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What A Small Business Can Do – Securing A Loan, through The SBA or other sources

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A straightforward conversation with Brock Blake – CEO, Lendio

This morning Karl Woolfenden, Publisher of Business Class News and Host of Link’d AM talked openly about what the options are for small businesses and he asked some question which if your are small business owner may find Brock’s answers very helpful and educational.

 

 

With the coronavirus impacting small businesses across the country, the CEO of Lendio, Brock Blake, sheds light on what small businesses can and are doing to secure loans from the range of banks, lenders and the SBA. Lendio operates the largest small business loan marketplace in country, processing 200-300 loans a day…restaurants, theatres, gyms, small retailers and manufacturers, etc.…with over 75 lenders.

Through tech and loan specialists talking directly with small businesses, Lendio can share how lenders and small businesses are reacting to and navigating the current climate. The demand over the last few days has skyrocketed. He can also connect you with local Lendio loan specialists in Seattle and other hotspots across the country, as well as small businesses.

During President Trump’s Oval Office address, Lendio saw a 75% increase in queries, and a 133% increase in loan applications from the same time the previous week. Overall, the Lendio marketplace has facilitated more than 100,000 loans totaling over $2 billion—generating an estimated $6.5 billion in economic output that’s created nearly 45,000 jobs.

Brock discusses the importance of small businesses finding the right type of loan from the lenders best suited for them, which will be essential in navigating a recession. He can also discuss Small Business Administration loan options. Lendio helps small business owners with any option within the SBA they need—whether it’s a small working capital loan for a growing business, the purchase of a new office space or manufacturing facility, or an equipment upgrade. Lendio represents SBA Express, Micro 7a, 7a and 504 loans, among others.

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Front Page/ Healthcare/ Technology

Medzone To Release Hand-Sanitizers With Proceeds Donated to World Health Organization

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Medzone, a sports medicine and cosmetic brand, founded in 2001 was originally created to help active people to keep moving forward. In an effort to help fight the spread of the coronavirus, Medzone is currently reviewing and creating unique, high-quality hand hygiene products. With the increase in market need for sanitizers and hand hygiene products, Medzone has created a new line of products including hand sanitizing gel, hand sanitizing spray and foaming hand sanitizers which will be available at www.medzonecorp.com and major national retailers in the coming weeks. MedZone is offering an option to pre-order starting March 23rd.

Medzone is currently working with major retailers for distribution as quickly as possible to help those in need. “We are in regular contact with national retailers and companies in our supply chain to make sure we can deliver high quality products in the earliest time possible.” Said Joe Freeman CEO of MedZone.

In addition to bringing great products to market that are effective and help customers, the company has committed to donating $0.10 for every hand sanitizer unit sold to the World Health Organization and is working with a CDMO Supplier who  has agreed to donate actual product to local healthcare professions. “As a company, we wish the best for our customers and all Americans during this unprecedented time. In this difficult period, it’s imperative that all of us come together and help our community get through these uncharted waters.” said Freeman.

The hand sanitizers will range in pricing from $3.99 – $11.99 and are slated to launch late March, pre-order is available now. More information can be found at www. MedZoneCorp.com.

About MedZone

The mission of MedZone® is to make EveryBody Feel Better. MedZone products work to prevent, treat and manage aches, pains, discomforts, wounds and skin-chafing issues for individuals in sports, industrial settings and recreational activities. The products were initially designed in 2001 based on requests from medical professionals, athletes and in 2002, U.S. Military Special Forces. Over the years the products have been adapted to work for athletes, active people, law enforcement, military and for certain healthcare needs.

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Featured/ Front Page/ Healthcare/ Technology

Top Health Systems Use Conversa To Handle Coronavirus Capacity Crisis

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UCSF Health, Northwell Health, UNC Health And Other Systems Using Conversa’s Virtual Care And Communication Platform To Triage People In Their Communities, Manage Patients, And Screen Healthcare Workers

PORTLAND, Ore., March 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Conversa Health launched Coronavirus Health Chats last week, expanding virtual care to help people assess risk, stay safe, check symptoms, and triage to local testing and care resources. As the pandemic continues to escalate, Conversa has rolled out a comprehensive suite of COVID-19 programs developed with top clinicians—and CDC guidance—to help hospitals and health systems manage the outbreak: COVID-19 Screener & Triage, COVID-19 Lab Results, COVID-19 QuarantineChecks, and COVID-19 Employee HealthScreener.

