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EVERFI from Blackbaud Transforms Consumer Financial Education and Strengthens Banking Customer Relationships with Updates to EVERFI Achieve

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Interactive, mobile-first financial education tool enables financial institutions to deliver critical education to adults in their communities 

CHARLESTON, S.C., Nov. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — EVERFI® from Blackbaud®, the leader in powering social impact through education, today announced a major evolution of its EVERFI Achieve™ product, a powerful tool designed to provide just-in-time financial education and elevate financial institutions’ relationships with their customers. With a fresh new look, an intuitive mobile-first design, and enhanced personalization features, the revamped Achieve goes beyond basic financial education to empower banks and credit unions in building trust, fostering deeper connections, and enhancing brand loyalty. This innovative platform not only offers a significant return on investment opportunity, but also serves as an essential enhancement to customers during their journey as a real time financial resource, is a powerful customer retention tool, and a versatile resource for CRA compliance and small business employee financial wellness.

An August 2024 survey by EVERFI revealed that most adults lack the information and confidence needed to make financial decisions. More than 70% of respondents reported that they feel stressed when making financial decisions, and only one in five felt confident in their current knowledge. Those who have received some form of financial education were more confident in making financial decisions and used a wider range of financial products from their financial institution, but their preferred way of learning varied widely. While most preferred brief (61%), online (64%) education, specific needs differed by demographics and prior financial experience, emphasizing the demand for flexible, tailored, personalized guidance.

Building on five years of insights and feedback from its vast customer network, EVERFI has reimagined Achieve to help financial institutions deliver even more value to their customers with personalized, relevant content. In addition to a content library of more than 100 topics, 13 new resources have been added to meet bank customer needs, covering important financial topics like home equity loans and lines of credit, inherited IRAs, and how to understand social security benefits and statements. Moreover, financial institutions can now embed strategically placed calls to action that introduce customers to relevant products, services, and other financial coaching opportunities.

EVERFI has also released two new Learner Pathways designed to help learners reach a specific financial goal, such as getting out of debt or building an emergency savings fund, with additional topics to come. In each Learner Pathway, users navigate through “just-in-time” financial content followed by a tool and/or calculator that enables the user to enter their own unique data to generate a customized plan. By following a step-by-step plan to achieve a particular financial goal, users can enhance their financial security while fostering stronger relationships with their financial institution.

New Learner Pathway: Debt Repayment Strategies
More than half of Americans find themselves burdened by personal debt; a reality that has been entrenched more deeply by recent U.S. economic conditions. According to the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Stress in America Survey, 77% of Americans report feeling anxious about their financial situation, with 58% of respondents citing debt as the primary stressor. The new Debt Repayment Strategy Pathway offers a structured approach to developing a customized debt repayment plan. The pathway includes three modules: Debt Repayment, which introduces strategies like the avalanche and snowball methods; Debt Consolidation, which helps users learn how to consolidate their debt and determine if combining debts could lower their overall interest rates; and Preventing Overdraft Fees, which provides tips to help avoid unnecessary charges. A final Next Steps module offers guidance on maintaining progress and accessing further financial resources.

New Learner Pathway: Building My Emergency Savings
Based on a recent survey, 58% of Americans do not have an emergency fund separate from their savings account. The Emergency Savings Learner Pathway offers customers a step-by-step guide to building an emergency savings plan and learning how to save money through savings accounts. Key features include an Emergency Fund Tool, which helps consumers see what amount they need in emergency funds and how long it might take to save that amount, and an Investment Growth Calculator, that helps users see how their money can grow when invested in stocks, mutual funds, or other investments. The Building Emergency Savings Next Steps module provides simple tips to help start and grow an emergency savings plan.

“We completely overhauled EVERFI Achieve based on direct customer feedback to deliver an unrivaled financial wellness experience. Our focus is on impactful, engaging tools designed to foster sustained learning and genuine financial empowerment,” said Ray Martinez, president and co-founder, EVERFI from Blackbaud. “Unlike gamification, which drives instant gratification but diminishing long-term engagement, our approach prioritizes personal relevance, goal-setting, and meaningful action planning to ensure lasting engagement and satisfaction.”

EVERFI Achieve offers a unique opportunity for financial institutions to position themselves as a trusted guide in their customers’ financial journeys. The mobile-first experience adapts to the diverse needs of modern consumers, and the improved navigation makes it easier for users to find the financial guidance they need right when they need it. The easy-to-customize platform allows financial institutions to embed product offers and incentives directly into the learning experience, effectively tailoring their marketing to specific customer needs. By investing in Achieve, banks and credit unions can demonstrate your commitment to financial well-being, aligning their brand with the values of their community, and making a tangible impact on financial literacy.

