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EPC Group Celebrates Milestones of Over 5,200 SharePoint Implementations and 1,500 Microsoft Power BI Projects

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HOUSTON, Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — EPC Group, the second oldest Microsoft Gold Partner in North America, proudly announces the successful completion of over 5,200 SharePoint implementations and 1,500 Microsoft Power BI projects worldwide. These significant milestones underscore the company’s unwavering commitment to delivering innovative Microsoft solutions and exceptional service to organizations across various industries.

 

EPC Group’s founder, Errin O’Connor, has been a driving force behind the firm’s success. As the author of four Microsoft Press best-sellers on SharePoint, Power BI, and Microsoft 365, including the official Microsoft Press book “Power BI Dashboards – Step by Step,” O’Connor’s influence on the BI landscape is well-known. His Power BI book, an Amazon best-seller, is often cited as a go-to resource for Power BI enthusiasts and professionals alike, reinforcing the statement that “EPC Group literally wrote the book on Microsoft Power BI.” Errin is also working on a new publication on Artificial Intelligence (AI) best practices and implementation services. In addition, O’Connor is launching a new 40+ hour YouTube AI Series, sharing his extensive knowledge on AI technologies, best practices, and implementation strategies.

O’Connor humorously reflects, “Intranets, content management systems, collaboration, extranets, custom on-prem SharePoint to SharePoint Online, upgrades from every single version of SharePoint, the dreaded ‘double or triple hop migrations’ as they’re called—we’ve been there. From SharePoint Designer, WSS, custom web parts, AvePoint, Nintex, custom K2 configurations, handling hundreds and hundreds of terabytes—we’ve tackled SharePoint projects at large corporations, small businesses, the FBI’s SharePoint migration, the NSA, NIH, the Continental Airlines and United Airlines merger, to a small dental practice down the road. We’ve seen and done it all.

“One of the most surreal experiences was working on a SharePoint project many years ago at the National Archives. After countless hours debating metadata strategies with one of the head archivists, I was given a private tour of the Preservation Vaults. Seeing the Emancipation Proclamation and the first draft of the Constitution felt like a moment frozen in time. Besides the birth of my sons, it’s one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

“On a lighter note, while working on implementing SharePoint at the seven main NASA centers, I got to suit up in attire that prevents contamination and saw one of the rovers from the Mars Rover program up close. It’s amazing how IT and these systems and getting to work with so many clients over the years on just a human level, allowed me to see some of the coolest things in person that I can tell my kids about.”

EPC Group’s journey with SharePoint began in 2000 when its founder, Errin O’Connor, was part of the SharePoint Beta Team during Microsoft’s Project Tahoe. This early involvement provided EPC Group with unique insights that have shaped their SharePoint solutions over the past two decades.

Further setting EPC Group apart, the company was also involved in the initial development stages of Power BI. In 2010, EPC Group participated as part of the Microsoft Power BI Beta team. Power BI, originally known under the code name “Project Crescent,” was envisioned as a replacement for Microsoft’s SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and was incorporated into SQL Server Codename Denali in July 2011. This early engagement allowed EPC Group to develop deep expertise in Power BI, benefiting clients with advanced business intelligence solutions.

Leading in AI Consulting: A Focus on Microsoft 365 Copilot and Beyond

As North America’s leading AI consulting firm, EPC Group is at the helm of AI innovation, offering services that span 14 of the top Artificial Intelligence solutions, including Microsoft 365 Copilot, Gemini, OpenAI, and many others. These AI-driven tools are transforming the way businesses operate, enabling organizations to streamline workflows, make data-driven decisions, and enhance enterprise efficiency. EPC Group’s consulting services focus on integrating AI into businesses’ existing infrastructures, ensuring they can leverage the full potential of AI technologies to drive growth and innovation.

Errin O’Connor remarked, “Our involvement with multiple AI solutions allows us to provide tailored strategies that meet the unique needs of each client. By integrating technologies like Microsoft 365 Copilot, Gemini, and OpenAI, we’re helping organizations harness the power of AI to transform their operations and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.”

John Cassidy, EPC Group’s Chief Revenue Officer, added, “As we enter the new age of artificial intelligence, the role of a Virtual Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (VCAIO) has become critical for businesses aiming to leverage AI effectively. Our VCAIO services provide strategic AI leadership, helping organizations navigate the complexities of AI integration and ensuring that their AI initiatives align with their overall business objectives. Given the limited talent pool capable of fulfilling this role, EPC Group’s VCAIOs are among the most skilled in North America, ready to guide businesses through their AI journey and ensure their Microsoft 365 Copilot initiatives are executed flawlessly.”

