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Visibility, Credibility, and Growth.

From media strategy to reputation management, we explore the trends shaping public perception and share the approaches that drive measurable results for growing brands.

Two Decades Driving Client Success: Communiqué PR at 20

Over the past twenty years, we’ve witnessed extraordinary change.

The emergence of the iPhone in 2007, the rise of social media, and the creation of influencer culture have reshaped how we communicate, creating an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

We’ve also seen dramatic shifts fueled by the advent of cloud computing, a global financial crisis, the ascent of e-commerce, rapid advancements of AI, challenges posed by fake news, and a global pandemic. Strategic communications and public relations have evolved amidst these shifts, and so have we.

This year, the Communiqué PR team celebrates its 20th anniversary. This milestone presents a time for reflection on the evolution of technology, changes across the media landscape, and the success and growth of our colleagues and clients. We didn’t merely witness transformative changes; we navigated them with purpose and adaptability. Embracing the dynamic landscape, our team took the helm, steering through the challenges and capitalizing on new opportunities to help our clients achieve their most important business goals.

To commemorate our 20th anniversary, we want to spotlight the remarkable success of our clients, and the stories we have developed and shared on their behalf over the years.

Our clients are not just business associates; they are partners on a shared journey. The trust they’ve bestowed upon us has been the driving force behind our commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, and staying at the forefront of industry trends.

From early-stage companies that blossomed into industry leaders to established enterprises that underwent transformative journeys, each success story is a testament to our clients’ trust. Here are a few of the highlights from the past 20 years:

  • Collaborated with teams to prepare for successful exits – more than 20 through acquisitions or IPOs.
  • Launched hundreds of new products, ranging from Darigold’s White Cheddar Cheese to B2B software from BitTitan, Mosaicx, Tideworks Technology, and more.
  • Managed and participated in media relations events such as a cocktail party in Barcelona, a media gathering at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, WSDOT’s opening of the new SR-99 designed by HNTB, Facebook’s office opening in Seattle, and a press conference for Bank of America.
  • Capitalized on changes within the technology landscape with newsjacking for Amperity around Google’s deprecation of third-party cookies and what it means for advertisers; introduced Kymeta’s scalable satellite solution for continuous, high-quality broadband access anywhere in the world; and demonstrated how Carbon Robotics’ LaserWeeder is disrupting the agriculture industry.
  • Announced hundreds of millions of dollars in new funding for clients, including Big Fish Games, Carbon Robotics, Revel Systems, Smartsheet, and Spaceflight, among others.
  • Helped teams prepare for and navigate through crisis situations, including the destruction of rockets, labor disputes, accidents, fire, and criminal acts. In business, challenges are inevitable, and we are committed to helping our clients successfully navigate them.
  • Accompanied executives on media and analyst tours, visiting the offices of the New York Times, Tech Target, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Dow Jones Newswire, Inc., Seattle Times, InStyle.com, Family Circle, Reuters, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, San Francisco Chronicle, Red Herring, and San Jose Mercury News, among others.
  • Celebrated our clients’ milestones and impressive growth, including HNTB’s 100th anniversary; Delta-Q Technologies’ 20th anniversary, its new headquarter offices, exceptional revenue performance, and global expansion with ZAPI GROUP; Spaceflight’s new offices; LeoStella’s new manufacturing facility; Darigold’s 100th anniversary; and Tideworks’ 20th

As many of you know, running a business is no easy feat. We were reminded of this when we started Communiqué PR, facing the sobering statistic that 30 percent of new enterprises falter in their first two years. According to the Small Business Administration, an average of 50 percent of new employer businesses survive at least five years, 30 percent survive at least ten years, and only 25 percent survive at least fifteen years. Our journey has not been without hurdles, but it has been one of learning, adaptation, and growth.

As we reflect on the past, we also look to the future. The next chapter of Communiqué will be marked by our continuous commitment to excellence, innovation, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of our clients’ success. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and the prospect of writing more success stories together.

As Communiqué PR steps into its next chapter, we do so with excitement and anticipation. Here’s to the next twenty years and beyond! Thank you for joining us on this remarkable journey.

