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Future City® Competition Expands: Middle and High School Teams in DC/MD/VA Region Invited to Join 2024-25 Challenge

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WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Future City® Competition, a globally recognized STEM program that reaches over 66,000 middle and high school students from around the world, is now accepting registrations for the 2024-25 season. This year’s theme, “Above the Current,” challenges students to design and build a floating city that addresses the pressing issues of rising sea levels and climate change.

The 33rd Annual Future City® Competition is now in full force offering middle school and now high school youth a chance to compete, building on last year’s successful pilot program for high school teams. “We’re thrilled to expand the Future City Competition to include high school teams. This opportunity allows both middle and high school students to engage in hands-on learning and experience what it’s like to think and innovate like real engineers,” says Kathy Renzetti, CEO and Executive Director of DiscoverE.

Regional Participation Grows The DC/MD/VA region is already showing strong participation with 39 teams registered. Virginia is represented by 21 teams from areas including Fairfax, Burke, Alexandria, Leesburg, and Aldie. Maryland has 16 teams from locations such as Baltimore, Silver Spring, Rockville, and Oxon Hill, and Washington, DC has two teams. The competition aims to inspire even more middle and high school teams to join before October 31, 2024, registration deadline.

Why Participate? The Future City® Competition offers an unparalleled opportunity for students to dive into real-world engineering challenges, working collaboratively in teams to design, build, and present their vision for a city 100 years in the future. Middle school students will continue to compete for the grand prize: $7,500 for their school’s STEM program, sponsored by Bentley Systems. High school participants, now officially part of the competition, will have the chance to compete for valuable college scholarships.

Join the Movement With the expanded program for high school students and enthusiastic participation from middle schools, the Future City Competition is poised to be more dynamic and competitive than ever. Schools, educators, and students across the DC/MD/VA region are encouraged to register their teams and take part in this exciting STEM experience.

How to Register To register your middle or high school team, or to learn more about the Future City® Competition, visit futurecity.org. Keep up with the latest news, tips, and updates by following us on Facebook or Instagram.

Volunteer Opportunities The competition also calls on engineering and technical professionals to volunteer as mentors, judges, and regional volunteers. Your guidance and expertise can make a difference in shaping the future of young innovators. To register as a mentor or judge, visit https://futurecity.org/judge-registration/.

About DiscoverE DiscoverE is a nonprofit organization committed to providing global STEM programs that inspire and empower the next generation of engineers. Focused on reaching underrepresented students, DiscoverE’s initiatives include Engineers Week™, Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day™, and the Future City® Competition, many of which are free to participants.

For more information, visit discovere.org.

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SOURCE Discover Engineering

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Forum Mobility Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for FM Harbor Electric Truck Charging Depot at the Port of Long Beach

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The fully operational facility will support over 200 electric drayage trucks daily, advancing California’s transition to zero-emission transportation.

LONG BEACH, Calif., Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Forum Mobility, a leading heavy-duty truck charging infrastructure provider, celebrated the ribbon-cutting of its new “FM Harbor” charging depot in the Port of Long Beach during an event on Wednesday. The event marks the official launch of the largest port-based charging depot in the country. The facility will serve over 200 electric drayage trucks daily, supporting California’s ambitious goals for a transition to zero-emission drayage fleets. The ceremony featured remarks from representatives of the City of Long Beach, the Port of Long Beach, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, South Coast Air Management District, and the Harbor Trucking Association.

“Today marks a major milestone for Forum Mobility and the drayage community at the Port of Long Beach,” said Matt LeDucq, CEO and co-founder of Forum Mobility. “With a state-of-the-art charging facility right where it’s needed along with our affordable Class 8 electric truck leasing program, we are eliminating the barriers to achieving zero-emission freight. Truckers can enjoy lower costs per mile without upfront expense, cargo owners can choose to have their goods shipped without emissions, and communities can breathe easier.”

The FM Harbor facility is part of a larger Forum Mobility network of heavy-duty truck charging depots strategically located in ports and on routes to common freight destinations. Each depot includes on-site security, charging, and driver parking to deliver a plug-and-play experience for truckers switching to electric. Forum is currently developing depots in South-Central Los Angeles out to the Inland Empire, creating an ecosystem of charging support.

Industry leaders like Amazon Global Mile, Talon Logistics, Green Fleet Systems, Jaspem Truck Line Inc, Legacy Drayage, AI Trans, Hunter Logistics, and Redefined Transportation have already secured reservations at Forum’s charging depots.

Forum Mobility has also announced a collaboration with Climate United to provide affordable lease options to small fleets at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Leveraging a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Climate United will invest up to $250 million to purchase up to 500 class 8 electric trucks – the largest single order in US history.

