Month: February 2024

February 15, 2024 /3BL/ – Sky’s the Limit – a community of 75,000+ members actively offering and receiving practical, skills-based business mentoring and support – launches the first in a series of eBooks, Mentor Dynamics: The Transformative Power of Volunteer Business Mentoring Programs. The series aims to help purpose-driven leaders discover new ways to build meaningful skills-based volunteer programs, engage their workforces, and create transformational impact.

Starting off the series, this comprehensive guide offers value across industry and function for all leaders – including People Operations, Sustainability, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) leaders – seeking innovative strategies to enhance employee engagement, boost corporate reputation, and implement transformational volunteer mentorship experiences to create lasting positive change. It can be downloaded here.

For over a decade, Sky’s the Limit has been matching underrepresented entrepreneurs with volunteer business mentors, fostering powerful relationships, resulting in transformative experiences for the mentors and entrepreneurs.

“Mentoring is one of the oldest ways of learning — for both the mentor and the mentee. As we navigate the complexities of today’s business landscape, the urgency of mentorship has never been more apparent. This eBook invites purpose-driven leaders to explore the untapped potential of skills-based mentor volunteerism in driving positive impact and shaping a more equitable future for businesses,” said Bo Ghirardelli, Co-Founder & CEO, Sky’s the Limit.

The eBook sheds light equally on the inherent mutual benefit of mentoring — the value of the reverse mentorship dynamic, where entrepreneurs expose mentors to new insights and experiences. Leading organizations including Accenture, PNC Bank, Goldman Sachs, and CVC Capital are experiencing this first hand in their work with Sky’s the Limit.

The digital revolution of the last 15 years has created new opportunities for mentoring programs, particularly for multinational corporations looking for global solutions. Innovative digital mentoring platforms like SkysTheLimit.org make it easier than ever for mentors and mentees to get connected and remove the geographical boundaries that have limited mentoring programs historically. This eBook is a timely response to urgent mentorship needs among entrepreneurs and a commitment to creating a world-class mentorship community.

Aiming to make volunteer mentor programs more accessible across organizations and leveraging Sky’s the Limit’s years of experience, the eBook is an invaluable resource for all leaders and organizations committed to fostering a culture of mentorship.

6+ compelling topics are discussed, including:

Positive Impact of Skills-Based Membership for Entrepreneurs, Teams and the CommunityImplementing Transformational Volunteer Mentorship ExperiencesSector-Specific Approaches and BenefitsAnd more!

As the business landscape evolves, mentorship emerges as a strategic investment in cultivating a skilled, innovative, and resilient workforce ready for the challenges of the future. With this eBook, leaders can explore how mentorship can make a lasting impact on their workforce and communities.

Access the eBook here.

Sky’s the Limit offers opportunities for traditionally marginalized entrepreneurs – typically those who identify as LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, women, veterans, disabled people, and people from low-income backgrounds – to connect with mentors to come together to foster, grow, and shape modern and future enterprise. The organization has also provided over $500,000 in startup grants and educated tens of thousands of diverse entrepreneurs. Sky’s the Limit has served entrepreneurs in over 100 countries around the world and is registered as a charity in the UK and U.S.

For more information about partnerships and how to get involved, please visit skysthelimit.org/partnerships.

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About SkysTheLimit.org: SkysTheLimit.org is a digital platform that connects young, historically excluded entrepreneurs with one-on-one support from experienced business advisors and mentors, entrepreneurship training, and community-voted startup grants. SkysTheLimit.org is a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

Authored by Heath Whitaker, Baker Tilly

American Rescue Plan Act overview

Signed into law on March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocated $350 billion in pandemic-relief aid to states, territories, tribes and local governments. The main goal of the ARPA is two-fold; to invest in long term capital projects to enhance a community and increase financial stability for state and local government coming out of COVID-19 to refill reserves and cover temporary operating shortfalls. On the capital project side, the funds can be used for investments in water, sewer, broadband infrastructure and parks and recreation beautification.

Recipients of ARPA funds must obligate the funds by Dec. 31, 2024, and spend the funds by Dec. 31, 2026. Funds not obligated or spent by those two dates must be returned to the Treasury.