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Preparing Panelists for Virtual Conferences

Virtual conferences have gained popularity in today’s remote working environment. Compared to in-person gatherings, they offer the potential to reach more attendees and save up to 75% in event production fees.

Virtual events are now a cornerstone of networking and information-sharing, especially for global organizations with a distributed workforce and international customer base. Virtual gatherings remove geographical barriers, enabling professionals from diverse locations to share expertise and engage in meaningful discussions.

Panels at virtual conferences are exciting opportunities to discuss industry trends, innovations, and challenges that impact both the industry and the company’s customers. Panelists can leverage these discussions to share their expertise, build credibility, establish thought leadership, and expand their professional network on a global scale.

Planning for panels is essential to ensure smooth and engaging sessions. Below are some best practices to set up panelists for success. These tips can be used by PR or marketing teams to help executives prepare for sessions or even conference organizers who are helping coordinate handfuls of sessions with various moderators and panelists. These steps should occur after deciding on the panel topic and appropriate panelists.

  1. Be Proactive with Communication

Before the event, establish clear lines of communication with panelists. Share the agenda, expectations, and background materials to ensure everyone is on the same page. Be proactive in anticipating questions during prep calls. Information about conference themes, target audiences, and key discussion points helps speakers tailor their insights to the event’s goals. While it may seem like a lot of content and emails, more information ensures panelists feel prepared.

  1. Prep the Moderator and Draft Panel Questions

After confirming the panel topic, notify the moderator and seek their input. Provide the moderator with comprehensive information about the topic and panelists. Brief the moderator on the format, time constraints, and logistics, including the pronunciation of panelists’ names. Keeping in mind the length of the panel and number of panelists, work with the moderator to develop panel questions.

  1. Set Up & Host Pre-Event Briefing Calls

Schedule and conduct pre-session briefing calls to help panelists and the moderator build rapport and prepare for the event. After creating a list of questions, set up a briefing to discuss the agenda, format, questions, and expectations. Clarify objectives with panelists, confirming key points and takeaways for the audience. Walk through each question, gauging which panelists will lead each response and discussing time allocation for each question. Depending on the panel’s focus, holding multiple prep sessions may help the panelists deliberate talking points and secure diverse perspectives from the group. These steps will help ensure a well-rounded and inclusive discussion.

  1. Hold Tech Rehearsals

In separate calls or during pre-briefings, allow panelists to test the meeting platform, links, audio, and video technology in advance. This helps ensure that everyone is familiar and comfortable with the platform while providing a chance to troubleshoot technical issues. Moderators can also use tech tests to explore interactive features like audience polls or Q&A break-out rooms, enhancing engagement and insights. Ensure that lighting and camera angles are optimal for each panelist.

  1. Provide Speaker Coaching

If time allows, offer panelists public speaking strategies for engagement, including eye contact with the camera, expressive body language, interaction with other panelists, and enthusiasm when responding to audience questions.

These best practices help ensure a smooth and successful virtual conference. Thoughtful preparations transform a virtual panel session into a positive and informative experience for panelists and attendees.

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Elevate Your Reach Through Social Media: Writing Tips for Engaging Posts

Reaching a social media audience isn’t easy. Millions upon millions of posts compete for our attention. Connecting with the right audience takes a thoughtful, intentional online presence.

So what are the best ways to improve your audience reach?

Whether you’re promoting products, building a personal brand, or just sharing experiences, social media engagement is fueled by effective writing. Below I’ll explore some tips to help you create impactful and memorable social media posts.

  • Know Your Objectives: Before creating content, clearly define your objectives. Are you looking to increase brand awareness, drive website traffic, or promote a product or service? Your writing should align with these goals, ensuring each post contributes to your broader communications strategy.
  • Know Your Audience: Understanding your target audience is the foundation of effective social media communication. Consider their demographics, interests, and preferences. Engage with your audience by asking questions, responding to comments, and addressing their needs and concerns. Your social media posts should offer value to your audience. Position yourself as a resource, and your audience will be more likely to engage with and trust your content.
  • Keep It Concise: Brevity is key in social media. Because so many posts compete for engagement, readers’ attention spans are short. Focus on conveying your main point without unnecessary embellishments. While it depends on the platform you use, generally, posts with 50 or fewer characters tend to get the most engagement, according to BuzzSumo. Posts shorter than 80 characters receive up to 66 percent more engagement. Concise sentences make your content easily digestible.
  • Be Authentic: Authenticity builds trust. Whether you’re a brand or an individual, be yourself. Authenticity fosters a connection with your audience and creates more meaningful interactions. Connecting to your readers through storytelling or humor can make it more relatable and memorable for your audience.

