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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / December 4, 2024 / Polaris Renewable Energy Inc. (TSX:PIF) ("Polaris" or the "Company") announces that it has successfully settled a previously announced private placement of USD 175 million senior secured green bonds. The bonds will have a tenor of five years and a fixed coupon rate of 9.5% percent per annum, with interest payable in semi-annual instalments. Furthermore, the Green Bond will include a tap feature, allowing for access to an additional USD $50 million in funding for potential future uses. The bond issue is rated BB- by S&P Global Ratings and is issued under the Company's green finance framework with second-party opinion from Morningstar Sustainalytics. Marc Murnaghan, Chief Executive Officer of Polaris comments: "We are very pleased to successfully settle this inaugural bond issue with strong interest from a wide set of international investors. The bond optimizes the Company's capital structure and secures financing for further growth and increased diversification of cash flow." Net proceeds of the bonds will be used to refinance certain existing debt facilities, the acquisition of the Punta Lima wind farm in Puerto Rico and other investments in renewable energy assets. Pareto Securities acted as lead manager and sole bookrunner for the bond issue. National Bank Financial Inc. acted as Capital Markets Advisor on the transaction. The bonds have not been and will not be qualified for distribution in any province or territory of Canada. Accordingly, the bonds may not be offered or sold within any such province or territory except in transactions exempt from the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved the contents of this press release. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the bonds in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. About Polaris Renewable Energy Inc. Polaris Renewable Energy Inc. is a Canadian publicly traded company engaged in the development, construction, acquisition, and operation of renewable energy projects in five countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Company's operations include a geothermal plant (~82 MW), four run-of river hydroelectric plants (~40 MW), three solar (photovoltaic) projects in operation (~35 MW) and one wind park (26 MW) following closing of the Puerto Rico acquisition. For more information, contact: Investor Relations Polaris Renewable Energy Inc. Phone: +1 647-245-7199 Email: info@PolarisREI.com Cautionary Statements This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to future events or future performance, the expected use of proceeds or rating(s) of any such issuance, the Company's acquisition and other investment plans, any benefits to the Company's financial or business performance, the settlement date of the bonds and the listing of the bonds on the Oslo Alternative Bond Market. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, the ability of the Company to satisfy any interest payments, which may be affected by such factors as general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current geothermal, solar and hydro energy production, development and/or exploration activities and the accuracy of probability simulations prepared to predict prospective geothermal resources; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; possible variations of production rates; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the geothermal and hydro power industries; political instability or insurrection or war; labour force availability and turnover; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or in the completion of development or construction activities, or in the commencement of operations; the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern and general economic conditions, as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form. These factors should be considered carefully and readers of this press release should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Although the forward-looking information contained in this press release is based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The information in this press release, including such forward-looking information, is made as of the date of this press release and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, Polaris assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances. SOURCE: Polaris Renewable Energy Inc. View the original on accesswire.com
Customer experience can be hard to define as we head into Black Friday and Small Business Saturday when local businesses depend on you to sustain them into 2025. Joe Hight Each of you is different in what you want, but I have found four main ingredients: — You want to be greeted even if you don’t need help. —You want to find your items quickly, so you can accomplish your next holiday task. —You want a good experience, including online if you need it. — You want a festive but uncomplicated in-person atmosphere. You may have other reasons and shop early because of them, The American Independent Business Alliance found that 59% of consumers today do early shopping. Reasons range from spreading out gift shopping budgets to alleviating stress to not missing out on specific items. My mother, Pauline Hight, was a pioneer in this technique. We knew as children to start searching our home in July for possible Christmas items that she had purchased on sale. However, she always needed additional items during the holiday season. If you’re like her but now turn to online to complete your shopping, you may be missing an experience. For example, nothing is more joyful than seeing a child talking to Santa at a holiday event or the joy in their eyes this season. And small businesses still need you. Kenton Tsoodle, president of The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City, wrote in a recent Journal Record column that “nearly 90% of small retail businesses nationwide find the holiday season revenue critical to their bottom line, comprising 33% of their yearly revenue.” But do you need them, too? Yes, if you value customer experience. Customer experience has been ignored or neglected by larger businesses. One example is automated phone systems. How often do you call one and it takes minutes, maybe