Hospitals and health systems can be up and running with these programs in 48 hours. Interested organizations can get more information at coronavirushealthchats.com and you can try a demonstration by texting “Virus” to 83973.

“The pressing issue in this crisis is healthcare system capacity. Hospitals are becoming overwhelmed,” said Murray Brozinsky, CEO of Conversa Health. “There are two ways to address it—flatten the curve and add virtual capacity. Conversa’s automated virtual care and communication platform adds capacity. It keeps people out of the system who are not likely to have the coronavirus, directs those with likely exposure to the appropriate local resources, dispenses lab results and associated instructions, provides guidance for those in quarantine, and screens healthcare professionals and other employees so they are safe to work. We are helping people and the health system to stay connected without becoming infected.”

New York State hospitals are facing a crisis point, as they grapple with thousands of cases and try to overcome critical shortages. To help hospitals across the state, Northwell CEO Michael Dowling has been appointed to oversee New York’s hospital capacity council. “We appreciate Conversa’s speed and scale helping us with our system and patient contact center capacity,” said Holly Koehler, Vice President, Patient Access Services Northwell Health, New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer serving over 2 million patients. “While we already use Conversa effectively across Northwell, we are running their Coronavirus Lab Results program to communicate test results to patients and help them manage how they interact with the system or self-manage their situation.”

Consistently ranked among the top 10 hospitals nationally, UCSF Health and its more than 24,000 employees serve the San Francisco Bay area, one of the first metro areas in the country to see the impact of COVID-19. “Conversa is a helpful tool in our virtual care strategy. As coronavirus spreads, we have an immediate mandate to screen our employees daily and to ensure that any who might be infected don’t come into contact with patients,” stated Aaron Neinstein, MD, Director of Clinical Informatics, UCSF Center for Digital Health Innovation. “In just a few days, Conversa enabled us to develop and deploy an Employee Health Daily Digital Screening Tool for Coronavirus that fit well into our workflow and helps ensure our patients remain safe.” 

“We have a great need to help our community better understand the coronavirus and COVID-19’s potential symptoms,” said Stephanie Turner, Interim Vice President of Population Health Services, UNC Health Alliance. “We also need to provide resources to patients if their condition worsens and effectively monitor them. Conversa’s patient engagement solution expands our virtual care and communication to help us meet the needs of our isolated and quarantined patients in an empathetic and efficient way.” UNC Health is one of only a handful of systems recognized as a “Most Wired Advanced” health system by the American Hospital Association (AHA) for its use of information technology to improve patient care and clinical integration.

Conversa’s Coronavirus Health Chats leverage the Conversa Virtual Health Platform™. The platform enables healthcare organizations to monitor, engage and manage their patients and communities across many use cases—including chronic care, acute discharge, perioperative, oncology, OBGYN, prevention and wellness—with a frequency and at a scale that would be prohibitive using just telemedicine, telephonic or in-person interactions with clinicians, nurses and health coaches.

“During these critical times, healthcare organizations are using our solution for its purpose-built intent: personalized, automated engagement at scale,” Brozinsky added. “We are uniquely blending augmented intelligence (AI), behavioral science and clinical expertise to help offload visits and calls so frontline healthcare workers can focus on the patients that need them most. If you are a healthcare organization looking for help handling the surge in your community—we are here, we are ready, and we are in this together.”  

About Conversa Health

Conversa is healthcare’s leader in delivering personalized, automated engagement at scale for patients, members, employees, and consumers. With Conversa Connect™, its proprietary patient profiling and health signals engine, and an extensive library of clinically-intelligent engagement programs, Conversa enables healthcare organizations to effectively and efficiently manage patients across the care continuum. Leading health systems, payers, and pharma companies are using Conversa to develop meaningful relationships and drive better health outcomes at scale. To learn more, visit conversahealth.com, follow @ConversaHealth or text HELLO to 77877.

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Featured/ Front Page/ Healthcare/ Technology

Commercial Insurance Coverages May Help Business Owners Weather Impact of COVID-19

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As the volume of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to escalate across the United States, business owners from coast-to-coast are feeling the impact with significant loss of business.

In many cases, state and local governments are mandating that certain types of businesses, such as restaurants and bars, shut down for extended periods or restrict their patronage to carry-out-only orders to prevent the further spread of coronavirus in their communities.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, there are several types of commercial insurance coverages that may help businesses cope with the significant losses they will incur as the pandemic spreads.

