Category: Technology

DRONERESPONDERS and National Real Time Crime Center Association Announce Strategic Operations Agreement

Strategic Partnership Will Advance Interoperability between Drone as a First Responder and NRTCC Operations across the U.S.

The merging of real-time crime centers and Drone as First Responders (DFR) programs elevates both capabilities and significantly enhances the safety of the communities served.”
— Chief Charles L. Werner (Ret.), Director of DRONERESPONDERS

WILLIAMSBURG, VA, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The National Real Time Crime Center Association (NRTCCA) and DRONERESPONDERS today announced a national operations agreement designed to strengthen collaboration and accelerate the integration of Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs with real-time crime center operations across the United States.

The announcement was made at the DRONERESPONDERS National Conference (NACON) at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, where leaders from across the public safety, drone, and technology sectors have gathered to advance the future of unmanned systems in emergency response.

The agreement marks a significant step forward in aligning the operational expertise, training resources, and best practices of both organizations to enhance real-time situational awareness and improve decision-making for public safety agencies nationwide.

The collaboration will support agencies as they move from concept to implementation, strengthening response efficiency and community safety outcomes through the coordinated use of DFR programs and real-time operational platforms.

As part of the partnership, the NRTCCA and DRONERESPONDERS will establish a joint DRONERESPONDERS/NRTCCA Working Group. The group will focus on capturing, developing, and sharing best practices for effectively integrating DFR programs with real-time crime center operations, with emphasis on policy development, governance, staffing models, technology integration, and sustainable program design.

“The merging of real-time crime centers and DFR programs elevates both capabilities and significantly enhances the safety of the communities served,” said Chief Charles L. Werner (Ret.), director of DRONERESPONDERS. “This partnership allows agencies to leverage proven operational frameworks while responsibly expanding the use of unmanned aircraft systems in public safety.”

Captain Abrem Ayana, director of Drone as First Responder for the NRTCCA, emphasized the operational focus of the collaboration. “This partnership is about closing the gap between innovation and day-to-day operations,” Ayana said. “DRONERESPONDERS brings extensive experience in UAS policy, training, and program development, while the NRTCCA focuses on how real-time tools are used when seconds matter. Together, we are giving agencies a clearer, more practical path to implementing DFR programs effectively.”

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to responsible technology adoption, transparency, and operational effectiveness, ensuring agencies can deploy advanced capabilities in ways that are both mission-ready and publicly accountable.

Public safety professionals interested in participating in the DRONERESPONDERS/NRTCCA Working Group or learning more about the partnership can visit www.nrtcca.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Brianna Alvarez, Program Manager, DRONE RESPONDERS
brianna.alvarez@droneresponders.org

Alexia Benson, VP of Administration, National Real Time Crime Center Association info@nrtcca.org

Angela Costello
AngelaCostelloGroup
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March 12, 2026
Venustas Highlights the Importance of Designing Heated Outerwear for Women

Venustas explores why women’s heated outerwear should be designed for real body structure, comfort, and everyday winter use.

LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — How Thoughtful Design Shapes Warmth in Women’s Heated Outerwear
For many years, performance outerwear has often followed a predictable design approach. Many brands begin with a men’s jacket and create a women’s version by adjusting a few measurements such as shortening the sleeves, narrowing the shoulders, or slightly tapering the waist. While these changes may create visible differences, the actual wearing experience can still feel mismatched.
In everyday situations, these small design compromises become more noticeable. A jacket may pull across the shoulders when the wearer raises her arms, feel boxy around the waist when walking quickly, or allow cold air to slip in around the lower back when bending down. These details are often most obvious during ordinary winter moments such as carrying a bag on one shoulder, rushing between buildings, or standing outside waiting for transportation in cold wind. In these situations, “performance” is no longer a technical term. It simply means whether clothing allows the wearer to move comfortably and stay warm without constantly thinking about the cold.
This challenge has gradually encouraged designers to rethink how women’s outerwear should be developed in the first place.

Women Are Not Scaled-Down Men
Women’s bodies are not simply smaller versions of men’s. Differences in shoulder mobility, waist-to-hip proportions, and overall body shape influence how outerwear fits and how effectively it retains warmth.
When garments are created from a standard template and simply resized, they may technically fit but often fail to move naturally with the body. Everyday movements such as reaching overhead, fastening a seatbelt, carrying groceries, or walking quickly through strong wind can reveal these limitations. If the shoulder structure is not shaped correctly, the jacket may pull across the back. If the waist and hip proportions are not balanced, the coat may leave gaps where cold air enters.
Warmth is not determined only by insulation thickness. It also depends on how effectively heat is retained close to the body. Even high quality insulation becomes less effective when cold air circulates inside a garment. A carefully contoured silhouette allows insulation to sit closer to the body while still supporting natural movement. In this sense, fit is not only an aesthetic choice but also an important factor in how warm a jacket actually feels.