EPC Group’s Commitment to AI and VCAIO Services

Building on their legacy of innovation, EPC Group integrates advanced AI technologies into their SharePoint and Power BI efforts, enhancing collaboration, efficiency, and data analytics for their clients. By offering Virtual Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (VCAIO) services, EPC Group provides businesses with strategic AI leadership without the overhead of a full-time executive. Their VCAIOs specialize in AI, focusing on how AI can be integrated into every aspect of the business to drive growth, efficiency, and competitive advantage.

Pioneering M&A Cloud Consolidation – “Tenant to Tenant Migrations”

EPC Group continues to dominate the AI space and pioneer M&A Cloud Consolidation through its proprietary tools and methodologies. The company specializes in consolidating on-premise, hybrid, and cloud systems—including G-Suite, Dropbox, on-premise file shares, disparate systems uncovered during M&A efforts that were previously unknown, and legacy infrastructures—into unified, secure Microsoft 365 tenants. With a focus on proper governance, encryption, and on-time delivery, EPC Group ensures seamless migrations that meet both regulatory and shareholder expectations. EPC Group has recently completed a 34-company acquisition and full migration into one centralized new company’s Microsoft 365 tenant.

“EPC Group’s industry-leading approach allows acquiring companies to centralize IT operations by securely migrating systems from various source environments into a new and compliant Microsoft 365 tenant,” said Errin O’Connor. “Our focus on proper governance, encryption, and on-time delivery ensures that businesses can innovate confidently while maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance.”

Key Milestones and Recent Achievements:

Over 5,200 SharePoint Implementations: Demonstrating extensive experience and a proven track record in delivering SharePoint solutions.Over 1,500 Microsoft Power BI Projects: Showcasing deep expertise in business intelligence and data analytics.Authored Four Microsoft Press Best-Sellers: Including the official Microsoft Press book “Power BI Dashboards – Step by Step.”Launching a 40+ Hour YouTube AI Best Practices & Implementation Series: Sharing extensive knowledge on AI technologies, best practices, and implementation strategies.Early Contributor to Microsoft Technologies: Part of the original SharePoint Beta Team (Project Tahoe) and the Power BI Beta team (Project Crescent).Leading in AI Consulting: Offering services across 14 top AI solutions, including Microsoft 365 Copilot, Gemini, OpenAI, and more.Providing VCAIO Services: Offering Virtual Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer services to guide businesses through their AI journey.Pioneers in M&A Cloud Consolidation: Leading the industry with AI-driven tenant migrations and secure cloud consolidation.Second Oldest Microsoft Gold Partner in North America: Reflecting a longstanding partnership and deep expertise in Microsoft technologies.G2 Leader Recognition: Named a Leader in G2’s “Grid for Business Intelligence (BI) Consulting Providers – Fall 2024,” as one of the top Power BI consulting firms in North America.

About EPC Group

Founded in 1997, EPC Group is North America’s premier AI and business intelligence consulting firm with over 27 years of experience. As the second oldest Microsoft Gold Partner in North America, the company specializes in Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Azure, Power BI, data warehouse, Fabric, advanced AI solutions, VCAIO services, and M&A cloud consolidation. EPC Group has completed thousands of SharePoint and Power BI engagements for a diverse range of clients—from small and mid-sized organizations to large-scale enterprise rollouts.

EPC Group’s team of experts is dedicated to empowering organizations through technology, enhancing productivity, and driving business growth. Their involvement with Microsoft 365 Copilot, Gemini, OpenAI, and other AI technologies positions EPC Group at the forefront of digital transformation. The firm’s Virtual Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer services provide strategic AI leadership, helping businesses navigate the complexities of AI integration and ensuring their AI initiatives align with their overall objectives.

For more information about EPC Group’s, visit www.epcgroup.net or Contact Us at contact@epcgroup.net.

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SOURCE EPC Group

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Veterans Guardian Receives 2026 Gold HIRE Vets Medallion Award

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PINEHURST, N.C., Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting is honored to announce that the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded us the 2026 Gold HIRE Vets Medallion Award. This distinction celebrates our demonstration of patriotism, and our recognition of the immense value veterans bring to the workplace. The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only federal award that honors organizations for their outstanding commitment to recruiting, employing, and supporting America’s veterans.

