Month: April 2024

McLean, VA – April 30, 2024 – BBB National Programs applauds the work of the U.S. Department of Commerce to launch the Global Cross Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum, a key development in international cooperation on cross-border data flows.

Dona Fraser, Senior Vice President, Privacy Initiatives, BBB National Programs, underscoring the importance of data privacy for international business operations, said: “In an economy where businesses extend operations across borders, data privacy is the cornerstone of trust and compliance. The Global CBPR Forum signals an expanding commitment by governments around the world to a uniform baseline for responsible personal data handling.”

BBB National Programs is the sole non-profit Accountability Agent providing CBPR and Privacy Recognition for Processors (PRP) certifications, serving to assist companies with a commitment to global privacy. BBB National Programs also provides privacy compliance for vendors aligned to the standards, strengthening the focus on robust third-party risk management.

Fraser further highlighted the Global CBPR certifications as an “interoperable tool bridging diverse regulatory approaches and aligning with evolving global standards.” She added: “Our analysis demonstrates that the Global CBPR System aligns with the Data Privacy Framework Program, covering nearly 78% of key requirements for both certifications, offering businesses a streamlined path to compliance while saving time and resources.”

As state-specific data privacy laws emerge, and in the absence of a U.S. federal data privacy law, businesses can achieve privacy compliance by adopting standardized certified practices. Demonstrating accountability, via mechanisms such as CBPR certification, streamlines processes, costs, and aligns businesses with recognized global privacy norms.

According to Fraser, BBB National Programs will work with businesses to demonstrate compliance with the CBPR and PRP Frameworks as developed by participating governments, seamlessly transitioning existing participants to the new framework. Both certifications – CBPR for data controllers and PRP for data processors– are backed by BBB National Programs’ independent accountability for privacy best practices.

Find more information about Global CBPR Certification here. To reach our media team, contact us at press@bbbnp.org.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

• For the first time, MICHELIN Key selection is landing in the USA, extending the MICHELIN Guide passion and expertise to
• Selected by the MICHELIN Guide inspection team, hotels offering the world’s most outstanding experiences are now bookable on the MICHELIN Guide digital platforms.
• The first MICHELIN Key US selection highlights 124 hotels
• The MICHELIN Guide’s ambition is to become the 1st global independent booking platform for outstanding restaurants and hotels.

 

NEW YORK, April 24, 2024 — After its inaugural announcement in France on April 8th, Michelin is pleased to unveil today its very first selection of hotels awarded MICHELIN Keys in the USA. 124 hotels have been awarded One, Two or Three MICHELIN Keys, highlighting the most outstanding experiences and stays in select locations throughout the country.

Hotels in Atlanta, California, Chicago, Colorado, Florida, New York and Washington D.C. — the US destinations where the MICHELIN Guide also recommends its restaurant selection — were eligible for the award.

Offering an ever more comprehensive service, the MICHELIN Guide’s hotel selection provides users with recommendations for a complete travel experience. Awarded by the MICHELIN Guide inspection team based on anonymous stays or visits – independently of existing labels, tourism stars and pre-established quotas – the MICHELIN Keys are a new international benchmark for travelers. They aim to guide them to accommodations that stand out for their unique hospitality concept, distinctive character, warm welcome and extremely high level of service.

124 establishments receive One Key, Two Keys or Three MICHELIN Keys in the USA

In this first US selection, and second selection worldwide, 124 accommodations have earned distinctions out of almost 1,000 hotels recommended by the MICHELIN Guide across the United States: 11 hotels received Three MICHELIN Keys, 33 Two MICHELIN Keys and 80 One MICHELIN Key.

This first US MICHELIN Key selections bring together establishments offering a wide variety of concepts, price ranges and geographical locations. Included are the chicest coastal retreats, the most relaxing, quiet hideaways, and the most spectacular urban oases.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide comments: “With this new distinction, the MICHELIN Guide has opened up a brand-new chapter in the service it provides for travelers, which has been its lifeblood for the past 124 years. Steadfast in our field-based approach, the MICHELIN Guide inspectors drew up this unprecedented list to share their best hotel experiences in the US. Every establishment awarded One, Two or Three MICHELIN Keys is a gem sculpted by talented professionals. Using the MICHELIN Guide digital platforms, travelers can filter their search and book awarded hotels for stays that we hope will be unforgettable.”

One, Two and Three MICHELIN Keys

Just like the famous Stars that indicate the best culinary experiences in the MICHELIN Guide restaurant selection, the MICHELIN Keys reveal accommodations in the Guide’s hotel selection that offer the most outstanding stays. They are a new benchmark for travelers, qualifying each hotel experience in broader terms than simple amenities.

One MICHELIN Key: a very special stay

This is a true gem with its own character and personality. It may break the mould, offer something different or simply be one of the best of its type. Service always goes the extra mile and provides significantly more than similarly priced establishments.

Two MICHELIN stars: an exceptional stay

Somewhere truly unique and exceptional in every way, where a memorable experience is always guaranteed. A hotel of character, personality and charm that’s operated with obvious pride and considerable care. Eye-catching design or architecture, and a real sense of the locale make this an exceptional place to stay.

Three MICHELIN Keys: an extraordinary stay

It’s all about astonishment and indulgence here – this is the ultimate in comfort and service, style and elegance. It is one of the world’s most remarkable and extraordinary hotels and a destination in itself for that trip of a lifetime. All the elements of truly great hospitality are here to ensure any stay will live long in the memory and hearts.

11 unique hotels receive Three MICHELIN Keys

Three MICHELIN Keys, indicating an extraordinary stay, worthy of a specific trip, have been presented to 11 hotels – 7 located in California, and 4 in New York City.

