Lean Enterprise Institute Announces Mark Reich as Keynote Speaker at Lean Summit 2025, March 5, 2025

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BOSTON, MA – February 5, 2025—The Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI) is pleased to announce that Mark Reich, Senior Coach and Chief Engineer of Strategy at LEI, will deliver a keynote speech and lead a panel discussion at the upcoming Lean Summit 2025. The event will take place March 5 and 6, 2025, at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center, 2450 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia, 30339, USA.

Reich will give the keynote address at 9:30 a.m., followed by a keynote panel on which he will host Marcia Brey, Vice President of Logistics at GE Appliances; Charles F. Murphy, Senior Vice President at Turner Construction Company, the leading general builder in the US; Geoff Miller, CEO of Grand Rapids Chair; and an executive from Nucleus Software.

“I’m thrilled that we have such a diverse group of international businesses represented on the panel, including small and large consumer goods manufacturers, construction, and software,” notes Reich. Adding, “It shows how lean thinking and hoshin kanri can be applied to just about any business or use case.”

Reich, author of the highly anticipated book Managing on Purpose, out on March 5 as well, will share insights on implementing hoshin kanri, a core component of lean management systems. His presentation will focus on aligning organizational strategy with daily operations to drive sustainable growth and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Event Highlights

Keynote Speech:
Mark Reich will discuss key concepts from his new book and offer practical strategies for leaders to enhance their organizations’ performance.

Panel Discussion:
Reich will lead Brey and Murphy in exploring real-world applications of lean principles across various sectors.

Book Launch:
Managing on Purpose will be officially released at the summit, and copies will be available for purchase and signing.

About Mark Reich
Mark Reich has over 23 years of experience with Toyota, where he was the process owner of hoshin kanri for North America. As a senior coach at LEI, he has collaborated with numerous business leaders to implement lean practices, including developing and executing hoshin kanri in their organizations. His unique perspective makes Managing on Purpose a vital resource and a practical toolkit for aspiring leaders.

About the Lean Summit 2025
The Lean Summit 2025 is LEI’s flagship event. It brings together leaders and practitioners from diverse industries to share knowledge and best practices in lean thinking and methodologies. For more information about the Lean Summit 2025 or to register, please visit https://events.lean.org/event/cbccfabf-1519-4cd2-ae7c-cc2000844719/overview-lean-summit-2025.

About the Lean Enterprise Institute
The Lean Enterprise Institute Inc. is a nonprofit based in Boston, MA, with a mission to make things better by advancing lean thinking and practice. It fulfills its mission by publishing books, instructing workshops, hosting conferences, partnering with companies, and issuing free content on its website, www.lean.org.

New World War II Novel “Jeep Show” Reveals Untold Story of Entertainment on the Front Lines

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Memphis, TN – “Jeep Show: A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge” by Robert B. O’Connor launches today, unveiling the fascinating story of how the U.S. Army used entertainment to boost troop morale during World War II’s darkest hours.

This meticulously researched historical novel follows Jim Tanzer, a 30-year-old dance instructor who forgoes a fatherhood deferment to serve his country. Assigned to the Morale Corps as an Entertainment Specialist, Tanzer performs in mobile “Jeep shows” alongside Hollywood star Private Mickey Rooney, bringing moments of joy to combat-weary troops – until he finds himself caught in the Battle of the Bulge.

“While researching this book, I discovered how extensively the Army used entertainment to maintain soldier morale,” says O’Connor. “These traveling performers risked their lives to remind troops of home, yet their story has largely gone untold.”

O’Connor, also the author of “Gumptionade,” brings his expertise as a former advertising executive and amateur historian to craft a narrative that weaves together:

  • Little-known details about the Army’s entertainment initiatives
  • The rich historical context of the Battle of the Bulge
  • Authentic glimpses into early 20th Century show business
  • The personal journey of an ordinary man in extraordinary circumstances

“Jeep Show” will appeal to fans of “Band of Brothers” and “Saving Private Ryan” while offering a fresh perspective on World War II through the lens of entertainment and morale-building efforts.

The book is available through Amazon and at jeepshowbook.com.

About the Author:
Robert B. O’Connor is a Memphis-based writer whose career spans advertising, marketing, and nonprofit leadership. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Kenyon College with the Highest Honors in History, O’Connor brings historical accuracy and compelling storytelling to his work.

