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U.S. Department of Energy Awards Highland Electric Fleets’ Project Approximately $10.9 Million in Cost-share Funding to Accelerate Vehicle-to-Grid Services

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BEVERLEY, Mass., Oct. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Grid Deployment Office has selected the Scaling Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Integration Nationally (SVIN) project to receive approximately $10.9 million in cost-share funding to accelerate V2G adoption across the country. The project – a partnership between Highland Electric Fleets, the leading provider of school bus fleet electrification-as-a-service, 12 utility providers, and other supporting partners and educational institutions will deploy 14 V2G pilot projects nationwide utilizing electric school buses.

V2G technology allows electric vehicles to discharge energy back to the grid when utilities need it and can provide emergency support to buildings and community centers. As mobile distributed batteries, V2G-enabled vehicles can enhance grid flexibility and resilience, reduce expensive distribution system upgrades, decrease peaker plant emissions, and increase renewable energy integration. To date, V2G deployment has not scaled nationally due to a lack of utility programs that recognize the value of V2G services. The SVIN project’s goal is to provide utilities and their regulators with the experience and data necessary to create and accelerate commercial V2G programs. 

“Highland Electric Fleets has pioneered V2G projects that help stabilize the grid and provide emergency power using electric school buses—an ideal vehicle for V2G services due to their prevalence, consistent short trips, and long dwell times,” said Matt Stanberry, VP of Market Development at Highland Electric Fleets. “Now, with this generous grant provided by the U.S. Department of Energy and in collaboration with our utility partners, we can further demonstrate how V2G can help ensure communities have access to affordable and reliable electricity when and where they need it.” 

The funds are part of the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program, the federal government’s single largest direct investment into critical grid infrastructure. Funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and administered by DOE’s Grid Deployment Office, the GRIP Program leverages federal and private investments to support a reliable grid that is prepared for extreme weather while also delivering affordable, clean energy and creating local economic opportunities.

“As extreme weather events continue to stress electric systems across the country, the Biden-Harris Administration is using every tool in the toolbox to make sure America’s power grid can provide reliable, affordable power,” said Maria Robinson, Director, Grid Deployment Office, U.S. Department of Energy. “Highland Electric Fleet’s innovative collaboration with utilities to deploy V2G technologies will enhance grid flexibility and resilience, reduce expensive distribution system upgrades, and increase clean energy integration while ensuring customers have access to affordable and reliable electricity.”

The SVIN program will build a series of V2G electric school bus pilots with Highland, its project team, and utility partners from around the country so that the utilities can use the experience to design programs. Based on the pilots, SVIN will develop a V2G Policy and Program Toolkit, providing scalable utility program designs and best practices for implementing V2G technology. Additionally, SVIN will create data-driven, standardized metrics to assess the value of V2G assets. By integrating real-time data from utilities and vehicle operators, SVIN aims to help grid operators optimize program design to better serve their customers. Highland will draw on its own expertise and experience, as well as leverage technical partner Dynamic Organics, and policy and program experts Tierra Resource Consulting, The Climate Center, Colorado State University, and Zero Net Energy Alliance.

The project will support an estimated 778 construction, installation, and utility jobs, drawing resources from local unions, utility teams, and fleet operators. Seven project sites are located in Disadvantaged Communities, and four will add vehicle-to-building capacity along with some combination of storage and solar to support community centers.

To learn more, visit the U.S. Department of Energy Grid Deployment Office’s website.

About Highland Electric Fleets
Highland Electric Fleets is the leading provider of electrification-as-a-service for school districts, governments, and fleet operators in North America. Founded in 2019, Highland offers a unique suite of products that make it simple and affordable to upgrade to electric fleets today. Active in 30 states and Canada, Highland is responsible for the first use of electric school buses in a commercial vehicle-to-grid (V2G) program and the largest electric school bus project in the United States to date. To learn more, visit www.highlandfleets.com.

Media Contacts
Chris Orlando | Highland
Chris.Orlando@highlandfleets.com

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SOURCE Highland Electric Fleets

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AffableBPM Accepted into Prestigious Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) Startup Program

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To Accelerate Growth in AI-Powered Automation Solutions through CDL’s Computational Health Stream.