In Big Sur, California, Post Ranch Inn offers 39 rooms and houses located between the sea and the clouds in one of the most scenic areas on the California coastline. Each individual house, designed by the modernist architect Mickey Muennig, is perfectly fitting into its natural environment. Its Three Houses are built on nine-foot stilts and camouflaged amongst the redwood trees, when the Ocean Rooms are close to the cliff’s edge – and combine both luxury and modernity. Elsewhere in California, SingleThread Inn in Healdsburg offers one of the most luxurious experiences in the state. The 5 accomodations, with their modern-classic aesthetic, not only offer a memorable stay – they provide guests a guaranteed booking at the Three MICHELIN Star SingleThread restaurant. Run by chef Kyle Connaughton, a meal at SingleThread elevates the experience to the ultimate level, making the hotel worthy of a special trip. In Beverly Hills, The Beverly Hills Hotel, Dorchester Collection and its 210 rooms revitalize the famous Pink Palace, mixing modern amenities with 1940s Hollywood-classic décor.

In New York City, Casa Cipriani New York is a luxury boutique hotel nested in a 1906 former ferry terminal. The building, ornate in a Beaux- Arts style, is home to 47 rooms and suites that are remarkably restrained in their opulence, in contrast with the building’s exterior ornamentation. Those that face the river offer a view unlike any other hotel in town, and the hotel’s Jazz Café, modeled after a prewar supper club, is the perfect place to enjoy live music. Also in New York, Aman New York is a self-contained world of luxury right in the heart of Manhattan – for the Aman brand’s first foray into a big American city. Their suites, inspired by Japanese minimalism, are surrounded by facilities that include a garden terrace, a lounge bar, restaurants, even an intriguing speakeasy-style underground live performance venue. Service is ever-present and ever professional to accompany guests during their stay.

In total, 11 extraordinary hotels received Three MICHELIN Keys.

33 hotels receive Two MICHELIN Keys for exceptional stays

Indicating an exceptional stay, 33 hotels have been awarded Two MICHELIN Keys.

Within that category, travelers can find recommendations in California, Florida, Chicago, New York and D.C. With 18 hotels highlighted, California offers a variety of experiences. For example, Bernardus Lodge & Spa, is tucked into the pines and oaks of Carmel Valley, and the Lodge is remote enough to provide a measure of seclusion – yet remains just minutes from the picturesque town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The hotel, also welcoming a first-class restaurant, is affiliated with the Bernardus winery and vineyard, allowing wine-lovers to enjoy an impressive cellar. The selection also offers exceptional experiences in San Francisco. For instance, The Battery, with just 14 rooms, is a particularly exclusive Club in a bohemian style. In West Hollywood, Chateau Marmont evokes the magic of a movie set. Constructed along the specifications of the Loire Chateau Amboise, it is a perfect eighteenth-century replica — where fluted pillars are graced by ivy.

Additionally, the selection includes stylish design hotels of which the best example, perhaps, is Faena Hotel Miami Beach. Created by the pioneering Argentinian hotelier Alan Faena, his colorful fantasies come to life with fascinating Art Deco details. A few miles away, at Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, a legendary spot that first opened in 1930 is now augmented by modern structures. Travelers looking for the perfect location in Chicago will find the Peninsula Chicago. The third opening of the brand in the USA offers ever-present and attentive service in high tech rooms (and, on the Shanghai Terrace, one of Chicago’s top Chinese restaurants). In New York, Nine Orchard is nestled in the former Jarmulowsky Bank building. While retaining its century-old grandeur, the rooms opt for something a little more subdued: the classic architecture is complemented by muted colors and furnishings that are minimalist but warm, along with modern conveniences like custom-designed and custom-programmed sound systems.

80 hotels receive One MICHELIN Key

One MICHELIN Key recognizes a very special stay.

Among the 80 hotels that received One MICHELIN Key, there is great diversity both geographically and in terms of hospitality offerings. The luxurious bed & breakfast boutique hotel, San Luis Creek Lodge, for instance, is among the most perfectly relaxing. Designed by Nina Freudenberger, it is full of effortless bohemian-rustic details ‑ and is one of the most affordable hotels awarded the Key in 2024, starting at $320 per night. Larger in terms of number of rooms but no less affordable, with suites under $400, the Wythe Hotel, Brooklyn, exemplifies the character of the neighborhood with an admirable attention to detail. Its chefs serve delicacies inspired by Parisian and NYC favorites.

Several addresses offer holistic experience from bed to plate, including Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection in Aspen, a swanky, classic city hotel located in the picturesque mountain town – and sporting its own restaurant in the MICHELIN Guide selection. The Ritz-Carlton NoMad provides the perfect balance of a classic luxury, accompanying an eastern mediterranean restaurant hosting the famous Chef José Andrès. Finally, at Ette Hotel, Orlando, a 126-room luxury boutique hotel with modern and minimalist rooms is completed by Lipa, a restaurant lead by well-known Chef Akira Back.

Honoring the architecture of the past century, some hotels are set in majestic architectural settings. Such is the case at The Gwen, a luxury Collection Hotel in Chicago, a contemporary boutique that captures the aesthetics of the 1920s and 30s with Art Deco accents and 21st century comforts. Or look to the Riggs Washington DC, the stylish and richly detailed hotel set in a 19th century Romanesque Revival bank building. In Santa Monica, freshly restored The Georgian has retained all traces of its great history and architecture.

For travelers willing to leave big cities behind them, Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection, in Napa, is a jewel set in a 712-acre ranch rooted deep in California wine country. For a perfect winter escape, The Little Nell gives a cozy welcome to guests in Aspen.