Mom of Five Launches Holiday Campaign for Soft, Safe, and Smart Puzzles and more for the 0-10 Set with Skimlinks and Impact

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Westport, CT – October 10, 2024 – When former Wall Street bond trader and Division 1 athlete Cali Carleton takes something on, she doesn’t mess around, and that’s the case with her toy company Domino & Juliette, founded in 2020 at her kitchen table, with products available since 2023. Now, heading into the 2024 holidays, she is ready for gift guides and more, with all her products available for affiliate partnerships with SkimLinks for any coverage and as part of the Impact affiliate program (Network MID 27522).

Cali Carleton intimately understands the playtime challenges faced by today’s busy parents. As a homeschooling mom of five without childcare, Cali became frustrated by the lack of durable, educational toys that easily fit into daily routines. Her journey resonates with many parents, making Domino & Juliette a brand that truly understands their needs.

Using an innovative, solution-focused approach, she launched Domino & Juliette to reinvent timeless toys. For example, the flagship Find & Fit puzzles (ABC puzzle pictured above) modernize classic wooden puzzles to be soft, safe, and smart:

  • Soft – Silicone material is addictively smooth and gentle for sensory play and teething babies.
  • Safe — Safety is our top priority, so our products are rigorously tested to be free of harmful chemicals and safe for children 0+. We want parents and caregivers to have peace of mind while babies and young toddlers play with their older siblings’ toys.
  • Smart – Clever themes based on Montessori principles educate while entertaining.

Domino & Juliette’s commitment to spreading play extends to children in underserved communities through our “Color the World” initiative during the holidays and year-round. The company donates a box of crayons to a child lacking creative tools for every purchase. The goal is to donate over ONE MILLION boxes to spread joy and inspire creativity in children who need it most.

Domino & Juliette facilitates purposeful play and learning through unique, thoughtfully designed toys. The products stand out for their adaptability and simplicity, catering to children of all abilities.

From dishwasher-safe materials to included storage bags, every detail is designed to make playtime more manageable and meaningful for today’s busy parents.

With a background in the fast-paced world of finance, Cali brings a solutions-oriented approach to product design. Domino & Juliette toys undergo rigorous safety testing and are manufactured by one of the world’s leading product manufacturers, ensuring durable quality.

These expertly designed products provide multi-sensory, hands-on learning across core developmental domains. Activity mats with high-contrast patterns cater to visual learners, while the viral puzzles and manipulatives build fine motor skills.

Parents and kids can see the toys come to life on Instagram @chasing50toes and @dominoandjuliette, where Cali shares imaginative DIY activities tailored for different ages and learning styles.

Domino & Juliette doesn’t just sell toys; they provide a supportive community. While many brands chase the growing educational, screen-free play market, Domino & Juliette goes further. Cali is a real mom and founder, not just a faceless brand. She and the D&J team care deeply and are committed to responsive, high-touch customer service. They are here for you every step of the way.

Domino & Juliette aspires to fill the void left by legacy brands that have moved on from their family-based roots—to be the modern, boutique toy brand busy parents trust. Blending classic play principles with developmental science and clever design helps kids joyfully engage with the world while empowering parents to find more moments of meaningful connection.

At Domino & Juliette, physical, cognitive, or financial constraints should never limit play. This holiday season, the media can join the mission to foster purposeful play and development for all children with coverage that wins all around with Skimlinks and Hearst Impact.

School Rebound Launches AI-Driven Handwriting Improvement App Dynamilis for Kids in the United States

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child using the Dynamilis Handwriting improvement app
Los Angeles – November 16, 2023 – Dynamilis, the revolutionary AI-powered educational application from School Rebound SA, designed to enhance the writing skills of children aged 5-12 engagingly and playfully, is now available in the United States. Developed at the prestigious CHILI laboratory at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), this iPad application, meticulously crafted for young learners, has been the result of a close collaboration between experts in handwriting analysis, AI, and machine learning from both France and Switzerland. It stands on the shoulders of five years of rigorous scientific research, the collective wisdom of over fifty therapists and teachers, and the feedback and experiences of more than 20,000 children.

Handwriting, a critical skill, has gained renewed attention with the recent California mandate for handwriting instruction in elementary schools. It is fundamental to various academic activities, from personal narratives to history and mathematics. Mastery of handwriting automation allows children to direct their focus toward content and cognitive development. The importance of handwriting proficiency in achieving academic success cannot be overstated.

