FirstCarbon Solutions (FCS), an ADEC Innovations company, recently announced its latest on-call client in the State of California. With the addition of Santa Cruz County's Paleontology for Mitigation Services list, FCS marks 119 on-call contracts with 102 local agencies within the state that have validated FCS as a pre-approved vendor. 

FCS is recognized as a leading provider of environmental, sustainability, and compliance solutions, delivering fully integrated consulting, software, and data management services. With six offices throughout Northern and Southern California and 12 across the United States, FCS provides excellent localized service, accurate research, thoughtful recommendations, and innovative solutions for the mutual success of their clients and their practice.

"We take pride in assisting cities and counties in achieving the delicate — and sometimes elusive — balance between development and environmental protection," said Mary Bean, Director, Professional Services at FCS. "Our teams have an exceptional reputation for their professionalism and knowledge in the law and practice of CEQA and NEPA, helping clients transform risk into positive impact and value."

With more than 39 years of experience, FCS staff's expertise spans CEQA/NEPA Compliance, Program Management and Construction Monitoring, Environmental Services and Regulatory Compliance, Natural and Cultural Resources Management, Noise and Air Quality/GHG Management, Entitlements and Permitting, and Visual Analysis Services. 

On-call partnerships are an excellent opportunity for municipalities to bring FCS's guidance and support within their reach on an as-needed basis. Whether seeking compliance with a single environmental requirement or addressing a complex regulatory issue, FCS experts are committed to the highest levels of performance with every on-call client.

While the on-call approval process varies by agency, requirements typically include demonstrated knowledge and experience with the agency's services, in addition to familiarity with state and federal laws and regulations. Additional requirements include the ability to establish an appropriate and cost-efficient method of approach in preparing and delivering environmental documents necessary to ensure a quality product is prepared on time and within budget.

After adding 15 contracts since the beginning of 2022, FCS continues to partner and grow relationships with cities and counties across the state. 

About FirstCarbon Solutions

With more than 39 years of experience, FirstCarbon Solutions (FCS) is a leading provider of environmental, sustainability, and compliance solutions, delivering fully integrated consulting, software, and data management services. With six offices throughout Northern and Southern California and 12 across the U.S., FCS provides excellent localized service, accurate research, thoughtful recommendations, and innovative solutions for the mutual success of their clients and their practice, assisting cities and counties in achieving the delicate — and sometimes elusive — balance between development and environmental protection. For more information, visit www.firstcarbonsolutions.com.

About ADEC Innovations

ADEC Innovations designs, develops, and delivers innovative solutions and services in ESG, knowledge management, healthcare, and sustainable development. Since 1996, ADEC Innovations has provided insights, optimized operational efficiencies, and empowered leaders to make positive-impact business decisions. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, with a network of nearly 5,000 employees across 19 countries and six continents, ADEC Innovations works with governments, coalitions, and businesses to help organizations meet their evolving needs and drive performance. For more information, visit www.adec-innovations.com.

Please direct all media inquiries to [email protected].

P23 Health offers a full suite of products designed to give pet owners the tools they need to better understand their pets' health and how to improve it:

• Canine influenza testing kit to diagnose and identify strains of the virus, which is still relatively new and vaccination is not widespread, so most dogs are susceptible to infection.
• Nutrition testing solution to tailor a scientifically backed nutrition, medication, or physical activity plan designed to improve the health and lives of pets.
• DNA testing to learn about the diseases a pet may already have or can potentially develop, as well as what they are likely to pass down if they're bred from. 
• Pet healthcare advisory to find customized solutions based on a pet's individual needs to give the best friends their best life.

"With pawMD products, we endeavor to provide a truly personalized pet healthcare experience. Our solution is simple: we're focused on developing scientifically backed pet healthcare solutions to improve the health and lives of your pets," said Dr. Tiffany Montgomery, a Founder and CEO of P23. 

pawMD allows getting meaningful insights with minor efforts:

• Get a testing kit delivered to the recipient's door. 
• Collect sample and send to the lab with a postage-paid return box
• Get results within 24-72 hours via a secure online portal. 

