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Protiviti Launches Protiviti AI Studio in Chicago: A New Center for Accelerated AI Innovation

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MENLO PARK, Calif., April 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global consulting firm Protiviti has launched its inaugural Protiviti AI Studio in Chicago, an inventive facility dedicated to empowering organizations to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI).  As AI continues to disrupt and transform core business operations, this innovative studio serves as a launchpad for enabling organizations to address a wide array of business challenges with AI.

The Protiviti AI Studio is an evolution and expansion of its AI Center of Excellence (COE) with a specific focus and commitment in Chicago.  The AI Studio in Chicago dedicates space and expert resources to help organizations co-create and explore AI’s potential for positive impact to our clients’ business and accelerate outcomes.

“Protiviti AI Studio focuses on accelerating AI innovation by addressing key challenges we have seen organizations encounter,” said Christine Livingston, global leader, AI practice at Protiviti. “Our studio uniquely centralizes key resources to enable organizations’ ability to rapidly envision, engage and unlock the transformative power of AI.”

Why It Matters: In an era where AI is reshaping industries, Protiviti AI Studio in Chicago moves clients from concept to execution with unprecedented speed and confidence.

Who We Are: Staffed by a team of skilled AI strategists, data engineers and developers, combined with domain-specific subject matter expertise from across the firm, the Protiviti AI Studio in Chicago provides clients with access to top-tier support and innovative, strategic AI-based solutions.

What We Do: The Protiviti AI Studio in Chicago offers a distinctive blend of resources and experience designed to help accelerate initial phases of AI adoption while exploring the latest AI capabilities from technology vendors. From conceptualization to execution, the Protiviti AI Studio in Chicago helps organizations:

Envision the Possibilities: From understanding what use cases to consider to showcasing leading-edge applications of AI, we bring a mix of ideation techniques, proprietary assets, dynamic assessments and interactive workshops to help spark new ideas, refine the best concepts, and explore the full potential of AI – dynamically aligned to your organization’s unique needs.

Experiment with Technology: Interactive demonstrations and functional prototypes bring AI concepts to life, affording a broad view of the array of AI-powered solutions. We work together with leading technology vendors to showcase the latest technologies, and rapidly and collaboratively prototype to see various AI capabilities in action.

Enable your People: Establishing a foundational understanding of AI and creating a shared vision is key to long-term success with AI. Our studio fosters hands-on training and enablement sessions to familiarize organizations with the capabilities through active learning and focuses the long-term vision on human-centered AI principles and solution designs.

Why Chicago?: Chicago was chosen as the location for the Protiviti AI Studio due to its central positioning both within the United States and since it represents one of Protiviti’s largest office locations. The city’s vibrant tech ecosystem and innovation landscape provide an ideal backdrop for fostering collaboration and creativity.  Chicago has also been home to one of Protiviti’s “iNNs”–one of three global innovation centers.

For more information about the Protiviti AI Studio in Chicago and its offerings, please visit Protiviti’s website.

About Protiviti 

Protiviti (www.protiviti.com) is a global consulting firm that delivers deep expertise, objective insights, a tailored approach and unparalleled collaboration to help leaders confidently face the future. Protiviti and its independent and locally owned member firms provide clients with consulting and managed solutions in finance, technology, operations, data, digital, legal, HR, risk and internal audit through a network of more than 90 offices in over 25 countries. 

Named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the 11th consecutive year, Protiviti Inc. has served more than 80 percent of Fortune 100 and nearly 80 percent of Fortune 500 companies. The firm also works with government agencies and smaller, growing companies, including those looking to go public. Protiviti Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Half (NYSE: RHI). 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/protiviti-launches-protiviti-ai-studio-in-chicago-a-new-center-for-accelerated-ai-innovation-302422230.html

SOURCE Protiviti

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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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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

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

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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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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Club Offers for Travel Enthusiasts in Canada

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TORONTO, Oct 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), the club for travel enthusiasts, announces three of many new Club Offers for Club Members in Canada.

Rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts:

$799—COSTA RICA WEEK WITH FLIGHTS & CAR
We think fall is an ideal time to visit Costa Rica; the scenery is lush and the crowds are gone. Drive between volcanic Arenal and the idyllic beaches of Tamarindo on this seven-night trip. Since it’s not as busy, we were able to negotiate a price that saves members up to $648 on departures through mid-December.

$899—BARCELONA: 5 NIGHTS WITH FLIGHTS
Explore Barcelona’s world-class museums and architectural masterpieces in the quieter winter months to pack more into your trip. You won’t waste hours in lines and can access top restaurants that are fully booked in summer. We save $300 on travel this January and February, when temperatures are still spring-like. Roundtrip flights from Toronto, hotel and daily breakfast are included.

$999—ST. KITTS GETAWAY FOR 2, REG. $2083
Most visitors to St. Kitts book months in advance, but when we pointed out that travel enthusiasts are more spontaneous, this resort gave us a terrific rate for stays this November and December. Spend four nights in Frigate Bay and get an upgraded Oceanview room, too.

Are you a travel enthusiast? Join the club today: https://travelzoo.com

Who are we?
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travellers. Club Members receive Club Offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by our deal experts around the globe. Our relationships with thousands of top travel companies give us access to irresistible deals. Our club and its benefits are built around the lifestyle of a modern travel enthusiast.

Media Contact: 
Amanda Ieraci – Toronto
+1 437 866 8540
aieraci@travelzoo.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/club-offers-for-travel-enthusiasts-in-canada-302918543.html

SOURCE Travelzoo

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