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Choice Hotels Kicks Off 9th Annual “Mastery” Tech Innovation Summit, Operating at the Intersection of Hospitality, Franchising and Technology

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500 Choice technologists gather for trainings and workshops and to compete in a 48-hour make-a-thon to develop next-generation hospitality solutions

NORTH BETHESDA, Md., March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world’s leading lodging franchisors, kicks off “Mastery 2024” today, an annual week-long tech innovation summit where more than 500 company technologists come together at Choice’s Scottsdale, Arizona offices to learn and drive innovation through a series of gamified trainings and workshops that culminate in a 48-hour make-a-thon. In the make-a-thon, Choice associates ideate and build new software products leveraging advanced technology to drive profitability and value for the company and Choice hotel owners. During Mastery 2024, tech teams will develop solutions to speed up and improve the hotel onboarding process, measure and visualize a property’s environmental footprint, improve the customer service experience, and more. At the end of each make-a-thon, teams will present their new products to a committee of Choice executives, with winners receiving cash prizes and the chance to have their ideas continue to be refined and deployed across the organization.

“Mastery keeps us current on cutting-edge technologies like AI and helps spark creativity, innovation, and team building,” said Brian Kirkland, chief information officer, Choice Hotels International. “We want to make sure we are constantly innovating and trying new things so that we can continue to deliver value-driving technology for Choice, our franchisees, and our guests.”

Last year, a tool created during Mastery reduced daily tickets from 4,000 to just 40 using AI and other new technologies. Previous winning projects include online travel agency enhancements that yielded additional revenue and multiple security analysis and automation tools.

“Choice’s long-standing commitment and investment in technology provides hotel owners and operators of our brands with an edge,” said Anna Scozzafava, chief strategy officer and senior vice president of technology, Choice Hotels International. “Our hotel-facing tech is cloud-based, mobile-friendly and easy to use to ensure all owners can leverage our best-in-class tools.”

Choice recently announced the closure of its last data center, making it the first major hotel company to migrate its entire system infrastructure to AWS. Now fully on the cloud, Choice will continue to innovate and leverage the power of AI to drive even more business value for its franchisees. Choice has built and introduced industry-first owner-facing technologies, including the choiceADVANTAGE cloud-based reservation system; the Your Key to Profit platform, which centralizes profitability tools for owners; and choiceEDGE, which utilizes AI and historical trend analysis to help franchisees maximize room sales.

Choice Hotels has a history of technological firsts and innovation, including: 

In 1995, Choice launched the first hotel website with real-time rate and availability information.In 2003, Choice launched the first cloud-based property management system (PMS), choiceADVANTAGE.In 2009, Choice released the first hotel app for iOS.In 2014, Choice became the first hotel company to offer instant booking on TripAdvisor. That same year, Choice was the only hotel company listed on Forbes’ Top 100 Most Innovative Growth Companies.In 2016, Choice became the first hotel company to offer immediate in-app gift card downloads.In 2018, Choice launched choiceEDGE, the industry’s first cloud-based central reservation system (CRS).In 2019, Choice became the first hotel company to commit to being 100% on AWS (Amazon Web Services) Cloud.In 2021, Choice launched ChoiceMAX, an award-winning AI mobile-first revenue management solution.In early 2024, Choice completed its migration to the cloud.

About Choice Hotels® 

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. The challenger in upscale and a leader in midscale and extended stay, Choice® has over 7,500 hotels, representing more than 630,000 rooms, in 46 countries and territories. A diverse portfolio of 22 brands that range from full-service upper upscale properties to midscale, extended stay and economy enables Choice® to meet travelers’ needs in more places and for more occasions while driving more value for franchise owners and shareholders. The award-winning Choice Privileges® rewards program and co-brand credit card options provide members with a fast and easy way to earn reward nights and personalized perks. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com

© 2024 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All Rights Reserved     

 

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SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc.

