Ron Holifield Honored as Distinguished Member of the Texas City Management Association
'Ron Holifield has always embodied what public service should be—humble, visionary, and relentlessly focused on people,' said Troy Riggs, Executive Director of the Alliance for Innovation.
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The TCMA Board of Directors unanimously approved the honor. Holifield was formally recognized during the TCMA Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas on June 20, 2025.
'I'm deeply humbled to receive this honor,' Holifield said. 'For me, it's not just recognition of a career—it's a celebration of the incredible people I've had the privilege to serve alongside in strengthening local government leadership across Texas and the country.'
A Legacy of Service and Innovation
With a career dedicated to public service and innovation spanning over 40 years, Ron Holifield is widely recognized for championing servant leadership in local government. He spent nearly two decades in city management, serving as City Manager in cities including Garland, DeSoto, and Sundown, and ACM in Plano, Texas—experiences that continue to resonate deeply with today's city managers. Ron is the co-founder and President of Civic Marketplace and previously founded Strategic Government Resources (SGR) in 1999. Under his leadership, SGR became a nationally respected executive search and leadership development firm, supporting hundreds of local governments across the country.
In 2021, Holifield co-founded Civic Marketplace, a tech company transforming public procurement by making government purchasing more transparent, supporting local economic growth and driving efficiencies and savings.
'Ron has always been ten steps ahead, building not just organizations, but a movement,' said Al Hleileh, CEO of Civic Marketplace. 'His contributions continue to ripple through every city that values ethical leadership, innovation, and local economic growth.'
Among the Most Distinguished in TCMA History
Ron Holifield joins a remarkably select group. Only ten professionals have been named Distinguished Members in TCMA's nearly 100-year history, making the award one of the most exclusive recognitions in local government.
'Ron is a legend in the profession, not just for what he's built, but for how he's lifted others,' said Darin Atteberry, Chairman of the Alliance for Innovation. 'This honor reflects the heart, integrity, and vision he's brought to every role.'
'Ron Holifield has always embodied what public service should be—humble, visionary, and relentlessly focused on people,' said Troy Riggs, Executive Director of the Alliance for Innovation. 'This recognition from TCMA is certainly well deserved. Ron's legacy is woven into the fabric of modern local government, and we're proud to stand beside him at this moment.'
About the Alliance for Innovation
AFI is a non-profit association of local governments dedicated to fostering innovation, foresight, and collaboration across the public sector. Originally founded in 1979 as the Innovation Groups, AFI has a 40-year history of helping local governments enhance their ability to anticipate, plan, and adapt. Through actionable insights and a steadfast commitment to preparation, AFI equips government leaders with the tools they need to confront challenges and seize opportunities on behalf of their communities. With a nationwide network, AFI's mission is to build more resilient, proactive, and efficient communities. AFI's collaborative culture - rooted in curiosity, generosity, and rigorous exploration - encourages members to delve into uncharted possibilities and shape the future of public service. Learn more about AFI at transformgov.org.
About Civic Marketplace
Civic Marketplace is a venture-backed technology company transforming public sector procurement through cutting-edge innovation. Our platform streamlines and accelerates procurement processes, offering local governments a user-friendly, fully compliant solution. Designed for simplicity, Civic Marketplace makes procurement straightforward. We are committed to transparency, efficiency, and supporting diverse suppliers, including historically underutilized businesses, to foster local economic growth and drive innovation. By providing access to a network of reliable, pre-approved vendors, the platform ensures legal compliance and quality assurance for every contract. Discover how we are reshaping procurement at civicmarketplace.com.
