Category Archives: Business

Frank Dadah Elevated to Senior Vice President at MCG Partners

Boston, MA, April 06, 2024 –MCG Partners, a prominent firm specializing in leadership, culture, and talent optimization, is pleased to announce the promotion of Frank Dadah to the position of Senior Vice President of Consulting Services. This promotion recognizes Mr. Dadah exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled consulting services to their clients.

In his previous role, Mr. Dadah played a pivotal role in expanding MCG’s client base and utilization of executive coaching, management training, leadership development, and DEI solutions. His dedication to excellence and innovative problem-solving demonstrated his capability to lead our consulting services team to new heights.

As Senior Vice President of Consulting Services, Frank will drive the continued growth of MCG Services. His wealth of experience and deep understanding of our clients’ needs position him as a driving force behind the continued success and growth of our consulting services.

MCG Partners’ CEO, Chuck Mollor, expressed confidence in Mr. Dadah’s ability to excel in his new role, stating, “MCG Partners is thrilled to recognize Frank for his significant accomplishments and are excited for his continued success. Through his commitment to our culture and values, Frank embodies MCG Partners’ commitment to fostering impactful relationships with clients.”

Leif Assurance Hires Commercial Lines Account Manager

St. Louis, MO, April 06, 2024 — Leif Assurance, a full-service insurance agency that exclusively handles construction insurance, recently hired Mayra Galvan as Commercial Lines Account Manager.

In her new role, Galvan will be responsible for managing all aspects of the renewal process for Leif Assurance’s clients, as well as assisting with new business acquisitions. She will also be overseeing the needs of current client accounts and ensuring they are handled in a timely manner.

Galvan brings 13 years of insurance industry experience to her position. Prior to joining Leif Assurance, she held various roles including Senior Insurance Account Executive where she managed a $6 million book of business, and as an Insurance & Property Tax Manager overseeing both commercial and personal lines accounts.

Galvan is an Elite Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR), a nationally recognized designation for insurance customer representatives who have achieved Elite Status by demonstrating a commitment to customer service and insurance knowledge. As an Elite CISR, she possesses a strong understanding of commercial and personal lines coverages, technical insurance information, risk management concepts, and best practices for running an insurance agency.

“Mayra’s Elite CISR designation shows her dedication to our industry in terms of sales and service expertise,” said Leif Assurance CEO JD Powers. “Her extensive background makes her an excellent asset to our team, and we look forward to sharing her technical insurance knowledge with our growing list of clients.”

Founded in 2022, Leif Assurance offers actionable risk management, as well as data-driven pricing models to build the most accurate risk profiles so contractors are rewarded for safe job sites with earned insurance savings. Leif provides cost-effective and comprehensive insurance solutions for worker’s compensation, general liability, builders’ risk, inland marine, and commercial auto.

Leif Assurance is the sister company of Powers Insurance & Risk Management and Valley Insurance Agency Alliance (VIAA), a cohesive family of more than 160 independent insurance agencies in Missouri and Illinois. Powers Insurance & Risk Management is one of the largest family owned and operated independent insurance agencies in the bi-state region. All three companies are located at 6825 Clayton Ave.

Apex Restaurant & Market Solutions Opens Newest Cafe

Kansas City, MO, April 06, 2024 –Apex Restaurant & Market Solutions recently opened a new café at the Overland Park Xchange located at 6800 W. 115th St. in Overland Park, Kan. The newly branded Sunflower Café is a 12,000-square-foot space which seats 250 guests and is open to the building’s tenants that include Dynamic Logistix, Optum Rx, Selectquote Auto & Home Insurance, and United Healthcare.

Apex Restaurant & Market Solutions is the largest independently owned corporate food service company based in Missouri with offices in St. Louis, Kansas City, Colorado, and Iowa. Elite Cuisine, Apex’s exceptional culinary experience, will handle all corporate dining and catering services at the new café.

Elite Cuisine employees Nikki Beebe, who has been with the company for 18 years, was promoted to Sunflower Café’s manager, and Titus Singleton, who has been with Elite for three years, was named chef.

