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Mission Critical Partners Guides 911 Center Consolidation in Wisconsin

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2 years ago

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Ashland and Bayfield counties pool resources in the state’s first county-to-county consolidation, keeping pace with 911 service evolution and improving emergency-response delivery.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa., March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Mission Critical Partners (MCP) has announced completion of a project whereby its subject-matter experts guided Wisconsin’s Ashland and Bayfield counties in the consolidation of two 911 centers. The new consolidated center went live in December 2024.

The new 911 center is a leap forward in terms of providing emergency-response services to the citizens of Ashland and Bayfield counties. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support this initiative in a variety of meaningful ways.

Across the United States, 911 centers are struggling to perform their missions, hampered by staffing shortages that in some areas are acute; by significant and sometimes severe funding limitations; and by aging technology that is experiencing performance issues and/or is approaching end of life, which makes maintenance more challenging due to a lack of vendor support and a dearth of replacement parts. To combat these issues, many centers have turned to virtual or physical consolidation with one or more neighboring centers as a way of pooling their resources.

Ashland and Bayfield counties border Lake Superior, about 60 miles east of Duluth, Minnesota, and each has a population of about 16,000. Combined, the centers handle approximately 33,000 calls annually.

MCP was hired by the counties to conduct a consolidation feasibility study in response to the rapidly changing 911 ecosystem, particularly in terms of technological advancements. The counties specifically wanted to know whether consolidation would enable them to:

Improve public-safety and emergency-response services provided to citizens and field respondersImprove workflows by streamlining processes and procedures, eliminating redundant equipment, and reducing emergency-call transfersImprove situational awareness and mutual-aid responseExpand emergency medical dispatch (EMD) to Bayfield CountyImprove 911 center staffingIncrease resources while reducing costsImprove operational uniformity through joint training and regular communications

The counties accepted MCP’s recommendation to move forward with physical consolidation. The most important anticipated benefits include the ability to:

Address the lack of interoperability that existed between disparate mission-critical systems and technologies that operated independently in the two 911 centers, notably the land mobile radio and call-handling systems.Reduce risk exposure by providing minimum staffing of two to three telecommunicators per shift, drawing from a combined workforce of 14 telecommunicators.Reduce operating costs by improving economies of scale and eliminating redundant and duplicate equipment, with a corollary benefit of reducing ongoing maintenance and replacement costs.

The next phase of the project involved MCP’s subject-matter experts helping the counties navigate the consolidation, which included securing funding for the project through the state’s grant program. The grant process is a vital and often challenging task, according to MCP project manager Stacy Banker.

“Grant guidance usually is very specific, and you have to ensure that every box is checked,” Banker said. “The grant program specifically was targeting consolidation and MCP assisted the counties with identifying and justifying expenses that would support this overarching goal.”

In addition to the grant support, MCP helped develop a comprehensive implementation plan that included creation of intergovernmental agreements and an organization structure for the new center. They also helped the counties decide whether to build from the ground up or retrofit an existing facility. Leveraging MCP’s guidance, which was rooted in dozens of facility projects, the counties opted for the latter approach. Further, an intergovernmental board was established to oversee the consolidated center, which is managed by a civilian director.

According to Mark Abeles-Addison, Bayfield County administrator, one of MCP’s most critical accomplishments was helping personnel from both counties work collaboratively to bring the new center to fruition.

“MCP was on task, knowledgeable, and effective at fostering collaboration between Ashland and Bayfield counties,” Abeles-Allison said. “MCP guided us through a multijurisdictional process that was new to us — their wealth of knowledge kept us on track.”

Darrin Reilly, MCP’s president and CEO, praised the counties for making the necessary decision to consolidate and then executing their collective vision flawlessly. “The new 911 center is a leap forward in terms of providing emergency-response services to the citizens of Ashland and Bayfield counties. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support this initiative in a variety of meaningful ways.”

About Mission Critical Partners (MCP)

Mission Critical Partners (MCP) is a leading provider of data integration, consulting, 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 help us develop modernized solutions for our clients to maximize value and create optimal efficiency while mitigating risk. Additional information and career opportunities are available at www.MissionCriticalPartners.com.

Media Contact

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

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/mission-critical-partners-guides-911-center-consolidation-in-wisconsin-302394836.html

SOURCE Mission Critical Partners

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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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6 hours ago

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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.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leap-group-relaunches-humanview-a-growth-intelligence-system-built-to-explain-why-customers-behave-the-way-they-do-302918557.html

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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7 hours ago

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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

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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7 hours ago

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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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