Business Interruption Insurance

Mark Friedlander, director of corporate communications at the Insurance Information Institute, told Business Class News that a business interruption policy typically covers a business owner for lost profits and continued fixed expenses during the time a business must stay closed.

“Business interruption policies may cover financial losses occurring after civil authorities limit access to an area, preventing customers and suppliers from reaching the premises of the business,” Friedlander said. “Depending upon the specific policy, its civil authority coverage component may or may not require that the access restriction result from physical loss by a covered cause of loss and, if so, often does not require that physical loss to occur to the policyholder’s own property.” He added, “In the event that a federal, state or local governmental authority limits access to or from areas where the virus has been identified, civil authority coverage may be applicable.”

Friedlander said business interruption insurance can also include coverage for communicable or infectious diseases, depending upon the policy. However, some policies exclude virus-related losses.

He added, “Contamination is considered damage in the case of a pandemic. Business interruption insurance would cover the costs of decontaminating and sanitizing the premises of the impacted business.”

Commercial General Liability Coverage

Commercial general liability (CGL) coverage is intended to protect businesses against third-party claims for bodily injury resulting from exposure to harmful conditions.

“We could see hospitality industry CGL claims from infected guests who they allegedly failed to exercise reasonable care in guarding against, or warning of, the risk of exposure to COVID-19 while staying at the lodging property,” Friedlander said.

Workers’ Compensation Coverage

Workers’ compensation insurance pays for the medical care and physical rehabilitation of an injured worker and helps to replace lost wages while the worker is unable to work. Friedlander said these policies are generally purchased by employers for their employees.

“Washington State recently ruled that its workers’ comp program would accept claims from health care workers and first responders who have been quarantined after being exposed to coronavirus on the job treating COVID-19 patients,” he said “Coverage would include medical testing, treatment expenses and lost wages.” Kentucky has issued a similar ruling.

Disability Coverage

“Disability insurance covers the insured person in the event they are unable to work due to an injury or illness,” Friedlander said. “Each individual disability policy includes a definition of disability that must be satisfied in order for the insured to receive the policy’s benefits.”

Friedlander recommended business owners should contact their insurance professional to review their current commercial coverage and focus on any gaps that should be addressed. More information about commercial insurance is available from the Insurance Information Institute at www.iii.org.

SOS Hydration

Featured/ Front Page/ Healthcare/ Philanthropy/ Technology

Coronavirus Dehydration Concerns Addressed via Substantial ‘SOS Hydration’ Donation Targeted to Health Workers & Test-Positive Patients in Hard-Hit States

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SOSHydration.com initiates COVID-19-driven donations, starting with 20,000 drink mix packs in partnership with Global Empowerment Mission to aid healthcare workers & affected families

SCOTTSDALE, AZ, March 11, 2020 – Amid escalating concerns about derivative health implications of COVID-19 and influenza illnesses in general—with dehydration paramount among the more ubiquitous health concerns as detailed in a multitude of reports—SOS Hydration (www.SOSHydration.com ) is leading the dehydration-focused donation charge to aid healthcare workers and affected families in particularly hard hit states. This as the company today announced that, through its partnership with the Global Empowerment Mission/#BStrong non-profit disaster relief organization, it has commenced donations starting with 20,000 packs of its research-backed and independently tested hydration drink mix as an easy-access/use dehydration avoidance and treatment/recovery solution.

According to board-certified internist Dr. Blanca Lizaola-Mayo, SOS Hydration—a pleasant-tasting, hydration-accelerating drink mix uniquely engineered to combat mild to moderate dehydration—can help people fight an infection and recover faster since if proffers hydration equivalent to an I.V. drip, helping the body rehydrate fully three-times faster than by drinking water alone.  

“One of the main effects of viral infections is dehydration, which the body combats by increasing its temperature, often causing a fever; this means that you lose more water through skin evaporation and even breathing,” cautions Dr. Lizaola-Mayo, who co-founded SOS Hydration. “Viruses can also make you lose your appetite (another hydration source) and some may even cause diarrhea, vomiting or both. One of the best natural ways to combat viral illness and expedite recovery is through proper hydration, by drinking plenty of fluids. Hydration acceleration solutions like SOS Hydration —often tapped for exercise, travel, imbibing and other lifestyle-induced dehydration—can be a powerful recovery assist for viral infections and infectious respiratory illnesses like influenza (‘the flu’) and COVID-19. And, it can be used without causing gastrointestinal distress.”

