News & Opinion

Joyn’s Platform Utilizes Real-time Data to Simplify and Streamline Underwriting for Small and Middle Market Risks     Commit USA, a global technology and custom software solutions company, and Joyn InsuranceSM, a New York City-based InsurTech startup, today announced a partnership to support the development of Joyn’s new platform, which is slated to launch this year.   Commit was tapped to help with both design and development of the new platform’s user experience. The company’s expert development team has been fully integrated alongside Joyn’s existing engineering team members and partners to ensure seamless collaboration and rapid development throughout the project.   Commit was selected for its comprehensive range of engineering and data capabilities, development expertise and customer-centric approach, which were critical to addressing the unique complexities and usability challenges of developing Joyn’s solution.   “Joyn is bringing big ideas to the insurance industry and is backed by brilliant executives and innovators who have already helped shape the world of InsurTech. It’s exciting to support their vision and be part of this transformation,” said Max Nirenberg, CRO & Managing Director, Commit USA. “Joyn’s platform is truly a best-in-class solution that addresses the biggest pain points experienced by underwriters and brokers in the commercial insurance industry. It’s the future of underwriting for Small and Middle markets.”   Joyn is an innovative, data-centric, technology-driven managing general agent (“MGA”) that provides commercial insurance to the highly fragmented U.S. Small and Middle Markets. Leveraging real-time data, automation and a robust technology stack, the platform can significantly improve the commercial insurance experience, by streamlining and bringing consistency to underwriting processes and decision making. Joyn’s platform can greatly expedite response times for quotes, increase transparency during the underwriting process, and provide a policy at bind.   “This segment of the commercial insurance market is fragmented and rife with inefficiencies, redundancies and lost opportunities for brokers and their clients. Data and technology are the keys to solving these issues,” said Ed McGough, CTO and Co-Founder, Joyn Insurance. “Partnering with an organization like Commit, who have both scale and a startup mindset was an easy decision. We have access to top engineering talent in multiple geographies, without the complexity of managing a global team and operation. Max and his team work seamlessly with Joyn and our existing partners.”   Joyn Insurance was founded by a unique team of insurance executives that are both industry veterans, and technology advocates, including CEO Seraina Macia and CTO Ed McGough. The team at Joyn will work with retail brokers to provide insurance services across a range of industries, including real estate, manufacturing, services, retail, wholesale and contracting.   Integral to Commit operations is its proprietary Flexible R&D methodology, which offers the firm’s multidisciplinary development services via a unique on-demand model. Commit’s approach often reduces development costs by over 40% for its startup clients and has helped 90% release their projects ahead of schedule.   For more information, please visit: https://www.commit.us or https://www.joyninsurance.com/  

US manufacturers lose more than $1.17M each year on average   US manufacturers on average incur losses of around $1,174,000 per year due to production line shutdowns caused by label printing problems, a global study of IT directors in manufacturing organizations has revealed. This is slightly below the global average, with many companies losing more than $1.31M each year.   The study of 300 IT directors globally, including 100 from the US, found that on average more than two-thirds of manufacturers (67%) were having to shut down their production line for more than an hour if there was a problem with label printing, with an additional 21% saying the line had to be shut down for more than 30 minutes. Recovery time was slightly faster but still problematic for US manufacturers, with just over half (51%) experiencing downtimes of 60 minutes or longer.   The study also revealed that manufacturers – both globally and in the US – were having to pause production lines just under six times a year on average due to such problems, with nearly three-quarters (77% globally and 69% in the US) saying their production line had to be paused four times or more in the past year as a consequence of labeling issues.   Ken Moir, VP Marketing, NiceLabel, said: “Any business disruption or shutdown can significantly impact any manufacturer causing loss of revenues and ultimately even putting the business itself in jeopardy. The danger of that being caused by mislabeling becomes a growing concern as labeling becomes a key part of business and supply chain strategy.”   Given the losses they are incurring due to shutdowns, it is unsurprising that 29% of the US survey sample see ‘reducing costs’ and 22% see productivity gains among the main benefits of modernizing/automating their manufacturing processes, including labeling, with technology, while 31% reference ‘eliminating errors’ as a key driver.   As Moir explains: “Ultimately, the risks to production operations extend well beyond full shutdowns. Decentralized labeling for example, also adds risk to production operations. An ERP system is supposed to provide “a single source of truth” to business users. However, at many organizations there are as many versions of the truth as there are labeling locations. That is because in decentralized labeling operations, each facility may not be integrated with ERP and will be creating their own label formats and duplicated product and customer data.   “After all, without centralization,” continues Moir, “manufacturers are generally not integrated to the same source of truth and that creates redundancies of data – making enterprise-wide updates unmanageable and adding significantly to inaccuracies and inconsistencies.”

