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Finance Technology U.K U.S

IBM Mulling Divestiture of Weather Business; Aims to Streamline Software and Cloud Business

International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is reportedly divesting Weather Business, a subsidiary of IBM.

The divestiture is part of the company’s long-term strategy to strengthen its core business aspects by ensuring more streamlined operations, according to Yahoo! Finance.

Referring to the people with knowledge of the divestment, Yahoo! Finance said that the sale is expected to be transacted for roughly $1 billion if consummated as planned.

IBM Acquiring the Weather Company

On 28th October 2015, IBM announced the acquisition of the Weather Company as part of its effort to accelerate its move into the then-hot IoT. The deal value was pegged at roughly $2 billion and also included the sell-off of The Weather Company’s B2B, WSI, weather.com, mobile and cloud-based web properties, Weather Underground, and The Weather Co. brand. However, due to its long-term agreement to supply weather data to the Weather Channel, IBM didn’t acquire it.  

IBM announced the purchase in October 2015 as part of its effort to accelerate its move into the then-hot IoT market.

The deal was inked in order to leverage IBM’s own cloud server that can deliver precise weather projections accumulating around 25 billion forecasts per day. 

With this acquisition, IBM – the IT giant – was committed to yielding high-profit margins by leveraging the wave of data-crunching systems. 

During its eight years of ownership, IBM successfully boosted its weather services. It enhanced the modeling technology of the Weather Company and devised high-end predictive software to use firehose of data crowdsourced from the barometers of smartphones running the Weather Channel application and from aircraft sensors.

The buy-in was completed on 29th January 2016.

Breaking Down the Reasons Behind the Divestment

In order to simplify and streamline operations, IMB has been reported to spin off its weather business which includes the divestiture of weather.com.

As part of its effort to restructure the company around its core AI and hybrid cloud services, IBM has already divested some non-core businesses and healthcare units. For example, in November 2021, IBM declared the separation of part of its managed infrastructure services business to Kyndry Inc. For this, the company charged around $300 billion through Q1 2023 from the start of the company’s carve-out in 2021. 

Earlier this year, the company laid off around 3900 staffers after spinning off one of its business units and divesting a healthcare data analytics business. 

However, IBM is yet to generate more sustainable and measurable returns due to its year-over-year revenue growth reaching a plateau. 

IBM’s revenue increased by more than 8% in the first quarter of the year, exceeding the growth registered in the final quarter of 2021. Despite the increase in revenue, IBM’s profit in Q1 was impacted by the hiking cost of cloud infrastructure development. 

Successful Divestment Needs Strategic Planning

Divestments can take any form – sell-offs, split-ups, carve-outs, spin-offs, etc.

Whatever form the process takes, to ensure minimal business disruption, divestments should be planned meticulously. 

For businesses looking to accelerate the transaction timeline while ensuring data accuracy, leveraging a high-end consulting service like Fission Consulting is a sensible business investment. An expert consulting agency helps clients streamline each stage of the divestment process, dodging uncertainty throughout the project.

Wrapping Up

No matter the reason, IBM expects divesting The Weather Business will act as a step-change in helping the company streamline the operations of its core business. 

Categories
Business Financial Market Professional Services Services U.S

ACG Announces Keri Laine as a Keynote Speaker for their 15th annual SMART Awards.

Orlando, FL – April 20th, 2023 – Association for Corporate Growth (ACG Orlando) will hold its 15th annual SMART Awards on Tuesday, May 16 at the Alfond Inn Winter Park, featuring Keri Laine as a keynote speaker for the event. The SMART Awards were created to recognize businesses that bring value to Central Florida through outstanding accomplishments in culture, growth, business creativity, and economic contribution.

Keri Laine is the Founder and CEO of Keri Laine Executive Solutions, a firm that helps mid-market investors, private equity firms, and venture capitalists maximize profits by developing strong leaders, building efficient teams, and creating frameworks for success.

Focused on the pre-due diligence and post-due diligence phases of a deal, Keri Laine Executive Solutions takes the talent-focused and human capital areas of an organization through a deep analysis process, including a unique executive team evaluation, predictability of future team performance using data-backed methods, and providing custom strategic solutions to create greater optimization and yield higher operational efficiency.