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Apas Port Launches $20M Vehicle Loan Initiative with HARVEST FLOW on Plume Network to Empower Financial Inclusion in Emerging Countries, Starting in Cambodia

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NEW YORK, Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Apas Port Co., Ltd., a Tokyo-based Web3 company dedicated to deploying “kando”—a Japanese term for deep emotional engagement—into the digital realm, has announced the launch of HARVEST FLOW, a social impact-driven cryptocurrency lending platform. Committed to “social action”ーdelivering stable returns alongside meaningful social impact, HARVEST FLOW’s inaugural project is a $20 million initiative offering loans to TukTuk and four-wheel vehicle drivers in Cambodia who don’t have access to the financial system. This venture is set to operate on Plume Network, the leading Layer 1 blockchain specialized in Real-World Asset Finance (RWAfi), offering the necessary infrastructure to transform HARVEST FLOW’s vision of financial inclusion into scalable action.

Bridging Real-World Challenges Through Blockchain Innovation

HARVEST FLOW’s mission is to empower underserved communities and small businesses by granting access to affordable financing solutions. By leveraging blockchain technology, the platform addresses critical societal issues such as poverty alleviation and economic development, creating pathways for stable financial growth while delivering measurable social impact.

The initial focus of this initiative is to provide affordable financing options for TukTuk and four-wheel vehicle drivers in Cambodia—vital tools for local livelihoods. The project not only supports job creation but also enhances financial inclusion in emerging economies.

Why Plume Network?

As the first fully integrated L1 modular blockchain tailored for RWAfi, Plume Network provides the foundation for scalable, secure, and transparent financial ecosystems. With over 180 projects onboarded in its private devnet, Plume enables seamless tokenization and distribution of RWAs through its composable, EVM-compatible infrastructure.

How Plume Powers HARVEST FLOW:

End-to-End Tokenization: Streamlines the conversion of vehicle loans into blockchain-based assets.Investor Transparency: Advanced tools to track and visualize the social and financial impact of investments.Global Scalability: Infrastructure designed to handle the growing demands of HARVEST FLOW’s multi-region projects.DeFi Integration: Unlocks liquidity through decentralized finance primitives within the Plume ecosystem.

IoT-Backed Innovation for Loan Security

HARVEST FLOW’s projects are uniquely supported by embedded IoT technology within TukTuk engines, ensuring an exceptionally low loan default rate while building investor confidence.

Justin Chen, Head of Asset Strategy at Plume Network, noted: “This project highlights the power of combining blockchain and IoT devices to create innovative financial products that drive real-world impact. We’re excited to see HARVEST FLOW’s success on Plume and the positive change it will bring to the urban motility market in Southeast Asia.”

Looking Ahead

Starting with the vehicle mobility sector through 2025, HARVEST FLOW plans to expand into other sectors addressing social challenges and needs beyond 2026. This approach aims to ensure sustainable growth while delivering meaningful societal benefits, powered by Plume’s blockchain technology.

Masaki Minamide, director of HARVEST FLOW, stated: “Plume’s infrastructure empowers us to amplify our impact and support communities in need while offering our investors transparent and reliable returns. With this launch, we continue our mission to combine blockchain technology with meaningful social action.”

For more information, visit Plume Network or contact press@plumenetwork.xyz.

About Plume Network
Plume is the first fully integrated L1 modular blockchain focused on RWAfi, offering a composable, EVM-compatible environment for onboarding and managing diverse RWAs. With 180+ projects on its private devnet, Plume provides an end-to-end tokenization engine and a network of financial infrastructure partners, simplifying asset onboarding and enabling seamless DeFi integration for RWAs.

About HARVEST FLOW
Founded in April 2023, Apas Port Co., Ltd. is a Web3 production company with a mission to deploy “kando” (deep emotional impact) globally. The company leverages blockchain technology to connect carefully curated content with a co-creative community, acting as a “passport” to a new world of Web3 experiences.