The journey of Dynamilis commenced in 2018, marked by a groundbreaking exploration of handwriting samples that delved far beyond surface-level visual analysis. The focus was on deciphering the intricate dynamics of every stroke formation. The precision and insights offered by this approach surpassed traditional paper evaluations. School Rebound introduced an early version of Dynamilis based on this research, harnessing these dynamic attributes to allow in-depth profiling of a child’s handwriting style. This method helped identify individualized learning needs.

Drawing an analogy to piano learning, where students must internalize a spectrum of skills like rhythm, musical notation, and agility to play compositions, Dynamilis has deconstructed handwriting into its fundamental components. It addresses critical skills such as pressure application, speed, precision, eye-hand coordination, and agility. With an advanced analysis tool that pinpoints each child’s distinct requirements, the app provides a personalized learning journey, guiding each child toward mastering the essentials of handwriting.

Thibault Asselborn, CEO of School Rebound, is an AI expert with a Ph.D. in Machine Learning and Education from EPFL. He shared his inspiration for Dynamilis: “While I pursued my Masters in Robotics and Autonomous Systems, my side hustle was teaching kids piano. Later, during my Ph.D., while developing an AI-based handwriting helper, a lightbulb went off. I realized that a skills spectrum approach, similar to piano learning, would be valuable for handwriting. We further developed this concept at CHILI, and now the Dynamilis app embodies it. We’re thrilled to launch in the US, especially when there’s a renewed interest in handwriting, particularly in significant states like California, where thousands of kids can benefit from learning better handwriting in an enjoyable style.”

Dynamilis is a global presence, accessible in five languages and reaching over 200 countries. Thousands of children worldwide rely on the app daily to enhance their handwriting skills. With the app’s launch in the United States, thousands more children will have the opportunity to improve their handwriting in a fun and productive way.

Emmy-Winning and Nominated Talent Join Tara Trudel’s Magical Visual Album “Fractured: Fairy Tales Remixed”

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Los Angeles – October 12, 2023 – Tara Trudel, the noted children’s music artist, is poised to captivate audiences with the visual album companion to her popular kids’ release, “Fractured: Fairy Tales Remixed.” What makes this enchanting project even more exceptional is the participation of Emmy-winning and Emmy-nominated talent, creating a whimsical and innovative journey into the world of timeless fairy tales. Set to release on October 13 at https://www.youtube.com/@taratrudel, this visual album promises to be a unique musical experience.

“Fractured: Fairy Tales Remixed” features a stellar ensemble of accomplished actor/comedians, including Emmy winner Ashley Nicole Black, known for her remarkable work on “Ted Lasso,” “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee,” and her Emmy-nominated performances in “A Black Lady Sketch Show” and “The Amber Ruffin Show.” Joining her is Eddie Mujica, a double Emmy nominee and Emmy winner for his contributions to “The Talk.” Emmy-nominated Chelsea Devantez, recognized for her work on “The Problem with Jon Stewart,” is also a notable presence on the album.

This whimsical musical adventure also boasts other top-notch talents in its distinguished cast, including Carisa Barreca (“Girls Night In”), Neal Dandade (“Freestyle Wraps”), Mary Sohn (“A.P. Bio”), Niccole Thurman (“The Opposition with Jordan Klepper”), and Tara’s sister and longtime collaborator, Rachel Trudel.

Tara Trudel, a versatile songwriter and composer based in Los Angeles, has an impressive musical background, teaching early childhood and elementary school music throughout Chicago for esteemed institutions such as The Merit School of Music and Chicago Public Schools. Notably, during her tenure as a teaching artist for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Tara had the extraordinary opportunity to perform her students’ original composition alongside the legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Later, she ventured into comedy and music as a Music Director with the Second City Touring Company, where she formed invaluable collaborations with some of her favorite artists.

Trudel’s artistic contributions have garnered recognition across various platforms, with her work featured in prestigious events and platforms such as SXSW, Amazon Prime, Sony’s Voces Nuevas, and Vulture’s “Best Comedy Shorts of The Year.” Her exceptional score for Chelsea Devantez’s short film “BASIC” earned her the distinction of “Best Score” at both the LA Film Awards and the Festigious International Film Festival. Additionally, Tara is known for crafting delightful theme songs for children’s books, including the New York Times bestselling “UNI THE UNICORN” by Amy Krouse Rosenthal.