ABOUT ACG and the SMART AWARDS

The SMART Awards reflects ACG Orlando’s continuing commitment to facilitating relationships among growing middle-market companies, capital sources, and professionals focused on corporate growth. Qualified candidate companies must have annual sales of $10 million and not more than $1 billion (U.S.) with headquarters located in Central Florida.

ABOUT KERI LAINE EXECUTIVE SOLUTIONS

Keri Laine Executive Solutions helps investors, venture capitalists, and private equity firms maximize profits by developing strong leaders, building efficient teams, and creating frameworks for success. By developing and implementing talent strategies for our clients, Keri Laine Executive Solutions’ fundamental mission is to assist in accelerating their journey to profitability.

The founder, Keri Laine, is a former global chief-level executive, a certified executive coach, and a proven business strategist in the entrepreneurial and investor space. She has coached more than 200 top executives and entrepreneurs, helping them disrupt their sectors with innovative success across the globe. Keri has led organizations through employee growth of 100 to 4,000, both public and private, with revenue stages from $40m to $5.6b.

Categories
Business Marketing & Sales Media & Communications News & Current Affairs U.S

Reputn Agency Introduces Innovative Service to Improve Negative Wikipedia Pages

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Are you tired of being haunted by negative Wikipedia content that’s tarnishing your image or your business’s reputation? Reputn Agency, a leading online reputation management firm, proudly announces the launch of its groundbreaking new service: Negative Wikipedia Page Improvement. This cutting-edge solution is designed to help individuals and businesses transform their negative Wikipedia content into more balanced, accurate, and positive representations of their public image.

A negative online presence can significantly impact a person’s or company’s reputation, leading to a loss of credibility, trust, and revenue. Recognizing the need for a proactive approach to address this issue, Reputn Agency has developed an effective strategy that adheres to Wikipedia’s strict guidelines, ensuring the updated content is accurate, verifiable, and unbiased.

“We understand the importance of a positive online presence, and our team of experts is committed to helping our clients improve their Wikipedia pages,” said TJ, Reputn Agency’s spokesperson. “Our new service aims to provide a fair and balanced representation of our client’s accomplishments, contributions, and achievements while maintaining the integrity and reliability of Wikipedia as an information source.”

The Negative Wikipedia Page Improvement service encompasses a comprehensive range of activities, including:

  1. Thorough research and analysis of the client’s current Wikipedia page to identify areas for improvement.
  2. Gathering accurate and verifiable information from reliable sources to update the negative content.
  3. Collaborating with the client to create a more balanced and positive narrative.
  4. Ensuring all changes adhere to Wikipedia’s guidelines and editorial policies.
  5. Monitoring the Wikipedia page for any future edits or updates, maintaining a consistent and positive online presence.

With the launch of this unique service, Reputn Agency reaffirms its commitment to empowering its clients by helping them take control of their online reputation. Interested parties can visit the Reputn Agency website to learn more about the Negative Wikipedia Page Improvement service and schedule a consultation.

About Reputn Agency

Reputn Agency is a premier online reputation management firm that specializes in helping individuals and businesses protect and enhance their digital footprint. With a team of experienced professionals, Reputn Agency offers a wide range of services including Online Reputation Management, Digital PR, Wikipedia creation and management, Google Knowledge Panel and others, tailored to meet clients’ unique needs, ensuring they are portrayed positively and accurately online.

For more information, please contact:

Jane Hudis

Reputn Agency

Email: info@reputn.com

Website: reputn.com

Categories
Family & Parenting Lifestyle Living Professional Services U.S

Dr. RJ Jackson, a Renowned Teenage Life Coach, launched Innovative Program to Empower Teens and Improve Family Relationships

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Austin, Texas, April 19th, 2023 – Dr. RJ Jackson, a world leader in teenage and parent life coaching, is excited to announce the launch of his groundbreaking program designed to help teenagers develop confidence, motivation, and communication skills. This comprehensive coaching approach is aimed at enabling teens to excel in school, athletics, and extracurricular activities while building stronger, happier relationships with friends, family, and parents.

