WZ announces promotion of Brett L. Ward, CFI to SVP – Client Relations and Business Development

Apr 19, 2024 | Books, Business

Brett L. Ward, CFI will lead the WZ Business Development team in both the public and private sector divisions and continue to build strong relationships with the investigative community.

AURORA, Ill. – April 17, 2024 – PRLog — Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates, Inc (WZ), an international training firm, is proud to announce the promotion of Brett L. Ward, CFI, to the role of Senior VP of Client Relations and Business Development. This role is an expansion of Ward’s previous responsibilities to include leadership over the WZ Business Development team in both the public and private sector divisions.

Brett L. Ward, CFI, has been a member of the WZ team since 1998, contributing in a variety of ways to the success of the organization and, most importantly, to the education of investigators across the globe. Ward, a highly requested instructor at WZ, has conducted hundreds of training seminars, keynote presentations, and one-on-one consulting sessions over the last two decades. He has had the ability to educate practitioners in law enforcement, federal agencies, loss prevention, legal professionals, auditors, and dozens of other verticals. Ward has also worked to support our human resources, employee relations, ethics, people and culture, and talent development professionals as he led the marketability of WZ’s customized training programs for this portion of the industry.

Shane Sturman, CEO shared his excitement for the organization, “Ward’s dedication, work ethic, and passion for training and education has been well established over his 26 years with WZ. We are excited about his expanded role and confident his leadership will be instrumental in achieving our company’s vision of growth through professional relationships.”

Ward’s most recent role centered on relationship building and business development within the private sector. In addition to that role, Ward has also been responsible for conducting dozens of training programs annually – further building relationships with the community while spreading the knowledge of evidence-based practices. With the additional task of supporting our public-sector partners in law enforcement and state or federal agencies, Ward will dedicate most of his time to relationship-building, meetings, and leading his team. Ward, known for rolling up his sleeves, will still be in the field working directly with investigators but will now have a reduced capacity to lead full-length training programs.

“Looking forward to the challenge of this final chapter of a truly blessed career with WZ. Somewhat of a ‘coming home’ after spending most of my first decade working within the law enforcement vertical. Personal and professional growth often comes with sacrifice. Although my time will lean away from something I truly love – speaking, I will remain a liaison and in contact with the hundreds of organizations and departments I’ve been fortunate enough to work with over the last 26 years with WZ. I have a great team, and together we’re going to continue to move the needle of advancement on education in moral and ethical investigative interviewing.” said Ward, regarding this new venture.

The WZ Business Development team continues to build strong relationships with the investigative community. Within this team, Kole Cluxton partners as a liaison and client relationship representative with private sector organizations, working diligently to listen to the field and deliver on expected objectives. Additionally, Kelly Pate continues to work with our law enforcement partners in co-sponsored training programs and building long-term relationships to deliver value to their specific needs. Jake Alba, the newest addition to the WZ team, is focused on outreach to law enforcement or federal agencies to develop contractual or customized training sessions.

“Ward has been an established leader in this community for several years. The opportunity for him to focus on building relationships while leading our client relations team will give us a more unified voice and presence in the industry,” says Dave Thompson, President of WZ.

About Wicklander-Zulawski: Wicklander-Zulawski has been a global leader in investigative interviewing and interrogation techniques since 1982. With a commitment to providing the most effective and ethical interview strategies, Wicklander-Zulawski has trained professionals from various industries worldwide. Their techniques have proven invaluable for obtaining accurate information while preserving relationships. Learn more at https://www.w-z.com.

Contact
Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates, Inc.
***@w-z.com

CEO Kyle Simpson of The Neighborhood Talk To Honor Women With EmPowerHer NYC

Apr 19, 2024 | Books, Business

New York City to Host Prestigious EmPowerHer Women’s Empowerment in Landmark Celebration

Image 50736641

Image 50736641

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – April 17, 2024 – PRLog — New York-  In a momentous announcement, New York City has been declared to host the first annual EmpowerHer NYC two-day event, marking a significant milestone for CEO and Founder Kyle Simpson of The Neighborhood Talk LLC in partnership with Malika Manning Marketing. Founded this year, EmPowerHer NYC was created to give back to the women’s entrepreneurship community. The mission is to support programs and initiatives for young girls and college-age women in the world of entrepreneurship. The fest will serve as a prestigious, profound, impactful, and inspiring celebration dedicated to honoring and spotlighting remarkable women, who stand as well-deserved trailblazers in their respectable fields.The eagerly awaited fest is scheduled to take place on April 24th and April 25th, 2024 in a series of impactful women empowerment panels, honorary dinner, giveaways, networking mixer, shopping experience and more.