About Tara Trudel:
Tara Trudel is a versatile songwriter and composer noted for her contributions to children’s music and entertainment. With a rich teaching, theater, and comedy background, Tara’s work has been recognized at esteemed platforms and events, making her a rising figure in the industry. Her debut visual album, “Fractured: Fairy Tales Remixed,” promises an enchanting musical experience transcending generational boundaries.

The Clark Hulings Fund for Visual Artists Announces Its Art Business Summit in Dallas-Fort Worth, September 7-9

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Dallas, Texas – The Clark Hulings Fund for Visual Artists (CHF) is excited to announce its Art Business Summit in Dallas-Fort Worth, an event that seeks to inspire visual artists to “Conquer the Changing Marketplace.” This weekend-long business-development workshop will give professional working artists the chance to take a deep dive into the business side of their art careers. Scheduled for September 7th through 9th, the summit will take place at The Alexander Mansion (4607 Ross Avenue), just blocks from Dallas’ vibrant Arts District.

The event manifests CHF’s assertion that “Art is a business and artists should run it.” With the art market undergoing rapid and significant change—not only with regard to technology but also HOW art is marketed, bought, and sold—artists need to reclaim their rightful position at the center of the industry. The Art Business Summit will help them to take charge of their careers, captivate their audience, maximize the extraordinary professional advantages they already possess, and sell their art effectively and profitably.

Topics will include building an action plan, creating a brand story, rocking their portfolio, multiplying revenue streams, pricing for profit, selling art online effectively, building a strong support team, squashing resistance, sales strategies, and much more. They can also participate in interactive sessions where they get to ask summit leaders their specific business questions.

In addition to all of the fantastic learning opportunities, the summit kicks off on Friday, September 7th at 4pm with a reception and art business congress, an opportunity to meet informally with local organizations and individuals whose mission is to serve artists. The summit will close on Sunday, September 9th, with a 6pm soiree that offers participants the chance to decompress, have a glass of wine, and make plans to meet up with each other in the future to build on the connections they establish this weekend.

The program will be led by Elizabeth Hulings, CHF director and co-founder; Carolyn Edlund, CHF sales director and events manager; and Daniel DiGriz, CHF education director. “Texas is home to a remarkably large number of working artists,” says Hulings. “We are thrilled to be delivering tangible business skills and training in the Lone Star State.”

The event fee is $395, but CHF is offering an earlybird price of $245, until August 1st with the coupon code EARLYBIRD. Tickets are available here. In addition to summit admission, ticket holders will receive one year of “Colleague”-level access to CHF’s Business Accelerator Portal, a comprehensive online learning resource for working artists.

The location for this career-changing event is The Alexander Mansion. Since 1930, this stately structure has been home to The Dallas Woman’s Forum, which is now in its 111th year and still a force to be reckoned with in the city. The Forum is currently engaged in a full restoration of the historic mansion, one of the few remaining original homes on Ross Avenue and a remarkable example of its era. CHF welcomes the opportunity to call attention to this beautiful space, as well as to the Forum’s ongoing efforts to champion its community’s rich history, and its art and design.

CHF is also pleased to collaborate on this event with noted Dallas reputation management agency Morrow & Associates, Inc.

About The Clark Hulings Fund
The Clark Hulings Fund for Visual Artists (CHF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that champions economic sustainability for working artists. We do this by delivering business education and entrepreneurial learning through a rigorous Business Accelerator, a Digital Learning Portal, in-person education events in local communities, and a federation of artist-formed and artist-led networks of opportunity. All of this work achieves one aim: equip visual artists to thrive as self-sustaining entrepreneurs.

The Clark Hulings Fund Announces Fellows Continuing to Year Two of their Visual Artist Business Accelerator Program

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New York City – Acclaimed national nonprofit organization, The Clark Hulings Fund for Visual Artists (CHF) has chosen thirteen artist fellows for its 2018 Business Accelerator Program. The selected artists will participate next year in the second year of CHF’s innovative and comprehensive initiative, which seeks to transform the art industry by helping artists better manage their businesses and overcome the specific entrepreneurial challenges they face. The program’s mission is for artists to be financially independent and earn a sustainable living through the creation of their art.

There are two tiers of these advanced fellowships: Entrepreneur Fellows and Executive Fellows. Both tiers will have an ongoing relationship with CHF, with differing benefits and responsibilities. The two levels of award are based on 1) the need to concentrate more deeply on the necessarily limited number of Fellows CHF can meaningfully assist through additional stages of professional development, career growth, and business success, and 2) CHF’s internal leadership’s assessment that a given fellow has reached a place where the designated award represents the most viable, appropriate, and fitting ongoing help at this moment in time.