Design lovers and art enthusiasts will enjoy Montage Laguna Beach, where the hotel pays conscious homage to the city’s birth as an artists’ colony ‑ its interiors are drenched in artwork, and the panoramic view on the ocean is a must see. Another veritable artists’ haven is the newly opened Hotel Chelsea New York, bringing NY’s historic charm into the modern era with an impressive, nostalgic authenticity. Chicago Athletic Association and its fantastic architecture is another landmark building – this one in Chicago ‑ redesigned by Roman and Williams to fit the historic space and play on its history. 1 Hotel South Beach Miami has an eco-friendly ethos and recycled/reclaimed décor for a brand with serious luxury- hotel chops.

All MICHELIN Guide hotel recommendations are available for free on the MICHELIN Guide website and mobile applications. On these digital platforms, all recommended hotels can be booked directly at the best available public rates. To assist travelers throughout their stay, the MICHELIN Guide also provides a concierge service run by travel experts employed by the MICHELIN Guide.

After France and the United States (Atlanta, California, Chicago, Colorado, Florida, New York, Washington DC), the MICHELIN Keys will be announced in Spain on April 29, Italy on May 7 and Japan on July 4, 2024. Other destinations will follow during the year.

MICHELIN Key hotels for other US destinations will be announced later this year.

Find the pictures of the Press Conference Announcement on the link here.

About Michelin

Michelin, the leading mobility company, is dedicated to sustainably enhancing its clients’ mobility; designing and distributing the most suitable tyres, services and solutions for its clients’ needs; providing digital services, maps, and guides to help enrich trips and travels and make them unique experiences; and developing high-technology materials that serve a variety of industries. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in

175 countries, has 132,200 employees and operates 67 tyre production facilities, which together produced around 167 million tires in 2022. (www.michelin.com).

For more information, contact:

Carly Grieff
Michelin North America
carly.grieff@michelin.com

Cincinnati, OH, United States – April 24, 2024 – NTT DATA Business Solutions US announces its exclusive program, Zero Cost Move, offering SAP ERP Central Component (SAP ECC) customers the ability to make the switch to SAP S/4HANA Cloud with unprecedented cost-saving benefits and streamlined migration services. Designed to provide a clear and cost-efficient path for companies to upgrade their ERP systems, this innovative program offers qualified customers the opportunity to make the switch to the RISE with SAP solution with zero consulting fees.

Under the terms of the program, clients in the US and Canada that act in calendar year 2024 to execute an agreement for a RISE with SAP implementation during 2024 or 2025 will benefit from waived consulting fees associated with the migration. In order to qualify, NTT DATA Business Solutions must be recognized by SAP as the partner of record for the software subscription and the customer must commit to a contract for Cloud Concierge Services for RISE with SAP.

The Zero Cost Move program caters to a wide spectrum of companies, facilitating small, medium, and large conversion services while reducing the customary time, resources, and potential for business interruption associated with such critical transitions. NTT DATA Business Solutions has especially focused on ensuring that current SAP ECC 6.0 users experience a seamless and cost-effective journey to SAP S/4HANA that puts them on the path toward continuous improvement.

“The innovative Zero Cost Move program is a testament to our vision at NTT DATA Business Solutions. We understand the complexities involved in ERP migrations and have crafted this initiative to break traditional cost barriers and simplify the process,” said Brandon Evans, Vice President, Customer Transformation and Innovation for NTT DATA Business Solutions. “With Zero Cost Move, we offer clients a runway to future success, without the typical financial burdens along with the opportunity to redirect waived consulting spend to unlock new capabilities and innovation embedded in the S/4HANA platform.”

Clients interested in the Zero Cost Move program can learn more about it on the NTT DATA Business Solutions website. With this step, NTT DATA Business Solutions is paving the way for a more accessible and accelerated process of adapting to the latest in ERP technology, with the ability to reallocate waived consulting spend toward innovative new capabilities for a better return on investment.

About NTT DATA Business Solutions

NTT DATA Business Solutions drives innovation: – from advisory and implementation, to managed services and beyond, continuously enhances SAP solutions to make them work for companies – and for their people.  Aiming to help companies to transform, grow and become more successful, NTT DATA Business Solutions connects with a more than in-depth expertise for SAP solutions its clients´ business opportunities with the latest technologies – individually and across all business areas. As part of the NTT DATA group and as a global strategic partner of SAP, with close ties to other partners, NTT DATA Business Solutions gives clients and prospects access to innovative solutions and developments and thus makes an important contribution to innovation and long-term business success. NTT DATA Business Solutions employs more than 13,500 people in more than 30 countries.

About NTT DATA

NTT DATA is a $30+ billion trusted global innovator of business and technology services. We serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and are committed to helping clients innovate, optimize and transform for long-term success. We invest over $3.6 billion each year in R&D to help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. As a Global Top Employer, we have diverse experts in more than 50 countries and a robust partner ecosystem of established and start-up companies. Our services include business and technology consulting, data and artificial intelligence, industry solutions, as well as the development, implementation and management of applications, infrastructure, and connectivity. We are also one of the leading providers of digital and AI infrastructure in the world. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group and headquartered in Tokyo. Visit us at nttdata.com

SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE (or an SAP affiliate company) in Germany and other countries. See http://www.sap.com/corporate-en/legal/copyright/index.epx for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies.

 

For more information, Press Only:
Shawnee Schauff
NTT DATA Business Solutions
Shawnee.Schauff@nttdata.com

Latest Lexis+ AI enhancements make legal AI Assistant more efficient, effective and personalized for all existing customers  

NEW YORK – LexisNexis Legal & Professional^®, a leading global provider of information and analytics, is unveiling its second-generation legal generative AI Assistant on the industry-leading Lexis+ AI™. Utilizing continuous user feedback, the next-level AI Assistant delivers an increasingly personalized experience to support legal professionals in making informed decisions faster, generating outstanding work, and freeing up time to focus on efforts that drive economic value. All existing Lexis+ AI customers will have access to the enhanced AI Assistant.

