Latest news with #JeffThompson
CBC
18-07-2025
- Business
- CBC
Hundreds of $10K FortisBC heat pump rebates in jeopardy over contractor certification
FortisBC has rejected multiple applications for $10,000 heat pump rebates because of a temporary lapse in the necessary certification of a major Lower Mainland contractor. The CBC has learned the rebates of as many as 200 Moore and Russell customers have been jeopardized by a situation that has resulted in complaints and one small claims lawsuit from people who claim they were guaranteed they would qualify for money they were later denied. "I'm not stoked about it, that's for sure. I'm definitely pissed off," said Jeff Thompson, a North Vancouver man who has spent the past four months trying to figure out who to blame for the rejection of the rebate for his new heat pump. "I would say be wary of Fortis rebates and who you hire. It turns out it's not a straightforward process." 'I was horrified,' says customer Thompson is one of thousands of British Columbians who have taken advantage of rebates offered by FortisBC and the province in recent years to encourage homeowners to replace their old heating and cooling systems with high-performance electric heat pumps. The program has become so popular the province announced plans this week to expand the program this summer to include individual suites in multi-unit residential buildings. But in order to qualify for a rebate, customers need their heat pump to be installed by a contractor certified with B.C.'s Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN), a database of retrofit contractors that meet specified trade designation and training qualifications. Moore and Russell was certified with the HPCN at the time Thompson agreed to pay the company $20,000 to install his dual fuel pump. And they are certified today. But the HPCN paused the company's certification from March 5 to May 31 — something Thompson says he only learned about after submitting his rebate application. "I was horrified," said Thompson, who told the CBC the offer of a rebate was the main reason he had decided to go with a heat pump in the first place. "It was a huge part because it's half the value of what the install was." Contractor says it never got HPCN's email Moore and Russell general manager Jeremy Slater says he only learned the company's certification had been put on pause in May after complaints started coming across his desk. He says the problem dates back to the departure of an employee late last year. The HPCN requires all technicians to be up to date on four courses involving the basic principles of HVAC technology. "When that person left, we needed to qualify somebody else with those courses with them, and the deadline for having that done lapsed," Slater said. He says the Home Performance Contractor Network sent an email saying the company's account had been put on pause, but claims the email hit a firewall. Regardless, Slater says he never received it. "And HPCN doesn't have a process — even still — to follow up or confirm with a contractor when they put them on hold. They just expect that we would get the email." Despite the change in status, Slater says the company was still listed as a qualified contractor on FortisBC's rebate application menu, which is why customers like Thompson were even able to apply for a rebate in the first place. "So there was no way that a customer could have known that we were put on pause, and there's no way that we could have known we were put on pause, unless we had actually received the email," he said. "Which is concerning for us at Moore and Russell because this could still be going on with other contractors and other homeowners purchasing heat pump equipment from Fortis and any of the rebate programs, as HPCN actually provides governance for all of the rebate programs in B.C." 'It's going to turn me off in the future': homeowner Slater says rebates worth a total of up to $1.5 million could be on the line for as many as 200 of his customers. One of those customers filed a small claims lawsuit against Moore and Russell earlier this month, seeking $10,000 compensation for the heat pump rebate they were denied. "After the installation, FortisBC rejected my rebate application, stating that Moore & Russell was not a certified HPCN contractor, which was a requirement for eligibility," the lawsuit reads. "Had I known this, I would have chosen a different contractor." Coquitlam homeowner Desmond Saisitthidej says FortisBC also denied his rebate because of Moore and Russell's HPCN certification. "I think it's really frustrating," he said. "I think a lot of us did this in good faith, knowing that the rebate was available, knowing Moore and Russell had previously done this and that Fortis had previously paid out — and then to get caught in the quagmire between the two ... It's going to turn me off in the future." FortisBC 'reviewing the matter' FortisBC says the company is dedicated to providing rebates and incentives to adopt higher-efficiency technology. "We are aware of the concerns raised by customers regarding their rebate applications due to the standing of Moore and Russell's membership with the Home Performance Contractor Network," said corporate communications advisor Lauren Beckett. " We appreciate our customers' understanding, and we are reviewing the matter." In a statement, the HPCN said members are required to assign a company administrator as a sole contact