  • #Hashtags: Hashtags are invaluable for increasing your content’s discoverability. Research and use relevant hashtags to expand your reach and connect with a broader audience. However, too many hashtags can make your content look spammy. In our post, LinkedIn Posting Dos and Don’ts, we reference research from Pierre-Nicolas Schwab that finds the optimal number of hashtags is around three. Creating a balanced number of hashtags enhances visibility without compromising quality.
  • Edit and Proofread: Typos and grammatical errors can undermine the professionalism of your social media presence. Take the time to proofread your posts before publishing. Use tools like grammar checkers to catch mistakes. Well-edited content reflects positively on your brand or personal image.
  • Analyze and Optimize: Regularly reviewing and analyzing how your posts perform can improve future posts. Analytics tools can help identify the types of content that resonate most with your audience. This data can help improve your social media strategy over time.
  • Monitor Trends and Stay Relevant: Social media is dynamic, so it’s important to stay informed about industry trends, cultural events, and relevant hashtags. Incorporating trending topics into your content shows that you are active and engaged online. For example, Communiqué will often use trends in marketing or news to establish the relevance of our client’s news and boost engagement, furthering our communication objectives.

Social media writing is a skill that can be honed with practice and attention to detail. By following these tips, you can elevate your social media game and create content that resonates with your audience. Remember, authenticity, engagement, brevity, and analytics tools will help you leave a lasting impression online.

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A Year in Review: BitTitan in 2023

As we move into 2024, I decided to reflect on BitTitan‘s 2023 coverage. BitTitan is a top-tier provider of migration and managed services automation solutions, trusted by IT professionals worldwide to effectively deploy and manage cloud technologies. Its flagship product, MigrationWiz, is the go-to SaaS solution for migrating mailboxes, documents, public folders, and Microsoft Teams across platforms.

One of BitTitan’s main goals in 2023 was securing North American thought leadership opportunities. Numerous BitTitan leaders and executives shared their perspectives on current trends (migrations, the cloud, patchwork IT, mergers and acquisitions, etc.) in 2023, including:

  • Stacey Farrar, product marketing manager
  • Frank Suglia, vice president of technical support, data and developer tools
  • Bailey Smith, customer success engineer
  • Rob Reinauer, director of data products
  • Brad Rosairo, former director of Asia Pacific
  • Tosin Vaithilingam, former senior solution architect

In 2023, these executives published a total of 36 articles on North American sites, a 9% increase from 2022. These articles earned approximately 6,179,897 impressions in 2023. Some of the topics they explored included:

  • Modern Authentication: How Microsoft’s move from Basic Authentication to Modern Authentication impacts email migrations for IT professionals.
  • 2023 Predictions: The trends and themes expected to emerge in 2023, including hybrid work, multi-cloud environments, automation, authentication and migration tools.
  • End-Of-Support for Microsoft 2013: In April, Microsoft ended support for Office 2013, causing many to migrate to Microsoft 365. The articles explored the steps IT professionals should take to ensure successful migrations.
  • Divestitures: The challenges that MSPs face and the best practices they should consider to ensure a smooth migration during a divestiture.
  • Patchwork IT: Understanding the factors that contribute to the emergence of patchwork IT and how MSPs can effectively mitigate complications.
  • Mergers and Acquisitions: How artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how tech assets are evaluated for mergers and acquisitions.
  • Free Vs. Paid Tools: What IT professionals should consider when they are evaluating free versus paid migration tools.
  • Microsoft Copilot: What IT professionals should know to ensure successful migrations to Microsoft 365 to take advantage of Copilot.
  • 2024 Predictions: The trends and themes expected to emerge in 2024, including cloud migrations, AI, accelerated migrations and multi-cloud scenarios.