These enhancements represent another milestone in the company’s legal generative AI leadership, building on the commercial introduction of Lexis+ AI in October 2023. Grounded in the world’s largest repository of up-to-date, exclusive legal content from LexisNexis, Lexis+ AI enables conversational search, insightful summarization, intelligent legal drafting, and document upload and analysis capabilities in a seamless user experience.

Recently launched and upcoming enhancements include: 

• Faster Delivery of Results – AI-generated answers will now be delivered word-by-word for a faster, more conversational experience. The AI Assistant returns trusted results backed by verifiable authority two times faster than the nearest competitor.
• Enhanced Multi-Turn Conversation Capability – Contextual prompt conversations with the AI Assistant have been increased from a limit of five interactions to ten, helping users gain deeper insights and refine generative AI answers.
• Conversational Guidance for Drafting – Providing tailored, step-by-step recommendations that anticipate questions and guide users to leverage answers directly in drafting work including emails, letters, arguments, clauses, and memos. 
• Added Delivery Options– Expanding Lexis+ AI capabilities with new delivery options for conversations including Email, Download, and Print.  
• AI-Generated Statute Summaries – Providing the first legal market generative AI-powered summaries across U.S. federal and state statutes. Also available to the public via the LexisNexis U.S. Voting Laws & Legislation Center as a part of the company’s work to support transparency of law. 
• Increased Document Upload Capacity – Enabling users to analyze and summarize larger documents, now up to 400,000 characters per request (approximately 150 pages per document).
• Improved User Experience – Refining the user experience with improved readability, ease-of-use, and aesthetic updates, including support to easily deliver and share Lexis+ AI output.

All features will be available to customers by early May. Customers are responding positively to enhancements, with 91% of users reporting Lexis+ AI is easy to use – a 5-point increase since October 2023. The product enhancements extend the company’s longstanding leadership in legal AI and advance its vision for leveraging generative AI to transform legal work.

“Our vision is for every legal professional worldwide to have a virtual AI Assistant that is specifically trained and customized to their needs,” said Sean Fitzpatrick, CEO of LexisNexis North America, UK, and Ireland. “We’re working with our customers every step of the way to rapidly deliver AI innovations that enable them to work at peak performance and unlock new opportunities that generate value for their organizations.”

Since launching in the U.S. in October 2023, Lexis+ AI has expanded internationally into the U.K., Canada, France, and Australia; the U.S. version of Lexis+ AI is available to customers in the Middle East, Japan, and Korea.

LexisNexis is responsibly developing legal AI solutions with human oversight. LexisNexis, part of RELX, follows the RELX Responsible AI Principles, considering the real-world impact of its solutions on people and taking action to prevent the creation or reinforcement of unfair bias.

Lexis+ AI delivers trusted results with state-of-the-art encryption and privacy technology to keep data secure. Using an extensively enhanced LexisNexis proprietary Retrieval Augmented Generation 2.0 (RAG 2.0) platform, Lexis+ AI responses are grounded in the world’s largest repository of current, exclusive legal content which ensures the highest-quality answer with the most up-to-date validated citation references. Uploaded documents are always purged at the end of each session and users can easily manage or delete their prompt conversation history. The solution is continually improving with hundreds of thousands of rated answer samples by LexisNexis legal subject matter experts used for model tuning. LexisNexis employs over 2,000 technologists, data scientists, and subject matter experts to develop, test, and validate its solutions and deliver comprehensive, authoritative information.

Join more than 30,000 Lexis+ AI Insiders to get the latest in generative AI education and LexisNexis AI product news. To sign up for the Lexis+ AI Insider program, click here.

These enhancements are available now to customers on Lexis+ AI. For more information, visit www.lexisnexis.com/ai.

About LexisNexis Legal & Professional
LexisNexis^® Legal & Professional provides legal, regulatory, and business information and analytics that help customers increase their productivity, improve decision-making, achieve better outcomes, and advance the rule of law around the world. As a digital pioneer, the company was the first to bring legal and business information online with its Lexis^® and Nexis^® services. LexisNexis Legal & Professional, which serves customers in more than 150 countries with 11,800 employees worldwide, is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers.

 
Media Contact

Dana Greenstein
Director of Communications, North America & UK
LexisNexis Legal & Professional
212-448-2163
dana.greenstein@lexisnexis.com

Average law firm partner rates rose 5.4% in 2023, the highest levels since the first CounselLink Trends Report in 2013; Median partner billing rate in 750+ law firms is 61% higher than the next smaller tier 

RALEIGH, N.C. — In 2023, law firm billing rates rose at a record-setting pace with partner billing rates up, the highest levels recorded over the last 11 years, an exclusive new report has found from LexisNexis^® CounselLink^® , a leading cloud-based enterprise legal management solution for corporate law departments.

Average partner rates increased by 5.4% in 2023, up from 4.6% in 2022 and 3.4% in 2021. The 2023 boost to partner fees crosses all law firms and practice areas except Environmental.

Law firms of 750+ lawyers, considered Large Law, continue domination in share of wallet with a median partner billing rate 61% higher than the next tier. The gap in billing rates between Large Law and other tiers continues to widen.

“In this global economy affected by inflation, supply chain issues and regional conflict, the impact on legal services is significant,” said Pamela Gelfond, Vice President of LexisNexis CounselLink. “Our report provides a comprehensive snapshot of how these market factors affect the dynamic between corporate legal and law firms. We’re hopeful that the insightful data in this CounselLink report provides what’s needed for our clients to successfully maneuver these shifting sands.”