for membership-related information. "Company administrators are notified by email if there is a concern with their membership status and provided with instructions and a deadline to rectify the situation as appropriate — this includes multiple follow-up emails," the statement said. "They can also see their membership status at any time in the HPCN Portal." Saisitthidej and Thompson say they hope FortisBC will ultimately pay out the rebate to customers who feel they are paying for someone else's mistake. Slater says he has been in talks with both HPCN and FortisBC. "I would expect that, in the spirit of the program overall, they would honour those rebates for our customers," he said. Slater says he has made changes to avoid a repeat of the problems leading up to the lapse in Moore and Russell's certification, but he also feels FortisBC and HPCN need to address communications issues that saw customers left in the dark about their status. "I would want to know what are we going to do differently so this never happens again," he said.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aventi Group Elevates Marie Melgaard to Partner
Seasoned social-media and digital marketing leader joins Aventi's executive leadership team SAN FRANCISCO, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aventi Group, a full-service product marketing agency, today announced that Marie Melgaard has been promoted to Partner, expanding the firm's executive leadership team. Based in the Bay Area, Marie brings more than 25 years of technology-industry experience spanning corporate communications, social media, and digital marketing. She is known for building high-performing cross-functional teams and for leading a best-in-class social-media program at SAP that set the standard for product-channel engagement. Her "lead-from-the-heart" approach has consistently increased brand affinity and customer loyalty for Aventi clients. Since joining Aventi Group in May 2023 as VP of the Social Media and Digital Marketing Practice, Marie Melgaard has been a catalyst for growth, rolling out data-driven social programs that boosted client engagement, mentoring rising marketers, and broadening the agency's integrated-communications playbook. Her results-first mindset and "lead-from-the-heart" style have quickly made her the go-to advisor for Fortune 500 and startup clients alike. "Marie has raised the bar for what great looks like at Aventi," said Jeff Thompson, President and Co-Founder of Aventi Group. "Elevating her to Partner is an easy decision and I'm excited to see the impact she'll have in this new role." "Aventi's culture of trust and client obsession makes every day energizing," added Marie Melgaard. "I'm thrilled to continue this journey as a Partner and help our clients tell stories that move markets." About Aventi Group, LLC Aventi Group is the first and largest product marketing agency with nearly two decades of experience helping B2B tech businesses drive growth and optimize revenue. Aventi Group offers customized solutions for GTM strategy, product launch, content creation, account-based marketing, sales enablement, and social media services. Aventi Group's team of experts delivers measurable results and works closely with clients to develop solutions tailored to their unique business needs. Clients include Adobe, ActiveCampaign, Juniper Networks, Komodo Health, Okta, OpenText, Palo Alto Networks, Proofpoint, and SAP. Founded in 2008, Aventi Group is based in Silicon Valley, California. For more information, visit and follow us on LinkedIn. Media Contact: Jennifer Kling | marketing@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Aventi Group Error 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
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Syntax Data and Donoghue Forlines Introduce Tactical Momentum and Dividend Indexes Seeking Downside Risk Mitigation
Strategic partnership yields rules-based indexes that seek to provide protection against significant market drawdowns NEW YORK, June 03, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Syntax Data, a financial data and technology provider offering data-optimized index solutions, and Donoghue Forlines, a Boston-based tactical investment firm that specializes in active risk-managed portfolios, today announced a strategic partnership to offer index strategies aimed at mitigating downside risk. The strategic partnership recently launched two indexes, the Donoghue Forlines Risk-Managed Momentum Index and the Donoghue Forlines Risk-Managed Dividend Index. The indices are multi-factor strategies offering the following screens or techniques: DF Risk-Managed Momentum Index: Quality, Risk-Adjusted Momentum, Defensive Tactical Overlays DF Risk-Managed Dividend Index: Quality, High Dividend Yield, Defensive Tactical Overlays Both indexes, available now, are tracked by two separately managed accounts (SMAs) that are approved and available to advisors on the LPL Model Wealth Platform (MWP), Envestnet, Fidelity Managed Account Exchange (FMAX), Orion Portfolio Solutions, Adhesion Wealth, Amplify, Brookstone, Goldman Sachs Folio Institutional, Pershing Manager Gateway, and SMArtX Advisory Solutions TAMP platforms. Further, both strategies are offered as mutual fund and variable insurance trusts. "We think these indexes are particularly timely, given recent bouts of extreme volatility," said Patrick Shaddow, CEO of Syntax Data. "Uncertainty is a reality