The Just Good Business Podcast (Anuj Jain, Matt Thomson)

Join Matt and Anuj as they explore a creative solution for Canada's affordable housing crisis, with guest Ron Lovett, CEO of VIDA.

The three sit down for an in-depth discussion about VIDA's socially responsible and purpose-driven approaches. Discover Ron's inspiring journey of finding purpose in business through community engagement. Learn about the challenges of landlord-tenant relationships and the importance of education and collaboration for better outcomes. Ron also shares his company's innovative decentralization and community-based growth strategies, inspired by his background in the security industry. Tune in for insights on revolutionizing affordable housing through passion, purpose, and community involvement.

To learn more about VIDA, visit: https://www.vidaliving.ca/

Ron Lovett is an entrepreneur, international speaker, author and podcast host. He is the Founder/CEO & Chief Community Officer at VIDA, a certified B Corp revolutionizing affordable communities. VIDA owns and operates more than 2,700 units in communities across Canada. The company reimagines the way people interact with their housing, by activating them to help maintain affordability.

Among his numerous business ventures, Ron is also the Founder and Owner of Connolly Owens, a consulting firm helping companies build resilient people and culture. Previously, Ron was the Founder of a Canadian security guard firm (Source Security & Investigations) that grew to over 1,500 staff nationwide, before selling the company to the largest provider in the United States at a 24x multiple in 2017. Ron has been awarded the Remy Martin Bold Five under 35, BDC Young Entrepreneur Award, 5x Atlantic Business Magazine Top 50 CEO Award, and the Junior Chamber International Outstanding Young Person Award. He has also completed multiple Harvard courses on leadership, negotiation, and design thinking. Ron founded a chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization, as well an Accelerator program, supporting over 80 entrepreneurs across Atlantic Canada. He continues to mentor at-risk youth and support young entrepreneurs.

To get in contact with Ron, find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-lovett/

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Matt Thomson and Anuj Jain are back, this time to discuss the challenges and opportunities of navigating the middle space between art and business in social entrepreneurship.

They are joined by guest, Marc Almon Founder + Partner, Culture Link CIC, as they highlight the importance of community engagement, government relations, and public relations. The three chat more about the need for empathy and compromise in navigating industry challenges. They also discussed the current state of Nova Scotia's creative industry and growth potential, as well as the importance of cultural diversity and social impact. The three touch on the challenges of financing social enterprises and share their experiences with creative financing strategies and key collaborations.

To learn more about Culture Link CIC, visit: https://www.theculturelink.org/

Marc founded Culture Link CIC with partner Rob Power to launch Light House, a $14 million 100,000 sq ft creative hub in downtown Halifax featuring a television studio, performance hall, dance studio, and office space for cultural non-profits. Light House officially opened in 2023.
In 2020, Marc founded Impact Culture Capital CIC, an alternative investment fund manager that connects Nova Scotian investors to local investments that do good in the community. Marc’s mission is to champion change agents who seek to engage, inspire and achieve.

To get in contact with Marc, find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcalmon/

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This week's conversation revolved around sustainability and social impact in the wine industry.

Joining us as a guest is Keltie MacNeil, Director of Sustainability & Community Engagement at Benjamin Bridge. Matt and Anuj discuss the importance of interconnectedness and nuance in addressing Nova Scotia's social issues, highlighting the need for dedicated roles and inclusive practices. They also touched on the challenges of growing grapes in a cool-climate region and the sustainable practices adopted by Benjamin Bridge, to produce world-class sparkling wine. Some practices Benjamin Bridge is proud of include a four-day workweek and B Corp certification, and the need for continuous evolution in the face of emerging challenges like climate change.

To learn more about Benjamin Bridge, visit: https://benjaminbridge.com/

To get in contact with them: https://www.linkedin.com/company/benjaminbridge/

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FarmWorks Investment Co-operative Limited was incorporated as a for-profit Co-operative on May 18, 2011, by community leaders concerned about social, economic and cultural needs. FarmWorks lends Shareholder funds to qualifying food-related businesses across Nova Scotia.  FarmWorks investors are making a significant difference in the year-round availability of food from field to fork for Nova Scotians. 

