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COLERIDGE INITIATIVE’S 5TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENING HIGHLIGHTS THE FUTURE OF DATA-DRIVEN POLICY FOR PUBLIC GOOD

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Data Leaders Converge to Champion Evidence-Based Policy at Critical Time

WASHINGTON, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Coleridge Initiative hosted its 5th Annual National Convening in Arlington, VA, from March 26-28, bringing together nearly 300 data experts, policymakers and thought leaders to explore the transformative power of administrative data in shaping public policy. This year’s Convening, titled Empower Collaboration, Unlock Innovation, and Drive Impact, underscored how strategic partnerships and groundbreaking technology are impacting decision making for state, federal, and private sectors and unlocking the potential of data for public good.

“We stand at a pivotal moment when the need for secure, accessible, and elegant data has never been more critical,” said Dr. Ahu Yildirmaz, President and CEO of the Coleridge Initiative. “This Convening highlights that need and the huge opportunity we have to work in partnership to advance data infrastructure, governance, and accessibility to drive better policies that improve lives.”

The keynote address by Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s, emphasized the urgent need for data-driven policymaking amid funding constraints and workforce reductions. “We have seen the quality of data eroding, and it is increasingly difficult to trust traditional sources,” said Zandi. “Data is critical to understanding what is going on and how we respond.”

Yildirmaz celebrated five years of growth and looked to the future: “We are building something greater than a platform – we’re working to generate a network effect,” said Yildirmaz. “Coleridge is not just building a technology platform—we’re helping shape a national data ecosystem. One where every dataset, every agency, every partner contributes to something larger than itself.”

Attendees rose to the challenge, focusing on collaboration between organizations and groundbreaking innovations in data integration to achieve meaningful impact on a range of societal issues. Discussions included:

Empowering Collaboration Across the Public and Private SectorsData Innovation to Drive Opportunity and Access in Higher EducationUnlocking Responsible AI Uses with State and Federal DataBest Practices for Data Sharing, Governance, and InfrastructureMulti-State Data Collaborative (MSDC) Real-World Outcomes

View the full Convening agenda

A standout moment of the Convening was the presentation of the Data Champion of the Year Award to Robert McGough, Chief Data Officer for the state of Arkansas. The award recognizes exceptional leadership in advancing data-driven innovation in the public sector.

“I am honored to be recognized as Data Champion of the Year, especially among the many incredible data professionals from whom I have learned so much,” said McGough. “Mike Rogers (Chief Workforce Officer), Dr. Jake Walker (Chief Research Officer), and I sincerely appreciated the opportunity to share how Arkansas is digitally transforming learning, employment, and advancement through new platforms and improving whole-person care through the Arkansas Integrated Referral and Outcomes System (AIROS). The Coleridge Initiative has been a vital partner in Arkansas’ data journey, and I am excited about the new efforts we have underway this year and the value they will provide to Arkansas and beyond.”

About The Coleridge Initiative, Inc.

The Coleridge Initiative is a nonprofit organization working with governments to ensure that data are more effectively used for public decision-making. Coleridge provides agencies with the opportunity to enhance their data literacy and collaborate within and across states to develop new technologies through the secure access and sharing of confidential microdata. Coleridge provides secure data enclave services to a diverse range of clients, including 24 state government agencies and several federal agencies, through the Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF). The ADRF is a FedRAMP-authorized cloud-based platform that enables government agencies to link their longitudinal data with other states and agencies. To learn more, visit
www.coleridgeinitiative.org

Media Contact: Nick Obourn, nick.obourn@coleridgeinitiative.org

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SOURCE Coleridge Initiative

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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October 24, 2026

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

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SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

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SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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October 24, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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