All posts by Neel Achary

Three-day program focuses on effective leadership behaviors and successful business performance.

(St. Louis, Mo., June 7, 2023) Psychological Associates (PA), a consulting company that improves business performance through its leadership and talent development services, will hold its Q4 Leadership: The People Skills Advantage™ program. The three-day intensive workshop will take place Tues., Aug. 8 through Thurs., Aug. 10 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The program will be held at the Charles F. Knight Executive Education & Conference Center located at One Brookings Dr. on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis.

The program’s individualized experience focuses on helping a company’s top talent improve team success through the people skills they need to engage and influence others. Q4 Leadership comprehensively identifies and adapts effective leadership behaviors with more intricate job-related feedback. The program combines the latest in instructional design along with PA’s six decades of pragmatic leadership development.

The workshop – which uses real-world issues and situations – is designed for C-level leaders, vice presidents, and general managers who will improve their interpersonal skills to break down silos and contribute to synergistic teams.

Psychological Associates’ facilitator Marianne Whelchel will lead the sessions. She brings more than 16 years of global leadership development, training, and human resources experience to the workshop. Whelchel has managed the design and delivery of leadership curriculum for over 6,000 leaders globally.

Psychological Associates helps clients select, develop, and retain their best leaders, enabling them to build exceptional organizations. Its exclusive Q4 Dimensional® Model of Behavior™ – an industry-renowned structure that categorizes observable actions into understandable groupings – inspires high performance while attaining comprehensive results. Consulting capabilities include talent assessment, leadership development, succession planning, people analytics, and executive coaching. Founded in 1958, Psychological Associates is headquartered at 8000 Maryland Ave. in Clayton, Mo. Reservations are required since space is limited. For more information, call (314) 725-7771 or visit www.q4solutions.com.

#

CIARA V4.0 boosts compliance with security regulations and best practices while providing effective mitigation guidance. “CISOs are doing more with less, making it challenging to understand their current standing across the OT Cybersecurity landscape,” said Ilan Barda, Radiflow CEO, and Co-founder.

Tel Aviv, Israel, June 6, 2023 – Radiflow, creators of the award-winning OT cybersecurity platform, CIARA, announced the general availability of CIARA 4.0. This release introduces a leading benchmark tool as well as delivers actionable insights for managing and minimizing risk in large multi-site industrial facilities.

Today, CISOs and security teams are responsible for the cybersecurity of OT facilities. However, they lack the ability to evaluate the ever-changing cybersecurity risks to their operations. Unlike other sectors, they can not easily assess risk exposure or the effectiveness of specific security activities. To address this, Radiflow released CIARA 4.0, a data-driven platform that continuously monitors changes in the site topology as well as vulnerabilities and threats, always re-evaluating the risk posture of facilities and their digital components. This continuous monitoring enables the CISO to review the strategic and tactical OT security plans and adapt them if needed.

In order to further assist the CISO with the evaluation of their risk posture, Radiflow is introducing a  new free-to-use cloud benchmark tool. Utilizing collected industry-specific benchmark information based on Radiflow’s vast experience and enriched with CS2AI surveys, the new benchmark tool provides the user with a quick risk posture assessment compared to the industry status and best practices.

“CISOs are under enormous pressure to do more with less, making it challenging to understand their current standing across the OT Cybersecurity landscape,” said Ilan Barda, Radiflow CEO, and Co-founder. “Data-driven CIARA 4.0 automates the delivery of the necessary insights concerning the changes in the risk posture that actually direct users toward optimal security actions.”

At the same time that threat actors are getting more sophisticated and vulnerabilities are becoming more diverse, national and industrial regulatory bodies are tightening cybersecurity regulations. But these are often highly complicated and challenging. For example, while the widely accepted IEC62443 international series of standards provides a detailed map of security controls, it is often too complex for companies to understand and implement. For these situations, CIARA 4.0 delivers a view of Best Practices of Security Controls which are simpler to understand and map better to the planning of security projects in an individual factory or across a sprawling, geographically diverse complex of interlinked facilities.

