Latest news with #BrianBecker
CBS News
4 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
City Council race puts Irving Firefighters' Association on the defense against claims of human trafficking support
The Irving Professional Firefighters Association said they are investigating multiple false statements made by two men that city firefighters support human trafficking. Brian Becker, the president of the Irving Professional Firefighters Association, said the municipal election in Irving has become unrecognizable. The flow of money, he said, and the nastiness. "It makes me mad and upset, disappointed that people would even say something like this," Becker said. According to Becker, they started getting reports from people who said they kept hearing the association's members were supporting human trafficking. "So we've heard at the voting centers and we've received some messages that there's individuals going to doors saying that we support human trafficking, which is unequivocally false," he said. The reports started to multiply to the point where Becker said he had to do something. He had been in Austin for the legislative session, so the association sent out a news release addressing the allegations. He said they are searching for two men who were reportedly handing out campaign literature for Sergio Porres. Porres is running against David Pfaff, whom the association endorsed. "I think that's outrageous," Porres said. Porres pointed out that the group is politically aligned, and he supports public safety even without an endorsement. "Whether you endorse me or not, these are the same things that I'm going to advocate for and do if we have to, if we end up working together, if I win because those are not things that I'm doing just to curry favor with them," Porres said. The Firefighters Association said it is looking for doorbell video. Becker said they are not connecting the allegations to anyone's campaign. In the meantime, Porres' campaign pointed to false statements made online, connected to their campaign, and text messages. It's false statements, Becker said, that could compromise their job. "Everything we do is predicated on the trust we have from the citizens," he said. "I don't think there's any other profession where somebody can call us because their kid is choking or not breathing, whatever may be, or their loved one, and opens a door for five or six strangers and hands their loved one off to them."
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ICIC Launches Manufacturing Accelerator Program to Empower Small Manufacturers with Strategies for Growth
Boston, MA, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) is excited to announce the launch of the Manufacturing Accelerator Program: High-Growth Strategies for Manufacturers (MAP), a new executive education course designed to provide small manufacturing businesses with the knowledge, tools, and tactics needed to grow and scale effectively in today's competitive marketplace. Thanks to the generous support of ICIC's sponsors, this high-value education program is offered at no cost to small business participants, empowering them to take their businesses to the next level. MAP is a comprehensive, industry-specific program that will help participants develop and implement profitable business strategies, optimize operations, integrate cutting-edge technologies, and secure capital for expansion. Delivered virtually in a 12-week curriculum, the program is taught by industry experts and practitioners and offers valuable peer-to-peer networking opportunities. Steve Grossman, CEO of ICIC, shared: 'ICIC's mission has always been to empower small businesses, and the MAP program takes this commitment a step further. We're providing manufacturers with the strategic insights and practical tools they need to drive sustainable growth in their business. This program is a key resource for manufacturers looking to enhance their operational efficiency and accelerate their growth, all the while being supported by a network of industry leaders and peers.' The MAP curriculum focuses on areas most essential to success as a manufacturing firm, including strategic growth, market positioning, operational excellence, leadership development, and financing. Participants will gain actionable tactics to drive profitability and position their businesses for long-term success. 'We designed MAP to be a true game-changer for small manufacturers,' said Brian Becker, MAP Program Director and Founder and CEO of Becker Growth Strategy. 'The program combines expert instruction with real-world, actionable strategies. It's an opportunity for manufacturers to not only learn but to immediately implement the tools needed for growth and success.' Harnessing Partnerships to Power SuccessICIC is grateful to our funding partners, including MassMutual Foundation, the Schooner Foundation, and ICIC's board of directors for underwriting this program. We are proud to collaborate with the Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute and the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) to deliver MAP. These partnerships enable ICIC to reach a broader network of manufacturers, ensuring the program's impactful resources are made accessible to businesses across the country. Applications Are Now Open!Applications for MAP's inaugural cohort, beginning in August 2025, are now open. The first cohort will be limited to approximately 50 businesses, with applications accepted on a rolling basis until all seats are filled. Interested manufacturers can apply today at For more information, including eligibility and program details, or to nominate a business, visit About ICIC Breaking barriers. Building businesses. Strengthening communities. The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) is a national nonprofit dedicated to helping under-resourced communities and small businesses thrive through programming and research. Founded in 1994 by Harvard Business School professor Michael Porter, ICIC provides executive education, coaching, technical assistance, and access to capital to more than 3,000 businesses across the U.S. and Canada each year. Through its research and partnerships, ICIC facilitates private-sector investment and economic development, creating opportunities for small businesses and local economies. Learn more at CONTACT: Sarah Ginand ICIC +1 617-803-4532 sginand@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