Trends we are seeing

In response to this funding opportunity, there have been a number of capital projects set in motion across U.S. communities. This has caused strain on existing teams and resources due to the challenges caused by numerous ARPA funded projects being performed at the same time on very tight schedules to meet the deadlines mentioned previously.

With multiple projects underway, communities and grant recipients are finding it difficult to effectively track progress and costs. Due to this, we are seeing the following trends and challenges in the marketplace:

Increased project complexity: Varying project sizes and funding needs and numerous stakeholders involved (contractors, city officials, community members, etc.)Lack of monitoring: Progress across multiple projects is proving to be difficult to track and financials are unclearInadequate reporting: There’s been increased scrutiny from community stakeholders and a need for capital sustainability and visibility

The importance of planning and monitoring

Community leaders have a responsibility to their constituents and citizens to ensure the success of these projects. Quality construction management plays an important role in overall APRA fund management success, and leaders should ask two questions as the projects are undertaken:

How are we ensuring ARPA funds are being spent as intended?How can we ensure ARPA funds are spent on time to avoid having to return them?

When looking at project success after a grant is awarded, taking a phased approach is highly recommended.

Planning phase

Having a plan in place prior to construction is important. Following these steps allows you to not only set yourself up for success, but also gives the community visibility into project plans and expectations. During the initial planning phase, you should:

Engage the community and walk them through what the grant means, what the money is going to be used for and how the project effects and/or benefits the communityIdentify risk and make sure that the projects that are chosen can realistically be achieved and completed by of Dec. 31, 2026Establish expectations with community stakeholders, project teams, contractors and others involved in the actual construction of the project

Construction monitoring phase

As you likely have numerous projects running simultaneously, the key to success is determined by how well you are able to:

Track progress across multiple contractors to make sure projects are on scheduleForecast cost and schedule across varying complexity of projectsMitigate risks either during the planning phase or during the normal construction and project life cycle where potential challenges may arise

Our approach to strategic construction monitoring

At Baker Tilly, we have experienced construction advisory professionals that understand both the planning and monitoring aspects of capital investment projects and are successfully guiding clients through numerous ARPA funded projects.

How do we do it? We understand that data alone is not informative. We have developed a process which takes complex project data from multiple projects and provides a simple and customizable monthly project status report and dashboard to help monitor projects with regard to costs, schedule and potential risk.  Additionally, Baker Tilly is there to provide objective narratives of what the data is telling us so that our clients can fully understand where each project is in the construction phase. 

With the information gathered from our reports, we’re equipped to identify various potential project risks including structural, environmental and budgetary risks that could cause costs to inflate or inhibit a project from being completed on time. We provide alternative solutions in the event that a project fully funded by the ARPA might not be completed on time by helping you spread the funding across other community stakeholders and private entities. We also have federal grant specialists on the team to ensure all projects meet ARPA guidelines.

For more insights, visit Baker Tilly’s American Rescue Plan Solutions page. 

Originally published on HARMAN Pro Newsroom

By Robert Svensson, Architectural Lighting and Exterior Linear Pro and Martin

When you’re designing a product, there’s always a vision in mind – features that will captivate your audience and unique qualities that set your creation apart from the rest. The Exterior Linear Pro family surpasses expectations for both and reinforces Martin’s mission to deliver next-generation hardware and software solutions and industry-leading experiences for designers and customers. In this Tech Talk, we discuss the features that set Exterior Linear Pro apart from competing fixtures, as well as its surprising simplicity, unmatched color calibration, and innovative capabilities.

To better understand the features and technology that make this fixture so special, Martin contributor Tarryn Lyle talked to Robert Svensson, Martin’s Product Manager for Architectural Lighting.

Robert, can you share some insights into the Exterior Linear Pro variants and their intended applications? 

