Latest news with #Improving
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Improving Amplifies Its Chicago Presence With Acquisition of DragonSpears
DALLAS, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Improving, a modern digital services organization, has acquired DragonSpears, a software development company specializing in cloud adoption, agile coaching and DevOps services. Headquartered in Chicago, this acquisition will significantly bolster Improving's current presence in the Midwest region, as well as increase Improving's annualized revenue beyond $285 million. Through utilizing Improving's innovative "Enterprise Strategy," which unites technology service firms with a shared commitment to trust, excellence, and a thriving work culture, the DragonSpears leadership team will remain in place. They will continue to lead and grow the business while benefiting from the diverse services available through Improving's extensive portfolio. "We are excited to welcome DragonSpears to the Improving family. Their dedication to providing excellent consulting services is a direct match to Improving's. We're looking forward to expanding our presence in Chicago, a hub of innovation and industry, where we aim to make a significant impact and forge strong partnerships," states Curtis Hite, CEO of Improving. DragonSpears has been designated as SOC 2 Type 2 compliant, demonstrating a commitment to protecting client data with industry-leading security measures. This rigorous certification process validates that their systems and controls meet the stringent security, availability, and confidentiality standards required to protect sensitive information. "We are excited to partner with Improving, as our shared values of trust, excellence, and community involvement align perfectly," shares Patrick Emmons, Founder and CEO of DragonSpears. "We have always believed in empowering our clients and team members to achieve great success. Together with Improving, we will continue to drive innovation and make a positive impact in the communities we serve." About Improving Improving is a technology consulting, custom software solutions, and training organization, partnered with private equity firm Trinity Hunt Partners. The company has an international presence with 20 offices across North and South America as well as India. To learn more about Improving, visit About DragonSpears Founded in 2015, DragonSpears is a custom software development company specializing in DevOps services, cloud solutions, agile coaching and data management. They have ranked on the Inc.5000, fastest growing private companies list, four times in a row. With an equal commitment to company culture, DragonSpears has additionally been recognized as a Best and Brightest Place to Work in Chicago for the eighth consecutive year. For more information, visit Media Contact: Kristin JohnsonImprovingVice President of Marketingpress@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Improving Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Wales Online
27-05-2025
- General
- Wales Online
The five ways a beloved Swansea park is about to be enhanced after funding boost
The five ways a beloved Swansea park is about to be enhanced after funding boost A brand-new community improvement project is to be launched to enhance the park for visitors A runner makes his way around Singleton Park (Image: Adrian White ) One of Swansea's most beloved parks is set to be enhanced after receiving a funding boost. Friends of Singleton Park has received a grant from the National Lottery community funds awards, which it will use to launch a brand-new community improvement project at Singleton Park. The project, titled Improving Singleton Park – Gwella Parc Singleton, will begin this June and aims to boost the park's facilities, biodiversity and community engagement. The group will be able to install new picnic benches, plant mature trees, introduce informative nature and park information boards and provide resources for volunteers. Sue Davies, chairwoman for Friends of Singleton Park, said: 'This funding allows us to do more than ever before to support and enhance our beloved park. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here . 'Our goal is to create a welcoming, educational and tranquil space where all members of the community can come together, relax, learn about nature and get involved.' The enhancements funded by the £8,400 grant will include the following. Three picnic tables to create communal seating areas that encourage social interaction and reduce isolation. Planting of mature trees to improve biodiversity and restore areas affected by recent storms. Information boards to educate visitors about the park and local wildlife. Volunteer gear, such as hoodies and shirts, to support the growing team of local people dedicating time to park upkeep. Publicity and outreach efforts to promote activities, events, and volunteering roles through social media, schools and local groups. Article continues below The Friends of Singleton Park is a charitable incorporated organisation made up of local residents who advocate for the preservation and enhancement of Singleton Park's natural beauty and community value. It works closely with Swansea Council's parks department to deliver grassroots improvements that complement public services. The group will also host nature walks and wildlife activities, including participating in national efforts like the RSPB Annual Birdwatch, to further engage residents and increase awareness of conservation efforts. Ms Davies added: 'This project is all about community. By bringing people together through nature, we hope to build stronger local connections, improve mental wellbeing, and foster a sense of shared ownership and pride in our green spaces.' Friends of Singleton Park welcomes new volunteers and supporters. To learn more or get involved, visit its Facebook page or e-mail friendsofsingletonpark@ Article continues below Singleton Park's boating lake is looking more like Jurassic Park these days after four huge dinosaurs were placed there last month. You can read more about that by clicking here.
