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Centro Accelerates Growth and Expands Platform Capabilities with Enhanced Communication and Engagement Solutions

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Strategic Expansion Strengthens Centro’s Role as a Transformational Force in the Broker and Carrier Space

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Centro Benefits Research (Centro), a leading employee benefits consulting and technology firm, today announced a major expansion of its platform, aimed at transforming the broker-carrier ecosystem. Centro’s cutting-edge platform is expanding by adding advanced benefits communication technologies and engagement tools to its robust suite of solutions, including its API-driven rating and quoting platforms, further underscoring its position as one of the most comprehensive and impactful players in the ancillary space.

The addition of these enhanced solutions comes with Centro’s acquisition of EOI Service Company (EOI), a well-established leader serving brokers and large employer groups in benefit communications and employee engagement. This marks a pivotal moment in Centro’s ongoing growth strategy. By integrating EOI’s specialized solutions, Centro is deepening its technology and service offerings, equipping broker partners with advanced tools to better serve their clients and drive greater value.

“We are entering a new era of growth at Centro, building on our technology foundation to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the benefits space,” said Dan McAlone, Founder & President, Centro. “With the addition of EOI’s expertise, we’re poised to accelerate our impact on the industry, providing groundbreaking solutions that empower brokers, simplify benefits administration, and now drive greater engagement for the employees we reach. This is a significant step forward in our mission to integrate solutions that fundamentally change how the industry operates.”

EOI, based in Anaheim, CA and founded in 1978 by Jim Davidson, has built a powerful platform of technology-driven solutions that seamlessly integrate benefit communication strategies and enrollment support for broker partners and large employer groups. Additionally, EOI partners with brokers to develop long-term voluntary benefit strategies, streamline the RFP process, and negotiate with carriers to achieve significant cost savings. At closing, EOI represented over $400 million in voluntary benefits premium.

“Joining Centro allows us to scale our capabilities and continue evolving as leaders in benefit communications,” said Jim Davidson, Chairman & CEO, EOI. “Centro’s vision of transforming the industry with technology that streamlines processes and maximizes value aligns perfectly with the legacy we’ve built at EOI. Together, we’re positioned to deliver even more impactful solutions that not only meet the growing needs of brokers and employers but also redefine what’s possible in the benefits space.”

With this strategic expansion, Centro continues its momentum as a growing technology company, positioned to change the benefits landscape through its innovative platform, deep talent expertise, and commitment to delivering comprehensive solutions that drive value for broker partners and employer clients. Dowling Hales acted as exclusive financial advisor to EOI in its sale.

About Centro Benefits Research 

Centro Benefits Research is an ancillary benefits and technology consulting firm that enables brokers and carriers to deliver the best possible outcomes for their mutual customers through powerful research, deep industry expertise and the creation of digitally focused platform efficiencies that drive business growth. Centro’s mission remains squarely focused on bringing modern technology to a legacy insurance process and helping all stakeholders in the system work more effectively. For information, visit centrobenefitsresearch.com

About EOI Service Company

After 46 years in business, EOI’s unique capabilities in strategic planning, product evaluation, communication, and enrollment services are stronger than ever. 

EOI has expanded its suite of value-added services beyond the design, communication, and enrollment of benefit programs to include a more comprehensive array of services designed to meet corporate and HR initiatives. EOI prides itself on its continuous innovation and expansion of services.

Headquartered in Anaheim, CA, EOI is appointed, licensed, and represents clients in all 51 jurisdictions.  From 1978 to the present, the company has been led by the same management group and is well-known for its team of salaried, professional benefit counselors. 

Media Contact: Rachel Pennington, rachel.pennington@centrobenefits.com

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SOURCE Centro Benefits Research

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Narwal Launches the S20 Pro to Revolutionize Smart Home Technology With All-in-One Cordless Vacuum Mop Cleaner

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Company Upgrades Popular Cleaning Solution with Advanced Features and Intuitive Capabilities

NEW YORK, Oct. 18, 2024 /CNW/ — Narwal, the international leader in smart home cleaning, is proud to announce its latest innovative home cleaning device, the Narwal S20 Pro. The new all-in-one, cordless vacuum mop cleaner is set to redefine hard floor cleaning with a zero-tangle brush, auto solution dispensing, and smart self-dry detection. Its advanced features, including AI-powered DirtSense™, 20,000 Pa suction power, and Dual-Edge 0.04 in cleaning ensure robust dirt removal in just one pass.

