THE STRONACH GROUP & THOROUGHBRED OWNERS OF CALIFORNIA REACH HISTORIC AGREEMENT TO IMPROVE HORSE SAFETY, WELFARE AND INTEGRITY OF HORSE RACING IN CALIFORNIAArcadia, CA (March 16, 2019) – Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields and the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) today reached an historic agreement to protect the safety and welfare of horses and riders in the state. This collective mandate enacts the most stringent medication policy in North America. Belinda Stronach, President and Chairman of The Stronach Group (TSG), which owns both Santa Anita and Golden Gate, outlined these ground-breaking rules earlier this week in an Open Letter. Working with horsemen and internationally renowned veterinarians, TSG and TOC have discussed the best measures to put the horse first and appropriately enact these changes. “This is a complete revision of the current medication policy for Thoroughbred racing. We have worked through the implementation of this groundbreaking model with our stakeholders and the California Horse Racing Board,” said Belinda Stronach. “TSG is committed to the principles of safe horse racing for both equine and human athletes and to making California racing the best in the world. It is my hope the other tracks in California will follow suit. TSG will begin consultation with our stakeholders in other states to put these standards into effect in those jurisdictions, in the best interest of horse racing.” “We appreciate the willingness of Belinda Stronach of TSG and Jim Cassidy (President of California Thoroughbred Trainers) to negotiate in good faith and reach today’s agreement,” said Greg Avioli, President and CEO of TOC. “I am confident we all share the same goal of making California racing safer and doing everything we can to provide additional safety and protection for our horses.” “I very much appreciate the efforts made by The Stronach Group, the TOC, and the CTT in coming to this agreement, to improve and enhance horse and rider safety,” said Chuck Winner, California Horse Racing Board Chairman. “The CHRB will continue to work with the stakeholders as they move forward. I plan to move the previously scheduled March 21st board meeting to March 28th in order for the full board to consider and take action on those items on which CHRB approval is required. March 28th allows for the legally required 10-day public notice.” Santa Anita, Golden Gate and the TOC have agreed to the following initiatives for racing and training: Complete transparency of all veterinary records. Strict limitations on the use of any pain or anti-inflammatory medication and treatment, including legal therapeutic NSAIDS, joint injections, shockwave therapy, and anabolic steroids. Trainers must apply for permission to work a horse (a timed, high-speed training exercise) at least 48 hours in advance. No therapeutic medications of treatments will be allowed without a qualified veterinary diagnosis from a state licensed veterinarian. Significant and strict Out-of-Competition Testing (OCT). Increasing the time required for horses to be on-site prior to a race. A substantial investment by The Stronach Group in diagnostic equipment to aid in the early detection of pre-existing conditions. Santa Anita, Golden Gate and the TOC are also in alliance to change the use of the cushion crop. This evolution of a centuries-old practice will only allow the use of the crop as a corrective safety measure. This new directive has already gone into effect during training hours. This agreement will effectively phase out all race-day medication at Santa Anita and Golden Gate under rules consistent with, or more restrictive than, the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) standards. The IFHA regulations are in effect at premiere racetracks throughout the world and are the benchmark for equine safety and welfare. All horses born in or after 2018 will race at Santa Anita and Golden Gate with no race- day medication, including the diuretic furosemide, commonly known as Lasix. This means all two-year-old horses starting in 2020 and after will be racing medication free. All horses born prior to 2018 will race at Santa Anita and Golden Gate with the same guidelines, however, following the recommendation of veterinary experts for the best interest of the health of the current horse population, Lasix will still be permitted but at a maximum of 50% of the current levels. These modernizations are in addition to the previously announced commitment to the continued engagement of outside experts to regularly review our dirt, turf and synthetic courses to ensure the safest racing surfaces in the world. Once this historic agreement is approved by the CHRB, Santa Anita and Golden Gate will race with these enhanced new safety and welfare protocols in place. Because state regulations require a 10-day approval process, Santa Anita is planning to return to racing on March 29th. read more

Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Both head coach Obet Javier and Jovielyn Prado said fatigue might have been the determining factor in their quick win.“We we’re surprised because we know they are fully capable of defeating teams in straight sets,” said Prado in Filipino. “Maybe fatigue eventually caught up to them.”FEATURED STORIESSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkOf the Lady Red Spikers’ six games, three have been decided on five sets and their last two games both went the full five.San Beda played catch-up with Lyceum on Wednesday, 22-25, 19-25, 25-11, 25-17, 15-7, and went back-and-forth wil Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Monday, 17-25, 235-15, 25-16, 27-29, 15-12. LATEST STORIES Assistance, prayers needed as Lariba’s leukemia returns “I think fatigue played a big factor in today’s game,” said Javier in Filipino. “They played a couple of five-set games and all were tight. And I also think that we had a better preparation than them.”And if fatigue can’t be reflected on the stat sheets, there were a couple of areas that Arellano had San Beda’s number.San Beda awarded 31 free points to Arellano due to errors, and the Lady Red Spikers’ top scorers, Cesca Raqraquin and Nieza Viray, didn’t even muster at least half of their usual production.Raqraquin, who averages 17.5 points, and Viray, 15.5 points, put up just six points apiece to lead the 6-1 Lady Red Spikers.ADVERTISEMENT Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netIt could’ve been a preview of the finals in the NCAA Season 93 women’s volleyball tournament, but it turned out into a be a stroll for Arellano University.The defending champion took the easy route in its three-set sweep of San Beda, 25-17, 25-10, 25-17, Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre and the team’s two most influential figures had an idea why the Lady Red Spikers folded so easily.ADVERTISEMENT MOST READ Michael Porter Jr. stays patient as playing time increases Almazan vows to comeback stronger after finals heartbreak Newsome sets focus on helping Bolts open new PBA season on right track Nonito Donaire vs Naoya Inoue is BWAA 2019 Fight of the Year OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson View comments read more

“It is quite unfortunate that the copyright officer has not done well enough to save creative works from pirates. But we are about to implement a regulation this time around to crack down on these pirates for good,” Officer-in-Charge of the Liberian Copyright Office, Clifford Robinson, said.He said the issue of piracy has been in Liberia for over 15 years and because little or no attention was paid during the early stage. Since then it has mushroomed into a million dollar business enterprise, increasing the demand for cheaper entertainment work. “The market has been polluted by pirates but we are working to see how these guys can be defeated without striking back like they did when my predecessor launched Operation Big Fish a few years ago,” he added.Mr. Robinson disclosed that his office would soon begin enforcing regulations on the books for the protection of artistic works, which and would impose penalties on anyone found guilty of selling pirated goods.“Enough is enough, this thing has to stop,” he said, “Our artists on a daily basis are losing thousands of dollars because their works have been pirated and put out for cheaper price.”He said this is as a result of a series of consultations between heads of ministries that work directly with the copyright office that have pledged total commitment to the fight against copyright infringement. Mr. Robinson added that the long battle of getting the full cooperation of ministries in the fight is gradually becoming a reality and before the end of the year most of the regulations will have already been enforced.He noted, “When these regulations are implemented they grant copyright ownership to content creators, giving them an authority where they are able to decide on the usage of their work and allowing them to generate money from the use.“This buttresses the support of artists and makes them gain incentives from their works.”He further said part of the implementation of this regulation is to introduce the hologram stamp for the security of artistic works; but that this cannot happen when pirated works are proliferated in large numbers.“We will firstly get rid of this pirated product soon, then educate distributors, marketers and artists on how this stamp can be acquired and used,” he emphasized. However, critics say there is a huge doubt if these regulations will be accomplished since it has been on the book for a considerable time.Critics argue that the failure of the copyright office to put the hologram stamp on the market is proof that they don’t care about the pains artists are going through at the hands of pirates. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) read more