Dr. Jackson’s unique program offers tailored support for both teenagers and their parents, allowing for significant change in short periods of time. By addressing the needs of each party separately, the coaching process fosters a more harmonious and productive family dynamic, leading to lasting positive effects.

The innovative life coaching program focuses on four key areas: boosting confidence, improving communication skills, excelling in sports and extracurricular activities, and building stronger relationships. Dr. Jackson’s expertise in these areas ensures that teenagers receive the guidance and support they need to navigate the complexities of adolescence and make the most of their teenage years.

As part of the program, teenagers will learn practical strategies to develop their self-confidence and assertiveness, helping them overcome insecurities and embrace a more positive self-image. Effective communication skills are also a central focus, enabling teens to express their thoughts and feelings clearly, resolve conflicts, and build deeper connections with friends, family members, and peers.

Dr. RJ Jackson’s life coaching program goes beyond academics, recognizing the importance of sports and extracurricular activities in a teenager’s life. With guidance and encouragement, teens will unlock their athletic potential, develop leadership skills, and become team players. In addition, the program provides support for those pursuing excellence in extracurricular activities such as music, theater, and clubs, allowing teenagers to explore their passions and hone their skills for success.

Healthy, meaningful relationships are crucial for a teenager’s well-being. Dr. Jackson’s life coaching program offers valuable insights and techniques that enable teens to build genuine connections and foster healthy relationships with their peers. By learning how to communicate effectively, avoid drama, and develop empathy, teenagers can create a more positive social circle, reducing the impact of bullying and backstabbing.

In today’s digital age, social media and cyberbullying have become significant sources of stress for teenagers. Dr. RJ Jackson’s life coaching program addresses these issues by teaching teens how to navigate social media responsibly, maintain a healthy online presence, and cope with cyberbullying. The program provides guidance on establishing boundaries, staying safe online, and dealing with negative comments or harassment, ensuring that teenagers can enjoy the benefits of social media without compromising their mental health and well-being.

For more information about Dr. RJ Jackson’s life coaching program and to schedule a free consultation with one of Dr. Jackson’s life coach coordinators, please visit www.DrRJJackson.com.

About Dr. RJ Jackson

Dr. RJ Jackson is a leading teenage life coach with years of experience helping teenagers and their parents navigate the challenges of adolescence. Dr. Jackson’s unique coaching approach focuses on empowering teens to achieve their full potential in all aspects of their lives, while also providing support and guidance for parents to better understand and connect with their children. His innovative program has helped countless families experience happier, healthier relationships and achieve lasting positive change.

Categories
Business Lifestyle U.S

Jrop Announces Strategic Alliance With Copart-Owned Cash For Cars

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Jrop, an On Demand Roadside Assistance platform, today announced it has strategically partnered with Copart’s CashForCars.com to streamline its junk car removal process. 

The partnership will enable Jrop to streamline the purchasing process of junk cars, trucks, and SUVs nationwide—any make, any model, damaged, running, or not running.

“The junk car removal industry is heavily fragmented. Integrating with CashForCars.com allows us to seamlessly connect junk car sellers to buyers in their area. We are excited to see where this partnership takes us. We look forward to expanding our service area and increasing our presence in our current service area,” said Carlo Redding, CEO of Jrop.

About Jrop

Jrop is an On Demand Roadside Assistance platform that operates on a flat rate basis. They have thousands of qualified contractors that are all background checked, licensed, and properly insured. Many of them have 10+ plus years on the job and come fully equipped with all the tools necessary to complete most jobs and get customers back on the road. The company offers locksmith, towing, jump start, winch out, fuel delivery, tire change, junk car removal, and auto transport services with an average service fee of $60. 

For more information, visit https://www.jrop.com 

About Cash For Cars

Cash For Cars simplifies the car selling process, including trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, RVs, or boats. Backed by over 35 years in the auto industry and nearly 200 locations, they have become one of the largest salvage car buyers in the United States, Canada, the UK, and Germany.

For more information, visit https://www.cashforcars.com 

About Copart

Founded in 1982, Copart is a global online auto auction and a top-performing S&P 500 company The global technology leader in the 100% online vehicle auction industry featuring used, wholesale and repairable vehicles connects its buyers and sellers via its patented cutting-edge VB3 technology. This makes it easy for members to find, bid on, and win vehicles like classic cars, boats, repo cars, ATVs, exotics, motorcycles, industrial vehicles, and more. Copart is the parent company of a portfolio of auto service companies, including CashForCars.com, CrashedToys, and National Powersport Auctions (NPA).