“The home cleaning market is shifting where efficiency and intelligence are now consumer non-negotiables,” said Junbin Zhang, CEO of Narwal. “Busy lifestyles should not mean compromising a home’s pristine interior. Narwal’s latest model, the S20 Pro, leverages all the automated and intuitive features we’ve perfected and upgraded. We’re introducing a product that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of today’s fast-paced lifestyles. With various key innovations driving the new product, including automated cleaning adjustments and self-cleaning technology, we’re proud to offer a solution for those who demand smarter, quicker, and more effective results in their home cleaning.”

The Narwal S10 Pro received a 4.8 out of 5.0 rating on Amazon and sold out in less than two months. Narwal is offering customers an upgraded solution since the rise in popularity of the S10 Pro. The S20 Pro will include stronger suction, extended battery life, reduced noise level, double-edge cleaning capabilities, intelligent dispensing solution, 180° flat-fold, and zero-tangle head.

Innovating Home Cleaning with Key Advancements

The Narwal S20 Pro is designed to simplify and elevate how consumers clean, combining power and ease in one advanced system. The system is powered by key innovations including:

Vacuum & Mop All-in-One: The S20 Pro effortlessly tackles heavy dirt, debris, and spills in one pass with 20,000 Pa strong suction and dual-edge cleaning technology for edge-to-edge precision. Quickly conquering any spills or messes with ease, its intuitive design and self-cleaning features mean less time spent on chores and more time enjoying the moments that matter most. With the ability to tackle heavy dirt in a single pass, the Narwal S20 Pro transforms daily cleaning routines, offering both speed and precision when it’s needed the most.Self-Cleaning & Drying: The system is equipped with reverse and roller brushes to ensure thorough self-cleaning after every use, making sure it’s always ready for the next task. With the addition of auto solution dispensing, the S20 Pro optimally adjusts the cleaning solution during operation, using high-heat smart drying technology. The S20 Pro leaves no moisture behind, keeping the brushes 100% dry and preventing odors or mold from forming, further enhancing hands-free capabilities.AI DirtSense™ Technology: Intelligent AI integrations intuitively adjust cleaning intensity based on the amount of dirt detected. The system tackles all challenging areas, from light dust to tougher messes. The intelligent detection equips one of five cleaning modes, and interactive LCD & voice prompts drive the device to its performance and ensure every area gets the right level of attention. This intelligent feature means less guesswork, allowing for more efficient cleaning without having to adjust settings manually. It’s cleaning that adapts to your home’s needs with minimal effort required.Effortless Maneuverability: The self-propelling design and 180° flat-reach functionality make navigating tight spaces easy, navigating around furniture, into tight corners, and under low spaces without struggle. The S20 Pro takes the hard work out of cleaning, offering smooth navigation and custom fit to any user’s home layout.Tangle-Free Performance: Equipped with a zero-tangle brush, the S20 Pro ensures hassle-free cleaning by preventing hair from wrapping around the brush, making maintenance quick and easy. Its extended 60-minute runtime provides long-lasting cleaning sessions to keep your home pristine. Despite its powerful performance, the S20 Pro operates quietly, minimizing disruption to your household activities, whether day or night.

Pricing and Availability 

Narwal is excited to offer new home cleaning solutions to U.S. and Canadian customers for the first time at a discounted rate. Customers can use code “NarwalS20” at checkout to get $70 USD off for American customers and $100 for Canadian customers between October 18 and October 31, 2024. Experience the unmatched cleaning performance of The Narwal S20 Pro, available at Amazon US, Amazon CA, us.Narwal.com and ca.Narwal.com.

About Narwal

Narwal is known for using its cutting-edge technology to realize its objective of bringing flawless floors to users. It’s one of the top 5 robotic cleaning manufacturers, with the brand achieving $200 million in sales within two years of introducing its first product and maintaining high double-digit annual growth ever since. Narwal has raised substantial funds from investors including Sequoia Capital, Hillhouse Capital, ByteDance (parent of TikTok), and Tencent, among others. With over 700 researchers and scientists from across the globe, Narwal has made numerous breakthroughs in multiple fields and won prestigious international awards, including the Edison Gold Award, which honors innovation, and Time Magazine’s Best Inventions.

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SOURCE Narwal

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Restaurant365 Honored by Goldman Sachs for Entrepreneurship

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CEO and Co-Founder Tony Smith Among the Most Exceptional Entrepreneurs at 2024 Builders and Innovators Summit

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) is recognizing Restaurant365 CEO and Co-Founder Tony Smith as one of the Most Exceptional Entrepreneurs of 2024 at its Builders and Innovators Summit in Healdsburg, California.

Goldman Sachs selected Smith from multiple industries to be honored at the two-day event.

