeng Zhao “CZ” – Founder and CEO of Binance, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange
  • Max Keiser – Co-Host and Producer of Keiser Report, Founder of Bitcoin Capital & Heisenberg Capital
  • Stacy Herbert – American producer and writer, Bitcoin enthusiast, and Co-Host  of Keiser Report
  • Jameson Lopp – Bitcoin Developer, Co-Founder and CTO of Casa,  Cypherpunk, Advisor at INX, Editor of BTC Times, and contributor to the New York Times
  • Jimmy Song – Bitcoin educator, developer, and entrepreneur, lecturer and author of Programming Bitcoin and The Little Bitcoin Book
  • Giacomo Zucco – Bitcoin maximalist and educator, Bitcoin-related tech startup entrepreneur, and CEO of BlockchainLabit
  • Alakanani Itireleng – Leads the promotion of Bitcoin from Botswana to help the unbanked in Africa, founder of SatoshiCentre

LABITCONF’s new experience will take place in a hybrid digital format that will combine animated videos, roundtables and live streaming presentations with blockchain industry leaders, as well as networking opportunities. Unfolding in three hours each day, sessions will tackle important topics in the global crypto ecosystem, and will be offered in Spanish and  English. Attendees will learn the basic fundamentals and the  latest innovations in decentralized technologies.

“In a world where virtual communication is our main connection, LABITCONF will enrich the experience through new formats of interaction and exchange with those who are at the forefront of this industry,” said Rodolfo Andragnes, LABITCONF Chief General Coordinator.

LABITCONF invites all public and private institutions, investors, entrepreneurs, and the general public interested in the technical, political, and legal foundations of blockchain technology to attend. The event will explore the  impact that cryptocurrencies have on the Latin American and global scene, and their potential for social and financial transformation.  

Complimentary pre-registration is available here: www.labitconf.com.

For more information, follow @LABITCONF on social media and use the hashtag #LABITCONF2020 on Twitter.  

About LABITCONF  

Now in its 8th year, the “Latin American Bitcoin & Blockchain  Conference” (LABITCONF), is the oldest and most relevant blockchain event in the  region. Year after year 90+ international speakers share their  knowledge with attendees from different industries  with entrepreneurs and investors from Oceania, Asia and Europe.  

This non-profit event is organized annually in different Latin  American countries, with the aim of making visible the diverse trajectories  and initiatives of local projects that explore decentralized technologies.  

LABITCONF has positioned itself as the most prominent  Latin  American event for the crypto adopter ecosystem. This region has suffered  frequent currency crises and abusive capital controls, which is why these  countries have been more open to rethinking new alternatives and adopting  decentralized technologies through blockchain solutions. LABITCONF has fostered entrepreneurship, growing a  network of blockchain communities from several Latin  American countries that has led to the start of many large-scale projects.  

More about LABITCONF www.labitconf.com 

Social Media 

-Twitter: @labitconf https://twitter.com/labitconf 

-Linkedin: @labitconf https://www.linkedin.com/company/labitconf 

-Instagram @labitconf https://www.instagram.com/labitconf/ 

-Facebook @labitconf https://www.facebook.com/labitconf 

Rodolfo Andragnes  
Chief General Coordinator 
+5491132943255  
[email protected]

Media Contact: Erika Zapanta 
[email protected]

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Smartronix Achieves Six Years of AWS Excellence as an Audited Managed Service Provider (MSP)

Company recognized as leading provider of Cloud managed services with AWS technologies

HERNDON, Va., Nov. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Smartronix, a Gartner Magic Quadrant-recognized leader of next-generation Cloud solutions and managed services, Agile development, and digital transformation, has achieved Audited AWS MSP Partner status for the sixth year in a row. This partner designation recognizes AWS Partner Network (APN) Partners who pass a comprehensive third-party audit of all MSP capabilities. It also distinguishes Smartronix as a partner who has demonstrated expertise to support customers through all phases of the Cloud adoption lifecycle, including plan, design, migrate, build, and optimize. The AWS Audited MSP stamp provides customers with the assurance that Smartronix has met the most stringent MSP requirements with Experts who will enable their mission-critical platforms to be successfully deployed and managed in the Cloud. Smartronix also has been named a Leader for the third time in Gartner’s 2020 Magic Quadrant for Public Cloud Infrastructure Professional and Managed Services, Worldwide. Read the complimentary report here: https://gartnermq.smartronix.com.

Commenting on the achievement, Rob Groat, Executive Vice President of Technology and Strategy said, “as our customers continue to leverage and expand their use of the AWS platform, our acknowledgement by AWS as an Audited MSP for the sixth year in a row and Gartner recognition in the Magic quadrant for a third consecutive year provides customers with the confidence that Smartronix meets the highest level of MSP requirements and capabilities.”

