News & Opinion

NEC X, the Silicon Valley-based innovation accelerator and venture studio backed by global IT leader NEC, today announced a new investment in Multitude Insights, the provider of a transformative AI-powered solution enabling greater collaboration and faster case resolution for law enforcement agencies and first responders.   In addition, Multitude Insights has joined NEC X’s Elev X! Boost program, which empowers ambitious startups on the brink of significant scaling with a unique and customizable blend of capital, strategic partnerships, and integrations with NEC’s expansive tech ecosystem.   “Matthew White and Akihiko Izu bring unique expertise into governmental and public sectors, leveraging their diverse backgrounds in military and legal fields,” said Shintaro Matsumoto, President and CEO of NEC X. “Their deep understanding of the intricacies of law enforcement and public safety, combined with NEC’s technological strengths, positions us to drive significant and meaningful innovation together. We’re fully committed to supporting their success.”   "Our collaboration with NEC X is more than just an investment; it’s a robust partnership and unique opportunity to leverage leading tech innovation and resources to enhance public safety,” said Matthew White, Co-founder and CEO of Multitude Insights. "We look forward to a productive and enduring partnership with NEC as we continue to grow."   Founded by MIT and Harvard alumni, Matthew White, a former Naval officer and ethics leader, and Akihiko Izu, an experienced Japanese lawyer and human rights advocate, Multitude Insights has developed the Bulletin (BLTN) platform, which utilizes AI and natural language processing (NLP) to intelligently monitor and analyze data across jurisdictions in real-time. This enables law enforcement agencies to effortlessly share information and collaborate through a unified intelligence network from anywhere in the United States. The platform addresses the critical – and time sensitive – challenges of information sharing and fragmented data that U.S. police departments face by facilitating the search and analysis of related crimes and enabling seamless communication across agencies after completing the necessary procedures.   The use of BLTN results in more accurate information, improved collaboration, and more efficient and successful case resolutions.   "Joining Elev X! Boost and collaborating with NEC is an ideal opportunity for any tech startup ready to scale, especially with their strength and proven success in the public safety sector," said Akihiko Izu, Co-founder and COO of Multitude Insights. "NEC's invaluable expertise will significantly enhance our efforts as we jointly strive to advance innovation for the improvement of community safety."   “We are delighted to welcome Multitude Insights into NEC X's portfolio. Their pioneering approach to solving the complex issue of fragmented data in law enforcement perfectly complements NEC’s commitment to social value, creative vision, and technological prowess,” said Eugene Le Roux, SVP, Digital Government, NEC Corporation of America. “BLTN has the potential to revolutionize not only local police departments, but also law enforcement on a global scale.”   To learn more about the Elev X! Program, please visit: https://elev-x.com.   NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation. All rights reserved. Other product or service marks mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners. ©2024 NEC Corporation.   ***   About NEC X NEC X, Inc. is more than just an incubator, accelerator or venture studio; it’s an innovation powerhouse backed by the global technology leadership of NEC. With nearly 125 years of IT and network technologies expertise, NEC X turns visionary ideas into commercial successes that revolutionize how we work and live.   Located within the vibrant Silicon Valley ecosystem, NEC X’s programs – Elev X! Ignite and Elev X! Boost – equip early-stage startup founders with the tools to fast-track their tech development and adoption. The organization fuels startup success from inception to launch, offering unparalleled access to over 45,000 patents, 1,000 mentors and seasoned advisors, a network of industry partners, reach into 55+ international markets, and an $8 billion R&D ecosystem. Since its inception in 2018, NEC X has helped launch and grow more than 100 startups.   For more information, visit https://nec-x.com and https://www.elev-x.com.   About NEC Corporation NEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential.   For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.

