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Centro Accelerates Growth and Expands Platform Capabilities with Enhanced Communication and Engagement Solutions

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Strategic Expansion Strengthens Centro’s Role as a Transformational Force in the Broker and Carrier Space

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Centro Benefits Research (Centro), a leading employee benefits consulting and technology firm, today announced a major expansion of its platform, aimed at transforming the broker-carrier ecosystem. Centro’s cutting-edge platform is expanding by adding advanced benefits communication technologies and engagement tools to its robust suite of solutions, including its API-driven rating and quoting platforms, further underscoring its position as one of the most comprehensive and impactful players in the ancillary space.

The addition of these enhanced solutions comes with Centro’s acquisition of EOI Service Company (EOI), a well-established leader serving brokers and large employer groups in benefit communications and employee engagement. This marks a pivotal moment in Centro’s ongoing growth strategy. By integrating EOI’s specialized solutions, Centro is deepening its technology and service offerings, equipping broker partners with advanced tools to better serve their clients and drive greater value.

“We are entering a new era of growth at Centro, building on our technology foundation to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the benefits space,” said Dan McAlone, Founder & President, Centro. “With the addition of EOI’s expertise, we’re poised to accelerate our impact on the industry, providing groundbreaking solutions that empower brokers, simplify benefits administration, and now drive greater engagement for the employees we reach. This is a significant step forward in our mission to integrate solutions that fundamentally change how the industry operates.”

EOI, based in Anaheim, CA and founded in 1978 by Jim Davidson, has built a powerful platform of technology-driven solutions that seamlessly integrate benefit communication strategies and enrollment support for broker partners and large employer groups. Additionally, EOI partners with brokers to develop long-term voluntary benefit strategies, streamline the RFP process, and negotiate with carriers to achieve significant cost savings. At closing, EOI represented over $400 million in voluntary benefits premium.

“Joining Centro allows us to scale our capabilities and continue evolving as leaders in benefit communications,” said Jim Davidson, Chairman & CEO, EOI. “Centro’s vision of transforming the industry with technology that streamlines processes and maximizes value aligns perfectly with the legacy we’ve built at EOI. Together, we’re positioned to deliver even more impactful solutions that not only meet the growing needs of brokers and employers but also redefine what’s possible in the benefits space.”

With this strategic expansion, Centro continues its momentum as a growing technology company, positioned to change the benefits landscape through its innovative platform, deep talent expertise, and commitment to delivering comprehensive solutions that drive value for broker partners and employer clients. Dowling Hales acted as exclusive financial advisor to EOI in its sale.

About Centro Benefits Research 

Centro Benefits Research is an ancillary benefits and technology consulting firm that enables brokers and carriers to deliver the best possible outcomes for their mutual customers through powerful research, deep industry expertise and the creation of digitally focused platform efficiencies that drive business growth. Centro’s mission remains squarely focused on bringing modern technology to a legacy insurance process and helping all stakeholders in the system work more effectively. For information, visit centrobenefitsresearch.com. 

About EOI Service Company

After 46 years in business, EOI’s unique capabilities in strategic planning, product evaluation, communication, and enrollment services are stronger than ever. 

EOI has expanded its suite of value-added services beyond the design, communication, and enrollment of benefit programs to include a more comprehensive array of services designed to meet corporate and HR initiatives. EOI prides itself on its continuous innovation and expansion of services.

Headquartered in Anaheim, CA, EOI is appointed, licensed, and represents clients in all 51 jurisdictions.  From 1978 to the present, the company has been led by the same management group and is well-known for its team of salaried, professional benefit counselors. 

Media Contact: Rachel Pennington, rachel.pennington@centrobenefits.com

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SOURCE Centro Benefits Research

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Seminar for Members of the Global Development Promotion Center Network Visits Qingdao, Exchanges on Media Convergence and Cooperation Opportunities

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QINGDAO, China, Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A report from iqingdao.

The Seminar for Members of the Global Development Promotion Center Network visited Qingdao Daily Press Group to learn about media convergence and international communication practices. They then attended the Qingdao Development Opportunities Promotion and Exchange Conference, exploring the city’s strengths and potential for future cooperation.

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SOURCE iqingdao

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Saledock Gives Celerant ONE Retailers One Place to Market, Message and Manage Every Customer Conversation

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CES gives UK retailers a central marketing hub connected to live sales data.

KINGSTON UPON HULL, England, Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Saledock, a Celerant company, today launched Customer Engagement Suite (CES) for Celerant ONE, giving UK retailers a central hub for email marketing, SMS, social media, reputation management and every customer conversation, from website live chat to WhatsApp messages.

Because CES connects in real time to Celerant ONE’s ePOS and eCommerce, retailers can automate targeted, personalised messages based on what customers do in-store and online, using the customer, sales, and product information already in their system.

Marketing That Knows What Your Customers Bought

Most independent retailers manage customer communication across a patchwork of tools: one for email, another for text messages, a social media scheduler, review sites, a WhatsApp inbox and a separate live chat on their website. None of those tools know what a customer bought last week, so campaigns stay generic and staff waste time exporting lists and copying product details between systems.

CES closes that gap. It sits inside Celerant ONE and draws directly on the data retailers already have, including customer records, in-store and online sales history, and product images and information. The result is marketing that reflects real buying behaviour, built and sent from the same platform the retailer uses to run the shop.

How It Works

Retailers can set up automated workflows triggered by what happens at the till or on their website, and get as creative as they like. A workflow might thank a customer after their first purchase, follow up with shoppers who bought a particular brand or category, or win back customers who haven’t visited in a while, by email or SMS. Once it’s set, it runs in the background.