“A centralized, highly intelligent solution that enables OT cybersecurity teams to identify vulnerabilities, and stay up to date with industry standards and/or best practices, while prioritizing and evaluating mitigation efforts, slashes the investment in time and effort required to conduct secure operations,” explained Michael Langer, Radiflow’s Chief Product Officer. “With the accelerating pace of so many new devices being interconnected via expanding OT networks alongside decades of legacy versions, CIARA 4.0’s ability to automate accurate risk analyses and furnish actionable insights becomes vital for ensuring zero downtime.”

Hyderabad, June 06, 2023: The Greater Hyderabad Parisara Foundation (GHPF), a not-for-profit organisation, devoted to transforming the ecology of the city and its surroundings into a greener and healthier metropolis, was launched by Shri Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Industry & Commerce, and IT, Government of Telangana, today.

The vision of the newly-launched GHPF is Greater Hyderabad, Greener Hyderabad.

GHPF, which is the Hyderabad chapter of a movement launched by a group of scientists, experts and other concerned citizens who have come together to ecologically transform Indian cities overwhelmed by extreme climate events, overflowing landfills with untreated solid wastes, depleting groundwater, encroached and polluted water bodies, toxic air quality and other environmental degradation. The group launched its Bengaluru chapter, Greater Bengaluru Parisara Foundation, in early 2022.

The launch event held on Monday on the eve of the World Environment Day at 360LIFE ‘Origin Towers at Madhapur’ in Hyderabad, India’s first and Asia’s only second such venture (Vertical Garden Twin Buildings) , was accompanied by the symbolic watering of the Vertical green forest of the apartment complex.

360 Life pioneers environmentally-conscious buildings to balance urban ecological health and the city’s development needs.

GHPF, the Hyderabad Chapter, aptly launched on Monday, the UN World Environment Day

Speaking on the occasion Mr Jayesh Ranjan said it is the perfect occasion to bring a new NGO to Hyderabad said to have done phenomenally well in Bangalore over a period of one year. Many cities are confronted with environmental challenges and Hyderabad is no exception. What you need to do is to collaborate with those institutions that are doing similar work. He said he would be ready to facilitate such collaborations and promised all the help.

I am happy to note that 360 Life has come forward to take responsibility for the restoration of the two-step well in the Osmania University campus. Over the last two years, 20 step-wells were restored in the city. He also appreciated 360 Life for coming out with the two tallest apartment buildings with vertical forests.

More and more people are moving to cities. Now villages have become old age homes. As a result, there is a tremendous amount of stress on urban infrastructure said Prakash Belwadi, Theatre, Film, Media personality, an activist and thought leader who is the founder of Greater Bangalore Parisara Foundation.

In the next 15 to 20 years about 250 to 300 million people will be migrating to urban areas. 18 million tonnes of garbage is produced across India every year. And this is going into landfills, which are polluting underground water. We need to use scientific data in urban planning. The newly launched NGO will provide scientifically reviewed data for urban planning. It will also help people to take informed decisions with the data. So that they will not buy properties in problematic areas. The NGO will work with Government and not against the government he said.

Speaking on the occasion Mr K Srikanth, Director of 360 Life said that they are a social enterprise with a commercial viability rather than a complete commercial enterprise. Builders have to be responsible for the well-being of the customers who reside in the residences they build. Today the scenario is under construction real estate projects produce more dust, air, noise pollution, and disturbance to the neighbours. Now you are here in this under-construction project without witnessing any of them he said.

We never celebrated New Year, but we have always celebrated World Environment Day. This is our 9th year of celebration. This day is an opportunity to showcase how dustfree is an under-construction site. We would like to see a better Hyderabad. Our goal for the newly formed Greater Hyderabad Parisara Foundation is to achieve Net Zero. Net Zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) that’s produced and the amount that’s removed from the atmosphere, he said.