  Clutch.co has released their latest ranking of the top 15 entertainment Public Relations agencies listing Bob Gold & Associates #5 based on market presence, clients & experience, and professional reviews.   Clutch.co contains genuine client reviews to help communications professionals seek out the perfect match for the professional services they need such as Public Relations, Crisis & Bankruptcy Communications, Digital Marketing, and more.   Bob Gold & Associates offers targeted results-driven outcomes in its contracts and specializes in B2B communications serving multiple verticals including media & entertainment, technology, and marketing & advertising public relations.   To learn more, read our media & entertainment public relations case studies, such as Fathom Events. If you’re in the process of partnering with a new PR firm, give us a second glance and see what makes us unique. Contact us today.  

Backup   Bob Gold & Associates moves up to the 3rd spot in the Clutch.co Top Los Angeles Event Marketers Leaders Matrix. As the country continues to rebuild, we will see a unique blend of face-to-face and virtual events. Our team has over 25 years’ experience planning, implementing and hosting intimate events such as Cocktails and Conversation media events at major trade shows and conferences as well as managing virtual events such as webinars.   To see our PR and marketing results, read our event-related case studies for Cisco (technology), Plume (security) or the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (professional services). "Their work ethic and results were impressive. They also have good media relationships and industry contacts." Mark Goodburn, Director of Product Marketing, Plume For more amazing reviews of the BG&A team, please visit our Clutch.co profile here.  