X: https://x.com/HarvestFlow_io
Website: https://www.harvestflow.io/

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SOURCE Plume Network

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South Clackamas Business Resource Center Launches Digital Community Platform

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The Business Resource Center (BRC) of South Clackamas County unveils a new digital platform featuring an innovative business mapping system developed by COBID-certified IronGlove Studio. The website integrates advanced mapping technology with resource management tools to serve local businesses across nine communities, offering free consultations and scholarship opportunities for eligible residents.

OREGON CITY, Ore. and SOUTH CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore., Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ —  The Business Resource Center of South Clackamas County (BRC) is proud to announce the launch of its new website, https://brcscc.org, developed by Oregon City-based IronGlove Studio, LLC. The launch marks a significant expansion of its online presence and services, representing a major step forward in the BRC’s mission to support and empower local businesses and community members in the South Clackamas area.

This initiative offers an unbiased and equitable opportunity for every small business in the South Clackamas region to connect, discover, and grow through access to training, resources, and support.

Who is the Business Resource Center of South Clackamas County

The Business Resource Center (BRC) of South Clackamas County is a vital hub for small business support, resources, and training opportunities, dedicated to fostering economic growth and development in the region. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and operating until December 31, 2024, or until funding is exhausted, the BRC provides free consultations, training programs, and scholarships to empower small business owners in Gladstone, Oregon City, Beavercreek, Canby, Molalla, Mulino, Colton, Eagle Creek, and Estacada. Through initiatives like its comprehensive website and Local Business Map, the BRC connects entrepreneurs with the community, creating opportunities for growth and promoting sustainable, community-based economic development.

Key Offerings

Free Business Resource Consultations: Local entrepreneurs can access expert advice and guidance at no cost, ensuring they are not alone in their small business journey.

Exclusive Scholarship Opportunities: The BRC offers scholarships for Clackamas Community College’s Career & Technical Education programs, covering up to $3,500 per semester for eligible students in select zip codes.

Local Business Map: As part of its marketing initiative, the BRC features an innovative Local Business Map developed by IronGlove Studio. This custom solution integrates advanced mapping technology with COBID certification filters, enabling small businesses to connect with one another while providing valuable demographic insights for community stakeholders.

Website Performance

Since its soft launch in August 2024, the BRC website has quickly become a vital resource for the South Clackamas business community. The platform has attracted nearly 3,000 visitors, with users spending an average of 4 minutes engaging with the site’s resources and information. The site’s success is particularly evident in its scholarship program, which has already received 82 applications, including 6 from Spanish-speaking community members, demonstrating the BRC’s commitment to serving our diverse business community.

Strategic partnerships with Here is Oregon and Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory allowed us to create targeted social media campaigns that have helped drive over 2,000 visitors to the site, resulting in more than 7,000 total pageviews. Visitors are actively engaging with the platform’s resources, averaging 2.7 actions per visit, including accessing business resources, downloading materials, and utilizing the local business map.

The platform, developed by IronGlove Studio, LLC of Oregon City, a COBID-certified firm, showcases innovative integration of WordPress with proprietary Angular mapping technology. “The BRC website demonstrates how enterprise-level solutions can be scaled down to serve community needs,” says Derek Neuts, Owner of IronGlove Studio. “By incorporating advanced features like COBID certification filters and demographic reporting capabilities, we’ve created a platform that not only connects consumers to businesses but also provides valuable insights for community development.”

Community Support

The BRC extends its gratitude to its advocates, partners and supporters, including the previous Oregon State Senator Bill Kennemer, previous Oregon State Representative (now Senator) — Mark Meek, the Chambers of Commerce for Canby, Estacada, Molalla and Oregon City, the Cities of Colton and Gladstone and the Hamlets of Beavercreek and Mulino.

“The launch of our comprehensive website marks a significant milestone in our commitment to supporting the South Clackamas County business community,” said Shatrine Krake, Director of Communications at the Business Resource Center of South Clackamas County. “This initiative offers an unbiased and equitable opportunity for every small business in the South Clackamas region to connect, discover, and grow through access to training, resources, and support.”

For more information or to schedule a free business consultation, visit https://brcscc.org.