“Because SOS has less sugar, the packs are considerably smaller and more compact than other so-called rehydration solutions on the market, so health organizations can more readily stockpile—plus they’re more cost effective,” added SOS Hydration co-founder James Mayo. “While others are profiteering on this terrible situation, our already economical prices have remained—and will continue to remain—exactly the same. Furthermore, relative to the dehydration situation being addressed, impacts must not be underestimated…especially when one considers that health workers and other front-line, response-team personnel wearing hazmat suits will, ironically, likely become dehydrated—a condition that can debilitate the human body and mind in a multitude of ways.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with SOS and gift those in need this viable and readily available dehydration avoidance and treatment beverage solution based on science and testing that far exceeds ‘other’ electrolyte drinks and mixes on the market,” said Sue Cushman, US National Aid Director of Global Empowerment Mission. “We know that this Coronavirus-specific donation is an extension of SOS Hydration’s overarching philanthropic work.”

Indeed, the pay-it-forward-minded company has previously donated product to Houston, Florida and the Virgin Islands relating to hurricane recovery, and to CalFire related to fire emergencies. In fact, both co-founders care deeply about protecting and serving the public, and in corporate social responsibility, with one a medical doctor and the other a military veteran…and both highly value-driven. 

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Featured/ Front Page/ Technology

Porcher Industries introduces a new generation of intelligent textiles – JEC world 2020

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Porcher industries is launching a new generation of intelligent composite textiles. Two of these major innovations will be previewed at JEC World 2020 in Paris: luminous and temperature-sensitive composite textiles.

Porcher industries, a global leader in high-performance thermoplastic composites and technical textiles is launching a new generation of intelligent textiles. These fabrics can integrate functions into the fibre, such as illumination of certain zones, temperature measurement, or detection of a remote presence. There are numerous opportunities for these ultra-high performance materials in a wide spectrum of markets including aeronautics, automotive, industry, construction, sports and leisure, and safety.

With luminous textiles, certain zones in the fabric illuminate, so that shapes can appear or words can be written on them – without using cables or bulbs. This innovation would considerably increase safety for cyclists and motorcyclists by making them more visible, for example, through inserts on vests or jackets. For the construction sector, floor slabs will be able to integrate signage information that can be read directly on the floors or the walls, and can be modified remotely.

With aeronautical and automotive markets, interior cabin design can be entirely revamped to improve customer experience- and there’s more. These new intelligent textiles can replace the ‘arsenal’ of heavy, bulky cables and electronics, which is an incredible advantage for aeronautical, automobile and train designers in their continued pursuit of light and space.

Heat-sensitive textiles, which can measure temperature, have a diverse range of applications: Improved safety in industry, transport, HVAC engineering or construction. For example: alarm systems can be activated if a specific temperature threshold is exceeded in industrial pipes.

These intelligent textiles are designed for seamless integration into industrial processes. Along with high-performance features, they are equipped with exceptional properties in flexibility, finesse, precision, lightness and durability.

“Through our expertise in combining chemicals and textiles and our in-depth understanding of the interface, we have created these intelligent composite textiles that perfectly meet industrial needs, specifically in terms of flexibility and durability,” says Jean-Marc Senecot, Global Head of Research & Development at Porcher industries.


 

These new innovations will be demonstrated at the Porcher Industries booth at JEC World 2020, to be held in Paris from May 12 to 14.

About Porcher Industries

Porcher Industries is a global leader in high performance thermoplastic composites and technical textiles. With the help of its 2,000 employees spread across 3 continents (Europe, China, United States and Brazil), Porcher Industries designs and produces innovative materials with properties tailored to highly targeted uses, including for the aeronautics, defence, automotive, construction, industry, sports and leisure sectors. Recognised worldwide as the pioneer of its sector, Porcher Industries assists its clients’ R&D departments from the early stages in order to help them anticipate the technological developments of tomorrow in terms of lightness, performance and comfort.


In 2018 Porcher Industries achieved a turnover of 335 million euros and has invested over 100 million euros over the last 3 years.

