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2024 Conference for Advancing the Public Sector Registration Opens

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Mission Critical Partners has announced the lineup for its fifth annual Conference for Advancing the Public Sector (CAPS). The two-day, virtual conference will take place September 17-18.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa., Aug. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Mission Critical Partners (MCP) announced today the lineup for its fifth annual Conference for Advancing the Public Sector (CAPS). The two-day, virtual conference, which will be held September 17-18, 2024, is created for leaders of public-sector organizations.

MCP is known for its thought leadership, which has been the case since the firm was founded 15 years ago, and this year’s conference continues that tradition. Once again, we’ve assembled leading innovators who will explore and make sense of the most compelling topics in the public sector.

As in past years, CAPS 2024 offers a variety of panel discussions and educational presentations:

September 17

Innovating 911 digital alarm response with the ASAP Service — The ASAP Service was developed to deliver alarm/sensor-initiated calls — which typically enter the 911 center via its 10-digit administrative line(s) — directly into the center’s computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system. This greatly relieves the call-handling burden on telecommunicators and greatly reduces call-response times. This session will explore the current state of this impactful solution and what the future holds for it.

A message from Darrin Reilly, MCP’s president and CEO — Reilly will explore numerous MCP-led projects that are having a profound impact on emergency-response and justice outcomes.

Cybersecurity trends: what’s next and how to prepare for it — Cyberattackers are evolving their strategies and tactics constantly — in fact, anecdotal evidence exists that they’re starting to leverage artificial intelligence — and they’re increasingly targeting public-sector organizations. This session will explore ways that such organizations can stay out of the crosshairs.

Change management: why every public-sector organization should be embracing it — Many organizations and their personnel try to avoid change at all costs because it can be time-consuming, expensive, and disconcerting. But change is essential because conditions and environments constantly evolve. This session will explore the obstacles that typically stand in the way of effective change management and how to overcome them, as well as what success looks like.

911 and 988 integration: why it is essential and how to achieve it — Many mental-health and public-safety professionals believe that the 988 and 911 systems working in concert will create a powerful, holistic approach to local mental-health crisis response. But while progress has been made, 911-988 interoperability remains a work in progress. This session will dive into the operational challenges that exist and how to resolve them.

September 18

How Amazon Connect is changing emergency response — Currently, 17 early-adopter 911 centers have deployed Amazon Connect to handle nonemergency calls and the results have been astounding — a 20 percent to 50 percent reduction in nonemergency administrative calls being answered by telecommunicators. This session will explore a collaboration between MCP and Amazon Web Services to accelerate deployment of the solution, as well as implementation best practices, and provide answers to frequently asked questions.

Disruptive technologies: what they are and how they are taking emergency response to new levels — Technologies used in the public sector continue to evolve at warp speed. This session will examine the rapidly expanding use cases for unmanned aerial vehicles, aka drones, breakthroughs regarding transcription and translation that are making 911 telecommunicators even more proficient, and innovations in location services — especially those related to indoor mapping — and more.

What’s new in outdoor warning systems — Actually, there’s a lot that’s new. This session will explore diagnostic applications that automatically monitor system health 24/7 so an agency will know immediately if its sirens aren’t functioning; systems that can ingest and digest weather and other pertinent data from numerous sources; cloud-hosted solutions that are scalable and easier to update, upgrade, and replace; and more.

Remote operations: what this means in today’s emergency-response environment and how to leverage them — The COVID-19 pandemic caused some 911 centers to do something that previously was unthinkable — allowing personnel to work remotely. While there were considerable logistical, technological, and operational details that needed to be worked out, this approach paid huge benefits. Now the concept seems to be expanding in part because 911 centers need to get more creative in recruiting personnel. This session will provide real-world success stories and examine a trend that bears watching.

How to design and implement a public-safety grade facility — There’s a lot to think about when embarking on a facility project and MCP literally wrote the book on the topic. In this session, its subject-matter experts will explore everything from site selection, funding, programming, and specifications to construction, physical security, technology implementation, and migration — and much more.

Artificial intelligence: exploring the possibilities, dispelling the myths — Considerable curiosity exists regarding how artificial intelligence might be leveraged by public-sector organizations. But understanding of AI still is evolving and in fact is at a relatively nascent stage. This session will dive into numerous use cases that already have emerged and, perhaps more importantly, key considerations that organizations should contemplate as they decide when and how to implement AI solutions.

“MCP is known for its thought leadership, which has been the case since the firm was founded 15 years ago, and this year’s conference continues that tradition,” said Morgan Sava, senior vice president of corporate marketing and support services. “Once again, we’ve assembled leading innovators who will explore and make sense of the most compelling topics in the public sector.”