hours, before you talk to a real person? Or talking to a person or automated system unable to help you? During the holiday season, when you’re busy, the most frustrating experience can be navigating the phone systems or long lines. I don’t ever seem to have these problems with small businesses during regular business hours. In a recent story “What Business Leaders Need to Know To Have A Successful Holiday Season,” Forbes magazine emphasized that point. Businesses “should take a proactive approach to managing customer stress during this busy time. Offering responsive customer service, including access to support channels like live chat or social media, can help mitigate frustration and enhance the overall shopping experience.” Your experience should be a good one from before the time you enter a store to the time you leave it. I’ve been heartened by the growth of small independent bookstores in recent years in Oklahoma. But we should also be heartened by the growth of all small businesses, too. Tsoodle pointed to the 2024 State of Retail report in his column. For any business owner, it’s fascinating to read. It found that most “shopkeepers” are between the ages of 25 to 44, and 79% are women. It also showed that most small business owners are born in Oklahoma, but more than a third have moved here from out of state. “Local shops in Oklahoma have higher sales per square foot than many of the department stores and national chains that boomed in the 1990s and 2000s,” it said. “Beyond that, their year-over-year growth beats giants like Target and Walmart for the second year in a row.” That must be because of customer experience, the ingredients that cause you to return to small businesses and keep them open beyond the holiday season. Joe Hight is director and a member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame, an editor who led a Pulitzer Prize-winning project, the journalism ethics chair at the University of Central Oklahoma, president/owner of Best of Books, author of “Unnecessary Sorrow” and lead writer/editor of “Our Greatest Journalists.”\Trump's nominee for attorney general a longtime ally
Lumber stocks rise as analysts see price hikesLoneliness has become so prevalent that the U.S. Surgeon General referred to loneliness and isolation as an epidemic affecting productivity and engagement in schools, workplaces, and civic organizations. According to the 2023 Work in America Survey by the American Psychological Association, 26% of employees — both working in offices and remotely — reported feeling lonely and isolated at work. With 167 million people in the United States’ labor force as of May, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are clearly many lonely people sitting behind computer screens and along factory lines. Jennice Chewlin, owner of Chewlin Group, a NH-based consultancy focused on improving workplace well-being through training, coaching, and strategy development, says many of those people may be hiding their feelings of loneliness. Creating a workplace culture of belonging is crucial, she says. “If you want to improve workplace wellbeing and reduce loneliness start with belonging,” she says, citing a recent American Psychological Association report. “Twenty percent of respondents to an APA survey said they did not feel like they belonged at work when asked.” From a financial perspective, loneliness often results in disengaged employees, lower productivity and decreased performance, costing businesses an estimated $154 billion annually in stress-related absenteeism alone in 2019, according to the Cigna Group’s Loneliness Index. Stuart Lustig, the national medical executive for behavioral health strategy and product design at Evernorth, a division of the Cigna Group, says when people are feeling lonely and disconnected, whether they work for a small or a large company, those employees are more likely to quit. “This happens when people feel disconnected from others and with their work,” he says. “We’re social beings by nature and want to feel connected and be with others at least some of the time.” Tackling loneliness post-COVID Loneliness became a huge problem during the COVID-19 pandemic, when offices across the country closed, sending people home to bedrooms, dining rooms and whatever spaces they could find. Chewlin says COVID exposed problems with workplace wellbeing that had been simmering for years. “There was a need to identify and prevent burn out,” she says. Chewlin, whose background is in public health, started Chewlin Group in 2022. “COVID taught workplaces they can’t keep doing business as usual and for those companies that made employee wellbeing a priority, they’re seeing the most benefit today.” And even as companies and workers adjusted to the “new normal” following the pandemic, loneliness in the workplace remains as prevalent as ever. Maggie Pritchard, CEO of Lakes Region Mental Health Center in Laconia and president of the NH Community Behavioral Health Association, says, “Feelings of loneliness at work are on the rise post-pandemic, both for our mental health workforce and the patients we see, [and] we likely won’t know the full extent of the crisis for years.” Remote work since the pandemic created more flexibility for employees and allowed businesses to reduce travel and office expenses, but it also affects peoples’ ability to stay connected, says Pritchard. “Remote work significantly changed workplace culture. People experienced unprecedented isolation,” she says. Sue Drolet, chief human resource officer for Lakes Region Mental Health, says workforce flexibility that provides more autonomy can also lead to isolation for some people. “If someone is feeling lonely at work, especially if they work remotely, they should reach out to a co-worker, schedule a meeting, phone call, or lunch,” she says. “There is a balance that can be achieved.” Understanding and combating workplace loneliness Being proactive is one way to combat workforce loneliness. At Mainstay Technologies in Manchester, talking about loneliness and wellbeing is built into the company’s monthly checkins with its 100 employees. President Jason Golden says Mainstay creates opportunities for connection and belonging. “We are very intentional about creating systems of communication,” Golden says. “You can’t force connections, but you can force