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FG276: The Innovation Advantage

The Power of Innovation in Shaping Tomorrow

Innovation isn’t just about groundbreaking products—it’s about rethinking the way we work, communicate, and solve problems. From AI-driven marketing tools to interactive retail experiences, staying ahead of trends allows businesses to evolve and meet the ever-changing needs of consumers. It’s time to reimagine how your brand engages with your audience, as innovation is key to future-proofing your strategy.

 

 

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”

– Steve Jobs

 

Staying Agile in a Fast-Paced World

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, companies that innovate will not only survive—they’ll lead. Here are a few practical tips to ensure your company remains nimble and ready to embrace innovation:

  • Prioritize Learning and Development: Encourage continuous learning by providing access to courses, webinars, and industry events. This will help your team stay ahead of emerging trends and new technologies.
  • Adopt a Test-and-Learn Mentality: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Start small with pilot programs or limited releases, gather feedback, and revise based on what works or doesn’t.
  • Stay Customer-Centric: Keep innovation focused on solving real problems for your customers. Regularly gather feedback and insights to ensure you’re addressing their evolving needs.
  • Embrace Automation: Automating routine tasks frees up time for more creative and strategic work, helping your team focus on innovation and growth.

By implementing these strategies, your business can remain agile, responsive, and ready to lead through innovation.

#Poll: What Innovation has Impacted/Steered Your Business the Most?

Take the poll 

Canadians Know PR

When it comes to making a PR splash, we’re always channeling our inner Alexis, another fellow Canadian creative who knows how to turn heads and make headlines! We always offer our clients tailored solutions based on their unique needs, because one size totally does not fit all (ew!)

If you’re looking to add a little excitement and flare to your PR strategy, explore our range of services to help get your brand noticed by the right people.

Contact us to learn more

 

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Showcase your ideas and discuss what’s on your mind by being a guest columnist in our weekly newsletter! With a reach of more than 20,000 monthly readers and an average open rate of over 35%, our platform ensures you capture the attention of industry leaders directly. 
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The Best ‘Eh’gency North of the Border

Zenergy Communications is a proudly Canadian MARCOM agency but our expertise spans far beyond our national borders. Whether you’re an American business looking to ramp up your MARCOM strategy or want to expand your presence to Canada, you don’t need to look further than your own backyard! Look North and discover our extensive range of services all while taking advantage of the lower exchange rate.

Learn more.

What We’re Reading

Please share what you’re reading by tweeting #FGFreads or DM us.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital communications, social media has become one of the most valuable tools to help businesses grow and connect with their target audience. However, many have yet to even scrape the surface of its potential.

That’s where we come in.

Social Bootcamp isn’t just another training program; it’s a tailored solution crafted to empower your employees with the knowledge and skills needed to leverage social media effectively. Whether they’re novices navigating the basics or seasoned professionals seeking advanced sales strategies, our program helps to build confidence among participants and amplify your company’s messaging.

Customizable Training for Lasting Impact – Learn more

 

 

#FGStory: Carbon Fiber Batteries Could Revolutionize Transportation

In a groundbreaking development, researchers have designed carbon fiber batteries that could one day form the structural framework of cars and airplanes. These batteries not only store energy but also serve as part of the vehicle’s body, potentially reducing weight and increasing energy efficiency. This innovative technology could transform the way we think about vehicle design, offering a more sustainable and energy-efficient future for transportation.

Read more here.

 

#ProInsight

“Innovation is not just about doing something new—it’s about doing something better. It’s about pushing boundaries, taking risks, and making a positive impact on the world around us.”

Linda Farha
President and Founder, Zenergy Communications
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KORT PAYMENTS ANNOUNCES TWO NEW BOARD MEMBERS, ONE OF WHOM WILL ALSO SERVE AS CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER

THE STRATEGIC APPOINTMENTS UNDERSCORE THE COMPANY’S AGGRESSIVE INTERNATIONAL GROWTH STRATEGY

 

Toronto, Ontario — October 8, 2024 — KORT Payments (KORT), a leader in specialized omnichannel payments, is pleased to announce two significant leadership appointments to help support its ambitious expansion in the payments industry. Hiep Tran, a seasoned entrepreneur and expert in eCommerce and integrated payments, and Daniel Kornitzer, a respected FinTech leader and strategic advisor, have both joined the KORT Board of Directors, and Tran has also been named Chief Strategy Officer (CSO).