ShowSeeker Elevates Leadership Team with Distinguished Expert in Sales and Media Operations, Boasting Over Three Decades of Experience with Industry Leaders Including Cox Media and Altice USA   ShowSeeker, a global organization and creator of the US advertising industry’s fastest-growing, cloud-based order management system, recently announced the promotion of Jeff Blaszak to Senior Vice President of Business Operations and Strategy, effective immediately.   In his new role, Blaszak will spearhead ShowSeeker’s expanding sales and marketing efforts to establish the company as the industry benchmark for unified order management across multiscreen platforms. His leadership will enhance operational effectiveness and maintain strategic partnerships, driving ShowSeeker’s business strategy forward in the competitive AdTech landscape.   “I am deeply honored to step into this role and continue my journey with ShowSeeker, a company at the forefront of revolutionizing the advertising industry,” said Jeff Blaszak, Senior Vice President of Business Operations and Strategy at ShowSeeker. “Having been intimately involved in the evolution of our platforms, I am confident in leading our talented team as we enhance our advertising solutions and streamline business operations. ShowSeeker sets the pace for the industry, ensuring our clients receive unparalleled service and innovative tools that drive their success.”   Blaszak joined ShowSeeker in 2020 as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. He brought a wealth of experience from his previous roles at a4 Media and Altice USA, where he led significant operational and strategic initiatives. His career in media operations began in 1992 at TCA Cable/CableTime, marking over three decades of industry leadership.   “Jeff’s deep industry knowledge and forward-thinking approach are invaluable as we aim to set new standards in advertising technology and deliver unparalleled value to our client, said Dave Hardy, CEO of ShowSeeker. “This expertise and strategic vision have been pivotal in driving our growth and strengthening partnerships across the industry.”   A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Blaszak holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting and a Master of Arts degree in Mass Communication from Stephen F. Austin State University.   This announcement continues a period of significant momentum for ShowSeeker, with Joni Claerbout recently joining as Vice President of Sales and Client Engagement and Spectrum Reach fully adopting Pilot®, ShowSeeker’s end-to-end cloud-based order management system, across its entire advertising sales footprint. This adoption has led to the generation of more than 290,000 orders for its local, regional, and national clients, a testament to the effectiveness and value of our solutions.   About ShowSeeker ShowSeeker streamlines the buying and planning process for the ad sales industry with an easy-to-use, cloud-based platform that facilitates every step from proposal generation to campaign performance tracking. ShowSeeker’s robust AdTech tools help optimize and better monetize ad sales by automating tasks, reducing manual workloads, and increasing operational efficiencies. Integrated data insights ensure ad buys are targeted, effective, and highly customizable, all to ultimately drive better ROI for buyers and sellers alike. Since its founding in 2003, ShowSeeker has grown into a global organization and has become the fastest-growing provider of media planning and workflow solutions for the advertising industry in the US. For more information, visit www.showseeker.com.

 Seven New Startups Chosen for Their Transformative Potential in AI, Public Safety, Marketing and Healthcare   NEC X, the Silicon Valley-based innovation accelerator and venture studio backed by global IT leader NEC, today unveiled the standout startups selected to join Elev X! Ignite cohort Batch 11. The seven new startups were handpicked from more than 250 qualified applicants for their potential to disrupt and lead in emerging technologies, such as AI, public safety, marketing, healthcare and more.   Since 2018, NEC X has helped launch and grow more than 100 startups.   Elev X! Ignite goes far beyond the conventional venture studio model, providing a unique blend of collaboration, funding, engineering expertise, extensive R&D resources and comprehensive support services. The customized program fast-tracks entrepreneurs in the ideation and prototyping phase, preparing to scale their innovative technologies across global markets.   “Our record-breaking pool of applicants is a testament to the unique value we provide, transforming visionary ideas into market-ready innovations through a one-of-a-kind, collaborative journey,” said Shintaro Matsumoto, President and CEO of NEC X. “Many incredible ideas were submitted, but our chosen companies truly stand out for their outstanding teams, social impact and potential to synergize with NEC's vast resources.”   