March 6, 2024 – L' Observateur Burundi

March 6, 2024

Stevie® Awards Announce Finalists in 18th Annual Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service

Finalists in the 18th annual Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service, an international competition recognizing excellence in customer service, contact centers, business development, and sales, were announced today.

FAIRFAX, Va., March 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Finalists in the 18th annual Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service, an international competition recognizing excellence in customer service, contact centers, business development, and sales, were announced today.

A diverse group of organizations and individuals worldwide have been recognized in awards categories for sales executives, solution providers, contact centers, new products and services, and more.

Organizations with five or more Finalist nominations include Allianz Services Pvt Ltd (Trivandrum, Kerala, India), Avetta (Lehi, UT USA), Blackhawk Network (Pleasanton, CA, USA), Capital Rx (New York, NY, USA), CivicPlus (Manhattan, KS, USA), Datasite (Minneapolis, MN, USA), DHL Express Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam), DHL Express (worldwide), Element Electronics (Winnsboro, SC, USA), IBM (Armonk, NY, USA), Inspiro (Makati City, Philippines), Intuit (Toronto, ON, Canada), Loveholidays (London, United Kingdom), OpenGov (San Francisco, CA, USA), Purpol Marketing Limited (Chippenham, United Kingdom), QNB Finansbank (Istanbul, Turkey), Qualitest Group (Bridgewater, NJ, USA), Sales Partnerships, Inc. (Broomfield, CO, USA), SAP (worldwide), Support Services Group, Inc. (Waco, TX, USA), Toco Warranty (Los Angeles, CA, USA), TransPerfect Translations (New York, NY, USA), UPMC Health Plan (Pittsburgh, PA, USA), ValueSelling Associates Inc. (Carlsbad, CA, USA), VIZIO Inc. (Irvine, CA, USA), VMware (Broadcom) (Palo Alto, CA, USA), and Voya Financial (New York, NY, USA).

For a full list of Finalists by category, visit www.StevieAwards.com/Sales.

All Finalist nominations ultimately will be named Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners. The placements will be revealed during a gala banquet on Friday, April 12 at The Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tickets are now on sale.

The awards are presented by the Stevie Awards, organizers of several of the world’s leading business awards shows including the prestigious International Business Awards® and The American Business Awards®.

More than 2,300 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were evaluated in this year’s competition. Finalists were determined by the average scores of more than 200 professionals worldwide in seven specialized judging committees. Entries were considered in more than 60 categories for customer service and contact center achievements, including Contact Center of the Year, Award for Innovation in Customer Service, and Customer Service Department of the Year; 60 categories for sales and business development achievements, ranging from Sales Director of the Year to Sales Training Practice of the Year, and Achievement in Sales Automation; and categories to recognize new products and services and solution providers, among others.

All nominated finalist customer service departments will be included in voting for the People’s Choice Stevie® Awards for Favorite Customer Service. Beginning today through March 29, the general public may vote for their favorite providers of customer service in the People’s Choice Stevie Awards for Favorite Customer Service. Voting is open at http://peopleschoice.stevieawards.com. The nominee with the most votes in each category will receive a special crystal People’s Choice Stevie Award. Winners of the People’s Choice Stevie Awards in multiple industries will be honored at the awards gala in Las Vegas on April 12.

Nominations for a special prize, the Sales Partnerships Ethics in Sales Award, remain open through March 15. There are no entry fees to submit nominations for this award, which will recognize outstanding examples of ethical sales practices since the beginning of July 2022. Winners will also be announced and recognized at the April 12 ceremony.

About the Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the new Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries annually from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.

Sponsors of the 18th annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service include Sales Partnerships, Inc. Support Services Group, Inc., and ValueSelling Associates, Inc.

Media Contact:
Nina Moore
+1 (703) 547-8389
Nina@StevieAwards.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d842dc2e-f7a4-40ca-a10c-1690e076d935

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9058607

March 6, 2024

Zenas BioPharma Appoints Patricia Allen to its Board of Directors

WALTHAM, Mass., March 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zenas BioPharma, a global biopharmaceutical company committed to becoming a leader in the development and commercialization of inflammation and immunology-directed therapies, today announced the appointment of Patricia Allen to its Board of Directors, on which she also will serve as Chairperson of the Audit Committee. Ms. Allen joins the Zenas Board of Directors with over 20 years of experience leading finance, investor relations, business development, human resources, operations and IT at global public and private biotechnology companies.