Registration for this conference is open to any individual who is working for a public-sector organization. Those interested in attending can learn more and register to attend by clicking here.

About Mission Critical Partners (MCP)

Mission Critical Partners (MCP) is a leading provider of data-integration, consulting, and network and cybersecurity solutions specializing in transforming mission-critical communications networks into integrated ecosystems that improve outcomes in the public safety, justice, healthcare, transportation, and utility markets. Our comprehensive experience and vendor-agnostic approach helps us develop modernized solutions for our clients that achieve maximum value and optimal efficiency while mitigating risk. Additional information and career opportunities are available at http://www.MissionCriticalPartners.com.

Media Contact

Alex Oltmanns, Pipitone, 1 412-321-0879, aoltmanns@pipitone.com

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SOURCE Mission Critical Partners

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SiriusXM Media Becomes Exclusive Audio Advertising Representative for YouTube in the United States

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YouTube, Home of The World’s Number One Podcast Platform and a Leading Music Service, Chooses Audio Ad Powerhouse SiriusXM Media as Its Exclusive Audio Sales Representative in the U.S.

New Deal Cements SiriusXM’s Leadership In Powering The Largest Ad-Supported Audio Ecosystem And Gives Brands Exclusive Access To YouTube’s Audio-First Inventory

NEW YORK, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SiriusXM (NASDAQ: SIRI) today announced a new audio advertising partnership with Google that connects YouTube to one of the largest audio advertising platforms in North America. The agreement makes SiriusXM Media, the advertising group representing SiriusXM, Pandora, and expansive Streaming and Podcast Networks, the exclusive advertising representative of YouTube audio advertising inventory in the U.S. This will provide advertisers access to guaranteed impressions at scale for the first time, backed by similar sophisticated targeting and measurement as YouTube’s ecosystem.

“Audio is one of the most powerful mediums for listeners, creators, and advertisers alike, and at SiriusXM Media, we’re proud to be at the forefront helping brands harness that impact at scale,” said Scott Walker, SiriusXM’s Chief Advertising Revenue Officer. “By partnering with YouTube, a true leader in ad-supported content consumption, we’re uniting our unique skillset with their audience, creating an unparalleled opportunity for marketers and creators to grow their businesses.”

“YouTube has become a primary destination for audio-first content, where fans engage with their favorite podcasts, music, and creators,” said Romana Pawar, Senior Director of Product, YouTube Ads. “By partnering with SiriusXM Media, we are making it easier than ever for advertisers to tap into these high-attention moments.”

YouTube audio ads reach listeners wherever they are across audio-first content and behaviors: immersed in podcasts, talk shows, and music. By meeting users in environments primed for listening and engagement, such as when YouTube content is playing on smart speakers, brands can tap into high-intent listening experiences across YouTube’s vast creator ecosystem. According to a study from SiriusXM Media and Edison Research, there are more than 212 million monthly listeners in the U.S.1 engaging in audio-first content or environments on YouTube.

Starting this fall, advertisers will be able to buy guaranteed audio ad impressions against YouTube’s high-value audiences at scale for the first time directly through SiriusXM Media—paired with an audio-first activation approach to extend reach and impact. Brands can now reach YouTube’s expansive, next-generation and highly engaged audience in the same place where they buy SiriusXM Media’s leading portfolio of ad-supported audio inventory, ensuring a seamless buying experience powered by AdsWizz Inc.’s ad tech platform. As audio continues to reach consumers as a constant companion throughout the day, from commuting to working hours, this deal gives brands an opportunity to reach a valuable audience that is further leaning into audio-first behaviors and content on YouTube in high-attention moments.

Powered by AdsWizz, SiriusXM Media now offers access to 255 million monthly listeners2—reaching nearly 90% of the U.S. population 13+—delivering expansive scale and incremental reach, best-in-class measurement and targeting capabilities, and premium brand-safe environments across every major audio touchpoint. The landmark partnership with YouTube highlights SiriusXM’s commitment to an open, partner-first audio advertising ecosystem, continuing to connect advertisers to premium audio content wherever audiences choose to listen.

For more information, please visit https://www.siriusxmmedia.com/advertise-on-youtube-audio.

About Sirius XM Holdings Inc.
SiriusXM is the leading audio entertainment company in North America with a portfolio of audio businesses including its flagship subscription entertainment service SiriusXM; the ad-supported and premium music streaming services of Pandora; an expansive podcast network; and a suite of business and advertising solutions. SiriusXM offers a broad range of content for listeners everywhere they tune in with a diverse mix of live, on-demand, and curated programming across music, talk, news, and sports. For more about SiriusXM, please go to: www.siriusxm.com.