Learn more at:  https://www.p23health.com/pets 

LOKLIK, a new rising star in the handicraft industry, has initiated its first beginner-friendly product, LOKLIK Crafter, on one of the biggest global crowdfunding stages, INDIEGOGO. After the machine's market debut in Metaverse, its special series, LOKLIK Crafter Macaron - Romance, Grace, Breeze, Charming - has also drawn many craft enthusiasts' attention.

Meanwhile, owned by the same tech group, LOKLIK and HTVRONT, the leading brand of DIY materials and machines worldwide, will soon make their first appearance at the impending CES, the most influential tech event in the world, along with their hit products from Jan. 5-8 in Las Vegas, U.S. The booth is Accessories 54969 in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Consumer Electronic Show (CES), founded in 1967, has 56 years of history and is where the world's biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, CES features every aspect of the tech sector and is considered the weathervane of global product development and electronic technology.

At CES 2023, there will be tons of the top brands worldwide in diverse industries on show, including some Fortune 500 companies, Canon, Microsoft, Nikon,  Sony, Netflix, TikTok, etc.

LOKLIK and HTVRONT will exhibit their core products at this significant tech event, from advanced machines like LOKLIK Crafter (regular ones and Macaron series), HTVRONT Auto Heat Press, Easy Heat Press, and Mini Heat Press, to the most popular materials, including Heat Transfer Vinyl, Adhesive Vinyl, and Sublimation Paper.

LOKLIK Crafter is a remarkable cutting machine designed for crafting beginners to work with all kinds of vinyl and paper more easily. The Crafter has multiple functions: cut and draw. With its fast and accurate cut in even intricate patterns, users can achieve more than they ever thought possible.

Supported by its attached software, LoklikIdeaStudio, and digital content base, LOKLIK Workshop, LOKLIK Crafter can continue working under poor internet connection and achieve multi-device working mode, allowing crafters to demonstrate their creativity freely.

Its ace crafting machines are HTVRONT Mini Heat Press, Easy Heat Press, and Auto Heat Press. They all have consistently been rated highly on several major international e-commerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Wish. Meanwhile, HTVRONT Auto Heat Press ranks among the best seller and has earned a patent. 

HTVRONT Auto Heat Press is an intelligent heat press machine operating with only one click. The smart machine provides ease and speed without exhausting manual work and complex assembles. In addition, whenever the device is not being used for 10 minutes, it automatically shuts down to prevent overheating hazards.

For more information, please visit: https://www.loklik.com or https://www.htvront.com.
 
For regular updates on LOKLIK and HTVRONT, follow us on:
 
Facebook: @htvront     @loklikofficial
Instagram: @htvront    @loklikofficial

Northwestern Mutual: Over the past two years, employee burnout has become a major concern for many companies. In response, some employers are reframing leave policies to accommodate career breaks called sabbaticals. Unlike vacation time, sabbaticals can be months long and may be paid or unpaid depending on the company. Employees take sabbaticals for many reasons ranging from avoiding burnout to simply wanting to pursue passion projects. 

For anyone considering a sabbatical, here are four factors to meditate on:

What is the organization's sabbatical policy?

Before making decisions about sabbaticals, employees will want to find out what their company's stance on long breaks is. Some companies and institutions offer a sabbatical after a certain number of years and are usually transparent about the leave policy. Employees who are unsure may want to check with human resources and browse the employee handbook or leave policy document, especially any information pertaining to "career breaks," "sabbaticals" or "long-term leave."

Employees will also want to find out whether their company offers fully or partially paid sabbaticals. Depending on the answer, this can mean significantly altered financial circumstances. 

Does the team have a replacement on hand?

Before talking to their manager about taking time off, employees should do a quick evaluation of their team and tasks. Is there someone on the team who will be able to take over the workload? Will a replacement need to be hired? Will a temporary departure leave the team short-staffed? These are the factors management will need to contend with before approving a sabbatical. Since an extended break can be planned well in advance, it makes sense for anyone considering leave to lay the groundwork by ensuring that team members are prepared appropriately beforehand.

What about insurance coverage?