EVERFI has partnered with thousands of financial institutions to reach more than 60 million learners globally. Learn how partnering with EVERFI can help bring this critical education to the next generation and create a scalable, lasting impact: https://everfi.com/financial-education/consumers/ 

About EVERFI from Blackbaud
EVERFI® from Blackbaud® (NASDAQ: BLKB) is an international technology company driving social impact through education to address key societal challenges like financial wellness, mental health, workplace conduct, and more. Founded in 2008, EVERFI has reached millions of K-12 and adult learners worldwide with its transformative digital educational content. Through a unique third-party payer model, EVERFI provides K-12 schools in the U.S. with access to essential educational resources at no cost, ensuring that students everywhere gain vital life skills. Recognized as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company and featured on Fortune Magazine’s Impact 20 List and the GSC EdTech 150, EVERFI continues to shape the future of digital learning. To learn more about EVERFI, please visit everfi.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or X/Twitter @EVERFI. 

Media Inquiries
Jennifer Edgerly  
EVERFI from Blackbaud
jedgerly@everfi.com

Forward-Looking Statements
Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding expected benefits of products and product features. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following: general economic risks; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; management of integration of acquired companies and other risks associated with acquisitions; risks associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks associated with management of growth; lengthy sales and implementation cycles, particularly in larger organization; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or upon request from Blackbaud’s investor relations department. All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc.

 

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Leading Business Events Management Company, PRA Acquires Island Style Innovations in Hawai’i

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CHICAGO, Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — PRA, a leader in the Business Events industry, announced today the company has acquired Island Style Innovations, local destination management experts in the exclusive Hawaiian market. This move marks the second acquisition in the last 18 months in this important meeting, convention, and incentive program market, delivering continued growth and execution of PRA’s overall expansion strategy. The Island Style Innovations team will join the PRA Hawai’i office, under the leadership of Debbie Weil-Manuma, and rebrand as PRA, integrating with the current team.

Founded in 2014 by Tatiana von Oelhoffen and Colleen Reyes, Island Style Innovations is one of the leading events and incentive management teams operating across the Hawaiian Islands. With decades of combined event management experience, extensive local knowledge and strong operational excellence, the team specializes in comprehensive event design and execution. With well-established strategic relationships with many leading hotel brands, event venues, suppliers and business partners throughout the region, Island Style Innovations excels at delivering the highest quality meetings and events with a keen focus on local, authentic experiences. The company’s clientele spans programs for the insurance, financial, pharmaceutical, and technology sectors, along with diverse corporate clients.

Laurie Knapp, Chief Growth Officer of PRA, stated, “We welcome the incredible Island Style Innovations team to the PRA family who share our passion for creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences for valued clients. This continued expansion of our PRA Hawai’i team in this key destination emphasizes PRA’s steadfast commitment to deliver innovative event concepts through the industry’s most talented event designers and operators. Now working in conjunction with PRA’s industry leading creative, production, and global sales organization, the team will be able to deliver enhanced solutions in this important market.” 

The acquisition of Island Style Innovations along with the previous Weil & Associates Hawai’i purchase in 2023, marks a key step in the execution of PRA’s strategic growth plan.

“We are excited to have the Island Style Innovations team join PRA Hawai’i in this thriving market for events, enhancing our standing as the premier business events management company in the islands,” added Weil-Manuma. “Tatiana, Colleen, and the team have so much to be proud of in their creation of this successful business and we look forward to building our exciting next chapter together.”

“When it was time to consider the future for Island Style Innovations, we knew we wanted to collaborate with a group that aligned with our values and dedication to the personalized service our clients have come to expect over the years,” shared Reyes. “I couldn’t be prouder of what our team has achieved, yet this is just the beginning. And, while Tatiana will be heading off to new pursuits, the team will remain in place, and we look forward to working alongside the outstanding group at PRA Hawai’i. With increased resources and access to a robust network of destination experts nationwide, we are eager to see what the future brings. I extend my gratitude to Tatiana for all her significant contributions to the success of our Hawai’i team through her leadership and valued partnership over the years.”  

PRA (pra.com)
Headquartered in Chicago with teams throughout every major and secondary market in North America, PRA is a leading business event management firm, creating experiences which move hearts, minds, and businesses forward. Through its strategic approach to creative design, production services and destination programs, PRA offers end-to-end integrated service capabilities and solutions aligned with business meetings and events. PRA blends Passion, Reach and Authenticity to consistently deliver incomparable experiences that engage participants and exceed business goals. PRA’s reach runs deep, delivering value to millions of participants for 40 years in every major destination and beyond. For information on our complete portfolio of services, please visit pra.com.

PRA is majority owned by investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital.

About EagleTree Capital: 
EagleTree Capital is a leading New York-based middle-market private equity firm, with $5.3 billion of assets under management, that has completed 45 private equity investments and over 100 add-on transactions over the past 20+ years. EagleTree primarily invests in North America in the following sectors: business services, consumer, and water and specialty industrial. For more information, visit www.eagletree.com or find EagleTree on LinkedIn. 

