Category business

 Scotland – March 18 – Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., and Astraius Ltd. announced today a collaboration to enhance future satellite launch capabilities from Prestwick Spaceport.

During a visit to the Spaceport by Scottish Government Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism, and Enterprise Ivan McKee, the companies commemorated the announcement with a signing ceremony.

Prestwick Spaceport, a joint partnership between Glasgow Prestwick Airport and South Ayrshire Council, aims to become Europe’s premier location for carrying small satellites into orbit via “air launch,” a proven technique that enables a rocket to reach space after being launched from an aircraft that has flown out to an ideal location over the ocean.

Spirit and Astraius – both located within Prestwick’s developing space cluster – are working to advance and accelerate the system components and key processes required for the Astraius horizontal launch platform. The U.K. government has made the orbital launch a key priority, with the National Space Strategy outlining plans to secure an increased portion of a global space economy expected to be worth £490bn by 2030. The space sector in the U.K. already employs over 45,000 people, with Scotland accounting for one-fifth of that figure.

Scott McLarty, Spirit Senior Vice President, Airbus and Regional/Business Jet Programs, said Spirit’s sites in both Scotland and Northern Ireland are well placed to support and develop a robust and sustainable space sector.

“Spirit is well-positioned to develop new skills and technologies to contribute to the U.K.’s resilience and supply chain in the space sector and support high-value manufacturing regional hubs,” he said. “We are delighted to be working with Astraius to explore opportunities to contribute further to the expansion of the U.K. Space Sector, through the design, manufacturing, integration and testing of aerostructures for launch activities.”

Astraius’ horizontal launch solution leverages the accessibility of C-17 transport aircraft, combining innovative technology with proven delivery platforms that remove the reliance on individually modified aircraft and increase responsiveness. The company brings together an international team with experience in commercial space launches and operations, to offer an affordable solution that caters to the growing demand for payloads designed to carry out a variety of tasks from orbit, such as monitoring climate change and supporting disaster relief efforts.

Astraius Chief Executive Officer Kevin Seymour stated, “This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is the first step in what I’m confident will be a long-term partnership with Spirit AeroSystems. Spirit’s advanced manufacturing expertise and world-class facilities can significantly bolster our development roadmap, bringing together UK engineering excellence with proven horizontal launch technology. With both companies located in Prestwick, Scotland’s largest aerospace cluster, our collaboration is further testament to the proactive and vibrant space ecosystem developing around Prestwick Spaceport.”

On the collaboration between Spirit and Astraius, Minister Ivan McKee commented, “There is great potential and opportunities in the space sector in Scotland with the first orbital launch from Scottish soil due this year. That is why we have identified the sector as a priority in our National Strategy for Economic Transformation. Our ambition is clear, we want to become Europe’s leading space nation by 2030. The signing of this MoU is great news, and it is another positive step in the development of space and aerospace opportunities in Prestwick. Spirit AeroSystems brings a wealth of capability and technologies that can support further growth of the space sector in Scotland, and I am excited about the innovative developments Spirit and Astraius can bring to Prestwick.”

Ian Annett, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the U.K. Space Agency, said: “We are committed to becoming the leading provider of commercial small satellite launches in Europe by 2030 and we welcome the partnership between Spirit AeroSystems and Astraius, which brings Astraius another step closer towards conducting a launch from the U.K. Developing orbital launch capabilities is already helping the space sector to generate growth across science and engineering supply chains, catalyze investment, create new jobs and career paths, and inspire the next generation of space professionals all over the U.K.”

India, 18th March 2023: India’s apex body, The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) presents India International Jewellery Show – IIJS Tritiya – in Southern India at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) from 17th to 20th March 2023 – a month prior to Akshaya Tritiya, the auspicious gold jewellery-buying festival. IIJS Tritiya follows the stupendous success of IIJS Premiere – Bengaluru 2021, which revealed the latent potential of the Southern region.

The inauguration of IIJS Tritiya 2023 was graced by Dr Murugesh R. Nirani, Minister for Large and Medium Industries, Government of Karnataka (Chief Guest); and Shri T. S. Kalyanaraman, Managing Director of Kalyan Jewellers (Guest of Honour); along with Shri Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC; Shri Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Shri R. Arulanandan, Director of the Department of Commerce; Shri Suresh Kumar Ganna, President, Jewellers Association Bengaluru; Shri Nirav Bhansali, Convener, National Exhibitions, GJEPC; Shri Sabyasachi Ray, ED, GJEPC along with others.