Sure Tarryn. The Exterior Linear Pro family was designed to address a variety of needs and applications. At its core, there are two unique light engines: one for full-color mixing (QUAD) and another for tunable white (CTC). The product line also includes three different variants – each serving a distinct purpose:

Graze: Delivering uniform light distribution of 15 degrees, Graze fixtures are perfect for highlighting textured surfaces and close wall placements.Cove: If you need to flood an entire wall or fill a specific element with light, the Cove model is the ideal choice. It features uniform light distribution and a 100 degree beam angle that’s ideal for striking indirect lighting of ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. It spreads light generously, covering surfaces with ease.Direct View (DV): This is where the unexpected excitement lies. The DV model acts as a visual element and has garnered significant positive reactions. These fixtures are specifically designed for direct view applications and are equipped with a round diffuser and segment control for low-resolution content. Their increased lumen output also makes them highly visible in daylight situations. They are perfect for soft, direct view lighting solutions and offer a simpler way to achieve pixel control and send video content to the fixtures, making them a user-friendly solution for creating stunning visuals without complexity.

How does the Exterior Linear Pro family strike a balance between simplicity and impressive results? 
The overall design intent was to develop a very compact and low-weight linear color-changing fixture focusing on high performance and ease of installation and control. The final solution has fully ticked these boxes and sets a new standard for a bright color-changing linear fixture with an efficacy of more than 50 lm/W. The fixture only consumes 12 W/ft but via RDM, you can even reduce the consumption down to 10W/ft or 5W/ft.

It provides superior color mixing, bright mixed, and saturated colors due to our Color Boost technology, which provides 2-3 times more output on colors, compared to similar products. The Exterior Linear Pro also allows for control down to 6-inch (15 cm) segments, which in particular for the Direct View (DV) variant allows for new creative solutions. All in all, the Exterior Linear Pro is a very versatile fixture to be used in a wide variety of applications.

Can you explain the significance of having products fully color calibrated from the factory, and what sets this approach apart from competitors? 
Great question. Full factory color calibration is a standout feature of our products, ensuring impeccable color consistency both within and across different ranges. The calibration process allows us to understand the correlation between DMX values and actual color output, leading to the development of a dedicated color temperature control channel that adheres to the black body curve. This feature proves beneficial for lighting designers who often require specific color temperatures, which can vary depending on the project’s requirements and the materials being illuminated. Instead of relying on custom fixtures or LED alterations, our solution enables users to effortlessly adjust color temperatures through software control, facilitating precise color management in their design endeavours. This makes the process efficient and flexible, allowing you to find your desired color temperature and even mix colors around it.

What are the advantages of having an integrated power supply in terms of setup and longer fixture runs? 
Exterior Linear Pro’s integrated power supply is an installation game-changer and aligns with our overall vision to integrate features right into the product whenever possible, typically easing installs and making them more cost-effective. Instead of cluttering your setup with external power supplies and cables, we’ve integrated the power supply directly – everything is compactly tucked into the fixture, enabling longer runs. Differing from setups with external power supplies, which require more boxes and cables, the integrated power supply actually enhances the fixture’s efficiency. This means you can run longer fixture daisy chains, providing more versatility and coverage for your lighting needs.

Let’s talk about standalone programming. Can you take us through the possibilities? 
One of the most exciting surprises for this family is the level of available standalone programming. While some standalone functionality existed in previous generations, it’s now more elegantly implemented. With our Martin Companion software, you can create standalone programs with a user-friendly interface on your PC or laptop. You can program up to 20 scenes, customize fade and hold times, and create a captivating light show. Once your program is set, you disconnect the laptop, and the fixtures run your program in an endless loop as soon as power is applied. It’s a straightforward way to create stunning visual displays without the need for complex controllers. This innovation is truly unique in the lighting industry, and it’s part of what makes Exterior Linear Pro such a standout product.

We’ve heard so much about this smart magnetic diagnostics tool – what’s it all about? 
When it comes to installations, particularly with electrical companies that might not be well-versed in DMX dynamic lighting, there’s often some apprehension. But what we’ve done is remove that stress entirely. During installation, you don’t need to be an expert in DMX, and you can even leave the DMX controller behind. We’ve integrated local diagnostics using our magnetic tool, any magnet can do the trick, but we provide a nifty handheld tool with a magnet, and all you need to do is swipe it across the product, and the fixture will respond using its main LEDs. If it starts flashing blue, it means the product has power.

