Veterans Julius Peppers, Von Miller and Vernon Davis are among the 32 nominees for the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year award Reported by FOX Sports 10 hours ago.

Redfund Capital Corp (CSE LOAN) (OTCMKTS:PNNRF) said Thursday that Virginia Vidal, CEO of client company Mary’s Wellness Ltd, will speak on edibles, infused foods and beverages as a panelist on the  O’Cannabiz cannabis conference and exposition next week. The conference, scheduled for December 10-11, will have former talk show host Montel Williams as keynote speaker. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999, he has been an advocate for the use of medical marijuana.  READ: Redfund Capital portfolio client Biolog teams up with Cannabis Strategic Ventures Williams is a former US Marine who has worked to pass cannabis legislation and has pushed for military veterans to have access to medical cannabis without the threat of losing benefits, according to Redfund. “O’Cannabiz is more about medical cannabis than any other show and it is what differentiates Redfund from other funders as we are focused on financing medical cannabis,” Meris Kott, CEO of Redfund, said in a press release. Amanda De Freitas, Redfund director, and Kott will discuss the ability to track cannabis supply chains, sales and transactions digitally. Shares of Redfund climbed C$0.01 to C$0.30 in Wednesday’s Canadian trading Contact Dennis Fitzgerald at dennis@proactiveinvestors.com Reported by Proactive Investors 10 hours ago.

IT services provider creates sustainable employment opportunities in rural communities in Virginia.

Abingdon, VA, Dec. 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wize Solutions LLC, an IT services provider with a mission to create sustainable employment opportunities in rural communities in Virginia, has been named in the 2018 NVTC Tech 100 list by the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC), the membership and trade association for the technology community in Northern Virginia and Greater Washington. The NVTC Tech 100 are the companies and individuals who are driving tech innovation, implementing new solutions for their customers, and leading growth in the Greater Washington region.

“We are more than honored to be recognized by the NVTC for our work trying to change the  model for underserved rural areas in Virginia, especially because we launched just a year ago,” said Wendy Marquez, co-founder. “The changes we are trying to make across Virginia are important not only for those who live in areas that don’t provide access to a solid career path or opportunities, but also for the companies who are in need of highly skilled IT professionals at a reasonable cost.”

Wize Solutions offers cybersecurity, quality assurance, software development and testing, cloud consulting, and data management services to America’s top organizations.

“We aim to tie urban and suburban economic growth to the proven resources of the rural workforce, specifically in areas like Southwest Virginia where they need an economic boost,” Marquez continued. “We help some of the country’s largest companies create remote, U.S.-based teams they can insource at a lower cost than teams they can pull from urban areas. We are focused on building IT teams with the best talent. This is a win for our customers and the communities from which we source these skilled professionals.”

As the largest technology council in the nation, NVTC is the regional voice of technology, serving about 1,000 companies and organizations, including businesses from all sectors of the technology industry, service providers, universities, foreign embassies, non-profit organizations and government agencies.  Click here to learn more about the NVTC Tech 100.

About Wize Solutions
Wize Solutions LLC was established by business and IT professionals whose goal is to provide a full range of remote IT services to companies across the United States, while bringing 21st century careers to rural communities in Virginia. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Abingdon, the gateway to Southwest Virginia, where it is home to a talented team with expertise in software application development and support, software quality assurance and testing, information management, systems engineering, and cloud consulting. The mission of the Wize Solutions’ team is to create sustainable IT employment opportunities for workers in economically distressed rural communities. By providing thriving urban businesses with highly trained and qualified rural IT talent, Wize Solutions creates a cost-effective alternative to models that offer only onsite and/or offshore sourcing. Under the Wize Solutions business model, both our clients and American workers win. In essence, Wize Solutions provides the economic bridge that allows both urban centers and rural communities to prosper. Visit Wize Solutions at http://wizesolutionsva.com.About NVTC
The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) is the membership and trade association for the technology community in Northern Virginia. As the largest technology council in the nation, NVTC serves about 1,000 companies from all sectors of the technology industry, as well as service providers, universities, foreign embassies, nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies. Through its member companies, NVTC represents about 300,000 employees in the region. NVTC is recognized as the nation's leader in providing its technology community with networking and educational events; specialized services and benefits; public policy advocacy; branding of its region as a major global technology center; initiatives in targeted business sectors and in the international, entrepreneurship, workforce and education arenas; and the NVTC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that supports the NVTC Veterans Employment Initiative and other priorities within Virginia's technology community. Visit NVTC at http://www.nvtc.org.

*Attachment*

· Wendy Marquez accepts NVTC Tech 100

CONTACT: Wendy Marquez
Wize Solutions
7038989443
margaret@mlbpr.com Reported by GlobeNewswire 10 hours ago.

MaidPro has ranked 38th on Entrepreneur’s Top Franchises for Veterans List.

BOSTON (PRWEB) December 06, 2018

MaidPro has ranked 38th on Entrepreneur’s Top Franchises for Veterans List, which recognizes the franchise brands that offer the best incentives for veterans interested in becoming franchisees.

To compile the list, Entrepreneur Magazine invited franchises that offer special incentives to veterans to participate in a survey to gather more details about their programs. Entrepreneur then compiled a list of the top 150 franchises based on each company’s:·     veteran incentives,
·     practices for attracting and supporting veteran franchisees, and
·     score on Entrepreneur’s 2018 Franchise 500 List.

MaidPro CEO, Mark Kushinsky, commented: “We really strive to offer great incentives, training, and support for veterans interested in our franchise to encourage them to become business owners. And we are absolutely thrilled to be ranked so highly on Entrepreneur’s new list.”

MaidPro recently teamed up with Hometown Heroes to make owning a home cleaning franchise business more affordable for U.S. and Canadian veterans. Through its Veteran Discount Program, MaidPro offers U.S. and Canadian veterans discounted franchise packages valued at $15,000.

The discount package includes:·     a $3000 discount on the initial franchise fee;
·     a $100 invoice credit each month for the life of the 10-year agreement;
·     direct financing or financial assistance enabling veterans to get started with little up-front capital.

In addition to being named to Entrepreneur’s list, MaidPro recently ranked fourth out of 80 franchises on Franchise Business Review’s 2018 Top Franchises for Veterans List. MaidPro ranked first on the list in the Cleaning & Maintenance category.