GJEPC and Jewellers Association Bengaluru (JAB) also signed an MoU during the inauguration with the objective of working towards the enhancement and development of jewellery manufacturing and trade in Karnataka.

Dr Murugesh R. Nirani, Minister for Large and Medium Industries, Government of Karnataka, said, “Karnataka is one state with multiple opportunities and possibilities and Bangalore is the epicentre of South India’s domestic and international trade. After establishing a leadership position in technology, IT services, software, electronic manufacturing services, mobile phone handsets and semiconductors, we are now aspiring to enhance our gem & jewellery business as this industry contributes significantly to India’s exports. The upcoming gem & jewellery park in Karnataka will become a significant hub of South India and generate more than 1 lakh jobs.”

Guest of Honour Shri T. S. Kalyanaraman, Managing Director of Kalyan Jewellers, said, “The gem & jewellery business undergoes constant evolution and participating in IIJS shows regularly has helped in keeping us updated with the times. IIJS Tritiya is a great opportunity for South Indian entrepreneurs in the gem & jewellery business to make their mark and connect to international and domestic buyers. I remember how I started off as a third-generation entrepreneur three decades back and have finally reached this stage today thanks to the support and initiatives of GJEPC.”

Mr Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC said, “IIJS Tritiya is poised to act as a catalyst for further advancement of the gem and jewellery industry in Karnataka, benefiting both manufacturers and retailers. We are already witnessing a surge in exports from this state. From April 2022 to February 2023, the gem and jewellery exports from Karnataka experienced remarkable growth of 169%, reaching USD 150.33 million, as compared to last year. The show presents exporters from southern India with the opportunity to take their business to the next level. Currently, India’s overall gem & jewellery exports account for USD 40 billion and our goal is to reach USD 75 billion in exports by 2030.”

“This exhibition not only offers exhibitors a chance to showcase their products but also provides them with invaluable insights into the diverse markets and their ever-changing tastes and trends,” added Mr. Shah.

Speaking on the collaboration with Jewellers Association Bengaluru, Mr. Vipul Shah said, “GJEPC is supporting the Jewellers Association Bengaluru, in setting up a Jewellery Park in Karnataka. Discussions are underway with the state Government regarding the allocation and finalisation of land for the project. This initiative aims to offer efficient assistance to jewellery manufacturers and traders seeking to expand their operations in the state of Karnataka. The project is expected to generate 1 lakh additional jobs in the sector for the people of Karnataka.”

Mr Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, said, “GJEPC is grateful to Dr Murugesh R. Nirani, Minister for Large and Medium Industries, Karnataka, for his vision and support to increasing gem & jewellery exports. Since its inception 38 years ago, IIJS has surpassed its role as a conventional exhibition and has become the primary national platform for the Indian jewellery manufacturing industry to network with global retailers.”

Mr Nirav Bhansali, Convener, National Exhibitions, GJEPC, said, “IIJS, as a B2B platform, has been instrumental in promoting and developing the gem & jewellery business in India. IIJS Tritiya along with Signature and Premiere, are likely to generate business of over Rs. 1 lakh Crore in 2023. We are also targeting to plant 1 lakh trees this year under the “One Earth” initiative towards our ultimate aim of making all our shows carbon-neutral.”

IIJS Tritiya, the third exhibition under the IIJS banner, features more than 800 exhibitors and over 1,500 stalls spread across Halls 4 and 5, covering an area of 45,000 square meters.

The event is expected to attract over 15,000 trade visitors from 600 cities and will showcase a wide range of products, including gold and gold CZ studded jewellery, diamond, gemstone and other studded jewellery, silver jewellery, artefacts, and gifting items, loose stones, lab-grown diamonds, as well as laboratories and educational resources. Based on the feedback from visitors and exhibitors, IIJS Tritiya’s show timings have been adjusted from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Innov8 Talks, a knowledge exchange forum, will feature a range of topics including a masterclass for quality management titled Kaizen Practitioner; the power of storytelling; Cyber Crime- The New Threat to your Business. New features at IIJS Tritiya 2023 also include LaunchPad’s exclusive product launch area.