Smith’s career has centered on using software to solve business issues across the restaurant industry. As CEO and Co-Founder at Restaurant365, he has worked on designing and creating an integrated back-office restaurant management platform that unifies accounting, inventory, payroll, and HR to support the industry’s continued growth. Today, he primarily focuses on the company vision, culture, growth, and long-term strategy, including integrating AI and automation to power smarter decision-making and drive new levels of efficiency for restaurant operators.

“I am honored to be recognized by Goldman Sachs,” said Smith. “This acknowledgment reflects the dedication of our team and the incredible partnerships we’ve built with restaurant operators across the country. At Restaurant365, our mission has always been to empower restaurants with the tools they need to thrive, and I’m proud of the impact we’re making together.”

“I am thrilled to recognize Tony as one of the most exceptional entrepreneurs of 2024,” said David Solomon, Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs. “Tony and his team have built an impressive business that continues to grow at scale. We look forward to bringing this year’s cohort together to share insights on topics ranging from the evolving geopolitical landscape and accessing new pools of capital to using the power of storytelling to reach new audiences.”

In its 13th year, Goldman’s Builders and Innovators Summit is the can’t miss gathering for Founders and CEOs of high growth companies. Previous honorees have gone on to lead multi-billion dollar companies, both in the private and public markets. In addition to honoring the most exceptional entrepreneurs each year, the Summit consists of general sessions and clinics led by seasoned entrepreneurs, academics and business leaders as well as resident scholars.

About Restaurant365®

Restaurant365 is the leading back-of-house accounting, inventory, workforce management, and payroll solution developed specifically for the restaurant industry. R365’s all-in-one restaurant management platform simplifies day-to-day management for leaders at all levels, empowering them to control food costs, optimize labor, and improve guest experiences. Restaurant365’s cloud-based architecture and robust integrations connect it to hundreds of POS providers, vendors, and banks, providing complete, accurate insights that empower managers to take meaningful action. Restaurant365 is headquartered in Irvine, California, and has an office in Austin, Texas. The company is backed by Bessemer Venture Partners, ICONIQ, KKR, L Catterton, and Serent Capital. Additional information is available at restaurant365.com.

About Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs is a leading global financial institution that delivers a broad range of financial services to a large and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. Founded in 1869, the firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in all major financial centers around the world.

Press related questions about Restaurant365, please contact Restaurant365@nextpr.com

Press related questions about the Summit or Goldman Sachs, please contact Sophia Anthony at Sophia.Anthony@gs.com.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/restaurant365-honored-by-goldman-sachs-for-entrepreneurship-302279822.html

SOURCE Restaurant365

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HONGQI’s New Energy Masterpieces EH7 and EHS7, Captivate at Paris Motor Show 2024

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CHANGCHUN, China, Oct. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In October 2024, HONGQI made a significant impact at the Paris Motor Show 2024, with the introduction of its all-electric EH7 sedan and EHS7 SUV. This launch marked a pivotal moment in the brand’s expansion into the European market, highlighting its dedication to cutting-edge technology, advanced performance, refined design, and sustainability—offering a new option for customers seeking premium electric vehicles.

The HONGQI EH7 and EHS7 are equipped with high-performance electric drivetrains capable of reaching 22,500 RPM, delivering up to 455 kW of power and 756 Nm of torque, allowing for acceleration comparable to that of supercars. Offering a class-leading WLTP range of 655 km for the EH7 and a robust 600 km for the EHS7, both models support fast charging, charging from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes—making them ideal for long-distance travel, with enough charge gained during a simple coffee break.

Driving dynamics are further enhanced by an advanced chassis control system with variable damping suspension, effectively minimizing discomfort from road imperfections. The spacious interior, with a 3-meter wheelbase, ensures ample legroom, particularly for rear-seat passengers, making the vehicles suitable for family use. Technology takes center stage, with features such as L2 ADAS, AR-HUD, and a custom HONGQI audio system—all combining to enhance convenience and comfort for the driver.

The HONGQI EH7 and EHS7 have officially opened for orders on October 14, with the starting price for the EH7 set at €49,999 and the EHS7 at €53,999.

To ensure after-sales service, HONGQI is establishing a comprehensive after-sales network throughout Europe. With service centers in 29 countries, HONGQI offers comprehensive support, ranging from routine maintenance to emergency assistance, ensuring peace of mind for customers. By combining excellent driving performance, superior comfort, and advanced technology, HONGQI looks forward to providing European customers with better choices.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hongqis-new-energy-masterpieces-eh7-and-ehs7-captivate-at-paris-motor-show-2024-302280415.html

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