In addition to being an AWS MSP, Smartronix has been an AWS Premier Partner for an unprecedented eight consecutive years, placing the company in the top 1% of all AWS partners globally; and has earned an additional 11 AWS competencies, including DevOps, Migration, and Non-Profit.


About Smartronix


, LLC


Smartronix, an OceanSound Partners company, designs, builds, manages, and secures the world’s mission-critical Cloud solutions. We are the leading provider of next-generation multi-Cloud platforms to highly regulated and security-first organizations. Smartronix provides world-class expertise in application migration, digital modernization, and solution automation; and has created an industry-leading FedRAMP and DoD-accredited Cloud Assured Managed Services (CAMS) and Managed Security Services solution. For more information, please visit  https://www.smartronix.com/services/cloud-computing


About Gartner’s Magic Quadrant


Gartner intends this Magic Quadrant to be used to select an MSP when the customer strongly prioritizes best-practice adoption and management of a hyperscale provider — where the native capabilities of the hyperscale platform, combined with additional automation, are used to deliver greater reliability, security and agility while reducing costs. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product, or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

E-Mail: [email protected]

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BlueJeans by Verizon and RightsTrade transform entertainment licensing experience

What you need to know:

  • RightsTrade and BlueJeans are collaborating to make the online content licensing experience easier for acquiring film and television rights
  • By integrating BlueJeans Meetings into the RightsT
    r
    ade platform, users can leverage the power of video to present market lineups, explore content, and connect and negotiate deals virtuall
    y
  • Launching alongside the American Film Market (AFM) 2020 Online, RightsTrade is showcasing its marketplace to entertainment executives and industry insiders

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Nov. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BlueJeans by Verizon today announced a collaboration with RightsTrade, a leading global online content rights marketplace, to further transform global entertainment licensing and recreate face-to-face market experiences online.

Through this collaboration, BlueJeans’ video conferencing capabilities will be integrated into RightsTrade’s core offering, giving users further flexibility and powerful video technology to present market lineups, explore content, and connect and negotiate deals virtually. The new platform will formally launch this November alongside the American Film Market (AFM) 2020 Online, taking place this month, of which RightsTrade is a premier sponsor.

As a trusted, enterprise-grade video conferencing platform, BlueJeans’ technology will enable the RightsTrade community to simply and securely connect and share high-quality video content directly in video conferences. These features, alongside BlueJeans’ built-in Dolby Voice® capability for stunningly clear audio and RightsTrade’s “My Meetings” hub, will allow film and TV sellers to provide content walk-throughs and share video assets directly, all within one integrated solution that provides a new level of quality and convenience.

“As we have all learned during this pandemic, video conferencing is a powerful medium for connecting people so they can meet and get work done productively,” said Krish Ramakrishnan, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, BlueJeans by Verizon. “At BlueJeans, our customers always come first, which is why we worked hand-in-hand with the RightsTrade team to ensure our product was designed to suit their specific needs. With entertainment going digital right now, we’re honored that RightsTrade has decided to partner with BlueJeans and look forward to helping them transform how entertainment executives meet and negotiate licensing deals through their interactive, virtual content marketplace.”

RightsTrade CEO, Bill Lischak says, “Early on, we identified the need our sellers and buyers had in “virtual market” settings to present filmmaker presentations, sizzle reels, cut footage and other assets with the best possible viewer experience. We researched the market and were blown away with the quality experience users have with BlueJeans’ technological approach to video sharing. We immediately embarked upon incorporating the technology into the virtual market initiatives we had secured with this year’s Hong Kong FILMART Online and NATPE Budapest. Now we’re fully integrating this technology into our core platform as we head toward supporting exhibitors and buyers at this year’s AFM Online 2020. We could not be happier with the added power this tool brings to RightsTrade.”

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is celebrating its 20th year as one of the world’s leading providers of technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $131.9 billion in 2019. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

About RightsTrade

RightsTrade is the industry’s leading online marketplace for film, television and digital media distribution rights. By connecting distributors with content owners, RightsTrade’s global marketplace makes it easier, faster and more cost-efficient for buyers and sellers to license content rights. Studios, content owners, distributors and sales agents already trust RightsTrade to promote, screen and sell 6,000+ titles to a growing community of 30,000+ industry executives in over 125 countries.

RightsTrade’s leadership team focuses on developing commercial and backend solutions for leading film and television companies, with decades of experience implementing back-end and front-end solutions for more than 50 leading media and entertainment companies. RightsTrade has recently been providing “virtual market” functionality to the industry, including having built and powered FILMART Online’s market platform, along with meeting and screening tools for the NATPE International Budapest market.

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Media contact:

Erin Cheever

[email protected]

@emdowling