 

As CSO, Hiep Tran will oversee all strategic initiatives related to KORT’s US market rollout. Tran previously co-founded Meritus Payments, which was sold to Paysafe Group in 2014, and later served as a senior executive at Paysafe. He brings decades of experience in card-not-present and risk management solutions and is also widely recognized for his entrepreneurial achievements and extensive industry relationships.

 

Tran will join Daniel Kornitzer, a FinTech veteran and pioneer, on KORT’s Board of Directors. Kornitzer, a thought leader in payments innovation and technology, held senior executive positions at Paysafe and acts as advisor to FinTech companies across the globe.

 

“We are thrilled to welcome both Hiep and Daniel to KORT. Hiep’s entrepreneurial spirit and deep industry relationships, combined with Daniel’s track record of innovation and international payments expertise position KORT for remarkable growth. Their insights will strengthen our ability to deliver industry-leading solutions and expand our presence in key markets,” said Joel Leonoff, Chairman and CEO of KORT Payments.

 

Tran and Kornitzer have known and worked closely with the existing executive team for 10 and 25 years respectively, ensuring a seamless transition into their new roles. KORT continues to fortify its leadership with established industry veterans as it scales its operations and sets a new standard for differentiated commerce solutions.

 

About KORT Payments


KORT Payments (KORT) is a specialized omnichannel payments platform. Its core purpose is to enable businesses to connect and transact seamlessly through industry-leading capabilities in compliance, risk management, and payment processing.

KORT is powered by its innovative full-stack, enterprise-grade platform and led by a seasoned management team. For more than 200 years collectively, this team has been leading the charge in global e-commerce and payment processing.

KORT is a customer-focused business dedicated to enhancing partner and customer satisfaction and building strong relationships. It partners with its customers to pair its risk tolerance with their unique processing needs.

For more information about KORT Payments, please visit www.kortpayments.com.

 

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Media Contact:

Zenergy Communications

media@zenergycom.com

 

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KORT PAYMENTS ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF BARNET TECHNOLOGIES

Acquisition adds payment processing functionality to Barnet’s best-in-class software, leading to streamlined operations, accelerated growth and economies of scale

 

Toronto, Ontario — September 12, 2024 — KORT Payments (KORT), a leader in specialized omnichannel payments, has taken a major step in expanding its technological capabilities with the acquisition of Barnet Technologies (Barnet), a renowned Canadian software company known for its comprehensive point of sale (POS) systems, tailored to regulated industries. Barnet has built a reputation for excellence and reliability in the licensed liquor sector with its ‘all-in-one’ POS system that integrates a wide range of functionalities, from supplier and inventory management to e-commerce.

 

The acquisition of Barnet aligns with KORT’s aggressive growth strategy and commitment to providing innovative solutions to businesses across North America. In this new chapter, the KORT team will focus on scaling Barnet’s technology and integrating it with their own payment platform to provide a holistic solution for clients, ultimately accelerating the company’s growth. The new integrated system will not only provide added value to existing customers but also generate new recurring revenue streams for KORT.

 

“We established KORT with a mission to identify strategic opportunities in new verticals and our acquisition of Barnet signifies the beginning of this exciting next phase,” said Joel Leonoff, Chairman and CEO of KORT Payments. “Barnet has an exceptionally thorough understanding of regulated industries and a robust technology platform which will serve as a strong foundation as we work to integrate and optimize their product offerings.”

 

“Barnet has always been focused on delivering reliable and efficient solutions to our clients and with KORT’s resources and expertise, we can expand our offerings and bring greater value to our current and future customers,” said Olena Dubina, Founder and CEO of Barnet Technologies. “This acquisition will also enable us to increase the investment in our core offerings and broaden our reach, especially as the market for licensed and regulated businesses continues to grow.”

 

The transaction underscores KORT’s ongoing commitment to identify and capitalize on high-potential opportunities within integrated software platforms and payment services. The company is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of aggressive expansion, technological innovation, and delivering exceptional value to its clients and partners in the rapidly evolving fintech landscape.

 

About KORT Payments


KORT Payments (KORT) is a specialized omnichannel payments platform. Its core purpose is to enable businesses to connect and transact seamlessly through industry-leading capabilities in compliance, risk management, and payment processing.

KORT is powered by its innovative full-stack, enterprise-grade platform and led by a seasoned management team. For more than 200 years collectively, this team has been leading the charge in global e-commerce and payment processing.