Towards this direction, very soon we will be launching our project and initiatives for Net Zero, where Shri G Ranjith Reddy, MP, Lok Sabha; Shri Arekapudi Gandhi, MLA, and Whip, Telangana Assembly have agreed to take up the implementation in one colony each in their respective constituencies, Srikanth informed.

Smt Kalpana Ramesh, Founder, of The Rain Water Project, speaking on the occasion said nearly 5000 tonnes of garbage (equivalent to the garbage, the entire city produces a day) was removed from 20 step-wells which were restored in the city in the last two years. She shared that Rashtrapathi Nilayam in Bollaram has reached out to her to restore two step wells in Rashtrapathi Nilayam in Bollaram. The GHPF has come to Hyderabad at such a time the city is ready to welcome you, she said.

Shri Nagesh Sidhanti, Landscape Engineer, Arboriculturist, and Urban Forestry Expert; Prof D Ravinder, Vice-Chancellor, Osmania University; Shri ThilothamKolanu, Director, Andhra Pradesh Environmental Management Corporation, Shri Vinay Palaparthy, trade and industrial entrepreneur, and others also participated.

360LIFE, which takes pride in facilitating the launch of this new foundation, with an aim to further the environmentally-harmonious development of Greater Hyderabad, took the opportunity to showcase to the dignitaries the progress made with, its stunning vertical forest model apartments on World Environment Day. The towers are twin urban apartment buildings that are covered by vertical gardens, the first of its kind in the country to balance mother nature with development.

360LIFE, a leading developer in the city, with plans to expand in Cochin, Jaipur, Pune, Chennai, Kigali (Rwanda), and Dubai, is committed to spearheading a strategic shift towards sustainability in development projects.

The vision of 360 LIFE is aligned with that of the foundation’s belief that the transformation into ‘Greater Hyderabad, Greener Hyderabad’ can be driven only by joining forces with government entities, academic institutions, NGOs, and citizen groups, the speakers said.

BOX ITEM

STEPWELLS AT OSMANIA TO BE REVIVED
360LIFE, in keeping with its identity as a green infra company and its avowed ethos of seamlessly blending nature into its projects, is proud to announce its decision to adopt one such restoration effort underway in the city: Two beautiful heritage step wells in Osmania University. The project is being taken up by The Rainwater Project, the social start-up that earlier restored the now-famous Bansilalpet Stepwell.

360LIFE is committed to supporting projects around the environment and water conservation. This project will not only preserve heritage and architecture but also revive the charging of groundwater in the extended area around the stepwell and help create a vibrant public space in OU. The Osmania University step-wells, when restored, will augment the local groundwater levels, reduce urban flooding and serve to showcase a sterling example of traditional water conservation structures in the midst of our urban habitat.

Media Contact: Solus Media, D. Ramchandram, Mobile: 9848042020

Introduction: Gurgaon, a city synonymous with rapid development and bustling business activity, is set to witness a new wave of transformation in the fashion industry. Renowned fashion designer Akhilesh Pahwa, known for his exquisite designs and innovative approach, is all set to unveil his new store in the heart of Gurgaon. This move raises an intriguing question: Is Gurgaon poised to become the next fashion and real estate hub, following in the
footsteps of Mumbai?

Fashion Industry: A Dynamic Landscape The fashion industry is an ever-evolving domain, constantly seeking new avenues for growth and innovation. Over the years, Mumbai has held the distinction of being India’s fashion capital, with its vibrant fashion weeks, designer stories, and renowned fashion houses. However, with the emergence of Gurgaon as a thriving economic center, the fashion industry landscape is undergoing a significant shift. Akhilesh Pahwa: A Trailblazer in Fashion Akhilesh Pahwa, a visionary fashion designer, has been instrumental in redefining fashion norms and seting new trends. With a deep understanding of evolving consumer preferences and a keen eye for aesthetics, Pahwa has carved a niche for himself in the industry. His decision to establish a flagship store in Gurgaon reflects his belief in the city’s immense potential.