More than 1,000 employees who work in the building will be able to dine at the Sunflower Café, which offers a diverse range of dining options including hot breakfast and lunch entrées, a full soup and salad bar, and comprehensive catering services. The café’s space is ideal for tenants to enjoy a meal, hold meetings, or organize large business events with catered food service. Operating hours are from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays.

“Corporate food service has evolved significantly since COVID when many employees worked from home,” said Apex Restaurant & Market Solutions President & Founding Partner Brian Porembski. “We have helped our clients shift their perspective toward food service benefits post-pandemic. Focusing on providing easily accessible, healthy food options has become a crucial incentive for employees returning to the office. This change reflects a growing awareness of the importance of convenient, high quality food choices in the workplace.”

Folio.YVR Magazine Launches Two New Luxury Lifestyle Series

Vancouver, Canada, April 06, 2024 — EcoLuxLuv Marketing & Communications Inc. is announcing the launch of two community-based series on its FolioYVR.com platform. With a projected visitor count of more than 150,000 by the end of 2024, this dynamic website is rapidly gaining momentum due to its commitment to delivering only the highest quality, impeccably written content that truly celebrates and speaks to an elevated lifestyle.

FolioYVR.com is an online destination that pays homage to the unique and luxurious West Coast lifestyle of BC. As a digital partner to Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, FolioYVR.com has quickly become the go-to source for those seeking the finest in lifestyle inspiration.

“The Contour Concierge,” hosted by Beauty, Health & Wellness Ambassador Jade Massie. is an exclusive, limited-time sponsored series that has been specifically designed to showcase some of the most exciting advancements and opportunities in the beauty and aesthetics industries. From the latest products and technologies to the most innovative people and anti-aging techniques, “The Contour Concierge” promises to be a unique and unforgettable journey for all those who follow it.

Helen Siwak, Publisher and EIC of Folio.YVR shared: “Today, we are delighted to launch the series with a spotlight on the new luxury spa at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver. Known as ‘retreat,’ this stunning spa is centrally located on the cusp of the city’s exclusive ‘Luxury Zone.’ Led by a team of talented women who truly understand the needs of those seeking a rejuvenating escape, retreat offers a range of products and services that reflect the West Coast’s commitment to sustainability, cruelty-free practices, and clean living.”

The second series, “Vancouver Vices,” is dedicated to showcasing the very best of the city’s luxury realm, as seen through the eyes of Vices Ambassador Douglas J. Scammell. This twelve-part series is designed to appeal to those who love the finer things in life, from wine, whisky, and cigars to fine dining, driving, and beyond. Expect VIP event coverage, insider interviews with personalities from the world of luxury, and ‘Best of Vancouver’ lists, which are perfect for those just starting on a journey of discovery.

Siwak continues: “We are thrilled to launch ‘Vancouver Vices’ today with a special spotlight on Comox Valley Formula race car driver, 18-year-old Nicole Havrda, and her much-anticipated appearance at ELEVATE: Vancouver Auto Show, which broke attendance records this year.”

Each week, these captivating Folio.YVR stories will be delivered straight to Inbox via a stylish newsletter to ELL Comm’s database of over 35,000 professionals. Additionally, recipients can follow the series through social media -@thecontourconcierge and @vancouvervices.

Marriott St. Louis Grand Unveils Its Maker’s Mark

St. Louis, MO, April 06, 2024 — Marriott St. Louis Grand is thrilled to announce its ongoing partnership with Maker’s Mark® to produce the 1917 Grand Reserve Statler Edition bourbon. The name of this custom bourbon pays homage to when the hotel opened in 1917 as the Statler Hotel and the hotel’s historic landmark Statler Ballroom.

Starting April 11, the specialty bourbon will be available for purchase at the 8th Street Pantry, Great Room, and Zenia Bar & Grille at $18 a glass and $175 for a 750 ml bottle. Zenia Bar & Grille customers will also be able to enjoy the bourbon in craft cocktails. To celebrate the rollout of the Statler Edition bourbon, Zenia Bar & Grille customers can enjoy live music by popular local musician Mike Mattingly on April 11 from 5 pm to 7 pm.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Maker’s Mark® with the release of our single-barrel 1917 Grand Reserve Statler Edition,” said Theona Simbrat, the General Manager at Marriott St. Louis Grand. “Our guests have been looking forward to our next barrel. It has a different flavor profile that was chosen by our staff, and we are excited to share it with our guests and visitors.”