ABOUT MAIDPRO
MaidPro is a Boston-based franchisor of house cleaning services with over 255 locations in 38 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. The company, which began franchising in 1997, takes pride in its strong owner community, cutting-edge technology, and creative marketing. It has been honored with the Franchise Business Review’s Four-Star Rating and Franchise 50 awards every year from 2006 to 2019 for owner satisfaction. MaidPro was named one of the Top 50 Franchises for Minorities by USA Today’s Franchising Today. MaidPro is also a proud member of the International Franchise Association, Canadian Franchise Association, and the New England Franchise Association. The company can be found online at http://www.maidprofranchise.com. Reported by PRWeb 10 hours ago.

Formation of U.S-based alliance by Bloomberg will support global mobilization of private capital in response to climate change concerns

NEW YORK, Dec. 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, during the inaugural Sustainable Finance Week in New York, BNP Paribas announced that it is one of the 15 founding members of the U.S. Alliance for Sustainable Finance (USASF), aiming to drive investment in clean energy and climate resilience projects across the U.S. The alliance will provide the resources and expertise needed to identify and streamline existing climate-finance initiatives, encourage greater transparency across climate-related financial risks and opportunities, and ultimately, drive more capital to sustainable investments.USASF's founding members include Bank of America, BNP Paribas, Citi, Crédit Agricole CIB, Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, JPMorgan Chase, Macquarie Group, Morgan Stanley, Neuberger Berman, Nuveen, S&P Global, Trillium Asset Management, and Wells Fargo. The USASF will also join the global network of Financial Centres for Sustainability (FC4S) convened by the United Nations Environment Programme.

“As one of the 15 founding members of USASF, BNP Paribas believes that this alliance will stimulate further climate-friendly and sustainable finance innovation across the U.S. capital markets,” said Jean-Yves Fillion, CEO of BNP Paribas USA and Chairman of CIB Americas. “We are confident that the financial services industry can help be a positive force for change due to its central role in financing the economy, and we look forward to working with the USASF to meet the Paris Agreement targets.”

BNP Paribas is committed to financing sectors that have significant positive impacts on our society. As of June 30, 2018, BNP Paribas had over €1 billion of commitments in support of social entrepreneurship and microfinance, serving approximately 1,500 clients and partners. In addition, as of the end of 2017, BNP Paribas had arranged €155 billion of financings directly contributing to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the U.S., BNP Paribas announced in October that it was an anchor investor in a $5.1 million project for Veterans Coordinated Approach to Recovery and Employment (“Veterans CARE”), a Pay for Success initiative to improve employment outcomes for Veterans with service-connected PTSD.

For more information regarding the USASF, please visit: https://go.bloomberg.com/events/usasf/

*Press Contacts BNP Paribas USA*

Keely Gispan +1 332 323 3705 Keely.gispan@us.bnpparibas.com  
Guy Taylor +1 332 323 3704 guild.taylor@us.bnpparibas.com   

Follow us on Twitter: @BNPPamericas

About BNP Paribas USA

BNP Paribas has built a strong and diversified presence in the United States to support its client base. The bank employs close to 15,000 people and has had a presence in the USA since the late 1800s. Bank of the West serves over 2 million individuals and small & businesses through a network of around 600 branches and business centers. Large corporate and institutional clients are serviced by BNP Paribas’ Corporate & Institutional Banking franchise that has a presence in the main US cities, in addition to a global reach through a network of offices in EMEA and APAC. The bank also offers asset management services through BNP Paribas Asset Management as well as Real Estate and Fleet Services through partnerships. The Bank owns an equity stake in Nasdaq-listed First Hawaiian Bank which was previously 100% owned by BNP Paribas. www.usa.bnpparibas

About BNP Paribas Group

BNP Paribas is a leading bank in Europe with an international reach. It has a presence in 73 countries, with more than 196,000 employees, including around 149,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main activities: Domestic Markets and International Financial Services (whose retail-banking networks and financial services are covered by Retail Banking & Services) and Corporate & Institutional Banking, which serves two client franchises: corporate clients and institutional investors. The Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realize their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, the Group has four domestic markets (Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg) and BNP Paribas Personal Finance is the European leader in consumer lending. BNP Paribas is rolling out its integrated retail-banking model in Mediterranean countries, in Turkey, in Eastern Europe and a large network in the western part of the United States. In its Corporate & Institutional Banking and International Financial Services activities, BNP Paribas also enjoys top positions in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. www.group.bnpparibas Reported by GlobeNewswire 9 hours ago.

[263Chat] Opposition Movement for Democratic Change youths have blasted war veterans over their recent call to raise the Presidential age limit from 40 to 52 years, saying its undemocratic and exclusionary tactic to silence their party leader Nelson Chamisa. Reported by allAfrica.com 8 hours ago.

Lobbyists were reserving large numbers of hotel rooms as part of an unorthodox campaign using US military veterans. Reported by Brisbane Times 6 hours ago.

Spring Hope, NC, Dec. 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Hemp, Inc. (OTC PINK:HEMP), a global leader in the industrial hemp industry with bi-coastal processing centers including the largest multipurpose industrial hemp processing facility in the western hemisphere (in Spring Hope, North Carolina), announced today that the company was featured in Caribbean Business for their groundbreaking work in the hemp industry. This feature is in direct response to Hemp, Inc. CEO Bruce Perlowin’s involvement in the Puerto Rico MedCann.Biz Convention, today and tomorrow (Dec. 6-7, 2018), in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.The article, “Industrial Hemp: Sustainable Economic Development for P.R.?,” highlights Perlowin’s involvement as a keynote speaker at the 2018 MedCann.Biz Convention, as well his role as a leader for the newly established industrial hemp market in the territory. 

In the article, Perlowin explains the tremendous amount of opportunities that hemp production creates. More than 25,000 products can be produced with it, ranging from construction materials to cannabidiol (CBD) products used to treat various ailments. 

“The CEO also said Puerto Rico’s tropical climate makes the island an ideal competitor in this industry, since it allows crops to be grown year-round,” Caribbean Times reported. The article also touts industrial hemp as an economic and social tool.

Hemp, Inc. is no stranger to revitalizing economies throughout the United States. The company’s 85,000 square foot industrial hemp facility in Spring Hope, North Carolina. and processing center in Medford, Oregon have contributed to thriving business activity in those communities. 

