US Business News

Author Christy Cashman Supports Seen Through Horses Campaign

Horse lover and wellness advocate Christy Cashman is one of the many horse-loving celebrities to join Horses for Mental Health, the third annual Seen Through Horses Campaign, As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month during May,  the campaign unites celebrity ambassadors in support of 80 non-profit organizations providing mental health and well-being programs and services incorporating horses in 36 states. 

Her debut novel, The Truth About Horses, is a triumphant story about the fierce spirit of a young woman facing life’s unexpected challenges, a devastating loss, and the search for her place in the world. The book explores grief and fighting through it with the help of a deep connection with horses.

Horses for Mental Health, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has the growing support of a multitude of esteemed equestrians for its third annual Seen Through Horses Campaign, presented by Zoetis Equine. In coordination with Mental Health Awareness Month, the campaign unites celebrity ambassadors in support of 80 non-profit organizations providing mental health and well-being programs and services incorporating horses in 36 states. 

From May 1- 31, 2024, anyone can donate by visiting horsesformentalhealth.org which will directly go to supporting mental health programs and services. To date, the Seen Through Horses campaign has raised over $375,000 for nonprofit organizations to increase access and expand services for those in need. 

“Seen Through Horses” is grateful to the newest horse-loving advocates and award-winning actors, athletes,  journalists, musical artists, icons and authors including Christy Cashman, Andrea Bocelli, Apolo Ohno, Misdee Wrigley Miller, Whey Jennings, Alex Hall, Allie Colleen, Nigel Barker, Sheri Salata, Jeremy Gauna, Eli Alger, Jodie Morton, Tony Stromberg, Emanuele Pistucchia, Helen Pollock, and Devon O’Day who all believe in the profound connection between humans and horses.

“Horses are teachers,” writes Christy Cashman. “I believe some of them will teach you more about yourself than hours and hours in (traditional) therapy sessions. In my experience, it’s because they don’t always do exactly what you want. They aren’t there to abide by our rigid idea of the way we think things “should be. And to me, that could be the most valuable and therapeutic experience anyone could ever have.“

Lifelong cowboys and co-stars of the new movie “Ride,” Forrie J Smith and C Thomas Howell and the film’s writer/director Jake Allyn have also joined this trailblazing mission!   

Also spotlighted, Special Olympics gold medal athletes Emily Ward (equestrian) and 62-time gold medalist Shawn Hinz share stories of horses that have made a monumental impact on their lives. 

Dedicated equestrians championing this campaign include the legendary Randy Travis, actors Sophie Grace and Bourke Floyd, journalists Jill Rappaport and Reggie Selma, Chilean Pro Show Jumper Gabriela Reutter, firefighter Shelby Van Weelden, country music artists Tayla Lynn, J Michael Harter, Callie Twisselman, Justin Adams, Clayton Smalley, designer Dalia MacPhee and two world champion equestrians Kristy Goodall and (actor) Riley Smith. 

You can read their extraordinary stories and learn more at:

www.horsesformentalhealth.org/stories. 

“Seen Through Horses” is a peer-to-peer campaign composed of people, 80 nonprofits, mental health specialists, influencers, and businesses to increase awareness and public engagement, and raise funds to improve access to programs incorporating horses for mental health and personal growth.

Horses for Mental Health is proud to announce the release of our latest feature video as part of the Seen Through Horses Campaign, “Supporting Mental Health in Rural Communities.” This video spotlights the crisis encased in a lack of access to quality resources and the stigma around seeking mental health help.

“The numbers tell a story – 46 million people live in rural America, yet they face a disproportionate share of mental health struggles, with limited access to resources. Stigma thrives in these communities, fueled by the ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps’ mentality,” says Tyler Brklacich, Horses for Mental Health Co-Founder and Executive Producer. “Yet amidst these challenges, hope emerges through partnerships with horses.”

About Horses for Mental Health & the Seen Through Horses Campaign

Produced by Horses for Mental Health, Seen Through Horses is a peer-to-peer campaign composed of individuals, nonprofits, mental health professionals, influencers, and businesses to increase awareness, public engagement, and raise funds to improve access to programs incorporating horses for mental health and personal growth. Horses can make a much-needed difference for mental health challenges so many in our world face. Seen Through Horses aims to convene a community, empower nonprofits, and share stories of transformation to illustrate the positive impacts of incorporating horses into mental health services and programs.