“We are pleased to welcome Patty to our Board of Directors,” said Lonnie Moulder, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zenas BioPharma. “She has successfully led cross-organizational functions and served on the board of directors of both private and public global biotechnology companies. We look forward to Patty’s contributions to the next phase of Zenas’ growth as we advance our mission to develop and commercialize transformative immunology-based therapies for patients in need.”

“I look forward to collaborating with the experienced Zenas team and Board of Directors, who are building a leading of inflammation and immunology-focused global biopharmaceutical company through disciplined pipeline execution and business development,” said Ms. Allen. “This is an exciting time for Zenas as they seek to progress multiple programs through the clinic to ultimately improve the lives of those living with autoimmune diseases.”

Ms. Allen most recently served as the Chief Financial Officer at Vividion Therapeutics, from where she recently retired. While at Vividion, she co-led led fundraising and the company’s acquisition by Bayer AG, as the company grew and advanced multiple programs towards the clinic. She currently serves on the board of directors and as chair of the audit committee of Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, SwanBio Therapeutics and Anokion, in addition to holding past board member and audit committee chair roles at Inversago Pharma and Yumanity Therapeutics.

Prior to Vividion, Ms. Allen was the Chief Financial Officer at Zafgen, Inc. (now Larimer Therapeutics). Earlier, she was Vice President of Finance and Treasurer, Principal Financial Officer of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Director of Finance at Alkermes, Inc.; and Auditor at Deloitte & Touche, LLP. She received a B.S. in Business Administration from Bryant College.

About Zenas BioPharma

Zenas BioPharma is a global biopharmaceutical company committed to becoming a leader in the development and commercialization of inflammation and immunology-directed therapies for patients in need around the world. With clinical development capabilities and operations globally, Zenas is advancing a portfolio of potentially differentiated autoimmune therapeutics in areas of high unmet medical need. We leverage the experience and capabilities of our executive management team and our established networks throughout the biopharmaceutical industry as we seek to develop therapies that can improve the lives of those facing autoimmune and rare diseases. For more information about Zenas BioPharma, please visit www.zenasbio.com and follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @ZenasBioPharma and LinkedIn.

Investor and Media Contact:
Argot Partners
Zenas@argotpartners.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9058707

March 6, 2024

Accra 2023: Egypt sweeps gold medals in Table Tennis men’s, women’s singles

Egypt demonstrated her supremacy in African table tennis as they won gold in the men’s and women’s singles at the ongoing 13th African Games being hosted in Ghana.

Egypt’s Mohamed Assar Omar picked up the gold medal in a very frenetic contest, with Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri edging the latter 4-3 in the finals of the men’s singles.

The two table tennis players demonstrated why they are the two top seeds in Africa after playing some magnificent table tennis, with fans left ecstatic at the Accra International Conference Centre.

Nigeria’s Aruna took an early 2-1 lead in the contest, showcasing his powerful forearm shoots, which caused the Egyptians lots of problems.

But Omar adjusted very well to Aruna’s dominance and staged a late comeback to win the contest in an emotional and pulsating affair.

The women’s singles final also saw two Egyptians, Hana Goda and Dina Meshref, lock horns in a very fascinating encounter after easily sailing through to the grand finale.

Hana Goda, who is Africa’s top table tennis se
ed, dominated her counterpart to pick the gold, while Meshref settled for the silver medal.

Speaking to GNA Sports after her win, Hana Goda, who won the set 4-2, expressed her delight at being the first winner of the gold medal at the games.

‘I am very excited about the win because it was a very difficult encounter. We know each other very well, having played in the finals of four major African championships.

‘When I took the 3-0 lead, she started to play very well, and she didn’t give up until the end, so I was very grateful that I finished her up in the last set,’ she said.

The two bronze medals in the men’s single category were won by Diaw Ibrahima (Senegal) and Mohamed El-Beiali (Egypt).

In the women’s category, Lucie Mobarek from Algeria and Effong Edem picked up the two bronze medals.

The table tennis competition continues on Wednesday with mix and team doubles and is expected to end on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

Source: Ghana News Agency

March 6, 2024

Yaounde 6 council says Eto’o statue not destroyed by acts of vandalismAfrican Games: Ghana qualifies for round 16 after defeating Uganda 3-2

The Yaounde 6 council has debunked claims that Samuel Eto’o’s statue at the premises collapsed as a result of vandalism.

The communique addressing the incident, indicated that the statue fell on Saturday, March 2, as a result of an ‘accidental collapse’.

Several reports had said unknown individuals were responsible for the damage on the monument.