World leader in aircraft interior reinforcements
World leader in brake hose reinforcements
World leader in glass fabrics for hot air filtration
World leader in electrical insulation glass fabrics
World leader in paragliding fabrics
World leader in competitive spinnaker
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Featured/ Front Page/ Healthcare/ Technology/ Top Stories

The American Optometric Association (AOA) Partners With Lyft To Offer Free Rides To Get A Comprehensive Eye Exam

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Take a Lyft to your eye appointment! During ‘Save Your Vision’ month, the AOA’s new campaign encourages Americans to make eye health and vision care a priority in 2020 and beyond

The American Optometric Association (AOA), the leading authority on quality care and an advocate for our nation’s health, representing more than 30,000 doctors of optometry, announced today that it is working with Lyft, the transportation network, to offer free rides to people in select cities in an effort to make it easier to get their #2020EyeExam with a doctor of optometry.

For a limited time only, the AOA is offering a free round-trip ride (up to $25) with rideshare partner Lyft to anyone traveling to the optometrist beginning March 2, while supplies last. Rides will be offered in 10 select cities: Charleston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Memphis, Miami, New York City, St. Louis, and Seattle. To access your local code, go to AOA.org/Lyft.

“We want to ensure people are able to attend their annual comprehensive eye exams and understand the importance of protecting not only their vision, but their overall health,” said Barbara L. Horn, O.D., AOA president. “By partnering with Lyft, we are able to help more people overcome a significant barrier and allow them to see an AOA doctor of optometry.”

According to AOA’s annual Eye-Q Survey, more than a quarter of Americans say getting their comprehensive eye exam is challenging because it’s hard to get to the location. The survey also found that 61% of millennials would use rideshare to get to an exam.

“Enabling better access to healthcare through reliable transportation is something that Lyft cares deeply about,” said Megan Callahan, VP of Healthcare at Lyft. “We know that rideshare plays a critical role in helping patients get the care they need, so we’re excited about the opportunity to broaden our impact in local communities through this initiative with the AOA, a leading authority in optometry.”

The AOA recently announced the launch of its ‘Start with Eye’ campaign to make eye health and vision care a national priority in 2020. The public awareness campaign underscores the importance of receiving an in-person comprehensive eye examination with an AOA doctor of optometry as part of their annual health care routine.

While 95% of Americans say having good vision is important to their job, 58% of Americans have not gotten a comprehensive eye exam in the past two years, according to the survey.

Because eye health and vision problems may develop without any obvious signs or symptoms, in-person, annual comprehensive eye exams with doctors of optometry are important to detect early signs of visual system diseases such as glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. In addition, eye exams safeguard overall health by enabling the doctor of optometry to detect more than 270 serious health conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases and cancers.

As with many systemic diseases, most eye diseases, if detected early, may be treated before detrimental effects on the health and vision can take place. If a problem is detected, doctors of optometry help patients and their families navigate to the right prevention plans or the next steps in official diagnosis and treatment. In 2018, for instance, doctors of optometry identified signs of diabetes in more than 301,000 patients who did not know they had it, leading to earlier management of the disease.

For more information on the ‘Start with Eye’ initiative, please visit AOA.org/StartWithEye.

About the American Optometric Association (AOA)
The American Optometric Association (AOA) is the leading authority on and advocate for quality eye health care, representing more than 44,000 doctors of optometry, optometry students and optometric professionals. As the sole primary eye care provider in many communities across America, doctors of optometry are often a patient’s first entry point into the health care system, and have extensive, ongoing training to examine, diagnose, treat, and manage disorders, diseases, and injuries that affect the eye and visual system. Through a nationwide public health initiative, AOA’s 2020 Campaign is fostering awareness of the importance of eye health and vision care and the overall health benefits of in-person, comprehensive eye examinations with AOA doctors of optometry for all Americans.

About Lyft
Lyft was founded in 2012 and provides millions of rides daily as one of the largest and fastest-growing transportation networks in the United States and Canada. As the world shifts away from car ownership to transportation-as-a-service, Lyft is at the forefront of this massive societal change. Our transportation network brings together rideshare, bikes, scooters, car rentals and transit all in one app. We are singularly driven by our mission: to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation.

SOURCE American Optometric Association

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Front Page/ Technology

FDA Clears Novalung For Treatment Of Acute Respiratory And Cardiopulmonary Failure

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Fresenius Medical Care North America Announces First Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) System Cleared For Long-Term Use

Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared Novalung®, a heart and lung support system for the treatment of acute respiratory or cardiopulmonary failure. Novalung is the first extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) system to be cleared for more than six hours of use as extracorporeal life support.