Elev X! Ignite Batch 11 includes:   AI VOBIS – transformative startup for digital health and medical AI Barricade AI – multimodal generative AI to help first responders cut reporting time and spend more time in the field Jump AI – AI-powered integration platform delivers custom SaaS-to-SaaS integrations on-demand to seed/Series A startups, enabling them to rapidly connect tools for prospects, with usage-based pricing and automated maintenance reducing integration overhead Metapyxl – elevating digital rights management by empowering creators and businesses to secure content, embed links for direct purchases in images, and leverage analytics for superior engagement and reach OwlVision – AI/ML-driven co-pilot using machine vision to enhance situational awareness, reduce collision risk and mitigate the effects of understaffed aviation infrastructure ai – customizable, deep AI intelligence to automate recruitment and find ideal candidates faster UpendNow Inc. – SaaS platform that optimizes the pre-production workflow of high-end videos and films by automating ideation and strategy, using the power of generative AI   Elev X! members gain access to NEC X’s dynamic ecosystem of startup resources and services. This includes funding to grow, hands-on support and mentorship, integrations with advanced technologies, exclusive workshops, skill development, strategic collaborations and much more.   This vital combination of guidance, support, tools and resources uniquely enables startups to develop a compelling Minimum Viable Product (MVP), validate Proof-of-Concept (POC), engage paying customers, secure seed funding and thrive in today’s competitive startup landscape.   NEC X has experienced tremendous growth since launching in 2018, including a 72% increase in applications since Elev X! Ignite cohort Batch 10.   Past graduates of Elev X! include Metabob, eCommerceInsights.ai (Indellia), Beagle Technology, NavigateIO, Flyhound, Qualitative Intelligence and WeWalk. For more information about Elev X! Programs, click here.   About NEC X NEC X, Inc. is more than just an incubator, accelerator or venture studio; it’s an innovation powerhouse backed by the global technology leadership of NEC. With over 125 years of IT and network technologies expertise, NEC X turns visionary ideas into commercial successes that revolutionize how we work and live.   Located within the vibrant Silicon Valley ecosystem, NEC X’s programs – Elev X! Ignite and Elev X! Boost – equip early-stage- startup founders with the tools to fast-track their tech development and adoption. The organization fuels startup success from inception to launch, offering unparalleled access to over 45,000 patents, 1,000 mentors and seasoned advisors, a network of industry partners, reach into 55+ international markets, and an $8 billion R&D ecosystem. Since its inception in 2018, NEC X has helped launch and grow more than 100 startups.     For more information, visit https://nec-x.com and https://www.elev-x.com.   About NEC Corporation NEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential.   For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.  

Top Tier Authentics (TTA), transforming how brands, athletes and artists authenticate products and create new consumer experiences, has unveiled its inaugural advisory board. The board comprises world-class athletes and visionary business executives behind leading companies, major deals and breakthrough innovations in sports, gaming, entertainment and emerging tech.   TTA developed the world’s first Experiential Authenticity Platform, enabling instant verification of products, artworks, and collectibles, along with immersive digital experiences, exclusive benefits, and interactive features. Since its inception in May 2023, TTA has already collaborated with top artists, brands and athletes, including the 2023 NCAA national championship University of Michigan Wolverines team, University of Georgia Bulldogs, University of Tennessee Volunteers, undefeated UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and viral golf artist Coach Rusty.   The board will help TTA further expand its platform into new markets, with members including: Grayson Allen is an investor and advisor for TTA and an NBA star currently playing as the starting shooting guard for the Phoenix Suns. He ranks as one of the best players for Duke University’s Blue Devils and was key to the team’s 2015 championship win.  Patrick Dwyer, with over 30 years’ experience, has been honored as a top financial advisor by Forbes, Barron’s and the Financial Times. He’s served as the Managing Director for the Silicon Valley Bank and is Managing Director of NewEdge Wealth.  Timothy Enneking boasts 30 years in finance and operations management, with extensive startup and M&A experience, completing over 70 transactions totaling $20B. He is Managing Partner, Psalion; CIO, Mana Companies Asset Mgt; CEO, Presearch; and Managing Director, Digital Capital Mgt. Darren Glover is a marketing and brand-building innovator working with professional athletes, Fortune 500 consumer brands, live streaming platforms, gaming publishers, and gaming content creators. He is an investor and advisor for TTA and VP of gaming at VaynerSports, where his clients include pro-gamers Bugha, Clix and Brycent.  