If you’re interested in learning more about BitTitan’s perspective on these topics, below is the complete list of editorial coverage in 2023:

Microsoft Copilot

  1. BetaNews, Navigating the transition to Microsoft 365…just in time for Copilot, 12/18/2023
  2. Digitizing Polaris, Migrating to Microsoft 365 to Take Advantage of Copilot, 12/18/2023

2024 Predictions

  1. CloudTweaks, Forecasting Cloud Trends in 2024, 12/13/2023
  2. Digitizing Polaris, Unpacking the top 4 IT and cloud forecasts for 2024, 12/6/2023
  3. BetaNews, 2024 vision: Trends shaping the IT landscape, 12/3/2023
  4. VMblog, BitTitan 2024 Predictions: What IT professionals should expect in the new year, 11/27/2023

Free Vs. Paid Migration Tools

  1. BetaNews, 5 Criteria for Evaluating Free vs. Paid Migration Tools, 11/2/2023
  2. CloudTweaks, Six things to consider when choosing between free and paid migration tools, 11/2/2023
  3. VMblog, Paid versus free: Which migration tool is right for you?, 11/2/2023

AI’s Impact on Mergers and Acquisitions

  1. RT Insights, How Artificial Intelligence Can Improve the M&A Process, 8/29/2023
  2. Channel Pro Network, Put AI to Work to Improve the Merger and Acquisition Process, 8/24/2023
  3. VMblog, The Power of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the M&A Process, 7/18/2023
  4. BetaNews, How Artificial Intelligence enhances mergers and acquisitions, 7/13/2023
  5. CloudTweaks, Artificial intelligence’s impact on mergers and acquisitions, 7/13/2023

Patchwork IT

  1. Network Computing, Resolving Patchwork Systems for Smoother Operations, 7/6/2023
  2. Digitizing Polaris, Tips for MSPs when handling a patchwork of solutions, 6/14/2023
  3. CloudTweaks, How MSPs can resolve a patchwork of solutions, 5/31/2023
  4. VMblog, How Companies Can Move Beyond Patchwork IT Solutions, 5/23/2023
  5. BetaNews, Tackling patchwork IT: Key strategies MSPs can use to streamline solutions, 5/18/2023

Divestitures and Migrations

  1. RT Insights, How to Execute a Successful Migration During a Divestiture, 5/9/2023
  2. Channel Futures, Migration Tips MSPs Can Follow During Divestitures, 4/14/2023
  3. VMblog, Executing Successful Data Migrations During Divestitures: Best Practices for MSPs, 4/10/2023
  4. CloudTweaks, Maximizing Value And Minimizing Risk: Key Considerations For Divestiture Migrations, 4/5/2023

End of support for Microsoft 2013

  1. Channel Pro Network, Steps To Successfully Migrate To Modern Productivity Platforms, 4/5/2023
  2. VMblog, End of Support for Microsoft Office 2013: What to Know Before You Migrate, 2/27/2023
  3. BetaNews, Adios, Microsoft Office 2013 support: What IT pros should know for migrations, 2/23/2023
  4. CloudTweaks, Tips for conducting migrations after support for Microsoft Office 2013 ends, 2/23/2023

Modern Authentication

  1. Channel Pro Network, The Death of Basic Authentication and Impact on Migrations, 2/8/2023
  2. CD Insights, The Move To Modern Auth and Its Effect On Migrations, 1/25/2023
  3. Digitizing Polaris, Mitigating migration issues during the switch to Modern Auth, 1/3/2023

2023 Predictions

  1. Channel Pro Network, Multi-cloud Adoption Keeps Businesses Nimble in Turbulent Times, 3/27/2023
  2. VMblog, What’s to Come for the Cloud in 2023, 1/30/2023
  3. CloudTweaks, The Evolving Cloud: What to Expect in 2023, 1/18/2023
  4. MSP Insights, 5 Cloud Trends to Watch in 2023, 1/18/2023
  5. BetaNews, 5 Cloud Space Trends to Watch in 2023, 1/16/2023

Education Institutions Consolidation of Tech

  1. eCampus News, How to Consolidate Tech to Provide Seamless UX and Cost Savings, 1/17/2023
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Hit Refresh in 2024: 10 New Year’s Resolutions for the Workplace

A new year feels like a new beginning. It’s an opportunity to hit refresh on our personal and professional lives, to embrace change, cultivate growth and set forth on a path of renewed determination.