As of October 31, 2022 FarmWorks has loaned the cumulative amount of $8,146,541 in subordinated debt financing to 148 Nova Scotian businesses to assist them to grow, process, deliver and serve healthy local foods and beverages. FarmWorks clients contribute significantly to the life and economy of Nova Scotia.

To learn more about FarmWorks, visit https://www.farmworks.ca/

Growing up in Somerset in the Annapolis Valley, Linda Best was one of five children who grew up on a mixed farm — dairy, apples, and field crops — learning early on the importance of fresh local food. Upon graduating from Acadia University, Linda began her career as a medical microbiologist at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, then as a gastroenterology researcher, peer-reviewed author, speaker, supervisor, and consultant.

During her 40-year career at the QEII, Linda never forgot her upbringing on the farm and came to understand that one of the most effective ways to prevent illness is to ensure that nutritious food is available to everyone. Aware of the decreasing production of food in Nova Scotia, she helped to found Friends of Agriculture in Nova Scotia and organized the 2009 Nova Scotia Food Summit, attended by over 200 delegates. This summit planted the seeds for FarmWorks.

As a founding director, Linda continues to volunteer her time to support the vision of healthy farms, healthy food.

To get in contact with Linda, find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-best-ons-286a52239/?originalSubdomain=ca

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Davis Pier and Pier Labs work with the public, social, and not-for-profit sectors to address complex issues that improve society. Existing at the intersection of policy and people, the team at Davis Pier specialize in engaging community to maximize the efficacy of program delivery and implementation.

Recently, Davis Pier has undergone the process of becoming B Corp certified. This procedure brought to light areas of improvement for the company, and was an internal reckoning for President and CEO Mike Davis. But, with the path forward now made clear, the team at Davis Pier is recommitting themselves to practicing internally the values they espouse outwardly: inclusion, equity, and responsibility to their community.

To learn more about Davis Pier and Pier Labs, visit https://www.davispier.ca/

Mike Davis is a thought leader in government transformation and innovation, with over 20-years of experience in consulting across Canada and in countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia.  He is well-regarded not only for his ability to design and architect strategies and solutions to complex public sector issues for clients, but also for overseeing their implementation.

Mike leads Davis Pier’s social innovation efforts focused on helping government by using behavioural science, service design and evidence-based policy approaches to improving policy-making and program design. Mike is the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Kids Help Phone and on the Board of Directors for Tribe Network. Mike has also been named one of Atlantic Business Magazines Top 50 CEOs

To get in contact with Mike, find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davispiermikedavis/

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In the dynamic, exciting world of social entrepreneurship, you don't need to choose between contributing to social causes or running a profitable business - you can have both. 

Welcome to The Just Good Business Podcast, a show dedicated to defining, demystifying, and making the work of social enterprises more accessible to the Nova Scotian business community. Learn alongside hosts Matt and Anuj as they interview social entrepreneurs from all across the province - people who have taken the bold choice to structure their businesses for good, believing in prosperity beyond profit.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from real people making a real impact in their communities today. 

And who knows? You might be closer to running a social enterprise than you think!

Blk Women in Excellence (BWIE) is a non-profit organization that was put in place to educate, inspire and encourage Black women to become self employed and sustainable businesses owners. The idea for the organization came when founder and local business leader Tia Upshaw was attending the annual Takin' BLK Gottingen community market.

Upshaw found herself literally surrounded by other Black women who were creating their own wealth through small businesses, but were lacking the support to take these businesses to the next level. BWIE has built a comprehensive ecosystem of resources, mentorship, and community engagement to bridge gaps, drive positive change, and construct a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.

To learn more about Blk Women in Excellence, visit https://www.bwiecanada.com/

Tia Upshaw embodies the qualities of a dedicated mother, accomplished author, and serial entrepreneur. With a deep passion for empowering women and fostering business excellence, Tia has made a significant impact in her community and is deeply invested in the success of each woman she mentors. Tia's start in the world of entrepreneurship emerged from a need to support her young daughter, which she did by opening a cleaning business. 