‘The damage was in no way a result of acts of vandalism’ the communication unit of the council said. It indicated that the ‘accident’ occurred after a storm on March 2.

The Mayor of the council, Jacques Yoki Onana, is said to have instructed ‘competent services to ensure its rehabilitation as soon as possible’.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Ghana’s female national Table Tennis team – Black Loopers have qualified for the round of 16 after beating their Ugandan counterparts 3-2 at the on-going 13 African Games in Accra International Conference Centre.

The hard-fought victory puts Ghana a step away from winning its first medal at the African Games 2023.

They would be playing South Africa on Thursday in a crucial encounter for a place in the semi-finals.

However, the team lost to reigning African champions Egypt, before displaying a spirited performance to advance to the next stage of the competition.

13-year old Juanita Borteye defeated Shanitah Namaala 3-0 while Cynthia Kwabi beat Judith Nangonzi 3-0.

Celia Baah-Danso also beat Jemimah Kakawala 3-2, but Cynthia Kwabi and Celia Baah-Danso had earlier lost a game each to their Ugandan opponents.

Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, and Tunisia have also booked their spots in the semifinal.

Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, and Tunisia have booked their spots in the semifinal round of the event after top
ping their groups while they await the second-place teams in the four groups to determine the semifinal pairing.

In the men’s team category, Egypt emerged leader in group A, after beating Ethiopia and Gabon 3-0 each, while Nigeria, drawn in group B alongside DR Congo and Mauritania had a 3-0 win over the two teams to top the group.

Algeria also beat Angola and Guinea with a 3-0 margin to progress to the last eight, while Tunisia defeated Cote d’Ivoire and Kenya to progress.

Madagascar edged Ghana and Sudan to join the League of the Elite Teams in the quarterfinal.

Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, and Tunisia have booked their spots in the semifinal round of the event after topping their groups while they await the second-place teams in the four groups to determine the semifinal pairing.

Play resumes on Thursday 7th March at the Accra International Conference Centre where Table Tennis matches are taking place.

Source: Ghana News Agency

March 6, 2024

Accra2023: Assar/Goda win table tennis singles

Egypt’s Omar Assar and Hana Goda emerged victors in the Men’s and Women’s Singles final in the on-going 13th African Games at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).

Assar maintained the tittle he won in 2019 after defeating arch-rival Qadri Aruna from Nigeria in a thrilled final 4-3 to win his second gold medal in the continent’s sports festival.

In the women’s singles division, 16-year-old, Hana Goda who made a debut defeated her compatriot Dina Meshref the defending champion 4-2 to win the title.

Goda’s global fame came when she was 11, as she became the first African to be ranked No. 1 in the world in the U-15 cadet category when she was 12 years.

In 2023, she became the youngest to win the African Senior champion at age 15 and she is Paris-bound with team Egypt for the Olympic Games this year.

She said, ‘I can’t believe I have added the African Games tittle to my laurels, but I must admit that it was not easy especially with the sixth game I won.’

‘I was a bit nervous towards the end matc
h. This is the best moment of my career, and I cannot just imagine myself winning in my first outing. This is a great moment for me,’ she said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

March 6, 2024

Ghana commences climax of 67th independence anniversary celebration

Dignitaries, including traditional rulers, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, and the Diplomatic Corps, have gathered at the Koforidua Youth Resource Centre as Ghana celebrates its 67th independence anniversary with a parade.

The stage is set for a memorable occasion, as the eager throng awaits the entrance of the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and the Guest of Honour, Alassane Ouattara.

‘Our Democracy, Our Pride’ is the theme for the anniversary celebration.

In spite of all its shortcomings and difficulties, the people of Ghana have shown admirable commitment to multi-party democracy over the years.

In a recent statement, the President said it was commendable that the nation had not fallen for the instigations to resort to the violent overthrow of an elected government.

The above statement by Ghana’s President sum up the resolve of one of Africa’s most democratic countries to deepen the rule of law amid the deteriorating democratic governance in the sub-Saharan Africa.

In 1957, Ghana,
after many years of the struggle for independence, became free of the shackles of colonial rule.

The path to self-rule did not come easy given the complexities associated with an African country striving to break free off colonialism.

The development became a wake-up call for many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the subsequent events in the continent’s history set the tone for the total liberation of the once oppressed people.

Sixty-seven years later, the road to self-government has not been easy, as the country has had to deal with military rule at times.

According to the President, the nation was committed to maintain its accomplishments, and he urged the people to remain focused.

Source: Ghana News Agency