Maker’s Mark® hosted Marriott St. Louis Grand Associates at their headquarters in Kentucky. The team gained a greater understanding of a flavor profile and the history of Maker’s Mark® as they crafted a bourbon that takes hotel guests and visitors back in time with a flavor profile consistent with bourbon from the history of both establishments.

As participants of the Maker’s Mark® Private Selection program, Marriott St. Louis Grand created their own version of Maker’s Mark® bourbon whiskey. Each barrel contains cask-strength Maker’s Mark® and is fitted with 10 staves, the flat wooden sticks that form the sides of the barrel. There are 5 different stave types, resulting in over 1,000 possible combinations.

With the help of a Maker’s Mark® tasting panel, Grand Associates selected the following stave profile.
· 1 part Baked American Pure 2
· 3 parts Seared French Cuvée
· 3 parts Maker’s Mark 46®
· 2 parts Roasted French Mendiant
· 1 part Toasted French Spire

The characteristics of the profile are as follows.
· Baked American Pure 2 – American oak slowly toasted adds notes of brown sugar, vanilla, caramel, and spice.
· Seared French Cuvée – ridge-cut French oak seared with infrared heat adds notes of oak and caramel.
· Maker’s Mark 46® – French oak seared adds notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and spice.
· Roasted French Mendiant – French oak cooked at low temperatures in a convection oven adds notes of milk chocolate, nuts, and dried fruit.
· Toasted French Spire – French oak toasted at first at high and then low temperatures in a convection oven adds notes of smoke, coumarin, and spice.

To complete the creation of the 1917 Grand Reserve Statler Edition bourbon, the whiskey aged at Maker’s Mark®’s limestone cellar in its custom barrel for 9 weeks. It’s 111.3 proof and has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 55.65%.

April monetary policy by Dharmakirti Joshi, Chief Economist, CRISIL

By Dharmakirti Joshi, Chief Economist, CRISIL

Awaiting a better handle on price trends

As expected, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.50%. It has been 14 months since the rate was last raised. That said, over the last year, the central bank did tighten monetary conditions by reducing liquidity.

With inflation trends mixed, the MPC prefers to wait for clearer signs of easing towards its 4% target. Strong growth momentum in the economy has provided it space to do so.

While food inflation was above 8% in the most recent reading, non-food was way lower at 2.9%. Core inflation at 3.4% was well below RBI’s 4% target.

Monsoon this year could be better than last year, with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expecting La Niña conditions to develop by June-August, which augurs well for the southwest monsoon. Last year El Niño and weak rains curtailed food output. This would be positive for rural demand as well as food inflation in the current fiscal.

The picture of monsoon will be clearer by the next MPC review meeting in June.

Easing food inflation and benign non-food inflation should bring headline inflation closer to the RBI’s target of 4%. That said, any weather disruptions and sustained uptick in crude oil prices will remain monitorable.

The transmission impact of rate hikes since May 2022 and regulatory measures on risky lending are still playing out. We expect growth and inflation in fiscal 2025 at 6.8% and 4.5%, respectively.

Overall, the macro environment is likely to turn favorable for a rate cut by mid-2024 in our base case, lest oil prices and monsoons play a spoilsport.

Views of Real Estate Developer Anant Raj Limited on RBI MPC Meeting’s Outcome

By Mr. Aman Sarin, Director & Chief Executive Officer, Anant Raj Limited

We appreciate the RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.5%, marking the seventh consecutive instance of maintaining stability in the rate.

Stable interest rates are beneficial for the economy and are conducive to positive consumer sentiments. Home loan borrowers are finding relief due to the steady interest rates, enabling them to proceed with their borrowing plans confidently. This will also positively impact the Housing Sector and its expansion due to steady Cost.