Much of what Tia has learned over her career has come from direct experience - experiences she drew upon when building the foundation of BWIE. Today, Tia is a prominent leader in the local business community, owns multiple thriving businesses, and has reinvested her life's work into supporting other women looking to become gainfully self employed. 

To connect with Tia, reach out on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiaupshaw/

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Equilibrium Engineering (LMMW Group Ltd.), was founded in 2009 and is an award-winning energy services firm rooted in sustainable building design and energy conservation. Equilibrium, along with L360 Facility Services, formally became part of LMMW Group Ltd. in 2022.
Equilibrium Engineering specializes in decarbonization planning, energy and facility condition assessments, and energy modelling. Equilibrium works with our clients to identify their energy efficiency needs and to develop solutions that improve an organization’s long-term sustainability. Our team works on the leading edge of energy management and strives to provide our clients with cost-effective, meaningful solutions that reduce the bottom line.
Equilibrium Engineering offers research, design and management services that focus on improving our client’s operations. Equilibrium’s services have been developed around the study and reduction of waste found in all organizations. The goal is to identify, assess, design and manage the implementation of system improvements. Our solutions are developed using fact-based observation, and are analyzed to ensure each recommendation is fiscally and environmentally responsible.
Current industry patterns indicate that most organizations are experiencing an annual increase in the consumption of materials and energy. Equilibrium facilitates the identification of poorly performing systems through inspection, develops an improvement plan, and works with our clients to implement the solution via our L360 team. With Equilibrium's hands-on educational approach, clients are able to reduce their energy demand via conservation, improve system efficiencies and replace traditional systems with high-efficiency alternatives.

To learn more about Equilibrium Engineering, visit equilibrium-engineering

William is a Professional Engineer with extensive process and project management experience in commercial, residential and industrial sectors. For the last 12 years, he has been directly involved in the design and implementation of sustainable buildings, energy efficiency, and high-performance mechanical systems.

During his career, William has worked as the Environmental Manager for Michelin North America, as the lead Faculty in the Nova Scotia Community College’s Energy Sustainability Engineering Technology Program (ESET), and currently is an active faculty member with both the Canadian Institute for Energy Training (CIET) and the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC). Having developed and delivered curriculum for engineering technologists, corporate clients, and other industry groups, William is dedicated to moving energy management into the daily culture of organizations.

As an experienced energy management professional, William brings his knowledge of LEED, building commissioning, HVAC design, energy modelling and auditing skills to the Equilibrium team. Previous work experiences in the industrial and educational sectors have provided him with a unique perspective on energy conservation and management. William stays well connected to both the operational and technical aspects of the business and splits his time between the office and the field.

To connect with William, reach out on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eqengwjmarshall/

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The Medway Community Forest Co-op (MCFC) is located in Annapolis County near the communities of Annapolis Royal, Bear River, South Milford, Springfield, New Germany, and Caledonia. The 15,000 ha area was determined through careful analysis of the landscape. The resulting area is the best possible fit of considerations such as roads and access, forest type and volume, watersheds, current parcel boundaries, conservation and biodiversity values, recreation potential, and archaeological knowledge.

The community forest land lies entirely within the UNESCO Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve, and is also directly adjacent to Kejimkujik National Park and Historic Site, the Tobeatic Wilderness Area, the recently established Medway Lakes Wilderness Area, and multiple Nature Reserves. The land also encloses a system of lakes and rivers that provide significant recreation values. The area also represented a core cluster of high conservation values (HCVs) that were identified in the former Bowater Mersey management plan.

To learn more about MCFC, visit https://www.medwaycommunityforest.com/

Mary Jane has worked with the MCFC since 2015, minus a small term with the federal government in 2022-2023. She is happy to be back at the MCFC and managing several innovative projects to steward and restore Wabanaki forests on both Crown and private lands.  Mary Jane has been involved with many facets of Nova Scotia’s shift to ecological forestry, playing an influential role the Lahey Forest Practices Review and serving on the Department of Natural Resources initial Minister’s Advisory Committee.

To connect with MJ, reach out on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-jane-rodger-521801a2/?originalSubdomain=ca

Mhari learned to love the outdoors young, camping and exploring Nova Scotia. In 2016, she completed her Master’s in Resource and Environmental Management at Dalhousie University and proceeded to dive into agricultural biodiversity conservation work. She is a farmer and woodlot owner herself, growing vegetables and flowers on a small holding on the South Shore of Nova Scotia.