Purpose-built smart workplace suite to help small businesses accelerate growth, enhance customer and employee experiences, and reopen with confidence   Personalized smart services pioneer Plume®, today announced a major category expansion of its solutions with the launch of WorkPass™ – a first-of-its-kind suite of intelligent services and management tools purpose-built for the needs of Small Business Owners (SBOs). This new solution builds on Plume’s HomePass™ Smart Home Services suite deployed by more than 180 Communications Service Providers (CSPs) across more than 23 million homes globally.   “Our research shows[1] that 42% of SMBs plan to increase spend on WiFi management. Managing and securing the plethora of LAN-attached devices is an important investment driver and two-thirds of businesses expect to connect more devices over the next two years. WiFi is also helping small businesses thrive by enabling new services such as guest analytics, building security and environmental control,” said Camille Mendler, Chief Analyst, Service Provider Enterprise, Omdia.   WorkPass offers a suite of services that help SBOs meet their networking, cybersecurity, guest analytics, business insights, marketing & advertising, and employee management needs unified under a common app and web portal, without the need for costly IT infrastructure or multiple point solutions. This easy, do-it-yourself, and self-install approach with the most comprehensive set of services for SBOs is unique to WorkPass. Purpose-built from the ground up for the specific needs of SBOs, services such as Concierge™ provide guest analytics to generate actionable insights while Keycard™ helps managers understand employee behavior in order to improve workplace safety and engagement. All of this is easily installed and managed through the WorkPass mobile app. WorkPass also works seamlessly with Plume’s suite of data-rich and cloud-delivered back-end support, operations, analytics, and marketing tools that Plume provides to CSPs today.   “The specific needs of small businesses have been ignored for way too long – CSPs have been trying to serve Main Street either through residential offerings, or through enterprise campus focused systems, both of which are square pegs in round holes,” said Fahri Diner, Co-founder & CEO, Plume. “Until now there was no purpose-built solution that provided rich data-driven tools and analytics for SBOs and the CSPs who serve them, and one that can be installed, managed , and operated without an ‘IT guy’. Our goal with WorkPass is to bring new services to enable always-on managed connectivity, massively increased productivity, unprecedented security, and insightful marketing accessed right from a single pane of glass by the SBO.”   WorkPass is immediately available to CSPs in all of Plume’s markets globally and available direct-to-small businesses via Plume.com/workpass in the U.S.   “We are delighted that Plume is bringing its massively scalable cloud platform and AI know-how into the small business sector,” said Jeff Ross, President, Armstrong. WorkPass provides a suite of modern services – including adaptive WiFi, cybersecurity, real-time data insights and LTE back-up – all designed to address the unique operational needs of a small business owner. As an existing Plume customer, this new solution integrates seamlessly into our established systems, and immediately expands our portfolio to bring new revenue and service opportunities.”   WorkPass offers services that are catered to the unique and very specific needs of small business owners that manage their own IT environment and is designed to deliver amazing experiences for all network users and be effortlessly managed from the WorkPass app:   Seamless, uninterrupted connectivity: WorkPass includes adaptive WiFi that blankets every corner of your business premises with perfect internet coverage. What’s more, Plume’s unique AI-driven algorithms continuously optimize performance for every device and application.   Control networks from anywhere: WorkPass offers SBOs control over their networks, enabling them to easily manage guest networks, security settings, device access, and more right from their smartphones. App-based controls let owners monitor the network or troubleshoot wherever they are.   Real-time insights to help small businesses thrive: WorkPass offers small businesses actionable insights into customer behavior that can drive sales and build loyalty. Concierge turns guest analytics, such as visit frequency, data usage, or length of stay, into opportunities for expanded touchpoints. Flow™ uses revolutionary WiFi sensing technology to offer real-time presence detection providing insights into traffic movement throughout your business, translating to more effective merchandising, staffing optimization, and layout decisions.   AI security to protect small businesses from new threats: Cybercrime is constantly evolving, and small businesses need secure networks that stay one step ahead. WorkPass leverages AI to ensure data, smart devices and business are always safe. Multiple access zones ensure back-end systems, employees, and customers have the access and security that’s perfect for them. Flow alerts owners if motion is detected during closed hours.   Best-in-class hardware: WorkPass leverages Plume’s iconically designed and performance-defining SuperPod™ WiFi access points, available in Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 ac) and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 ax) wall pluggable options, as well as desktop and ceiling mounted configurations with integrated LTE-backup. The open-source OpenSync™ silicon-to-cloud framework brings additional hardware choice, and enables services to be deployed rapidly and at scale across all business subscribers. Seamless LTE back-up options and service means small businesses will never lose connectivity during fixed-line outages. Plume’s cloud-based platform self-updates and scales seamlessly with your business.   “As a fully integrated service provider it is imperative that we provide both consumers and small businesses with modern digital subscriber experiences,” said Christy Batts, Broadband Division Director, CDE Lightband. “WorkPass renders connectivity & IT infrastructure worries a thing-of-the-past bringing SBOs a huge boost as they rebuild post-pandemic and unite the communities they serve. We intend to capitalize on this cloud-based technology that enables small and independent businesses, to modernize through a personalized solution that rivals big business.”   As part of Plume’s goal of helping small business owners and their communities after a challenging period during the pandemic, Plume will provide, for free, up to three SuperPods for all new WorkPass memberships acquired via Plume.com/workpass through September 30, 2021.   Click here to learn more about WorkPass.   [1] Source: Digital SoHo and SME Insights Survey, Omdia, 2020   SOURCE Plume Design, Inc. Related Links http://www.plume.com

  Bob Gold & Associates has been ranked #4 by Clutch in their Top Online Reputation Management Companies Leaders Matrix for our expertise in reputation management, social media monitoring, investor relations, content creation, and crisis communications.   Clutch collects client feedback and analyzes industry data, helping businesses select partners to tackle todays’ business challenges. We invite you to read Bob Gold & Associates unbiased reviews and for the latest news, data and advice for businesses view the Clutch blog.   “We can always count on this team to exceed expectations.” David Solomon, President & CEO, Viamedia If you want to work with an award-winning agency, contact us to start the conversation.  

