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Joshua Burgin Reflects on Israel’s Tech Economy

Photo of Israel

When it comes to technology, Joshua Burgin knows what he’s talking about. From his experience developing software for Amazon to his work as the VP of Product and Strategy at cloud computing software provider VMware, Burgin has been in the technology game for a long time. Living in Seattle, he was one of the first employees at Amazon.

He has over two decades of experience developing technology businesses and consults with and advises startups around the world. 

Burgin is also quite connected to his Jewish faith and is a big supporter of Israel’s technology economy. Although he has spent his career so far based in the United States, he has also spent many years as an advisor for Israeli-based technology startups and visiting the country with his family. He feels deeply connected to Israel and to his Jewish faith. In August 2023, he sat down with the Jerusalem Post to discuss Israel’s expanding technology scene and entrepreneurial culture.

Joshua Burgin Sits Down With The Jerusalem Post

The Jerusalem Post wanted to learn about Burgin’s take on Israel’s post-Covid tech economy. Burgin, who has traveled to Israel almost every six months for the past ten years, believes that even with some of the country’s internal conflict, its economy, especially in the technology sector, remains strong. With the country’s swift, effective response to the pandemic, Burgin said he saw no major slowdown in entrepreneurial expansion. He believes that Israeli tech companies continue to set the standard for innovation and problem-solving with their tenacious spirit. For example, he discussed his work with the web development platform Wix and the marketing analytics company AppsFlyer, both of which are seeing lots of growth of late. Burgin feels that the creativity and bold innovation of Israeli startups such as these reflect the “Israeli spirit.”

The publication was also interested in Joshua Burgin’s thoughts on the country’s sustainability practices and the extent to which the country is fostering a more eco-friendly world. Burgin noted that some Israeli companies are on the cutting edge of climate innovation. For instance, he discussed Watergen, which extracts water from the air to help provide clean drinking water in areas where it is scarce. He also praised the country’s sustainable approach to living, with its bike-friendly cities and green spaces. Burgin believes that it is Israel’s global business perspective that helps such companies thrive and continue to shatter expectations. Israeli companies seek to make their solutions and innovations accessible to global markets, which helps not only their economy but supports countries around the world in becoming greener.

Burgin’s Admiration for the Israeli Spirit

In addition to the global outlook, Burgin also emphasized his belief in the positive impact of Israel’s mandatory military service. He thinks that this service helps produce strong, mature leaders who are able to create innovative startups that address complex problems. In particular, he discussed intelligence Units 8200 and 81 as exceptional “breeding grounds” for technological intelligence. Avishai Abrahami, a co-founder of Wix, served in Unit 8200, Burgin pointed out, and many people refer to Israel as the “Startup Nation.” Burgin thinks that this reputation is in large part due to the famous compulsory military training and how it interacts with the culture’s strong, entrepreneurial spirit.

Burgin has lots of hope for the technological future of the “Startup Nation” and emphasized that the country’s impact on innovators around the world should not be overlooked. As Israel’s leading technology innovators look outward with their solutions, Burgin suggests that the rest of the world should look toward Israel, as its dedication to entrepreneurship is creating tech solutions that address all kinds of world challenges. The country’s resilience to adversity and tough times like the pandemic also demonstrate the power of perseverance when it comes to business and how perseverance can lead to innovative technological breakthroughs. Read his biography here.

About Joshua Burgin

Joshua Burgin began his tech career in the early 90s. His major in philosophy at Haverford College outside of Philadelphia may seem an odd start to what has become an extensive career, but combining his love for reflection and innovation with his love for technology allowed him to begin his career at a small start-up that sold books online. Though friends and family believed this company would never survive, Burgin believed in the other 99 individuals working for the company that would soon grow into the industry giant known as Amazon.

Even in the early 90s, Burgin knew that the challenges were only beginning. Thankfully, Amazon was starting in Seattle, where an endless supply of another international staple, coffee could accompany long nights of working. During these long nights, Burgin would be working on new innovations that would allow for enhanced purchasing for consumers while marveling that the rise of the internet was merely one short decade ago.

Eventually, Burgin would leave Amazon, albeit temporarily, and help a series of start-ups and other entrepreneurs chase their own tech dreams. He would help consult and grow these companies to build their own foundations. Eventually, he found his way into a new space, a small gaming organization by the name of Zynga. This company challenged the tech space again by helping to develop programs that could run not only on personal computers but also on handheld devices with the rise of apps.

Afterward, he found his way back to Amazon, where he worked with Amazon Web Services (AWS) in developing their cloud services. These services would soon help Seattle gain the nickname of Cloud City, not because it was featured in the latest Star Wars, but because it became home to the cloud services for tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Oracle. For eight years, Burgin worked on these projects, helping to build the foundations for what is now a part of everyday life for consumers, whether they be large corporations or a grandmother hoping to save unlimited numbers of pictures of her grandkids.

Now, as the Vice President of Product & Strategy at VMware, Burgin has again seen new growth in technology. His humility, however, will limit the credit he will take for changes in technology, as he refuses to take credit for industry innovations. However, throughout the history of his prestigious career, he has always remained at the cutting edge of the newest and greatest technological innovations by having a keen ability to look for what he calls inflection points. These are the moments when opportunity exists and breaking the next thing needs to happen.