Media Contact:  Laurie Knapp
Laurie.Knapp@PRA.com
M: +1.312.623.3713

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Michael Baker International Increases Geographic Reach with Fayetteville, Arkansas, Office

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Firm’s third Arkansas location opens in rapidly growing market

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, today announced the opening of the firm’s Fayetteville, Arkansas, office.  The office is the firm’s third Arkansas location, joining outposts in Little Rock and Bentonville, and will serve as an extension of Bentonville operations, which has exceeded its existing office capacity due to the high demand for the firm’s urban roadway design and construction inspection services in Northwest Arkansas. The office will be led by Mike Stengel, P.E., Office Executive for Michael Baker’s Bentonville location.

“We are thrilled to expand Michael Baker’s footprint in the fast-growing Northwest Arkansas region. This new location will allow us to better serve statewide clients and accelerate growth in Arkansas,” said Tommy Montgomery, P.E., Southern Regional Director at Michael Baker International. “In opening our third Arkansas office, Michael Baker is reaffirming our commitment to our local clients and community. We look forward to continuing to Make a Difference in Arkansas and beyond.”

The new Fayetteville location enables Michael Baker to better serve the firm’s clients and provides an additional gateway for delivering its full spectrum of services to the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) and other public and private clients, including major universities and retailers in the region. Additionally, the new office’s prominent location in a high-traffic area will enhance the firm’s engagement with clients and elevate its visibility as it continues to expand.

Michael Baker was recently named as one of the 2024 Best Places to Work in Arkansas by Arkansas Business Magazine. The new Fayetteville location will accommodate the firm’s growing workforce and provide room for ongoing expansion.

About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services spanning five distinct Verticals: Infrastructure, Design-Build Services, Federal Programs and Services, Consulting and Technology Solutions (CTS) and Sustainable and Resilient Solutions (SRS). The firm’s Practices encompass all facets of infrastructure, including design and civil engineering for diverse bridge, highway, water, rail and transit and aviation projects, as well as planning, architecture, environmental and construction and program management. For more than 80 years, the company has been a trusted partner to clients, providing comprehensive services and solutions, delivering expertise and quality, and embracing emerging technologies and the latest innovations – like intelligent transportation, engineered models and public safety software as a service (SaaS).

The company has more than 4,900 employees across more than 90 office locations. Michael Baker’s Wolf Pack is committed to Making a Difference for clients and communities through a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement while evolving its business to become a full-service engineering and consulting firm.

To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.

Contact: Julia Covelli
julia.covelli@mbakerintl.com
(866) 293-4609

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ERIN Launches ‘Sloths for Sloths’ to Fill CEO’s Office with Holiday Toys for Pittsburgh’s Underprivileged Youth

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Employee referral software platform ERIN has announced ‘Sloths for Sloths’ — a holiday toy drive hosted in collaboration with Hall of Fame running back Jerome “The Bus” Bettis.

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Pittsburgh-based employee referral software platform ERIN is getting into the holiday spirit with the launch of Sloths for Sloths — a holiday toy drive hosted in collaboration with Hall of Fame running back Jerome “The Bus” Bettis. Through an Amazon storefront set up specifically for this purpose, the ERIN team hopes to fill CEO Mike Stafiej’s office with toys for kids of all ages.

“There are two things that people will always support — giving toys to children for the holidays, and Jerome “The Bus” Bettis. At ERIN, we’re supporting a holiday toy drive with The Bus, and trying to fill a bus with toys.” – ERIN CEO Mike Stafiej

“ERIN’s notorious symbol is Sammy the Sloth, so we’ve aptly named this effort after our company’s kid-friendly mascot,” said Stafiej. “It’s our hope that every single underprivileged child in Pittsburgh will be greeted on Christmas morning with a toy that brightens their holiday. We’re proud to be taking initiative on their behalf, and hope for great success so we can continue this new tradition for years to come.”

Since 1997, Bettis and his The Bus Stops Here Foundation have been supporting Pittsburgh’s underprivileged inner-city youth through education, sports, technology and recreational opportunities. ERIN is proud to partner with such a valuable organization this holiday season to bring joy to the city’s youth.

Here’s how the program works:

Order a toy from the company’s Amazon storefront, or select a toy that you know a lucky child will love.Ship it to the ERIN headquarters at 600 River Avenue, Suite 103, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, c/o CEO Mike Stafiej.Email proof of your purchase to marketing@erinapp.com.

For every proof of a toy purchased, ERIN will match with another toy donation of up to $500 and add a stuffed Sammy the Sloth as a bonus gift. The Sloths for Sloths toy drive will end on December 13, after which all donated toys will be delivered to The Bus Stops Here Foundation for delivery to the kids of Pittsburgh.

For additional information, visit https://erinapp.com/toys. To hear more about Sloths for Sloths directly from CEO Mike Stafiej, watch this episode of The HR Morning Show.

Media Contact

Evan White, ERIN, 509.995.9105, ewhite@erinapp.com, https://erinapp.com 

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