Shavonne Reed is Officially a BOSS with Purpose

Atlanta, GA, April 06, 2024 — Announced today, OPUA LLC is the recipient of the $10,000 grant and full year of monthly mentorship through the BOSS Business University to help grow its capacity to promote future health now. As part of the grant, OPUA will receive the benefits of The BOSS Network, an empowering online community dedicated to promoting the small business spirit and career development of women of color. The company started as a side hustle in 2005 while Shavonne Reed was a graduate student and first-time expectant mother. With hopes of one day running the company full-time, she entered into the Georgia Business Plan competition hoping to receive seed money. As her family was growing, and knowing the high percentages of businesses that fail, she knew she had to be certain her business would sustain her family’s income before she jumped all the way in. If the fail rate was a global percentage, then the rate for minority owned firms had to be so much greater.

She gave it a try full-time, during a brief stint between opportunities. However, she thought it would be safer to stick with her corporate safety net. Until she learned the hard way that the safety net was a misconception. After her third position elimination which was due to no fault of her own, she decided it was time to suck it up and go all the way in or die trying. With a purpose that was placed upon her heart after the surging mental health crisis of the pandemic and seeing her mother’s untimely demise, Reed knew there was something she had to do with her talents to leave the world a healthier place than she found it.

That is when she reimagined her brand and OPUA became Optimistic People Unified for Awareness, a Gen-Z focused health communications and behavioral change agency. As a mother of two Zoomers, she realized from her lived experiences that although parental influence is vital throughout a child’s development, according to a study published in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, during adolescence, peers become more increasingly important as sources of social support, validation, and identity formation, often surpassing the influence of parents in certain domains.

Another study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that peer influence was particularly strong in shaping behaviors such as substance use, delinquency, and risky decision-making during adolescence. “Given this insight, as a health communicator and experienced marketer, I am determined to leverage the latest technology and platforms to create change that will break generational curses and health trends, especially in marginalized communities,” shares Reed. I faced several adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) growing up that guided my decision making, however, I was not up against the many factors pre-teens, teens and young adults are currently up against.” With the advent of the latest breakthrough from studies like the How Right Now campaign sponsored by the CDC Foundation in partnership with NORC at University of Chicago, Reed is convinced her organization can be the change we all want to see in the world. To learn more about this initiative follow the www.cdcfoundation.org/howrightnow. Reed champions wellbeing of teachers who are critical to the success of each and every student they encounter. “I see teachers as dream keepers, as they are the ones who helped me through the darkest periods of my life.”

WEPACK World Expo 2024 in Shenzhen

Shenzhen, China, April 06, 2024 –WEPACK 2024 is set to occur on April 10-12, 2024, at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center (Bao’an New Hall), one of the world’s largest exhibition venues. This event represents the first time it has moved from Dongguan to Shenzhen, which is China’s high-tech hub and the core engine of the development of the Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The 120,000-square-meter expo, coupled with several concurrent exhibitions, is on track to offer a comprehensive trade show experience for participants in the global packaging industry chain.

Organized by RX, WEPACK 2024 serves as a global commerce and trade showcase platform exhibition that spans the whole packaging industry chain and integrates series packaging exhibitions in six major sectors. The exhibitions include SinoCorrugated South 2024, SinoFoldingCarton 2024, SinoPaper South 2024, Food Pack & Tech 2024, Dprint 2024 and PACKCON 2024. WEPACK encompasses products, technologies and services involved in the complete packaging industrial chain from upstream to downstream.

By leveraging the resources accumulated from the previous expo and harnessing the scale effects of globalization and industrial layout, WEPACK connects and propels the development of the global packaging industry. This initiative creates significant value, fostering symbiotic relationships upstream and downstream in the industrial chain.

Following the relaxation of China’s visa policies for foreign nationals and the introduction of a visa-free for travelers from certain countries, WEPACK 2024 anticipates a significant increase in the number of visitors and buyers from around the globe, making it a momentous exhibition for the entire industry.

With the opening up of China, this is the second year that RX is inviting the world to “Hello China, Hello World,” leveraging RX’s global network and comprehensive expertise to elevate success, drive industry recovery, and achieve economic triumph. Reunite with international exhibitors and buyers at RX‘s captivating events in China.

WEPACK will maintain an open, collaborative, and innovative stance, assuming the pivotal role in driving the development of the packaging industry. It is committed to growing and progressing alongside the industry, collectively building a grand platform for market development, and ushering in a new era for the global packaging industry.

Tracing Agency Launches International Asset Tracing

London City, United Kingdom, April 06, 2024 –Bond Rees, the UK’s leading asset tracing agency, announced that they are extending their asset tracing services across the world. Having already taken their people tracing services internationally with great success, Bond Rees now hopes to do the same with asset tracing, with offices situated in the USA, Canada, Australia, India, and beyond. Bond Rees are experts in the tracing and recovering of assets, including real estate, cash, and corporate holdings that many fraud, embezzlement, and divorce claims depend on. Their experience and knowledge allow them to work across country jurisdictions to locate assets and compile evidence for a full client report.

Bond Rees are experts in their field, specialising in debtor tracing, private investigative services, and process serving. “We’ve had great successes in our asset tracing services in the UK and we hope to continue that success as we branch out to an international service,” said Aaron Bond, Head of Private Investigations London. “We’re proud to have built an effective team of ex-police and military personnel who can handle some really complex cases on an international level.”

Bond Rees takes steps to ensure their tracing services are ethical and legal, and function within the regulations set out by the GDPR. They are committed to client confidentiality and will never reveal a client’s personal information.

Open Jaw Flight Deals: A Convenient Option for Flexible Travelers

Los Angeles, CA, April 06, 2024 — FlyFairTravels, a leading online travel agency, has introduced Open Jaw Flight Deals, providing travelers with a convenient and flexible option for booking flights.

Open jaw flights, also known as open jaw tickets, offer travelers the opportunity to fly into one destination and return from another, allowing for greater flexibility in travel plans. This unique option is ideal for travelers looking to explore multiple destinations without the need for round-trip tickets.

With FlyFairTravels’ Open Jaw Flight Deals, travelers can easily book flights with different departure and return airports, offering greater convenience and flexibility in their travel itineraries. Whether exploring multiple cities or planning a multi-stop vacation, open jaw flights provide a seamless travel experience.

To take advantage of Open Jaw Flight Deals, travelers can simply visit FlyFairTravels’ website and select the open jaw option when searching for flights. With a wide range of destinations and airlines available, finding the perfect open jaw flight is easier than ever.

“We are excited to introduce Open Jaw Flight Deals to our customers,” said Smith Carter, Spokesperson at FlyFairTravels. “With this option, travelers can enjoy greater flexibility and convenience when planning their trips, allowing them to explore more destinations with ease.”

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.”