For the last few years,The Neighborhood Talk has served as a beacon of empowerment, networking, your favorite gossip, and celebrating the remarkable achievements of women across various fields from entertainment, entrepreneurship, activism, and beauty and fashion. Through EmPowerHer NYC, we seek to provide education, opportunities, resources, and access to capital for girls and college-age women who need to grow their businesses.

Founder and CEO Kyle Simpson, expressed his excitement in an exclusive statement.

“I’m excited that ‘The Neighborhood Talk’ is at a point where we can do something to celebrate the amazing hardworking women within the industry, across all respected fields. Being one of the top news outlets in our community has inspired me to want to do things that bring us together for the greater good. EmpowerHER will be that event where you walk away with something impactful, and potentially life changing, while at the same time saluting those who have laid the building blocks for others to be successful.”

Malika of Malika Manning Marketing added, “I Am thrilled for EmpowerHER NYC. As a native New Yorker, I’m honored to contribute to this momentous occasion. Alongside The Neighborhood Talk, I feel empowered by the prospect of uplifting trailblazing women in our city. Stay tuned for greatness”.

This year’s honorees consist of such as Sports agent and Founder of PitCChinFdn Amber Sabathia, President of the dynamo artist management company MBK Entertainment Inc. Jeanine McLean, Award winning Media Personality Anglea Yee, Slutty Vegan CEO and Founder Pinky Cole, CEO and Founder of Camille Rose Janell Stephens, T.V. personality and host Janeisha John, Serial entrepreneur Anaya Ivy, and more phenomenal honorees to be announced. Staying true to its essence, Impactful names such as, The MatriARK of entrepreneurship- Restaurateur (Brooklyn IHOPS) Arkell Cox, T.V. personality of  Bravo’s Below Deck Tumi Mhlongo, and more will also serve as this year’s panelist speakers with the highest standards of propriety. Personality and influencer Ammenah Lee will be this year’s moderator.

With sponsors such as The Zeus Network,  NYC City Hall, Camille Rose, and more these partnerships signal the start of a long-term legacy of cultural celebration and empowerment for womenpreneurs worldwide. The acclaimed response will amplify the event’s mission-driven focus, offering not only a celebration but a source of inspiration for future generations everywhere.

For Tickets visit EventBrite The Neighborhood Talk

For press and talent inquiries, contact: Kelley Jamison- Team@TheJamisonAgency.com

For partnership inquiries, contact: Malika Manning Marketing MalikaTManning@Gmail.com

ASA to Host Virtual Course: Appraising Fine Arts Overview

Apr 19, 2024 | Books, Business

HERNDON, Va. – April 17, 2024 – PRLog — ASA announces the hosting of an upcoming virtual course designed to explore how professional personal property appraisers approach their work when forming an opinion of an object’s value.

Appraising Fine Arts Overview, will air online June 12, 2024, from 10:00am – 6:00pm ET. The course will provide a comprehensive look at appraisal processes and methodologies and address attributions, forgery detection, characteristics driving value, tax considerations, market influences, and much more.

The session offers an immersive learning experience, with real-world examples and in-depth observations from Lela Hersh, ASA, ISA AM, an experienced and respected specialist in Fine Arts and Fine Arts Photography. Attendees will gain valuable insights and the practical knowledge that goes into the art of valuation. Participants will explore a wide range of topics such as connoisseurship, auction essentials, and the roles that art world figures and institutions have in influencing the art market. Additionally, attendees will learn best-practice guidelines for conducting research and expanding their expertise in the field.

Participants will gain valuable practical and theoretical knowledge in a number of areas:

  • The tools that appraisers employ when inspecting and identifying fine art objects
  • Professional cataloguing of art
  • Navigating the complexity of the gallery, auction and artist markets
  • How condition can be viewed in diverse situations
  • The impact of provenance

Registration is available online at https://bit.ly/4aA4swY or call (800) 272-8258.

This class will award 7 CE hours without an exam and 8 CE hours with an exam.

L-Tron to Attend and Sponsor SC IAI Investigators Conference

Apr 18, 2024 | Books, Business

FORT MILL, S.C. – April 16, 2024 – PRLog — For the second consecutive year, L-Tron will attend the South Carolina Division of the International Association for Identification (SC IAI) Spring Conference from May 6-9, 2024.