“Electric drayage trucks cost less to operate, but high upfront costs make it difficult for independent owner-operators and small fleets to go electric,” said Beth Bafford, CEO of Climate United. “Through tax credits, incentives, and attractive financing, we are significantly reducing cost barriers to help small fleets make the switch. This yields local results, including lower cost of ownership, less pollution, and better health outcomes as well as national impact through the creation of new financing markets that promote American manufacturing, create jobs, lower costs, and stimulate demand.”

Elemental Impact, a nonprofit investor focused on scaling climate technology for deep community impact, has also invested in the facility. Elemental’s investment and support covered essential development costs, such as permitting and engineering design, in addition to coaching for effective community, policymaker and other stakeholder engagement.

“Forum Mobility has proven that heavy-duty electric trucking is ready to scale using FM Harbor as a replicable model. Their combination of a truck leasing program and subscription-based charging represents a win-win solution for truckers and the surrounding community,” said Danya Hakeem, Elemental Impact Vice President of Portfolio. “This is one of several depots that we are proud to support as they deploy their charging network to even more transportation hubs across the U.S.”

California and the Port of Long Beach have ambitious goals for zero emission drayage trucks. The FM Harbor depot is a crucial component of this effort, offering 19 dual-port 360 kW chargers and six single-dispenser 360 kW chargers, enabling simultaneous charging for up to 44 trucks and serving over 200 trucks daily. It is the largest port-based truck charging depot in the world.

“FM Harbor is a great example of what’s possible in zero emission freight. We are combining our expertise in building safe and reliable depots with Climate United’s incredibly low-cost truck lease to provide fleets in SoCal, Oakland, and Seattle reliable charging, where they need it, at affordable rates,” said LeDucq.

About Forum Mobility
Forum Mobility is a leading zero emission trucking solutions provider. Forum builds and operates heavy duty electric truck charging depots, and provides customers with charging – or a truck plus charging together – to make the transition to zero emission vehicles as easy as possible. Learn more at forummobility.com.

About Elemental Impact
Elemental Impact is a non-profit investor with 15 years of experience scaling innovative technology projects with deep climate and community impact. Elemental invests catalytic capital and provides expert services to a growing portfolio of 160+ companies in energy, agriculture, transportation, industry, and nature-based solutions.

About Climate United
Climate United is a national nonprofit coalition leveraging $6.97 billion from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Clean Investment Fund program to invest in green solutions and remove financial barriers to clean technologies so every American benefits from good-paying jobs, lower energy bills, and better public health. Formed by Calvert Impact, Community Preservation Corporation, and Self-Help, the coalition brings decades of experience in impact investing to increase environmental sustainability and unlock new, lasting economic opportunities in low-income and disadvantaged communities. Learn more at ClimateUnited.org.

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SOURCE Forum Mobility

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Exiger Hires Brian Kesecker as SVP, Defense Programs & Public Sector Growth Enablement

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Federal Sales Leader Will Grow Defense and Public Sector Footprint

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Exiger, the market-leading supply chain and third-party risk AI company, today announced that it has hired Brian Kesecker to serve as Senior Vice President of Defense Programs & Public Sector Growth Enablement. He brings over 24 years of experience in federal sales, compliance and risk management technology, spanning both the public and private sector. Having successfully navigated the complex process of government sales in multiple roles and delivered cutting-edge solutions into diverse federal agencies, Kesecker is a strong pick to expand Exiger’s defense footprint.

“Brian’s background uniquely equips him to head up our defense initiatives,” said Carrie Wibben, President, Exiger. “His deep understanding of federal operations combined with risk management and technology integration expertise tightly aligns with Exiger’s mission to develop and deploy innovative solutions that address our nation’s most complex challenges.”

In his new role, Kesecker will drive revenue growth and strengthen senior relationships across Exiger’s defense customer base. Spearheading efforts to expand Exiger’s defense sector programs, he will work to integrate high-impact solutions, while collaborating internally with sales, legal and product development.

“At Exiger, you can really see the power of AI at work for good,” said Kesecker. “We’re using unparalleled data and technology to assess supply chain risks and we’re building customized and foundational supply chain programs for our public sector customers. I know how much our nation, our government agencies and our military take pride in being proactive and not reactive to adversarial threats and I’m excited to be a part of an organization that’s empowering its customers to do just that.”