Veterans Guardian has proudly earned the HIRE Vets Medallion Award every year since 2019. The Gold HIRE Vets Medallion is awarded to companies that not only hire veterans but also actively support a workplace that honors their service, supports their career development, and appreciates the strength and leadership veterans offer. We remain committed to creating an inclusive, empowering environment where veterans’ patriotism, experience, and contributions are acknowledged and honored.

“Receiving the 2026 Gold HIRE Vets Medallion Award is a tremendous honor and a reflection of our firm commitment to those who have served our nation,” said Scott Greenblatt, LTC (RET), US Army, CEO and Founder of Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting. “Our veterans have dedicated themselves to protecting our freedoms, and we believe that dedication deserves to be met with meaningful opportunities, continued support, and a workplace where their service and sacrifices are truly valued. Since 2019, we’ve remained committed to empowering veterans as they transition into civilian careers, recognizing the extraordinary leadership, resilience, and experience they bring to our organization. Supporting veterans isn’t simply part of what we do—it’s the foundation of who we are and the mission that guides us forward every day.”

Veterans Guardian’s dedication to veterans goes beyond employment. Through its mission of helping veterans navigate the VA disability claims process and pursue the benefits they have earned, the company continues advocating for those who have served. This acknowledgment reflects Veterans Guardian’s commitment to creating meaningful career opportunities while fostering a workplace where veterans can thrive, contribute, and build successful futures beyond military service.

“Our veterans possess a unique strength, resilience, and skill set that greatly improves our workforce,” Greenblatt added. “Our mission and values drive our commitment to hiring and supporting veterans, and it’s gratifying to recognize the positive impact we’ve made on their lives, as well as the impact they continue to make within our organization.”

The HIRE Vets Medallion Award recognizes organizations nationwide that show outstanding commitment to veteran employment and professional development. Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting is deeply honored to be named a 2026 Gold Medallion recipient, reaffirming our ongoing pledge to honor, support, and encourage those who have bravely served our nation.

About Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting
Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting is a leader in assisting veterans with VA claims, providing expertise and dedicated support to help veterans secure the benefits they deserve. Founded by Scott Greenblatt, Veterans Guardian is deeply committed to supporting the veteran community through advocacy, employment, and outreach. Learn more about Veterans Guardian at vetsguardian.com.

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SOURCE Veterans Guardian

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HitPaw Black Friday 2026: Save Up to 60% on AI Creative Tools

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NEW YORK, Nov 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HitPaw, an AI-powered multimedia platform specializing in video, image, and audio enhancement, generation, and editing solutions, today announced its 2026 Black Friday Mega Deal. Running from November 10 to December 7, the campaign offers savings of up to 60% OFF on a wide range of AI-powered creative tools, giving creators, businesses, and everyday users an opportunity to upgrade their creative workflows at exceptional prices.

Explore HitPaw’s AI Creative Tools

HitPaw offers specialized AI solutions for multimedia enhancement, generation, and editing, covering a wide range of creative needs:

HitPaw VikPea (AI Video Enhancer): Upscale videos to 4K, restores damaged footage, and enhances clarity, details, and colors by reducing blur and noise.HitPaw FotorPea (AI Photo Enhancer & Generator): Enhance image quality, restore old photographs, sharpen portraits, remove unwanted objects, and create AI-generated artwork.HitPaw Edimakor (AI Video Generator & Editor): Combines AI video generation with video editing capabilities, helping users create and edit engaging videos more efficiently.HitPaw VoicePea (AI Voice Changer): Transform voices in real time with realistic AI voice effects for streaming, gaming, content creation, and online communication.HitPaw Univd (AI Video Converter & Compressor): Convert and compress videos without sacrificing quality for seamless sharing across devices and platforms.HitPaw Watermark Remover (AI Watermark & Object Remover): Remove unwanted watermarks, objects, and distractions from photos and videos with ease.

From restoring cherished memories and producing social media content to creating product visuals and promotional videos for e-commerce, HitPaw’s tools support a variety of creative needs.