Even as recently as the early 2000s, technology was a niche market that only appealed to those who could afford a computer, companies looking to take the next step in organization, and even governments looking to function more consistently. Now, Burgin recognizes that technology is more than that. This niche market has moved fast and changed what was once a privileged convenience into an everyday reliance for everyone. Projects that Burgin has been involved in have allowed technology not to run life but to integrate seamlessly into it.

For individuals like Burgin, the last 30 years have defined what a technological revolution can look like, and seeing it grow at every stage can still amaze even those who witnessed it firsthand. In a short period of time, technology has made extensive changes in science, business, healthcare, government, and nonprofits. In essence, technology has changed daily life.

Burgin may not have thought about what technology would look like today when sitting in philosophy class in college, but in a way, it is comforting to know that those charged with impacting everyday life are thinking about the fundamental truths of human life. Burgin’s presence in the world of tech means that designing the next great technological advancement is not always done with the bottom dollar in mind but rather with how to improve human life.

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Cardiovascular Ultrasound Imaging Specialists, Enthusiasts Will Connect in Seattle June 10-13

City of Seattle

(SEATTLE, June 1, 2022) – With cardiovascular disease still the leading cause of death in the United States, improving the diagnostic assessment of patients with cardiovascular ultrasound is paramount. The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) will host its Scientific Sessions in Seattle, June 10-13, bringing together experts, enthusiasts, and multidisciplinary partners to teach and learn the latest in cardiovascular ultrasound imaging.

The conference, in its 33rd year, is aimed at advancing patient care across the U.S. and the world. More than 1,200 physicians, sonographers, nurses, veterinarians, scientists, and others are expected to attend the four-day conference, which for the first time will be held in a hybrid format. In-person attendees will convene at the Seattle Convention Center and will have access to over 60 sessions, workshops, oral and moderated presentations, and hands-on learning labs featuring cutting-edge education, foundational concepts, evolving practice and developing research.

Virtual attendees can live stream sessions from the main plenary room. “ASE 2022 is a comprehensive program that weaves together basic echo foundations, innovative science, and the traditional networking and social interactions that we have been missing since the onset of the pandemic,” says ASE Program Chair Sharon Mulvagh, MD, FASE, FRCP(C), FACC, a cardiologist and echocardiographer who retired from the Mayo Clinic and now works in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. “The meeting’s theme, Sound Waves in Seattle: Connecting the World, celebrates the silver lining that we have learned from our recent virtual meetings by also providing equity in digital access and global connections that our multidisciplinary cardiovascular ultrasound community now expects.” Examples of cardiovascular topics and abstracts that will be covered during the conference include ischemic heart disease, stress echocardiography, cardiomyopathy, and cardio-oncology; pediatric, congenital, and fetal echocardiography including the impact of COVID; structural heart disease, interventional and perioperative imaging; quality and appropriateness in cardiac imaging; and innovation and technology, including artificial intelligence, point of care ultrasound and critical care echocardiography. “ASE 2022 is the largest echocardiography-specific gathering in the world where attendees learn the latest and greatest in current practice and get a glimpse into the future of care,” says ASE Abstract Chair Dr. James Kirkpatrick, MD, FASE, chief of cardiac imaging and director of echocardiography in the Division of Cardiology at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle. “In addition to providing a platform for echo enthusiasts to learn and network with colleagues and thought leaders, in-person attendees can handle an echo probe and learn practical skills with one-on-one mentoring from an expert.” Dr. Kirkpatrick explains that cardiovascular ultrasound provides a unique window into the anatomy and function of the heart and blood vessels at the patient’s bedside, and that correct diagnosis determines a patient’s medical therapy. “Cardiovascular ultrasound is central to the practice of modern medicine, and ASE 2022 gives cardiac ultrasound specialists opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills and learn about the latest new developments, which ultimately improves the quality of care for patients living in the Pacific Northwest and beyond,” he says.

Other happenings at ASE 2022 include the Echo Expo, which consists of nearly 50 exhibitors, presenting new concepts, technology, devices and research; a keynote session by ASE’s 2022 Gardin Lecturer, Suzanne Simard, PhD, who will sign copies of her book, Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest; dynamic social and networking events; and the 13th Annual Research Awards Gala—a black-tie fundraiser hosted by the ASE Foundation. On Sunday, June 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Monday, June 13, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Convention Center, attendees are encouraged to visit rescue dogs in the ASE Bark Park, which will feature dogs from Ginger’s Pet Rescue—a Seattle nonprofit specializing in saving death row dogs. ASE’s membership includes veterinarians who use ultrasound in their practice to safely assess animal’s circulatory and cardiac functions. Learn more about ASE 2022 and download the conference’s final event program at ASEScientificSessions.org.

About ASE The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) is the Society for Cardiovascular Ultrasound Professionals. Founded in 1975, ASE is the largest global organization representing cardiovascular ultrasound imaging. ASE is the leader and advocate for physicians, sonographers, scientists, veterinarians, students, and all those with an interest in echocardiography, setting practice standards and guidelines for the field. The Society is committed to advancing cardiovascular ultrasound to improve lives.

For more information about ASE, visit: ASEcho.org and follow us @ASE360. Suggested General Photo Cutline: The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) will host its Scientific Sessions in Seattle, Wash., June 10-13, bringing together experts, enthusiasts and multidisciplinary partners to teach and learn the latest in cardiovascular ultrasound imaging. The conference, in its 33rd year, is aimed at advancing patient care across the United States and the world.