Chris Ko brings decades of experience in the interactive entertainment sector, including serving as the VP and General Manager of EA Sports Mobile and EA Racing Mobile. He also successfully ran the development and growth of several F2P gaming companies. Mark Lieberman, an experienced media and tech operations expert, has acted as Assistant Secretary of Technology at the US Commerce Department under George H.W. Bush, and led companies like Viamedia, Placemedia, Rightster and TRA, Inc. He holds leadership and advisory roles at Recurrent Ventures and Blackstone. Greg Selkoe is an American Entrepreneur who founded the e-commerce and retail company Karmaloop and served as PreZident of FaZe Clan. He is an alum of Y Combinator, one of the world’s most respected and competitive startup incubators and serves as CEO and Co-Founder of XSET. Shmuel Farhi founded Farhi Holdings Corporation, one of Ontario, Canada’s most influential real estate development firms. His innovative approach has transformed millions of square feet into thriving commercial, residential, and hospitality spaces.   Board of Advisor Quotes:   Grayson Allen: “Top Tier Authentics offers athletes a powerful way to connect with fans while unlocking a new and better way to monetize their name, image and likeness – whether that’s selling gear, memorabilia or merchandise. It’s the perfect platform to build a personal brand. Every athlete – collegiate, professional or beyond – should be working with TTA.”   Patrick Dwyer: “TTA is redefining consumer engagement and trust. It’s the future of authenticity and interactive engagement – bridging the physical world with one-of-a-kind digital experiences. Importantly, it unlocks powerful new consumer insights that can’t be found anywhere else.”   Timothy Enneking: “I have always been a staunch advocate for the transformative power of promising new technology. Top Tier Authentics has delivered exactly that – re-imagining what it means to use and engage with the products you buy or the items you collect and share. It’s an experience everyone will enjoy.”   Darren Glover: “TTA’s platform is the perfect brand building tool for athletes, content creators and consumer brands alike. It transforms every interaction into a gateway to dynamic, immersive worlds where communities thrive on interaction, competition, and shared achievements.”   Chris Ko: “Consumer expectations are changing, and every brand needs to rethink how they’re driving engagement, interaction and excitement. Harnessing these elements, TTA seamlessly integrates products, artwork, and collectibles with live operations and events. They can equip and update any item with new digital experiences that captivate consumers and keep them coming back for more.”   Mark Lieberman: “This industry is ripe for disruption, and TTA has proven that consumers want more from their purchases – whether that’s sports memorabilia, art, or name-brand products. Their turn-key platform, and the experience it provides, creates new and incremental value for all stakeholders.”   Greg Selkoe: “Top Tier Authentics’ solution isn’t just about verifying what’s real; it establishes deeper connections and trust between brands and consumers. It’s what every product and retailer needs in today’s rapidly evolving digital age.”   Shmuel Farhi: “To succeed as an entrepreneur and real estate developer, I’ve often focused on reinventing spaces for enhanced community engagement, efficiency, and local economic impact. Similarly, Top Tier Authentics innovates the consumer experience, forging new paths for connection, interaction, and business opportunities.”   About Top Tier Authentics   Top Tier Authentics (TTA) has developed the world’s first Experiential Authenticity Platform, enabling instant verification of any product, artwork or collectible while powering new and immersive digital experiences, unique benefits, and interactive features.   The simple, turn-key solution can increase the value and enhance the experience of any item – or event – while empowering brands and individuals to connect with consumers, collectors and fans on a deeper level. TTA’s end-to-end platform also enables robust behavioral analytics from every touchpoint to identify key trends and opportunities.   Consumers enjoy an entirely new way to interact with their favorite brands, athletes and artists. This includes behind-the-scenes videos captured in the moment – such as when the signing occurred, the creation of the art, or the story behind the brand, artist or athlete – as well as personalized content, redeemable offers, and exclusive access to community events and activations. TTA gives each product and experience a one-of-a-kind and engaging life of its own, to share with friends and other collectors who hold similar treasures.   To shop the memorabilia collections, visit the TTA Amazon brand store at www.amazon.com/tta.   Learn more about TTA’s services and technology at https://www.toptierauth.com.