That loss of power is acutely feared among congressional Democrats, who are loathe to lose any seats through redistricting, especially after having recaptured control of the U.S. House. House Democrats have wielded great behind-the-scenes pressure with their legislative friends in thwarting previous attempts at change. That is why an independently produced ballot initiative that includes congressional districts could send Democrats scurrying to offer their own legislative solution, reform advocates said. Senate president pro tem Don Perata, D-Oakland, has made it clear he won’t support redistricting reform that includes congressional districts; Assembly Speaker Fabian Nu ez, D-Los Angeles, has said it’s unlikely he can get any reform through with them. The deadline to submit new bills was Friday, but there are ways to create new legislation by altering a proposed bill that’s already been introduced. Nu ez said Monday he still hopes the Legislature can produce its own reform. “I believe the legislative process is the best mechanism to ensure that a redistricting plan fully meets the considerations of the Voting Rights Act, communities of interest, boundaries, and dozens of other key legal issues,” he said. “However, we will continue to work with the proponents of the initiative put forth today as we continue to move a fair, legal and responsible plan through the Legislature.” Keeley said reformers want to work with Nu ez, “but we would not be doing our job if we left it solely in their hands.” As soon as the Legislature adjourned last year, the groups began to lay out a plan – and the details of a proposal – even as Nu ez was vowing to present a new redistricting plan in the Legislature this year. But last week, CalChamber and the California Teachers Association announced they were backing an effort to put a term limit reform measure on the ballot. Nu ez and other legislative Democrats had said they wanted to link term limits and redistricting. The term limits initiative left critics worried that Nu ez was abandoning redistricting. “When term limits moved out,” Keeley said, “we were grateful for having put all the work in so we weren’t caught flat-footed.” Initiative backers admit they wouldn’t mind calling off their effort if they see an earnest effort by the Legislature. “If the Legislature puts an initiative on the ballot with the governor’s signature,” Schnur said, “it makes it a lot easier to pass.” Proponents of the redistricting initiative need more than one million signatures validated by the secretary of state by Sept. 27, which gives them less than three months to collect them. Collecting that many signatures typically costs around $2 million to $2.5 million, which supporters say they have ready to go. sharmon@cctimes.com (916) 441-2101 160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! Supporters insist the initiative effort is serious, but they also hope the move prods the Legislature to produce its own reform plan. “Our hope is it creates an additional incentive and some leverage on legislative leaders,” said Dan Schnur, a Republican strategist and a co-chairman with Voices of Reform. “They want to craft their own initiative rather than reacting to something done by others.” The measure would, among other things, lay out criteria for selecting members onto the independent commission – a contentious issue. The initiative calls for commissioners to be selected from a pool of randomly drawn voters. Previous reforms would have allowed retired judges to pick members – an idea criticized by some because the judges might not reflect the state’s diversity. Legislators would have a role in the screening commission members, but would not select any members of the commission, according to the filing. Having an independent commission redraw state legislative and congressional boundaries, supporters say, would eliminate the inherent conflict of interest of lawmakers choosing the districts that vote for them. It would bring competition into some districts, and perhaps reduce the political dominance Democrats have in California. The Legislature hasn’t shown much stomach for relinquishing its power to draw political boundaries. So, a lawyer representing reform advocates Monday submitted a ballot measure to do the work for them: to create an 11-member independent redistricting commission. Lafayette attorney Barry Fadem, who specializes in initiatives, filed the measure Monday with the Attorney General’s Office, saying only that he represents a coalition of advocates that will announce by next week its campaign to change the way politicians’ districts are drawn. But it’s no secret that California Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, People’s Advocate and San Francisco-based Voices of Reform are behind the measure. They decided to work on drafting a proposal after a redistricting bill died in the Legislature last fall. “There are many people in this conversation who believe this task is one that is simply too difficult for the Legislature to successfully engage in,” said Fred Keeley, a co-chairman of Voices of Reform and former Democratic legislator from Santa Cruz. “Like Charlie Brown with Lucy and the football, many of us believed we should have as many options available to us as possible.” read more