How technologies like Alexa can empower the elderly and persons with disabilities to live a healthier life

As we celebrate World Health Day on April 7, it’s essential to recognize the role of technology in fostering healthier lifestyles in today’s dynamic way of life, particularly for the elderly and people with disabilities. From setting reminders to staying on top of a medication schedule, practicing mindfulness, dietary recommendations to lifestyle modifications, voice AIs like Alexa can offer assistance tailored to diverse health needs, empowering individuals to take control of their health and make informed decisions. With Alexa-integrated Echo smart speakers, users can have a companion that provides access to a wide range of tools and resources to help them prioritize their well-being.

Alexa facilitates the management of daily tasks, fostering smoother mornings, heightened productivity, and overall well-being. Control smart home appliances with simple voice commands such as “Alexa, switch on the geyser at 8:30 AM”. Commands such as “Alexa, remind me to take my medicines at 9:00 PM every night” or “Alexa, send me reminders for my doctor’s appointment this Friday”, can help users to stay on top of their routines. Additionally, users can look up products and groceries on Amazon, enjoy stories, jokes, and music, and set reminders for various tasks, further enriching their daily experiences.

Here are some ways technologies like Alexa can empower the elderly and persons with disability to live a healthier life:

1. Empower healthier living through informative insights on nutrition: Alexa serves as a comprehensive resource for promoting healthier lifestyles by offering a plethora of resources and guidance. From accessing recipes, offering healthier ingredient substitutes, checking calorie counts, and nutritional information, users have a repository of health-related information. Just ask “Alexa, how many calories in an aloo paratha?” or “Alexa, share Quinoa recipes” and make healthier dietary choices. Users can set reminders to stay hydrated, ensuring optimal water intake throughout the day by saying “Alexa, remind me to drink water every hour”.
2. Assist users in maintaining a consistent workout schedule: Alexa offers exercise tips and curated workout playlists from various music providers, adding variety and motivation for getting physically active. Users can request quick workouts, set timers for exercises like planks, and even practice yoga through various skills. For example, just ask “Alexa, give me an easy yoga exercise for building strength”, “Alexa, set a timer for three minutes” to hold a plank or “Alexa, play the workout playlist from my Amazon Music.”
3. Provide support to manage stress and mental well-being: Isolation and loneliness are common issues faced by the elderly with families living a distance away. Users can access meditation and mindfulness resources, including the Audible sleep series, by simply asking “Alexa, help me sleep” to play Audible podcasts. Commands like “Alexa, play guided meditation” or “Alexa, play healing sounds” can foster a serene bedtime ambiance, facilitating the establishment of a regular sleep routine.
4. Strengthen connection and bring loved ones closer: Alexa can help users to stay connected and socialize with friends and family, further enhancing their mental well-being. Through commands like “Alexa, open Bingo” or “Alexa, play the game Tic Tac Toe”, fun games can be played with loved ones, fostering quality time with family. Furthermore, it enables users to drop in on elderly relatives using screen devices to video call them, via commands such as “Alexa, video call grandpa.” This not only combats feelings of isolation but also promotes a sense of belonging and social engagement, contributing to their overall mental and emotional health.

On this World Health Day, let us recognize the collaborative role that technology can play in improving the health and lifestyle of people, catering to their diverse needs and preferences.

Indian Street Premier League’s Inaugural Season Ignites street2stadium Revolution

Mumbai, 6th April 2024: The concept of #Street2Stadium has transcended mere imagination with the inaugural Indian Street Premier League (ISPL). The tournament, heralded as India’s pioneering tennis ball T10 cricket extravaganza played inside a stadium, was masterfully orchestrated by a distinguished Core Committee comprising legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Ashish Shelar, Amol Kale, and Suraj Samat. The air crackled with anticipation as the ISPL unfolded its maiden spectacle, held amidst the pulsating ambiance of the Dadoji Konddev Stadium in Thane. Under the floodlights, cricket aficionados converged to witness the fusion of raw talent and electrifying passion.