in today's equity markets, and these strategies have been designed to attempt to insulate investors against catastrophic 'black swan' events," said Jeff Thompson, CEO and portfolio manager at Donoghue Forlines. Read more in Syntax's white paper discussing this innovative approach. To learn more about Donoghue Forlines' rules-based portfolios, please click here. ABOUT SYNTAX DATA Syntax LLC is a financial data and technology company that codifies business models into a relational system called Affinity® Data. Using its patented FIS® technology inspired by systems sciences, Affinity® Data offers the most comprehensive, granular, and accurate product line revenue data available on public companies in the market. This technology is leveraged to classify and analyze private markets at scale. Syntax Direct℠ then uses this abundance of data to facilitate the near instantaneous creation and ongoing management of boundless direct indexing solutions and rules-based equity portfolios through a fully automated platform. Syntax Indices provides customized and proprietary indices, including core global benchmarks and micro- and macro-thematic, smart beta, defined outcome, and target volatility indices. These indices are foundational for a range of financial products, such as ETFs, UITs, and structured products. Learn more at ABOUT DONOGHUE FORLINES Donoghue Forlines is a Boston-based investment management firm specializing in active, risk-managed portfolios. The firm's suite of proactive strategies is designed to help advisors and their clients de-risk when market circumstances warrant, enabling them to stay disciplined to their investment objectives. Put our four decades of experience to work for you. Learn more at DISCLOSURE This press release is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed or used as an offer to sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy, any security or investment vehicle. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Jonny SwiftImpact Communications, Inc.913-649-5009JonnySwift@ Error al recuperar los datos Inicia sesión para acceder a tu cartera de valores Error al recuperar los datos Error al recuperar los datos Error al recuperar los datos Error al recuperar los datos
Business Wire
03-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Syntax Data and Donoghue Forlines Introduce Tactical Momentum and Dividend Indexes Seeking Downside Risk Mitigation
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Syntax Data, a financial data and technology provider offering data-optimized index solutions, and Donoghue Forlines, a Boston-based tactical investment firm that specializes in active risk-managed portfolios, today announced a strategic partnership to offer index strategies aimed at mitigating downside risk. The strategic partnership recently launched two indexes, the Donoghue Forlines Risk-Managed Momentum Index and the Donoghue Forlines Risk-Managed Dividend Index. Uncertainty is a reality in today's equity markets, and these strategies have been designed to attempt to insulate investors against catastrophic 'black swan' events. The indices are multi-factor strategies offering the following screens or techniques: DF Risk-Managed Momentum Index: Quality, Risk-Adjusted Momentum, Defensive Tactical Overlays DF Risk-Managed Dividend Index: Quality, High Dividend Yield, Defensive Tactical Overlays Both indexes, available now, are tracked by two separately managed accounts (SMAs) that are approved and available to advisors on the LPL Model Wealth Platform (MWP), Envestnet, Fidelity Managed Account Exchange (FMAX), Orion Portfolio Solutions, Adhesion Wealth, Amplify, Brookstone, Goldman Sachs Folio Institutional, Pershing Manager Gateway, and SMArtX Advisory Solutions TAMP platforms. Further, both strategies are offered as mutual fund and variable insurance trusts. 'We think these indexes are particularly timely, given recent bouts of extreme volatility,' said Patrick Shaddow, CEO of Syntax Data. 'Uncertainty is a reality in today's equity markets, and these strategies have been designed to attempt to insulate investors against catastrophic 'black swan' events,' said Jeff Thompson, CEO and portfolio manager at Donoghue Forlines. Read more in Syntax's white paper discussing this innovative approach. To learn more about Donoghue Forlines' rules-based portfolios, please click here. ABOUT SYNTAX DATA Syntax LLC is a financial data and technology company that codifies business models into a relational system called Affinity® Data. Using its patented FIS® technology inspired by systems sciences, Affinity® Data offers the most comprehensive, granular, and accurate product line revenue data available on public companies in the market. This technology is leveraged to classify and analyze private markets at scale. Syntax Direct℠ then uses this abundance of data to facilitate the near instantaneous creation and ongoing management of boundless direct indexing solutions and rules-based equity portfolios through a fully automated platform. Syntax Indices provides customized and proprietary indices, including core global benchmarks and micro- and macro-thematic, smart beta, defined outcome, and target volatility indices. These indices are foundational for a range of financial products, such as ETFs, UITs, and structured products. Learn more at Donoghue Forlines is a Boston-based investment management firm specializing in active, risk-managed portfolios. The firm's suite of proactive strategies is designed to help advisors and their clients de-risk when market circumstances warrant, enabling them to stay disciplined to their investment objectives. Put our four decades of experience to work for you. Learn more at This press release is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed or used as an offer to sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy, any security or investment vehicle.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Red Cat Partners with ESAero to Support Manufacturing for Teal's Black Widow™