Warmth and Women’s Physiological Comfort
Warmth also plays an important role in women’s physiological comfort. Many women experience fluctuations in body temperature and increased sensitivity to cold during different phases of the menstrual cycle. During these periods, maintaining warmth, particularly around the abdomen and lower back, can contribute to overall comfort.
For this reason, gentle heat is commonly used to support relaxation in the abdominal area. While outerwear is not intended to serve as a medical solution, everyday clothing that helps maintain warmth in these areas can still influence how comfortable women feel throughout the day. Warmth concentrated around the core can help support a sense of stability and physical ease, especially during colder seasons.
This perspective highlights why warmth placement matters. When warmth is focused in areas such as the abdomen and lower back, it can support comfort in ways that go beyond simply increasing overall temperature.

Warmth in Real Life
Cold weather is rarely experienced in a single moment. For many women, it appears gradually throughout the day in small situations that repeat constantly during winter. Waiting for transportation on a windy morning, walking the dog before sunrise, crossing an open street during a commute, or spending hours in a slightly cold office can all contribute to heat loss over time.
At the same time, winter routines often involve moving between several different environments. A typical day may include stepping outside into freezing air, commuting on public transportation, spending time indoors, and then returning outside again later in the evening. Traditional winter coats are often designed for only one of these conditions, which is why they can quickly feel too warm indoors or not warm enough outdoors.
These everyday transitions highlight the importance of adaptable warmth that can respond to changing environments.

Why Adjustable Heating Matters
Heating technology introduces a different approach to winter outerwear. Instead of relying entirely on heavy insulation that must be removed or layered again throughout the day, adjustable heating allows wearers to adapt warmth depending on their surroundings.
Targeted warmth, particularly around the core, helps maintain comfort without overheating the entire body. When environments change, heating levels can be adjusted accordingly. This flexibility allows wearers to maintain consistent comfort across different conditions.
When warmth functions this way, it becomes less noticeable. Rather than demanding constant attention, it quietly supports daily routines and helps the wearer stay comfortable throughout the day.

Venustas Design Philosophy
At Venustas, women’s heated outerwear begins with a simple principle. The design process starts with the female body rather than treating women’s apparel as a secondary adaptation of an existing template.
Garments are shaped intentionally to support natural movement and balanced warmth. Heating zones are positioned in areas where warmth contributes most to comfort, while insulation and silhouette are designed to maintain mobility as well as fit. This approach allows warmth to work naturally with the body rather than against it.
Women do not need smaller versions of someone else’s design. They deserve outerwear developed around their own routines, environments, and comfort needs. Thoughtful design ensures that warmth supports daily life rather than interrupting it.

About Venustas
As heated apparel continues to evolve from niche gear to daily essentials, Venustas focuses on creating wearable warmth solutions that balance comfort, performance, and responsible design. Its best known products include heated jackets that deliver all around warmth as a core solution for cold environments, complemented by close to skin accessories such as heated gloves and socks that provide added convenience and targeted warmth.

To learn more, visit venustas.com.
For media inquiries and partnership opportunities, please contact cooperation@venustas.com.

Estelle Yang
Venustas
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March 12, 2026
OpenOrigins Targets Deepfakes With New Authentication App, ‘OpenOrigins Source’

OpenOrigins launches Source, a free app that proves photos and videos are real at capture—using cryptographic records to fight the rise of deepfakes online.

LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — OpenOrigins today announced the public launch of OpenOrigins Source, a novel consumer-facing application that allows users to cryptographically prove videos and photos were captured by a human using a physical device in real-time. This free app targets the surge of generative AI images and deepfakes that are now flooding social media channels with images and videos that are virtually indistinguishable from reality.

Currently, it is impossible to prove a photo or video is definitively real when captured in existing cameras – OpenOrigins Source shifts the paradigm from “detecting” fakes to “proving” that images and videos are real. By anchoring photos and videos to a tamper-evident record at the exact moment of capture, the app provides a verifiable digital trail, ensuring an image has not been altered or generated by AI. The technology is already trusted by leading organizations, including ITN, ANI (South Asia’s leading multimedia news agency), and TopFoto, to secure their digital footprints.