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Associated Press
12 hours ago
- Associated Press
Global Times: China Port Watch: From a small harbor to a global logistics powerhouse as Lianyungang expands global connectivity under China's Belt and Road Initiative
BEIJING, Aug. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At the dock, a pure electric tugboat lies quietly at a berth. Stepping into the cabin, there is none of the roar or vibration of a traditional fuel-powered tug, only the faint hum of electric currents as the equipment runs. Crew members are checking the systems, with screens displaying real-time data on energy consumption and operational status. When mooring operations begin, a single press of a switch on the bridge sets the vessel in motion, and within minutes, the tug departs smoothly from the dock to precisely assist a large ship in berthing or unberthing. Compared with traditional fuel-powered tugboats, the electric model in Lianyungang, the largest port in Jiangsu Province, offers zero emissions and quiet, low vibration operation, greatly improving air quality and crew comfort. They can operate for 1-2 days, meeting the demands of port tug-assist operations, and can be fully recharged within 2-3 hours using high-voltage fast charging at dedicated berths. Thanks to intelligent energy management, they use only one-third of the energy consumed by traditional fuel tugs and require fewer crew members, saving the port about 2-3 million yuan annually in fuel and labor costs. This is part of China's first all-electric tugboat fleet, a three-vessel lineup that forms a key element of Lianyungang's technological and green transformation to become a modern port of global significance, playing a crucial role in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). On September 13, 2022, a signed article by President Xi Jinping titled 'Build on the Past to Make Greater Strides in China-Kazakhstan Relations' was published on the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda newspaper ahead of his state visit to Kazakhstan, the Xinhua News Agency reported. The article noted that at the China-Kazakhstan International Logistics Base in the eastern Chinese port of Lianyungang, products from Kazakhstan set sail for the Pacific Ocean. The China-Europe freight trains are running through Kazakhstan via more routes, making an important contribution to the stability of global industrial and supply chains. Small port to global hub Yin Deming, captain of the electric tugboat who has worked at the port for 18 years, has taken a front seat to witness the transformation of Lianyungang from a small port to a global hub. Compared with traditional fuel-powered tugboats, the electric tugs feature higher automation and simpler operation, Yin told the Global Times as he skillfully adjusted the tug's angle with a simple control stick in the wheelhouse, smoothly guiding it toward an incoming cargo ship. 'In the past, starting the tug required multiple steps and coordination across departments, making it time-consuming and complex. Now, a single command from the bridge starts everything, eliminating the need for on-site manual operations and improving efficiency,' Yin said, adding that the time from receiving the operation notice to the tug leaving the dock has been cut from 8-10 minutes to less than 2 minutes. The electric tugboat is just one example of the changes at Lianyungang. Xue Xilei, executive deputy general manager of LYG-PSA Container Terminal Co.,Ltd, is well placed to illustrate the transformation of the port. Over the past decades, he has seen it evolve. 'About 30 years ago, the port had only about three companies and an annual throughput of 10 million tons... Today it handles more than 300 million tons of cargo per year, with a vibrant cluster of enterprises, and has become a hub of international trade.' The BRI has given Lianyungang a new launching pad. In 2017, President Xi pointed out in his speech during his state visit to Kazakhstan that the opening of the freight train of China-Kazakhstan cross-border transportation not only brings benefits to China and Kazakhstan but also provides more convenience for transportation and cooperation opportunities for the countries along the 'Belt and Road,' showcasing the organic integration of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Xinhua reported. On the large screen at the dispatch center of the China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) Logistics Cooperation Base, information on destinations, origins, and cargo of China-Europe (Central Asia) freight trains between China and Kazakhstan was displayed and updated in real time. And, it provides live video footage of the Horgos Dry Port, known as the 'Eastern Gateway.' 'Now, transport capacity, train frequency, and operational efficiency have all improved a lot compared to 10 years ago,' said Kong Xiangwei, vice general manager of Lianyungang China-Kazakhstan International Logistics Co., Ltd, noting that what once took four hours to load a freight train, can now be done in only two hours, with a maximum daily throughput of seven trains. The China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) Logistics Cooperation Base, which is part of Lianyungang's free trade zone, is only one key aspect of city's broader integration into the BRI. Since the approval in August 2019, the city's free trade zone has focused on building an Asia-Europe transport hub and promoting cooperation with BRI partner countries, Wang Yunlong, director of the Institutional Innovation Bureau of the Lianyungang Free Trade Zone, told the Global Times. Although occupying only 0.27 percent of the city's total area, the free trade zone contributes nearly one-third of the city's actual foreign investment utilization, one-fifth of its import and export trade, and one-eighth of newly established enterprises. Greater connectivity Besides its role in the BRI, Lianyungang is also strengthening cooperation with many developing countries, helping to promote their high-quality and sustainable development. Located about 13 kilometers from the port in the Lianyungang Economic Development Zone, a local factory was buzzing with activity. It is producing massive wind power blades over 100 meters long for both domestic and overseas market. The factory now operates seven such blade production lines. Some steps in the firm's operations are now automated, Qiao Xiaoliang, general manager of Zhongfu Lianzhong Wind Power Blade (Lianyungang) Co., Ltd, told the Global Times, adding that automated processes include trimming, grinding, painting, and transportation. In recent years, with the promotion of high-quality development of the BRI, the company's wind power blades have gained popularity in overseas market. Taking advantage of its close proximity to Lianyungang Port, the company's export business is expanding quickly. Its products reach countries from Bolivia in South America, to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Europe. There are currently two factories in Lianyungang producing around 240 blades per month. If production runs smoothly, the capacity could rise to 280 blades, Qiao said. Another factory also showcases the industrial muscle of this bustling trade city. At Lianyungang Feiyan Blanket Co., Ltd, which produces everything from warp- and weft-knitted blankets to delicate thin velvet throws, only a handful of workers dot the vast factory floor. 