The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) will host its Scientific Sessions in Seattle, June 10-13

Photo Credit: “Seattle Sunset” by Howard Ignatius is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Washington Tourism Alliance Announces New Rural Tourism Support Program

Washington Tourism Alliance

Tri-County Economic Development District Picked for Pilot Program

SEATTLE (November 11, 2021) – The Washington Tourism Alliance (WTA) is launching a new Rural Tourism Support (RTS) Program, and has selected Tri-County Economic Development District (TEDD) in Northeastern Washington as its inaugural destination partner through a competitive process and review by a panel of industry experts.

The RTS program will serve as a seminal phase of development for communities across the state as well as a key strategic element In the WTA’s broader destination development programming. The program and WTA’s ongoing commitment to rural and tourism-dependent communities operates in tandem with broader marketing programs and a focus on statewide natural wonders and outdoor recreation, attraction of international visitors, identification of local visitor offerings, and assistance for tourism areas adversely impacted by natural disasters.

The RTS program will be facilitated by sustainable tourism expert Kristin Dahl, founder of Crosscurrent Collective, and it will use a community-based progressive approach to achieve short-term and long-term goals. A committee of local stakeholders will determine key action items, including a ten-year vision for the evolution of the destination and a better understanding of regional, national, and global travel trends. In some communities, growth may be one of the objectives but, in many cases, development may incorporate management of visitor flow to communities that need them most while mitigating impact on others. In all cases, the program is designed to improve the experience for residents and visitors alike.

“It is so exciting to think of the possibilities that a project with the scope of the Rural Tourism Support Program can bring to Northeast Washington,” said Shelly Stevens, Director of Regional Marketing for TEDD. “Especially considering that the way people travel and what they want to experience have changed in the wake of the pandemic. The timing couldn’t be better to collaboratively develop a thoughtful, regionwide tourism plan to help guide us into the future,”

The mission of TEDD is to promote economic resiliency, job creation and business retention through maintaining and developing business, tourism, community, and area development, while preserving the culture and environment of Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille Counties. The WTA’s partnership with TEDD will result in a tourism road map that will significantly and positively impact the region.

The Tri-County region is the first in what will be ongoing annual partnerships with Washington’s rural, tourism-dependent counties.

“We’re excited to inaugurate our Rural Tourism Support Program and to work closely within these communities In Northeast Washington,” said David Blandford, WTA Executive Director. “Our enabling legislation identified the importance of this role and the rigor of the pandemic underscores the critical need for tourism recovery.”

Managed and funded by the WTA, the RTS Program will focus on long-term destination development for both residents and visitors, along with sustainable tourism and regenerative travel. The application process for the next RTS partner destination will begin in spring 2022, followed by a fall launch.

About Washington Tourism Alliance

The Washington Tourism Alliance (WTA) is a 501(c)(6) organization established by industry stakeholders, with the sole mission of developing and sustaining Washington State destination tourism marketing. The WTA procures and administers funds for marketing efforts and creates and implements a strategic statewide marketing plan. For more information, visit www.watourismalliance.com.

Contact: Sienna Spencer-Markles / siennasm@greenrubino.com

Meet Billy Walters: The Pro Gambler Donating $1M to Harry Reid Airport Rebrand

Las Vegas Airport Renamed

Recently, it was revealed that the McCarran International Airport would be renamed (to the support of many Las Vegas residents), and it’s thanks to Billy Walters, along with his wife Susan.

So, who is Billy Walters? For those who are unfamiliar, Walters is a retired professional gambler, who has made a big name for himself over the years both in and outside the scope of his career.

Growing up, Walters didn’t quite have the easiest arrangement in the books. In fact, his upbringing had been difficult in a number of ways. Walters grew up in poverty, and his father had passed when he was just an infant. His mother’s alcoholism only complicated the situation further, leading Walters to be raised by his grandmother, without indoor plumbing and running water.

Given his upbringing, Walters has devoted a good portion of his career to giving back. As someone who has been so dedicated to philanthropy, it’s no surprise that Walters has befriended Harry Reid, the former Nevada Democratic senator.

Reid is a “personal friend,” in Walters’ own words. He also described Reid as a “man of integrity,” and this is exactly why Walters is using his donation to help rename the McCarran International Airport after Reid, rather than the infamously anti-Semitic Pat McCarran. Really, this rebranding was a long time coming.

About Harry Reid: Behind the Renaming Effort

In particular, Harry Reid was a strong candidate for the airport’s rebranding. Over the lengthy course of his career in office, U.S. Sen. Reid has had an enormous charitable impact on the people of Nevada.

Notably, Reid is an avid supporter of Opportunity Village. This nonprofit organization is based in Las Vegas and is dedicated to offering vocational training, employment, and recreational opportunities to those with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

This hits close to home for Walters, given his own experience raising and caring for his son. At the age of seven, Walters’ son underwent brain surgery to remove a tumor. However, the surgery resulted in brain damage. Due to these complications, Walters’ son, who is now an adult, has only a limited ability to care for himself.

According to Susan Walters, “We didn’t hesitate to show our gratitude when we learned of the privately funded rebranding effort.”