ARE YOU READY FOR A NEW ROARING TWENTIES? The U.S. economy has been pumped up with more than $4 billion from the Feds. That’s a lot of new cash for businesses and consumers to tap into along with support from a whole lot of new technologies. As we inch out of the pandemic, the one thing we know is everything we’ve done to grow before is gonna be different. And successful companies will adapt and evolve at an incredibly faster pace.   What are you doing to grow your business in 2021 in this newest normal? Are you ready with a communications plan that will drive your growth? Have you committed budgets today to building a promising future? Everything is immediate. Patience was so last century. If you haven’t aligned with a PR pro who is in touch with fast changing trends and today’s evolving marketplace, with immediate access to reporters and platforms to elevate your story, perhaps it’s time to do so.   As we hurried to adapt to the crisis spawned by the pandemic, powerful technologies including IoT, Cloud and AI enabled companies to survive and thrive. These technologies accelerated the usage of mRNA technology for creating COVID vaccines. And the same technologies have created an entirely new ecosystem in entertainment creation and delivery to a rethinking of the very definition of work in today’s gig economy. And these same technologies and new work habits are rapidly changing all public relations and marketing tactics and campaigns.   In short, CEO confidence around the country is at a 17-year high. Things are aligning in a surprising way to tell us, this is not the time to hold onto cash; but invest it to build bigger, better businesses that can thrive in a the new roaring 20s.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting the female members of the Bob Gold & Associates team. For the week 3 Q&A, we’re featuring Amy Prenner. Consumer and Entertainment Strategist Amy Prenner shares the secret to her success amid the last 12 months and how to keep clients relevant during Covid-19.   The pandemic literally turned every industry upside down. As a PR professional, how did you pivot your efforts? I remember everyone literally in shock and wasn’t sure how to be effective without being together. We were all more concerned about toilet paper and water than the pandemic that would spread throughout the world.   As businesses and clients shifted from their offices to their homes and cell phones, we all began to quickly adapt in a way that has made our business streamlined and even more effective.   Thankfully there are many tools from FaceTime to Zoom to WebEx to Skype that ensure facetime with clients and staff and have helped to keep communications fluid and consistent. Because we aren’t in our cars driving to and from work and events, there have been other benefits, no traffic, no money on gas and no commuting. We have all become much more efficient and effective working from home while tending to our clients that need our expertise.   How do the clients feel as a result of these changes? They love that when we secure TV interviews they can just Zoom or Skype in and don’t have to leave their living room. Securing media relations for Covid-19 related clients has been something that benefits our clients but also helps the media with their coverage. We also notice that we have been able to spend even more one-on-one time with our clients because we are in a more relaxed environment where we can offer media strategies and suggestions that they can absorb and practice so that they are successful in their respective campaigns.   What advice would you give to someone who is looking at a career in PR? Many years ago I used to tell people to go to a newsstand and see where you gravitate. You can do the same thing with a news aggregator like Apple News. If you see what you like whether its fashion, celebrity, home and design, food, politics, etc, you will be able to see where your interests lie. Be open to everything and anything. Read as much as you can. Learn the basics of social media and make sure its something you actually enjoy. If you love what you do in any career you will be a success and its easier to work in an industry you have passion for.   Be sure to read our Women’s History Month Q&A with VP, Beth Braen, from Week 1, Director of Marketing, Roxanne Leone from Week 2 and Associate Account Executive Anabela Savulescu from Week 3.

When COVID-19 hit last year, like many of us Bob Gold was terrified. Amid the disruption of the pandemic shutdown, Bob sought a way to connect with and reassure friends, family and associates that they were invaluable to him amidst the separation, isolation, and growing uncertainty. So began a little project known as Words to Lift By. Partnering with a young poet in Ashville North Carolina, Ryan Ashley, Bob would describe the incredible folks in his life and Ryan would create and type out a poem on his 100 year old Smith Corona. Then send the poem via snail mail to the person who was honored.   Ryan and Bob also created videos where Bob explained why each person was so amazing and shared more broadly the specialness of each recipient to him. The irony is, after sending nearly 90 poems out, Bob came down with an almost fatal case of COVID-19. In time for the the anniversary of this fight to reconfirm our humanity, Ryan and Bob have created a book with a collection of many of the poems and called it, yes "Words to Lift By."   Take a moment to explore this volume and savor the power of uplifting words. You can purchase this and other books by Bob on Amazon. The paperback is just $9.99 and the electronic version is just $2.99. And be sure to check out many of the original "Words to Lift By" videos.