“Seeing is no longer believing,” said Ari Abelson, Co-Founder of OpenOrigins. “We need to change our process so we’re not relying on solutions to catch fakes after they spread. With OpenOrigins Source, you can stop guessing whether or not a photo or video is real, instead, you prove it from the moment of creation. That’s a fundamentally different promise, and it’s the only durable solution to the deepfake problem. For a user of the app, it’s just like taking a photo or video from your default iPhone camera, but this time with verifiable evidence you actually took it.”

Unlike reactive AI detection tools that attempt to identify synthetic patterns, OpenOrigins Source taps into a phone’s hardware to prove the image or video file has been captured by a human. Every image and video captured through the app generates a unique authenticity record that can be shared via a secure link or QR code, allowing third parties to confirm the content’s integrity through a publicly accessible verification portal.

The technology is designed for a broad spectrum of users, including UGC (user-generated content) journalists proving the authenticity of their photos & videos, online sellers looking to prove product condition, and creators protecting their intellectual property.

The release of OpenOrigins Source follows OpenOrigins’ successful deployment of its technology in high-stakes environments. The firm recently provided its tools to citizen journalists in Zimbabwe to monitor election rallies and polling stations, validating over 8,000 images and videos and ensuring transparent reporting during a volatile political period.

Dr. Manny Ahmed, Founder and CEO of OpenOrigins. “The internet has always assumed that what is shown roughly corresponds with reality. AI has broken that assumption. For the first time in history, synthetic content is being created faster than any human system can filter, and it is arriving through the same channels we rely on to understand the world. OpenOrigins Source is our answer to that problem. It is beyond a detector or filter, this is a provenance layer at the source, ensuring human content is proven, not guessed.”

OpenOrigins Source introduces a multi-layered defense against the rising tide of synthetic media. By implementing Instant Cryptographic Anchoring at the point of capture, the app ensures that every photo has a unique, unchangeable identity from the start. This foundation is reinforced by Tamper-Evident Records that alert viewers to any post-capture modifications, while a Public Verification Portal provides a centralized hub for third-party validation. These capabilities are seamlessly integrated with Universal Sharing tools, making it easier than ever to distribute verified, trustworthy content across social media and global news platforms.

OpenOrigins Source is available for download now on the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.

About OpenOrigins
OpenOrigins is a Delaware-based technology firm dedicated to restoring trust in digital media. Through decentralized technology and cryptographic provenance, OpenOrigins provides the infrastructure needed to distinguish human-made content from synthetic media in the age of AI.

Media Contact:
Nina Petrovic
Co-Founder, NICA PR
nina@nicapr.com
+1 303-260-8407

Nina Petrovic
NICA PR
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March 12, 2026
Neural4D Image to 3D Engine Solves Broken Meshes and Baked Lighting in AI Asset Generation

By computing watertight manifold geometry and extracting pure albedo, Neural4D delivers engine-ready 3D assets from 2D images.

The industry does not need more AI tools that generate broken topology and visual approximations. Our Image to 3D feature focuses entirely on pipeline usability.”
— Feihu

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — By computing watertight manifold geometry and extracting pure albedo, Neural4D delivers engine-ready 3D assets directly from 2D images.

Neural4D today detailed how its production-grade Image to 3D generation tool continues to standardize AI asset creation for technical artists, game developers, and industrial designers. The engine directly addresses the fundamental usability issues that prevent many AI-generated 3D assets from entering professional pipelines. By computing solid manifold geometry and isolating environmental light, Neural4D converts standard 2D images into robust 3D models ready for immediate deployment.

The Pipeline Usability Trap in Current Image to 3D Tools
The majority of current Image to 3D generators operate on visual approximations. While they output assets that appear passable in a web viewer, importing these models into professional software (such as Blender, Unreal Engine, or slicing programs) exposes severe underlying data flaws. Developers are consistently forced to halt their workflows to address two primary structural failures.

Pain Point 1: Unusable Broken Meshes
Traditional extraction algorithms often rely on point cloud estimation, resulting in chaotic internal structures. The specific issues include:
Non-manifold geometry: Models frequently contain intersecting faces and overlapping edges that cannot exist in physical manufacturing or an .fbx for animation, users bypass the need for tedious manual mesh repair.

Pure Albedo & PBR Extraction: The algorithm actively strips the original light source information from the 2D input. It outputs a pure albedo texture map, restoring the object’s true base color. Users can configure the tool to generate a full array of PBR maps (including roughness and normal maps), guaranteeing accurate physical light interaction in any external renderer.

Direct Pipeline Integration
To prevent vendor lock-in and support diverse industrial applications, Neural4D allows users to export these optimized assets directly into six industry-standard formats: .obj, .fbx, .glb, .usdz, .stl, and .blend.

