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JSW DEFENCE & SHIELD AI FORGE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO BRING CUTTING-EDGE MILITARY AIRCRAFT TECHNOLOGY TO INDIA

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JSW GROUP TO INVEST $90 MILLION OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS

WASHINGTON and MUMBAI, India, Nov. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — JSW Defence Pvt. Ltd., part of the $24 billion JSW Group and Shield AI, Inc, a leading U.S defense technology company, today announced a strategic partnership to indigenize and manufacture Shield AI’s “V-BAT,” a Group 3 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). This collaboration marks a significant step in boosting India’s defense capabilities by bringing in world-class UAS technology to the country.

As part of the partnership, the JSW Group will invest around $90 million in the next two years, with $65 million allocated in the first 12 months to establish JSW’s global compliance program, a manufacturing facility to ensure proper technology licensing, and training of manpower. This investment will enable JSW to establish a local supply chain and create an advanced facility in India for manufacturing, assembling and testing V-BAT aircraft. This effort will enable large-scale production of V-BATs in India to serve the needs of the Indian Armed Forces and also function as a global production hub for Shield AI.

The V-BAT is a fixed-wing, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), long endurance intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) platform, currently deployed by multiple armed forces around the world, including the United States’ Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs). It provides cutting-edge ISR functionality in a highly tactical system, capable of being forward deployed in complex and adversarial territory in order to provide a range of flexible solutions to special forces, front-line infantry, armored and artillery units. V-BAT has a unique, patented ducted-fan design with the advantage of a small logistics footprint and ease of rapid deployment.

Parth Jindal of JSW Group said, “Our collaboration with Shield AI is in keeping with our commitment to induct mission-critical technologies for deployment by the Indian Armed Forces and play an integral role in indigenizing defense technology in India. Through this partnership, we will be able to supply indigenous V-BATs at scale, provide flight operator training, and end-to-end maintenance, repair & overhaul (MRO) services to the Indian Armed Forces. The JSW Group has always believed in bringing world class products and services with State-of-the-Art technology into India and this partnership is yet another milestone in this journey.”

Sarjan Shah, Shield AI’s Managing Director for India, said, “Shield AI has been an early mover on investing deeply in India, in line with both governments’ desires for a closely integrated defense supply chain between the US and India. This partnership with JSW has been crafted over a multi-year period to transform the depth, scale and scope of India’s indigenous capabilities in the field of military unmanned systems. We look forward to doing a lot more with our partners in India.”

“Shield AI is excited to enhance the Indo-US strategic partnership through collaboration with JSW Group, strengthening our commitment to deploy cutting-edge UAS technology globally and harness India’s vast engineering and manufacturing talent. India, designated as a Major Defense Partner by the United States in 2016 and elevated to Strategic Trade Authorization tier 1 status in 2018, is one of only two countries with this designation—the other being the UAE, where Shield AI also has offices,” said Brandon Tseng, Shield AI’s President, Co-Founder and a former Navy SEAL.

“JSW recognizes the same thing Shield AI does: that Group 3 UAS like the V-BAT can accomplish the same missions as many helicopters and larger Group 5 UAS for a fraction of the price. As the market shifts from expensive, exquisite aircraft to swarms of lower-cost, AI-piloted UAS, this collaboration builds upon Shield AI’s significant U.S. investments, enhances global distribution, and supports continued expansion of U.S. operations.”

About Shield AI
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company whose mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. In pursuit of this mission, Shield AI is building the world’s best AI pilot. Its AI pilot, Hivemind, has flown jets (F-16; MQM-178 Firejet), a vertical takeoff and landing UAS (V-BAT), and three quadcopters (Nova, Nova 2, iPRD). The company has offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington DC and abroad. Shield AI’s products and people are currently in the field actively supporting operations with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. allies. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X and Instagram. 

Media contact: Lily Hinz, media@shield.ai

About JSW Group
The US$ 24 billion JSW Group is ranked among India’s leading business houses. JSW’s innovative and sustainable presence in various sectors including Steel, Energy, Infrastructure, Defence, Cement, Paints, Venture Capital and Sports is helping the Group play a significant role in driving India’s economic growth. JSW Steel, the flagship company of the Group, is today the largest steel manufacturer in India with a combined capacity of 29.7 MTPA. JSW Defence, through its arm JSW Gecko Motors, currently manufactures Specialist Mobility Vehicles “JSW ATOR” for the Indian Army. With a culturally diverse workforce spread across India, USA, Europe and Africa, the JSW Group directly employs nearly 40,000 people. It also has a strong social development focus aimed at empowering local communities residing around its plant and port locations.

For more information on the group, visit:
www.jsw.in
X : @TheJSWGroup @jsw_defence
media.queries@jsw.in

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SOURCE Shield AI

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

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20 minutes ago

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November 25, 2024

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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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SOURCE PRA

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

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November 25, 2024

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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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SOURCE Michael Baker International

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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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November 25, 2024

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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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SOURCE ERIN

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