The CounselLink trends report draws on the extensive CounselLink database of more than $59 billion in legal spending across more than 460,000 timekeepers and more than 1.6 million matters. It provides detailed insights on seven key metrics, including law firm partner fees by firm size, hourly rates by practice area, firm size, and location, and a snapshot of hourly rates in 18 countries.

Other key findings in the report include:

• Despite reports to the contrary, there is no indication that clients are moving legal work from Large Law to mid-sized firms. The largest tier of firms has shown growth in share of wallet over each of the last two years, from generating 45.5% of legal billing in 2021 to 48.2% in 2023.

• Large law firms particularly dominate the market in Mergers & Acquisitions, Finance Loans & Investments, Corporate, Commercial and Contracts, and Regulatory & Compliance. Within these five practice areas commanding the highest billing rates, Large Law increased its share of wallet from 59.0% in 2022 to 60.3% in 2023.
• In 2023, the median partner in the largest law firms billed at a rate that was 61% higher than the median partner in the next tier of firms, the largest gap in partner rates recorded in the CounselLink Trends Report since 2013. The differential in 2022 was 49%. The Median partner rate in Large Law was $991 per hour in 2023 compared to $615 per hour in the next tier.
• Significantly, as partner rates continued to rise in 2023, matter rates did not rise across most practice areas. This indicates that management of matter mix (rates, timekeepers, alternative fee arrangements) is working favorably for corporate legal.

“Every day, corporate legal faces budget management challenges and the pressure of higher outside counsel fees. The insights provided in our CounselLink Trends Report add a layer of needed intelligence to gauge satisfaction with record-setting fees compared to the quality of legal services delivery,” said Gelfond. “New data in the report indicates share of legal spend for new matters showing a slight shift in how organizations award them. The CounselLink benchmarking database, a gold mine, enables us to spotlight analytics that benefit legal department performance.”

The CounseLink 2024 Trends Report: Dynamics Shaping the Future of Legal, now in its 11^th consecutive year, is available here.

About CounselLink^®

LexisNexis^® CounselLink^® is a leading enterprise legal and contract lifecycle management solution designed to help corporate legal departments gain visibility into their work, matters, contracts, vendors, and financials. CounselLink delivers Work Management, Financial Management, Matter Management, Contract Lifecycle Management, and Vendor Management solutions in one easy-to-use, cloud-based platform for controlling costs, maximizing productivity, and making better decisions — all supported by powerful analytics that provides data to demonstrate legal department value across the enterprise. For nearly 30 years, LexisNexis has been providing innovative solutions for corporate legal departments crafted from the insights of thought leaders, industry expertise, and customer feedback. Visit us online.

About LexisNexis Legal & Professional

LexisNexis Legal & Professional^® provides legal, regulatory, and business information and analytics that help customers increase their productivity, improve decision-making, achieve better outcomes, and advance the rule of law around the world. As a digital pioneer, the company was the first to bring legal and business information online with its Lexis^® and Nexis^® services. LexisNexis Legal & Professional, which serves customers in more than 150 countries with 11,800 employees worldwide, is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers.

 

Media Contact:
Tracey Iverson, CounselLink
tracey.iverson@lexisnexis.com

 

New York, NY – April 22, 2024 – In a challenge brought by TPR Education, LLC d/b/a The Princeton Review (TPR), BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division recommended Blueprint Test Preparation LLC discontinue certain express and implied claims made in connection with its four Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) preparation courses, including claims that Blueprint students raise their MCAT scores by 15 or 13 points on average.

+15 Point Claims

In support of the claim that Blueprint MCAT-prep students raise their scores by 15 points on average, Blueprint relied on two studies of past students who took a diagnostic test prior to the course and who met certain diligence criteria. The National Advertising Division (NAD) noted that advertising that touts a test preparation course’s ability to improve a test score can compare actual test scores to diagnostic test scores if the diagnostic results are demonstrated to be consistent with the results of the actual MCAT (and thus consumer relevant), the survey of test scores is reliable, and the basis of comparison is clear.

However, NAD found certain Blueprint claims, which refer to a 15- or 13-point increase over “official MCAT scores,” could reasonably convey the message that the improvement reflected a comparison of official MCAT tests. Therefore, NAD recommended Blueprint discontinue such claims but noted that other score increase claims can be qualified to state the comparison with diagnostic or practice test scores.

Further, NAD determined that Blueprint’s evidence was insufficient to support the +15 score claim for its Live Online course or all Blueprint courses and recommended that the company discontinue claims that:

• Blueprint students raise their MCAT scores by 15 points on average.
• The average MCAT score increase of Blueprint students is +15 points and 28% raise their MCAT scores by +20 or more points; 52% raise their MCAT scores by +15 or more points; and 83% raise their MCAT scores by +10 or more points.
• Blueprint’s Live Online Course students raise their MCAT scores by 15 points on average.
• Students who take Blueprint MCAT courses can expect to improve their scores on the official MCAT exam on average by +15 points.
• The average score improvement of all Blueprint MCAT students is 15 points.

+13 Point Claims

At the time of the challenge, Blueprint also made +13 point claims on the webpage of the Self-Paced Course, as well as on a separate webpage dedicated to the claim. The National Advertising Division (NAD) determined that Blueprint’s evidence did not provide a reasonable basis for these claims and recommended the company discontinue claims that:

• Blueprint students raise their MCAT scores by 13 points on average.
• The average MCAT score increase of Blueprint students is +13 points and 15% of Blueprint students raise their MCAT scores by +20 or more points; 41% raise their MCAT scores by +15 or more points; and 69% raise their MCAT scores by +10 or more points.
• Blueprint’s Self-Paced Course students raise their MCAT scores by 13 points on average.
• Blueprint students are statistically more likely to do well on the MCAT.
• Students who take Blueprint MCAT courses can expect to improve their scores on the official MCAT exam on average by +13 points.
• The average score improvement of all Blueprint MCAT students is 13 points.