Six formidable teams—Majhi Mumbai, KVN Bangalore Strikers, Srinagar Ke Veer, Chennai Singams, Falcon Risers Hyderabad, and Tiigers of Kolkata—battled fiercely for supremacy in the gripping 10-day showdown. The arena became a cauldron of unbridled excitement, with the very essence of the tennis ball cricket ecosystem pulsating through every moment.

The ISPL cast its enchanting spell, captivating the hearts of millions. Sony Pictures Network, the league’s official broadcaster, witnessed an unprecedented surge in viewership, with its overall reach (including TV and digital) soaring to a whopping *11 million. Meanwhile, the stands reverberated with the cheers of nearly 5 lakh fervent fans, igniting an atmosphere of pure cricketing euphoria.

Reflecting on the success, Suraj Samat, League Commissioner, ISPL, said, “The overwhelming response to the ISPL underscores the deep-rooted passion for our beloved gully cricket in our country. We are immensely proud to have provided a platform for street cricketers to showcase their talent and for fans to enjoy a new era of sports entertainment.”

Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, SPNI, official broadcasters of the Indian Street Premier League, said, “The inaugural edition of the Indian Street Premier League highlights the immense talent pool for cricket in India. It has also showcased the passion for gully cricket in our country. Sony Sports Network is proud of its association with ISPL and looks forward to exploring new avenues to engage with sports fans in India”.

The Indian Street Premier League, an unprecedented blend of cricketing prowess and star-studded entertainment, has set a new benchmark in sporting extravagance. With Bollywood celebrities taking the helm as team owners, the league radiated an irresistible charm, adding the much-needed glitz and glamour from the heart of B-Town and the celebrity sphere. Legends such as Amitabh Bachchan (Majhi Mumbai, co-owned by Neeti Agrawal’s PATH India Ltd.), Akshay Kumar (Srinagar Ke Veer), Hrithik Roshan (KVN Bangalore Strikers, co-owned by Venkat K Narayana’s KVN Enterprises LLP), Saif Ali and Kareena Kapoor Khan (Tiigers of Kolkata, co-owned by Aksha Kamboj’s Aspect Global Ventures Pvt. Ltd), Ram Charan (Falcon Riders Hyderabad, co-owned by Irfan Razack’s INR Holdings) and Suriya Sivakumar (Chennai Singams, co-owned by Rajdipkumar and Sandipkumar Gupta), lent their star power, ensuring the ISPL captured the imagination of diverse audience segments and demographics.

Enhancing its allure, the ISPL unveiled a spectacular opportunity: 101 scholarships unveiled by Amitabh Bachchan, each worth INR 1 lakh, empowering recipients to fuel their holistic growth and development. Adding to the excitement, every registered ISPL participant was gifted a digitally signed cricket bat bearing the legendary signature of Master Sachin Tendulkar himself. This gesture not only bolstered camaraderie within the community but also bestowed upon each member an ISPL family card, ushering in a new era of inclusivity and privilege for grassroots cricketers. Such initiatives have forged an elite fraternity, previously uncharted in the realm of cricket.

The ISPL’s magnificence was evident from its dazzling opening ceremony, which featured a riveting Exhibition Match between Masters’ XI led by ‘Bharat Ratna’ Sachin Tendulkar and Khiladi XI captained by Akshay Kumar. A galaxy of influential celebrities donned their cricketing attire, sharing the field with cricketing icons to create an unforgettable spectacle. The first ball of the tournament featured a heartwarming moment which saw Jammu and Kashmir para cricketer Amir Hussain Lone don Tendulkar’s jersey to get things underway.

On the field, the action lived up to its billing, with nail-biting encounters captivating audiences from all walks of life. Innovative features such as the ‘Tip Top’ toss, the 50/50 challenge, ‘Tape Ball Over’, and ‘9 Street Runs’ added an extra layer of excitement, enhancing the appeal of the tournament. Beyond the boundary, electrifying performances by artists like MC Stan, Honey Singh, Sukhwinder Singh, and many others kept viewers and fans enthralled throughout the tournament.