Step into a world where retail magic meets community spirit! On April 20, 2024, the heart of Chula Vista will pulsate with the excitement of Curacao's grandest store opening yet. As the largest Hispanic-serving retailer on the West Coast, Curacao will be rolling out the red carpet at the Chula Vista Center with jaw-dropping doorbuster deals, an entertainment extravaganza, and a showcase of their proud partnerships and strong community ties.   Event Highlights Include: Grand Opening Day Deals: Spectacular savings surpassing Black Friday’s best, available exclusively at the Chula Vista location. Early attendees will enjoy a range of promotions including high-value items at highly discounted prices. Entertainment Extravaganza: A full day of joyous activities awaits the entire family, featuring live entertainment, fashion shows, and free concerts by renowned artists Banda Los Sebastianes, Luis Coronel, Mariah Angeliq, and Conexión Divina. Special appearances include Emmy® Award-winning host and Chula Vista native Mario Lopez. Community Integration: Aligning with Curacao’s core mission of community support, the event will highlight local nonprofits and feature community tents. Curacao’s partnership with the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce underscores the retailer’s dedication to economic development and local collaboration.   The grand opening celebration, starting at 10:00 AM PT, is set to redefine retail excitement with an array of activities and offers. Shoppers can expect once-in-a-lifetime savings on products like the latest smartphones, TVs, appliances, and much more, alongside exclusive benefits for Curacao credit card applicants. There will be activities for the whole family, including face painting, an inflatable bounce house, balloon artists, unique photo opportunities, and a booth showcasing local nonprofits and brand partners, providing a full day of fun for the entire community.   James Lubary, Executive Vice President of Retail at Curacao, emphasized the retailer’s role beyond commerce. “Our Chula Vista store opening is not just about offering great deals; it’s a celebration of our integration into and support for the community. We’re here to build long-lasting relationships and contribute to the area’s prosperity.”   The event concludes with an epic grand finale featuring the giveaway of a new car, making the day an unforgettable experience for attendees.   As Curacao continues to grow, it remains focused on providing customers with quality products and services while fostering community development through its recent membership in the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce.   Join Curacao at its new store in Chula Vista, located at 555 Broadway, on April 20th from 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM PT for an unforgettable day where community and joy intertwine. Stay tuned for a detailed schedule of events and more surprises by following us on social media.   About Curacao and The Curacao Foundation Since its founding in 1978, Curacao has been guided by its mission to improve customers’ lives by extending credit options to hardworking, low-to-moderate-income individuals needing high-quality home and tech products, travel, export, and money transfer services at low monthly payments. At Curacao, customers can buy price-protected top brands and services on interest-protected credit while supporting the community. In addition, Curacao allocates a percentage of every purchase to support the advancement of its local communities through the Curacao Foundation. Curacao is an omnichannel retailer and lender serving customers online, over the phone, and in person in English and Spanish in Arizona, California and Nevada.   For more information, visit icuracao.com.   Established in 2002, The Curacao Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to building a future in which communities are financially strong, socially empowered, respected and included. The Curacao Foundation has worked with over 100 charities, organizations and institutions focusing on financial literacy, health, well-being, education and immigration all within a 10-mile radius of a Curacao retail location. In addition, the foundation supports community partner organizations through general operation and program grants.   For more information, visit icuracao.com and foundation.icuracao.com.