Superiority Claims

The National Advertising Division (NAD) recommended that Blueprint discontinue or modify the claim that “Blueprint students are statistically more likely to do well on the MCAT,” but found the claim did not convey a superiority message over competitors. In so finding, NAD noted that while the claims that follow limit the claim to a comparison to all MCAT test takers, there is no evidence in the record that analyzes Blueprint students as compared to all MCAT test takers.

In its advertiser statement, Blueprint stated that it was “pleased that the NAD has provided some concrete suggestions as to how members of the test prep industry can better document the reliability, representativeness, and relevance to students of the point increases achieved on the official MCAT relative to the diagnostic test,” and that it “will comply with the decision.”

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. The National Advertising Division reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.

Contact:
Jennie Rosenberg
Media Relations
BBB National Programs
press@bbbnp.org

• Three one-MICHELIN-Star restaurants added in Miami, four in Orlando and two in Tampa, bringing new total to 26
• Green Star restaurants added to the selection for the first time
• 149 restaurants, 38 cuisine types make up Florida’s 2024 selection

 

TAMPA, Fla., April 18, 2024 — Nine restaurants joined the sought-after group of MICHELIN-Starred restaurants in Florida, as the 2024 selection of the MICHELIN Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa was announced Thursday night at the Tampa EDITION hotel.

In total, 26 restaurants were awarded Stars by the anonymous MICHELIN Guide inspectors, with L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Miami remaining atop the list with two MICHELIN Stars. This year’s selection includes 149 restaurants and 38 types of cuisine with the new Stars including Japanese, Peruvian, Vietnamese and Scandinavian.

“Since the arrival of the MICHELIN Guide to Florida in 2022, there has been significant growth in the state’s local culinary scene, proving Florida is a leading gastronomic destination for travelers near and far,” said Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “In addition to the nine new restaurants awarded one MICHELIN Star, we are thrilled to announce Green Star restaurants in the selection for the first time, showcasing these restaurants’ commitment to a more sustainable gastronomy.”

Here are the new MICHELIN-Starred restaurants, with inspector notes from each (inspectors’ comments in full on the MICHELIN Guide website and mobile app):

Orlando

Camille (Vietnamese cuisine)

Chef Tung Phan has taken the pop-up and given it permanence at this space just off Lake Baldwin. Seats at the counter feature the ten-course Vietnamese-French tasting menu, while booths offer an abbreviated version. Rooted in French techniques, Vietnamese flavors are given a refined twist here. The Dungeness crab curry arrives with a tartlet shell, filled with crab meat and mixed with lime, served atop the lid, which when removed, reveals a deliciously hearty curry. Salmon over king trumpet noodles in a tamarind and pineapple sauce is creative, but the best may be saved for last. The sweet potato brioche topped with a “gold” chocolate ice cream and Vietnamese coffee sauce is an elegant finale.

Natsu (Japanese cuisine)

At Natsu, there are just two seatings a night at this intimate omakase where a 10-seat counter dominates a spartan-styled room. Meals begin with four dishes from Chefs Stone and Sky, including chawanmushi and truffle kampachi, served with crispy potato straws and a yuzu truffle vinaigrette for an unexpected flavor combination that is especially memorable. The sushi is impressive and doesn’t gild the lily, as in skin-on barracuda with a dynamic char or soy-marinated salmon that finishes ever-so-sweetly. Supremely buttery toro needs no flourish and is melt-in-your-mouth tender. It all rounds out with a hand roll and ice cream.

Papa Llama (Peruvian cuisine)

Husband-and-wife duo Kevin and Maria Ruiz prepare modern Peruvian cuisine full of bright ingredients with a bit of polish, and the multicourse tasting menu is an approachable (and affordable) way to sample their sincere cooking. Nigiri kicks off the meal with a smart nod to the Peruvian tradition of Japanese fusion, delivering dialed-in flavors with confidence. Bok choy is elevated with bold, contrasting textures, while chicken thigh roulade with aji amarillo aioli is simply spectacular. For dessert, sweet potato donuts over a blueberry compote seal the deal.

Victoria & Albert’s (Contemporary cuisine)

Nestled within Disney’s crown jewel, the Grand Floridian Resort, this restaurant is by no means an easy reservation. The setting is intimate, and the pacing is that of a leisurely, three-hour waltz orchestrated by a gracious brigade of veteran servers. Chef Matthew Sowers cooks with contemporary verve and draws on influences spanning from Asia to the Nordics. Think delicate tarts set with New Zealand langoustine, striking “sandwiches” made with venison carpaccio and red cabbage, and bold sauces like cherry-cola bordelaise. Other details like water lists, an ornate coffee and tea service, and a serious wine program further impress.

Miami

EntreNos (Contemporary cuisine)

Chefs Evan Burgess and Osmel Gonzalez are at the helm of this dinner-only spot where a tightly edited à la carte menu puts the spotlight on Florida’s seasons (and almost everything is sourced from the Sunshine State). The eclectic space has an inviting feel, and the high dining counter offers a prime view of the open kitchen. High-quality ingredients meet serious skill here. The smoked dry-aged cobia is a perfect example of what this place does so well. Dry-aged for one week in-house, then smoked and finished over the grill, it’s served with a Moujean tea beurre blanc sauce. Pumpkin flan is churned into ice cream and topped with pepita granola and coffee espumita for a dessert that is as unexpected as it is delightful.