Hemp, Inc. also promotes the concept of Veteran Village Kins Communities. In these communities, veteran participants can learn the techniques required for planting and the production of industrial hemp. These communities are referred to as eco-villages, consisting of two-and-a-half acres of land called “Kin Domains,” designed to be sustainable and divided into sections for planting the product, organic gardens, bee combs for natural pollination, a pond and other elements.

To learn more about the 2018 Puerto Rico MedCann.Biz Convention going on now, click here. To read the Caribbean Business article featuring Hemp, Inc., click here.

To see 1 minute videos of everything Hemp, Inc.’s current activities, go to Bruce Perlowin’s personal Facebook page where he posts daily on all the activity Hemp, Inc. is doing around the country. (No other public company has this level of transparency than Hemp, Inc.) 

Hemp, Inc. has also been helping to build the industrial hemp infrastructure that was basically non-existent in America. It has six hemp infrastructures, Divisions One through Six:  

Division One – The Industrial Hemp Infrastructure

Division Two – The Hemp Extraction Infrastructure

Division Three – The Hemp Farming Infrastructure

Division Four – The Hemp Educational Infrastructure (The Hemp University)

Division Five – The Hemp Marketing Infrastructure

Division Six – Hemp Accessories, Products and Services 

*ABOUT LOCAL PROCESSING CENTER INC.*

Hemp, Inc. entered into a majority ownership agreement with JNV Farms LLC for the hemp cultivation and processing company in Medford, Oregon.   As the majority owner of the, now fully functional, hemp cultivation and processing company, Local Processing Center, Inc. (LPC), Hemp, Inc. will be able to create a pipeline of industrial hemp and hemp products in states, where legal, on the West Coast. This makes Hemp, Inc. a bi-coastal hemp processing center in America with many more Hemp Local Processing Centers planned for other areas where Hemp is being grown.  Thus far, the company has created about 50 jobs in its LPC and also helps create even more jobs for the local farmer.  “A to Z” services for the farmers are available - from harvesting to drying, bagging, curing, storing, nitrogen sparging, machine trimming, hand trimming, extracting and selling creating a “one stop shop” for the small to large family farm. Daily updates on LPC can be found on Bruce Perlowin’s personal Facebook page. 

*DAILY UPDATES ON FACEBOOK*

Hemp, Inc. strives to be one of the most transparent companies in the public sector. To adhere to this company policy of transparency, CEO Bruce Perlowin posts 1-minute video updates daily on his personal Facebook page to give an inside look and behind-the-scenes footage of what Hemp, Inc. is doing on a daily basis. “We want them to know how the company is performing and what it is doing to reach its goals,” says Perlowin. To see 1 minute videos of everything Hemp, Inc.’s current activities, go to Bruce Perlowin’s personal Facebook page where he posts daily on all the activity Hemp, Inc. is doing around the country. (No other public company has this level of transparency than Hemp, Inc.) 

*THE UPCOMING DOCUSERIES*

Hemp, Inc. entered into an agreement with 2 Manifest Studio, LLC, a Wyoming, Limited Liability Company (VED), to create a documentary and subsequent docuseries over the course of an estimated five years.  Per the terms of the agreement, VED will create a feature length film and corresponding docuseries and other video materials about the history of hemp with a strong focus on Hemp, Inc. and other pioneers and companies that are leaders in the modern-day history of industrial hemp. The content will be wholly-owned by Hemp, Inc. 2 Manifest Studio Director Joseph Trivigno and his team have been tracking Hemp, Inc.’s progress, as executives meet with farmers throughout the country to document the company’s expansion into new markets.  The documentary is expected to be released by 2020. The docuseries is expected to follow the film’s release. The film crew will also capture hemp developments in markets around the globe. 

*VETERAN VILLAGE KINS COMMUNITIES*

The company’s 500-acre strategic growing partner Veteran Village Kins Community in Golden Valley, Arizona, is also designed to grow hemp and produce CBD products to benefit veterans as well as generate revenue for Hemp, Inc., the Veteran Village and individual veterans living in the community. Hemp, Inc. executives are also continuing to scout new locations nationwide to open additional hemp processing centers in legal markets. 

For a more complete description on the Veteran Village Kins Community (as mentioned above), read the following October 24, 2017 press release, “Hemp, Inc. Announces Strategic Hemp Growing Partner ‘Veteran Village Kins Community Arizona, Inc.’ Completes Final Site Plan Blueprints”, below: 

Hemp, Inc. has announced that its strategic growing partner, "Veteran Village Kins Community Arizona, Inc.", has completed its final site plan blueprints for its 500-acre site in Golden Valley, Arizona (20 miles north of Kingman, AZ and 90 minutes from Las Vegas, NV). The site plan was submitted to the Mohave County Building Department for final review. The Company is also in the final stages of completing the necessary infrastructure to support an off-grid, renewable, energy system. With the solar equipment in place, the site's solar power operation will be completed in the next days.

As soon as the live streaming video cameras are up and operational, the world can actually see the way the Veteran Village Kins Community is designed and watch it being built. According to Perlowin, the basic framework or overall plan of the Veteran Village Kins Communities is to create a holistic healing and learning center that is designed to educate and heal veterans with PSTD, alcoholism, meth addiction, opioid addiction, and other psychological conditions while at the same time training them on the numerous aspects of being part of the emerging multi-billion dollar hemp industry.  

We will also be building hemp-growing communities for other groups such as "Abused" Women & Children Village Kins Communities, the "Orphaned" Children Village Kins Communities, "Homeless" Village Kins Communities and the "Healers" Village Kins Communities (the healers are professionals who are knowledgeable in the modalities to treat these traumatized groups).  These particular communities are all synergistically aligned to work simultaneously supporting each other.  

For example, the "Healers" heal the traumatized veterans and women & children; the women support orphan children, and orphan children want to see people living in homes and not homeless. Thus, a portion of the hemp grown in each community goes to create and support another community, giving everybody a sense of giving back and helping others as they help themselves. This circles back to the healers who also work to heal the veterans and the other traumatized groups. This is the economic foundation on how the sale of the hemp products operates as a "quantum economic matrix" or an example of "symbiotic economics" which is more complex than this brief description allows.

