Ripley PR, a leading public relations agency specializing in the home service and skilled trades industries, has achieved a significant milestone by being named a Strategic Partner by Nexstar Network. Nexstar Network is a prominent member-owned organization that fosters business growth and development for home service companies across the United States, Canada, and Australia.

1. Strategic Partnership with Nexstar Network

   • Ripley PR is now a preferred PR vendor for Nexstar Network's 1,000+ members in the residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades.
   • Nexstar Network's Strategic Partner program aims to connect members with top-tier resources, services, and relationships.

2. Nexstar's Perspective on the Partnership

   • Julian Scadden, President and CEO of Nexstar Network, highlighted Ripley PR’s strong industry reputation and alignment with Nexstar's mission.
   • Nexstar carefully vets its Strategic Partners to ensure members receive the highest quality services.

3. Ripley PR’s Services and Expertise

   • Ripley PR specializes in media relations, crisis management, and content strategies to drive business growth.
   • The agency focuses on creating brand awareness and building positive reputations for home service contractors within their local markets.

4. Comments from Heather Ripley, CEO of Ripley PR

   • Heather Ripley emphasized the synergy between Ripley PR's and Nexstar's missions.
   • The partnership aims to provide home service businesses with tools to grow their brands and boost revenues.
   • Ripley PR plans to leverage Nexstar’s coaching and training programs alongside its PR expertise to deliver exceptional results for contractors.

The partnership between Ripley PR and Nexstar Network is poised to drive significant benefits for home service businesses. By combining Ripley PR's specialized public relations services with Nexstar’s coaching and training, members can expect to enhance their brand visibility and achieve sustainable growth.

Integral Ad Science (IAS), a global leader in media measurement and optimization, announced the departure of Tania Secor as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the appointment of Jill Putman as Interim CFO. The transition is effective immediately as IAS begins its search for a permanent CFO.

1. Leadership Transition

   • Tania Secor, who served as CFO for two years, has stepped down to pursue new opportunities.
   • Jill Putman, an IAS Board member since 2021 and former Chair of the Audit Committee, has been appointed Interim CFO.
   • IAS is actively searching for a new permanent CFO to lead its finance organization.

2. IAS Financial Outlook

   • IAS reiterated its revenue and adjusted EBITDA outlook for Q4 and the full year 2024, consistent with its November 12, 2024, financial results release.

3. Leadership Remarks

   • Lisa Utzschneider, CEO of IAS, thanked Ms. Secor for her contributions and expressed enthusiasm about Jill Putman’s appointment, citing her 30+ years of finance leadership, including her tenure as CFO of Jamf Holding Corp.
   • Jill Putman expressed her commitment to leading IAS’s finance team and leveraging her extensive financial expertise to drive the company’s growth and innovation.

4. Changes in Board Positions

   • Jill Putman will retain her position as a member of the IAS Board but has stepped down as Chair and member of the Audit Committee.
   • Bob Lord, a current IAS Board member, has been appointed as the new Chair and member of the Audit Committee.

This leadership transition marks a strategic step for IAS as it prepares for a period of growth and innovation. With Jill Putman’s extensive finance expertise and first-hand knowledge of IAS, the company is well-positioned to continue delivering on its financial goals and strategic objectives.

Marketing has evolved, and not necessarily for the better. Modern marketing teams face the challenge of fixing broken systems, grappling with unhelpful data, and constantly chasing the latest tools without a solid strategy in place. Enter Seventh Bear, a groundbreaking marketing consultancy focused on freeing teams from mundane tasks and empowering them to create bold, transformative ideas that drive business success.

Officially launching on January 2, 2025, Seventh Bear is the evolution of The Content Advisory (TCA), a renowned content strategy consultancy led by industry experts Robert Rose and Cathy McKnight. The new consultancy builds on TCA's legacy while addressing the broader challenges modern marketing teams face.