opportunities.” Mainstay holds lunch and learn sessions allowing employees to connect with each other and offers quarterly outings, including to Funtown Splashtown USA in Maine. Golden and his team are aware of the potential for burnout, particularly for service companies like Mainstay. “We watch overtime, including billable client hours, to make sure there’s a good work-life balance,” he says. “And we’ve been very intentional in the past year about training our leadership in the idea of radical respect,” which involves honoring individuality, rather than demanding conformity and creating opportunities for collaboration, not coercion. “We’re super intentional about creating as many opportunities as we can to eliminate loneliness and increase connection,” Golden says. Pritchard says companies are increasing such efforts. “People, including legislators, are recognizing that mental health is a major priority,” she says. “The younger workforce, ‘Gen Z’ for example, is more comfortable asking for help or mental health days at work. This is helping to normalize it and reduce stigma.” Companies are also reaching out to experts for assistance. Chewlin Group facilitates conversations with companies by helping them make informed decisions about increasing potential opportunities for employee engagement and wellbeing.“[People] often confuse feeling lonely with being alone,” Chewlin says, citing the Surgeon General’s definition of loneliness, which is rooted in feelings of disconnection and a lack of belonging. “There’s often a deficit of connection.” Loneliness is a normal human experience, as much as happiness, joy, or hunger, Chewlin says, adding that it is often hidden. “There’s stigma attached to this feeling,” she says. “People feel others will perceive them as having something wrong with them and because of this we put on a mask and pretend everything is ok.” More from this section Nicole Sublette, owner of Therapists of Color New England in Manchester, says the topic of workplace disconnection and loneliness came up recently at a Stay Work Play event she attended. “People were talking about this, and my own business really struggles because people tend to work in silos,” she says. One thing Sublette has done to combat loneliness at her company is to plan group gatherings. Recently, Therapists of Color’s also created a “clinician support coordinator” to do check-ins and meetings with staff. “Workplaces today are becoming more progressive around mental health and wellness. I had a client whose organization offered wellness incentives including yoga, gym memberships and coaching.” Sublette says 50% of Therapists of Color’s work is telehealth and that staff work two days in office. “This allows people to grab lunch with each other and they have two hours off during the day,” she says. “I try to make everyone’s lunch hours the same.” Money, race and age matters When it comes to loneliness in the workplace, certain trends stand out. One is age. The 2024 Work in America Survey by the American Psychological Association found that 45% of workers ages 18 to 25 felt lonely, compared to 33% of workers ages 26 to 33, 22% of workers ages 44 to 57 and about 15% of workers over age 58. “It seems counterintuitive. You would think younger people would have more connections than older people, but it doesn’t pan out that way,” says Lustig, a child psychiatrist by training. “Younger people are supposed to be forming their identities and making lasting connections, graduating college, having their first jobs, and much of that was hindered by the pandemic.” The U.S. Surgeon General laid out a framework of five requirements for workplace mental health and wellbeing. They are: protection from harm, opportunity for growth, connection and community, mattering at work and work-life harmony. Forlower paid workers, these are harder to find. Lustig says that while money can’t buy a person happiness, it can buy friends. “All joking aside, having connections with friends is an indicator of well-being,” he says, explaining that having financial resources provides the ability to better engage in social activities. And working more hours to make ends meet is time away from family and friends, he adds. “People with better financial resources can engage in important activities and stay more connected.” According to a 2021 Cigna report, men and women have roughly the same likelihood of loneliness (57% of men and 59% of women) while people from underrepresented racial groups are more likely to be lonely. Seventy five percent of Hispanic adults and 68% of Black/African American adults are classified as lonely — at least 10 points higher than what is seen among the total adult population (58%). Sublette says people of color — who can experience powerlessness and invisibility — and those with neurodivergence have needs that employers may not understand. “It’s important for employers to gauge their employees’ needs individually. When it comes to group gatherings they can simply ask, ‘what do you want to do, what does fun look like to you,’ these questions are important,” she says. Creating the potential for connection Creating a workplace of belonging begins with trust, says Chewlin. This includes executive leaders, managers and employees working together to build that trust. “This requires more than a one-and-done approach, she says. “But when building trust is made a priority, workplaces can help create a momentum for change where everyone thrives.” Golden of Mainstay says he asks employees what is meaningful in their lives and how they can get closer to that. He emphasizes to his staff the importance of fostering positive relationships with people who are trusted sources of wisdom. “You need to know your squad,” he says. “When you’re feeling lonely, who is it you turn to?” As the leader of a tech company, Golden says he’s aware of the dangers of isolation. “I’m an introvert who also enjoys people,” he says, adding he’d typically rather be reading a book than attending networking events. “There’s a seduction for introverts, especially in the tech world where much of the work is online ... they sometimes think they can solve everything in their own mind. That’s dangerous.” ••• These articles are being shared by partners in the Granite State News Collaborative. For more information, visit collaborativenh.org .