Gurgaon: The Rising Star of Real Estate Gurgaon’s transformation from a sleepy suburb to a bustling metropolis has been nothing short of remarkable. Boasting an impressive skyline, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a thriving corporate culture, Gurgaon has become a magnet for real estate development. The city’s strategic location, proximity to Delhi, and excellent connectivity have further fueled its growth as a major real estate hub.

The Synergy Between Fashion and Real Estate Fashion and real estate have always shared a symbiolic relationship. The presence of high-end fashion brands and designer stores oNen serves as a catalyst for real estate development. With Akhilesh Pahwa’s new store poised to become a destination for fashion enthusiasts, Gurgaon’s real estate market is expected to witness a surge in demand for commercial spaces and luxury residences.

The Road Ahead for Gurgaon As Gurgaon gains prominence in the fashion industry, it is not inconceivable that the city may eventually rival Mumbai’s status as the fashion capital of India. Gurgaon’s cosmopolitan vibe, growing disposable income, and discerning customer base make it an ideal breeding ground for fashion entrepreneurs and designers.

Conclusion: Akhilesh Pahwa’s decision to establish a new store in Gurgaon signifies the city’s emergence as a powerhouse in the fashion and real estate domains. With its rapid urbanization, strategic location, and a population eager for the latest fashion trends, Gurgaon is poised to become a formidable competitor to Mumbai’s fashion throne. As the city embraces this new chapter, all eyes are on Gurgaon to witness its remarkable journey
towards becoming the next fashion and real estate hub of India.

The city’s ‘Money Breakthrough Specialist”

Dr Mani ‘Money’ Pavitra, drives the retreat

Hyderabad, June 03, 2023: We work hard, study well, and take all the trouble in life to earn more money. But we do very little to manage money well. As a result, many struggle even after making a huge fortune.

Hyderabad-based Fortune Academy pioneered a novel concept and has come out with a unique ‘Money Retreat’. A three-day immersive learning and experience of Money Management. The retreat will be held at Park Regin, a resort-style luxury hotel in Goa for three days from June 5th to 7th

It offers transformative techniques to improve financial well-being. This is all an experience of learning. Some of the activities unheard before include Aqua silica Odyssey, Terra Transformation, Aether Accession, and Phoenix Ignition.

Giving details, Dr Mani ‘Money’ Pavitra, a Dental Doctor, now popularly known as ‘Money Breakthrough Specialist” said, “It’s weird and confusing that the most talented and smart people in the world are often the ones struggling to make fabulous money”.

Over the years, Dr Mani Pavitra has been through the whole financial roller coaster herself and mastered the scientifically proven mental models that attract wealth!

Giving highlights of the retreat Dr Mani Pavitra said, the Aqua Silica Odyssey employs breathwork exercises in water, symbolizing liquidity, to cleanse any mental blocks and revitalise your perspective towards wealth creation. The Terra Transformation grounds you to earthly realities, teaching you to appreciate and manage the resources you have efficiently. The Aether Accession promotes the flow of energy and opens the mind to a higher level of financial wisdom and opportunities. The retreat concludes with the Phoenix Ignition, symbolizing rebirth and renewal, helping participants to let go of any past financial mistakes and embrace a new path towards financial independence and prosperity. This retreat is designed to enhance participants’ financial consciousness and to unblock their path towards financial success

This retreat will give its attendees the most practical wealth manifestation tools they will ever have. They will get day-to-day actions, inspiration, kick-up-the-butt real talk, and loving advice, she added.

This model worked well for me. As an outcome of belief shifts, my income doubled, then tripled, and in a few years, I went from always struggling to make ends meet to being a financially successful entrepreneur.

From “not enough money,” I have reached a comfortable position, she added. Dr Mani Pavitra today is a very successful entrepreneur.