Axios
21-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Federal affordable housing incentive faces a Des Moines pause
The City of Des Moines should pause new projects that utilize the low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) until suburban communities contribute a larger share of the metro's affordable housing, according to new recommendations from an out-of-state consultant. Why it matters: The LIHTC is one of the country's most common tools for creating affordable housing, giving local and state governments billions of dollars in annual budget authority. Advocates say LIHTC-funded projects drive development, while critics contend the program creates an unequal distribution of poverty in some areas. Catch up quick: The LIHTC program, administered by the IRS and state agencies, provides tax credits to developers in exchange for maintaining affordable housing, usually for 10 to 15 years. Projects typically require approval from local governments before they are awarded incentives. By the numbers: As of January, DSM had 90 projects using the LIHTC to provide more affordable rents for low-income families, according to a report by the Iowa Economic Development & Finance Authority. West Des Moines had eight, Johnston had four, Ankeny had three, and Urbandale had one. State of play: DSM is developing its first comprehensive citywide housing strategy, which will shape the allocations of the LIHTC and other incentives for future projects. Charles Buki, president of Maine-based urban planning firm CZB, recommended the LIHTC pause, saying that developers can exploit the system in deals that don't always benefit the city in boosting its tax base as much as other types of projects. He recommends the city boost allocations to Invest DSM and Improving Our Neighborhoods (ION). The big picture: The debate over the usefulness of the LIHTC continues, with groups like the Cato Institute testifying before a congressional oversight subcommittee this month that it is an inefficient solution to housing affordability. What they're saying: Councilperson Josh Mandelbaum said a pause on using the LIHTC "abdicates Des Moines' responsibility to provide affordable housing" and would have prevented recent projects like Star Lofts along Ingersoll. Councilperson Joe Gatto, however, said residents in his south-side ward are becoming weary of having LIHTC projects in their backyards. "I bet if there was a project that came forward south of Grand, your neighbors might feel a little bit different," Gatto told Mandelbaum during last week's meeting. Zoom in: Matt Hauge, spokesperson for the Polk County Housing Trust Fund, tells Axios that the LIHTC plays a vital role in revitalizing neighborhoods and supporting economic development and that a blanket cessation of its use in DSM "is just a bad idea." Developer and former state Sen. Jack Hatch tells Axios that the proposal to pause the LIHTC is "misinformed" and rooted in a "lack of knowledge of housing finance."
Scoop
23-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Web Story: Evidence-based Decision Making Made Easier In FSM
One year ago, the Customs and Tax Administration (CTA) of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) introduced the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) backed ASYCUDA system, automating customs processes. Since its implementation, the trading community has greatly benefited from the system's ability to streamline and expedite customs clearance. Additionally, the ASYCUDA Dashboard feature has brought greater transparency and improved accuracy in data reporting for the CTA management. Mr. Van David, a Data Analyst in the Federated States of Micronesia, noted that the country was fortunate to implement the Dashboard soon after it introduced ASYCUDA, as it provided significant advantages in reporting. 'The ASYCUDA Dashboard is a tool that ensures transparency for our Administration's Management, giving them direct access to the data,' Mr. David explained. Previously, data would be extracted and manually presented to the management team. However, with the ASYCUDA Dashboard in place, management now has immediate, real-time access to the data. 'Now, when we submit monthly reports, management can directly compare the data and verify its accuracy,' Mr. David said. 'The ability of the Dashboard to drill down into specific data as needed has significantly simplified the reporting process for the ASYCUDA team in FSM, transforming what used to be a cumbersome task into a seamless operation.' 'Though we are still new to both ASYCUDA, we recognize that there are additional features that could further enhance our operations in the future. The addition of the Dashboard has already been an immense advantage for us in FSM,' Mr. David concluded. The successful automation of the FSM Customs Administration was made possible through the support of the European Union-funded Improving Pacific Islands Customs and Trade (IMPACT) Project, implemented by the UN Trade and Development.