IIJS Tritiya boasts several notable features, including affordable five-star and budget hotels, self-operated touch screen information kiosks, mobile charging stations, shuttle services to and from official hotels, metro stations, and airports, buggy services within the venue, and cafeteria, specially designed cafés, etc.

Auspicious days like Gudi Padwa ignite the sparks of ‘buying’ traditions in the family and therefore home-buying will be on the cards for many prospective home seekers. The real estate sector which witnessed a strong revival in the last couple of years will now pin hopes on the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa to keep the sales momentum going. The developer community is also doling out festive offers to attract the potential home-buyers. An array of offers like freebies, discounts, flexi-payment schemes will be rolled out to fuel consumers’ home-buying spirit.

Here are a few Gudi Padwa offers from the developers:

Runwal Group
Runwal Group, one of the top real estate brands of the country has come up with the ‘Great Runwal Home Fest’, coinciding with Gudi Padwa festive celebrations.

Under flexi pay plans the home buyer just pays 10% at time of booking and nothing till December 2023. Other offers include spot benefits and assured gold vouchers at time of booking. These offers are available across their projects of Runwal Bliss and Runwal Avenue at Kanjurmarg East and Runwal Forests at Kanjurmarg West. For Runwal Pinnacle at Mulund West, home buyers just have to pay 10% at time of booking and nothing till June 2025. Spot benefits and assured gold vouchers at time of booking are also on offer. Flexi pay plan scheme for Runwal Gardens at Dombivli is 10% at time of booking and nothing till March 2024. Home buyers can also avail of spot benefits like wheel of fortune, assured gold vouchers on booking and special offer only for women home buyers, at the time of booking.

Mr. Rajat Rastogi, Executive Director, Runwal Group said, “Festive times always bring about a positive sentiment in consumers which is visible in their home buying as well. Gudi Padwa is an occasion which usually leads to a surge in purchases, including those of homes. This year, we have launched the ‘Great Runwal Home Fest’ to coincide with Gudi Padwa, providing a further incentive to home buyers. The Home Fest offers have been tailor-made to suit home buyer aspirations during this festive period. We have been experiencing a steady demand across our projects and we are certain of ending the FY on a high note with robust sales volumes.”

Labdhi Lifestyle
For Gudi Padwa, Labdhi Lifestyle has come up with a campaign ‘Munafe Ka Mahina’ for it’s project Labdhi Gardens at Neral. The developer is offering fully furnished 1, 2 & 3 BHK Residences starting from 25.99 lacs. Labdhi is currently selling phase 9 of the OC applied project and providing these homes with attractive home loan rates of 5.99%. Additionally, they are offering 5gm gold to the customers if they purchase the flat on the occasion of Gudi Padwa.

For its project Sea Breeze at Wadala, Labdhi is offering 2 BHK homes at Rs. 1.62 crore all inclusive. With 85% construction completed, the project has received a stupendous response with 235 apartments already sold and just last 27 units left. The developer has rolled out a 10:80:10 payment plan for its customers and will also offer a modular kitchen on the occasion of Gudi Padwa. The buyer can also exchange their old home with HomeXchange for buying a home in this project.

“We are extremely delighted by the overwhelming response for our projects; we look forward to provide a world-class lifestyle at a very attractive price for our residents. Festive seasons and the real estate industry are always abuzz with activities — new launches, offers, benefits, attractive payment schemes, etc and Gudi Padwa is one such auspicious occasion. Today, customers want to experience luxury-backed homes with exclusive amenities and facilities. Therefore, we feel that this is the best time to buy a property with exclusive deals and promotions from developers along with flexible payment options,” says Mr. Vikas Jain, CEO, Labdhi Lifestyle Limited.

Siddha Group
This Gudi Padwa, Siddha Group is offering their customers special discounts on pricing. For their project Siddha Sky at Wadala, the developer is offering a special discounted starting price of Rs. 1.55 cr as compared to the earlier starting price of Rs. 1.61 cr for 2 BHK apartments. For 3 BHK apartments, the discounted starting price will be Rs. 1.99 cr as compared to the earlier starting price of Rs. 2.05 cr. Apart from this, there will also be an assured gold coin on every booking. For their project Siddha Seabrook at Kandivali, the Group is offering 3 BHK residences at an all inclusive price of Rs. 2.89 cr. Also, there will be an assured gold coin worth Rs. 1.5 lacs on every booking. The offers for both the projects will be for a limited period of time and will be valid till 22nd March 2023.

