Latest news with #Veterans'
Business Journals
a day ago
- Health
- Business Journals
Always Best Care Expands to Charlotte to Serve Seniors with Compassion & Excellence
Always Best Care Senior Services, a nationally recognized provider of non-medical in-home care and senior placement services, is proud to announce its expansion into the Charlotte & Lake Norman region. This growth marks a strategic milestone for the agency's owner, Samantha Loy, who has successfully operated Always Best Care locations in Alamance, Guilford, Orange, and Durham Counties since 2017. With over 15 years of experience in senior care leadership, Samantha brings a unique combination of local expertise, deep community partnerships, and a passion for dignified, personalized care. The Charlotte location will serve Mecklenburg County and the surrounding area, offering a full continuum of senior care services—including in-home personal care, respite services for family caregivers, Veterans' services, and no-cost senior living placement support. 'Our expansion into Charlotte is more than a business decision—it's a calling to ensure seniors and their families have trusted, reliable care options as they navigate aging,' said Loy. 'Charlotte deserves the same high standards and responsive care that we've provided in the Triad and Triangle for years.' Always Best Care Charlotte is poised to meet growing demand in the region for skilled, compassionate caregivers and tailored care solutions. Services are delivered with 24/7 support and backed by caregiver training in Dementia Live™, Parkinson's care, and GUIDE dementia care through Medicare. As part of the expansion, Loy has appointed a dedicated Charlotte-based team and is actively building partnerships with hospitals, discharge planners, senior living communities, and local organizations. The agency is also a strong advocate for Alzheimer's awareness and caregiver education. Whether it's helping a senior remain safely at home or supporting families in finding the right assisted living community, Always Best Care stands ready to be a trusted partner in care.
Newsweek
08-07-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
VA Announces Major Staffing Changes: What to Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that it will reduce its staff by nearly 30,000 employees by the end of fiscal 2025. The VA has already made headway on reducing its workforce from approximately 484,000 employees on January 1, 2025, to an expected 467,000 by June 1, with an additional reduction forecast of about 12,000 by September 30, the federal agency said in a press release issued on July 7. Why It Matters The cuts come after months of speculation and criticism surrounding initial plans proposed by President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to impose even deeper cuts at the agency. The proposed downsizing has been met with significant opposition from Veterans' organizations, union leaders, and some members of Congress, who have voiced concern over potential disruptions to care and benefits for the nearly nine million Veterans that are served by the VA Health Care System. There were a number of protests by Veterans groups earlier this year against the cuts. Newsweek has reached out to Veterans Affairs for comment. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C., on March 25, 2019. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C., on March 25, 2019. GETTY What To Know The number of job cuts at the VA is projected to be significantly less than the original target of 80,000. The revised figure represents a reduction of less than 7 percent of the VA's total staff. On Monday, VA press secretary Peter Kasperowicz told CNN the target is no longer 80,000, and that the "VA is not planning to make any other major changes to staffing levels beyond those outlined in the release." The department is employing several strategies to reach the new target. Departures are being managed through a government-wide hiring freeze, voluntary early retirement authority (VERA), a deferred resignation program (DRP), and natural attrition. Over 350,000 mission-critical positions are exempt from the federal hiring freeze and all essential roles are protected from DRP and VERA exits, according to the release. The VA said service levels for Veterans will not be negatively affected, and cited improvements in processing times and modernization efforts as arguments that care and benefits delivery will not suffer due to the reduction. According to VA data, the disability claims backlog has dropped by nearly 30 percent in recent months, and the agency is processing record numbers of claims. VA Secretary Doug Collins said the department is now "headed in the right direction—both in terms of staff levels and customer service." What People Are Saying VA Secretary Doug Collins said in a statement: "Since March, we've been conducting a holistic review of the department centered on reducing bureaucracy and improving services to Veterans... Our review has resulted in a host of new ideas for better serving Veterans that we will continue to pursue." Jose Vasquez, executive director of Common Defense, a grassroots organization that advocates for Veterans, said in a statement: "While 30,000 jobs is a reduction from the Trump Administration's original plans to reduce the VA's workforce by 15 percent, it is still 30,000 jobs too many at an agency that has been historically understaffed and undervalued by presidents across parties. Cuts to 30,000 jobs means more Veterans like me, who rely on the VA to get lifesaving medical care, won't be able to receive it." American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) national president Everett Kelley said in a statement emailed to Newsweek: "From the beginning, AFGE has made it clear: we would not stand by while the Department of Veterans Affairs attempted to dismantle the workforce our nation's veterans rely on. The original plan was to eliminate more than 80,000 jobs—15 percent of the VA's workforce—under Elon Musk's DOGE initiative. But because AFGE members across the country raised our voices, built coalitions, and took action, that plan was stopped in its tracks. "This is a major victory for federal workers, for veterans, and for the American people. We pushed back because we knew the ability of veterans to get the care and benefits they've earned was at stake. "But let's be clear: we're not out of the woods yet. While the VA has walked back the worst of its proposed cuts, the agency has still reduced staffing by nearly 17,000 positions so far this year and plans to eliminate thousands more through September. We will be watching closely to ensure the department follows the law and honors our union contracts. We'll also be paying close attention to the impact these smaller cuts may still have on care delivery for our veterans." What Happens Next The VA expects the downsizing process to be complete by the end of fiscal 2025.