KORT is a customer-focused business dedicated to enhancing partner and customer satisfaction and building strong relationships. It partners with its customers to pair its risk tolerance with their unique processing needs.

For more information about KORT Payments, please visit www.kortpayments.com.

 

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Media Contact:

Zenergy Communications

media@zenergycom.com

 

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FG276: Innovate, Engage, Create

What is Design Thinking?

Design thinking has been around for centuries. One famous example is Thomas Edison’s invention of the light bulb and the industry that grew around it, which reflects principles now associated with design thinking. While definitions of design thinking vary, a recent Harvard Business Review article calls it “a mindset and approach to problem-solving and innovation anchored around human-centered design”. At its core, design thinking is a mindset, approach, and system—a strategic process and toolkit for collaboration and problem-solving. It revolves around a deep, empathetic understanding of human needs and behaviors. Simply put, it’s a way of formalizing what many design teams already do, enabling others to ‘think like designers’.

 

Popularized by David M. Kelley and Tim Brown of IDEO and Roger Martin of the Rotman School, design thinking into stages:

 

  • Empathize: Gather user insights and empathy from observation, interviews, and other sources, and summarize them in memorable and actionable terms.
  • Define: Work together to get crystal clear on what problem or problems we are trying to solve.
  • Ideate: Use a mix of divergent and convergent thinking to generate numerous ideas for solving the identified problem.
  • Prototype: Develop prototypes, often quite simple, of the ideas to be tested.
  • Test: Test the ideas with would-be users. Iterate and re-test as necessary.
  • Implement: Launch.

 

 

“Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought.”

– Albert Einstein

 

#Poll: What Sparks your Creativity the Most?

Take the poll 

Creative Strategies for Marketing Success

Creativity in marketing is more than just flashy visuals or clever slogans—it’s about strategy and context that resonates with the right audience. As consumers crave authenticity and innovation, taking a creative, long-term approach to marketing will help position your brand to stand out and stay top-of-mind. Here are some tips for the development of effective creative marketing campaigns:

 

  • Find Inspiration: Look to successful campaigns to spark new ideas.
  • Focus on a Specific Challenge: Channel creativity into solving a particular problem, like reaching diverse audience segments.
  • Build Partnerships: Collaborate with internal and external partners to provide new creative insights.
  • Apply Across the Organization: Ensure creative thinking is integrated into all aspects of your business to create a unified brand message.
  • Be Consistent: Memorable campaigns with consistent messaging help your brand remain front and center for your audience.

 

 

Share your insights with 20,000+ readers!
Showcase your ideas and discuss what’s on your mind by being a guest columnist in our weekly newsletter! With a reach of more than 20,000 monthly readers and an average open rate of over 35%, our platform ensures you capture the attention of industry leaders directly. 
Contact us

The Best ‘Eh’gency North of the Border

Zenergy Communications is a proudly Canadian MARCOM agency but our expertise spans far beyond our national borders. Whether you’re an American business looking to ramp up your MARCOM strategy or want to expand your presence to Canada, you don’t need to look further than your own backyard! Look North and discover our extensive range of services all while taking advantage of the lower exchange rate.

Learn more.

What We’re Reading

Please share what you’re reading by tweeting #FGFreads or DM us.

Investor Attention

t is common opinion that our attention spans are shrinking. With our addiction to our smartphones and the endless scrolling of short-form social media feeds, it’s no wonder that it’s more difficult to grab people’s attention, and investors are no exception.

New research shows 79% of institutional investors still prefer written content above all other formats—but with a catch: they want it short and sharp!

For reports and whitepapers, the majority want them under five pages, ideally less than three. For videos and podcasts, which often run an hour or more, the preferential length is under 15 minutes and no longer than 30.

This means that IROs need to prioritize concise communication while keeping it focused and digestible. As our society evolves and more people consume their information via short-form content, IROs need to ensure they keep up with the times.

 

#FGStory: Creative New Robotics – Biohybrid Mushrooms!

In a remarkable achievement, one of YouTube’s most influential stars, MrBeast (James Donaldson), spearheaded a global initiative to clean up the oceans, removing 34 million pounds of trash and plastic from waterways worldwide. Teaming up with the Ocean Conservancy and the Ocean Cleanup, MrBeast’s ‘TeamSeas’ initiative brought together hundreds of popular social media influencers to drive donations, raising $30 million and mobilized thousands of volunteers.