Walters has made quite a contribution to Opportunity Village himself over the years. He has advocated for and supported the charity for over two decades. In that time, Walters has managed to raise a remarkable fifty million dollars for the nonprofit. He also encourages all of his professional contacts, whether they’re at Las Vegas casinos, hotels, or resorts, to employ the clients of Opportunity Village.

Not only that, but Reid is an individual who puts genuine passion and effort into all that he does. This is another characteristic that Walters admires. Reid’s parents were a high school dropout and a miner, and he wasn’t born into the coziest conditions to grow up in, much like Walters, himself. In fact, according to Walters, “As someone who also grew up in less-than-ideal conditions, I can appreciate the grit and determination it took for Harry Reid to accomplish all that he did.”

Then, Walters went on to add that Reid “appreciated and empathized with people from all walks of life.” As such, the airport renaming will be a “fitting tribute that visitors to our great city and state will be reminded of that legacy when they travel here.”

The Effort to Rename McCarran: Gathering Private Contributions

Of course, Walters was far from being alone in his belief that the McCarran International Airport is due for a new name, one that better reflects the beliefs and integrity of Las Vegas residents.

Earlier in 2021, the Clark County Commission voted to rename the airport. Unsurprisingly, it was unanimous. They decided that Reid would be a fitting individual to draw the new name from, given his status as Nevada’s longest-serving senator. When Reid retired from office in 2017, he’d been serving for three decades.

Although Walters’ one-million-dollar donation was generous, it wasn’t all that was needed to spur the renaming process into action. As it turns out, quite a bit more is projected to be needed, to cover all the necessary expenses.

Currently, it is predicted that around seven million dollars will be needed, for all costs to be covered. Even still, it could be more. This is only the estimate, and at this early stage, it’s impossible to say the exact financial requirement.

As per the original agreement, none of this money will be coming from public funds, Instead, all the money will be coming from private donations, such as Billy Walters.’ Although the airport’s renaming is still at a relatively early stage, the process is looking promising. It seems that we’re just about set to see the McCarran International Airport receive a new name, and the generous donation of Billy Walters has played a significant role in that.

What Does It Take to Build a Successful Business from Scratch?

Businessman - Starting a business in Washington State & Seattle

Have you or someone you know recently been exploring the possibility of starting a new business from scratch, and you are looking to see what kind of commitment it will require? Maybe you are already in the process of getting your business off the ground, and are looking for some specific information on the legal process? Perhaps you are just vaguely interested in the topic and want to learn more? Starting your own business can be an incredibly enriching and worthwhile endeavor, and provide you with financial stability for the rest of your life if you are successful. This article will seek to show you a few of the basic things that will be required to build a successful business from scratch. 

Planning

The early stages of starting up your business should be primarily focused on figuring out a plan to successfully launch your company. This means you need to figure out a whole bunch of different logistics, such as the types of products or services you will provide, and how you will distribute this to the public. If you are going to be a retail business, then you will have to look into supply chains, shipping costs, warehouses for inventory, and many other variables. By planning out each stage of your business launch, then you will be able to guarantee that your team is ready for any obstacle that comes up. You will also need to hire an actual team! It is recommended that you try and hire experienced professionals in your field early in the planning stages. This will help you to get good feedback from people who are familiar with the market.

Connections

Although hard work is essential when running any successful business, it can really pay off to have good contacts in your field. By networking with other companies who work in the same business as you, then you can build a relationship that will encourage like-minded business owners to help each other out. 

LLC

Many business owners on the West Coast choose to register their companies as an LLC, or limited liability company. This type of business registration is a hybrid of sorts, combining elements of both partnerships and corporations together. Becoming an LLC can be extremely beneficial for some business owners for tax reasons and others, which leads many people to choose this option. Regardless of whether you live in Seattle, Idaho, or California, forming an LLC can be beneficial to you. There are many experts that can help you get this started but the best option is to signup at your local Secretary of State. Another great source is YouTube. Lastly, just give them a call and they can walk you through the process. It actually is a simple process and the employees working are public officials. They are supposed to help the public with these matters. That is what we pay them to do with our tax money. Whatever option you choose, getting guidance on how to form your LLC in Seattle, Washington is important. You can maximize your benefits. By using simple to follow guides, you will have no problem filling out all the required paperwork to register your business as an LLC.

Black Creek Group Mexico – Corporate Profile

Black Creek Group Mexico - Corporate Profile

The Black Creek Group is an investment firm specializing in property management for individuals seeking informed advice for their real estate investment portfolios. The company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with satellite locations in Atlanta, Georgia, Newport Beach, California, Dallas, Texas, Rutherford, New Jersey, West Hartford, Connecticut, and Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, which is a suburb of Chicago.  In total they have 9 offices across North America (2 in Mexico).

The Black Creek Group utilizes the experience of veteran analysts and traders, all of whom bring a unique perspective when it comes to analyzing market fundamentals and commercial real estate trends to formulate their investment options. They are entrepreneurial and hands-on, which means they can act quickly in assembling high-quality portfolios for their investors.

The Black Creek Group is among the premier real estate investment managers operating within the United States, with an average of $67 Million $/SF across 29 markets and over $22 Billion properties bought or built. The firm is diverse in its investments, with a keen knowledge of regional dynamics that better leverage an investor’s ability to enter top-tier markets in the following real estate investment sectors:

Industrial – Investments in quality bulk and last-mile distribution warehouses in both high-barrier entry and secondary markets that have long-term growth potential. They firmly established relationships in their markets, which offers unique opportunities to carry out transactions at a swift pace for their investors. They primarily invest in both Class A and Class B industrial real estate.