For more information, visit https://www.copart.com

Categories
Finance Lifestyle Personal Finance Public Affairs U.S

Loan Droid – Personal Loans – A Game-Changing Solution for Quick, Secure, and Convenient Payday Loans

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 <h1>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</h1>

 <h2>Loan Droid – Personal Loans: A Comprehensive Solution for Fast, Secure, and Convenient Payday Loans, Now on Google Play Store</h2>

 <p>[Miami, 04.21.2023] – Today marks the official launch of <a href=”https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.loan.droid.personal.loans.app” rel=”dofollow”>Loan Droid – Personal Loans</a>, an innovative new financial service app offering a comprehensive solution for fast, secure, and convenient payday loans. Now available for download on the Google Play Store, the app caters to a wide range of financial needs for individuals seeking short-term loans, providing a seamless user experience and unparalleled access to reputable lenders and loan products.</p>

 <p>Loan Droid – Personal Loans arrives as a timely response to the ever-growing demand for accessible financial services in a world where financial stability is increasingly challenging. Featuring an intuitive design and user-friendly interface, the app aims to transform the payday loan process, enabling users to access funds securely and quickly when needed most.</p>

 <h2>Key Features of Loan Droid – Personal Loans</h2>

 <h3>1. Streamlined Loan Application Process</h3>

 <p>Loan Droid – Personal Loans streamlines the payday loan application process, allowing users to complete a straightforward application form within minutes, eliminating the need for lengthy paperwork or in-person meetings with lenders.</p>

 <h3>2. Extensive Network of Lenders and Loan Products</h3>

 <p>The app provides access to a vast network of trusted and reliable lenders, offering users a wide range of loan products and competitive interest rates, ensuring that they can find the right payday loan for their specific needs and financial situations.</p>

 <h3>3. Instant Loan Decisions</h3>

 <p>Upon submitting their loan application, Loan Droid – Personal Loans uses advanced algorithms to analyze and match the user’s profile with suitable lenders, ensuring users receive instant loan decisions and can access funds quickly and efficiently.</p>

 <h3>4. Secure and Confidential Transactions</h3>

 <p>Loan Droid – Personal Loans prioritizes user privacy and security by employing industry-standard security measures, such as SSL encryption, to protect user data and guarantee secure and confidential transactions.</p>

 <h3>5. Flexible Repayment Options</h3>

 <p>The app allows users to choose from various repayment options, including weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly repayments, ensuring they can select a repayment plan that best fits their financial situation and minimizes the risk of default.</p>

 <h3>6. Comprehensive Financial Management Tools</h3>

 <p>Loan Droid – Personal Loans goes beyond payday loans by offering users a suite of financial management tools, such as budgeting and expense tracking features, to better understand and manage their finances and promote long-term financial stability.</p>

 <h3>7. Responsive Customer Support</h3>

 <p>Committed to providing exceptional customer support, the Loan Droid – Personal Loans team ensures users have access to timely assistance and guidance throughout the loan application process. Users can reach out to the customer support team via in-app chat or email.</p>

 <h3>8. Free Download and Usage</h3>

<p>Loan Droid – Personal Loans is available for free download on the Google Play Store, granting users access to its extensive range of features and services at no cost.</p>

 <h2>Promoting Responsible Lending Practices</h2>

 <p>Besides its impressive array of features, Loan Droid – Personal Loans is committed to promoting responsible lending practices. The app’s developers have worked diligently to ensure users receive accurate information about payday loans, including potential risks and benefits associated with this type of financial service. Furthermore, Loan Droid – Personal Loans only partners with reputable and responsible lenders who adhere to strict lending guidelines and regulations.</p>

 <h2>Transforming the Payday Loan Industry</h2>

 <p>Loan Droid – Personal Loans is set to transform the payday loan industry by making it more accessible, secure, and convenient for individuals in need of short-term financial assistance. Offering users a comprehensive solution for obtaining payday advances and cash advances, the app empowers users to make informed decisions about their finances and manage their short-term financial needs more effectively.</p>