'Our level of automation is very high — from the equipment to the production lines, almost everything is developed and manufactured in-house. The current automation rate has reached 70-80 percent,' Xu Yingxi, general manager of Lianyungang Feiyan Blanket Co, told Global Times. The company's products have gained a reputation for high quality in many parts of the world, including BRI partner countries, with business presence in regions such as South Africa and several in South America. Lianyungang maintains very close ties with many BRI partner countries. Kong told the Global Times that Lianyungang's advantage lies in its dual role as both a port and a freight train hub, making it a key international logistics hub connecting Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, said Kong. Transported cargo includes used cars, auto parts, and other high value-added products. Resilient trade From Lianyungang's sea port and freight-train logistics hub to its manufacturing facilities, the city is promoting global cooperation with an open and forward-looking mindset. The efforts underscore Lianyungang's rising prominence as a promising freight trade hub. In the first half of 2025, Lianyungang's foreign trade reached 119.22 billion yuan, with exports totaling 26.27 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year increase of 17.9 percent, according to data from China's General Administration of Customs. Lianyungang has made strides in propelling foreign trade growth, while continuously expanding a network of international partners. Trade with the BRI partner countries has grown by over 20 percent annually for four consecutive years, surpassing 100 billion yuan for the first time in 2024 and setting a historic high, according to Lianyungang Municipal Government. This year, Lianyungang has witnessed many 'firsts.' In July, the Xin Xin Hai 1, a cargo ship, set sail from Lianyungang, marking the first voyage of the China-Russia Arctic 'Ice Silk Road' to Arkhangelsk. In May, the Anji Ansheng, the world's largest car carrier built by China, left Lianyungang on its maiden trip to Europe, showcasing China's automotive sector strength. 'While China is opening more and more shipping routes and our network of foreign trade partners is expanding, our port is leveraging the momentum to continue building, transforming, and upgrading,' Xue said. Although unilateralism and protectionism have brought short-term pressures to global trade, Xue expressed confidence in the resilience and strength of Chinese manufacturing and trade. He noted that exports to ASEAN and other markets have continued to grow, with trade becoming more active under the RCEP framework. For example, cold-chain imports at Lianyungang are on the rise, driven by growing demand for fruit and frozen products from Southeast Asian countries. Looking into the future, Xue noted that the port is embracing automation, which will unleash greater potentials. 'The automated terminal area has already broken ground, though full automation has yet to be achieved, and work is progressing steadily,' Xue said. Pointing to a 90,000-square-meter space now under construction, he described the tall quay cranes and blue yard cranes in view, noting that they will eventually operate without human intervention, consolidating Lianyungang's position as a major trade hub. View original content: SOURCE Global Times
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Cancer hit this couple's finances. Should they cash in RRSPs to maximize OAS and GIS?
Q. Does it make sense to cash in registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs) to maximize Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments? A serious cancer illness in 2014 caused us to lose our way financially. My husband Ron and I are both 62 years of age now and Ron has $125,000 in an RRSP but no tax-free savings account (TFSA). Ron expects about $8,000 annually from Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and I expect about $6,400 annually and we expect to retire at age 65 in 2028. We have no other retirement income. Should we cash in RRSPs by December 2028 (Ron's and my retirement date) and pay the taxes now so we qualify for GIS at retirement? Any RRSP money after tax paid on the withdrawal would go into TFSAs. Ronald's annual employment income for 2022, 2023 and 2024 will be about $50,000. I have a small income of $8,000 annually through part-time work. We are more than able to live on our CPP, OAS and the GIS (amount based on our CPP income of $14,400), withdrawing about $5,000 annually from the TFSA money we build up from the RRSP transfers. We will sell our home when Ron turns 71 with expected equity of $250,000. We expect a small inheritance of $80,000 by 2030. —Elise and Ron in Moncton FP Answers: Elise and Ron, I love your thinking on this. My only caution is that you don't fixate on one strategy and miss better strategies. I like to step back, look at the big picture, and run different solutions to test different ideas. This allows us to see, and understand, why one strategy is superior to another. I am not suggesting your thoughts are not the way to go, just that you want to be sure, or as sure as you can be, especially when you are about to put the RRSP sell order in knowing you will have to pay a lot of tax. To get a sense of how all the pieces may come together I modelled four different solutions: Do nothing now and at age 65 draw on your RRSPs as needed. Draw down on your RRSP so it is gone by the year you turn 65 and add the proceeds to your TFSAs so you can maximize the GIS. This is your thought. Don't touch your RRSP until age 65 and then convert it to a RRIF and withdraw it all, splitting the effective 'pension income' between the two of