Dwight Jory, the Project Manager for the "Veteran Village Kins Community Arizona, Inc.”, said, "We are very happy with the progress. Our Kins Community is really beginning to come together." In anticipation of planting to begin during the spring, 300 acres have been fenced, 16 overnight trailer park sites are under construction, and six 40x40-ft organic vegetable gardens have been planted and are currently producing food and kenaf, according to Jory. These organic gardens double as experimental growing modules using an entire array of different growing technologies to see which modalities grow the best in a desert environment. As for the 6 geodesic domes mentioned in an earlier press release, 1 is structurally complete with only the electrical and plumbing to be completed. The rest are on site awaiting final site plan approval.

"We are now accepting volunteers who have expressed an interest in helping to build the first Kins Community for our veterans," said Jory. Those interested in making the first hemp growing CBD-producing "Veteran Village Kins Community" become a reality should contact Ms. Sandra Williams via email (swilliams@hempinc.com).

One thousand trees, on 36 of the 500-acres, have also been planted, with an additional 1,000 trees on order. The "Veteran Village Kins Community" will include a 100,000-square foot GMP compliant, central processing plant, a state-of-the-art testing laboratory, and various health and wellness centers to support veterans who may have psychological, emotional or health issues.

"As Hemp, Inc. positions itself on the forefront of America's industrial hemp revolution, we see our partnership with 'Veteran Village Kins Community Arizona, Inc.' being paramount in supporting the small family farm movement that we are confident will reshape the American landscape," said Perlowin. "As we work toward getting our eco-village up and running in Arizona, we are also aggressively scouting strategic locations in other states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia. Giving veterans and other Americans a place to learn new skills and take part in this multi-billion-dollar hemp CBD market is very exciting. It's a big part of our mission to give back.  Recently we have expanded our Kins Community concept internationally focusing, but not limited to, Israel, New Zealand, Canada, Africa, and Uruguay." 

According to Perlowin, we hope to have 50 "master hemp growers" working on their first Veteran Village Kins Community in Arizona. To date, we have growers from Oregon, Colorado, California, Kentucky, North Carolina, Nevada and, Arizona who have expressed an interest in pursuing a joint venture with Hemp, Inc. to each grow industrial hemp on 5 of the 300 fenced acres in Arizona. Perlowin says he'll call this "The Great United American Hemp Grow-Off."  Any grower having an interest in pursuing a joint venture on 5 of the 300 fenced in acres in Arizona should contact Project Manager Dwight Jory. Or, anyone interested in attending the 2-7-day hands-on hempcrete house building should contact Dwight Jory as well. (Dates to be determined.)

*WHAT IS HEMP?*

Hemp is a durable natural fiber that is grown as a renewable source for raw materials that can be incorporated into thousands of products. It's one of the oldest domesticated crops known to man. Hemp is used in nutritional food products such as hemp seeds, hemp hearts and hemp proteins, for humans. It is also used in building materials, paper, textiles, cordage, organic body care and other nutraceuticals, just to name a few. It has thousands of other known uses. A hemp crop requires half the water alfalfa uses and can be grown without the heavy use of pesticides. Farmers worldwide grow hemp commercially for fiber, seed, and oil for use in a variety of industrial and consumer products. The United States is the only developed nation that fails to cultivate industrial hemp as an economic crop on a large scale, according to the Congressional Resource Service. However, with rapidly changing laws and more states gravitating towards industrial hemp and passing an industrial hemp bill, that could change. Currently, the majority of hemp sold in the United States is imported from China and Canada, the world's largest exporters of the industrial hemp crop.

To see Hemp, Inc.'s video just posted entitled, "The Largest Hemp Mill in the Western Hemisphere is Now Online - It's Alive", click here. To see the Hemp, Inc. mill in operation and processing product, visit Bruce Perlowin's personal Facebook page and scroll down to August 1, 2017.

9 GREAT REASONS TO INCLUDE HEMP AS PART OF A HEALTHY DIET (Source)

Although hemp seeds come from the Cannabis sativa plant, they do not produce a mind-altering effect.  These small, brown seeds are rich in protein, fiber, and healthful fatty acids, including omega-3s and omega-6s. They have antioxidant effects and may reduce symptoms of numerous ailments, improving the health of the heart, skin, and joints. Read all the reasons to include hemp as part of a healthy diet here.

*HOW HEMP CAN CHANGE THE WORLD*

Fuel - While the industrial, medicinal and commercial properties of hemp have been known to mankind for a very long time, its benefits to the environment have just been realized in recent years. One of the compelling things hemp offers is fuel. Reserves of petroleum are being depleted. Right now, we are depleting our reserves of petroleum and buying it up from other countries. It would be nice if we could have a fuel source which was reusable and which we could grow right here, making us completely energy independent. 

Industries in search of sustainable and eco-friendly processes are realizing hemp as a viable option. Hemp can provide an alternative, more efficient source of energy in the fuel industry. "The woody hemp plant is low in moisture; it dries quickly and is an efficient biomass source of methanol. The waste products produced by using hemp oil are a good source of ethanol. Both methanol and ethanol are produced from hemp through the efficient and economical process of thermo-chemical conversion. One acre of hemp yields 1,000 gallons or 3,785 liters of fuel. Hemp allows a lesser reliance on fossil fuels, which are non-renewable sources of energy and will not be able to meet the increasing global demands for long." 

Petroleum fuel increases carbon monoxide in the atmosphere and contributes heavily to global warming and the greenhouse effect, which could lead to global catastrophe in the next 50 years if these trends continue. Do you want to find out if they are right, or do you want to grow the most cost effective and environmentally safe fuel source on the planet? Using hemp as an energy and rotation crop would be a great step in the right direction.

*SOCIAL NETWORKS*

http://www.facebook.com/hempinc  (Facebook)

https://www.facebook.com/KingOfPot  (Bruce Perlowin's Facebook Page)

https://www.hempincpresents.com (Hemp, Inc.’s Youtube Channel)

*SUBSCRIBE TO HEMP, INC.'S VIDEO UPDATES*

"Hemp, Inc. Presents" is capturing the historic, monumental re-creation of the hemp decorticator today as America begins to evolve into a cleaner, green, eco-friendly sustainable environment. What many see as the next American Industrial Revolution is actually the Industrial Hemp Revolution. Watch as Hemp, Inc., the No. 1 leader in the industrial hemp industry, engages its shareholders and the public through each step in bringing back the hemp decorticator as described in the "Freedom Leaf Magazine" article "The Return of the Hemp Decorticator" by Steve Bloom.