A sabbatical may affect the insurance benefits that employees receive from their employers. In many cases, employees on sabbatical can retain coverage as long as they continue to pay their portion of the premium. Individuals with a lapse in coverage will likely want to arrange for health coverage as well as other benefits like life insurance. Employees looking for permanent coverage may want to take the opportunity to consider universal life insurance or whole life insurance, depending on their needs. 

What is the purpose of the sabbatical?

At first, the answer seems obvious — rest and relaxation are the goals. But since sabbaticals can be long, it's important to have a game plan for this period of life. Some people decide to travel or do volunteer work. Others may simply want to spend time with family or may handle caregiving responsibilities. Employees may consider using some of their time to upskill. Management may be more interested in individuals who use their time to improve their utility to the company. Industry experts sometimes use sabbaticals to write books while early to mid-career professionals may take up a diploma or certificate course. This doesn't mean that a company will only approve sabbaticals that benefit the organization, but it does help employees demonstrate a commitment to the organization as well as to their personal development. 

At the end of the day, a sabbatical can help employees recharge and rediscover their passion for the job. But like any other major career decision, it requires careful thought and planning. It can be a good idea to start preparing — financially and professionally — for a sabbatical about three to six months in advance. This can ensure peace of mind that work continues smoothly in the employee's absence. It can also allow the employee to return to work reinvigorated, and to a well-functioning team.

Over 36 million Americans don't have a computer at home, which limits their access to education, healthcare, and other resources. Digitunity, a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing digital equity through device ownership, has launched a YouTube series, "Pressing On: In Pursuit of Digital Equity", that spotlights those affected by the digital divide and explores possible solutions.

Digitunity connects donations of computers with people who need them through a nationwide network of community partners. The organization's research and nearly four decades of experience show that the digital divide disproportionately affects lower-income individuals, older adults, rural communities, veterans, and military families. 

"We're presenting stories from across America of students trying to succeed in school, workers training for better jobs, patients connecting with their doctors, and the organizations working to get these individuals what they need," said Scot Henley, Digitunity's executive director. "Digitunity's mission is to narrow the digital divide." 

In collaboration with its cornerstone partners, including Alliant Credit Union, AVID Products, Onepak, and CompTIA, Digitunity plans to release a new "Pressing On" video on its YouTube channel every Sunday evening through early 2023. In the opening video, Dennis Devine, president and CEO of Alliant Credit Union, outlines the "Corporate Benefits of Partnering with Digitunity."

Alliant is a not-for-profit financial cooperative and one of the nation's largest credit unions. It was the first partner to sign Digitunity's Corporate Pledge to End the Digital Divide. Devine notes that, this past year, more bank branches have closed in the U.S. than ever in the history of banking. This is why it is critical for everyone to have digital access to financial information. 

"As a digital financial institution, we approach bridging the digital divide as a unique opportunity and make it part of our mission," he says. "We understand the importance of equitable digital access, and therefore, we have committed our resources and our team's talents to digital equity. Alliant also has a Foundation with the mission to enhance the communities we serve and support our digital equity efforts."

Digitunity's "Pressing On" series covers topics including:

• Digital Inclusion & Equity
• Digital Literacy 
• Workforce Development
• Computer Access for People with Disabilities
• Upward Mobility for Youth
• Technology Access, Health, & Wellness for Older Adults
• The Impact of Digital Inequity on Veterans

Since Digitunity's inception, hundreds of thousands of people have benefitted from its efforts. Its perspective has been shaped by decades of experience creating local impact through the benefit of a national lens. As an independent, national nonprofit focused on advancing digital equity through device ownership, Digitunity is unique in the digital inclusion landscape. 

Having a connected computer and the skills to use it productively is a fundamental need. The issue of the digital divide persists across all boundaries. Digitunity remains committed to eliminating the technology gap so everyone can thrive in our digitally connected society. To learn more, please visit www.digitunity.org.

About Digitunity
Since the 1980s, Digitunity has advanced digital inclusion by connecting donors of technology with organizations serving people in need. Our mission is to ensure everyone who needs a computer has one, along with robust internet connectivity and digital literacy skills. To learn more about our mission, visit www.digitunity.org.