 

The initiative garnered incredible support, with digital content from over 200 countries and territories generating 1.3 billion views. The massive cleanup effort highlights the power of social media and the internet to unite people for positive environmental action.

Read more here

#ProInsight

“Creativity isn’t something you can force. It’s something that flows naturally when you allow yourself the space to think, explore, and experiment. For me, it’s not about following trends or sticking to conventional ideas; it’s about taking risks, trusting my instincts, and being open to new perspectives.”

Linda Farha
President and Founder, Zenergy Communications
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2025 SALARY INCREASES: BUDGETS SLOWLY DECLINING

INCREASES OF 3.4% FORECASTED FOR 2025

 

Toronto, Ontario,  September 4, 2024 – Normandin Beaudry, a leader in actuarial and total rewards consulting services, released the results of its 14th annual Salary Increase Survey with more than 750 Canadian organizations participating in this 2025 edition. Results indicate that Canadian organizations are slowly reducing their budgets for overall salary increases, with an average increase of 3.4% expected in 2025 excluding salary freezes — a 0.2% reduction from 2024.

 

“While economic pressures and the competition for talent remain challenging, we’re beginning to see a gradual return to pre-pandemic market norms as salary increase budgets reduce for a second year in a row,” said Darcy Clark, Senior Principal, Compensation at Normandin Beaudry.

 

HIGHLIGHTS

 

Additional salary budgets are still in play to support compensation issues

 

As salary increase budgets slowly revert to more typical norms, organizations continue to carve out an additional budget to address any pressures that may arise due to labour shortages or economic circumstances. In 2024, approximately 50% of responding organizations allocated an additional budget averaging 1.0% beyond their general salary increase budget. Normandin Beaudry’s survey results indicate that this trend remains, as 44% of Canadian organizations plan on granting the same average additional budget of 1.0% for the 2025 compensation cycle. Among other purposes, these budgets will be used to apply market-driven adjustments, retain employees in critical roles, and differentiate compensation for top performers.

 

Industry sectors forecasting high increases

 

For 2025, the following industry sectors reported higher-than-average salary budget increase expectations:

  • High-tech: 4.3%
  • Telecommunications, data processing, data warehousing and related services: 3.9%
  • Professional, scientific and technical services: 3.7% 
  • Construction: 3.6%
  • Computer design, security, IT services and AI: 3.6%
  • IT consulting services: 3.5%
  • Energy, mining and metals: 3.5%
  • Foundations, community assistance and health care: 3.5%

 

The results of the Salary Increase Survey indicate that, as the labour market continues to balance out and inflationary pressures ease, organizations are feeling less pressure and taking a more conservative approach to managing their compensation spend. “While average salary increase projections remain above 3%, organizations are considering affordability when defining their long-term plans. Several significant salary increase cycles may not be sustainable and organizations remain cautious about increasing recurring payroll costs as they plan for the future,” concluded Clark.

 

The interactive tool, with details by province, industry sector, type of organization and company size, among other data, is available here.

 

About Normandin Beaudry

Founded in 1992, Normandin Beaudry is a leader in actuarial and total rewards consulting services with offices in Montreal, Toronto and Quebec City. Its team of over 350 people serves clients across Canada in various areas of total rewards expertise: Pension, Savings, Investment Consulting, Pension Plan Administration, Group Benefits, Compensation, Health, Performance and Communication.  

 

In 2023, Normandin Beaudry enhanced its global presence by becoming an equal shareholder of MBWL International, a joint venture between Milliman, Barnett Waddingham and Lurse, while maintaining its independent status.

 

About our Compensation Expertise 

Normandin Beaudry’s team of over 40 Compensation consultants is the largest in Canada. Through the sound and innovative use of data and technology, our versatile and creative experts provide clients with unique and simple solutions that address their strategic and operational needs. For more details, visit https://www.normandin-beaudry.ca/en/areas-of-expertise/compensation/

 

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Media contact:

Zenergy Communications

media@zenergycom.com   

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Building Strong Foundations for Real Estate Innovation

Since CDNGLOBAL®’s inception in 2020, Zenergy has been entrusted with marketing and communication support across North America including developing diverse strategies and creative design elements. Our partnership spearheaded the promotion of CDNGLOBAL’s founding as a new national commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm and its international expansion.