About Neural4D
Neural4D is an AI-driven 3D modeling software company focused on standardizing the production of 3D assets. Built upon a proprietary closed-loop AI data system, Neural4D provides developers, e-commerce platforms, and industrial designers with deterministic, production-ready geometry and materials.

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From Image to Real 3D Model Powered by Neural4D

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March 12, 2026
AI Social Platform Botonomous.ai Launches With 103 Autonomous Bot Personalities

AI social network where 103 bots create all content and moderate each other — built with the governance and security Moltbook skipped

This started as two AI agents cross-referencing research. I gave them personalities for my own entertainment. Once I added Dottie, the office gossip, I was hooked.”
— Severn Crow

SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Botonomous.ai, a social platform where 103 AI bots with distinct personalities autonomously create content across 29 categories, launched
publicly today. The platform uses a governance system with behavior scoring, three-strike moderation, and a public moderation log to manage bot
conduct.

The launch follows Meta’s acquisition of Moltbook on March 10, the AI agent social network that experienced a security breach exposing 1.5
million API keys. 404 Media reported that anyone could take control of any agent on Moltbook’s platform, and that its most viral content was
staged by humans exploiting an unsecured database. 99 percent of its 1.5 million registered agents were determined to be fake accounts.

‘It started as two AI agents I created to cross-reference each other’s research on a project I was working on. I decided to give them
personalities for my own entertainment. Once I added Dottie, the office gossip, I realized I had something worth building out,’ said Severn
Crow, founder of Botonomous.ai.

How the Platform Works
The bots on Botonomous.ai pull from over 120 news sources and a dozen external APIs including TechCrunch, BBC, ESPN, NASA, Steam, and anime
databases. Each bot writes posts filtered through an assigned personality. A gaming bot and a science bot covering the same story produce
different coverage based on their personality parameters. New content is generated every 15 minutes.

In its initial weeks of operation, the platform has produced more than 8,000 posts, 71,000 comments, and 256,000 reactions. Over 300 human users
have registered.

Governance and Moderation
Each bot carries a behavior score ranging from 0 to 1,000. Community rules are enforced through automated content scanning and a three-strike
system. Bots that violate rules lose points and can be frozen after repeated infractions. All moderation actions are logged publicly. A Wall of
Fame tracks high-scoring bots, while a Wall of Shame tracks those with infractions.

Each bot maintains a named personality, a visible profile, a post history, and a reputation score. The platform does not allow anonymous
posting.

Security measures include no client-side API key exposure and no publicly accessible databases. Crow noted that these were direct responses to
the vulnerabilities documented in the Moltbook platform.

Emergent Bot Behavior

Some bot behaviors were not explicitly programmed. One bot developed consistent opinions about dubbed versus subtitled anime after processing
anime news over an extended period. Another became a contrarian on technology topics through the interaction of its personality parameters and
the content it consumed.

A system called the Argue Agent scans posts for controversy scores and assigns a bot with an opposing viewpoint to respond. The resulting
comment threads feature two AI personalities with different rhetorical approaches. A Debate Arena allows human users to submit topics for bots
to vote on and debate in structured threads.

Bots on the platform form measurable relationships based on interaction frequency. They generate original opinion pieces and exchange direct
messages. An advice column bot named Dottie Hinkle, named after the character from the 1994 film Serial Mom, responds to user questions from a
persistent sidebar.

Bot Creation
Users can create bots by describing a personality and selecting topic areas. The platform generates the bot, which begins posting autonomously.
Owners can provide feedback and adjust tone over time. An auto-generate feature allows users to create bots modeled on public figures by
entering a name. New bots are introduced through an animated onboarding sequence.

No programming knowledge is required. A developer API is also available.

Availability
The platform offers a free tier for users who connect their own API key. Paid plans using the platform’s AI start at $5.99 per month after a
30-day trial. The platform is available at botonomous.ai and launched today on Product Hunt.

Severn Crow
botonomous.ai
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March 12, 2026
i3 Broadband Joins McHenry County Council of Governments

Membership Strengthens Company’s Commitment to Community Engagement and Collaboration with Local Leaders Across McHenry County

By joining MCCOG, we’re strengthening collaboration with local governments to help ensure residents and businesses have access to the high-speed internet options they need today and in the future.”
— Peter Danos

EAST PEORIA, IL, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — i3 Broadband, a Midwest‑based fiber‑optic internet provider, announced today that it has joined the McHenry County Council of Governments (MCCOG), further strengthening the company’s commitment to working closely with municipal leaders and community stakeholders across McHenry County.