This year’s conference will be held at Rock Hill’s Sports and Event Center and feature notable guest speakers, panel discussions, networking opportunities and more. L-Tron will sponsor a break in the Vendor’s Hall for conference participants. L-Tron team member Julianne Pangal will be available to demo L-Tron’s patented OSCR360 to attendees throughout the duration of the show.

The OSCR360 System is your partner at crime scenes and beyond. OSCR360 serves as a powerful and effective tool throughout the entirety of an investigation and through prosecution. The system excels at overall scene documentation; storing and organizing digital evidence; and visually presenting the facts of the case. Virtually revisit the scene as often as needed, collaborate with other investigators and prosecutors, and provide context and clarity to the jury, leaving no detail to the imagination.

Stop by the L-Tron booth to see why hundreds of agencies nationwide are using OSCR360 to document and investigate homicides, unattended deaths, burglaries, kidnappings, crashes, arsons, search warrants, and more.

The SC IAI is a division of the International Association for Identification. The SC IAI conference is geared toward law enforcement, crime scene investigators, and others with a common interest in criminal identification. This year’s SC IAI Keynote Speakers include Teresa Bryant of the Jupiter Police Department and Dr. Kenny Kinsey of Kenny Kinsey and Associates LLC. Bryant is a long time CSI and former Florida IAI President. They will share the investigation details of the “Thanksgiving Day massacre” and the “Super Bowl Sunday Shooting.” Dr. Kinsey, with over two decades of crime scene and expert witness experience, will share his firsthand account as an expert witness for the 2021 Murdaugh murders.

The patented OSCR360 (https://www.L-Tron.com/OSCR360) is built from the voices of officers and investigators. In addition to OSCR360, L-Tron’s 4910LR Driver’s License Reader and eCitation equipment help officers perform roadside tasks efficiently and safely.

L-Tron is honored to support the law enforcement and criminal justice communities by sponsoring and attending regional and international educational conferences. We are proud to back the blue and provide 24/7/365 support for our OSCR360 users. Your success is our purpose.

100K-SF Office Complex in Las Vegas to be Converted Into Food-Driven Lifestyle Center

Apr 18, 2024 | Books, Business

The Cliff Outdoor Dining Lounge

The Cliff Outdoor Dining Lounge

LAS VEGAS – April 16, 2024 – PRLog — Partners Capital and CNR Retail have finalized design plans to convert an aging 100,000-square-foot office complex at 2500 – 2550 Paseo Verde Parkway in Las Vegas’ Green Valley Ranch neighborhood into an artisanal food-driven, open-air lifestyle retail center.

The $30 million adaptive reuse development, dubbed The Cliff will offer a differentiated shopping experience from that of other retail centers in the Las Vegas metro with a curated collection of casual and fine dining craft-food restaurants, boutique shops and health and wellness uses, according to Partners Capital Principal Mark Blumenthal.

“Las Vegas is in the midst of a culinary renaissance and The Cliff has been designed specifically to be an extraordinary gathering place offering next-level food culture and bespoke retail uses for the local community,” said Blumenthal.

Plans show that the majority of the 25 retail spaces, which will range in size from 1,800 square feet to 17,000 square feet, will open up to a central bar and a 26,000-square-foot covered outdoor dining lounge, with landscaped communal meeting spaces, live performance area, fire pits, kiosks and public art installations.   Ownership has also received approval of a tavern gaming license that would allow slot machines and small games of chance at one or more of the center’s pubs.

The Cliff is expected to draw from the more than 300,000 people who live and work within a three-mile radius of the property, according to the Las Vegas office of CAST, which has been engaged to handle leasing.    Other demand drivers include its visibility to over 177,000 cars off of Highway 215 and the approximately 54,000 automobiles that pass by the property each day as they exit off the freeway at St. Rose Parkway.

“This location is what restaurants and retailers dream of,” said CNR Retail Chris Clifford who leads the development and leasing team along with Principals Steve Neiger and Brett Rather.   “Not only is Green Valley Ranch one of the most sought out destinations for businesses in the City of Henderson, but the neighborhood is also characterized by younger households with some of the highest average incomes in Nevada.”

The Partners Capital-led joint venture acquired the property off market in August of 2023 for $17.25 million.  Built in 2000, the property was 80 percent leased to office tenants at the time of sale.