The Executive Fellows will receive the services of CHF to rewrite the fellow’s Investment Grade Proposal (IGP) for capitalization and underwriting to get it to the point CHF can pitch it to potential funders. Meanwhile CHF expects the fellow to continue executing on their project, and collaborating with CHF with monthly field reports and meetings, along with marketing assistance given to the fellow.

The Entrepreneur Fellows will receive access to the new educational portal CHF is building. CHF will continue to work with them on professional development and promotion to accelerate their career.

All first year CHF Fellow alumni will receive access to CHF’s Business Accelerator Learning Portal, access to CHF’s Business Accelerator Group on Facebook, ongoing event listings by CHF, and access to CHF’s Referral Network of Consultants – experts in numerous areas, ranging from intellectual property, to accounting and finance, to marketing and sales, to business strategy.
CHF executive director Elizabeth Hulings notes, “after a rigorous and intense artist business training program in 2017, our fellows are ready to take the next step in their careers as working artists and capitalize their projects. We are excited to continue to support all of our fellowship alumni in their future endeavors.”

The CHF fellows continuing through the second year of the program are:

Executive Fellows:
Gregg Chadwick, Santa Monica, CA
Willy Bo Richardson, Santa Fe, NM
Nadia Fairlamb, Kailua, HI
Belgin Yucelen, Boulder, CO
Kristin Levier, Moscow, ID
Blake Conroy, Sparks, MD

Entrepreneur Fellows:
Paula Ensign, Bainbridge Island, WA
Holly Van Hart, Saratoga, CA
Bethany Taylor, Spokane, WA
Kristen Brown, San Francisco, CA
Juliana Coles, Albuquerque, NM
Aaron Laux, Madison, WI
Donna Lee Nyzio, Beaufort, NC

About The Clark Hulings Fund
The Clark Hulings Fund (CHF) helps professional visual artists compete in an increasingly complex marketplace by providing them with strategic business training and support, regardless of the styles or movements in which they work. CHF also brings together artists, collectors, curators, and other industry experts to share knowledge and build an artistic community that benefits all.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Explored at UCLA March 2 by Noted Artist Leigh de Vries and BDD Research Program Director Dr. Jamie Feusner

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February 7, 2017 – Los Angeles, CA – As part of their Anorexia Awareness Week program, UCLA presents a very exciting and educational event, “Body Dysmorphic Disorder Explored,” that investigates the intersection of art and science, bringing together international, multidisciplinary artist Leigh de Vries and leading body dysmorphic expert Dr. Jamie Feusner, Professor-in-Residence in the UCLA Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, at the De Neve Auditorium on UCLA’s Westwood campus March 2 from 6-9pm.… Read More

Shakti Fest 2016: Festival of Yoga and Sacred Music Celebrates Creative Divine Feminine Energy in Joshua Tree May 13 – 15

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2015 square flyerJoshua Tree, CA – Shakti Fest returns for its sixth year May 13 – 15 at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center, in Joshua Tree, CA. Organized by Bhakti Fest who lead the way in conscious festival events, Shakti Fest is unique as a springtime celebration of the divine feminine spirit, described in Hindu philosophy as the ‘dynamic force which moves the universe’. The festival features world famous yoga teachers, Kirtan music stars, wisdom workshops, and a healing sanctuary.
… Read More

Veda MeLA Features Workshops on Ayurveda and Yoga Philosophy with Master Teachers Mas Vidal, Maria Garre, Mark Whitwell and more in DTLA November 7 and 8

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Excitement is building for Veda MeLA, the first annual urban Yoga, Ayurveda and Vedic Arts festival taking place at The REEF (formerly The LA Mart) in Downtown Los Angeles November 7 and 8. The Festival will offer a unique atmosphere with a highly curated offering of classes and vendors for a sophisticated, one of a kind gathering for devotees of yoga, art, wisdom and wellness.

Veda MeLA is proud to announce a world class lineup of Workshops and Immersions, from master teachers including Mas Vidal, Daniel Stewart, Mark Whitwell, Christopher Chapple, Lissa Coffey, Philip Goldberg, Maria Garre, Ricky Tran and other thought leaders in the Vedic sciences of India to lead transformational talks on how this ancient wisdom can be applied to modern living.… Read More