You can make money three ways—make more, manage well or spend less, she adds.

About a hundred Business owners, Couples and Single moms with kids are taking part in the unique ‘Money Retreat’.

Media Contact: Solus Media, D. Ramchandram, Mobile: 9848042020

Be Inspired to Inspire Others on a Continuous Mission to Inspire & Empower Millions

Amb. Smily Mukta Ghoshal, A Mission-driven Passionpreneur, excelling with a Vision to Dominate Globe with her Continuous Effort to serve Mankind Born to shine with multitudinous feathers in her cap.

An Indo-American plant biologist, Environmentalist from Dallas, Texas, USA, worked for over 12 years as a corporate business trainer, plugged in her childhood passion As a Nature Lover, and started her own “green beauty line” called “#1Naturalbeauty,” customized skin and hair products. She has a strong sense of self-motivation, is ambitious, tenacious, keen, and aggressive focuses on a continuous mission to encourage people worldwide to Go-Green and introduce Natural products with a vision to create a sustainable greener world away from synthetics to live healthy Lifestyle Naturally & Passion In protecting Mother Earth.

A dynamic Leader with a Wealth of Experience as an Intuitive Wellness Educator, Environmentalist, Herbalist, International Motivation Speaker, Transformational Coach, Certified Mentor, Pageantry Trainer as Personality Groomer, Soft Skill & Leadership Trainer, and Women Empowerment Icon.

She is a brilliant, self-made, multi-talented Outstanding Achiever, woman of substance, and dynamic personality who has never learned to pause. She is an inspiration to many people all over the world because of her passion, and tenacity. Her Continuous thriving & success is on the Go as she is an Iconic Lady who leads from the heart and passion to Empowering Woman and Educating them on the Best Version of themselves to live Loud with their Own Identity, She is a Jewel and you don’t want to miss this amazing Gift to Humanity as we discover more about her as below…..

Champion of the Sustainable Development Goals, intuitive wellness educator, International motivational speaker, transformational coach, certified trainer, and above all world record holder. She is a role model for women’s empowerment and youth leadership.

Apart from Highest Achievers receiving more than 600 awards worldwide in the fields of education, wellness, green entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, leadership, and positive influencer as a lead keynote speaker in Global Summits and Conclaves. She has been recently Titled “Humanitarian & Peace Queen” & “Mother of the Environment” to name a few out of her long list of accolades….which is definitely Commendable…

Her ongoing work “bringing nature back to our modern busy lifestyle” and passion for protecting mother earth by inspiring others to Go Green, Make Nature our best friend by planting more trees to increase oxygen production and carbon sequestration. Her Continuous effort Inspires different Platforms toward creating a better future where everyone can lead naturally healthy lives. In her opinion, there is no need for synthetic products when nature has abundantly provided for us in its purest form.

Focussing on Ayurvedic heritage, she developed a more distinctive brand with a distinct focus point in order to continue championing the cause of saving humanity and inspiring others, while also maintaining her position as a role model for others to believe that she believes in teaching what she practices as core values without sugarcoating and being the best version of herself as a confident personality & a Positive Role Model, Change Maker, Go Getter, always ready to Serve Community..to keep Engaging with All.

Amb. Smily stands to inspire all to rise and shine through her inspirational journey remaining optimistic and believing in herself is what is enabling her to be a successful entrepreneur today from Go Green Passionpreneur to GLOBAL ICON, World record Holder & Brand Ambassador to Various Non-Profit Organizations, Edu Institutes, Media and Magazines, as more cards keep opening on as she stands to Uplift, support connecting people globally with business opportunities…

Among her Future Goals, Her global green revolution campaign which is a global movement to rekindle the spirit of go-green in saving the earth, humanity, and environment, while Educating and empowering young people, are just a few of the projects and initiatives she supports. It acts as a starting point for incorporating sustainability into all endeavours.