Below are 10 New Year’s resolutions to help you chart a course for workplace success, enhanced productivity and professional fulfillment in 2024.

#1: Tidy Up

Tidying up desks, organizing computer files, and decluttering our surroundings can profoundly boost efficiency and well-being. An organized workspace fosters a sense of control and order. It minimizes distractions, allowing us to focus on tasks with greater clarity.

This year, resolve to create a more streamlined and efficient work environment. Take a few moments to declutter your desk, organize digital files, and clear out unnecessary paperwork. Not only will this contribute to a more productive and stress-free workday, it will also set the tone for a successful and organized year ahead.

#2: Prioritize Work-Life Balance

In the new year, prioritize balance. Reclaim your lunch break by stepping away from your desk. Whether it’s a brisk walk or simply enjoying a meal away from work, recharging can do wonders for your well-being.

Consider setting stricter boundaries around work hours. Some boundaries might include signing off at 5 p.m. and turning off email notifications during non-working hours. A digital detox helps you unwind and clearly defines where your professional life ends, and personal life begins.

Lastly, resolve to use your vacation days wisely. Time off is not a luxury but a necessity for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

#3: Be Positive

One powerful resolution is to start each workday with a positive mindset, focusing on gratitude and opportunities. Approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.

Consider incorporating mindfulness practices or brief moments of reflection into your daily routine. This helps promote a positive mental outlook. Embracing optimism can significantly impact our individual well-being and the overall atmosphere of the office and your team.

#4: Revamp Your LinkedIn Profile

In the professional world, LinkedIn is crucial to your overall personal brand. Just like your resume, you need to keep the information, tone, and its look up to date. Check out some of your connections’ profiles for inspiration and tweak your page for a similar effect. Consider updating your headshot and whether you should post content more regularly.

#5: Sharpen Your Expertise

Prioritize your professional growth in 2024. Commit to taking a professional development course or obtaining a relevant certification. Whether it’s expanding your knowledge in a specific area or acquiring a new skill set, investing in your professional development enhances your expertise.

Look for online courses, workshops, or industry-specific certifications that align with your career goals. By expanding your knowledge and skills, you’re not just making a resolution—you’re investing in your own success and ensuring you remain at the top of your field.

#6: Expand Your Network

Are you a member of a professional organization? Do you participate in networking events? If not, consider making a change this year. Networking helps you connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and gain insights from people in your industry. Attend conferences, workshops, or local meetups to establish meaningful connections that may lead to collaborations, mentorships, or even new job prospects.

Make it a goal to step out of your comfort zone and engage with professionals within and outside your immediate circle. Remember, the relationships you build today can be instrumental in shaping your professional success tomorrow.

#7: Perfect the Art of Saying No

Effectively managing our workloads requires setting boundaries and clearly communicating our bandwidth. One key strategy is to embrace the art of delegation. When a task exceeds your current capacity, practice distributing responsibilities and negotiating deadlines.

Additionally, hone the skill of diplomatic communication when confronted with requests that could overwhelm your schedule. Saying no isn’t about shutting doors but rather managing expectations and ensuring the quality of your work remains uncompromised. The ability to decline gracefully is not just a personal skill; it helps maintain a healthy work-life balance and sustain professional relationships.

#8: Update Your Resume

When was the last time you gave your resume a thorough revision? Is its style still current? Is the information correct? Make it a goal to review and polish your resume, even if you don’t plan on applying anywhere. It’s always best to regularly update your resume while new information is fresh in your mind.

#9: Find (or be) a Work Mentor

The right mentor can propel your career forward. Is there a person at your company who you highly respect? Don’t just look up to them. Ask if they are willing to mentor you. Mentorships work best if they are a recognized relationship.

