Two Start-Up Companies That Aim to Change the World

Global Giving
Image: globalgiving.org

 

James Neumann studied business in Chicago, Illinois and currently serves as president of Optic Outdoor Signs. In this role, James “Jim” Neumann owns and operates multiple billboards nationwide; with over 300 displays, his billboards reach over 45 million people each month. Outside of his own business, he maintains an interest in start-ups that seek to help the world.

From the innumerable start-ups around the United States and in other countries, Forbes has selected several with particukar potential. Among these are Global Giving and Better Place.

Global Giving is a network that aims to transform the way individuals are investing in the developing world. While raising more than $65 million dollars, Global Giving has supported over 5K projects by connecting donors to grassroots initiatives around the world.

Better Place is another start-up that is striving to encourage forward-thinking practices for electronic vehicles and builds transportation infrastructure for them. This company believes that investing in the infrastructure of tomorrow to facilitate more efficient and greener technology for automobiles. Better Place educates individuals and companies in developing products and targeting future markets that lead to a viable, sustainable business model.

St. Louis Junior Achievement Chapter Hosts Trivia Night

St. Louis Junior Achievement Chapter
Image: juniorachievement.org

Employed since 1985 at OOS Investment, LLC, based out of Chicago, Illinois, James “Jim” Neumann works as its president and chief executive officer. OOS Investments specializes in acquisitions of billboards, appraisal services, and market analysis. Honored for his work by Outdoor Ink as one of the Most Powerful People in Billboards for the past several years, James Neumann remains heavily involved in the St. Louis area, including the Junior Achievement’s (JA) St. Louis Chapter.

Founded in 1919 by Horace Moses and Theodore Vail, JA’s mission is to give young people a chance to become recognized by policy makers, educators, and businesses as innovative individuals. In order to do that, the JA offers practical programs to students in areas found in east-central Missouri and southwestern Illinois. The St. Louis chapter, which began in 1943, has young people strive to spur economic development within the state.

Since it is a nonprofit organization, the JA offers a variety of fundraising events. The St. Louis chapter is sponsoring a trivia night on November 5, 2016, at the Dennis and Judy Jones Free Enterprise Center in Chesterfield, Missouri. The event features table and sponsorship opportunities, including:

* $200 for a table of eight

* $300 for a table of eight in a VIP area

* $750 for a table of eight, the company logo shown before and during one round, and on the scorecard

* $2,500 for two tables of eight and the company logo on all promotional materials

Smart Billboards Deliver Targeted Ads to Individual Drivers

OOS Investments
Image: oosdigital.com

Since 1985, James Neumann has presided over OOS Investments in Chicago, Illinois. As president, James Neumann controls dozens of billboards across the country. His company deals in both static and digital boards, and provides clients with marketing and business planning advice as well.

New advancements in billboard technology may bring a new generation of roadside advertisements to drivers in the near future. Collaboration between a Japanese advertising firm and a California-based software company has led to smart billboards that deliver targeted advertisements to individual drivers.

Smart billboards are programmed to recognize upwards of 200 vehicles, and currently achieve 94 percent accuracy. When a recognized vehicle approaches, the LED billboard will change to bring that driver a targeted ad. Ads will change frequently, and will generally be displayed for five seconds or less. Advertisers can show one type of ads to truck drivers, another to minivan owners, and something different for motorcyclists. With these smart billboards, advertisers can show individual drivers ads for a newer model of the vehicle they are currently driving.

Popular Boating Locations near Chicago

Montrose Harbor
Image: marinas.com

A proven leader, James Neumann serves as the CEO and chairman of OOS Investments, LLC. In this capacity, he establishes the strategic direction of the Chicago-based media and entertainment company and oversees its operations. Outside of work, James Neumann enjoys spending time outdoors. He is especially fond of boating.