you to lower taxes. Delay your CPP to age 70 to get the higher CPP. Between age 65 and 70 replace your CPP with RRIF withdrawals which will lead to lower RRIF minimum withdrawals after age 70. In all cases I assumed you will add what you can of your inheritance and the proceeds of the home sale to your TFSA. The accompanying table lays out the results. As you can see from the table your intuition is correct if you are using your final net worth at age 91 as your measure. It is better to deplete your RRSP by the year you turn 64. This approach gives you the lowest taxable income and the highest GIS. The amount of GIS a lower income person or couple will receive is based on net income minus OAS. Also, money drawn from a TFSA is not considered income, which I am sure is why you suggested drawing from your RRSP and building your TFSA. It is interesting to note that the solution with the highest net worth is also the solution paying the highest amount of tax. It is not shown in the table but for solutions No. 2 to No. 4 all the tax was paid in the first three years while Ron was working. In solution No. 4 when CPP is delayed to age 70 the only tax paid is on Ron's income. There is no tax owing on future RRIF withdrawals because of your low income. Now look at the breakaway age. This is when your net worth in solutions No. 2 to No. 4 becomes larger than your net worth in solution No. 1. You will notice that by delaying CPP there is no net worth advantage until age 90. This is partially because the larger CPP income reduces the amount of GIS received. In many cases lower income households may be better off starting CPP at 65 or earlier. Finally, you are ending up with a large net worth at age 91 which means you could and likely will be spending more. I have done a preliminary overview, but I would recommend you take a little more time to think about your cash flow and spending. For example, what will you do for housing once you sell your home? Changes in cash flow may point to a different solution. Will an overpayment of capital gains on an estate be returned to beneficiaries? How does John decide whether to sell or lease his grain farm before he retires next spring? I hope you remain cancer free and enjoy a healthy retirement. Allan Norman, CFP, CIM, provides fee-only certified financial planning services and insurance products through Atlantis Financial Inc. and provides investment advisory services through Aligned Capital Partners Inc., which is regulated by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization. He can be reached at alnorman@
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Amazon expands same-day delivery of perishables in big grocery push
Amazon has expanded same-day delivery for fresh groceries to more than 1,000 cities and towns, with plans to again expand the service offering to over 2,300 areas across the United States by year-end, the retailer announced Wednesday. The spread of temperature-controlled last-mile delivery means Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) has perfected its system for efficiency across a wider footprint and will help it compete with other retailers that offer fresh grocery delivery, according to analysts. Prime members with access to fresh delivery will have the option to order produce, dairy, meat, seafood, baked goods, and frozen foods, alongside the millions of items such as everyday household essentials, electronics, fashion, home and garden, and more already available for same-day delivery on Amazon protects perishable goods with refrigerated rooms in its warehouses and insulated bags during delivery. Early adoption of same-day delivery for perishable groceries like bananas and ice cream in regions like Phoenix; Orlando, Florida; and Kansas City, Missouri, proved its popularity and prompted Amazon to offer the service in more places. Amazon says many customers who buy perishables shop twice as often with same-day delivery service compared to those who don't purchase fresh food. Among the cities with new same-day grocery delivery are Raleigh, North Carolina; Milwaukee; Tampa, Florida; and Columbus, Ohio. For Prime members, same-day delivery is free for orders over $25 in most cities. If an order doesn't meet the minimum, members can still choose same-day delivery for a $2.99 fee. For customers without a Prime membership, the service is available with a $12.99 fee, regardless of order size. 'We're continuously innovating to make grocery shopping simpler, faster, and more affordable for our customers, especially Prime members,' said Doug Herrington, CEO of Worldwide Amazon Stores, in a news release. 'By introducing fresh groceries into our Same-Day Delivery service, we're creating a quick and easy experience for customers. They can order milk alongside electronics; oranges, apples, and potatoes with a mystery novel; and frozen pizza at the same time as tools for their next home improvement project — and check out with one cart and have everything delivered to their doorstep within hours.' The popularity of online grocery delivery is spurring customers to turn more often to Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market for in-store needs, Amazon said. Amazon generated over $100 billion in gross sales of groceries and household essentials in 2024, not including sales from Whole Foods Market and Amazon Fresh. Bank of America said Amazon's push into fresh grocery suggests that Amazon has improved its grocery delivery model to the point where it is ready to deploy fresh delivery at scale without harming profit margins. Amazon perishables delivery poses a potential long-term competitive risk to Instacart, analyst Juston Post said in a client note. Online penetration of the $941 billion grocery market is only 13.4% of total spending, according to research from Incisiv. Bank of America estimates there is a $90 billion revenue opportunity in grocery delivery. 'Fresh fresh grocery has been a significant missing piece in Amazon's offering vs. competitors, such as Walmart and Target. With better grocery capabilities, Amazon should see important customer frequency benefits and potential lock-in with weekly grocery shopping not achievable in other verticals. We expect Amazon to refine and improve its grocery selection over time,' Post said. Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper stories by Eric Kulisch. RELATED READING: FedEx Dataworks: A gem in the right hands UPS extends buyout offer deadline after low driver interest The post Amazon expands same-day delivery of perishables in big grocery push appeared first on FreightWaves.