 

CDNGLOBAL specializes in providing expert commercial real estate services, including brokerage, advisory, and consulting, focusing on delivering tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of their clients. Their expertise spans across various sectors, including office, industrial, retail, and investment properties, ensuring a comprehensive approach to commercial real estate.

 

Zenergy has been instrumental in sculpting strategic messaging that speaks to the firm’s diverse clientele and delivering media coverage that echoes CDNGLOBAL’s core values – strong relationships, localized market intelligence, and human connectivity. CDNGLOBAL principals are regularly quoted in media as industry experts.

 

Services:

  • Strategic Consulting
  • Content Development
  • Public + Media Relations
  • Social Media
  • Creative Design
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FG276: Sustainability in Action

Sustainable Marketing: A Path to Loyalty and Trust

Consumers increasingly favor brands that align with their morals and values, hence the rise of sustainable marketing initiatives. These include the environmental and social impacts of business practices, addressing factors like pollution and ethical governance. Here are a few ideas on how organizations can successfully implement sustainable marketing strategies:

 

  • Commit to a Cause: Link your company mission to a sustainable initiative. Joining a larger purpose can build trust, brand recognition, customer loyalty, and a relevant culture.
  • Ensure a Long-Term Approach: Commit to sustainability to avoid greenwashing and ensure genuine, lasting sustainable practices.
  • Educate Your Audience: Be informative about your sustainability efforts and their importance as they relate to your organization. Educated customers are more likely to engage and remain loyal to your brand.
  • Integrate Company-Wide: Ensure your sustainable practices are consistent across all departments. This unified approach enhances collaboration, transparency, and trust both internally and externally.
  • Maintain Consistent Messaging: Consistent and clear communication about your sustainability commitments helps customers understand your values and keeps employees focused on related goals.

 

 

“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”

– Robert Swan

#ClientFeature: Normandin Beaudry

 

Our client Normandin Beaudry, a leader in actuarial and total rewards consulting, created a clear societal commitment: contribute to reducing employment inequalities. They believe that reducing employment inequalities starts with actions that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion. Normandin Beaudry is highly sensitive to employment inequality, and this commitment is exemplified through their power to influence, ability to act, and commitment to impact change.

 

Watch the video

 

 

#Poll: Which Location Best Describes Your Working Enviornment?

Take the poll 

From Greenwashing to Green Trust

Canada has enacted new stringent measures for businesses against ‘greenwashing’ – using false, misleading, or deceptive environmental statements. Bill C-59, that became law on June 20, 2024, demands rigorous testing and evidence supporting any sustainability and environmental claims, placing the burden of proof on companies with significant monetary penalties for violations.

It is now increasingly important for Canadian organizations to be weary of using vague phrases like ‘sustainable’, ‘net-zero’, ‘clean’, ‘green’, ‘carbon neutral’, and ‘climate friendly’ without supporting evidence of these claims.

 

This new law marks a crucial step towards greater trust and transparency in sustainable marketing.

 

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Showcase your ideas and discuss what’s on your mind by being a guest columnist in our weekly newsletter! With a reach of more than 20,000 monthly readers and an average open rate of over 35%, our platform ensures you capture the attention of industry leaders directly. 
Contact us

Did you know that more than 50% of all social media traffic to business websites comes from LinkedIn?

Social media is an incredibly powerful tool for business growth and engagement but think about just how much more you could do if your entire team was helping to amplify your message. One of the best and easiest ways to get started is to encourage employees to add a link in their bio to your company’s website to help to drive more traffic.

Contact us to learn more

Green Impact Exchange 

 

Today, people are making a conscious decision to invest their money with a more deliberate focus on sustainability. This may become easier for investors to realize with the upcoming launch of the Green Impact Exchange (GIX). The GIX recently filed an application seeking approval to be the first stock market in the US dedicated to the global green economy, with a launch date set in early 2025. Companies listed on this exchange will be required to uphold a stringent binding commitment to achieve their sustainability goals.

If approved, the GIX will not only enhance consumer and investor trust but will also link sustainability with financial performance.

What We’re Reading

Please share what you’re reading by tweeting #FGFreads or DM us.

#FGStory: YouTuber ‘MrBeast’ Uses Social Media Followership to Remove 17,000 Tons of Trash from the Ocean

In a remarkable achievement, one of YouTube’s most influential stars, MrBeast (James Donaldson), spearheaded a global initiative to clean up the oceans, removing 34 million pounds of trash and plastic from waterways worldwide. Teaming up with the Ocean Conservancy and the Ocean Cleanup, MrBeast’s ‘TeamSeas’ initiative brought together hundreds of popular social media influencers to drive donations, raising $30 million and mobilized thousands of volunteers.