Consider becoming a mentor yourself. The impact of mentorship is reciprocal, and offering guidance to a colleague can be equally rewarding. Identify individuals within your organization who may benefit from your expertise and insights. Extend a hand and express your willingness to support and guide them, fostering a collaborative work environment. Share your experiences, provide guidance, and celebrate achievements together. Mentorships can ripple throughout your organization, promoting a culture of continuous learning and development.

#10: Champion Your Team

Everyone wants to feel seen and appreciated. Take the time to send thank-you notes or emails, acknowledging your colleagues’ hard work. Be specific in your praise and highlight the unique contributions that have made a difference. Actively seek opportunities to commend your team members during meetings or informal conversations, recognizing their accomplishments and efforts. Highlight client kudos to the broader team to celebrate the value an individual has added. A team champion boosts morale and encourages members to continue to strive for excellence because they know the impact of their work.

As we enter the new year, let these workplace resolutions serve as your compass, guiding you toward greater success and fulfillment. Cheers to a fantastic year ahead!

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What’s on the Horizon for PR Professionals in 2024

In public relations, adaptability is not just a strategy—it’s a requirement. The industry is in the midst of a redefinition, and PR professionals must continually find new and innovative means to adapt.

Below is a little of what we saw in 2023 and what you can expect in the new year, along with some insights and strategies to help navigate an industry that is constantly reinventing itself.

Harnessing the Capabilities of Modern Technology: AI-Powered Chatbots

In 2023, AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT changed how we work, enhancing efficiency and driving results for clients. We learned about these tools’ capabilities and began identifying ways to maximize their impact.

Optimizing chatbot engagement, however, comes with a learning curve. AI-powered tools require strategic prompts to produce results that need only minimal revision. For instance, queries that are specific, clear, and concise help garner responses that align with your objectives.

Last year we saw the vast potential of AI in PR, but the technology’s limitations also became evident. Some AI responses are overstuffed with bloat or jargon. Generative AI chatbots can even reproduce human bias in their responses. All the more reason that PR professionals need to develop sharp editing and revision skills to maximize their use of AI.

In 2024, PR professionals must build on these lessons. Now that AI is familiar, it’s time to utilize it more effectively by crafting strong prompts, and then acknowledging and mitigating the technology’s limitations. A deeper understanding of AI and a proactive approach will ensure an effective integration of AI-powered chatbots with the PR toolbox.

Corporate ESG: Communicating Purpose with Impact

In 2023, the corporate landscape witnessed a profound shift toward environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. Companies are increasing their investments in these programs as part of their corporate strategy. This is an opportunity to develop purpose-driven public relations strategies that communicate these initiatives to key stakeholders.

Since ESG initiatives can be complex, PR teams must craft clear and compelling messaging. Once an organization commits to an ESG plan, audiences will expect regular updates and enhancements. Because of this, PR professionals should provide clients with thoughtful counsel about the opportune moment to introduce a program and how to best update stakeholders. 

There are opportunities for ESG initiatives to support client business objectives, especially as they highlight sustainability and corporate responsibility efforts for broad audiences. In 2024, it will be important for PR professionals to identify these opportunities.

By understanding and dictating ESG strategies, PR professionals can set their clients apart from competitors and share their commitment to increasingly important themes like sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Influencer Relations: The Power of Authentic Partnerships

In 2023, a growing interest in influencer marketing redefined how brands connect with audiences. Influencer partnerships were a powerful way to reach audiences who value authenticity.

These lessons from 2023, including best practices for identifying relevant influencers, highlight the importance of aligning influencer campaigns with brand ethos. In the next year, PR professionals should craft strategic partnerships with influencers that align with brands and their core values.

For instance, a brand offering sustainable products should consider partnering with activists focused on supporting environmental causes. By ensuring both parties’ values are aligned, they establish credibility and trust with target audiences while growing their reach and influence.

PR professionals will need to bring 2023’s insights into 2024. The lessons we’ve learned about AI, ESG initiatives, and influencer relationships will help drive results and keep pace with an ever-changing business landscape.

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