1. The Need for a New Approach to Marketing

   • Modern marketing teams often find themselves bogged down with fixing outdated systems and dealing with misleading analytics.
   • Technology, especially AI, is often seen as a shiny new toy that’s difficult to use effectively, creating more complexity rather than solving problems.
   • Seventh Bear aims to free teams from this cycle, focusing on creative strategy and the execution of game-changing ideas.

2. The Vision of Robert Rose and Cathy McKnight

   • Robert Rose, the founder of Seventh Bear and Chief Strategy Advisor to the Content Marketing Institute (CMI), shared his thoughts on marketing’s current crisis.
   • He emphasized that marketing teams are too often stuck fixing broken systems when they should be focusing on innovation and creativity.
   • Cathy McKnight, co-founder, highlighted the importance of mastering repeatable systems that foster creativity, as big ideas don’t occur by chance.

3. Seventh Bear's Continued Partnership with CMI

   • Seventh Bear remains the primary marketing consulting partner for the Content Marketing Institute (CMI), signaling their ongoing commitment to advancing the marketing industry.
   • This relationship strengthens Seventh Bear’s position as a thought leader and trusted partner in the marketing landscape.

4. The Meaning Behind the Name “Seventh Bear”

   • The name Seventh Bear symbolizes wisdom and direction. In numerology, seven represents wisdom, while the bear constellation (the Big Dipper) points to the North Star, a symbol of purpose and guidance.
   • Seventh Bear's mission is to guide marketing teams towards their own North Star, providing practical strategies and creative collaboration that help them thrive in a complex, ever-changing world.

Seventh Bear is poised to lead the next generation of marketing consultancies by helping teams move beyond managing mundane tasks and embracing creativity and strategic thinking. With its foundation in content strategy and a forward-thinking approach to modern marketing challenges, Seventh Bear will empower teams to create impactful, game-changing ideas that drive success.

Alibaba International’s AI-powered B2B search engine, Accio, has reached a major milestone with over 500,000 small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) users since its launch in November 2024. Designed to streamline product sourcing, Accio uses advanced natural language processing to help SMEs intuitively find the products they need, simplifying the global trade process.

1. AI-Enhanced Product Sourcing

   • Accio utilizes natural language processing to improve search capabilities, making it easier for SME buyers to find the right products.
   • With over 7,600 product categories and more than 200 million trade industry-specific parameters, the search engine catalogs millions of global suppliers.
   • The AI-powered platform’s advanced search helps buyers discover the best matches for their product concepts, creating opportunities for successful business ventures.

2. Accio Inspiration and Conversion Success

   • The Accio Inspiration feature has contributed to a nearly 30% increase in conversion rates for suppliers, enhancing the journey from search to quotation requests.
   • This feature’s success showcases Accio’s effectiveness in boosting supplier visibility and creating connections that drive sales.

3. Holiday Season Surge and User Feedback

   • During peak e-commerce seasons like Black Friday and Christmas, over 50,000 SMEs used Accio to source products, contributing to efficient inventory stocking.
   • Positive user feedback demonstrates that Accio has become an essential tool for global SME buyers seeking fast, reliable sourcing solutions.
   • The platform boasts an impressive net promoter score (NPS) exceeding 50, a strong indicator of customer satisfaction.

4. Accio’s Growing Recognition and Innovation

   • On December 13, 2024, Accio was named “Product of the Day” on Product Hunt, further solidifying its reputation in the tech community.
   • The shift from traditional keyword-based searches to natural language searches represents a significant breakthrough in B2B search technology.
   • Accio supports five major languages (English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish), with plans for future language updates to reach even more global users.

5. Accio’s Additional Features and Benefits

   • The Accio Page offers a user-friendly interface, displaying detailed product information and comparisons to help businesses make informed sourcing decisions.
   • Accio Agent simplifies the follow-up process for inquiries, payments, and after-sales support, acting as a professional sourcing agent within Alibaba International's ecosystem.