Multifamily – Investments in suburban garden and mid-rise communities with an average of 200-600 units and located in high-growth markets that have limited new construction in the immediate area. They are dedicated to expanding their presence in supply-constrained areas with solid demographic and strong fundamentals.

Office – Investments in Class A and Class B multi-tenant buildings in highly populated suburban locations offering convenient access to amenities, public transit, and a highly-skilled workforce. They provide best in class service for tenants in supply-constrained central business districts and suburban-central areas with diversified tenants.

Retail – Investments in well-placed neighborhoods and community shopping centers focused on grocery and needs-based retail. The goal is to acquire retail investments where in-person shopping is still strongly desired by consumers and located in densely populated areas that consumer traffic still thrives and continues to grow.

INVESTMENT SOLUTIONS

The Black Creek Group has six investment solutions to choose from and ranges from diversification to an exclusive solution that was previously offered only to large institutions but can now be provided to individual investors.

Black Creek Diversified Property Fund

This fund is a perpetual-life real estate solution that offers investors access to the industrial, multifamily, office, and retail property sectors in one portfolio with a monthly income.

Black Creek Exchange

This solution is allowed under IRC Section 1031 and 721, whereby an owner of appreciated real estate may exchange an investment property for the acquisition of high-value commercial real estate property.

Black Creek Industrial REIT IV

This is a finite-life real estate investment solution where investors can access private real estate, mainly in high-value distribution warehouses.

Black Creek Industrial Fund

This is a perpetual-life, core-plus private investment solution managed on behalf of certain industrial investors and focused on investing in mass distribution and light industrial properties in key distribution markets throughout the United States.

Build-To-Core Industrial Partnerships

In this solution, investors can choose to join ventures with institutional partners seeking advantageous risk-adjusted returns through developing and/or repositioning industrial properties located in key distribution markets throughout the United States.

PREDEX

PREDEX invests in institutional U.S. private core real estate funds and employs a low-cost, passive strategy that now provides private investors access to this option.  Previously, only pension funds, insurance companies, endowments, and foundations were able to achieve stability and diversification-of-portfolio benefits that are challenging to find anywhere else except through the convenience of an interval fund, which is how the PREDEX solution works. An interval fund is an investment company that periodically offers to buy back a stated portion of its shares from shareholders based on a net asset value and continually offer those shares at a price based on the fund’s net asset value.

BLACK CREEK MEXICO SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PHILOSOPHY

Since its founding in 1993, they have strived to do the right thing for the communities they are involved in and work closely with. They have a deep commitment to minimizing their environmental footprint and creating a positive impact on the communities they operate in. They have a history of sustainability, which includes a continuous evaluation of their environmental impact and the establishment of strategies that benefit social efforts in the community. They operate their business in a conscientious and environmentally aware manner by being energy efficient, finding ways to conserve water, protecting local wildlife habitats, and prevention and reduction of material waste when building properties.

Fostering mutually beneficial relationships within the communities within which they live and work is a simple ambition. The Black Creek Group furthers this aim by creating jobs in the markets they have offices and where they own and manage properties. This is another example of the civic-minded philosophies that drive the Black Creek Group to create a more positive impact in the day-to-day operation of their business transactions. They have cultivated a work culture that promotes employee health and well-being and even pays their employees for taking time off for community activities and volunteering at local charities and events.

Additionally, the Black Creek Group has proven its commitment to corporate social responsibility by placing great emphasis on the importance of ethics and proper business conduct by maintaining a global anti-corruption policy and through their corporate governance initiatives.

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlackCreekGroup

Bair Hugger Lawsuits – The Truth Always Comes Out

3M Bair Hugger Lawsuit Victory

There is an old saying about the truth. According to Aesop, “Those who cry the loudest are not always the ones who are hurt the most.” This quote about the truth accurately represents how lawsuits against the Bair Hugger gained any traction in the first place. There was one man who cried the loudest about the Bair Hugger, and it turns out that this man had motives that were not altruistic. But like most lies, the truth always comes to light, and in the case of the Bair Hugger lawsuits, the truth is starting to surface.

It was revealed last week that in the latest news about the lawsuits that the Minnesota jurors sided with the owner of the Bair Hugger, 3M. The two-week trial has significant implications for the future of the pending 4,400 Bair Hugger lawsuits. As of May 15th, of this year there are approximately 4,467 lawsuits that blame the Bair Hugger for surgical infections but the current case, the Gareis Case, shows that these lawsuits might not have a leg to stand on. The truth about why these lawsuits are doomed to fail is because in because the claims that are being made about the device are not valid.

The Bair Hugger forced-air warming system has a long history. For decades there were no complaints about the system and doctors and their patients were happy with the Bair Hugger’s performance in the operating room. It became a significant part of an operation and had been reported to have been used in over 200 million surgeries since its inception in the 1980’s. There was never a question about its safety or its effectiveness until one man began to question its safety. However, there is more to his story than meets the eye. One individual started a misinformation campaign that ultimately led to these lawsuits.

