INDUSTRY NEWS SPRING 2019 Plus Relocation hits fundraising goal Plus Relocation raised more than $50,000 in 2018 for Children International’s HOPE Scholarship program – a program that helps youth caught in the cycle of poverty pursue a higher education and build a successful career. The money raised will support 200 HOPE scholars, providing them with vocational training and higher education, covering everything from tuition and uniforms, to books and transportation costs. The funds were raised during the company’s 50th anniversary year as part of a three-month fund- raising campaign called the 50-to-go Challenge. Plus Relocation employees, clients, partners and industry friends rallied together to raise $25,000 in donations, with the company matching the amount to reach the $50,000 total. Atlas Canada extends contract agreements   Atlas Canada, a subsidiary of Atlas World Group, Inc., signed a five-year renewal agreement with the Jay’s Transportation Group of Companies, which represents Atlas in 11 locations throughout Saskatchewan and Alberta. Celebrating 55 years in business, Jay’s Transportation was one of the first agents to join the Atlas Agency Network. “We have been an Atlas agent for nearly 50 years and value our relationship with Atlas,” commented Terry Simonson, president of Jay’s Transportation Group. In other news, Atlas Canada signed a 10-year contract renewal with the Premiere Van Lines Group, effective through November 2028. Premiere Van Lines repre- sents Atlas in Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Brandon, Winnipeg, Mississauga, Moncton, Fredericton, Halifax, Sydney and Truro. The company has been a dedi- cated Atlas agent since 2005. New relocation network for French speakers There is a new online relocation network catering to the French-speaking global expatriate community: Bienvenue! Spearheaded by 15 relocation companies, the network is part of an effort to connect millions of French- speaking professionals relocating overseas for work, including those from France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Canada, and a number of African countries. A growing number of Francophone expats inspired the relocation companies to meet in London last October to launch Bienvenue! The group aims to provide full support, in French, for relocating French-speaking families, regardless of their destination. The network currently covers Belgium, Canada, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, France, Germany, Italy, Liberia, Luxembourg, Morocco, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Singapore, Switzerland, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. More destinations will be added in the future. Aires awarded Highmark Health’s Best Practice Award Aires earned Highmark Health’s Best Practice Area Performance award as a mobility partner in recruiting. The award was presented to Aires at a ceremony held in Pittsburgh on January 17. Highmark Health's executives noted Aires’ service, processes, and superior account focus as key reasons for honouring the company with the award. Aires was touched by the special recognition. As noted by John Casuccio, Aires vice president, Central Region, “We are proud to be recognized for our service excellence, and to receive this award from a fellow Pittsburgh-based company makes it even sweeter. The dedi- cated team at Aires that serves the Highmark and Allegheny Health Network’s transferring employees deserve all the credit for their focused advocacy and high-touch urgency to make sure each move goes smoothly.” 12 PERSPECTIVES Spring 2019