"Hemp, Inc. Presents" is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by visiting www.hempinc.com. To subscribe to the "Hemp, Inc. Presents" YouTube channel, be sure to click the subscribe button. 

*UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC EVENTS*

Across the globe, the hemp industry is rising to astronomical levels. In the wake of the hemp industry projected to grow 700% and hit $1.8 billion by 2020, there has been more education and networking within the industry. That means more events and conferences, thus, Hemp, Inc. has started compiling an ongoing list of upcoming hemp events around the world.  Check out the listing of international and domestic events here. 

*ABOUT HEMP, INC.*

With a deep-rooted social and environmental mission at its core, Hemp, Inc. seeks to build a business constituency for the American small farmer, the American veteran, and other groups experiencing the ever-increasing disparity between tapering income and soaring expenses. As a leader in the industrial hemp industry with ownership of the largest commercial multi-purpose industrial hemp processing facility in North America, Hemp, Inc. believes there can be tangible benefits reaped from adhering to a corporate social responsibility plan.

*FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER AND DISCLOSURES*

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. To clarify the issue of OTC placing a stop sign next to Hemp, Inc.'s stock trading symbol, that symbol indicates Hemp, Inc. does not report their financials. As a non-reporting pink sheet company, Hemp, Inc. is not required to report. The company does, however, choose to publicly report its quarterly and yearly financials on its website. According to the company's CEO, the OTC stop sign is a misrepresentation of that reporting fact. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties.

CONTACT: Hemp, Inc.
855-436-7688
ir@hempinc.com Reported by GlobeNewswire 7 hours ago.

There are few people who knew Joseph Hydrusko, what he did at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, or that he would drop roses into New York harbor from the cockpit of his private plane every year to ensure the 2,335 American military personnel who perished during history's worst attack on American soil would never be forgotten. Reported by Newsday 3 hours ago.

Two veterans from different branches spend each evening together honoring our great country.

 
 
 
 
 
 
  Reported by USATODAY.com 4 hours ago.

Apple is reportedly in negotiations to purchase the rights to Israeli drama series "Nevelot" (or, "Bastards"), which is described as a violent and mature drama series (via CNBC). Richard Gere could star in the adaptation, which is being written and created by "Homeland" creator Howard Gordon and "Law and Order: SVU" showrunner Warren Leight.
Image via Variety / Rex Features

Apple is said to be in a bidding war with Showtime, FX, and Amazon for the show, which revolves around two military veterans who go on a killing spree targeting young people, "because they believe today's kids don’t understand the sacrifices of their generation." Gordon and Leight would reformat the show for the American market, and potentially change the title.

Right now, all sides are said to still be in talks, and nothing is finalized. If certain agreements can't be reached -- like the budget -- then it has a risk of falling through.

Apple's interest in such a mature-themed series comes in stark opposition to previous reports we've heard about its upcoming string of TV shows. Most notably, in a September report The Wall Street Journal claimed that Apple would be unlikely to produce original content that contains gratiuitous sex, violence, profanity, or risqué storylines in an effort to avoid tainting its wider brand image.

Unless the entire concept of "Bastards" is changed, it appears like the show would include most, if not all, of those adult pieces of content. CNBC's report today suggests that Apple is on the hunt for its own "Breaking Bad", a show with a Mature Audiences rating that aired on AMC from 2008 through 2013.

Additionally, Apple is said to be looking for "different" content, as long as it has substance and isn't gratuitous. The search is said to be emphasizing unusual formats that won't fit in the traditional 30-minute and 60-minute time slots. The company is also experimenting with more advanced interactive and immersive content of some kind, but these plans are painted as a "long-term vision" for Apple's original content efforts, and not indicative of the more straightforward shows we'll see when everything first launches next year.

In one final tidbit from today's report, the long-in-production morning show drama starring Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston is said to be called "Top of the Morning," the same as the book it's based on. For a list of every show coming from Apple, check out our full Apple TV Roundup.Tag: Apple's Hollywood ambitions

Discuss this article in our forums Reported by MacRumours.com 4 hours ago.

Vons Joins the 53rd Stop of Smithfield’s 2018 Helping Hungry Homes® Tour

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Smithfield Foods, Inc. and Vons joined forces to donate 35,000 pounds of protein to Feeding San Diego. Smithfield’s contribution was part of the company’s 2018 Helping Hungry Homes^® donation tour. Now in the program’s 10^th year, Helping Hungry Homes^® is Smithfield’s signature hunger-relief initiative focused on alleviating hunger and helping Americans become more food secure. The donation, equivalent to more than 140,000 servings, will help the one in eight people facing hunger in San Diego.“Protein is a vital resource that is always in high demand and low supply, but during a time of disaster it becomes even more critical,” said Vince Hall, CEO of Feeding San Diego. “Smithfield’s support with today's donation will feed thousands of families in need across our area in the coming weeks.”

Smithfield and Vons representatives presented the donation to Feeding San Diego at an event this morning. Members of each organization discussed food insecurity in the local community, and the significance of this donation in helping the nearly half a million children, families, and seniors who face hunger in San Diego County.

“We are proud to partner with Smithfield and deliver this much-needed donation to our California neighbors in need of food assistance,” said Shane Dorcheus, Southern California division president for Vons. “Today, and especially during times of great need, we find it critical to continue our good neighbor policy to the entire state and provide this protein to those who are relying on Feeding San Diego for support.”

This is the 53^rd large scale protein donation made by Smithfield to food banks across the country during its 2018 Helping Hungry Homes^® tour. Since the program’s inception in 2008, Smithfield has provided more than 100 million servings of protein to food banks, disaster relief efforts, and community outreach programs nationwide.

“At Smithfield, we understand the importance of protein in a well-rounded diet, and value our responsibility to provide food to those in need,” said Jonathan Toms, associate manager of charitable initiatives for Smithfield Foods. “We hope this donation will provide a comforting meal to the many people in this area who need it most, especially during this time of year.”