To understand what led to the lawsuits, it is essential to go back through the history of the Bair Hugger. The forced air warming system was invented in the 1980’s by an anesthesiologist named Dr. Scott Augustine. He was the first to come up with the idea that patients should be warmed during surgery to help prevent a host of life-threatening issues. Studies conducted in the 1980’s showed that keeping a patient warm during surgery helped to promote faster recovery times and less bleeding during surgery. Based on these studies. Dr. Augustine created the Bair Hugger, and it soon became an integral part of the surgical process.

The device itself is one of the most effective yet simplistic pieces of surgical equipment available. There are three main parts to the system, the warming blanket, the hose and the warming unit. These three pieces fit together to create a forced air warming system that is used in hospitals across the nation. The Bair Hugger blanket is a unique design that is made up of a soft, sterile non-woven material that has channels that circulates air gently through the blanket. The blanket is connected to the warming unit via the hose and then laid gently on top of the patient’s body. A comfortable temperature is set on the warming unit, and then warm air is gently distributed through the blanket. The warm air circulates through the blanket, and the patient’s body temperature is kept at a healthy level.

There have numerous studies that have been conducted on the benefits of warming the body during surgery. Studies have shown that during the first 60 minutes of anesthesia, the body’s temperature will drop. Some patients can regulate their temperature, but some not are able to. For some patients, the consequence can be unintended hypothermia. Hypothermia is dangerous to patients for a multitude of reasons. Hypothermia, however, is entirely preventable during the surgical process and patient warming is the answer. Numerous studies found that when a forced air warming system is used during surgery the patients often have a shorter recovery time post-surgery, decreased ICU time, reduced rate of wound infection, and lower mortality rates.

Augustine made a significant amount of money off his invention. The Bair Hugger changed how hospitals conducted surgeries. The Bair Hugger soon was used in hospitals all over the nation, and Dr. Augustine gained a lot of money and attention for his invention. He had no issues with his beloved invention until decades later. He only started to make claims against the Bair Hugger when he had a financial stake in a competing product. Coincidently, Augustine started an aggressive smear campaign when his new product was ready to go to market.

To understand how the lawsuits began, one must look back at Dr. Augustine’s history with his original company. Dr. Augustine had a falling out with his old company that started a feud that eventually dragged the Bair Hugger through the mud. The Bair Hugger was originally owned by Augustine Medical, which later became Arizant Inc. Augustine was the Chairman and Chief Executive of the company when he had a dispute with other board members. Not much is known about the dispute except that Augustine and the company soon parted ways but not without a fight from Augustine.

There was a Medicare fraud investigation, and in 2004, Augustine pled guilty to a single misdemeanor charge and paid $2 million fine. He was barred for five years for participating in federal health care programs. He sued Arizant Inc. saying that it owed him money under an indemnification agreement. He was asking for the 2 million dollar fine plus millions more in salary. The company and Augustine settled, and he got his money, but the grudge never died. 3M Inc. later acquired Arizant and Augustine started another business. Not one to reinvent the wheel, Augustine created almost the exact same product as the Bair Hugger. Because he now saw the Bair Hugger as his competition, he began to spread claims that the Bair Hugger caused surgical site wound infections.

Specialists in the field of patient warming were baffled by Augustine’s claims that the Bair Hugger was responsible for spreading bacteria to the body during surgery. Augustine couldn’t provide any evidence for these claims and independent studies conducted also concluded that there was no evidence. The only studies that stated that there are potential issues are the studies that were commissioned or underwritten by Augustine. He has spoken out against the device at medical meetings and has videos on his new website that highly suggest that the Bair Hugger brings airborne contaminants in contact with patients.

These claims started to make their way to the medical community, and they whipped up a frenzy of activity. Attorneys began to advertise looking for people who may have suffered complications from surgery. People who have suffered from post-surgical complications assumed that their issues stem the use of the Bair Hugger. There was an influx of lawsuits filed against 3M that surprised the medical community since the evidence to back up the claims seemed scant at best, but people can file lawsuits for any reason, so the lawsuits went forward. The media picked up the story and soon the news spread.

There is always risk associated with surgery; it comes with the territory. To blame a complication on the Bair Hugger warming system based on unreliable and biased data is unjust. The information is leaking from a disgruntled investor who is trying to smear a company name. Unfortunately, court records showed 4,467 lawsuits blaming Bair Huggers for infections. The cases are part of multidistrict litigation (MDL) in Minnesota. MDLs allow courts to combine several, similar lawsuits which save time and resources. The Gareis case was the first bellwether trial in the MDL. Bellwethers are test cases. They represent a sample of all the lawsuits in the MDL. The outcome of bellwether trials can help gauge arguments on both sides. This can sometimes cause people to drop their lawsuits. But they can also help shape settlements. The judge in the Bair Hugger MDL ordered a second bellwether ready for trial by December 2018.

3M stands behinds the Bair Hugger warming system and denies that Bair Hugger spread infections. The company says more than 200 million surgeries have relied on Bair Huggers since 1987. Surgery is a complicated process, and unintended hypothermia adds one more factor to the equation. Unintended hyperthermia is a common but preventable aspect of surgery and occurs in 50% of all surgical patients. Even mild hypothermia can cause a post-surgical crisis. Patient temperature management often is a secondary thought instead of a required standard. It is also a significant financial benefit of reducing hypothermia rates in surgical patients. Studies have demonstrated that maintaining normothermia can result in savings of $2,500 to $7,000 per patient by eliminating the costs of hypothermia-related complications, including surgical site infections.