Ogawa (Japanese cuisine)

Chef/co-owner Masayuki Komatsu commands a presence with an omakase that stuns with a series of enticing cooked dishes and a procession of focused and skillful nigiri. From baby sea eels with a soy-cured quail egg and bigfin reef squid in a shiso-miso sauce to baby snow crab and Japanese-style herring roe, this appetizer of four bites is the first sign that this isn’t your typical sushi counter. Then, lotus root, wild yam and langoustine tempura is sided by a thick sauce made from roasted langoustine shells. After the cooked dishes, nigiri comes next with bright and balanced kisu, creamy ebodai, squid topped with osetra caviar and anago dusted with sansho pepper exemplifying the chef’s skill.

Shingo (Japanese cuisine)

Chef Shingo Akikuni, ever gracious and welcoming, has returned, now back in action behind a spacious, 14-seat counter in Coral Gables. Chef Akikuni and his second-in-command handle the crowd without breaking a sweat and even switch sides midway through the meal. Once the room fills with the sharp smell of vinegar to mix into the sushi rice, it’s off to the races. Fish is sourced almost entirely from Japan, sliced in uniform fashion, and dressed with little more than a swipe of nikiri. They keep a close eye on the seasons too, evidenced by a recent special of high-grade tuna from Aomori prefecture and an indulgent chawanmushi with matsutake.

Tampa

Ebbe (Contemporary cuisine)

Chef Ebbe Vollmer’s eponymous downtown dweller isn’t your typical Tampa restaurant. Scandinavian elements make their way onto the dishes here, hinting at the chef’s Swedish background, and the cooking is both clever and confident without superfluous fuss. Artful plating takes center stage in dishes like the beet roulade with a brown butter and black cherry sauce. Fermented white asparagus beurre monté and sautéed spinach make a beautiful base for tender turbot that comes alive with a quenelle of sturgeon caviar. Braised oxtail with seared foie gras and a brunoise of sunchoke is equally rich and tender.

Kōsen (Japanese cuisine)

Though a two-concept spot (Kō is a separate space for kaiseki), all eyes should be on the omakase, which Chef Wei Chen runs with skill and precision. Delicate sea bream wrapped around sprouts with shaved black truffle delivers dialed-in flavors, while tempura-fried kamasu, served with myoga and chilled, roasted sweet eggplant, is smart and spot on. After a handful of dishes from the kitchen, they progress into the nigiri. There’s plenty of showmanship and style, but the sushi leans traditional without a lot of fuss, as in the kinmedai, seared, then hit with a squeeze of lime.

MICHELIN Green Star

Kaya (Orlando; Filipino cuisine)

Initiatives: more than 90% of produce comes from Florida farms; sourcing produce and seafood from local suppliers with the intention of improving the local restaurant-farmer-community ecosystem; minimizing waste through intentional and creative utilization of byproducts.

Los Félix/Krüs Kitchen (Miami; Mexican/Contemporary cuisine)

Initiatives: elimination of using seed oils; partnership with a local producer who farms on a milpa and fosters the harmony of vegetables; sourcing fish species from a local supplier; grass-fed/grass-finished meats, lamb and heritage pork.

Bib Gourmand

The MICHELIN Guide inspectors found 33 restaurants worthy of the Bib Gourmand distinction, which recognizes great food at a great value. These are restaurants where one can have two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for about $50. There were 18 in the Miami area, 11 in the Orlando area and four in the Tampa area.

Special Awards

In addition to the Bib Gourmand and Stars awards, the Guide announced four MICHELIN Special Awards, highlighting particularly skillful professionals from the industry:

The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony is presented with the support of Capital One.

Hotels

The full restaurant selection for Miami, Orlando and Tampa will join the MICHELIN Guide selection of hotels, which features the most unique and exciting places to stay in Florida and throughout the world.       

Every hotel in the Guide is chosen for its extraordinary style, service, and personality — with options for all budgets — and each hotel can be booked directly through the MICHELIN Guide website and app. The selection for Florida features the state’s most spectacular hotels, including sustainability pioneers like the Hotel Greystone, standouts from our “Plus” collection like the Esmé and Standard hotels in Miami, restored mid-century motels like the Vagabond Hotel, cutting-edge designs like the Tampa EDITION and Lake Nona Wave Hotel, and even hotels with MICHELIN Guide restaurants, like Faena Miami Beach.

The MICHELIN Guide is a benchmark in gastronomy. Now it’s setting a new standard for hotels. Visit the MICHELIN Guide website, or download the free app for iOS and Android, to discover every restaurant in the selection and book an unforgettable hotel.

The MICHELIN Guide in North America

Michelin announced its first North American Guide in 2005 for New York. Guides have also been added in Chicago (2011); Washington, D.C. (2017); California (San Francisco in 2008, statewide 2019); Miami/Orlando/Tampa, Florida (2022); Toronto (2022); Vancouver (2022); Colorado (2023); and Atlanta (2023).

About the MICHELIN Guide
Recognized globally for excellence and quality, the MICHELIN Guide offers a selection of world-class restaurants.

• The famous one, two and three MICHELIN Stars identify establishments serving exceptional cuisine that’s rich in flavor, remarkably executed and infused with the personality of a talented chef.
• The Bib Gourmand is a designation given to select restaurants that offer good quality food for a good value – often known as personal favorites among the inspectors when dining on their own time.
• The MICHELIN Green Star honors restaurants that are pioneers in sustainable gastronomy.
• Recommended restaurants and special professional awards are also highlighted by the MICHELIN Guide inspectors.

The MICHELIN Guide remains a reliable companion for any traveler seeking an unforgettable meal and hospitality experience. The Guide was first published in France at the turn of the 20th century to encourage the development of car mobility as well as tire sales by giving practical advice to motorists. Progressively, the Guide has specialized in restaurant and hotel recommendations. Michelin’s inspectors still use the same criteria and manner of selection that were used by the inspectors in the very beginning.