For more information about Smithfield Foods’ Helping Hungry Homes^® initiative and a list of upcoming donation events, visit helpinghungryhomes.com.

*About Smithfield Foods*
Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield^®, Eckrich^®, Nathan's Famous^®, Farmland^®, Armour^®, Farmer John^®, Kretschmar^®, John Morrell^®, Cook's^®, Gwaltney^®, Carando^®, Margherita^®, Curly's^®, Healthy Ones^®, Morliny^®, Krakus^® and Berlinki^®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

*About Feeding San Diego
*Feeding San Diego is the largest hunger relief organization in San Diego County. Focused on capturing wholesome food before it goes to waste, Feeding San Diego serves more than 63,000 people every week through a network of 245 distribution sites, including charity partners and school and mobile pantries. Last year, the organization distributed 26 million meals throughout the region to children, families, and seniors at risk of hunger. Through a highly efficient model, every dollar donated helps provide four nutritious meals for San Diegans in need. To learn more about Feeding San Diego, visit feedingsandiego.org.

*About Albertsons Companies *
Albertsons Companies, Inc. is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, with both a strong local presence and national scale. Albertsons Cos. operates stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 20 well-known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen and Carrs, as well as meal kit company Plated based in New York City. Albertsons Cos. is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2017 alone, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the Company gave nearly $300 million in food and financial support. These efforts helped millions of people in the areas of hunger relief,  education, cancer research and treatment, programs for people with disabilities and veterans outreach.

Media Contacts:

*Dalton Agency for Smithfield*
Jana Beasley
(904) 534-8568
jbeasley@daltonagency.com *Feeding San Diego *
Rebecca Rauber
(858) 768-7435
rrauber@feedingsandiego.org *Vons*
Melissa Hill
(208) 395-4722
Melissa.Hill@jewelosco.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5bd90679-fe3f-4c78-915e-7e5cba1a3724 Reported by GlobeNewswire 2 hours ago.

· *"Super Smash Bros. Ultimate" is out now for the Nintendo Switch and players are already starting to get competitive with the new game.*
· *Up to eight players can fight each other in Smash at the same time, leading to plenty of mayhem on the battlefield.*
· *While players who have played Smash in the past will have no problem picking up "Ultimate," there are a few tricks that set veterans apart from casual players.*

"Super Smash Bros." has provided fierce a fierce video game battleground since the first game in the series was released on the Nintendo 64 in 1999. With "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate" now out for Nintendo Switch, the fight continues with multiplayer matches breaking out across offices, dorm rooms, and house parties everywhere.

While "Ultimate" is the biggest Smash game ever, the rules are the same: players fight to knock each other off the stage using their favorite video game characters. Those who have played the previous games should feel right at home when they pick up "Ultimate;" every character from the previous games has returned and dedicated tournament players have already begun developing advanced techniques for their favorite characters.

Not everyone is ready to become a professional Smasher, but it can't hurt to have a few tricks to beat casual players right? Here are some essential tips to help you dominate your friends in "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate."

*SEE ALSO: 'Super Smash Bros. Ultimate' brings more than 70 characters to the Nintendo Switch — here they all are*

*SEE ALSO: We found a trick that unlocks every character in 'Super Smash Bros. Ultimate' in just a few hours. Here's how to get your favorites as fast as possible.*

-Figure out a comfortable control scheme (seriously though).-

Really though, it may sound obvious, but knowing your controls is the first step to winning. "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate" has no shortage of control schemes and settings, so it's important to figure out which works best for you. While Smash veterans may prefer playing on the old-school GameCube controller (compatible with "Ultimate" via an adapter sold separately), the new Switch controls have a different layout and an extra button to customize.

In addition to the standard controls, pay attention to the "Other Settings" options. Lots of players prefer to turn off "Stick Jump" so they don't accidentally jump with the analog stick and die. Personally, I like to set my right analog to "Tilts" for quick attacks, and use Attack+Special for smash attacks. Some people like to set their Jump to a trigger button at the top of the controller for easier access.

Remember that Smash has two types of jumps: A regular jump that is performed by holding the jump button, and a short hop, which can be done by tapping the jump button. You should feel comfortable using all of your attacks at both heights.

Controls are saved to specific usernames, so you can set your personal preferences for different controllers and even create multiple names to use different control layouts for different characters.

 

 -Learn how to use items to your advantage.-

While not everyone prefers to play with items enabled, they're a key part of Smash. Some are basic weapons, some will give you special power-ups, and a few might just blow up in your face and kill you. Learning the different items is key to survival.

In addition to throwing items with the "Attack" button while they're equipped, you can also drop them in-place by pressing the "Grab" button. If an item is thrown at you, you can catch it by pressing "Attack" or "Grab" right before it hits you, even if you're in mid-air.

Even if items are turned off, characters like Link and Peach can generate their own items — Link can throw bombs, and Peach can attack with thrown vegetables — and use them to trick and trap opponents.

Tweet Embed:
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galactic brain pic.twitter.com/Ig3oxfipkB

 -Remember all of your options for getting back to the stage.-

When knocked off stage, every character in "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate" can use their Up+Special Attack move to help them get back onto the stage. That special move will vary from between characters but it's your prime key for survival when used properly. If you find yourself having trouble staying alive, you can pick a character like Kirby, Jigglypuff, Metaknight, King Dedede or Pit, who can float in the air for a period. 

Some characters have extra moves to help them get back to the stage too. Using attacks with extra horizontal movement can help make your return to the stage less predictable. A few characters can hit themselves with their special moves to help propel them back to the stage, and an even smaller handful can use certain moves to literally tether themselves to the stage, including Samus, Lucas, Young Link, Toon Link, and Richter/Simon Belmont.

 
See the rest of the story at Business Insider Reported by Business Insider 1 day ago.

Congress members from both sides of the aisle came together on Capitol Hill on Wednesday to urge lawmakers to fast-track a benefits package that would provide assistance to veterans who have fallen ill after their exposure to burn pits. Reported by FOXNews.com 1 day ago.

(Reuters Health) - - Female military veterans with traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder or depression are more likely to develop dementia later in life than peers without those conditions, a U.S. study suggests. Reported by Reuters 1 day ago.