Mr. Samyak Jain, Director, Siddha Group said, “Festivals such as Gudi Padwa are always considered auspicious for home buying and this year the festival has gained prominence due to the prevailing market condition. Past records have shown that sales on this auspicious day in Mumbai have always witnessed an uptick compared to the rest of the year. Going by the trend, we are expecting a surge in sales this year, too. In continuance with our Gudi Padwa celebration, we at Siddha Group are offering our customers discounts on the pricing along with an assured gold coin on every booking.”

Tridhaatu Realty
On the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa, Tridhaatu Realty is offering fully air-conditioned 2 BHK Deck Residences starting at Rs. 2.29 crore all inclusive in their project Tridhaatu Morya at Chembur. To ease the financial burden of the buyers, the developer is also offering a bank subvention payment plan of 15:85 along with a modular kitchen.

“Gudi Padwa is all about happiness and new beginnings. Therefore, we at Tridhaatu Realty are celebrating the occasion by providing offers that will meet the modern needs of the homebuyers. This Gudi Padwa, we are providing our customers an attractive value proposition, amidst the rising property prices, where we should see their confidence in the sector increase, and boost consumption. We are optimistic that the auspicious occasion will give a much-needed positivity that the real estate sector needs,” said Mr. Govind Krishnan Muthukumar, Co-founder & Director, of Tridhaatu Realty.

Group Satellite
For one of the top best-selling projects in Mumbai, Aarambh at Malad East, the developer Group Satellite is providing fully furnished apartments at a massive 70% discount on the cost of furniture. A customer can also avail of exclusive interiors on offer. Apart from this, there will be a special pricing discount of 10gm gold for customers buying a flat on the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa.

Mr. Himanshu Jain, VP – Sales, Marketing & CRM – Satellite Developers Pvt. Ltd (SDPL) said, “The real estate sector relies heavily on auspicious occasions like Gudi Padwa which leads to enhanced buyer activity and property sales. This year, the festival will be more joyous owing to improved home-buying sentiment. We have analyzed the buyers’ requirements and have customized the offers accordingly. This is the best buying opportunity for the buyers to buy their dream home and experience the best-in-class lifestyle at an affordable price within the city limits.”

Pittsburgh, PA., March 17, 2023 — Ready® (@ready_nutrition), one of the fastest growing sports nutrition companies in America with co-owners NFL superstar Aaron Donald and world basketball icon Giannis Antetokounmpo, is making its mark in the tennis world, being named the Official Sports Drink of the Miami Open Tennis Tournament.

Ready® Athlete Jessica Pegula, America’s top-ranked player and #3 in the world, will join fellow participants for one of the largest combined ATP/WTA combined tournaments in the world scheduled for March 19 – April 2 at Hard Rock Stadium.  The tournament sports a who’s who of past champions including Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic along with Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, and the Williams sisters on the ladies’ side.

Ready® will use the high-profile exposure of the Open to highlight the launch of Ready® Light Sports Drink, its advanced, science-based beverage designed to optimize hydration replenishment and energy production.

The partnership follows Ready’s® signing of Pegula last August as a Ready® Athlete to represent both the brand’s products and provide a shining example of the unique goal achievement and perseverance mentality that is an integral part of the brand’s messaging and Pegula’s career.

Ready’s® sponsorship assets include product integration (sports drink, protein bars and powder) in player and recovery areas for competitor use, court and video board signage, on court cooler placement, product sampling, tournament social and digital branding, and commercial opportunities on the Tennis Channel’s coverage of the tournament reaching over 11 million viewers worldwide.  Ready® will premier Pegula’s first promotional spot for the brand on the telecast.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be chosen as a partner with such a prestigious tournament featuring players from all over the world,” said Ready® Founder and CEO Pat Cavanaugh.  “We’re especially looking forward to our best-in-class products being available to help fuel the players and assist them in their recovery.”