Prior to joining Exiger, Kesecker served as Head of Public Sector Sales & Partnerships at Kpler and led business development at Sayari for its National Security and Law Enforcement Customer Group, building and maturing federal practices for both organizations. He served as Director of Business Development, National Security Customer Group, at SAIC, and as a Senior Systems Engineer at the Defense Information Systems Agency, he played a critical role in the Critical Infrastructure Protection Mission Assurance Program. In his career, he has sold solutions into major agencies, including the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Five Eyes alliance agencies.

About Exiger 
Exiger is revolutionizing the way corporations, government agencies and banks navigate risk and compliance in their third-parties, supply chains and customers through its software and tech-enabled solutions. Exiger’s mission is to make the world a safer and more transparent place to succeed. Empowering its 550 customers across the globe, including 150 in the Fortune 500 and over 55 organizations across the Defense Industrial Base and government agencies, with award-winning AI technology, Exiger leads the way in ESG, cyber, financial crime, third-party and supply chain management and recently achieved FedRAMP® Moderate Authorization. Named one of Fast Company’s 2023 and 2024 ‘Brands That Matter’ and recipient of the Third Party Risk Association’s 2024 Innovator Award, Exiger’s work has been recognized by 50+ AI, RegTech and Supply Chain partner awards. Learn more at Exiger.com and follow Exiger on LinkedIn.

For more information, please contact:
Kody Gurfein
Chief Marketing Officer
1.914.393.0398 
kgurfein@exiger.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/exiger-hires-brian-kesecker-as-svp-defense-programs–public-sector-growth-enablement-302358939.html

SOURCE Exiger

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LERETA Announces Leadership Transition: Katie Brewer Named CEO as John Walsh Retires

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POMONA, Calif., Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LERETA, LLC (“LERETA”) today announced that Katie Brewer has been named Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”).  Ms. Brewer succeeds John Walsh, Chief Executive Officer since 2015, who is retiring and will continue to serve on the firm’s Board of Directors.

LERETA, headquartered in Pomona, California, is a leading national provider of real estate tax and flood services for mortgage servicers. The firm serves more than 4,000 clients nationwide, processes $17 billion in tax payments annually and monitors more than 25 million loans for flood determinations. Over the past three years, the company has met 99.9% of its service level agreements for all customers and in the past year increased its loans under service by almost 20% with the addition of several new clients.

Mr. Walsh, who has led LERETA for the past decade, is retiring from his operational role and will remain on the Board of Directors. Under Mr. Walsh’s leadership, LERETA’s revenues and earnings have grown significantly, and the company has expanded its solutions offering while maintaining exceptional customer service.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished at LERETA over the past decade,” said John Walsh. “Our focus on innovation, customer service, and operational excellence has established LERETA as an industry leader. As I step back from daily operations, I look forward to continuing to work with Katie and the leadership team as they guide the company toward even greater success in the years to come.”

Ms. Brewer is an industry veteran with more than 21 years of leadership experience in the mortgage servicing, valuation and title sectors. Most recently, she was President of Selene Finance, and before that the company’s Chief Operating Officer. A national subservicer, Selene’s portfolio more than tripled during Ms.  Brewer’s tenure. Prior to Selene, Ms. Brewer was Senior Vice President of Real Estate Services at Radian and Chief Operating Officer of Green River Capital. Ms. Brewer previously held leadership positions at Ocwen and GMAC.

“Katie has a long track record of energizing and growing companies within the mortgage servicing and services sectors,” said Gene Mergelmeyer, Chairman of the Board at LERETA. “We are excited that she is coming on board and believe she has the ideal experience and expertise to lead Lereta during this next stage of its growth trajectory. The Board thanks John for his long service and for his unwavering focus on customer service and performance that have set LERETA apart within our category for the past ten years. We look forward to John’s continuing involvement as a director on our Board.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Lereta team as the company looks to propel its next phase of growth,” said Katie Brewer. “While the industry continues to evolve, the technology solutions and services that LERETA provides plays a critical role in shaping outcomes for our clients and, ultimately, the consumers they serve. I look forward to working closely with John, Gene and the entire LERETA team to strategically grow the business and unlock the company’s future potential.”

About LERETA
Since 1986, LERETA has provided the mortgage and insurance industries the fastest, most accurate and complete access to property tax data and flood hazard status information across the U.S. LERETA is committed to giving customers extraordinary service and cost-effective property tax and flood solutions. LERETA’s services are designed to increase efficiency, reduce penalties and liabilities and improve processes for mortgage originators and servicers. LERETA’s dedicated teams of real estate tax and flood professionals along with LERETA’s experienced management team allow the company to lead the industry in service and technology.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lereta-announces-leadership-transition-katie-brewer-named-ceo-as-john-walsh-retires-302358904.html

SOURCE LERETA

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