 <p>As the demand for accessible and transparent financial services continues to grow, Loan Droid – Personal Loans is poised to become a game-changer in the industry. The app’s development team is committed to continuously improving and expanding the range of services and features offered, ensuring that users have access to the most cutting-edge financial solutions available.</p>

 <p>Loan Droid – Personal Loans is not only a platform for obtaining payday loans but also a powerful tool for promoting financial literacy and responsibility. The app offers educational resources, including informative articles and expert tips, to help users better understand the payday loan process and make the most of the financial services provided.</p>

 <h2>Upcoming Features and Services</h2>

 <p>In the coming months, the Loan Droid – Personal Loans team plans to roll out additional features and services, including loan refinancing options and integration with other popular financial apps. These updates will further enhance the user experience and solidify the app’s position as a leader in the payday loan industry.</p>

 <p>For more information on Loan Droid – Personal Loans or to download the app, visit the <a href=”https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.loan.droid.personal.loans.app” rel=”dofollow”>Google Play Store</a> today. Join the thousands of satisfied users who have already discovered the convenience and security of managing their payday loans through Loan Droid – Personal Loans.</p>

 <h2>Contact Information</h2>

 <p>For media inquiries, please contact:</p>

 <p>Mark Wallace<br>

 Public Relations Manager<br>

 Loan Droid – Personal Loans<br>

 Email: contact@loan-droid.com<br>

 Phone: 25636585985<br>

 Website: <a href=”https://loan-droid.com/” rel=”dofollow”>Personal Loans</a></p>

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Categories
Finance Financial Market Lifestyle Services U.S

Up Loans – Personal Loans – Revolutionizing Access to Fast, Secure, and Convenient Payday Loans

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<head>

 <title>Up Loans – Personal Loans: Your One-Stop Solution for Fast, Secure, and Convenient Payday Loans, Now on Google Play Store</title>

</head>

<body>

 <h1>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</h1>

 <h2>Up Loans – Personal Loans: Your One-Stop Solution for Fast, Secure, and Convenient Payday Loans, Now on Google Play Store</h2>

 <p>[Miami, 04.21.2023] – Today marks the official launch of <a href=”https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.up.loans.payday.loans.app” rel=”dofollow”>Up Loans – Personal Loans</a>, a groundbreaking new financial service app offering a one-stop solution for fast, secure, and convenient payday loans. Now available for download on the Google Play Store, the app caters to a wide range of financial needs for individuals seeking short-term loans, providing a seamless user experience and unparalleled access to reputable lenders and loan products.</p>

 <p>Up Loans – Personal Loans arrives as a timely response to the ever-growing demand for accessible financial services in a world where financial stability is increasingly challenging. Featuring an intuitive design and user-friendly interface, the app aims to transform the payday loan process, enabling users to access funds securely and quickly when needed most.</p>

 <h2>Main Features of Up Loans – Personal Loans</h2>

 <h3>1. Streamlined Loan Application Process</h3>

 <p>Up Loans – Personal Loans streamlines the payday loan application process, allowing users to complete a straightforward application form within minutes, eliminating the need for lengthy paperwork or in-person meetings with lenders.</p>

 <h3>2. Extensive Network of Lenders and Loan Products</h3>

 <p>The app provides access to a vast network of trusted and reliable lenders, offering users a wide range of loan products and competitive interest rates, ensuring that they can find the right payday loan for their specific needs and financial situations.</p>

 <h3>3. Instant Loan Decisions</h3>

 <p>Upon submitting their loan application, Up Loans – Personal Loans uses advanced algorithms to analyze and match the user’s profile with suitable lenders, ensuring users receive instant loan decisions and can access funds quickly and efficiently.</p>

 <h3>4. Secure and Confidential Transactions</h3>

 <p>Up Loans – Personal Loans prioritizes user privacy and security by employing industry-standard security measures, such as SSL encryption, to protect user data and guarantee secure and confidential transactions.</p>

 <h3>5. Flexible Repayment Options</h3>

 <p>The app allows users to choose from various repayment options, including weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly repayments, ensuring they can select a repayment plan that best fits their financial situation and minimizes the risk of default.</p>