The 3M Bair Hugger Patient Warming System is safe to use in orthopedic and other procedures. The FDA cleared this technology to treat and prevent hypothermia more than 25 years ago. Patient care has become increasingly monitored over the years, and patients are more and more critical about the treatment they receive. It’s not surprising that doctors and healthcare providers continue to use Bair hugger even with these bogus claims being made. Regulating patient body temperature in the life of a surgical process is of utmost importance, and this is what Bair Hugger technology allows healthcare providers to oversee and monitor for the best patient outcome.

Regarding the Bair Hugger lawsuits, it’s understandable that patients are seeking answers to why post-surgical complications arise. And often various factors influence how a patient recovers from surgery. However, looking at the circumstances surrounding the history of how Bair Hugger got the reputation it did, these claims are rooted in greed and revenge and promoted by the original creator of the warming system. The post-surgical complications are not due to an actual problem with the warming systems that have helped millions of patients. This first bellwether Trial set the tone for the future of the Bair Hugger cases. The road ahead is long for both patients and 3m Bair Hugger. With any case, it is important to understand the full context of how information comes to surface and why. In the Bair Hugger Lawsuits, it’s critical to see that this is a smear driven by bad business dealings.

Visiting University Village

University Village Seattle Washington

The University Shopping center is a Seattle favorite. Whether you are looking to do some shopping, meet up with a friend for a meal or cup of coffee, getting the kids out of the house, or getting your Mac fixed, the University village offers a host of activity and entertainments for locals and students. The U-Village has made a name for being a posh shopping center in the desirable University District. Located just 10 minutes from downtown, University Village is Seattle’s only outdoor lifestyle shopping center, offering a unique mix of locally-owned boutiques, retailers, and a distinct collection of restaurants and eateries. The Village is busy year-round, but as we enter spring and people look forward to ushering in the warmer weather. Whether that is sprucing up your yard with flower pots and new soil, outdoor furniture, brightening up a wardrobe, or going out for a meal where you can sit on the patio, Seattleites look forward to Spring and can embrace it entirely with the help of University Village. With more than 120 stores and restaurants, University Village is the exclusives stop in the Pacific Northwest because it offers selective and hard to find products. From notable brands such as The Land of Nod and Brandy Melville, as well as featuring the only Room & Board, Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn Kids, and Scotch & Soda locations in Washington.

Along with being a desirable shopping destination, the village also draws in people with local events and activities for all ages. From May 31-Jun 3rd the U Village will host its annual sidewalk sale, and this will be the 61st year. The Sounds of Summer Concert Series will be hosted from Wednesdays, July 11 – August 22. When the weather warms up, and you want to head to get a cool drink of ice cream, it’s always nice to have some nice tunes to welcome you into the village.

University Village also partners with local hospitals to support ongoing work and research. University Village is proud to support Obliteride, a fundraising bike ride, where every participant-raised dollar goes toward lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutch. University Village also has had valued partnerships with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington & Alaska through annual community events.
The U Village has opportunities to get your fitness on. You can run with Oiselle during Thursday Night Flight Club! All paces welcome. Departs from the Oiselle Flagship store weekly at 6:30 pm. Feel like going for a run, come on out and join the crew who find pleasure in a good run. If you are at all into Yoga, Join Lululemon at University Village every Sunday at 9:30 am for free yoga class! Yoga offers a host of health benefits that you don’t want to miss out.

The University village offers 10-11am Tuesday playdays with free story time, crafts and fun activities for kids each week. Attend a Village Playdays event and receive a Playdays Pass featuring special offers to select U Village shops and restaurants. You can also join Pottery Barn Kids every Tuesday at 11:00 am. Students and teachers can get discounts at select University Village stores and restaurants with valid ID. So, if you are looking for something fun to do in Seattle, the University Village offers a wide range of entertainment.

Quick History of The Boeing Company

The Boeing Company

Washingtonians know that Boeing has a strong presence in the state. Whether you work there, went on a school tour, or hear about them in the news, the company has a large impact on the Puget Sound. The Boeing Company is an established entity in Seattle and has roots that go back over 100 years. In March 1910, William E. Boeing bought Heath’s shipyard in Seattle on the Duwamish River, which later became his first airplane factory. Boeing was incorporated in Seattle by William Boeing, on July 15, 1916, as “Pacific Aero Products Co.” Today, Boeing is the largest private employer in Washington. Currently, nearly half of Boeing’s global workforce is located here in the state. In this are the company is committed to building the single-aisle 737 MAX, with orders for more than 4,000 airplanes.

The Company in interwoven in the Puget Sound community in so many different ways. The Boeing Company made its first charitable contribution in 1917 when a gift from William E. Boeing helped the University of Washington build the state’s first wind tunnel. Since July 1st 2017, the current CEO is Dennis Muilenburg. More than a century later Boeing employees and retirees contribute more than $50 million annually to approximately 200 Washington organizations dedicated to improving the lives of people in this state. In 2016 Boeing, employees and retirees contributed more than $50 million to community organizations and donated more than 250,000 volunteer hours. Additionally, more than 100 Boeing executives serve on non-profit boards throughout the Puget Sound region. Boeing also offers a Washington New Letter so you can keep up with news and events. Boeing is well invested in Washington state and serves the people who live here to enrich and progress communities.