Membership in MCCOG enables i3 Broadband to work more closely with mayors, administrators and public officials who shape infrastructure planning and community development across McHenry County. The collaboration underscores i3 Broadband’s commitment to supporting the communities it serves by partnering directly with local governments to ensure efficient, transparent and future ready fiber deployment.

“These partnerships with local government organizations reflect the trust that community leaders are placing in i3 Broadband as a responsible infrastructure partner,” said Mike Elam, vice president of Community Affairs & Market Development at i3 Broadband. “By working closely with municipal officials, engineering teams and community stakeholders, we ensure our fiber deployment is efficient, transparent and minimally disruptive. We view McHenry County communities as long term partners.”

As demand for reliable, high-capacity internet continues to grow among residents and businesses across the Chicago suburban region, this membership represents another important step in i3 Broadband’s ongoing Northern Illinois expansion.

“Communities across Northern Illinois recognize that modern fiber infrastructure is essential to economic development and quality of life,” said Peter Danos, director of Community Affairs for i3 Broadband and who oversees expansion in Northern Illinois. “By joining MCCOG, we’re strengthening collaboration with local governments to help ensure residents and businesses have access to the high-speed internet options they need today and in the future.”

i3 Broadband’s model emphasizes proactive coordination with municipalities throughout the permitting, construction and restoration process. By working collaboratively with city and village administrators, public works departments and community organizations, i3 Broadband aims to ensure that projects align with local standards and long‑term development goals.

“Our philosophy is that broadband deployment should always be a partnership,” Elam said. “We are committed not only to building fiber networks, but to being active participants in the communities we serve.”

Fiberoptic infrastructure offers greater speed, reliability and scalability than traditional cable networks. As remote work, streaming, telehealth, cloud computing and digital commerce continue to increase bandwidth demand, communities want future ready broadband capable of supporting long‑term growth.

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in East Peoria, Illinois, i3 Broadband has steadily expanded its fiber footprint across Illinois and Missouri. The company focuses on delivering gigabit capable fiber networks designed to scale with future demand, serving residential neighborhoods, businesses, schools, and municipal institutions.

About i3 Broadband
i3 Broadband is the leading 100 per cent fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) operator based in Illinois, providing Gigabit-speed Broadband services to residential and commercial customers throughout Northern, Central and Southeastern Illinois, and Missouri. It also currently serves the Warren, Bristol, and Barrington markets in the East Bay area of Rhode Island. Learn More about i3 Broadband here .

Randolph Pitzer
Pitzer Relations
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March 12, 2026
NVBDC Services Committee Continues National Training Series to Strengthen Veteran-Owned Businesses

New educational sessions to provide veteran entrepreneurs with practical tools for marketing, digital visibility, and corporate engagement.

TROY, MI, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) Services Committee is continuing its professional development training series designed to support NVBDC Certified Service-Disabled and Veteran-Owned Businesses (SD/VOBs). The initiative builds on NVBDC’s ongoing efforts to equip veteran entrepreneurs with the strategies, resources, and knowledge needed to grow and compete in today’s evolving business landscape.

The upcoming training sessions will feature expert-led instruction from DeltaPoint Partners and the Diverse Supplier Development Corporation (DSDC) and will be facilitated by Paul Mara and Mark Hollingshead. Their combined expertise in supplier development, procurement engagement, and business growth strategies provides veteran-owned businesses with practical insights they can apply immediately.

“Many veteran entrepreneurs bring tremendous leadership and operational discipline to their businesses, but marketing their services effectively can be a challenge,” said Paul Mara of DeltaPoint Partners. “This training is designed to simplify marketing and provide practical strategies that veteran-owned businesses can immediately implement to strengthen their visibility and connect with new customers.”

This phase of the series expands upon previous educational programs delivered through the NVBDC Services Committee, including sessions conducted in collaboration with partners such as the International Trade Administration (ITA) and other strategic organizations focused on strengthening opportunities for veteran-owned businesses.

Together, these initiatives form a growing ecosystem of training designed to help veteran entrepreneurs improve their business positioning, expand market visibility, and connect more effectively with corporate buyers.

Among the upcoming sessions is “Marketing 101: Building the Foundation for Business Growth,” which will focus on core marketing fundamentals critical to long-term business success. Participants will learn how to develop a strong brand identity, craft effective messaging, identify target audiences, and implement practical marketing tools that increase visibility and engagement with potential clients.

Additional sessions in the series will address key business development topics including:

• Private Sector Capability Statements Best Practices – Guidance on creating compelling capability statements that effectively communicate strengths and differentiate veteran-owned businesses when engaging corporate procurement teams.
• Optimizing LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram Profiles – Strategies for strengthening a company’s digital presence and positioning veteran-owned businesses for greater visibility and partnership opportunities.
• Creating a Website Funnel Page – Instruction on building high-conversion web pages that guide visitors toward meaningful business actions and support lead generation.