The grand finale and closing ceremony were nothing short of spectacular. Kiku Sharda and Krushna Abhishek’s uproarious comedy set the tone for the evening, while superstar DJ Chetas’ mesmerizing Xylo Band Show, a spectacle previously reserved for global acts like Coldplay, illuminated the packed stadium with its lights and sounds. It was the perfect culmination, leaving fans yearning for more. Dipak Chauhan’s role as President of Operations shone brightly as the seasoned professional leveraged his extensive expertise in tennis ball cricket, resulting in the seamless execution of the tournament.

As the inaugural season of ISPL draws to a close, it leaves behind a legacy of entertaining cricket and enduring camaraderie, epitomizing the spirit of the game and the allure of stardom ingrained in India’s cultural fabric.

The registration portal for Season 2, slated to kick off from January 31 to February 9, 2025, is now open, providing budding cricketers with a platform to shine on the big stage. Buoyed by the resounding success of its debut season in India, the ISPL is set to expand its horizons to the Middle East in November 2024.

As the curtain falls on this remarkable inaugural chapter, the ISPL stands on the cusp of greatness, its promise and potential shimmering brightly. It is poised to emerge as a strong product that will only keep delivering to the Indian cricket growth story and captivating fans across the country in seasons to come.

Launch of Home Inverter Lithium battery | Greenfuel

New Delhi, 6th April 2024: Greenfuel, India’s leading provider of clean mobility solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its innovative Home Inverter Batteries, setting a new standard in home energy storage. Crafted with cutting-edge lithium technology and featuring a sleek design, these batteries redefine convenience, reliability, and style in residential power backup solutions.

Designed to meet the diverse needs of modern households, Greenfuel’s Home Inverter Batteries are available in three configurations: 12.8V 100Ah, 25.6V 100Ah, and 48V 100Ah, catering to power requirements ranging from 1KW to 5KW. Incorporating prismatic LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cells will ensure that cells generate high usable energy, and reduce energy wastage during charging and discharging cycles.

Benefits of Lithium home inverter batteries over traditional acid batteries

Greenfuel’s home inverter batteries come with a 5-year (60-month) warranty and 2,500 life cycles, offering three times more lifecycles than traditional acid batteries (800 life cycles).

Lithium-powered home inverter battery provides 50% more backup time for uninterrupted household appliance usage compared to acid batteries.

Lithium home inverter batteries require zero maintenance, offering cost-free operation post-purchase.

Greenfuel’s inverter batteries come with a sleek and robust design, making them weigh 55% less than acid batteries of the same capacity.

Speaking on the launch of the Home Inverter batteries, Mr. Akshay Kashyap, MD & Founder, of Greenfuel Energy Solutions said, “We are thrilled to introduce our latest line of Home Inverter Batteries, representing a significant advancement in residential energy storage solutions. We’re not just introducing a product; we’re ushering in a new era of energy storage and sustainability. With increased battery warranty, faster charging, and offering high usable energy compared to traditional lead-acid batteries, we are confident that our batteries will swiftly become the preferred choice for consumers seeking a greener and more reliable power backup solution. At Greenfuel, we are committed to driving positive change, and these batteries are a testament to our dedication to innovation and sustainability.”

Additionally, Greenfuel prioritizes safety and peace of mind for its customers. Each Home Inverter Battery is equipped with a smart Battery Management System (BMS), which continuously monitors battery performance and safeguards against potential hazards such as thermal runaway, short circuits, over/under current, and voltage (3-level protection). This advanced technology ensures optimal operation and protects both the battery and the household electronics connected to it.

In 2016, Greenfuel expanded its horizons by establishing its advanced Battery division, dedicated to revolutionizing electric mobility. The division developed India’s first Lithium-Ion Battery Packs tailored for local conditions, boasting four patents and full in-house capabilities for Hardware Design, Embedded Software, and Safety Critical Control Systems. Greenfuel’s Energy Storage and E-Mobility products, proudly ‘Made in India’, demonstrate a commitment to quality and innovation. With over 100,000 Li-ion batteries sold, covering 80 million clean km and saving 5 million kg of CO2 emissions, the division has made significant strides towards sustainability. With 13% of its engineers dedicated to R&D, Greenfuel ensures customer satisfaction by exceeding expectations.