Latest news with #WandaSmith
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Inner Circle acknowledges, Wanda Smith, CEO acknowledged as a 2025 Pinnacle Professional Member
BALTIMORE, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Wanda Smith, CEO is acknowledged as a 2025 Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions to the Staffing Industry. Wanda Smith, the founder and CEO of Symphony Placements, has transformed the staffing industry with over 30+ years of experience and a vision for empowering businesses with exceptional talent. Established in 2006, Symphony Placements is a nationally recognized staffing firm specializing in temporary and supplemental staffing for both government and private sectors. The company's consultative approach enables it to match clients with the right talent for roles in large customer contact centers, medical, administrative, and legal services, as well as large project staffing for call centers with augmented staff working virtually, saving our clients overhead across the continental U.S. Ms. Smith, who launched Symphony Placements at the age of 59 as a widow, has grown the firm into a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), and Small Women Minority Business (SWARM) and Women's Business Enterprises National Council (WBENC). WOSB certification is currently under review. Under her leadership, the company expanded from its roots in Baltimore to a trusted national staffing partner, fostering long-term client relationships and securing government certifications that attest to its excellence in service. A recognized leader in the staffing industry, Ms. Smith prides herself on her innovative and consultative approach to matching clients with the right talent. Developing recruiting and onboarding best practices augmenting talent for International Human Service, advisory, consulting, technology companies She has also been a trailblazer for female empowerment, building a legacy as a role model for women in business. Beyond business, Ms. Smith enjoys golf, cruising, and traveling, balancing her successful career with a vibrant personal life alongside her husband, John Ritzenthaler, and her son, Alban Smith, Jr. Looking ahead, Ms. Smith is focused on Symphony Placements' long-term growth and success. With a succession plan in place, her business partner, Marta Chavatel, President was and is instrumental in growing the business to what it has become today. She is currently the face of the company handling everyday operations and business development, is set to take over the CEO position, ensuring the firm's continued growth and influence in the staffing industry when Wanda slows down and retires. Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Inner Circle 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
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The 67th annual Ford Fireworks: A beloved tradition
Hundreds of people gathered at Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit on the afternoon of Monday, June 23, to save their viewing spot for the 67th annual Ford Fireworks show. The Fireworks show is put on by The Parade Company, the same company responsible for the annual Thanksgiving Day parade in the city. The CEO of the company said that this year would be the biggest and best show yet. The mid-90-degree weather didn't stop families from setting up their front-row seats to the much-anticipated show. Most people who were first to arrive set up chairs at the edge of Hart Plaza, overlooking the Detroit River. By 6 p.m., Belle Isle had closed to vehicles after reaching capacity for the fireworks. Many families sat under trees or umbrellas to stay out of the sweltering heat, and children and adults alike ran through and stood under the Horace E. Dodge and Son memorial fountain to cool off. But 76-year-old Excell Moore and 77-year-old Wanda Smith sat happily in their chairs without shade and soaked in the sun. The couple arrived at Hart Plaza around 2 p.m. to reserve the same spot they've sat in every year for the past 25 years — with the exception of 2020. They come hours in advance with camping chairs, blankets and plenty of snacks to keep them satisfied for their eight-hour wait. The two have been a couple for 28 years and have made the Ford Fireworks show a beloved tradition. "It's always been a day for the people," said Moore. Smith nodded in agreement as she ate potato salad and Fritos chips. "But it seems like there is less people and more (area) blocked off every year," Moore said, pointing to the fence next to him. Although the added changes to the park can be an annoyance, the couple is eager to watch the new fireworks show. Smith's favorite part is the finale, and Moore's favorite part is seeing how the people and traditions change each year. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2025 Ford Fireworks show draws the crowds