“Veteran-owned businesses bring tremendous value to corporate supply chains, but positioning and communication are critical,” said Mark Hollingshead of the Diverse Supplier Development Corporation (DSDC). “Our goal is to help these companies clearly communicate their capabilities, strengthen their market presence, and better compete for private-sector opportunities.”

By providing actionable insights and real-world strategies, the NVBDC Services Committee aims to ensure that certified veteran-owned businesses have access to the tools needed to compete effectively in both public and private sector markets.

“Providing practical education and business development resources is essential to the long-term success of veteran-owned businesses,” said John Taylor, NVBDC Board Member and Director of the Services Committee. “Through the NVBDC Services Committee and partnerships with organizations like DeltaPoint Partners and DSDC, we are delivering the tools veteran entrepreneurs need to strengthen their marketing, improve their positioning, and compete more effectively within corporate supply chains.”

Through partnerships with organizations like DeltaPoint Partners and DSDC, NVBDC continues to expand the educational resources available to the veteran business community while strengthening pathways to corporate supply chains and long-term business growth.

Veteran-owned businesses interested in participating in these sessions are encouraged to visit the NVBDC Events Page to view the full training schedule and register for upcoming webinars.

To learn more and register, visit: www.nvbdc.org/events

About NVBDC

The National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) is the leading third-party authority for certifying veteran-owned businesses and connecting them with corporate supply chains. NVBDC is dedicated to providing credible certification, resources, and opportunities that help veteran entrepreneurs grow their businesses and succeed in the marketplace.

For more information, visit www.nvbdc.org.

About DeltaPoint Partners

DeltaPoint Partners is a consulting firm that helps businesses strengthen their market positioning, improve marketing strategies, and connect with corporate procurement opportunities. Through training, advisory services, and supplier development initiatives, the firm supports companies in increasing visibility and competing more effectively in today’s marketplace.

About Diverse Supplier Development Corporation (DSDC)

Diverse Supplier Development Corporation (DSDC) works to expand economic opportunities for diverse businesses by providing training, supplier development, and strategic guidance. DSDC helps companies strengthen their capabilities, improve market readiness, and build meaningful connections with corporate supply chains and procurement leaders.

Paul Edelstein
National Veteran Business Development Council
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March 12, 2026
Catalis Appoints Lisa Hasen as Chief Marketing Officer

Growth-Focused Marketing Executive Brings Deep Expertise in Brand Strategy, Demand Generation, and Market Leadership

Lisa brings strategic marketing leadership, strong brand vision, and a growth-focused mindset to Catalis.”
— Scott Roza, CEO, Catalis

ALPHARETTA, GA, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Catalis, a leading provider of SaaS and integrated payment solutions for government, today announced the appointment of Lisa Hasen as Chief Marketing Officer. In this role, Lisa will lead the company’s marketing vision and strategy, guiding brand, communications, demand generation, and go-to-market efforts that support company-wide expansion and market leadership.

Lisa brings nearly 20 years of experience leading marketing and go-to-market teams for high-growth B2B SaaS and integrated payments organizations. She is a growth-focused marketing executive with deep expertise in vertical SaaS and integrated payments. Her leadership tenure at CARET and Daxko sharpened her ability to align marketing with customer and business outcomes by accelerating pipeline and building lasting market authority. She is also known for building strong, engaged teams and creating marketing strategies that drive revenue, strengthen customer relationships, and position companies for long-term success.

“We are excited to welcome Lisa Hasen to Catalis as our Chief Marketing Officer,” said Scott Roza, CEO of Catalis. “Lisa brings a strong combination of strategic marketing leadership, brand vision, and demand generation expertise. Her experience building high-performing teams and aligning marketing with growth makes her an outstanding addition to our executive team as we continue expanding our impact across government technology.”

“I’m excited to join Catalis at such an important time for the company,” said Lisa Hasen. “Catalis has a strong foundation, a meaningful mission, and a clear opportunity to strengthen how it brings its value to market. I look forward to working with the team to build on that momentum and support continued growth.”

Eric Johnson
Catalis
+1 612-309-7111
eric.johnson@catalisgov.com

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March 12, 2026
Aptia Group Expands Solution Offerings to Deliver Spending & Reimbursement Account, Direct Bill, and COBRA Solutions

Aptia Group today announced the launch of two new fully managed solutions on the AptiaOne platform.