Because of its proximity to Lake Michigan, Chicago is often regarded as a boating haven. Following are just a few of the top boating spots near the city to keep boating enthusiasts out on the water:

– Montrose Harbor: Featuring a strong beachside vacation feel, Montrose Harbor is a great spot for summertime boating. The marina is regularly populated with visitors enjoying the beach and playing music, and there is plenty of docking available. Boaters also get a great view of downtown Chicago while enjoying the friendly atmosphere.

– Fox Lake: Located just northwest of Chicago, Fox Lake is the ideal place for fishing, picnicking, or just enjoying the water. The largest in the so-called Chain-O-Lakes, it maintains ramps, fuel, and a marina. The lake is connected to others in the chain through a series of rivers.

– Chicago River: Weaving through the middle of downtown Chicago, boating along the Chicago River can be a unique experience. Boaters travel under bridges and past the city’s urban buildings, giving them the chance to view the city from a new angle. While there’s not a lot of on-the-water activity in the Chicago River, it is lined with restaurants, parks, and bars.

Popular Off-Roading Sites in Illinois

 

Fox Valley Off Road
Image: foxvalleyoffroad.com

James Neumann owns and operates a number of billboards throughout the United States through his Illinois-based company OOS Investments, LLC. As president and CEO of the company, he oversees daily operations for the global business. Outside of work, James Neumann enjoys various outdoor activities such as off-roading.

Although it might not seem like it, Illinois offers a variety of off-roading opportunities for enthusiasts. Below are just some of the most popular off-roading spots in the state:

– Fox Valley Off Road: covering about 100 acres of land, Fox Valley Off Road in Ottawa allows four-wheel ATVs and motorcycles. Spectators can watch for free, but all participants must pay a riding fee and adhere to various safety gear rules. The park does not rent vehicles or accept credit cards, but it is still a very popular off-roading spot.

– Little Egypt: located in Marion, Little Egypt stretches across 900 acres. There are over 50 miles of dirt bike and open trails, along with a kids track and a motocross track. Riders can bring ATVs, dirt bikes, and side by sides, but Jeeps are not allowed at Little Egypt. The wide variety of terrain makes for an interesting motorsports experience.

– The Cliffs Insane Terrain Off Road Park: one of the state’s most recognized off-roading sites, the Cliffs Insane Terrain Off Road Park welcomes everything from dirt bikes and ATVs to Jeeps and trucks. There are several routes riders can take through the 300-acre park and it often hosts various all-day events.

Kars4Kids Sends Kids to an Exciting Week of Camp at TheZone

Kars4Kids
Image: kars4kidsprograms.org

James Neumann, founder and president of OOS Investments, is a media and entertainment executive responsible for the placement of hundreds of outdoor advertising sites throughout the United States. As a supporter of Kars4Kids, James Neumann also participates in the work of an organization that impacts kids across the nation.

Kars4Kids is a national organization that works to address the educational, material, emotional, and spiritual needs of Jewish children and their families. Kars4Kids utilizes a unique year-round model that recognizes that kids need help not only throughout the school year but also during the summer. With mentorship at the core of the work they do, Kars4Kids sponsors afterschool, summer, and family programs that help mentors get involved in all the major aspects of children’s lives. One of these initiatives is TheZone, a summer camp program in the scenic Catskills region of New York.

TheZone features a wide range of activities for campers, including watersports, horseback riding, art classes, kickboxing, and athletics. The camps run through the summer and provide children with an unforgettable summer camp experience at state-of-the-art facilities.

Three Ways to Give to Make-A-Wish

 

Make-A-Wish Foundation

President of OOS Investments, James Neumann has established a successful career spanning three decades with the company. Conscientious about fulfilling his civic duties as well, James Neumann donates to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Giving children who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening disease an opportunity to have their wish fulfilled, Make-A-Wish relies on the generosity of the public to fund experiences. The following are ways to contribute to the cause:

One-Time Donation

By visiting www.wish.org, you can use a credit card to make a financial contribution in any denomination. Suggested amounts include $50, $100, and $500. Donations can be made in honor of a loved one. An option to designate where to use funds is available.