National Mentoring Month logo

January is National Mentoring Month, a time for Americans to celebrate the power of relationships, drive meaningful change, and expand quality mentoring opportunities for the nation's youth.

One in three young people are growing up in the U.S. without a mentor, and over the past few years, this gap has persisted as the nation is building back after COVID-19. Without mentors in their lives, the unprecedented challenges young people experience — including a national emergency in children's mental health — are only exacerbated. It is the responsibility of adults to respond with urgency and become a mentor. 

MENTOR Chief Impact Officer Tim Wills says, "As we build back from a pandemic that disconnected so many of our young people from important relationships in schools and their communities, we have a keen awareness of the power of mentoring to help youth form identities, feel seen and heard, and forge their own paths to success. National Mentoring Month is our call to action for caring adults in our nation to step up and become a mentor to ensure every young person has someone they can call on." 

MENTOR's research shows that when young people have a mentor, they are 75% more likely to say they held a leadership position in a club or sports team and 92% more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities. Adults who were mentored as youths are more than twice as likely to serve as mentors themselves because they know the power of these relationships. 

This National Mentoring Month, MENTOR and the mentoring movement are encouraging adults to volunteer as mentors. To find a local program,  go to the Mentoring Connector, the only national database of mentoring programs. Take action and join the growing mentoring movement today.

ABOUT MENTOR

MENTOR is the unifying champion for expanding the quality and quantity of mentoring relationships across the United States. 30 years ago, MENTOR was created to expand opportunities for young people by building a youth mentoring field and movement. The result: a more than 10-fold increase in young people in structured mentoring relationships. Today, MENTOR is the expert voice representing a movement that meets young people everywhere they are — from schools to workplaces and beyond. MENTOR operates in collaboration with 24 local Affiliates across the country, with more in development. For more information, visit mentoring.org.

Travel Expert Rachel Rudwall Offers Tips for Plan For Vacation Day
Start the New Year off with Travel Advice from Rachel Rudwall on Plan For Vacation Day

Each year, National Plan for Vacation Day is recognized in January. It provides a timely reminder that it is important to get a head start on scheduling that dream vacation to guarantee great adventures. Travel expert and award-winning TV host Rachel Rudwall provides suggestions for planning the next family trip.  

SAVING ON ACCOMMODATIONS

For those looking to plan a budget-friendly trip this winter, do not let costs get in the way of getting to the slopes. Book at one of Motel 6's nearly 280 properties nearby ski resorts and take advantage of a 10% discount on Indy Pass lift tickets through the My6 discount with code MOTEL6INDY23. For budget-friendly tips and to become a My6 Rewards member at no cost, visit motel6.com where kids and pets stay free!

STAY CONNECTED & PROTECTED

Most people cannot go anywhere without a smartphone. It has everything including GPS, phone, camera, contacts and often tickets and reservations, which is why Rachel never goes on the road without OtterBox. Get ready for travels with cases and power products from OtterBox. They have a case to keep everyone in the family protected and charged up with a full line of power products. Find all of these cases and more at Verizon.com or your local Verizon store.

PREPARE FOR UNEXPECTED TRAVEL PROBLEMS

When planning travel, unexpected events can happen, that is why it is important to have travel insurance. Allianz Travel Insurance can give the peace of mind to fully enjoy and protect trips from unexpected cancellations, delays and more. Buying travel insurance is the best way to protect a travel investment and be reimbursed for covered cancellations, significant travel delays, baggage issues and even medical emergencies. Look for Allianz Travel Insurance when booking with most major airlines, hotels, cruise lines and travel agents. For more information, visit www.allianztravelinsurance.com

WARM UP THIS WINTER

With warm sunshine and a Boricua spirit that cannot be matched, Puerto Rico is the perfect destination for that next vacation and it is quick and easy to reach. The daily sunshine and a Boricua spirit make it the perfect destination for a winter trip. There are about 80 daily nonstop flights from 23 U.S. markets to Puerto Rico, which makes it easy to enjoy the many unique adventures. Also, since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, U.S. citizens do not need a passport to reach this paradise destination. For more information, visit www.DiscoverPuertoRico.com.

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