Boeing is committed to Washington state and has invested billions of dollars in their future here. That commitment extends from helping educate the next generation of aerospace workers to implement changes in The Boeing Renton factory to facilitate future production of the 737 MAX. It also includes expansion of delivery centers in Everett and Seattle and construction of massive new buildings to house, cutting-edge technologies being developed for the 777X. Boeing has a clear strategy and commitment to protecting the environment. As a technology and innovation leader, they continually improve the environmental performance of their products and services to further reduce fuel use, carbon, and the industry’s ecological footprint.

If you are a plane lover or want to learn more about the company history, located approximately 25 miles north of Seattle, The Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour is the only public tour of a commercial jet assembly plant in North America. Explore the interactive exhibits and displays in our 28,000-square-foot Aviation Center Gallery; then take a 90-minute tour of the Boeing plant where you can watch 747s, 777s, or 787 Dreamliners being assembled right before your eyes. People come from out of town for this tour, and if you’re a local and have never been, it’s a great way to learn more about a company that drives a lot of the local economy and is invested in the success of local communities. There is a minimum height requirement of 4 feet for children participating in the Boeing Tour. To avoid disappointment, please make sure to check the height before purchasing tickets. This restriction is strictly enforced. ADA accessible tours are offered twice daily. Call in advance to ensure proper accommodations. 1-800-464-1476 or ask any questions.

The Boeing Company is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, and satellites worldwide. The company also provides leasing and product support services. Boeing is among the most significant global aircraft manufacturers, and it is the second-largest defense contractor in the world based on 2015 revenue.

Notes about The Boeing Company:
Founded: William Boeing
CEO: Dennis Muilenburg (www.DennisMuilenburg.com)
Stock Symbol: BA (NYSE)
Revenue: 93.39 Billion (2017)
Headquarters: Chicago, IL
Seattle Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3707. Seattle, Washington 98124

Washington State Says No! To Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency Washington State

July 23rd 2017, in the name of “protecting consumers”, Washington State became one of the largest states to put a stop to the digital currency marketplace aka Cryptocurrency. The bill (SB 5031) establishing the regulations, was passed by the state legislature in April 2017.

Most of you probably don’t know this issue (don’t own Cryptocurrency) and that is why we’re bringing this to the people’s attention. That state has placed such high regulations on them that many of the exchanges that are used to buy Cryptocurrency won’t be participating in Washington State. If you try to sign-up, you’ll be denied service for this reason. The state punished these exchanges with so many rules they simply can’t participate and that means you won’t be able to either. These include making them agree to third-party security audits of their systems, and post surety bonds of between $10,000 and $550,000, which work as security deposits in the event customers deserve compensation from an exchange.

The reality this is just a measure to keep digital currency away from the easily traceable payment options (ie credit cards, cash in checking accounts). The state wants to make sure they are keeping tabs of all your money and if that means kicking in the teeth and bullying any new or innovated ideas – they will do just that to get their way.

After the bill passed, the exchanges started to leave Washington State and they told their customers they will need to kick sand and take their business elsewhere. These include: Bitfinex, Bitstamp, Kraken, and Poloniex.

On Reddit, people have accused the state of having a “cryptohating legislature” and being “a very sorry state for any forward-thinking, technology enthusiast individual to reside in.”.

Sponsors of this bill included Senator Jan Angel (R) and Senator Mark Mullet (D). Recently, Senator Jan Angel sponsored Angel bill raising awareness of heating-oil tank insurance. I didn’t read to much into it as the surface of it seems like a waste of time and energy. In short, it’s an “awareness” bill… that raises awareness of an insurance program for residential heating-oil tanks. According to them, “The bill helps make residential homebuyers aware of the Washington Pollution Liability Insurance Agency’s Residential Heating Oil Insurance Program, which provides insurance coverage at no cost to owners of active heating-oil tanks. The program provides up to $60,000 of insurance coverage for cleaning up contamination caused by a leak from a heating oil tank.” They lost me when they said it was an “awareness” bill to raise awareness about an issue. Are we really creating “awareness” laws now to let residents just know about information? How about we stick to just making real laws that are enforceable instead of wasting money on marketing campaigns disguised as laws which this appears to be. This combined with the cryptocurrentcy ban and you’re about two strikes out sitting at home.

As for Senator Mark Mullet, he sponsored and passed legislation for increasing health care cost transparency. He must of failed with that goal because Washington State is living on the cash hog when it comes to pharmacy drugs, hospitals, fees, and the tax revenue they get from those items. They are not going to change a thing and still think obamacare is “affordable”. Heath care cost and transparency is one if not the biggest scams in the state. Hospitals are ripping people off so transparency obviously isn’t in place either.

There wasn’t much news about slapping down Cryptocurrency. I first investigated this due to Microsoft partnering with the Ripple Cryptocurrency. Ripple unlike Bitcoin offers faster processing and has a business model behind it. They leverage customer information to make a profit. I wanted to invest as well and downloaded one of the exchanges only to be denied when I entered my Washington State address. Ripple was priced at .29 at that time and now it’s over a dollar.

Thanks for keeping the people down Washington State.

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