In order to restore the planet to its pre-human state free of environmental degradation, it is imperative that she continue her green revolution campaign to Create a Sustainable better Future.

Amb. Smily’s global green revolution campaign is critical to support because it is her means of advancing the concept of green chemistry, which offers principles, a framework, and real-time analysis for pollution prevention, and designing for energy efficiency. Leading to Sustainability.

Few Amb. Smily Mukta Ghoshal line up of Green Projects though a lot is being set for the future:

• Global Green Revolution Campaign
• Women Empowerment Pageant
• Global Women Greenpreneurs Club to Encourage Green Startups
• Establishment of Green Modelling and Fashion University
• Environmental Safety Awareness and Sustainability Campaign Across Globe
• Sustainability lifestyle Workstation.
• Natural healing temple tourist center

Her mission is to positively influence the world while doing all she can to support people, the environment, and not to mention all creatures especially animals. Despite the fact that everything we do in business ultimately results in profit, we should focus on Serving Mankind as Global Citizens to act Responsibly rather than constantly Chasing after Money. The fight to save the planet, the earth, and humanity, in her opinion, is one in which everyone can contribute to having a better life to live n Peace.

Few Highlights on her Awards and Recognition from across the Globe out of 600 Accolades:

• As Green Initiative Leader
• Global Green Queen
• Outstanding Leadership Award
• Global Influencer
• Golden Legend Award
• Mother Teresa Peace Award
• Award and Recognition from the kingdom of West Timor Indonesia, Royal Kingdom of Ghana
• 100 inspirational women
• Global Glory Icon
• Best green initiative leader
• Top women n bzns
• Women’s World record
• Intl women icon
• best social activist
• Global peace award
• Top 20 Women Outstanding leader
• Global Influencer women,
• Top Inspirational Woman and many more

On more of her journey in life: on Global Positions/Title :

• “Advisory Board” of the Asian-African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACCI),
• President of Rotaract Asia, a philanthropic business organization (under Rotary International),
• International Board Member of Intl Women Empowerment Forum
• Sp Envoy – Humanitarian Services – African Diaspora Union.
• Africa Real Estate – Ambassador
• Apart from above Accolades she has been on Various Book of Records & As an Intl Convener….
• Influencer Book of Record
• World’s Greatest Record.
• OMG Book of Records
• World Book of Records London,
• State Book of World Records
• Netaji World Records
• The Book of World Records.
• The Exclusive World Records.
• Transocean World Records, USA
• Amazing Book of World Records

Her inspirational words and Vision

“I want to adjure everyone to join My Projects which is my millennium quest to save the planet and humanity. we are all one people despite our colors, skins, and languages. let’s champion sustainability causes. and let sustainability leads the millennium generation. “

“My goal is to make a positive impact on the world while doing what I can to help communities, the environment, and both. even though there is Self-satisfaction at the end of the day in everything we do. But in my opinion, everyone can contribute to the effort to save the planet, the earth, and humanity. Let’s pursue sustainability for all by making wise use of our abilities, imaginations, and professionalism. So, pursue your own passion, make the most of each circumstance, and seize the numerous opportunities the world has to offer.”

In her Own words:

“ A Great Leader is Recognized only thru Vision on Passion not thru Position, Title hold:…….”

I think that achieving success requires overcoming obstacles rather than following a set formula or arriving at a specific place. My goal is to help the community build a sustainable natural environment for a better future. Always consider your victories as humble lessons in overcoming obstacles. I am able to achieve what I have today becz of my Passion, Perseverance, and Consistency as I remain committed to my goal of building a sustainable, green world for the benefit of future generations.”

Her Message to the World:

Think sustainable, act sustainable & turn to be sustainable. as every drop makes an ocean, each individual effort in acting responsibly will heal the earth to be sustainable better future for all to live healthy “…
“to restore the mother earth to its original state void of environmental damage.”
let’s Walk Talk..
be a positive change maker to inspire the young mastermind who are agents for nation builders.
“natural beauty is the best makeup for lifetime to cherish in decades.”
“Be your Own Navigator’ & Live Loud with your own Identity.”