The restaurant selections join the MICHELIN Guide selection of hotels, which features the most unique and exciting places to stay around the world. Visit the MICHELIN Guide website, or download the free app for iOS and Android, to discover every restaurant in the selection and book an amazing hotel.

Thanks to the rigorous MICHELIN Guide selection process that is applied independently and consistently in more than 40 destinations, the MICHELIN Guide has become an international benchmark in fine dining.

All restaurants in the Guide are recommended by Michelin’s anonymous inspectors, who are trained to apply the same time-tested methods used by Michelin inspectors for many decades throughout the world. This ensures a uniform, international standard of excellence. As a further guarantee of complete objectivity, Michelin inspectors pay all their bills in full, and only the quality of the cuisine is evaluated.

To fully assess the quality of a restaurant, the inspectors apply five criteria defined by Michelin: product quality; mastery of cooking techniques; harmony of flavors; the personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine; and consistency over time and across the entire menu. These criteria guarantee a consistent and fair selection so a Starred restaurant has the same value regardless of whether it is in Paris, New York or anywhere else in the world.

About Michelin North America, Inc.
Michelin, the leading mobility company, is working with tires, around tires and beyond tires to enable Motion for Life. Dedicated to enhancing its clients’ mobility and sustainability, Michelin designs and distributes the most suitable tires, services and solutions for its customers’ needs. Michelin provides digital services, maps and guides to help enrich travel and make them unique experiences. Bringing its expertise to new markets, the company is investing in high-technology materials, 3D printing and hydrogen, to serve a wide variety of industries — from aerospace to biotech. Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, Michelin North America has approximately 23,500 employees and operates 34 production facilities in the United States and Canada. (michelinman.com)

About Capital One
At Capital One we’re on a mission for our customers – bringing them best-in-class products, rewards, service, and experiences. Capital One is a diversified bank that offers products and services to individuals, small businesses and commercial clients. We use technology, innovation, and interaction to provide consumers with products and services to meet their needs. Through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment, we provide our rewards cardholders with access to unforgettable experiences in the areas they’re passionate about, including dining, music and sports. Learn more at capitalone.com/dining and capitalone.com/entertainment.

 

For more information, contact:
Carly Grieff
Michelin North America
carly.grieff@michelin.com

Devon Gunn
Capital One
devon.gunn@capitalone.com
Phone: 571-308-4762

New York, NY – April 18, 2024 – In a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge brought by Blueprint Test Preparation LLC, BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division recommended that TPR Education, LLC d/b/a The Princeton Review (TPR), discontinue claims that its students “Score a 515+ on the MCAT or add 15 points depending on your starting score. Guaranteed or your money back.”

Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited process designed for single-issue advertising cases brought to the National Advertising Division (NAD). Blueprint argued that TPR’s claims of 515+ or +15 points are performance claims that require substantiation.

NAD concluded that the money-back guarantee was clearly and conspicuously disclosed with every iteration of TPR’s claim—either as part of the main claim or immediately afterward. But NAD also concluded that TPR conveyed an affirmative performance claim that a substantial portion of its customers taking these courses will be able to achieve a 15-point increase or a 515+ score. In so finding, NAD noted that TPR is not just claiming that the product will be effective, but that it will be effective in creating particular quantified results.

Since there was no evidence in the record that a substantial proportion of consumers will be able to obtain a 15-point increase or a 515+ score on their MCAT exams by taking TPR’s courses, NAD recommended that TPR discontinue the challenged claims.

In its advertiser’s statement, TPR said that it “agrees to comply with NAD’s recommendations” though it disagrees with “NAD’s finding that the challenged money back guarantee claims convey a performance message.”

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. The National Advertising Division reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.

Contact Information:
Name: Jennie Rosenberg
Email: jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations

New York, NY – April 15, 2024 – In a challenge brought by Chosen Foods, LLC, BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division recommended that Lily of the Desert Nutraceuticals, Inc., discontinue the claim “100% Pure Avocado Oil” for its Tropical Plantation Avocado Oil and avoid conveying the unsupported message that the product is 100% pure avocado oil.

In its decision, the National Advertising Division (NAD) recognized the impact “100%” claims have on consumers, conveying a message of completeness and certainty that vaguer language may not. NAD noted that the label art on Tropical Plantation brand Avocado Oil showcases pristine avocados and avocado oil, reinforcing the message that the product contains a single ingredient. Likewise, NAD noted the back of the bottle claims that the product is “100% Pure Avocado Oil,” “made from Hass Avocados.” 

NAD determined that Lily’s evidence does not individually, or collectively, provide support for the claim that Tropical Plantation is “100% Pure” avocado oil. While Lily’s testing indicates that the oil used meets internal specifications and standards, the authenticity and purity of the source oil remains undetermined.

NAD also determined that the challenged advertising reasonably conveys the implied messages that:

• Lily’s avocado oil is made exclusively from avocado oil;
• Lily’s avocado oil does not contain non-avocado oils, including but not limited to sunflower oil, safflower oil, and soybean oil; and
• Lily’s avocado oil has the chemical properties of other, unadulterated avocado oils.

Therefore, NAD concluded that Lily did not provide a reasonable basis of support for the challenged “100% Pure Avocado Oil” claim and recommended that it be discontinued and that Lily avoid conveying the unsupported message that the product is 100% pure avocado oil.

In its advertiser statement, Lily stated that it will comply with NAD’s recommendations.

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.

 

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. The National Advertising Division reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.

 

Contact:
Jennie Rosenberg
Media Relations
BBB National Programs
press@bbbnp.org