“We are removing older surplus office space and replacing it with what we envision will be a popular amenity unlike any other in the Las Vegas Valley for the Green Valley Ranch neighborhood, evidenced by the tremendous support we have received from the city, local constituents and potential tenants,” added Partners Capital Bobby Khorshidi.

Pending final approval from the city, construction is expected to begin in October with occupancy in the Q2 2025.

Project architect is AO Architects  whose local design credits include The Silverton Ranch Hotel renovation Ramsay’s Kitchen at the Harrah’s Las Vegas. Other notable projects include the 2nd and PCH (Long Beach, CA) and the Pointe (El Segundo, CA)

For the most up to date information about the Cliff, please visit http://www.thecliffatgvr.com

Contact
Bruce Beck
DB&R Marketing Communications, Inc.
***@dbrpr.com

Ocean Partnership for Children Celebrates Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month

Apr 18, 2024 | Books, Business

Autism Awareness Month

Autism Awareness Month

TOMS RIVER, N.J. – April 16, 2024 – PRLog — As April unfolds, so does a profound opportunity for Ocean Partnership for Children (OPC) to amplify its commitment to autism awareness and acceptance. Spearheaded by Melinda Santiago-Owens, MA, IDD Certified Care Manager Supervisor with over a decade of dedicated service at OPC, the organization is embarking on a series of impactful initiatives throughout the month to foster understanding, support, and inclusivity for individuals with autism and other Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).

One of the cornerstone events of OPC’s advocacy efforts is the launch of “POSITIVI-TEE Wednesdays.” Melinda, along with a team of IDD Care Managers, envisioned this innovative campaign to not only raise funds for Autism Awareness but also to promote a culture of positivity, kindness, awareness, and advocacy within the organization. “Every Wednesday, staff members are encouraged to wear specially designed shirts or any attire that promotes these values, fostering a spirit of unity and support,” noted Santiago-Owens.

Furthermore, OPC is taking proactive steps to engage with the community directly. IDD Care Managers Debbie Gladis and Kelly Joseph hosted a table at the Annual Autism Resource Fair at the Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library on Saturday, April 13th, providing valuable resources and insights to attendees. Throughout the month, OPC is ensuring that IDD Care Managers are prominently featured on all social media platforms, showcasing their dedication and expertise in supporting individuals with IDD.

At the heart of OPC’s mission is the “CONNECTIONS” group, which was established in 2022 to address the critical need for accessible social skills groups for IDD youth in Ocean County. This initiative, led by Melinda and her team, offers youth ages 10-21 a safe and nurturing environment to cultivate emotional wealth, physical health, and social connections. Through CONNECTIONS, friendships are forged, and invaluable support networks are established, empowering participants to thrive and succeed.

Moreover, OPC provides essential assistance in acquiring youth and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Needs access to vital resources offered by the New Jersey’s Children’s System of Care and Division of Developmental Disabilities various programs. Under the guidance of IDD Specialist Corie Hometchko, OPC ensures that individuals with IDD receive the support and services they need to lead fulfilling lives.

As Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month unfolds, Ocean Partnership for Children remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for the needs of all Ocean County youth and families including those individuals with IDD and promoting a society that celebrates neurodiversity. “Every individual, family member, caregiver, and friend, experiences autism in their own unique way. Every day, the OPC team is dedicated to honoring the accomplishments of neurodiverse individuals while extending connections, education, and resources to the wider community,” noted Victoria Azzopardi, LCSW, CEO of Ocean Partnership for Children. Through education, outreach, and community engagement, OPC continues to be a beacon of hope and support for individuals and families navigating the journey of autism and IDD.

For more information about OPC’s initiatives and resources, including CONNECTIONS group registration and IDD specialist services, please visit the Ocean Partnership for Children website at oceanpartnership.org.

About Ocean Partnership for Children Inc.
Founded in 2005, Ocean Partnership for Children (OPC) is Ocean County’s Care Management Organization (CMO). Its mission is to enhance the well-being of youth and their families through natural and community supports. OPC provides care coordination services for Ocean County youth up the age of 21 years who have mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental challenges. OPC strives to keep children and adolescents at home, in school, and in the community by connecting them to resources that meet their unique needs and help them achieve their goals.

Ocean Partnership for Children is a non-profit organization available at no cost to all youth and families in Ocean County who meet the eligibility criteria of the New Jersey Children’s System of care. To learn more, visit https://www.oceanpartnership.org or www.oceanresourcenet.org.