6. The Future of B2B Trade with AI

   • Accio marks a pivotal moment in the development of AI tools and global B2B trade, empowering SMEs and large corporations to efficiently navigate sourcing and logistics operations.
   • As AI continues to reshape the landscape of global trade, Accio is set to lead the charge in revolutionizing how businesses source products, saving time and money while making smarter decisions.

With over 500,000 users and groundbreaking features, Accio is redefining B2B product sourcing. Alibaba International’s AI-powered platform is poised to revolutionize the way SMEs and corporations engage with global trade, helping them save time, reduce costs, and make more informed purchasing decisions.

Swoop, a leader in privacy-safe, AI-driven healthcare marketing, is set to demonstrate its award-winning suite of products at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Known for advancing data consistency, privacy compliance, and predictive engagement, Swoop’s innovative tools have already helped top pharma brands reshape their patient and healthcare provider (HCP) engagement strategies, offering a new level of personalization for their audiences.

1. Swoop's Award-Winning Products

   • Predictive Audiences:

     • Winner of the PM360 Innovation Award, Predictive Audiences utilizes patented technology to help healthcare marketers identify patients in need of intervention before they visit their physician, with 97% accuracy.
     • This predictive capability allows brands to intervene earlier, improving patient outcomes and enhancing marketing strategies.

   • HCP Pro Suite:

     • Another PM360 Innovation Award winner, the HCP Pro Suite offers a comprehensive toolkit that includes Swoop HCP Pro Targeting and Swoop PLD Pro Reporting.
     • These tools help healthcare brands deeply understand healthcare provider behaviors, optimizing targeting and messaging across omnichannel campaigns.

   • Swoop Piper Gen AI Platform:

     • Recognized with a PM360 Innovation Award, the Swoop Piper Gen AI Platform allows marketers to simulate focus groups using privacy-safe AI assistants, offering custom insights into audiences.
     • This innovation accelerates decision-making and supports more effective omnichannel strategies by providing real-time, actionable data.

   • Swoop Agents for Brand Websites:

     • Honored with the 2024 CUSTOMER Conversational AI Excellence Award and the Innovation SABRE Awards North America, Swoop Agents power conversational AI on brand websites.
     • These agents engage patients and providers, offering MLR-approved product information and generating high-quality first-party data in real-time.

2. Exclusive Experiences at CES

   • Curated Pharma-Specific Walking Tour:

     • Swoop will offer an exclusive, private walking tour of CES exhibits with tech expert Shelly Palmer, focusing on consumer electronics trends relevant to healthcare marketers.

   • IV Hydration Station:

     • At Swoop's meeting suite at the Aria, an IV Hydration Station will provide a space for relaxation and networking, enhancing the CES experience for clients and partners.

   • Late Night Party at The Marquee:

     • Swoop will host a late-night event at The Marquee, bringing together healthcare industry leaders for discussions, networking, and valuable connections.

3. Swoop's Commitment to Innovation and Privacy

   • "Swoop’s unwavering commitment to transforming omnichannel healthcare marketing remains strong," said Scott Rines, President of Swoop.
   • The company’s innovations empower brands to engage their audiences in a meaningful way while ensuring privacy compliance across fragmented media channels.
   • Swoop looks forward to showcasing its tools and helping clients experience their full potential at CES.

With groundbreaking products and exclusive experiences, Swoop is set to redefine healthcare marketing at CES 2025. Through privacy-safe AI innovations, Swoop continues to lead the way in delivering personalized, predictive engagement solutions for the pharmaceutical industry.

outboundIQ proudly announces its accreditation as a Five9 Certified Implementation Partner (CIP), a mark of distinction for its expertise in optimizing and streamlining outbound-focused contact center operations. With a dedicated team of seasoned Five9 veterans, expert programmers, and industry thought leaders, outboundIQ is uniquely positioned to help businesses of all sizes unlock the full potential of Five9's Virtual Contact Center platform.