Reach to Amb. Smily Mukta Ghoshal:

WhatsApp: +1 (940) 315-0509
Email: no1naturalbeauty@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/no1naturalbeauty
https://www.facebook.com/smiilymukta
Instagram@smilymukta

Kaatman named Director of Enterprise Development for growing insurance alliance.

(St. Louis, Mo., April 22, 2023) Valley Insurance Agency Alliance (VIAA), a cohesive family of more than 160 independent insurance agencies in Missouri and Illinois, recently promoted Bill Kaatman to Director of Enterprise Development.

Kaatman’s responsibilities include overseeing new member recruitment and onboarding, as well as pursuing strategic partnerships to further the alliance’s growth. He will also serve on the company’s development team to assist alliance members with implementing new technology and digital tools that can be utilized to advance their own insurance agencies.

Kaatman has 17 years of insurance industry experience that includes holding a variety of positions in both agency management and direct-to-consumer insurance sales. Prior to his promotion, he served as VIAA’s Digital Agency Coach where he helped members with online sales strategies, improving their digital presence, and strategic business planning. Kaatman joined VIAA with nine years of experience as a partner and principal sales leader in a local independent insurance agency that was within the VIAA family of agencies.

“Bill’s background as both an entrepreneur and a seasoned communication specialist will directly benefit our alliance member agencies,” said VIAA’s co-founder Henry Powers. “He is tech-savvy and solution-oriented when it comes to providing the best service possible, and we look forward to all Bill will accomplish in his new position.”

Founded in 2006, sister company Valley Insurance Agency Alliance generates more than $600 million in written premium and is the regional founding member for the Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance (SIAA), a $11 billion national alliance. Founded in 1991, Powers Insurance & Risk Management provides personal and business insurance, surety, risk management, and employee benefits. The companies are headquartered at 6825 Clayton Ave. For more information, call (314) 725-1414 or visit www.viaa4u.com.

Progress 64 West and YouthBridge Community Foundation of Greater St. Louis join forces to offer scholarships for aspiring entrepreneurs.

(St. Louis, Mo., April 21, 2023) Progress 64 West and YouthBridge Community Foundation of Greater St. Louis recently announced the establishment of the Progress 64 Entrepreneurial Scholarship Fund, which will assist high school seniors in achieving their educational goals.

The joint effort’s mission is to support, encourage, and foster young entrepreneurs by awarding scholarships to high school seniors living or going to school in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County. The one-year awards can be used at trade schools, as well as two- and four-year colleges and universities.

To qualify for consideration, students must submit an executive summary of a business plan that includes a business concept description; market analysis, including market need, competition, and profit strategy; operations plan; and sales and marketing strategies. The application deadline is Oct. 23, 2023. Application details will be posted in August on Youthbridge Community Foundation’s website at youthbridge.org.

Founded in 1877, YouthBridge Community Foundation is a nonprofit that partners with individuals, families, and businesses to support charities and communities needs in the St. Louis region, especially those focused on children and families.

“It’s a great fit with our mission,” states Barbara Carswell, CEO of YouthBridge. “We focus on children and youth, and the scholarship program that has benefited students in West St. Louis and St. Charles counties is now expanding to all high school students in St. Louis City, County and St. Charles County.”

Progress 64 West was established in 1987 to promote the responsible growth of commerce in the greater St. Louis region, with a particular emphasis given to the I-64 corridor from I-270 west ward to I-70. A partnership of citizens, business and civic leaders, the organization’s vision focused on economic prosperity by championing workforce improvements and infrastructure projects.

In 2004, civic organization Progress 64 West initiated its scholarship program, then named in honor of St. Louis business leader Louis S. Sachs. Sachs was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to envision what could be. Renamed as the Progress 64 Entrepreneurial Scholarship Fund, the program is now positioned to provide more scholarships for a larger pool of candidates.