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By Justin Ebert, PA-C Cards to send, gifts to give, meals to prepare for family and friends — tasks like these often dominate our thoughts this time of year. As the winter holiday season approaches, many of us start to wonder (often with some dread) whether we can take good care of ourselves while enjoying all that comes with this time of year. I understand how challenging this season can be. Many factors conspire against us: colder weather, shorter days, and more time indoors. Our meals shift toward hearty and indulgent comfort foods. At my house, it’s not just the holidays, it’s also football season — and what goes better with football than chips, dips, and drinks? Whether it’s game-day snacks, Thanksgiving pies, potlucks at work, or holiday cookie swaps, food is everywhere this time of year, and resisting temptation is hard. Winter and the holidays also bring increased stress. Between financial strain, holiday tension, and even seasonal depression, many people turn to food or alcohol to cope. Despite the challenges, small positive changes make it possible to have a healthy, active, and fun-filled holiday season. Moderation is key to maintaining a healthy weight and feeling good. Consider branching out from old habits when it comes to food. Maybe that means bringing hummus and veggies as an appetizer, or offering roasted veggies instead of the sweet potato casserole no one seems to love (yet no one can resist). Having an open conversation with family members about expectations can help. Many of us face the same challenges and want to support each other. Portion control also makes a difference. Consider setting out smaller dishes and glassware — people tend to fill their plate regardless of how hungry they are. Perhaps your group size has changed and you can serve Cornish game hen instead of a turkey, or offer one starchy side dish instead of four. I don’t mean to imply we should avoid our favorite things. The truth is, when we skip the parts we don’t love as much, we tend to appreciate the best things even more. Look for fun, social ways to stay active. Physical activity can counteract excess calorie intake, help you feel better, and alleviate stress. Maybe you kick around a soccer ball during halftime of the football game, or start a new tradition by participating in a community fun run. If you traditionally drive around looking at Christmas lights while eating cookies, switch to sipping hot beverages while walking through a well-decorated neighborhood. Many of us feel the pressure to go all out for the holidays. Taking stock of how the to-dos make you feel can be enlightening. Give yourself permission to scale back, skipping the parts that feel like chores and focusing on what brings you joy. It’s common to feel depressed and anxious at this time of year. The holiday season can remind us of loved ones who have passed away or milestones we thought we would have reached by now. You are not alone. Talk with a friend or family member, or reach out to your healthcare provider or a mental health professional for support. Giving back often gives us an emotional boost. Maybe this year you collect gifts for a family in need, or look for an organization where you and your extended friends can volunteer together. Acts like these remind us of how we contribute to our communities. We’re all familiar with the saying, “The diet starts Monday.” This time of year, it’s easy to replace “Monday” with “January 1st.” But letting go of our mental and physical health is not inevitable. A healthier season doesn’t mean eating and exercising perfectly; it’s about consistently making small healthy choices. When we do better, we feel better. Setting realistic goals helps. You are more likely to be successful if you plan a 15-minute daily walk than if you aim for running five miles a day. The children in our lives learn from us and imitate our behavior. If they see us enjoying time with others, giving generously, and enjoying our favorite treats in moderation, they are more likely to do the same. There’s a common understanding of the downward spiral — that slippery slope where one unwise decision leads to others. But there’s an upward spiral, too: one positive change can inspire another. Small habits build on one another. Start with achievable goals, don’t be hard on yourself when you fall short, and think of ways you can celebrate the holidays with your community while you take good care of yourself. Justin Ebert, PA-C is a primary care medical provider at MCHC Health Centers, which includes Hillside Health Center and Dora Street Health Center in Ukiah, Little Lake Health Center in Willits, and Lakeview Health Center in Lakeport. MCHC is a community-based and patient-directed organization that provides comprehensive primary healthcare services as well as supportive services such as education and translation that promote access to healthcare.Snowflake, Elastic Poised For AI Revolution Gains, Analyst Upgrades The Stocks