 <h3>6. Comprehensive Financial Management Tools</h3>

 <p>Up Loans – Personal Loans goes beyond payday loans by offering users a suite of financial management tools, such as budgeting and expense tracking features, to better understand and manage their finances and promote long-term financial stability.</p>

 <h3>7. Responsive Customer Support</h3>

 <p>Committed to providing exceptional customer support, the Up Loans – Personal Loans team ensures users have access to timely assistance and guidance throughout the loan application process. Users can reach out to the customer support team via in-app chat or email.</p>

 <h3>8. Free Download and Usage</h3>

<p>Up Loans – Personal Loans is available for free download on the Google Play Store, granting users access to its extensive range of features and services at no cost.</p>

 <h2Promoting Responsible Lending Practices</h2>

 <p>Besides its impressive array of features, Up Loans – Personal Loans is committed to promoting responsible lending practices. The app’s developers have worked diligently to ensure users receive accurate information about payday loans, including potential risks and benefits associated with this type of financial service. Furthermore, Up Loans – Personal Loans only partners with reputable and responsible lenders who adhere to strict lending guidelines and regulations.</p>

 <h2>Transforming the Payday Loan Industry</h2>

 <p>Up Loans – Personal Loans is set to transform the payday loan industry by making it more accessible, secure, and convenient for individuals in need of short-term financial assistance. Offering users a comprehensive solution for obtaining payday advances and cash advances, the app empowers users to make informed decisions about their finances and manage their short-term financial needs more effectively.</p>

 <p>As the demand for accessible and transparent financial services continues to grow, Up Loans – Personal Loans is poised to become a game-changer in the industry. The app’s development team is committed to continuously improving and expanding the range of services and features offered, ensuring that users have access to the most cutting-edge financial solutions available.</p>

 <p>Up Loans – Personal Loans is not only a platform for obtaining payday loans but also a powerful tool for promoting financial literacy and responsibility. The app offers educational resources, including informative articles and expert tips, to help users better understand the payday loan process and make the most of the financial services provided.</p>

 <h2>Upcoming Features and Services</h2>

 <p>In the coming months, the Up Loans – Personal Loans team plans to roll out additional features and services, including loan refinancing options and integration with other popular financial apps. These updates will further enhance the user experience and solidify the app’s position as a leader in the payday loan industry.</p>

 <p>For more information on Up Loans – Personal Loans or to download the app, visit the <a href=”https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.up.loans.payday.loans.app” rel=”dofollow”>Google Play Store</a> today. Join the thousands of satisfied users who have already discovered the convenience and security of managing their payday loans through Up Loans – Personal Loans.</p>

 <h2>Contact Information</h2>

 <p>For media inquiries, please contact:</p>

 <p>Daniel Waters<br>

 Public Relations Manager<br>

 Up Loans – Personal Loans<br>

 Email: contact@up-loans.com<br>

 Phone: 32569854785<br>

 Website: <a href=”https://up-loans.com//” rel=”dofollow”>Up Loans – Personal Loans</a></p>

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Categories
Business Lifestyle Living Professional Services U.S

Tristan M. Stahl Launches The Alignment Blueprint Coaching Program for Young Men From ValorMen Offical.

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Orlando Florida – April 18, 2023 – Tristan Stahl, the Founder of ValorMen, has recently launched a new coaching program called The Alignment Blueprint, created for young men who want to become the best versions of themselves. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive guide for navigating life’s challenges while staying true to oneself and personal values.

The Alignment Blueprint covers a wide range of topics, including discovering one’s life purpose, setting healthy boundaries, understanding women, and staying grounded in difficult situations. The program offers practical and easy-to-implement strategies that can help young men make meaningful changes in their lives and experience a life of impact and adventure.

The program has tailored exercises from world-renowned experts, such as Dr. John Demartini, to help participants discover their current life purpose. The program also helps young men communicate assertively and empathetically, build supportive relationships, and set healthy boundaries. It also teaches principles taught by relationship experts like Dr. Glover to help participants develop a deeper understanding of the opposite sex. 