Media Contacts:
Victoria Chow, victoria.chow@siriusxm.com
Erica Walsh, ericawalsh@google.com

1 Edison Research, Infinite Dial 2026 + SiriusXM Media
2 Edison Research, Infinite Dial 2026 + SiriusXM Media

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SOURCE Sirius XM Holdings Inc.

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ServiceForge plants two million trees worldwide

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The company celebrates a meaningful milestone in its ongoing initiative to make a lasting impact within global communities

PORTLAND, Ore., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ServiceForge, the 24/7 live answering and customer service platform built for skilled trades and home service businesses, announces a significant achievement in its ongoing sustainability drive: the company has now planted more than two million trees worldwide, a milestone reached in time for Earth Day 2026.

 

Each month, ServiceForge plants one tree for every employee and every customer. What began as a simple commitment to give back has grown into a meaningful, long-term impact effort, now surpassing a major milestone. This accomplishment reflects the company’s continued dedication to environmental stewardship and community-focused values.

For context, two million trees adds up to:

Approximately 4,000 acres of forestRoughly 3,000 football fieldsTrees sufficient to remove an estimated 44,000 metric tons of CO₂ per year (equivalent of taking 9,500 cars off the road)

“This milestone reflects the kind of work we believe in: steady, intentional and rooted in real impact,” said Jane Blanchard, head of brand and marketing for ServiceForge. “In the skilled trades, success isn’t about quick wins; it’s about the slow, human work of strengthening homes, businesses and communities. Planting trees is a natural extension of that mission. It’s a way for us to contribute to something lasting, something that grows alongside the businesses we serve.”

ServiceForge partners with verified reforestation organizations that plant trees in areas affected by deforestation, wildfires and climate change. Partners include Trees for the Future, Save the Redwoods League and Friends of Pando, ensuring that each tree contributes to restoration efforts where it’s needed most.

“We’re in the business of fixing things,” Blanchard said. “What better way to exemplify that commitment than by planting trees, which clean the air, restore habitats and ultimately make the world a better place.”

For more information about ServiceForge and their Giving Back initiative, visit https://www.serviceforge.com/why-serviceforge/givingback

About ServiceForge
ServiceForge helps home service businesses get found, get booked and get paid with 24/7 human answering, scheduling, lead qualification and payments. By combining smart technology with real human connection, ServiceForge helps service businesses stand out in an increasingly disconnected world, ensuring contractors capture more jobs while delivering exceptional customer service. For more information, visit serviceforge.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/serviceforge-plants-two-million-trees-worldwide-302748866.html

SOURCE ServiceForge

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Contractor Commerce launches AI-powered conversational buying experience

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New technology ushers in new era of e-commerce for home service contracting companies

LEBANON, Ohio , April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Contractor Commerce, a leading e-commerce and sales enablement platform built specifically for home service contractors, announces the next evolution in its platform: a conversational buying experience that’s powered by AI and designed to improve the way homeowners shop for residential services online.

By empowering home service professionals to establish their own virtual storefronts, Contractor Commerce has long championed a modern buying experience, fully aligned with the way consumers seek information on the web, including through guided buying journeys and seamless purchasing flows. With conversational buying, Contractor Commerce embeds AI directly into the shopping experience, allowing the end consumer to enjoy a more natural, personalized and responsive process.

“This shift from guided to conversational shopping builds on everything we’ve done up to this point,” said Paul Redman, president of Contractor Commerce. “Our goal has always been to help contractors meet homeowners where they are. This advanced and intuitive approach will further that goal, and cement Contractor Commerce as a category leader.”

Contractor Commerce’s expanded capabilities are designed to reflect how homeowners buy today: researching options, comparing pricing and making decisions in a time and place that’s most convenient to them. Features include:

An image upload option, allowing homeowners to submit photos of their home systems to receive specific, real-time recommendations.Robust pricing tools, including quote comparisons and full rebate integration, enabling homeowners to fully assess their options and understand the fine print.An AI agent-guided buying journey, providing homeowners with personalized assistance even when they are not fully sure what types of services they need.

“Our conversational buying platform is made for contractors, not retailers,” Redman said. “The goal is to help businesses establish trust, improve their lead qualification process and capture after-hours demand, all while providing customers with a frictionless shopping experience.”

For more information about Contractor Commerce, visit ContractorCommerce.com.

About Contractor Commerce

Contractor Commerce is the pioneer and industry leader in providing e-commerce services for contractors, offering plug-and-play online stores for home service companies so they can grow their sales and serve customers with convenience and transparent pricing. To learn more about Contractor Commerce and its innovative solutions, visit ContractorCommerce.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/contractor-commerce-launches-ai-powered-conversational-buying-experience-302749472.html

SOURCE Contractor Commerce

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