Associated Press
30-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Gutterpy Tents powered by Liquid Screen Design Joins NVBDC's MVO Task Force
Gutterpy Tents powered by Liquid Screen Design Joins NVBDC's MVO Task Force to Support Veteran Entrepreneurs and Elevate Event Branding DETROIT, MI, UNITED STATES, May 30, 2025 / / -- The National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) proudly welcomes Gutterpy Tents powered by Liquid Screen Design as the newest member of its Military and Veteran Organization (MVO) Task Force. This strategic partnership strengthens NVBDC's ongoing mission to support Veteran-owned businesses by expanding access to branding, merchandising, and event solutions tailored for maximum impact. Founded by Navy Veteran Andy Macias, Gutterpy Tents began as a simple solution to unreliable tents at outdoor tailgates and evolved into a fast-growing, Cleveland-based company known for its patented rain-gutter tent system, custom-branded gear, and full-service event merchandising. Following a merger with Liquid Screen Design, Gutterpy Tents has expanded its marketing offerings to provide free graphic design services with promotional product orders, Print-on-Demand (POD) stores, individualized fulfillment of orders, completely custom swag boxes and kitting, and physical marketing analysis while tracking ROI on promotional products. In addition, the new collaboration will allow Gutterpy Tents to offer a wider range of products and pass along cost savings to customers. 'Joining the NVBDC MVO Task Force just made sense,' said Macias, Owner of Gutterpy. 'We're a Veteran-owned business committed to helping other Veteran-owned businesses look good, stay dry, and stand out. Being part of this network connects us with like-minded leaders and new opportunities to grow and give back.' Inspired by a personal journey that began while stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, Gutterpy was founded by Macias following the loss of his wife, a Special Agent with the U.S. State Department. For Macias, Gutterpy is more than a brand—it's a mission-driven venture dedicated to supporting fellow Veterans. His family's legacy of service, spanning the military, education, law, diplomacy, and public service, continues to fuel his purpose and drive. Within the MVO Task Force, Macias advocates for elevating Veterans' presence at conferences, like the NVBDC National Conference. 'Let's give Veteran-owned businesses the presence they deserve,' he emphasized. 'We're here to help with tents, apparel, banners—everything they need to create a lasting impression.' To learn more about Gutterpy Tents powered by Liquid Screen Design, visit About the National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) NVBDC is the leading Veteran-owned business certification organization developed by Veterans for Veterans. It was formed to provide a credible and reliable certifying authority for Veteran-owned businesses of all sizes and in all industries. NVBDC ensures the existence of valid documentation for Veterans' status, ownership, and operational control, giving customers and clients peace of mind that they are working with a valid Veteran-owned business. Additional information can be found at About the NVBDC's Military & Veteran Organization (MVO) Task Force NVBDC's MVO Task Force enables NVBDC to collaborate resources with task force partners to increase awareness and join together to establish a respected position in the industry supporting Veteran Business success. Additional information can be found at Media Contact: Hannah Waldrep (586) 665-9020 [email protected] MVO Task Force Contact: Kathy Poynton (703) 282-6862 [email protected] Keith King, Founder & CEO National Veteran Business Development Council +1 313-446-6885 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Facebook X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Canada Standard
28-05-2025
- Business
- Canada Standard
Treasury Board President tables in Parliament the2025-26Main Estimates for the Government of Canada
May 27, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat Efficiency and effectiveness must guide everything government does. The Government of Canada is focused on maximizing investments that drive growth and deliver results. To that end, today, the Honourable Shafqat Ali, President of the Treasury Board, tabled in the House of Commons the Government of Canada's Main Estimates for 2025-26. The Main Estimates outline priority investments in housing, the Canadian Armed Forces, Indigenous communities, dental care, border services, and Veterans' benefits. Also included are transfer payments to provinces and territories, such as those for health care, and payments for individuals, including benefits for elderly Canadians and those with disabilities. Data about the government's expenditures and performance targets are also available through GC Infobase, an online tool that presents the numbers in easy-to-understand visual stories.
Cision Canada
27-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Treasury Board President tables in Parliament the 2025-26 Main Estimates for the Government of Canada
OTTAWA, ON, May 27, 2025 /CNW/ - Efficiency and effectiveness must guide everything government does. The Government of Canada is focused on maximizing investments that drive growth and deliver results. To that end, today, the Honourable Shafqat Ali, President of the Treasury Board, tabled in the House of Commons the Government of Canada's Main Estimates for 2025–26. The Main Estimates outline priority investments in housing, the Canadian Armed Forces, Indigenous communities, dental care, border services, and Veterans' benefits. Also included are transfer payments to provinces and territories, such as those for health care, and payments for individuals, including benefits for elderly Canadians and those with disabilities. Data about the government's expenditures and performance targets are also available through GC Infobase, an online tool that presents the numbers in easy-to-understand visual stories. Quote "Canadians expect their government to invest responsibly and transparently in the areas that matter most to their lives. The Main Estimates clearly outline how our government is addressing Canadians' priorities and meeting the challenges and opportunities ahead." The Honourable Shafqat Ali, President of the Treasury Board Quick Facts The 2025–26 Main Estimates present planned budgetary spending totaling $486.9 billion for 130 organizations. This includes transfer payments to other levels of government, other organizations and individuals totaling $294.8 billion. These Main Estimates also include authorities issued under Governor General Special Warrants to sustain core government functions while Parliament was dissolved. The Estimates family of documents includes Departmental Plans, Departmental Results Reports, Main Estimates, and Supplementary Estimates, which are tabled throughout the fiscal year, as required. Spending amounts in the Estimates represent "up to" amounts by each federal organization requesting authority to spend. Main Estimates Associated Links Governor General special warrants Canada Gazette GC InfoBase Stay connected SOURCE Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