Moreover, The Alignment Blueprint teaches mindsets and heart sets from influential figures like Jesus, Gandhi, and Lao Tzu, to help young men stay grounded and centered even in the face of chaos or uncertainty. Participants learn how to manage their emotions, cultivate inner peace, and find strength in adversity.

Overall, The Alignment Blueprint is an invaluable resource for any young man who wants to become a better version of himself. With its practical strategies, insightful guidance, and supportive community, the program helps young men achieve their goals and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Enrolling in the program also provides an opportunity for men to start the journey to becoming a ValorMen.

According to Tristan, a ValorMan is a man that lives with shameless authenticity. A man that lives in congruence with his values and natural talents in both his career and relationships. A man that leads with integrity and compassion. 

For those interested in learning more please visit https://tristanmstahl.com/.

Categories
Celebrity Europe Non Profit U.S World

George Verwer, founder of Operation Mobilization, passes away aged 84

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The death has been announced of George Verwer, who founded the global Christian mission agency, Operation Mobilization, and directed it for 45 years.

He passed away peacefully with his family by his side at his home near London, England, on the evening of Friday, April 14th. He was 84 years old.

George was born in New Jersey, USA, and committed his life to Christ at a Billy Graham meeting in New York City in 1955. Driven by the cause of world evangelism from then on, the teenage maverick went on to have immeasurable global impact. He has been described as “the most outstanding North American missionary statesman of the last 60 years.”1

“George changed the face of missions in his generation,” said Andrew Scott, President of OM in the USA. “When the mission agencies of the late fifties were looking for highly trained individuals with seminary degrees who would commit to going for a lifetime, George invited young people who simply loved Jesus to come for a summer. This was new. This was different. Thousands came.”

Operation Mobilization began with three students in a worn-out van distributing Christian literature in Mexico, then branching into Europe and across the globe. Today, more than 3,000 OM workers are active in almost 150 countries, in a huge range of ministries. George’s daring vision in the 1960s led to ships being used to transport and train international volunteers while carrying a cargo of literature and aid supplies. Fifty million people have climbed the gangways of OM’s four ships, and at least double that number have come into contact with the Good News through outreaches and projects in port cities worldwide.

Movements like OM and its close contemporary, Youth With A Mission (YWAM), led the way in developing same- and near-culture workers to serve globally alongside those from established mission-sending nations and backgrounds.

OM’s International Director, Lawrence Tong, said, “George was passionate about Jesus, passionate for God’s Word and passionate for the lost. I believe he was God’s man for the 20th century, who changed the course of modern mission.” 

He demonstrated a lifestyle of radical discipleship. “George’s legacy is that of a life-size example of a truly committed Jesus-follower,” said Akira Mori, a ministry pastor in Japan. “George had a God-given ability to inspire and exhort and challenge – but to me, the person was the example, the message and the challenge; much more than what he said.” 

“George truly practised what he preached,” said Matthew Skirton, Field Leader of OM in the UK. “His authenticity and passion for reaching the lost, but also his humility and transparency when sharing about his struggles, have profoundly impacted me – and I know have touched, encouraged and challenged so many others. 

Known for his world map jackets and for handing out more than a million free books, in the twenty years since he stepped down from leading OM, George managed special projects, spoke at church events with characteristic vigour and wrote more than a dozen books. A key theme was admitting his own imperfections and honouring God who graciously forgives and works through people, despite their mistakes. He called it ‘messiology.’ 

Lawrence Tong recalls, “many people, myself included, were baffled at the invention of the word. I realize more and more the truth and wisdom of what he packed into that one word alone. As usual, George the trailblazer was way ahead of us in his spiritual life, in his thinking, in his vision, and in his interpretation of trends. There will never be another GV.” 

Joshua Bautista, OM Canada’s Executive Director said, “George was not only a man of immeasurable influence and impact on modern Missions, but he was a faithful man of God whose sole desire was to love his Lord and help others enter into the same loving relationship with Jesus.”

George is survived by his wife, Drena, their three children, plus grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The Verwer family thanks partners all over the world for their prayers and asks for privacy at this time. Details of a local Canadian Celebration of Life service will be released later. See our website for details: www.om.org/ca. Also, a tribute video has been created which can be seen here.