“Novalung is a critical leap forward in providing heart and lung support therapy for a longer duration than ever available before,” said Mark Costanzo, President of Renal Therapies Group, the technologies and pharmaceuticals division of FMCNA. “We’ve applied our leadership and technical expertise in renal medical devices to elevate standards for acute respiratory and cardiopulmonary failure treatments and technologies. We’re proud to broaden our care offerings to provide new therapies for patients with acute cardiopulmonary conditions.”

Patients in acute respiratory or cardiopulmonary failure often struggle to get oxygen into their bloodstream or expel carbon dioxide out of their bodies, resulting in dangerously low levels of oxygen. This acute low oxygen state can result from a wide range of conditions. Recent research has shown a significant increase in the use of ECMO with evidence of improved survival rates and no increase in hospitalization costs.1

The Novalung ECMO system pumps and oxygenates a patient’s blood, reducing the stress on damaged heart and lungs. Additionally, Novalung offers an alternative to the need for invasive mechanical ventilation, which can cause additional lung injury as a result of the air pressure required. Novalung offers a portable therapy solution designed to improve clinical outcomes and accommodate various clinical care settings such as intensive care units, operating rooms, cardiac catheterization labs, and emergency departments.  

“A long-term, effective ECMO solution gives critically-ill patients the time and support needed to heal,” said Dr. Robert Bartlett, Professor Emeritus, Section of General Surgery, Division of Acute Care Surgery, University of Michigan School of Medicine. “The system’s pressure sensor technology ensures continuous monitoring and accurate flow control of each patient’s blood, allowing the care team the flexibility needed to treat the underlying health issues.”

The use of Novalung as an ECMO device for critical care has several benefits, including minimizing the need for invasive ventilation, the ability to provide support after multi-organ injuries, and better survival outcomes for patients in cardiac arrest. This integrated heart and lung therapy platform provides the lifesaving support needed for patients in critical conditions.

FMCNA expects Novalung to be available within the U.S. mid-year 2020. To learn more, please visit fmcna.com/novalung.

INDICATIONS FOR USE

The Novalung System is indicated for long-term (>6 hours) respiratory/cardiopulmonary support that provides assisted extracorporeal circulation and physiologic gas exchange (oxygenation and CO2 removal) of the patient’s blood in adults with acute respiratory failure or acute cardiopulmonary failure, where other available treatment options have failed, and continued clinical deterioration is expected or the risk of death is imminent. These may include:

  • Failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass following cardiac surgery in adult patients
  • ECMO-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation in adults

Caution: Federal (US) law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician.

Note: Read the Instructions for Use for safe and proper use of these devices. For a complete description of hazards, contraindications, side effects, and precautions, see full package labeling at www.fmcna.com.  

 

About Fresenius Medical Care North America

Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA) is the premier healthcare company focused on providing the highest quality care to people with renal and other chronic conditions. Through its industry-leading network of dialysis facilities, outpatient cardiac and vascular labs and urgent care centers, Fresenius Medical Care North America provides coordinated healthcare services at pivotal care points for hundreds of thousands of chronically ill customers throughout the continent. As the world’s largest fully integrated renal company, it offers specialty pharmacy and laboratory services, and manufactures and distributes the most comprehensive line of dialysis equipment, disposable products and renal pharmaceuticals. For more information, visit the FMCNA website at https://fmcna.com.

 

Disclaimer
This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, including changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. These and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

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Front Page/ Texas

Jacobs-Stantec Team Selected by US Army Corps of Engineers to Design $1.9 Billion Levee and Floodwall System Along Texas Coastline

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The nearly 27-mile system will provide coastal storm risk management and ecosystem restoration for the southeastern part of the Greater Houston area

 

Jacobs (NYSE:J) and Stantec, operating as the Galveston Coastal Services Joint Venture, have been selected by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, to design a 26.7-mile-long levee and floodwall system along the coastline near Galveston, Texas. The USACE has estimated this to be an eight-year, $1.9 billion construction effort, known as the Orange County Coastal Storm Risk Management project (or simply “Orange”), that will increase the area’s preparedness to respond to natural disasters and disturbances. It will also increase resistance to long-term impacts due to climate change – including sea level rise, land subsidence, increased frequency of abnormally heavy rainfall events and regional drought.