NASA's first artist-in-residence, Laurie Anderson, once remarked, "Technology is the campfire around which we tell our stories." While impactful stories are more meaningful than ever, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping our fires and news narratives, creating smarter algorithms and searches, easier ways to rapidly produce and publish content, and an overall shift in how information is curated.   To some, this change spells a grim financial outlook and a call to adapt for a now decades-old $68 billion search engine optimization (SEO) industry, which optimizes websites, key words and ad spends to get noticed earlier by Google and other search engines.   But for PR, which favors earned content placement and genuine, newsworthy information, this change is a positive, opening a new world of online visibility.   Why Traditional SEO Is Being Disrupted and PR Will Thrive   The idea of “Googling something” is evolving to make information delivery faster and more useful. Instead of searching for large volumes of keywords and simply presenting webpage links, AI is enabling search engines to rapidly analyze volumes of data to generate original responses and more nuanced suggestions. For instance, when people type in queries, AI can help Google, Bing, Yahoo and others generate personalized descriptions of complex subjects, highly tailored lists of local relevant services, or real-time predictions and advice based on current events.   In this context, AI will scour the web for information to learn from. To become noticed, brands will have to influence what the algorithms say when questioned about their company, industry and service areas.   For marketing professionals, this shift offers both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, the traditional SEO strategies of keyword stuffing and link farming are becoming obsolete, as AI-driven search engines can penalize such tactics in favor of high-quality, relevant content.   On the other hand, this evolution favors PR strategies focused on creating meaningful and engaging content that resonates with target audiences. This is especially true for positive third-party earned media, such as features or articles in news outlets, blogs and other key sources of information.   Using AI to Control the AI Narrative   By leveraging connections and creative storytelling, PR professionals can foster a company’s relationships with journalists, influencers and content creators who have the power to amplify a message. The content these third parties create will not only reach their vast readerships but could become a cornerstone of industry knowledge for AI when it gets asked questions and generates written answers.   Even better, high-quality backlinks to your site in reputable news outlets will become increasingly valuable for SEO as AI becomes more adept at identifying and promoting high-quality content that isn’t spam. These links will signal to the AI algorithms powering search engines that the content is a reputable source of information, thereby improving visibility and driving more organic traffic.   PR can also tap into AI’s growing tendency to generate content and suggestions related to trending news and topics. One way to do this is by building a roadmap of conferences, messages and news announcements that align with key industry trade shows, current events and seasonal trends. This proactive approach lays the groundwork for heightened visibility; however, there exists an additional step many companies can benefit from.   Newsjacking is a PR and marketing strategy where brands can leverage their expertise to comment or add context to current events or trending news stories. If done correctly, this can provide valuable info for reporters and AI alike, while drawing attention to your brand and messaging.   Skilled newsjacking will be more effective than ever to ensure brand contributions are timely, relevant, and add genuine value to the ongoing discourse.   Navigate the Future of Online Visibility with a Comprehensive Digital Strategy   To become noticed beyond personal connections, brands will have to do much more than cramming keywords into blog posts and meta tags.   Over time and with countless adaptations along the way, they’ll need a steady stream of positive media placements that perfectly aligns with the owned media and content on their websites. This will enable AI, search engines and the world to take notice.