Speaking in 2015, George summed up what drove him, long past retirement age: 

“I’m still mega-motivated to see everyone in the world being given the gospel at least once… [to] have the opportunity to hear about saving grace through our Lord Jesus Christ, and I hope I can, right to my last breath, continue to share that message.” 

If you would like to give to OM in memory of George, click here: www.om.org/george 

About Operation Mobilization:

Operation Mobilization’s work began when George Verwer, Dale Rhoton, and Walter Borchard embarked on their first mission trip in 1957. Their passion to share God’s Word with those who had not yet heard the gospel or encountered followers of Jesus led to a global organization of upwards of 3,000 people, now at work in more than 147 countries. Millions have been shown the love of Christ, tens of thousands of Christians who served short-term have been discipled and prepared for future service, and countless lives have been transformed by God. An estimated 300 other organizations worldwide have their roots in OM or have been started by former OMers.

“We are committed to seeing a vibrant community of Jesus followers within reach of every person in the world.” – OM in Canada’s mission statement

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Financial Market Lifestyle Living Real Estate U.S

New York’s Luxury Property Prices to Increase Amid Geopolitical and Economic Uncertainty

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Hefty hikes in interest rates, soaring inflation rates, and a risk of a recession are looming over the US.

However, these soaring economic headwinds and intensifying geopolitical uncertainty have actually favoured the prime property market in New York City.

2023 is expected to witness an increase of 2% in the luxury property price in New York, reported Realty+. 

NYC’s Luxury Property Market is on Firm Ground

In 2022, more than 14,500 properties were transacted in Manhattan—a jump of 23% from the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.

As a whole, the city racked up 244 home sales worth $10 million or above—higher than any other city in the world.

What’s Driving the Hike in Property Prices

Supply constraints compared to demand, safe-haven capital flight, and wealth preservation are the key factors contributing to driving prime property price growth. On top of that, the post-pandemic surge in prices continues to push property prices higher.

The cash buyers accounting for roughly 80% of home transactions have made Manhattan luxury home sales defy the USA rate hikes.

Luxury homes in New York reported an average growth of 2.7% in 2022.

In March 2023, the Federal Reserve declared another 25 basis point interest rate, increasing the federal funds rate from roughly zero in March last year to a range of 4.75% to 5%. This benchmark rate is the highest it’s been since 2007. It’s the ninth consecutive time the Fed has increased the rate as part of its effort to discourage inflation.

However, analysts predict the Fed to cease hiking rates in response to recent bank collapses in the USA (e.g. Silicon Valley Bank). 

Even though the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage, the most popular home-loan product, has plummeted to 7.08% this March from its peak at 7.32% in November 2022, it’s still considered high compared to historic levels. Highly leveraged homeowners are staying put instead of facing a double whammy from mortgage costs, which can result in decreased inventory levels.

Again, the rental market in the city has started to fall into place as it is fast recovering from the COVID-19 crisis. 

The rental value for luxury properties rose by 19% in 2022 alone. Since 2021, it soared to 49%.

The rapid increase in property demand in Manhattan has shrunk the number of available rental properties from 41,516 in October 2020 to 14,148 in January 2023. 

With mortgage rates continuing to inflate and rental stock shrinking, tenants are locking in, and opting for longer leases. 

The number of leases in New York has surged as rents have notched last year’s record. 

The number of new lease signings in January 2023 increased by more than 42%, which was only around 16% in February 2021. 

The median rent in Central Park South landed at $10,995 which is the highest in the city. The exclusive enclaves of Tribeca and Soho ranked second and third with median rents of $9,500/month and $6,395/month respectively.

Against volatility in multiple asset classes and intensifying economic tension across the country, New York’s increasing rents, persistent price growth, and low buying costs are luring investors seeking an inflation hedge in a global and transparent market. 

On top of that, the strength of the dollar has led to more interest in luxury New York properties among ultra-rich buyers.

With wealthy buyers investing in upscale properties in the city to maximise their property portfolio, the demand for luxury property management services like The London Management Company is skyrocketing. A high-end property management service ensures a client’s property is always well-managed and ready for their arrival.

Wrapping Up

New York exhibits a non-linear relationship between price and size: with more deals transacted at higher prices, the expansion of luxury property lifts the entire property market.