Mumbai, Maharashtra: Origin, a leading trade credit insurance provider in India, and AU Group – the world’s leading independent broker specialised in trade receivables, headquartered in Paris – today announced a strategic partnership. This partnership marks an important milestone for both companies : and it will enable Origin to provide a wider range of insurance products and services to its customers and AU Group will extend its geographical scope and service capabilities.

Trade credit insurance has become increasingly important in India, given the volatile nature of the global economy. The partnership will enable Origin to offer a comprehensive range of trade credit insurance products and services to its customers, including coverage for political risk, non-payment, bankruptcy, and insolvency and this is aligned with the AU Group’s development strategy.

According to recent industry reports, the penetration of trade credit insurance in India is low, with less than 5% of Indian Corporates taking out such policies to mitigate their trade risks – domestic and exports. This is in sharp contrast to developed economies where trade credit insurance penetration rates are much higher and part of the sales process. This low penetration can be attributed to a lack of awareness and understanding of the benefits of trade credit insurance among Indian Corporates, as well as a limited availability of such products in the Indian market.

The partnership between Origin and AU Group will raise awareness about the importance of trade credit insurance and Political Risk, and will to expand the availability of such products to Indian corporates. With AU Groups’s expertise in Trade Credit Insurance, Political Risks and Surety Bonds as well as and Origin’s strong presence in India, the partnership is poised to deliver innovative and comprehensive solutions to the Indian market.

AU Group CEO, Vivien de Lassée, said, “We are delighted to partner with Origin to expand our presence in the Indian market. Our partnership with Origin will enable us to leverage their strong market position and offer our comprehensive range of innovative trade credit insurance solutions to businesses in India. We are confident that this partnership will be mutually beneficial and help us to further strengthen our position in the region.”

Gerald Lim, Chairman AU Group Asia said, “Origin is a well established specialist broker led by UmangRathod, an experienced and respected practitioner, and we look forward to working closely together “.

Umang Rathod, Founder & Director, Origin said “Trade credit insurance is an important area for us and we are excited to partner with AU Group to expand our product offerings in this space. The Indian market has tremendous potential and we believe that by working with AU Group, we can help Indian businesses to not only provide access to international underwriters and capacities but also customised policy wordings and solutions for Banks and Factoring companies.”

CII-Southern Region organized its Annual Regional Meeting for the year 2022-23 and a conference on South India@100 with the theme “GOING BEYOND BOUNDARIES” today in Hyderabad 

During the Session on ‘Positioning India’s Leadership through Sports- Journey to 2047’

Ms. Sania Mirza, Indian Tennis Player said that Hyderabad’s sporting culture very strong and believe that sports could be a career. When more people play, then you have more champions. We are more of a cricket nation than sports nation. In the last 20 years we have witnessed drastic changes in the sports arena. When you don’t be believe to be best or a champion then you won’t become a champion. We all should be given independence and should be allowed to do what we feel is good for us. We need to be best version of ourselves.

Mr. Pullela Gopichand, Chief National Coach, Indian National Badminton team, said that States or region does not matter but only performance matters. When need to focus on identifying the right talent and train them in such a way that they become best in the world. As a Coach we evolve continuously and the roles keep changing according to the needs. We don’t have prescribed roles.

Mr. Suhail Chandhok, Sports presenter & Commentator moderated the session

IMDb Original series ‘Ask Each Other Anything’ brings fans closer to their favorite celebrities as they reveal candid details about their lives, and share unfiltered opinions and exclusive BTS details from their projects! Ahead of the release of the Kannada movie Kabzaa, Upendra and Shriya Saran came together to share the experience of shooting the film and their adorable first impressions of each other.

Talking about the first time she shared screen space with Upendra, Shriya said, “The first time I met him we were shooting for the song Namaami Namaami. It’s beautifully choreographed by Chinni sir. The crew mentioned that Upendra sir is coming on set and everyone around was talking about him. Suddenly he walked in while I was learning my dance steps. I turned back and saw him in his regal outfit as he is dressed as a king in the song. He was smiling even though everyone around him was very quiet and serious. He walked in with a big smile and was full of laughter. He is a superstar but doesn’t act like one. He is simply in love with his film set and is having a good time. For him it’s really hard to accept appreciation but it’s very easy for him to appreciate and praise others, and that speaks volumes about him.