Curacao, recognized as The Best of the Southland by the Los Angeles Times, and the largest Hispanic-serving retailer on the West Coast, is poised to redefine a retail grand opening experience. On Saturday, April 20, 2024, the Chula Vista community is invited to witness a sale so spectacular it promises to outshine even the most generous Black Friday offers.   Curacao’s Grand Opening Doorbuster Deals include: Samsung S24 AI-Enabled Android Smartphone: $499, limited quantity: 20 Apple iPhone 15 PROMAX: $399, limited quantity: 20 75 Inch Samsung TV: $299, limited quantity: 50 65 Inch LG Smart TV: $149, limited quantity: 100 55 Inch Samsung Smart TV: $99, limited quantity: 50 18 Cubic Foot GE Refrigerator: $89, limited quantity Sealy Queen Mattress: $79, limited quantity: 50 HP 15.6” Laptop: $69, limited quantity: 50 Samsung 8.7 A7 Tablet: $59, limited quantity: 100 Ray-Ban Sunglasses: $49, limited quantity: 100 Mini refrigerator: $39, limited quantity: 100 Huffy 26” Mountain Bike: $29, limited quantity: 100 GE 1.1 CU Microwave: $19, limited quantity: 100 Huffy 12” Disney Kid’s Bike: $9, limited quantity: 100 Huffy Disney Kid’s Scooter: $5: limited quantity: 300   “Today, as the retail landscape becomes ever more dynamic, we at Curacao are thrilled to bring our unique touch to the Chula Vista community,” said Teylez Perez, Vice President of Marketing at Curacao. “We recognize that our customers are savvy and value conscious. That’s why, in celebration of our Grand Opening, we are excited to offer exclusive deals to the shoppers of Chula Vista. We’re not just opening our doors; we’re opening a relationship with every customer who walks through them, promising to meet and exceed expectations from day one.”   Exclusive Offers for Curacao Credit Card Applicants: Customers who apply for a new Curacao credit card are also eligible for limited-time promotions. From April 1-30, new in-store approved accounts will get $100 off their first purchase of more than $599, or they can choose a free Retro small appliance with their first purchase of $50. Only on the day of the Grand Opening event on April 20, Curacao will be giving away a free 32” television every 50 transactions.   Additional exclusive promotions are available, including Curacao’s price beat guarantee, for those who apply in-store for a Curacao credit card.   A Historic Grand Opening: Join Curacao at its new store in Chula Vista, located at 555 Broadway, on April 20, 2024 from 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM PT for a historic grand opening event filled with family-friendly fun. The festivities include:   Celebrity Appearance: Meet Chula Vista native and Emmy® Award-winning host, Mario Lopez. Live Entertainment: Enjoy activities suitable for all ages and performances by Banda Los Sebastianes, Luis Coronel, Mariah Angeliq, and Conexión Divina. Complimentary Refreshments: Indulge in free food and beverages throughout the day. Grand Finale Giveaway: Don’t miss your chance to win a brand-new car!   About Curacao and The Curacao Foundation Since its founding in 1978, Curacao has been guided by its mission to improve customers’ lives by extending credit options to hardworking, low-to-moderate-income individuals needing high-quality home and tech products, travel, export, and money transfer services at low monthly payments. At Curacao, customers can buy price-protected top brands and services on interest-protected credit while supporting the community. In addition, Curacao allocates a percentage of every purchase to support the advancement of its local communities through the Curacao Foundation. Curacao is an omnichannel retailer and lender serving customers online, over the phone, and in person in English and Spanish in Arizona, California and Nevada.   For more information, visit icuracao.com.   Established in 2002, The Curacao Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to building a future in which communities are financially strong, socially empowered, respected and included. The Curacao Foundation has worked with over 100 charities, organizations and institutions focusing on financial literacy, health, well-being, education and immigration all within a 10-mile radius of a Curacao retail location. In addition, the foundation supports community partner organizations through general operation and program grants.   For more information, visit icuracao.com and foundation.icuracao.com.

Our success reflects our commitment to excellence and building lasting client relationships.   Bob Gold Associates,  the award-winning, data-driven public relations and marketing firm is honored to be recognized as one of the top 100 fastest-growing companies on Clutch, the leading global marketplace of B2B service providers. BG&A ranked 82nd based on revenue growth from 2022 to 2023. This is the fourth consecutive year that Clutch has recognized its top 100 companies.   “We’re honored to be recognized as a Clutch 100 Award winner for 2024,” said Founder & CEO Bob Gold. “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to delivering results to achieve impressive growth— congratulations to the entire team for this win!”   PR experts in technology, media and telecommunications, Bob Gold & Associates offers uniquely tailored strategies to tell compelling stories, share client expertise and insights, highlight unique value propositions, and connect with target audiences globally. Our goal is simple yet profound: to elevate our clients.   “To be honored as one of the fastest-growing companies on Clutch is to be recognized as a leader amongst peers, a symbol of trust and reliability in their industry. This recognition speaks volumes about a company's ability to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and ultimately, thrive,” said Sonny Ganguly, Clutch CEO. "The Clutch 100 award stands as the premier accolade on our platform, offering users the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and accomplish their goals."   View our recent work and reviews on our Clutch profile.   ABOUT CLUTCH Clutch empowers better business decisions as the leading global marketplace of B2B service providers. More than 1 million business leaders start at Clutch each month to read in-depth client interviews and discover trusted agency partners to meet their business needs. Clutch has been honored for the past 6 consecutive years as an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company and by the Washington Business Journal as one of the 50 fastest-growing private companies in the DC metro area for 2023.