If you have a DMX controller connected, it’ll flash blue and green, indicating it has both power and DMX control. So with a simple swipe, you’ll know whether it’s ready to go or what needs to be corrected. By further swipes, you can call up white, blue, green, or red color illumination for small demos or to start focusing the lights even before having a controller connected. This magnetic tool is a real time-saver and makes the installation process smoother and more efficient.

We’ve heard Martin is making strides in creating new products with sustainability in mind, what features of the product design assist with this? 
At Martin, we’re committed to sustainability, and it’s a core element of our product design philosophy. One significant aspect that reflects our commitment is our approach to minimizing waste. With Exterior Linear Pro, we’ve stripped away unnecessary components. For example, the product doesn’t come with a bracket; instead, it offers two mounting plates on the backside. We provide three different accessory bracket solutions, but customers also have the option not to purchase any of these brackets. They can collaborate with local manufacturers to craft custom brackets, reducing waste and excess components.

Additionally, we’ve made it possible to change the beam angle on a local level, streamlining our inventory and enabling designers to make late-stage choices without extended lead times. In addition, the Exterior Linear Pro family has low weight, more compact design, high efficacy, and fully carboard-based FSC-certified packaging. These sustainability-focused design principles align with our goal of delivering essential products that have less impact on the planet.

Can you share some real-world installations utilizing Exterior Linear Pro 

Irving Convention Center – USA 
The Irving Convention Center (ICC Texas) in Irving, Texas, USA was a project that strategically opted for Exterior Linear Pro fixtures, driven by urgency and its exceptional technical features. Initially considering a different product before the market release of the Exterior Linear Pro, the project encountered production challenges, prompting a decisive shift to the Exterior Linear Pro. The decision to switch was prompted by both practical and technical factors streamlining the installation process.

“Instead of putting together four or five components, it was just a single unit in the supply and running cables. Together with the product magnetic testing tool it massively cut down the install time,” explained Ken Rose, Solutions Specialist – Lighting, Crawford Electrical Supply. “Beyond efficient installation, the product boasts superior features, delivering almost three times the light output compared to the previously selected solution. The unexpected benefit of these installations extends beyond their initial purpose. With its impressive color-changing effects visible in daylight, the Exterior Linear Pro’s capabilities surpass our expectations. It’s a complete solution we’re very happy with.”

The project’s success is evident as it seamlessly integrates into marketing and events, functioning as a captivating landmark subtly transforming the environment and contributing to the vibrant and dynamic character of the community.

Restaurant Bavn – Denmark 
Exterior Linear Pro Cove fixtures were also specified to create a standout look and experience for visitors to Restaurant Bavn, located on the 44th floor, atop the Lighthouse Tower in Aarhus, Denmark. Exterior Linear Pro Cove fixtures were selected for their vivid and vibrant colors and to add a delightful touch to the restaurant’s ambiance.

Upon installation, the standout feature was quoted as ‘exceptional compactness’ as finding an interior-rated product with similar dimensions and specifications that could match the performance of Exterior Linear Pro Cove fixtures proved a challenge.

Another noted aspect was the product’s IP66 outdoor rating to ensure the fixtures remain entirely dust-proof. This feature is often appreciated when it comes to product maintenance, even for indoor applications.

(Restaurant Bavn: Client: Lighthouse, Architect: 3XN Architects, Fixture supplier: Martin Professional, Designer: Kollision + Jesper Kongshaug, Installer: LYSTEK + Design Smedien, Consultant: Ramboll, Contractor: Per Aarsleff)

The Exterior Linear Pro family delivers remarkable simplicity, offers enhanced accessibility to a wide range of users, eliminates the need for specialized knowledge, and opens the door to an advanced yet cost-effective solution. We invite you to experience Exterior Linear Pro for yourself to better understand its creative potential and design possibilities for sophisticated architectural lighting.

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ROBERT SVENSSON

Robert Svensson is a seasoned veteran of architectural lighting product and solutions management with over 12 years of industry experience. Robert enjoys taking solutions to market to ensure lighting designers and end clients are able to successfully bring their plans and ideas to life. His goal is to design products that are logical, reliable, and easy to install and use. Robert most enjoys impacting building lighting designs to evoke emotions and create long-lasting, customer satisfaction.