Successful NeuroNode Performance Trial with Maeve, a 3rd Grade Student with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Leads to Acquisition of six NeuroNodes by NYC DOE’s Center for Assistive Technology (CAT) for students in the New York City Education System. (Video News Release (VNR) Available for Free Download from WebAble.TV, a subsidiary of TV Worldwide)

Cincinnati, Ohio, Dec. 12, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The New York City Department of Education’s Center for Assistive Technology (CAT) recently acquired innovative new technology known as the ‘NeuroNode’, that offers an access solution for students with severe physical limitations and paralysis. WebAbleTV, a subsidiary of TV Worldwide, has produced a Video News Release (VNR) that is available for download below.

After seeing the Control Bionics NeuroNode technology demonstrated at the January 2018 Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) Conference in Orlando, CAT arranged for a NeuroNode assessment for one New York City 3^rd grade student, Maeve, with Spinal Muscular Atrophy or SMA.  

The NeuroNode is the world’s first wearable electromyography or EMG assistive technology device that non-invasively detects the electrical activity of a muscle to automatically communicate with and control a full spectrum of external devices and platforms.

Maeve had such great success with the NeuroNode that she immediately began her trial. Within a few short weeks, the NeuroNode was implemented into Maeve's daily school activities. 

“When we saw NueroNode, a light bulb went off in my head,” said Lindsey Huntley, Speech Supervisor for CAT. “I reached out to the District Office, the Principal, and said we have this brand new technology, we think it’s a game changer, can we come in? And we did. Maeve just took off, it was like it brought tears to everybody’s eyes in the room…just how fast she took to the technology, how it opened possibilities for everything.” Huntley added, “This device is giving her total independence.”

Communicating with the NeuroNode for the first time, Maeve asked, “Can I please have a baby sister and a puppy?”
 
“The NeuroNode is different just because it's so much easier in terms of management and adjusting than her previous technology,” remarked Maya Pariser, Maeve’s 3^rd Grade teacher. “Using the NeuroNode, it’s kind of when she’s set up to go, she goes.” Pariser added, “The NeuroNode has made teaching easier just because it allows Maeve to be a lot more independent and it also allows the variety of materials to appear on her iPad that she needs throughout the day.”

“I think our reaction when we first saw Maeve using the NeuroNode was, ‘Wow, this is amazing’,” commented Maeve’s father, Frank. “I think the sky’s the limit…educationally there are no limits to her”. Maeve’s Parents are excited about the opportunities that are now open to Maeve because of the NeuroNode.

Following Maeve’s successful trial, both CAT and District 78 purchased a combined six NeuroNode units.

In September of 2018, over 110 clinicians from CAT and District 78 participated in a full day Control Bionics NeuroNode training course to educate and prepare these clinicians for assessing and supporting their students in the use of the NeuroNode. Since then, Control Bionics has facilitated other assessments for students with an array of conditions limiting their access to education in the New York City Education System. This effort coincides with Control Bionics release of the latest version of its text-to-speech Say-It Now software that allows a NeuroNode user with paralysis and loss of speech to interact with their smart speaker, hands free and voice free as the company stays committed to continued R&D to aid the special community of people with disabilities.

*A Video News Release (VNR) featuring this story with interviews was produced by* *WebAble.TV* *, a Subsidiary of **TV Worldwide* *and is available as a for viewing and embedding as a streaming video link by* *clicking here**,* *and for full download and unlimited use by any interested press outlet or media entity by* *clicking here**.

**About Control Bionics
*Control Bionics’ aim is to become the world’s leading provider of EMG wearable bionics devices. Their latest device, the NeuroNode, is helping those living with paralysis and loss of speech find their voice again and re-connect with their friends, loved ones, and the world. For more information, please visit *www.ControlBionics.com*.

*About WebAble.TV and TV Worldwide*
Founded in 1999, TV Worldwide.com, Inc. (t/a TV Worldwide, Inc., *www.TVWorldwide.com*) is a veteran-owned Internet TV solutions company that developed the first network of community-based Internet TV channels including *www.WebAble.TV* , primarily targeting niche enterprise/professional audiences ranging from the maritime industry to the telecom and federal/public sectors. Known by many in the industry as "Intelligent Internet TV," Fortune 500 companies, 35 federal government agencies, and numerous associations including the National Association of Broadcasters have partnered with TV Worldwide to utilize TV Worldwide's live and on-demand state-of-the art video streaming content applications and Internet TV channels. In recognition of the company's pioneering unique achievements in new media solutions and content development, TV Worldwide has been selected by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) to webcast past Daytime Emmy Awards and the Emmy awards for Technology and Engineering. TV Worldwide Chairman and CEO Dave Gardy, has been honored by Streaming Media Magazine as one of the 25 Most Influential People in Streaming Media. Mr. Gardy also has served as the President of the International Webcasting Association (IWA) and as a member of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Corporate Council.                                                                         

VNR Streaming Video Link and Embed Coder: http://www.webable.tv/Featured-Content/WebAble-TV-Featured-Videos/VideoId/3496/new-yor-city-department-of-ed-invests-in-innovative-new-neuronode-technology-from-control-bionics-to-assist-students-with-severe-physical-disabilitVNR Video Download for Unlimited Use by any interested Press Outlet or Media Entity: http://www.webable.tv/downloads/181004_Webable_NeuroNode.zip

CONTACT: Contact:
Emily Boland, Marketing and Customer Relationship Manager
Control Bionics (www.ControlBionics.com)
O: 513-453-4848
eaboland@controlbionics.com

WebAble TV, a Subsidiary of TV Worldwide Inc.
info@TVWorldwide.com
www.TVWorldwide.com
(703) 961-9250, ext. 221 Reported by GlobeNewswire 1 day ago.

Inspiration behind initiative was veteran relatives and employees

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (PRWEB) December 12, 2018

J&M Tank Lines, Inc. is partnering with Wreaths Across America, by donating transportation services to deliver a shipment of wreaths to nine cemeteries in Florida, honoring fallen soldiers, in anticipation of National Wreaths Across America Day, which is held on December 15.

Wreaths Across America, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, coordinates National Wreaths Across America Day, a day to honor fallen veterans through organized wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as 1,400 additional locations nationwide, at sea and abroad.

This partnership was spearheaded by Andrew Petrofsky, Special Projects Manager for J&M Tank Lines, Inc., whose grandfather is a veteran.