Unlock Exclusive Black Friday Discounts

During the Black Friday Mega Deal, customers can enjoy special discounts across HitPaw’s product lineup:

60% OFF 5-in-1 Ultimate Bundle: Get VikPea, FotorPea, Edimakor, Univd, and Watermark Remover in one package. Ideal for creators seeking an all-in-one toolkit for AI creation, video and image enhancement, editing, and file management.50% OFF 2-in-1 Bundles: Choose from two combinations: VikPea + FotorPea or VikPea + Edimakor. The first pairs video and photo enhancement, while the second offers a one-stop workflow for AI video creation and enhancement.40% OFF Individual Products: Save 40% OFF on HitPaw VikPea and HitPaw FotorPea, ideal for users focused on improving video and image quality.30% OFF Individual Products: Get 30% OFF on HitPaw Edimakor, HitPaw VoicePea, HitPaw Univd, and HitPaw Watermark Remover, catering to video creators and users looking for flexible editing and media utilities.20% OFF HitPaw Online AI Credits: Save on AI credits for browser-based tools, including video enhancement, AI image generation, photo restoration and more. A convenient option for users who prefer online creative tools without installing software.

How to Get HitPaw Black Friday Deals

HitPaw’s 2026 Black Friday Mega Deal runs from November 10 through December 7, 2026. Customers can visit the official campaign page to explore participating products, compare available plans, and claim discounts of up to 60% OFF.

For more information checking, you may visit: HitPaw Black Friday 2026: Save Up to 60% OFF, Best Deals

ABOUT HITPAW

HitPaw is a leading AI-powered multimedia platform offering video, image, and audio generation, enhancement, and editing tools. It helps millions of creators worldwide easily produce high-quality content, from transforming media to creating new visual and audio works. Learn more at: [OFFICIAL] HitPaw – AI Video, Photo & Audio Enhancer Solutions

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This release was issued through Send2Press® on behalf of the news source. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.send2press.com/.

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SOURCE HitPaw. Co., Ltd

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California Supreme Court to Decide Whether Insurers Can Hide Illegal Overcharges Behind Approved Rates, Says Consumer Watchdog

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Ruling Will Impact Millions of State Consumers

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The California Supreme Court will decide whether consumers can sue insurance companies for overcharges that are illegal under Proposition 103, the insurance reform enacted by the voters 38 years ago.

The case before the court concerns a class action lawsuit brought by enlisted policyholders who are good drivers. They allege that USAA, a military insurer, charged them a higher price for auto insurance than it charged officers. Proposition 103 mandates a 20% Good Driver Discount for qualified drivers and state law requires an insurance company to offer good drivers the lowest rate available, regardless of military rank.

Proposition 103 authorizes consumers to challenge violations like that in court. However, some courts have ruled that those lawsuits cannot be brought if the insurance company can argue that the Insurance Commissioner approved the rates being charged.

About 200,000 enlisted USAA customers were overcharged. However, the Supreme Court’s decision will ultimately affect millions of Californians who buy insurance for their autos, homes and businesses.

Ninth Circuit Asks California Supreme Court to Address Pocketbook Issues

The case began in federal court in San Diego, the home of many people in military service. The United States District Court for the Southern District of California ruled that after the passage of Proposition 103, the California legislature passed a bill exempting companies that only insured military personnel from the application of Proposition 103’s protections for good drivers. The plaintiffs appealed to the Ninth Circuit, pointing out that under California’s Constitution the Legislature cannot undermine laws passed by the voters through a ballot initiative.

Before the 9th Circuit, USAA made a second argument, which had been rejected by the District Court: that other state insurance laws shield insurance companies from consumer lawsuits seeking refunds, notwithstanding Proposition 103. Plaintiffs noted that Proposition 103 specifically authorizes lawsuits under the state’s consumer protection laws.

Noting that California courts have adopted conflicting interpretations of Proposition 103, the Ninth Circuit of the United States Court of Appeal then asked California’s Supreme Court to decide these issues of state law.

Representing the enlisted military in the litigation are Consumer Watchdog, the California based non-profit that defends and enforces Proposition 103; Mehri & Skalet, a Washington, D.C.-based law firm specializing in class actions and complex litigation; Mason & Perry LLP, a class action and complex litigation firm also based in D.C., Matthew Seligman, of Grayhawk Law, [more], is leading the plaintiffs’ team before the Supreme Court.

The case is Coleman v. United Services Automobile Association, No. S298496. Review the complaint in the lawsuit. The Ninth Circuit’s certification to the California Supreme Court is available here. (Coleman v. United Services Automobile Ass’n, No. 25-793, slip op. at 3–15 (9th Cir. Sept. 10, 2026)).

Consumer Watchdog is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that advocates for taxpayer and consumer interests, with a particular focus on insurance, health care, privacy, energy, and corporate accountability. Consumer Watchdog represents consumers in proceedings enforcing Proposition 103’s protections.

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SOURCE Consumer Watchdog

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