As if on cue, Upendra started praising Shriya. “When I heard that you are doing this movie, I thought wow! Just a dream come true. I’d approached you for two-three movies in the past, but you were so busy, acting in so many Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil movies,” he said.

National, March 18, 2023: Wakefit. co, one of India’s largest D2C home and sleep solutions brands, launched its ‘Gift of Sleep’ campaign on the occasion of World Sleep Day. The company’s 6th edition of the Great Indian Sleep Scorecard (GISS) report indicates 1 in 3 Indians think they have insomnia, and moreover, 90% of people reported waking up at least 1 to 2 times at night. In order to counter these sleep-related challenges and build a positive sleep culture in the country, Wakefit. co has launched this one-of-a-kind campaign for the benefit of its workforce and customers in Bengaluru.

The GISS report found that there was a 23% increase in the number of people feeling sleepy during work hours since last year. To emphasize and celebrate the importance of sleep, the company has announced an annual holiday in order to gift sleep to its employees on World Sleep Day, starting this year. In an official statement to its employees by the Human Resource (HR) department of Wakefit.co, the company announced that March 17 has been officially declared as a holiday

Hyderabad, March 18, 2023, Mahalakshmi Profiles Pvt Ltd (MPL Group), a Hyderabadi firm selected for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the PLI Scheme for Specialty Steel with the Ministry of Steel, Govt of India. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) is an initiative of the Government of India for Steel Producers to encourage them to produce Specialty steels in India.

The ceremonial function for the exchange of MoU with companies selected under the PLI Scheme for Specialty Steel was held in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi today. The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Shri Jyoti Aditya Scindia, Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel and Minister of State (MoS) for Steel Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste and other officials of the steel ministry.

Mr Vinod Kumar Agarwal, Managing Director, and Mr. Hitesh Kumar Agarwal (CEO) were present on behalf of the MPL Group and exchanged the MoU with the Minister.

Mr. Vinod Agarwal of MPL Group, expressed that it is a proud moment for the MPL group to be representing the state of Telangana at the PLI scheme for the steel sector. The project will also give impetus to specialty steel manufacturing in the country replacing expensive imports.

The National Steel Policy of the Government of India (GOI) aims at achieving 300 million tonnes (MT) of Crude Steel making capacity by the year 2030-31. To meet this target the Government of India has devised a unique Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Steel Producers to encourage them to produce Specialty steels in India.

Fitting to the requirements of the PLI Scheme, Mahalakshmi Profiles Pvt Ltd (MPL Group) has chalked out plans to invest an amount of Rs 260 Crores to produce Coated / Plated products of Metallic and Non-metallic alloys, with a capacity of 250,000 tonnes per annum by commissioning its new mega project in the year 2024-25 at its site near Kallakal village Manoharabad Mandal, Medak District, Telangana State.

Sondra Berg brings nearly 10 years of insurance industry experience to her new role.

(St. Louis, Mo., March 17, 2023) AAdvantage Insurance Group recently hired Sondra Berg as its Personal Lines Account Executive. In this position, she will focus on maintaining, expanding, and servicing the agency’s clients. Berg will develop relationships with existing clients, as well as pursue new business opportunities.

Berg has worked in the insurance industry for nearly 10 years. Prior to joining AAdvantage Insurance Group, she worked at a local insurance agency in various capacities. Berg holds licenses in Property & Casualty Insurance, as well as in Life Insurance in both Illinois and Missouri.

Founded in 2009, AAdvantage Insurance Group specializes in auto, home, business, farm, and life insurance. The agency serves clients in 19 states with the majority in Illinois and Missouri. AAdvantage Insurance Group is located at 78 S. Main St. in Glen Carbon, Ill.

“Sondra makes an excellent addition to our growing organization based upon her ability to create customer service solutions,” said AAdvantage Insurance Group’s CEO Josh Kaburick. “She brings an extensive amount of industry experience to her new role, and we look forward to all she will accomplish for both our clients and our company.”

AAdvantage Insurance Group is a member of Valley Insurance Agency Alliance (VIAA), a cohesive family of more than 160 independent insurance agencies in Missouri and Illinois. 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.

For more information about AAdvantage Insurance Group, call (618) 692-4440 or visit www.aadins.com.