 

The initiative garnered incredible support, with digital content from over 200 countries and territories generating 1.3 billion views. The massive cleanup effort highlights the power of social media and the internet to unite people for positive environmental action.

Read more here

#ProInsight

“Reflecting on the current state of our environment, I recognize the importance of acting with intention today in order to shape the world of tomorrow. Every choice we make with sustainability in mind is a step towards a brighter future, whether it’s just small day-to-day actions or impactful business decisions. Embracing sustainable practices is not a trend – it’s our responsibility. By making thoughtful choices, we can create a lasting impact that benefits both our planet and future generations to come.”

Linda Farha
President and Founder, Zenergy Communications
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Wood Design Show (WDS) 2024 Brings the Industry Together in Montréal for its Leading Design, Architecture, Woodworking, and Manufacturing Tradeshow

The 9th Edition (October 9 and 10, 2024) Promises to Deliver new and Exciting Features

 

Montréal, Québec – August 6, 2024 – The Wood Design Show (WDS), a leading design, architecture, woodworking, and manufacturing tradeshow produced by Design Spec Rep (DSR), is pleased to announce that its 9th edition will be held in Montréal at the Palais des congrès de Montréal on October 9 and 10, 2024. Created to cater to designers, architects, and woodworkers seeking an event dedicated to interior design materials, this must-attend tradeshow offers unique seminars, educational presentations, and industry leading exhibitors. Conference speakers, exhibitors, and attendees include the who’s who of the industry.

 

The 2024 edition features an expanded show floor space with three conference stages, multiple lounges and will see the return of its VIP networking cocktail on October 9 and include the addition of a closing event cocktail on October 10. New this year is bus transportation that is being offered to attendees from regions outside of the greater Montréal area including Québec City, Ottawa, and Trois-Rivières.

 

“This year’s show will feature nearly 80,000 ft2 of floor space, over 50 exhibitors, and three conference stages, including one with conferences produced in collaboration with INDEX-DESIGN, leaders in Québec’s design community. This edition promises to surpass the expectations of show attendees, which include architects, designers, cabinetmakers, woodworkers, manufacturers, key associations, and other industry professionals. The WDS is THE tradeshow to network with clients, prospects, and suppliers all under one roof,” said Johanne Munger, Director and Events Manager at Design Spec Rep.

 

Exhibitors

The diverse list of exhibitors includes industry-leading companies from renown material and equipment manufacturers and distributors to digital technology providers, trade associations, and builders/promoters.

 

Conferences

Visitors can participate in eight free conferences produced in collaboration with INDEX-DESIGN. The conferences will be led by professionals with extensive expertise in architecture, design, and trend research representing some of the most recognized firms in Québec. Returning this year are the two highly popular additional conference rooms dedicated to product presentations, training, and networking sessions hosted by exhibitors. These sessions provide show visitors with insider knowledge about the latest products and solutions in the industry.

 

VISITOR REGISTRATION is free of charge and is now open: https://wooddesignshow.com/

Companies and brands wishing to exhibit at the show are encouraged to contact: Josée Fauteux via email at ebd@cpcl.ca.

 

About the Wood Design Show

The Wood Design Show (WDS), produced by Design Spec Rep (DSR), was created to meet the needs of companies targeting designers, architects, and woodworkers by creating a trade show focused entirely on relevant materials. Considered a not to be missed event for industry insiders including architects, designers, kitchen designers, cabinetmakers, woodworkers, manufacturers, contractors, and other related professionals, the WDS is the perfect place for companies to launch new product, present their latest innovations, and connect with clients, prospects, and industry professionals.

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Media contact:

Zenergy Communications

media@zenergycom.com

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Normandin Beaudry Announces Strategic Appointment of Sonia Gélinas as Partner, Pension

Montréal, Québec – July 16, 2024 – Normandin Beaudry, a leader in actuarial and total rewards consulting services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sonia Gélinas as the organization’s newest partner with the Pension team. An experienced actuary with a proven track record in consulting to large plans under Québec’s municipal and university regulation, Ms. Gélinas is set to elevate Normandin Beaudry’s service offerings.