Media Contact

Shatrine Krake, Director of Communications, Business Resource Center of South Clackamas County, 1 503-656-1619, shatrine@brcscc.org, https://brcscc.org/

Technical Development Contact: Derek Neuts, IronGlove Studio LLC, 1 503-501-4645, contact@ironglove.studio, https://www.ironglove.studio

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/south-clackamas-business-resource-center-launches-digital-community-platform-302338692.html

SOURCE Business Resource Center of South Clackamas County

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Tickets to the $1 Billion Mega Millions Draw available this Christmas Eve on Jackpot.com

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One lucky winner could take home game’s seventh billion-dollar prize during Christmas Eve drawing

New Jackpot.com customers can claim a free Mega Millions ticket on their first play with promo code XMAS

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — With Christmas Day just hours away, lottery players across the country are preparing for an extraordinary opportunity to take home Mega Millions’ seventh-largest Jackpot as a winner has not won the grand prize in the last 29 drawings, dating back to September 10th when a Texas resident took home $810 million.

2024 has already been a record-breaking year for the lottery as it hit the ground running with a massive $842.4 million Powerball win on New Year’s Day. Shortly after, a second lucky winner took home a staggering $1.13 billion Mega Millions prize in March, followed by a $1.326 billion Powerball jackpot in April, all of which signify some of the largest prizes ever awarded.

2025 represents a significant year for Mega Millions players, as the game as they know it will undergo a variety of changes come April. The game will feature larger starting jackpots, expedited rollover growth, and better odds. Lottery courier services like Jackpot.com eagerly await these welcome changes, which will not only enhance gameplay, but also elevate player experience(s).

“There’s a lot to like about the upcoming changes to Mega Millions,” said CEO and co-founder of Jackpot.com, Akshay Khanna. “Whether you’re a casual player or avid lottery user, the faster-growing jackpots, improved odds, and built-in multipliers will offer an entirely new feel to the game – hopefully one that encourages new players to get in on the action. That said, we have a one billion-dollar prize just before Christmas and potentially the ultimate present for one lucky winner, a life-changing gift at that.”

While tonight’s drawing occurs on Christmas Eve, the Mega Millions jackpot has been won just once on the “Eve.” Back in 2002, a $68 million jackpot was won in New York, unfortunately going unclaimed.

Currently available in Colorado, Massachusetts, Arkansas, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Arizona, New Jackpot.com customers can get in on the fun this holiday by scoring a free Mega Millions ticket on their first play by using promo code XMAS.

Amid the Mega Millions frenzy, Jackpot.com remains committed to upholding responsible gaming protocols through the integration of modern conveniences and safety guardrails, one of the standout features of digital lottery platforms. Through responsible gaming protections including spend limits, default limits on daily deposits, access to local and national responsible gambling resources, self-exclusion, self-suspension and automated notifications that offer help should problematic behavior arise, Jackpot.com ensures safe and secure transactions and play. The platform is also the only lottery courier service to launch with iCap certification from the National Council on Problem Gambling.

To get started, download the Jackpot.com Lottery App on the iOS or Android App Stores, or visit www.jackpot.com to learn more.

About Jackpot.com

Jackpot.com allows customers to order official state lottery tickets from their mobile phone, tablet, or computer. Currently available in Colorado, Massachusetts, Arkansas, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Texas, Jackpot.com is expanding its safe and secure lottery courier service to additional markets across the US. An Associate Member of the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL), Jackpot.com has invested significantly in responsible gaming safeguards, with default spending limits and other features built in throughout the experience, earning it iCap certification from the National Council on Problem Gaming. To learn more, visit www.jackpot.com or download the iOS or Android app.

Jason Heller
Senior Vice President
212.584.4278| 5WPR.com
3 Park Avenue, Floor 19
New York, NY 10016

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tickets-to-the-1-billion-mega-millions-draw-available-this-christmas-eve-on-jackpotcom-302339022.html

SOURCE Jackpot.com

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