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PALO ALTO, Calif. , Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Abstract Security announced today that it has partnered with Analytica42 to help organizations easily integrate their data sources with Google SecOps platform for analytics and storage. With the new integration, Abstract Security makes it easier for customers to migrate to Google SecOps through its pipeline management features which eases the burden of data management and routes quality data to the platform. "Analytica42 has built a reputation for delivering exceptional SIEM expertise and data migration services. Partnering with Abstract Security and their advanced pipeline technology is a natural fit. Together, we combine our services with their technology to accelerate and enhance data management and migration solutions for our clients," said Gabriel Martinez , Founder and CEO of Analytica42. Abstract provides over 100 integrations for data sources with industry-leading vendors out of the box, in addition to threat intel feeds and its own in-house ASTRO threat feed. This comprehensive ecosystem enables customers to blend their unique security data with valuable threat intelligence and insights, significantly enhancing their overall security posture and enabling more informed decision-making. Further, Abstract offers customers a fully hosted solution on Google Cloud Platform or the flexibility to deploy into their own cloud environments, giving them complete control over their cybersecurity infrastructure. "The threat landscape is only becoming more challenging, making security data operations increasingly complex, and we are so pleased to offer this partnership with Analytica42 and our integration with Google SecOps since so many of our joint customers utilize Google," said Colby DeRodeff , CEO and co-founder, Abstract Security. "From our inception, our goal has been to offer customers simplified data operations for security and this partnership with Analytica42 focusing on integration and migration is an important step in that direction for us." Abstract's security operations platform delivers analytics that quickly correlate data and delivers actionable insights at the business level, ensuring security teams can focus on what matters most. With Abstract's data pipeline management tool, customers benefit from Abstract's ability to decouple the data sources from data destinations and normalize the data in real time before it reaches a destination. Through this tool, Abstract removes dependency and makes data easily routable to any destination which saves time and money for data storage. Abstract has chosen to work with Analytica42 as a global delivery partner to ensure that the transition to a new environment is seamless with as little disruption as possible. Analytica42 offers many years of experience in the integration and migration of security tools to and from a wide range of SIEMs. This enables customers to unlock their SIEMs full potential, ensuring faster detection, quicker response times & more streamlined workflows. Rather than just simply adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, Analytica42 takes the time to understand the specific requirements, utilizing a comprehensive, pre-built library of use-cases alongside more bespoke solutions to minimize false positives & ensure you have full visibility across your security landscape. About Analytica42 Analytica42, founded by IT and security experts with over two decades of experience, specializes in SIEM/SOAR/CTI enablement, migration, transformation, and co-management. Our expertise spans blue and red team operations, threat research, and advanced development. With a combined 80+ years of experience, our team delivers innovative, customer-focused solutions that enhance security operations and drive long-term success. Through our Velocity approach, we provide tailored solutions for rapid threat detection, mitigation, and response, helping organizations maximize their SIEM and SOAR investments. Analytica42 builds secure foundations for today while ensuring resilience for tomorrow, turning security challenges into opportunities for growth. For more information about the company, please visit www.analytica42.com or follow us on Linkedin . About Abstract Security Abstract Security, founded in 2023, has built a revolutionary platform equipped with an AIpowered assistant to better centralize the management of security analytics. Crafted by category creators and industry veterans known for redefining the cybersecurity landscape, Abstract transcends next-gen SIEM solutions by correlating data in real time between data streams. As a result, compliance and security data can be leveraged separately to increase detection effectiveness and lower costs – an approach that does not currently exist in the market. The leadership team of Colby DeRodeff , Ryan Clough , Aaron Shelmire , Chris Camacho , and Stefan Zier bring a unique set of experiences and backgrounds in product development and company-building expertise, at companies such as ArcSight (acq. by HP), Mandiant (acq. by Google), Palo Alto Networks and Sumo Logic. For more information about the company, please visit https://www.abstract.security/ and follow the journey on LinkedIn and Youtube ! Contact Rich Mullikin 925-354-7444 rich@mullikincommunications.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/abstract-security-joins-forces-with-analytica42-to-supercharge-integration-delivery-including-integration-to-google-secops-platform-302332908.html SOURCE Abstract Security IncFIFA Club World Cup draw today amid apathy, legal threats