In addition to our title sponsor and executive producer, premier partners supporting the campaign also include The American Horse Council, American Psychological Association’s Section on Human-Animal Interaction (APA HAI), Arenas for Change (ARCH), Black in the Saddle, Equine Network, EQUUS Films & Arts, EQUUS Television Network, Horses & Humans Research Foundation​​, Institute for Human-Animal Connection, Natural Lifemanship, New Trails Learning Systems, PATH International, Polyvagal Equine Institute, Rural Minds, Temple Grandin Equine Center (CSU), The HERD Institute, and US Equestrian.

About Zoetis

As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. After innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness for more than 70 years, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide – from veterinarians and pet owners to livestock farmers and ranchers. The company’s leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and technologies make a difference in over 100 countries. A Fortune 500 company, Zoetis generated revenue of $8.1 billion in 2022 with approximately 13,800 employees. For more information, visit www.Zoetis.com.

The Zoetis Equine division is committed to providing horse care you can count on. Our team includes numerous equine veterinarians and other experts who are inspired daily by the opportunity and profound responsibility to support horses, the owners who love them, and the equine veterinarians and other care team members who safeguard their well-being. Whether at the clinic or in the field, Zoetis is always by your side with a comprehensive, innovative portfolio of equine products and services at every step of a horse’s care and throughout the journey of a horse’s life. Visit ZoetisEquine.com to learn more.

Published by: Nelly Chavez

Commit and AWS Accelerate Startup Growth in the AI Sector

By: Jason Tower

New York, NY – Commit, a prominent player in the tech industry with a global presence, has revolutionized technology innovation within the artificial intelligence landscape. With a dedicated team spanning the US, Israel, and Europe, Commit has become a beacon of excellence, empowering over thirty ‘unicorns’—a testament to its ability to help startups in the AI industry realize their market potential. Commit is here to support you whether you focus on computer vision, natural language processing, or any other AI application. As the demand for cutting-edge AI solutions continues to soar, Commit has emerged as a pivotal partner for startups exploring generative AI innovations, offering unparalleled expertise and support.

The AI industry is experiencing explosive growth, projected to exceed a trillion dollars by 2029 from USD 67.56 billion in 2024. This rapid expansion underscores the critical role of reliable cloud AI service providers in bolstering the startup ecosystem eager to capitalize on AI technologies.

While Amazon Web Services (AWS) dominates the cloud platform scene with a 50.1% market share, the collaboration between Commit and AWS combines Commit’s expertise in generative AI and AWS’s robust cloud infrastructure. This collaboration is a significant turning point for startups venturing into generative AI. It provides them with a wealth of resources and a support framework designed to propel their growth and competitiveness in the AI arena.

Commit’s partnership with AWS grants startups access to advanced AI tools like SageMaker, Rekognition, Bedrock, Textract, and AmazonQ. These tools and AWS’s robust cloud infrastructure enable startups to integrate sophisticated technologies seamlessly without extensive in-house development. AWS’s cost-efficient pay-as-you-go model allows startups to manage their finances judiciously, a crucial aspect during the nascent phases of their journey.

A standout feature of Commit’s offering is its extensive support ecosystem. Commit provides startups with a nurturing community, solid customer support avenues, 24/7 technical assistance, and entry into AWS’s startup programs. These programs offer a range of benefits, from credits to access to AWS experts, to help startups accelerate their growth. This ecosystem bolsters startups’ growth and scalability, significantly enhancing their technical prowess and positioning them to flourish in the competitive generative AI field.

Navigating the generative AI development landscape involves hurdles, such as securing diverse datasets, addressing ethical concerns, and managing hefty computational infrastructure demands. Commit’s adeptness in directly addressing these challenges and offering tailored support ensures startups can effectively surmount the intricacies of generative AI development, setting them up for sustained success in this rapidly evolving sector.

Commit’s deep-seated expertise in AWS services and cloud technology positions it as an exemplary startup partner. This partnership allows startups to leverage Commit’s profound knowledge and experience in deploying AWS solutions, facilitating a seamless cloud transition and optimal utilization of AWS resources. With a team of over 200 certified AWS professionals and over 30 experts dedicated to AI, Commit is equipped to guide startups in crafting scalable, secure, and cost-efficient cloud solutions that align with their business goals.

The synergistic partnership between Commit and AWS allows startups to harness cloud computing’s prowess and propel their business growth. By tapping into Commit’s expertise, startups can fully unlock AWS services’ potential, securing a competitive advantage in their respective fields. Commit’s robust technical capabilities, industry insight, and customer-focused approach make it an ideal partner for startups poised to succeed in the cloud and AI era.