1. Optimized Solutions for Complex Contact Center Needs

   • Comprehensive Implementation and Integration:
     outboundIQ specializes in outbound-focused contact center implementations, integrating advanced features such as inbound and outbound Voice, SMS, Chat, Email, Salesforce Integration, and third-party app integrations.

     • Clients can also benefit from ongoing optimization engagements and monthly retainers for strategic consulting that supports long-term success in outreach.

   • Domain Configuration Expertise:
     "To be an outbound expert, you must understand three things: how to configure the domain front end, how the architecture interprets the design, and how carriers respond to dialing behavior," says Jessica Clay, VP of Support and Services at outboundIQ.

     • With its deep understanding of all three areas, outboundIQ helps businesses build optimal domains tailored to their needs, ensuring efficient and successful implementations.
     • The company offers best-in-class domain optimization, implementation, and consulting services for customers of all sizes and complexities, ensuring accelerated project timelines through proprietary automations.

2. Client Success Stories

   • Lit Financial's Experience:
     "Since partnering with outboundIQ, our contact rates have significantly improved, conversions have increased, and our business is thriving. Their team executed our ideas seamlessly, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration." - Tim, Lit Financial.

     • Lit Financial’s experience highlights the impact of outboundIQ’s solutions in improving business outcomes and optimizing contact center operations.

   • Lifetime Home Remodeling's Experience:
     "I inherited a domain riddled with mistakes, but outboundIQ completely revitalized it. Their team took the time to understand exactly what I wanted to create, and the results speak for themselves." - Michael, Lifetime Home Remodeling.

     • The team’s expertise in domain optimization and ongoing consultation has enabled Lifetime Home Remodeling to achieve sustainable success.

3. A Holistic Approach to Outbound Excellence

   • The OutboundIQ Formula for Success:
     outboundIQ views a thriving contact center as a well-oiled machine, much like a high-performing racing team:

     • The Car: Five9 Virtual Contact Center provides a cutting-edge technology foundation.
     • The Driver: Skilled Dialer Administrators who manage operations with precision.
     • The Pit Crew: IT/Support teams ensuring seamless functionality.
     • The Spotters: Data Analytics and Reporting experts optimizing performance.
     • The Fuel: High-quality data driving better outcomes.

   • This holistic approach ensures that all the critical components of a successful outbound operation are in place, providing clients with superior consumer experiences while maintaining a competitive edge.

4. A Call to Collaboration

   • With its new CIP certification, outboundIQ invites businesses to explore partnership opportunities to transform their contact center operations.
     • Whether through expedited implementations or ongoing strategic consulting, outboundIQ is committed to driving measurable results and fostering long-term success for clients.

outboundIQ’s Five9 Certified Implementation Partner accreditation marks a new chapter for the company, solidifying its reputation as a leader in optimizing outbound-focused contact center operations. By offering tailored implementations, expert consulting, and a holistic approach to outbound excellence, outboundIQ is committed to helping businesses of all sizes enhance their contact center performance and achieve sustainable success.

State and Local Government organizations have long been viewed as slow, siloed, and outdated when it comes to constituent engagement. Constituents often endure long hold times, repetitive questions from different agents, and the inconvenience of resubmitting documents. At Global Technology Solutions, Inc. (GTS), we're redefining how state and local governments serve their populations, beginning with a consultative approach to implementing the best cloud contact center solutions tailored to your needs.

1. AI-Powered Solutions for SLED (State, Local, Education, and District Governments)

   • Every State and Local Government organization has unique needs and challenges in delivering a seamless constituent experience. GTS leverages cutting-edge AI and Machine Learning (ML) technology to improve these services.
     • Redirecting FAQs: Automatically addressing frequently asked questions to streamline communication.
     • Enabling Self-Service Options: Implementing chatbots to allow constituents to resolve issues quickly without human intervention.
     • Unifying Constituent Data: Centralizing data into a single portal for a more efficient and personalized service experience.
   • By incorporating these technologies, GTS helps organizations improve the efficiency and simplicity of their constituent experience through cloud contact center solutions.