For retailers who don’t want to build workflows from scratch, a built-in AI agent can create them, so even a small team can put automated marketing to work.

Building a campaign is faster too. Product images and descriptions come straight from Celerant ONE, so there’s no need to recreate content that already exists in the catalogue.

With CES, Celerant ONE retailers can:

Automate email and SMS campaigns based on in-store and online purchase activityLet the built-in AI agent build workflows for themAnswer website live chat and WhatsApp messages from a single inboxSchedule posts and engage with followers across Facebook, Instagram, and their other social channelsMonitor and respond to customer reviews to protect their reputationReduce the number of separate marketing and messaging tools they pay for and manage

“Retailers already own their most valuable marketing asset, which is their customer and sales data,” said Michele Salerno, Chief Growth Officer at Celerant Technology. “The problem is that data usually sits in one system while their email, texts, reviews, and social media live somewhere else. CES puts all of it in one place and connects it to every sale, so a retailer can send a message that’s actually relevant to that customer without exporting a list or logging into a handful of different tools.”

“Running a shop leaves very little time for marketing, and jumping between different apps to do it doesn’t help,” said Layla Gladwin, Managing Director of Saledock. “With CES, everything a retailer needs to talk to their customers is inside Celerant ONE and connected to what’s happening at the till and online. Set up a workflow once, or let the AI agent build it for you, and it keeps working while you get on with serving customers.”

Availability

Customer Engagement Suite is available now as an optional add-on for Celerant ONE retailers. Existing Celerant ONE retailers can contact their Saledock account representative to get started. Retailers considering new ePOS and eCommerce software can request a Celerant ONE demonstration to see CES and the complete platform at [https://www.saledock.com/customer-enagagement-suite/]

About Saledock, a Celerant Company

Saledock is the UK division of Celerant Technology, providing Celerant ONE, a cloud-based retail platform that connects ePOS, eCommerce, stock control, customer engagement and other critical retail operations within one system.

To learn more, Visit Saledock.com/ 

About Celerant Technology

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Iselin, New Jersey, Celerant Technology provides retail software to more than 1,800 retailers, supporting over 5,000 store locations. With approximately 250 employees across seven offices, Celerant connects point of sale, eCommerce, inventory, customer engagement, payments, marketplaces, and more for specialty retailers ranging from independent shops to multi-location and enterprise businesses.

To learn more, visit Celerant.com/

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Jackery Black Friday 2026: Up to 58% Off Explorer v2 Portable Power Stations and Solar Generators, Starting at Just £378

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LONDON, Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Jackery is kicking off its Black Friday campaign with up to 58% off its popular Explorer v2 Series, with portable power stations starting at just £378. Running from 10 to 30 November 2026, the campaign offers some of the biggest savings of the year across the new-edition Explorer 1000 v2 2027 and Explorer 2000 v2 2027, as well as the Explorer 3000 v2, alongside selected solar generator bundles.

Combining compact design, lightweight portability and powerful, reliable performance, the Explorer v2 Series caters to different energy needs – from weekend camping and extended off-grid adventures to emergency backup power at home during unexpected winter power cuts.
 

Explorer 1000 v2 2027: Lightweight Power for Everyday Adventures – Now Just £378

With a 1,024 Wh capacity and 1,500 W output, the new Explorer 1000 v2 is ideal for weekend camping, road trips and outdoor activities. Compact and easy to carry, it powers everyday essentials such as laptops, cameras, portable fridges and lighting. Its long-lasting LiFePO4 battery and advanced ChargeShield safety technology ensure dependable performance. Emergency Charging enables a full recharge from 0 to 100% in just 50 minutes, making it ready for the next adventure or unexpected power needs.

Explorer 1000 v2: £378 (RRP £899) – 57% offSolar Generator 1000 v2 with SolarSaga 200W Panel: £629 (RRP £1,499) – 58% off
 

Explorer 2000 v2 2027: More Power for Extended Adventures – Save Up to 54%

With a 2,048 Wh capacity and 2,200 W output, the new Explorer 2000 v2 can simultaneously power energy-intensive devices such as coffee machines and electric coolers on the go. The compact power station features long-lasting LiFePO4 batteries, comprehensive safety features and a wide range of connectivity options, now with three AC outlets for added flexibility.  It can be recharged via a mains socket, Jackery’s portable solar panels or a 12V charging cable in a vehicle.

Explorer 2000 v2: £726 (RRP £1,399) – 48% offSolar Generator 2000 v2 with SolarSaga 100W Panel: £919 (RRP £1,999) – 54% off
 

Explorer 3000 v2: High-Capacity Power for Adventures and Winter Backup – Save Up to £1,004

For those who need greater energy reserves, the Explorer 3000 v2 offers a 3,072 Wh capacity and 3,600 W output with LiFePO4 battery technology. As one of the most compact and quietest models in its class, it is ideally suited for off-grid power while camping, on construction sites and as an emergency backup solution at home, particularly during unexpected winter power cuts. Thanks to app connectivity and bidirectional charging capabilities, users can also take advantage of variable electricity tariffs to schedule charging during off-peak periods.

Explorer 3000 v2: £1,352 (RRP £2,299) – 41% offSolar Generator 3000 v2 with SolarSaga 200W Panel: £1,595 (RRP £2,599) – 38% off

All Black Friday offers are available from 10 to 30 November 2026 at the official Jackery UK online store.

Media enquiries: Jiatong Li, jiatong@jackery.com, +4915223970329

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