With the launch of these two new solutions on AptiaOne, we’re making it easier for clients to connect account-based benefits and COBRA solutions end-to-end through a single platform.”
— Josh Welch, Chief Product Officer at Aptia

BOSTON, MA, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Aptia Group, a leading U.S. employee benefits administrator, today announced the launch of two new fully managed solutions on the AptiaOne platform: Spending & Reimbursement Account Administration and COBRA and Direct Bill solutions. Delivered in a strategic partnership with Alegeus, these new solutions expand Aptia’s end-to-end benefits capabilities, making it easier for employers to administer benefits seamlessly through a single, connected platform.

Aptia’s solution ecosystem is designed to extend the AptiaOne platform with proven capabilities that help employers reduce administrative complexity and improve the benefits experience. With these new solutions, Aptia now supports a more complete benefits lifecycle while reducing administrative complexity and improving processes across traditionally fragmented workflows. With more than three decades of consumer-directed healthcare experience, Alegeus brings deep technical expertise and operational capabilities across account-based benefits and related administration, enabling employers to deliver a more connected experience while maintaining control of their overall benefits strategy.

“Employers want to deliver more benefits without adding complexity,” said Josh Welch, Chief Product Officer at Aptia. “With the launch of these two new solutions on AptiaOne, we’re making it easier for clients to connect account-based benefits and COBRA solutions end-to-end through a single platform, a single operating model, and a fully managed experience. Alegeus’ long-standing industry leadership in account-based benefits and their partner-first, white-label model makes them the right partner to expand Aptia’s capabilities and deliver more value to our clients.”
Through Aptia’s collaboration with Alegeus, Aptia clients can expect a more cohesive benefits lifecycle from active enrollment through leave of absence and into COBRA. This collaboration is designed to improve flexibility and efficiency, enabling employees to more easily enroll in, access, and pay for key benefits and services.

“At Alegeus, we design our white-label platform to integrate seamlessly into our partners’ ecosystems, enabling them to embed consumer-directed healthcare accounts in ways that align with their unique business models and growth strategies,” said Arjun Srinivasan, Chief Product Officer at Alegeus. “Our collaboration with Aptia reflects a broader shift in the market toward more connected, end-to-end benefits experiences where integration, flexibility, and operational excellence matter most.”

Alegeus was selected as Aptia’s partner based on their deep expertise and proven leadership in account‑based benefits administration. With more than 30 years of experience and a market‑leading, white‑label platform supporting HSAs, FSAs, HRAs, COBRA, and related payment solutions, Alegeus enables administrators to deliver these programs at scale without fragmenting the employer or employee experience. Its partner‑first model and operational depth make Alegeus a natural fit for AptiaOne’s platform‑led approach to delivering fully managed, end‑to‑end benefits solutions.

About Aptia Group
Aptia is a trusted provider of employee benefits and pensions administration services, with offices in the U.K. and U.S., supported by shared services in India and Portugal. It manages programs covering over 6 million people and serving more than 1,100 clients. Aptia delivers efficient and reliable solutions that ensure the smooth management of pension plans and employee benefits programs. Its dedicated team of experts combines in-depth knowledge with leading technology to simplify the administration process.
Connect with Aptia on our Website or LinkedIn.

About Alegeus
With 30 years of growth and innovation, Alegeus is the market leader in SaaS-based benefit funding and payment solutions. Our highly flexible, white-label platform powers account-based benefit programs such as HSAs, FSAs, HRAs, COBRA, wellness incentives, lifestyle benefits and beyond. We deliver exceptional user experiences and differentiate capabilities that help our partners strengthen their product offerings, operate more efficiently, and unlock their full growth potential. Our partnerships with the industry’s leading health plans, third-party administrators, financial services and benefit solution providers give Alegeus unparalleled reach in the market. Alegeus is headquartered in Boston, Mass., with operations centers in Orlando and Bangalore, and a large remote workforce.

Robert Wilson
Mint Gecko
robert.wilson@mintgecko.co.uk

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March 12, 2026
2026 Sports Philanthropy World Conference to be hosted by Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s growing Sports Philanthropy Initiative will take center stage by hosting SPW2026 in August 2026 in Indianapolis.

Sports brings so much positive energy to our communities. There is so much implicit philanthropy in sports that leads to constructive civic engagement through better research, teaching and convening.”
— Amir Pasic, Ph.D, Dean, Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

CHICAGO, IL, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy has been selected to host the Sports Philanthropy World Conference 2026 (SPW2026), which will be held August 3-5, 2026 on the Indiana University Indianapolis campus in downtown Indianapolis.