For the sake of the city’s future and for the men and women of the LAPD who deserve to be a part of a respected and trusted force, that must happen.160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! THE apology that LAPD Chief William Bratton offered the city Tuesday on behalf of himself and the entire department in the May Day melee was an unprecedented act that indicates the sometimes-infamous force is serious about reform. “I accept full responsibility for it because it occurred on my watch,” Bratton said, apologizing to the public and the officers of the Los Angeles Police Department for the event in which dozens of people were injured. There was a time, not too long ago, when the last thing one might expect to hear from a member of the LAPD command staff was that he or she had seriously flubbed it. And certainly not one that involved agitators egging on police. Yet that’s what happened Tuesday, when Bratton presented the LAPD’s investigation into the clash between police and protesters during the May 1 pro-immigration demonstration in MacArthur Park in which about 250 people were injured, including 18 officers. The report concludes that the structure of the LAPD fell apart that day. There were many breakdowns in policing, both before and during the demonstration that escalated the clash, from lack of training, no clear chain of command and using force in violation of LAPD policy. It noted that officers struck people who were passive and not taking any aggressive action. And 26 officers now face use-of-force investigations. While this soul-baring investigation and contrition certainly go a long way toward soothing a wary public, it means nothing if it’s not followed up with action. Bratton outlined many plans to train officers, develop protocols and otherwise make sure there’s not a repeat of this melee. He’s one of the most innovative LAPD chiefs in its history, and we want to believe he will make it happen. But the resistance of the LAPD’s force is legendary. If the LAPD has a long history of making no apologies, it has an even longer one of resisting reform. In any case, there’s a long way to go before the city can put this event behind it, and not only because of the 250 claims against the city by protesters and journalists injured. There’s no doubt this event will cost L.A. some big money. If Bratton and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa follow up on the promises to fix the LAPD’s culture of aggression, these types of payouts could be history. The LAPD’s mea culpas make it hard for the city to argue that it wasn’t the LAPD’s fault. But it could take the wind out of any excessive jury settlements. read more

3 Bolton 0-3 Sheffield UnitedBolton lost ground in the title race after slipping to their first defeat of the season as Sheffield United emerged 3-0 winners at the University of Bolton Stadium.Mark Duffy, Kieron Freeman and John Fleck were on target in a victory every bit as comprehensive as the scoreline suggests.QPR 1-0 WiganUnder pressure QPR boss Steve McClaren was thrown a lifeline with a 1-0 victory over Wigan at Loftus Road.Tomer Hemed’s first-half goal secured Rangers’ first points of the season following a run of four straight defeats that had rooted them to the foot of the table.The home side defended well in the face of speculation over McClaren’s future, although Wigan had chances to equalise with Chey Dunkley squandering one of them late on.Swansea 0-1 Bristol CityAndreas Weimann found the net after 31 seconds but that was the only goal as Bristol City prevailed 1-0 at Swansea. 3 Hernandez netted Leeds’ third Results and stories from the Championship games on Saturday, August 25…Norwich 0-3 LeedsLeeds defied their pink changing room at Carrow Road to return to the top of the Sky Bet Championship with a crushing 3-0 victory over Norwich.The Canaries have painted the away dressing room pink in the hope of lowering the testosterone levels of their opponents, but the ploy failed to deter Marcelo Bielsa’s men as two first-half goals in six minutes swept them clear.Mateusz Klich and Ezgjan Alioski pounced to reward Leeds’ early dominance before the outstanding Pablo Hernandez added a third in the 67th minute following some individual wizardry from the Spanish playmaker. 3 Blackburn 1-1 BrentfordBrentford dropped out of the play off-places after Kasey Palmer gave Blackburn a 1-0 victory at Ewood Park.Derby 2-0 PrestonDerby surged up the table after strikes from Mason Mount and Richard Keogh completed a 2-0 win against struggling Preston.Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 IpswichLucas Joao plundered the opener and winner as Sheffield Wednesday overcame Ipswich 2-1.Toto Nsiala equalised for Ipswich only to then be sent off for a foul on Fernando Forestieri.Stoke 2-0 HullStoke claimed their first win of the season after James McClean scored and Mame Biram Diouf’s effort looped into the bottom corner after deflecting off Tigers defender Jordy de Wijs for a 2-0 victory. Evandro was sent off for Hull after a dangerous tackle. Andreas Weimann scored the only goal as Swansea were beaen at home Stoke were relieved to secure their first win of 2018/19 Aston Villa 1-1 ReadingSam Baldock salvaged a point against Aston Villa after his 91st-minute header secured an unexpected 1-1 draw for Reading.Villa lost playmaker Jack Grealish to a first-half injury but that did not prevent them from opening the scoring through Ahmed Elmohamady and they looked comfortable until Baldock intervened.Nottingham Forest 2-2 Birmingham CityLukas Jutkiewicz and Che Adams fired high-quality goals either side of the interval to give Birmingham City a 2-0 lead but they were still forced to settle for a 2-2 draw following a fightback by Nottingham Forest.Adams hit the target with a low 73rd-minute shot from the edge of the area shortly after coming on, but the goal merely served to spark Forest into action.With his first touch of the game, Joe Lolley brilliantly steered an inadequate clearance into the net before Daryl Murphy produced the equaliser with three minutes remaining. read more

LABOUR Senator Jimmy Harte has apologised to Polish waitress ‘Magda’ it has emerged.The Co Donegal based Polish national has accepted the apology and said she would have reacted in the same way if she had been told the bogus version of her interview with a Polish newspaper.The story originated from an Irish journalist based in Krakow whose translation of the story turned out to be wrong. Donegal Senator Harte confirmed to donegaldaily.com that he had spoken with ‘Magda’ this evening.“I told her that I had given a comment based on information which turned out to be wrong and I apologised if I had caused her any offence,” said the senator.“My main comment at the time was in defence of Polish and other non-nationals who live here and she was very gracious, accepted the apology and said she would have reacted in the same way had she been told that someone had insulted her home town.“She said she didn’t blame me for the comments, but the journalist in Poland who had mistranslated the original article.” Senator Harte added: “I am on public record on many occasions and despise racism and racists. It is well known that several non-nationals worked on my campaign during the last general election,” he said.Senator Harte said he didn’t want to comment however on Tweets he sent to political opponents who had “tried to twist the facts” on the story.He has since apologised for his reaction to the messages on Twitter.However donegaldaily.com has seen three messages sent to Senator Harte, two of which were vile defamatory personal attacks on him and his family.LEAVE YOUR COMMENT BELOW © 2011 donegaldaily.com, all Rights ReservedThe copying, republication or redistribution of donegaldaily.com Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited by law.Follow us on www.twitter.com/donegaldailyFollow us on www.facebook.com/donegaldaily Sell anything on www.donegaldailyclassifieds.comMAGDA CONTROVERSY: ‘SENATOR APOLOGISES TO HER’ was last modified: February 3rd, 2012 by BrendaShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) read more

Online scamsters are again targeting Donegal customers claiming to be from the Revenue Commissioners and offering tax back payments.Dozens of people received the bogus email again yesterday.The email comes with an official Revenue logo and directs people to forms to fill in for a refund. During the procedure however, the conmen are extracting vital information from unsuspecting people.Below is a copy of the bogus email.Claim Your Tax Refund OnlineDear XXXXXXXXXXXX We identified an error in the calculation of your tax from the last payment, amounting to EUR 277.01. In order for us to return the excess payment, you need to create a Tax Gateway account after which the funds will be credited to your specified bank account.Please click “Get Started” below to claim your refund:Get StartedWe are here to ensure the correct tax is paid at the right time, whether this relates to payment of taxes received by the department or entitlement to benefits paid.     HUNDREDS OF DONEGAL PEOPLE BEING HIT WITH ONLINE ‘REVENUE’ SCAM was last modified: January 29th, 2014 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:IrelandREVENIE COMMISSIONERSscamtax back read more