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Kidz Cab was launched in 2022 to help working parents make sure their kids get to school safely. Photo contributed A local company is making it easier for kids to use rideshare services, and it recently won $25,000 in a pitch contest to boost the business. Kidz Cab, servicing the Fresno/Clovis area, is a rideshare program launched in 2022 that provides door-to-door pickup and drop off for kids to get to school while parents work. Jacqueline Perez, founder and owner of Kidz Cab, said the idea was born in 2021. She runs the company with her husband. Perez comes from a background in daycare services, which she has been doing for eight years. She also runs a daycare consulting company, JP Client Daycare Services, to help other mothers make money by starting their own in-home daycare centers. In her years in the daycare service industry, Perez said she received many parent inquiries regarding transportation for their kids — an issue she dealt with herself. Web-based ridesharing services are an option, but safety is a concern. “This is really a need, and parents are just willing to hire anybody to pick up their kids to and from school or to and from daycare,” Perez said. To start, a parent will request a ride and be issued a quote, schedule a time for the driver to pick up the child at the door and drive them to their school. Once the child has been dropped off, a confirmation will be sent to the parent. Parents can do a meet-and-greet with their drivers to feel more secure about their child’s safety, Perez said. Unlike other ride-share companies that only drive children aged 13 and above, Kidz Cab will deliver children from the age of three and up. They perform extensive background checks, and the drivers are all uniformed and trained to ensure child safety, with two-way communication between drivers and parents. All drivers have to go undergo an FBI clearance and have to have a history of working with children. They must have a clean driving record and undergo vision test and physical. Typically, the driver a child has for the morning drop-off will be the same driver for the pickup. The cars have cameras in the van pointing both in and out to help provide peace of mind to parents and guardians. They also provide service to people in group homes for appointments, some of which may be over the age of 18, Perez said. Kidz Cab provides rides for after school events, sporting events, sometimes with pickups scheduled for as late as 9:30 p.m. Perez said Kidz Cab currently has three vehicles, all of which have a wrap with the company logo, adding that they service about 75 riders per month. In November, Kidz Cab won a $25,000 prize at the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation’s eighth-annual The Power of Women in Business Conference Pitch Competition. Other finalist include Core Software Integrated, Garlish, Little Learners Child Care, and Quetzalli Shop. Perez said the funds from the pitch competition will help with generating an app that will allow customers to see the vehicle in motion in real time. She said they heavily prepared for the competition and they were “in it to win it,” and they were ecstatic at winning and all the support they’ve received. Some of the award money will also be used to purchase a new vehicle. “We are growing at a fast rate, and we do have people on a waitlist right now,”Perez said. “It’s a need just like childcare.” The grant money from the competition also allowed Kidz Cab to lower their rates, with prices now starting at $18 dollars per ride. Perez said they will continue to try to make the service even more affordable. For the next school year, Perez hopes to expand to provide service to Madera, Selma, Sanger and Fowler. She said they have received offers requesting the company expand to areas up to 200 miles away, but for the time being, are taking baby steps. “This was created with the parent in mind, and safety is number one,” Perez said. “We are community based and we would love to help anyone and find a budget for them.” A local company is making it easier for kids to Editor’s note: On Nov. 15, The Business Journal’s news team The multi-family investment market in the Central Valley has slowed A coffee shop from a well-known area restaurant group looksAbstract Security Joins Forces with Analytica42 to Supercharge Integration Delivery including integration to Google SecOps Platform