Monthly Giving

If you prefer to give on a recurring basis, the foundation provides an option to have your credit card charged monthly for a specific amount. Enrollment also works through mail, which requires a checking account number to withdraw funds. Monthly donors receive an emailed annual receipt as well as foundation updates.

Planned Giving

The organization welcomes deferred gifts through estates and life insurance plans, among other resources. This can be executed by adding a bequest, which states the amount or percentage of wealth you would like to give to the foundation. The gift preserves your legacy and positively affects the lives of wish kids.

The 13th Edition of the Boy Scout Handbook Is Now Available

Boy Scouts of America (BSA)
Image: en.wikipedia.org

Since 2008, longtime advertising professional James Neumann has served as the president and CEO of OOS Investments in Chicago. Outside of work, James Neumann gives back to the community by supporting various organizations. He has served as a board member for several groups, including United Way and the Boy Scouts of America.

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) recently released the 13th edition of the Boy Scout Handbook, which has been in continuous publication since 1910. In addition to lessons on outdoor survival and character building, the new edition of the book includes information on STEM education, cyberbullying, and other topics relevant to today’s youth.

To mark the release of the handbook, the BSA launched a new series of online videos demonstrating how scouting helps develop knowledge and skills that can be used throughout a lifetime. Released via social media, the video series, Handbook Hacks, showcases tips on fun outdoor activities like geocaching. The BSA is also encouraging scouts to take part in the effort by creating their own videos highlighting the lessons found in the new edition of the Boy Scout Handbook.

The Outdoor Advertising Association of America’s OBIE Awards

Outdoor Advertising Association
Image: oaaa.org

Since 1985, James Neumann has served as the president of OOS Investments in Chicago. An involved leader in the outdoor advertising services industry, James Neumann maintains membership in the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA), a nonprofit trade group that oversees a variety of programs and activities designed to support and promote out-of-home advertising professionals.

For more than seven decades, the OAAA has handed out the OBIE Awards to recognize advertising firms for creative excellence. The awards take their name from the ancient Egyptian obelisk, which is believed to be the first structure used for outdoor advertising.

Each year, the OAAA receives hundreds of nominees for OBIE Awards in 10 standard and three special product categories. A panel of industry leaders judges each entry and awards OBIEs to those that demonstrate outstanding creativity and design.

The OAAA recently honored the 2016 OBIE Award winners at its OBIE Awards Gala, which was held during the TAB/OAAA Out of Home Media Conference & Expo on April 19. Over 42 OBIE Awards were presented during the event, including those for Best Billboard, Best Multi-Format, and Best Wall Mural. In addition to these and other top honors, the OAAA handed out 12 gold and 25 silver OBIEs during the event.

Basics of Off-Roading

 

Off-Roading
Image: drivingline.com

James Neumann serves as the president of Chicago-based OOS Investments. James Neumann enjoys a variety of sports and outdoor activities, including off-roading.

Off-roading refers to driving on unpaved ground, such as fields, riverbeds, beaches, and mountainsides. There are various settings and locations for off-roading, which appeals to people for both the scenery and the excitement of driving in a challenging environment. It can be done using trucks and SUVs, but the most popular off-roading vehicles are four-wheelers, dirt bikes, and all-terrain vehicles or ATVs.

An important factor for an off-road driver to take into account is traction, meaning the grip the vehicle’s tires have on the surface upon which he or she is driving. Traction depends not only on the type of tires but also on their size, air pressure, and the vehicle’s ability to use four-wheel drive. Tires with large treads provide better traction on muddy surfaces, and using four-wheel drive gives all four tires better traction in general. One can also increase traction by lowering the air pressure of his or her vehicle’s tires.

Momentum is also an important factor when off-roading, because the amount of speed a vehicle can gain depends on it. To prevent getting stuck, off-road drivers can increase the momentum of their vehicles, which they can manage by familiarizing themselves with three different angles: the approach angle, the departure angle, and the break-over angle. Proper planning and angle measuring can result in an extraordinarily positive off-roading experience.