21 February 2013South Africa’s infrastructure programme is driving a wave of industrialisation across the country, says Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel.Speaking during a parliamentary debate on President Jacob Zuma’s State of the Nation Address in Cape Town on Wednesday, Patel said the state-led programme currently “provides jobs to more than 150 000 people across the country, direct jobs, with 43 500 of these jobs in energy-related projects.”New jobs, new skillsPatel cited the example of the cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town, which have introduced new tender conditions requiring local manufacturing of buses. Under the new conditions, 80% of bus bodies are required to be made locally. In the past, buses were simply imported from Brazil.Close to 250 buses will be made in South Africa as a result of this, creating new jobs and new skills, Patel said.The Joburg buses will be made at the Marco Polo plant in Gauteng, while the chassis will be made at the Mercedes Benz plant in East London. Busmark is setting up a new factory in Cape Town, with Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) support, to manufacture the city’s buses.Another example, Patel said, was the partnership between the IDC and a local company to secure the contract to manufacture, supply and install an air-cooled condenser system for Eskom’s Kusile power station. The contract is valued at R2.4-billion and will create about 750 jobs.Update on projects under wayAlso speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba gave an update on some of the major infrastructure projects under way in the country:Eskom’s Medupi power plant, part of the project aimed at unlocking South Africa’s northern mineral belt, with the Waterberg serving as the catalyst, was now 58% complete, despite recent labour unrest challenges. A total of R60.4-billion had been spent on the project to date, and 15 837 jobs created. Construction of a new multi-product fuel pipeline, part of the project focusing on the Durban-Free State-Gauteng logistics and industrial corridor, was on schedule. Spending on this project to date totalled R16.9-billion, with 2 490 jobs having been created.  Procurement of new rolling stock, part of a massive upgrade of South Africa’s freight rail capacity, was now 73% complete, with spending to date totalling R2.7-billion and 159 jobs having been created. 54% local content in the manufacturing of locomotives had been secured, which would strengthen the country’s manufacturing capabilities while creating jobs and developing new skills.  Work on a manganese ore rail line between the Northern Cape and the Port of Ngqura in the Eastern Cape was in the final planning phase. The project aims to increase South Africa’s export of manganese from five- to 16-million tons annually.  As part of the project to upgrade South Africa’s urban public transport systems, Johannesburg’s Rea Vaya project has created 1 185 jobs with a spend to date of R1.218-million, while Cape Town’s MyCiti project has created 635 jobs with a spend of R2.923-million. Gigaba said continued investment spending by public corporations and the broader public sector had contributed positively to economic growth and development, saying it was important not to allow “this massive investment programme to be impacted by the global economic slowdown or derailed by lack of funding”.Source: SAnews.gov.za read more

adam popescu Tags:#social networks#web Related Posts Guide to Performing Bulk Email Verification HootSuite’s new internal communication tool, which rolled out in public beta less than a week ago, lets a team chat in an environment that’s like AIM on steroids. It allows posting, commenting and liking messages within conversations. You can take conversations on the road via smartphone. Even non-HootSuite users can participate. With this update, HootSuite is trying to break open the silos that separate various departments in a business – marketing, customer service, PT, management – each with its own location and communication tools. It offers a tool for inter-company communication, in real time. No more long email chains and costly conference calls. “It’s helping businesses achieve full social collaboration,” said Nick Cicero, a social media strategist who works with small businesses and Fortune 500 companies. Such tools can help companies trying to integrate social media into multiple networks, such as community management and customer service, he added.“Internal collaboration is what makes organization-wide social media possible,” Cicero said. “In order to keep social media flowing from all different departments, there have to be people on all levels with social media. Products like this make that super easy within the social work flow.”Salesforce dropped Marketing Cloud, its internal conversation equivalent, about 10 days before the HootSuite launch. With major social media players lining up to address real-time internal communications, could this be the next step for social networks? It just may be, especially if Twitter’s TweetDeck incorporates this kind of functionality. Keep your eyes peeled, because that update may be next.  HootSuite’s new conversations update looks like a boon for community managers who need to keep tabs on their company in real time. But it might also foster communication throughout large organizations. The Dos and Don’ts of Brand Awareness Videos Facebook is Becoming Less Personal and More Pro… A Comprehensive Guide to a Content Audit read more