Curacao, the largest Hispanic-serving retailer on the West Coast, today announced it will celebrate the grand opening of its newest store location at the  Chula Vista Center on April 20, 2024, with a full-day celebration including an appearance by Emmy® Award-winning host and actor Mario Lopez, a Chula Vista native.    This grand opening will feature a full day of festivities, starting at 10:00 AM, designed to provide the entire family with an unforgettable experience filled with activities, entertainment, and prizes. Early birds will enjoy face painting, balloon artists, and unique photo opportunities, setting the stage for a day filled with joy and community spirit.    At noon, the spotlight turns to a fashion show showcasing the latest trends with a local twist. The show will feature local DJs and models, accompanied by free food and exclusive midday-only retail offers.     “Curacao is more than just a retailer; we are a community partner committed to enhancing the lives of our customers and the communities we serve,” said James Lubary, Executive Vice President of Retail at Curacao. “The grand opening of our Chula Vista store is a celebration of this commitment. We are honored to join and be warmly embraced by the Chula Vista community, a place known for its spirit and resilience.”    The festivities continue into the afternoon with children’s activities, including an inflatable house and community tents highlighting local non-profits and brand partners.    A free music concert series begins at 5:00 PM and features an impressive lineup of talent, including regional Mexican performers  Banda Los Sebastianes, Mexican-American singer  Luis Coronel, reggaeton singer Mariah Angeliq, and Mexican-American Sierreño trio Conexión Divina.    The day will culminate in an exciting grand finale - the giveaway of a brand-new car!    The opening of Curacao’s in Chula Vista represents a significant step forward in the company’s ongoing mission to provide customers with an affordable shopping experience by delivering the latest, top-tier products accompanied by price-beat guarantees and unbeatable customer service. To maximize the positive impact on the local economy and community, Curacao also recently joined the  Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce.    “Curacao’s expansion into Chula Vista signifies a bright future for our city, combining their reputable community-focused business practices with our vibrant local economy,” said John McCann, Mayor of Chula Vista. “Their recent membership in the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce is a testament to their commitment to community engagement and economic growth. We welcome Curacao with open arms and look forward to the prosperity and opportunities their presence will undoubtedly bring to our residents.”    Join  Curacao at its new store in Chula Vista, located at 555 Broadway, on April 20th from 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM PT for a celebration that’s more than just a grand opening—it’s a day to come together as a community to enjoy, to discover, and to look forward to a brighter future. Stay tuned for a detailed schedule of events and more surprises by following us on social media.    About Curacao and The Curacao Foundation  Since its founding in 1978, Curacao has been guided by its mission to improve customers’ lives by extending credit options to hardworking, low-to-moderate-income individuals needing high-quality home and tech products, travel, export, and money transfer services at low monthly payments. At Curacao, customers can buy price-protected top brands and services on interest-protected credit while supporting the community. In addition, Curacao allocates a percentage of every purchase to support the advancement of its local communities through the Curacao Foundation. Curacao is an omnichannel retailer and lender serving customers online, over the phone, and in person in English and Spanish in Arizona, California and Nevada.    For more information, visit icuracao.com.    Established in 2002, The Curacao Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to building a future in which communities are financially strong, socially empowered, respected and included. The Curacao Foundation has worked with over 100 charities, organizations and institutions focusing on financial literacy, health, well-being, education and immigration all within a 10-mile radius of a Curacao retail location. In addition, the foundation supports community partner organizations through general operation and program grants.    For more information, visit icuracao.com and foundation.icuracao.com.