Orange centers on a stretch of the upper Texas coast from Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay, and includes gulf and bay waters, barrier islands, marshes, coastal wetlands, rivers and streams and adjacent areas that make up the interrelated coastal space. This area is repeatedly at risk from substantial wind and surge damage. The resulting shoreline erosion has caused the destruction of nationally significant wetlands, land loss and damage to homes, commercial property and State Highway 87. Over the past 10 years, the area has been altered both physically and economically by extreme weather events such as Hurricane Harvey, which caused billions in damages.

“A fundamental element of Jacobs’ purpose is helping clients solve some of the toughest problems, and Orange – a strategically important resiliency investment by USACE – is a prime example of such a project and an early step in a larger overall national civil works investment strategy that Jacobs will support, leveraging our specialized capabilities in sustainable and resilient infrastructure planning and design,” said Jacobs Senior Vice President of Federal & Environmental Solutions Pankaj Duggal. “Essentially, we are creating a coastal spine that will help protect the Texas coast, providing a solution that not only benefits this area long-term, but the millions of people and businesses in this region that are most impacted by weather.”

The project is designed to strengthen coastal facilities and infrastructure on which many energy systems, markets, consumers and residents depend. Texas, along with Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, are home to more than 80% of the nation’s energy resources. Within the greater Houston Metropolitan area alone, there are nearly seven million people, three airports that serve more than 58 million passengers a year and more than 575 miles of highways.

“The economics of flood protection are changing, and proactive measures are critical to a community’s social and economic resilience strategy. For each dollar spent on resilient building and construction, six dollars are saved in recovery costs,” said Stantec SVP and Sector Leader for Water Resources John Montgomery. “Our JV consists of leading project management with a track record of delivering large-scale infrastructure projects that will reduce the impacts of disasters and fortify our domestic energy security.”

Measurable Impact

Orange consists of seven design packages for coastal storm risk management, from the edge of the Sabine and Neches River floodplains, to the vicinity of Orangefield, Texas. The project will include:

  • 6 miles of new levees
  • 7 miles of new concrete floodwalls and gates
  • Seven new pump stations to mitigate interior flooding during surge events
  • 453 acres of marsh restored through a mitigation plan
  • 560 acres of forested wetlands preserved

Also encompassing navigable sector gates to reduce surge penetration, this project is one of many coastal storm risk management measures for the region designed to combat these increasingly frequent historical storm conditions. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2022 and project completion is expected in 2026.

Approximately 540 JV and team members across multiple disciplines will execute and deliver the design packages in roughly 18 to 24 months. In addition to the Jacobs-Stantec team, this partnership includes 20 local, small business enterprises representing 40% of the design budget. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2022 and project completion is expected in 2026.

This project was authorized under the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Study. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District and the Texas General Land Office completed the Sabine Pass to Galveston By Coastal Storm Risk Management Project study in Dec. 2017, which examined coastal storm risk management approaches for the Sabine and Brazoria regions. The study recommended constructing new levees in Orange County and raising the existing levees in Port Arthur and Vicinity, and Freeport and Vicinity Hurricane Flood Protection System, to reduce the risks of tropic storm surge. The project is currently in the design phase and is subject to change.

About Jacobs:
At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. With $13 billion in revenue and a talent force of approximately 52,000, Jacobs provides a full spectrum of professional services including consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery for the government and private sector. Visit jacobs.com and connect with Jacobs on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Stantec:
Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That’s why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind. We care about the communities we serve—because they’re our communities too. This allows us to assess what’s needed and connect our expertise, to appreciate nuances and envision what’s never been considered, to bring together diverse perspectives so we can collaborate toward a shared success. We’re designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe. Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN. Visit us at stantec.com or find us on social media.

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements as such term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such statements are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provided by the same. Statements made in this release that are not based on historical fact are forward-looking statements. We base these forward-looking statements on management’s current estimates and expectations as well as currently available competitive, financial and economic data. Forward-looking statements, however, are inherently uncertain. There are a variety of factors that could cause business results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements. For a description of some additional factors that may occur that could cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 27, 2019, and in particular the discussions contained under Item 1 – Business; Item 1A – Risk Factors; Item 3 – Legal Proceedings; and Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, as well as the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company is not under any duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release to conform to actual results, except as required by applicable law.

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FASTSIGNS® Recruiting Franchise Candidates At National Business Media Show In Santa Clara, California, Feb. 7-8

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Leading Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchisor Continues to Grow Its Successful Co-brand and Conversion Program throughout the West Coast and Nationwide

FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise, announced today that it will be attending and sponsoring the National Business Media Show at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, California, Feb. 7-8, 2020.