ESAero will provide AS9100 manufacturing capacity and engineering services to support production of the Black Widow sUAS SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) ("Red Cat"), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, today announced a partnership with ESAero to provide critical AS9100 manufacturing capacity for the Black Widow sUAS and its subsystems. The AS9100 standard ensures a manufacturer has a quality management system in place to meet the stringent requirements of the aerospace industry. Teal Drones is a wholly owned subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings. The company's Black Widow drone is a small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) designed for short-range reconnaissance (SRR) missions. The system, which was down selected for the U.S. Army's SRR Program of Record contract, provides military operators with improved situational awareness, autonomous capabilities, and rugged performance in contested environments. 'As we ramp up production of the Black Widow to fulfill our SRR contracts and meet growing demand from U.S. and international customers, securing high-quality, aerospace-certified manufacturing capacity is critical,' said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO. 'ESAero's facilities, combined with their deep engineering expertise, make them an ideal partner for Red Cat. This collaboration supports our ability to scale manufacturing, focus on continuous improvement, and deliver mission-ready sUAS platforms to the warfighters that depend on them.' ESAero is committed to supporting Red Cat's mission of delivering high-quality Made-in-America sUAS to its customers and the warfighter. With multiple AS9100-certified manufacturing facilities located in San Luis Obispo, CA, ESAero is well-positioned to enhance the production throughput of Teal's technologies for key customers. ESAero's vertically integrated facilities and robust supply chain are perfectly suited to bolster the production of components and subsystems for Black Widow in a schedule-driven manner. 'We have had a great relationship with Red Cat over the past year and a half supporting various developments, including the Teal 2 and Black Widow,' said Andrew Gibson, President, CEO, and Co-Founder of ESAero. 'During this time, we have made significant investments in our manufacturing capability for producing Group I – III UAS at scale, which we are thrilled to now provide to Red Cat and Teal. We believe this partnership will effectively and efficiently provide Teal the capacity they need to meet the production needs of their customers and the warfighter.' Red Cat and ESAero recognize the importance of strong partnerships within America's industrial base to meet the critical production needs of the warfighter. By combining Teal's core technology with ESAero's proven ability to scale production of advanced systems, Black Widow will be well positioned to be deployed rapidly and reliably. About Red Cat Holdings, Inc. Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a leading-edge Family of Systems. This includes the flagship Black Widow™, a small unmanned ISR system that was awarded the U.S. Army's Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record contract. The Family of Systems also includes TRICHON™, a fixed wing VTOL for extended endurance and range, and FANG™, the industry's first line of NDAA compliant FPV drones optimized for military operations with precision strike capabilities. Learn more at About Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) ESAero produces Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and advanced aerospace technologies for commercial and military applications. An established leader in the field, ESAero has been demonstrating for decades its core competencies in the design and manufacturing of innovative, reliable, and scalable aircraft systems including power and battery management systems. Based in San Luis Obispo, California, ESAero provides vertically integrated AS9100 certified services in R&D, engineering, design for manufacturing, rapid prototyping, testing, and serialized production expanding in the thousands. With over 130,000 ESAero has the capacity, capability, and facilities to scale and accelerate manufacturing to support its partners and customers. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "contemplate," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "seek," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "target," "aim," "should," "will" "would," or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.'s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled "Risk Factors" in the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 27, 2023. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. Contact: INVESTORS: E-mail: Investors@ NEWS MEDIA: Phone: (347) 880-2895Email: peter@