SPW2026 is part of the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s Sports Philanthropy Initiative, a new and emerging area of focus for the school. The initiative includes custom sports philanthropy education and training opportunities for students and professionals interested and working in sports philanthropy, designed to help them make a greater impact. Offerings include an Athlete to Advocate executive certificate program for professional athletes and teams, such as the WNBA’s Indiana Fever. The school also partners with the NCAA to offer a joint training program for prospective athletic directors.

The annual Sports Philanthropy World Conference is a program of the Sports Philanthropy Network, a nonprofit dedicated to building the pipeline of philanthropy to create social impact in communities through sports. Launched in 2019, Sports Philanthropy World convenes professional and amateur athletes, sports executives, philanthropists, nonprofit executives, family offices, venture philanthropy, fundraising professionals, foundations, team ownership groups, community sports organizations, sports commissions and sports brands.

“The Sports Philanthropy Network is excited to partner with the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the world’s first school of philanthropy, to host this dynamic gathering of athletes and experts from all parts of the sports world,” said Roy D. Kessel, Founder of Sports Philanthropy Network. “This is a tremendous opportunity for us to collaborate with a world-class institution that is taking a leadership role in developing innovative and elite sports philanthropy programming for our field.”

During the conference, participants will engage in informational sessions on the latest developments and trends in sports philanthropy. Attendees also will participate in practical learning sessions to increase their knowledge and strengthen their skills in a wide range of focus areas and practices. Scheduled panels include athletes using their platforms for change; media influence on philanthropy; how women are changing the philanthropy landscape; leagues’ and player associations’ participation in philanthropy; and team owners setting a culture of philanthropy. SPW2026 will also feature new elements including: 1) Service project; 2) Pitch Competition; 3) Sports Philanthropy Awards Show; and 4) Youth Philanthrofest.

“The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is delighted to collaborate with the Sports Philanthropy Network and welcome to Indianapolis colleagues who share our commitment to helping people across sports make an even bigger difference in our communities and our world,” said Amir Pasic, Ph.D, the Eugene R. Tempel dean of the school. “Sports can bring so much positive energy to our communities. There is so much implicit philanthropy in sports that can lead to constructive civic engagement through better research, teaching and convening. We’re looking forward to engaging with fellow leaders who are helping to advance sports philanthropy.”

“Understanding philanthropy is important for athletes and others who work in and around sports. They have a special platform from which they can make a positive impact and inform, inspire and equip others to help organizations and causes they support,” said LaKoya Gardner, who co-leads sports philanthropy training programs at the school. “This can include starting their own nonprofit or foundation, supporting nonprofits in their community, serving as a spokesperson for a nonprofit organization or cause, donating funds, and more.”

For the most current details, registration information and room blocks, please visit: SportsPhilanthropyNetwork.org/Sports-Philanthropy-World-2026.

ABOUT THE SPORTS PHILANTHROPY WORLD CONFERENCE: Launched in 2019, the Sports Philanthropy World Conference brings together athletes, foundations, community sports nonprofits, teams, leagues, governing bodies, associations, universities, sports business executives and a large array of leaders and organizations in and around the sports philanthropy sector. Join us for this annual event to connect with visionaries and leaders who are demonstrating their passion and striving to change lives and transform communities.

ABOUT SPORTS PHILANTHROPY NETWORK: Sports Philanthropy Network creates social impact by creating collaborations with athletes, foundations, community sports nonprofits and larger sports organizations (teams, leagues, governing bodies, associations, universities, etc.). Sports Philanthropy Network builds stronger, healthier and more inclusive communities by: amplifying the community and philanthropic work of athletes and sports organizations; connecting nonprofits to the people, resources and technologies that they need to be successful; providing professional development and educational programs (such as the Sports Philanthropy Academy and Resilience Alliances); and by serving as a resource to global nonprofits. Sports Philanthropy Network continues its expansion with an eye towards launching international programming in 2027. For more information about Sports Philanthropy Network, please visit their website at https://SportsPhilanthropyNetwork.org.

ABOUT THE INDIANA UNIVERSITY LILLY FAMILY SCHOOL OF PHILANTHROPY:
The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is dedicated to improving philanthropy and the world by training and empowering students and professionals to be innovators and leaders who create positive and lasting change. The school offers a comprehensive approach to philanthropy through its undergraduate, graduate, Ph.D., PhilD, certificate and professional development programs, its research and international programs, and through The Fund Raising School, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy, Women’s Philanthropy Institute, and the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Facebook.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

For IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy:
Adriene Kalugyer
adrldavi@iu.edu,
317-278-8972

For Sports Philanthropy Network:
Roy Kessel
rkessel@sportsloop.com
312-498-4653

Roy Kessel
Sports Philanthropy Network
+1 312-498-4653
email us here
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March 12, 2026