2. How GTS Revolutionizes the Constituent Experience

   • Support & Managed Services:
     GTS offers seamless integration of cloud contact center solutions and provides ongoing support for troubleshooting and technical assistance. Clients have direct access to the GTS team to ensure that their systems continue to run smoothly long after deployment.

   • Professional Services:
     GTS provides a variety of on-demand IT services, including scalable cloud solutions, business applications, and customer experience strategies. With expert technical assistance, organizations can ensure the smooth operation of their contact center systems and beyond.

   • OmniSuite:
     GTS's OmniSuite tools include chatbots, virtual assistants, and omnichannel portals for agents, all powered by artificial intelligence. These tools, deployed on trusted cloud infrastructures like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Genesys, ensure faster, more accurate responses to constituent inquiries.

     • Benefits: Enhanced speed, accuracy, and efficiency in resolving constituent concerns.

   • OmniDARS:
     Specifically designed for SLED clients, OmniDARS is a tool for administrative law judges, hearing officers, and legal administrators. It streamlines the process of reviewing appeals cases by reducing clicks and enabling remote interactions between claimants, witnesses, and legal representatives.

     • Impact: Faster case resolutions and reduced need for rescheduled hearings.

At Global Technology Solutions (GTS), we are committed to transforming how state and local governments interact with their constituents. By offering AI-powered solutions, comprehensive support services, and innovative tools like OmniSuite and OmniDARS, GTS helps organizations improve operational efficiency and enhance the constituent experience.

Motivus is proud to announce its achievement of the prestigious Microsoft Solution Partner status, placing the company among an elite group of global Microsoft partners. This certification recognizes Motivus’s expertise in two key areas: Data and AI Solutions and Digital and Application Innovation, further validating the company's commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions.

1. Microsoft Solution Partner Designation

   • Out of over 64,000 global Microsoft partners, Motivus has been recognized for its technical capabilities and its proven track record of delivering successful customer outcomes.
   • Key Areas of Expertise:
     • Data and AI Solutions: Expertise in utilizing Microsoft Azure to drive AI and data-driven solutions.
     • Digital and Application Innovation: Specializing in digital transformation and application development using Microsoft technologies.

2. The Certification Process

   • To achieve this distinction, Motivus was evaluated on its ability to drive Azure consumption, implement and support advanced Azure solutions, and maintain a team of certified Microsoft technology experts.
   • The certification process emphasizes the company’s ability to deliver scalable and advanced solutions, ensuring that Motivus has the expertise to support customer needs in cloud and AI journeys.

3. Statements from Motivus Leadership

   • Mark Spurlock, Senior Vice President, Global Partnerships & Alliances:
     "This certification reflects our deep technical expertise and commitment to responsibly support our customers in their cloud and AI journeys. We are eager to pursue additional Solution Partner designations in 2025."
   • Hari Haran, CEO of Motivus:
     "This milestone validates our team's excellence and positions us to deliver even greater value to our customers. With Microsoft’s resources, we can help clients leverage advanced AI, digital transformation, and cloud solutions with added trust and collaboration."

4. Enhanced Access to Microsoft Resources

   • As a Microsoft Solution Partner, Motivus gains enhanced access to valuable resources:
     • Technical Resources: Expertise and support from Microsoft’s vast network.
     • Co-Marketing Opportunities: Opportunities to collaborate on joint marketing initiatives.
     • Customer Referrals: Direct customer connections from Microsoft’s referral system.
     • Direct Collaboration with Microsoft Experts: Working closely with Microsoft experts to create tailored solutions for clients.

Achieving Microsoft Solution Partner status underscores Motivus’s leadership in Data and AI Solutions and Digital and Application Innovation. With enhanced access to Microsoft’s resources, Motivus is well-equipped to deliver advanced cloud, AI, and digital transformation solutions, further strengthening its ability to support clients on their technological journeys.