According to Michael Doster, of Doster, Nations, Ullom & Boyle, LLC and a member of the scholarship committee, “Our partnership with YouthBridge will provide the opportunity for more donors to come alongside our existing scholarship sponsors in making tax-deductible donations that enrich the lives of local students.”

For more information, visit youthbridge.org/p64fund/.

Live and in-person TEDxStLouis event spotlights St. Louisans’ stories.

(St. Louis, Mo., April 18, 2023) – TEDxStLouis – a nonprofit community of learners and change-agents in St. Louis – will host its “Imagine That!” talks on Sat., May 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade College Prep located at 425 S. Lindbergh Blvd. Tickets range from $35 for General Admission and $65 for a VIP experience.

The “Imagine That!” event will spotlight stories by St. Louisans that are real and not just from our imaginations. Speakers include:

• Dr. Nick Holekamp, Chief Medical Officer at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, “The Road to OZ: Taking Care Beyond the Bedside to get Better Outcomes for Really Sick Kids.”
• Michael Woods, President and CEO of Dream Builders 4 Equity, “Ownership is the Key to Freedom.”
• Regina Mossotti, Vice President of Animal Care at Saint Louis Zoo, “Who is Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?”
• Amy Camie, Certified Clinical Musician, “Building Tolerance and Empathy Through Music.”
• “LandSpeed Louise” Noeth, Principal Storyteller at LandSpeed Productions, “How Fast Can She Go?”
• Kelly Pollock, CEO at Berges Family Foundation, “Creativity to the Rescue: The Power of Whole Brain, Whole Body Leadership.”

“Imagine That!” emcee is NFT artist and community builder Myrina Renaissance Otey-Myton. The event includes an interview with Ron Himes, founder and producing director of The Black Rep, along with a live performance by music recording artist Dre’Co.

TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. Founded in 2013, TEDxStLouis, formerly TEDxGateway Arch, provides the community with events, connections, and ongoing information. For more information or to register, visit http://www.tedxsaintlouis.org.

Nearly 100 juried artists from throughout the country to participate in the St. Charles fair

(St. Charles, Mo., April 13, 2023) Mosaics Fine Art Festival will host its 28th annual event on Fri., Sept. 15 from 4 to 9 p.m., Sat., Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sun., Sept. 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The family-friendly event, which is free and open to the public, will be held along several blocks of North Main St. in Historic St. Charles, Mo. where more than 30 restaurants and over 75 shops are located.

The three-day festival includes approximately 100 juried artists from more than 15 states who will exhibit artwork available for purchase. Media categories include clay, drawing, glass, leather, metal, pastel, oil/acrylic, photography, printmaking, sculpture, watercolor, and wood. A total of $5,000 will be awarded to the top nine artists.

The Children’s Village area will feature hands-on art experiences for children to create their own make-and-take art masterpieces. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sat. and Sun.

The Mary Hediger Memorial Art Shop for Kids is a kids-only gallery where children ages 14 and younger can buy professional artwork. Designed to foster art appreciation at a young age, all pieces are donated by participating festival artists and can be purchased for a nominal fee.

The H. Robert Pank Memorial Music Stage will showcase a variety of performing artists throughout the weekend. The Artists for Adoption Pet Pavilion, located at the north end of the festival, will be open to families interested in adopting pets from Stray Paws Adoptables.

The Joyce Rosen Founder’s Scholarship art display will include select high school students’ works of art. Scholarships will be presented in memory of Joyce Rosen, the original festival founder and a longtime supporter of St. Louis artists and events.

The Mosaics Fine Art Festival is a nonprofit organization that showcases local and regional artists while educating the community’s children and adults in how art can enhance their lives. The festival features a wide array of artwork produced by a mix of emerging, mid-career and established artists in all media. For more information, call (314) 406-2067 or visit Mosaics Fine Art Festival.