SAMMAMISH, Wash., Oct. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — AffableBPM, a leader in automating back-office business processes for healthcare organizations, is proud to announce its acceptance into the Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) program. The company will join CDL-Seattle’s Computational Health Stream, at the Foster School of Business, University of Washington.  The mission of the CDL program is to enhance the commercialization of science for the betterment of humankind.

AffableBPM proudly announces its acceptance into the CDL Startup program to accelerate growth in healthcare industry.

AffableBPM has been recognized for its AI-driven approach to automating complex workflows for healthcare organizations. Its platform leverages cutting-edge AI technologies to streamline processes such as Contract Lifecycle Management, Compliance Management, Denials Management, and Revenue Leakage Analysis. By integrating AI into these critical operations, healthcare organizations can achieve higher accuracy, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making, allowing them to focus more on patient care. AffableBPM was featured by Microsoft for harnessing the power of AI to drive operational efficiency and scalable growth in the healthcare sector. This recognition reinforces our commitment to innovation and positions us well as we commence our participation in the CDL Computational Health stream.

“We are excited and honored to join the CDL mentorship program,” said Rajashree Varma, CEO and Founder of AffableBPM. “AI is at the heart of what we do at AffableBPM. Through CDL, we look forward to advancing our AI capabilities even further to help healthcare organizations address industry-wide challenges, such as reducing administrative inefficiencies and optimizing resource management that has direct impact on their Return on Investment (ROI).”

The CDL-Seattle Computational Health supports founders solving biological, medical, and healthcare problems using innovative applications of software, data science, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. As part of the program, AffableBPM will have access to top AI and healthcare experts, investors, and mentors, enabling the company to enhance further its AI-driven platform to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.

AffableBPM aims to continue leading innovations in healthcare operational automation by utilizing AI to solve pressing issues such as manual processes inefficiencies, revenue leakage, compliance management, and denial management. With the support of mentors from CDL, the company will drive advancements that empower healthcare organizations to better manage their workflows and resources.

The CDL program will also serve as a key catalyst for AffableBPM as it prepares for its next phase of growth, including securing a Series A funding round in 2025, and further scaling its AI-powered solutions across the healthcare vertical.

For more information about AffableBPM, please visit http://www.affablebpm.ai. For more information about the CDL program, please visit https://creativedestructionlab.com/

About AffableBPM
AffableBPM is a SaaS solution that helps healthcare organizations streamline back-office business processes using AI-driven automation. By incorporating artificial intelligence into critical workflows such as Contract Lifecycle Management, Asset Management, Compliance Management, Denials Management, and Revenue Leakage Analysis, AffableBPM enables healthcare providers to operate more efficiently and make data-driven decisions. AffableBPM is recognized as an ISV Success Partner by Microsoft and brings partner benefits to enterprise customers under Microsoft Cosell motion.  

Media Contact:
Manisha Umbarje
Director of Marketing
425.428.7261
Manisha.umbarje@affablebpm.com

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SOURCE AffableBPM Corporation

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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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The Nora Project Supports Caregivers in Raising Kids Who Include

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Virtual Learning Session Provides Tools for Guiding and Empowering Children

CHICAGO, Oct. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Nora Project, a nonprofit committed to building inclusive classrooms, will host a fall training to provide practical, actionable advice and strategies for supporting kids as they develop the beliefs and skills needed to include others and be included.

This presentation gives caregivers tools, so they can support children as they take the lead in including others.

Raising Kids Who Include” is a live-virtual learning session from The Nora Project, designed for anyone who contributes to a child’s growth and development. The 60-minute session will be at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT on Nov. 19.

“So often, we want to plan out the details and dynamics for the children in our world,” said Anitra Schulte, a session presenter. “This presentation gives caregivers tools, so that instead of directing, we can support children as they take the lead in including others.”

Participants will learn how to support kids as they plan activities and explore honoring different ways of being.

“Everyone should be included in play,” said Amie Richards, a session presenter. “When we aren’t intentional about teaching kids how to include each other, it can lead to feelings of rejection for themselves or others. Teaching these skills at a young age is essential, and the ideas we share in this session are a great starting point.”

Registration for “Raising Kids Who Include” is $25 per person. The session will be held on Zoom. CART will be provided. If The Nora Project can support your engagement in the session in any additional ways, please email Info@TheNoraProject.Ngo.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-nora-project-supports-caregivers-in-raising-kids-who-include-302279791.html

SOURCE The Nora Project

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