Éric Montminy, President of Normandin Beaudry, said: “Sonia is highly regarded in pension plan consulting and has an in-depth knowledge of administrative and funding rules making her expertise unparalleled in our industry. Her addition confirms Normandin Beaudry as the go-to firm for pension plan consulting in the municipal sector in Québec, further supporting the company’s position as a leading actuarial and total rewards consulting firm across Canada.”

Sonia Gélinas has been an industry leader with nearly 30 years of experience and is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and the Canadian Institute of Actuaries. She is recognized for her ability to resolve complex issues. Her knowledge, experience, and solutions-oriented mindset will provide Normandin Beaudry clients and partners unparalleled expertise and support.

“I am thrilled to join Normandin Beaudry’s Pension consultants as Partner and work alongside a great team with extensive municipal expertise. For over three decades the organization has been a pioneer in relentlessly innovating actuarial and total rewards consulting across Canada, and I am committed to upholding and advancing their values of excellence, collegiality, respect and initiative, which are perfectly aligned with my own,” said Sonia Gélinas, FSA, FCIA, Partner, Pension at Normandin Beaudry.

About Normandin Beaudry

Founded in 1992, Normandin Beaudry is a leader in actuarial and total rewards consulting services. From its offices in Montreal, Toronto, and Québec City, over 350 employees serve clients across Canada in eight areas of expertise: Pension and Savings, Pension Plan Administration, Investment Consulting, Group Benefits, Compensation, Health, Performance, and Communication. In 2023, Normandin Beaudry expanded its consulting reach with a new global joint venture, joining MBWL International as an equal and independent partner.

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Media Contact:

Zenergy Communications

media@zenergycom.com

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MERRCO PAYMENTS ANNOUNCES NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM AND REBRANDS AS KORT PAYMENTS

Group of Industry Pioneers set to Deliver Cutting-Edge Solutions Across the Globe Through Aggressive Expansion into new Verticals


Toronto, Ontario — July 16, 2024 — Merrco Payments (Merrco), a leader in e-commerce and point of sale payment solutions for licensed and regulated industries in Canada, is pleased to announce its new management team led by Joel Leonoff. The group of pioneers who founded Optimal Payments (later re-named Paysafe Group) are eager to return to the payment processing industry following the privatization of the business in 2017 for US$3.9B and its subsequent IPO in 2021 for US$9B. With decades of experience revolutionizing global e-commerce and payment processing, they are set to embark on a new venture with their strategic investment in Merrco rebranded as KORT Payments, which is well-capitalized and positioned for exponential growth.

“Merrco has tremendous market potential, and we are excited to build upon its strong foundation. To reflect this next chapter, the parent company is being rebranded as KORT Payments (KORT), which will focus on exploring strategic M&A opportunities and expediting growth into various verticals and new geographies,” said Joel Leonoff, Chairman and CEO of KORT.  Leonoff added, “The Merrco brand and its suite of specialized products remain a critical part of the KORT family and with our additional resources we will continue to invest and grow in licensed and regulated industries.”

With its robust enterprise-grade platform, KORT will offer omni-channel integrated and e-commerce payment solutions and will focus on building out the appropriate products and technology platforms with a focus on the US and European markets to support its aggressive growth plans.

KORT’s new management team, boasting over 200 years of collective experience in global e-commerce and payment processing, is well-equipped to lead the company’s transformative journey. With a history of leveraging technology and building tailored offerings that exceed customer expectations, they are poised to elevate KORT to new heights globally. To expedite the process, they have already begun tapping into their vast network of technology partners, salespeople, independent sales organizations (ISOs), bank partners, resellers, and brokers. The company’s client-centric, solution-oriented approach is also attracting top talent and new partners, setting the stage for accelerated growth.


About KORT Payments

Founded in 2016, Merrco Payments (Merrco) is a leader in e-commerce and point of sale payment solutions for licensed and regulated industries in Canada. Merrco simplifies and secures payment transactions, utilizing advanced security protocols to safeguard sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry regulations. Its solutions are compatible with a wide range of existing systems, ensuring a streamlined payment processing experience. Merrco offers an array of payment options tailored to meet the unique needs of regulated industries, enabling clients to focus on business growth. In 2024, Merrco’s parent company was rebranded as KORT Payments, and is focused on strategic M&A and expanding the company’s reach to further innovate and grow in the global e-commerce and payment processing market.

For more information about KORT Payments, please visit www.kortpayments.com.

For more information about Merrco Payments, please visit www.merrco.com.


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