“Our purpose in volunteering is to honor our veterans, active duty military personnel and those who have provided for our country. We’re so thankful to have a team of veterans and active duty personnel at J&M that have given back to their country,” says Petrofsky.

J&M Tank Lines has been a leader in transportation for 70 years with terminals in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, South Carolina and Texas. J&M Tank Lines provides high-caliber truck driving solutions locally and nationally and partner with SmartWay, American Trucking Association (ATA) and many more. Visit JMTank.Com or call 205-798-9988 to learn more today. Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.

Industry veterans bring deep operational experience and commitment to customer satisfaction to Vibe HCM

AUSTIN, Texas (PRWEB) December 13, 2018

Vibe HCM, a leading provider of cloud-based HCM Engagement Platforms, today announced the appointment of Ken Skinner as Senior Vice President of Services and Robin Vandeveer as Vice President of Customer Success. Ken will oversee all aspects of the Vibe HCM services organization including customer support, implementation, training and customer success. Robin is responsible for defining and executing all customer success initiatives including account management, growth and retention.

Ken has over 25 years of executive experience with in-depth knowledge of engineering services, customer success, professional services, managed services and enterprise SaaS. Most recently, Ken served as the Vice President of Customer Support for Experian Consumer Services/CSidentify. Ken has also held executive level positions with Rackspace Hosting, Vignette Corporation, BMC Software, Sun Microsystems and Digital Equipment Corporation.

"I am thrilled to welcome such a high caliber professional to the Vibe HCM team. Ken has a proven track record defining and building the foundation and process improvements required to deliver an exceptional customer experience," said Susanne Bowen, Chief Executive Officer at Vibe HCM. "Ken places high value on customer satisfaction and embraces the standards of excellence our customers expect."

"I am delighted to join the Vibe HCM team and have the opportunity to work with innovative customers that are experiencing the benefits of an engaged workforce," said Ken Skinner, Senior Vice President of Services at Vibe HCM. "It is our goal to provide a high level of service and support, beginning with implementation and continuing throughout the relationship, that facilitates adoption and drives the organization's unique culture."

Robin is a veteran service leader with 25 years' experience in SaaS and cloud software industry. She has successfully built teams and programs that help customers adopt new technologies and realize the value of their investment. Most recently, as Vice President of Account Management at Kimbia, she redefined the customer engagement model, driving significant improvements in customer health. Robin has also held service and support leadership positions with PeopleAdmin and CompassLearning.

"I am very excited to join Vibe HCM at such an important time for the company and our customers," said Robin Vandeveer, Vice President of Customer Success at Vibe HCM. "As customers adopt solutions to measure and improve employee engagement, it is rewarding to see their progress and to help them achieve unprecedented results."

Vibe HCM's services approach is based on 20 years of experience delivering HCM products to hundreds of customers and millions of users. Through the Vibe Deploy methodology, Vibe helps customers measure engagement, find trends and set benchmarks, enabling them to decrease turnover, improve recognition, enhance communications and develop a stronger connection to the organization and its goals.

ABOUT VIBE HCM
Vibe HCM is redefining human capital management software expectations. We make it easy for companies to not only automate HR transactions but also connect, communicate and engage with all their employees. We partner with talent-driven businesses to elevate how they Work. Share. Applaud. Inspire. This relentless pursuit has led us to collaborate with some of the most innovative, recognized brands on the planet for over 20 years as we work together to set a new standard in the marketplace for HCM systems. Relied on by over 1 million employees worldwide, the Vibe HCM platform leverages Progressive Web App (PWA) technology to deliver easy to access and use HR, Talent, Recruiting, Onboarding, Engagement, Analytics and Payroll. (http://www.vibehcm.com) Reported by PRWeb 11 hours ago.

The Morrison government has been told Australia’s $13 billion-a-year system for supporting military veterans is broken. Reported by Brisbane Times 10 hours ago.

Strategic hires bring significant industry knowledge to support company’s planned growth.

RESTON, Va. (PRWEB) December 13, 2018

Meridian Knowledge Solutions today announced a significant leadership team expansion with the recent addition of three learning industry veterans. These new staff possess a combination of operational, sales and marketing expertise that will greatly help the firm to achieve significant growth, as well as support its current customer base of federal, state, local and commercial organizations.

Meridian’s new team members include:

Kai Lou, Vice President of Client Services – Kai has over 15 years of experience in the learning management systems space from his long tenure at Blackboard. There, he established a product consulting practice focused on addressing the training needs of performance and development programs across public sector organizations and commercial companies. Kai has a history of pairing a thoughtful combination of practical solutions with creative insights to develop services that are focused on increasing customer satisfaction. Most recently, Kai served as the VP of Business Development at Blackboard.

Ken Doyle, Director of Federal Sales – Ken brings over 20 years of federal government sales experience to Meridian, having sold into nearly every sector of the government. He is widely recognized as a results-oriented sales leader, and staunch customer advocate with deep experience in the field of learning technology, cloud solutions, and professional services. Ken joins Meridian from Blackboard where he served as served as a key member of their Professional Education (ProEd) Federal Government solutions team. Prior to Blackboard, Ken held public sector sales roles at Saba and SumTotal Systems.

Michelle Sullivan, Senior Director, Marketing – Michelle has more 20 years of experience in global marketing at leading technology companies, with an emphasis on strategic positioning, corporate communications and demand generation. She has significant expertise in the learning and talent management industry, most notably from her tenures at NetDimensions, Inc. and Plateau Systems.

“We have selected Kai, Ken and Michelle specifically for their deep expertise in the learning management technology market,” said Patrick Devlin, Chief Revenue Officer of Meridian. “We’re happy to have people of their caliber and experience directing key efforts, reinforcing our commitment to the federal market and sharing our ambitious vision for future growth.

About Meridian Knowledge Solutions

Meridian's award-winning learning management system allows organizations to personalize learning, share knowledge, increase revenue and manage compliance requirements for their employees, customers, partners and suppliers.

Meridian has been chosen by leading organizations including U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Johnson Controls, HAI Group, The Society of Actuaries and K12 Inc. Meridian is headquartered in the Washington DC metro area. For more information, visit http://www.meridianks.com or follow @MeridianKS on Twitter. Reported by PRWeb 10 hours ago.