 

As part of its aggressive growth throughout the West Coast and nationwide, the brand is recruiting business owners interested in adding a FASTSIGNS to their existing business or fully converting their store to a FASTSIGNS franchise. Currently, franchise opportunities exist throughout California in markets like Modesto, Stockton, Bakersfield, Monterey, downtown Sacramento, and Coachella Valley, in addition to communities in the San Francisco and Los Angeles areas.

 

“FASTSIGNS’ co-brand and conversion programs not only help business owners diversify their product lines and services to meet the growing demand for digital and state-of-the-art signage, but also align with one of the most trusted names in the signage and visual communications industry,” said Mark Jameson, Executive Vice President of Franchise Support and Development. “When entrepreneurs partner with FASTSIGNS, they immediately benefit from our brand recognition and gain access to an advertising fund 2.5 times greater than our next largest competitor, as well unmatched training and support and a nationwide network of franchisees.”

FASTSIGNS has helped countless owners of print shops, photography studios, camera stores, embroidery shops, and more add a FASTSIGNS to their existing business or fully convert their store to a FASTSIGNS franchise. FASTSIGNS franchisees receive ongoing training and support to stay ahead of the competition and exceed the needs of their local business community. Both the co-brand franchise opportunity and conversion can be started with only $15,000 down on the initial franchise fee.

“I guarantee your printing business will benefit from the combination of the two businesses. Not to mention the incremental growth and profitability from the signs and visual graphics business that you will experience. It’s a great combination,” said Richard Helmey, FASTSIGNS® franchisee and owner of TrueColor Graphics in Houston, Texas.

FASTSIGNS also offers a special incentive for first responders, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, sheriffs, and firefighters, which includes a 50% reduction on the franchise fee — a savings of $24,875.

FASTSIGNS reported exceptional results in 2019, including the signing of over 35 franchise agreements in the U.S and Canada to develop new, co-branded, and conversion centers and the opening of more than 30 locations. Internationally, FASTSIGNS opened its first locations in Chile, Malta, and France, and signed an additional master franchise agreement to develop centers in the Dominican Republic.

This year, FASTSIGNS is aiming to sign 45+ franchise agreements and enter several new countries. In the U.S., the brand is targeting growth in markets like Michigan, Southern California, Florida, New York City, Boston, and throughout the Northeast Corridor. FASTSIGNS also is continuing to seek qualified candidates to grow its international footprint in target markets throughout the world, including Québec, New Zealand, and Brazil, as well as countries throughout North Africa, Southwest Asia, Latin America, and Europe.

FASTSIGNS is consistently ranked as a top franchise opportunity. In 2020, Entrepreneur magazine named FASTSIGNS the #1 franchise opportunity in its category and #55 overall on its annual Franchise 500® list, making it the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100. Additionally, Franchise Gator named FASTSIGNS to its Top 100 Franchises of 2020 list. In 2019, Entrepreneur named FASTSIGNS one of the Top Franchises for Veterans and the brand also was recognized in Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchises for Veterans report, was named to the America’s Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine, and made Franchise Direct’s list of the Top 100 Franchises. Franchise Business Review also has recognized FASTSIGNS as one of the “Best of the Best” for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years and its Top 50 Franchises for Women and Top Service Franchise lists in 2019. The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) awarded FASTSIGNS International, Inc. the Franchisees’ Choice Designation for the seventh consecutive year for its strong relationship with Canadian franchisees, as well as extensive franchisee training and support.

About FASTSIGNS®
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. celebrates its 35th anniversary in business in 2020 as the leading sign and visual communications franchisor in North America, and is the worldwide franchisor of more than 700 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS® centers in nine countries including the United States, Canada, Chile, England, Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico, the United Arab Emirates, Malta, and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE®).

FASTSIGNS locations provide comprehensive signage and visual graphic solutions to help companies of all sizes and across all industries attract more attention, communicate their message, promote their products, help visitors find their way and extend their branding across all of their customer touch points. FASTSIGNS has been ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 for the past four years, a 2019 Top Franchises for Veterans by Franchise Business Review and a 2019 America’s Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine.

Learn more about sign and visual graphic solutions or find a location at fastsigns.com. Follow the brand on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/fastsigns, Twitter @FASTSIGNS or Facebook at facebook.com/FASTSIGNS. For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or call 214.346.5679).

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