About Commit

Since its inception in 2005, Commit has been synonymous with innovation. As an AWS Premier Tier Service Partner and recently named AWS SI Partner of the Year in Israel, Commit boasts over 700 multi-disciplinary experts across the US, Israel, and Europe. Commit has solidified its reputation as a powerhouse for end-to-end technology solutions, aiding over thirty ‘unicorns’ in their quest to lead their marketplace; proven track record and industry recognition demonstrate its commitment to excellence and ability to deliver results for startups in the AI industry.

Published by: Nelly Chavez

Phil Shalala And The Critical Co. Are Leadership with A Vision

By: Michael Carter

In the competitive world of business, where innovation and strategic foresight are the keys to success, The Critical Co. stands out as a beacon of excellence. Founded by visionary entrepreneur Phil Shalala, this Los Angeles-based venture studio has rapidly established itself as a powerhouse, driving transformative change across a diverse range of industries. As The Critical Co. continues to expand its influence, it’s clear that its unique approach to business development is setting new benchmarks for success.

Phil Shalala’s journey into the world of business began with a simple yet powerful philosophy: “From early in my career, I’ve had the innate ability to find the pony in the pasture, turn it into a racehorse, and sell it.” This approach to identifying and nurturing potential has propelled The Critical Co. to the forefront of sectors such as hospitality, sports, entertainment, beverage, spirits, and technology. By consistently setting new standards for excellence, The Critical Co. has become synonymous with innovation and success.

What sets The Critical Co. apart from traditional venture capital firms is its comprehensive, hands-on approach to business development. Rather than simply providing financial backing, The Critical Co. immerses itself in every stage of a project’s lifecycle. From initial concept development and strategic planning to market launch and scaling, the company ensures that each venture is meticulously crafted to lead its respective market.

Phil Shalala elaborates, “Our goal is to provide more than just financial support. We aim to be deeply involved in shaping each project, leveraging our expertise and network to accelerate growth and ensure success. This hands-on approach differentiates us and allows us to create real, sustainable value.”

A key component of The Critical Co.’s strategy is its ability to forge strategic partnerships. By collaborating with top-tier celebrities, influencers, and industry leaders, the company amplifies its reach and impact. These partnerships are not mere endorsements but integral parts of the business strategy, ensuring authenticity and deeper market penetration.

For example, Lonie Paxton, a former NFL star turned marketing leader, drives the company’s initiatives in sports and entertainment. His industry insights and connections have been invaluable. Jorge Hidalgo, the creative genius behind many successful consumer brands, particularly in the beverage and spirits sectors, ensures that The Critical Co.’s projects are not only innovative but also resonate deeply with consumers. Anthony Batt, a technology visionary, keeps the company ahead of the curve in digital innovation and artificial intelligence.

In today’s rapidly evolving market, technology is a critical driver of success. The Critical Co. leverages the latest technological advancements to enhance its ventures. From utilizing artificial intelligence for market analysis and consumer insights to integrating blockchain for transparency and efficiency, technology is at the core of the company’s operations.

This tech-forward approach not only gives The Critical Co. a competitive edge but also ensures that its ventures are future-proof. By staying ahead of technological trends, the company can adapt swiftly to changes and capitalize on new opportunities as they arise.

Beyond financial success, The Critical Co. is deeply committed to sustainability and social responsibility. Phil Shalala believes that true business leadership involves making a positive impact on the community and the environment. This philosophy is reflected in the company’s projects, which prioritize eco-friendly practices and community engagement.

“Business success is not just about profit margins,” Phil notes. “It’s about creating a legacy that benefits society and the environment. At The Critical Co., we strive to integrate sustainable practices into everything we do.”

As The Critical Co. continues to expand its influence, the future looks incredibly promising. With a slate of innovative projects on the horizon and a growing network of strategic partners, the company is well-positioned to maintain its trajectory of growth and innovation. Investors, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals can expect to see a surge in dynamic business ventures that not only aim for financial success but also contribute positively to the community and the environment.

For those looking to collaborate in sectors ripe for innovation and growth, The Critical Co. offers a model of how visionary leadership and strategic innovation can drive success. By combining deep industry expertise with a commitment to sustainability and social impact, Phil Shalala and his team are setting new benchmarks for excellence in the business world.

In conclusion, The Critical Co. is not just shaping markets but also inspiring a new generation of business leaders. With its unique approach to venture development and its unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability, The Critical Co. stands out as a beacon of excellence in the modern business landscape. Keep an eye on this groundbreaking company as it continues to take charge of transforming industries and creating lasting value.

 

Published by: Khy Talara