To connect with Mhari, reach out on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhari-lamarque-18a350274/

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Made With Local made it's debut on a small farmer's market table in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2012. Their mission was simple and to the point: provide tasty, nourishing snacks using ethically sourced ingredients from local producers. Now sold in major Canadian grocery stores, Made With Local has managed to scale into a national brand, all while keeping their foundational values close to heart.

Throughout their growth, Made With Local has remained dedicated to using ethically, transparently sourced ingredients, strengthening their local community, and prioritizing real, nourishing foods. As a B-Corp certified company, they are laser-focused on creating a positive impact on their community and the planet.

To learn more about Made With Local, visit https://www.madewithlocal.com/

Sheena Russell, a Nova Scotian entrepreneur driven by her passion for creating a more equitable world, is the trailblazing founder behind Made with Local. Inspired by her roots as a farm kid in Prince Edward Island, Sheena's unwavering commitment to sustainability and justice has shaped both her studies and life's work.

Under Sheena's guidance, the company has experienced rapid growth, expanding its presence to encompass over 3000 retailers across Canada. With determination, Sheena aspires for Made with Local to ascend as one of the world's most sustainable food companies, blazing a trail for others to follow.

To get in contact with Sheena, find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheena-russell-mwl/

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Placemaking 4G (or P4G) was founded with the goal of transform workplaces by helping employers build stronger and more inclusive teams through socially-conscious recruiting, and innovative approaches to human dynamics and equity, diversity and inclusion practices. P4G works with organizations that have big ambitions; those who want to ensure their teams are cultivated based on what's possible and not what’s familiar.

As a recruitment agency, P4G stands out from its competitors due to it's focus on human-centred approaches to finding top talent. P4G also works with clients, helping to foster workplace policies and embody diversity, equity and inclusion strategies to enhance psychological safety, communication and intercultural awareness at all levels of your organization.

To learn more about Placemaking 4G, visit https://p4g.ca/

With a deeply rooted history in Nova Scotia, Bradley was born and raised in Halifax and is a community leader, coach and member of the African Nova Scotian community. As the Grandson of Delmore Buddy Daye, Bradley is intrinsically grounded in community development led with empathy. Despite a successful career in professional sports – having played and coached football at both the university and professional level – Bradley found his purpose as an architect for value-aligned recruiting.

By serving on the Board of Directors for United Way Halifax, and supporting youth football in Halifax’s North End, Bradley is always contributing locally to the spaces where everything started for him. With 12 years of combined professional coaching and business management experience, Bradley’s work is multi-dimensional and woven with the values that course through his bloodstream: Reciprocity, Community and Love.

To connect with Bradley, reach out on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-daye-069148134/

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Indigevisor serves as a bridge between their clients and Indigenous communities, with their team acting as conduits to achieve that connection. As an Indigenous women-owned and led national advisory corporation, Indigevisor is dedicated to supporting Truth and Reconciliation in Turtle Island. They draw on teachings of humility, respect, and wisdom to empower our collective strengths. Their work aims to build capacity, and contribute positively to the next seven generations.

Indigevisor's specialized procurement inclusion strategies help unlock the potential between Indigenous businesses, government, and industries. The team at Indigevisor aims to exercise Indigenous Participation Plans and innovative procurement strategies to meet and exceed the federal 5% base target mandate.

To learn more about Indigevisor, visit indigevisor.ca

Nadine Bernard is a Mi’kmaq entrepreneur from the We'koqma'q First Nation, currently residing in Sydney with her family. Nadine is the CEO and Founder of Indigevisor Ltd, a consulting firm that provides unparalleled support to organizations looking to develop their Indigenous communication and engagement strategies, and establish Indigenous Benefit plans for infrastructure projects.  

Over the years, Nadine has held various roles in Indigenous NGOs, Municipal and Provincial Governments, specializing in Diversity and Inclusion departments and Anti-Racism initiatives. Her extensive experience has made her an expert in the construction, renewable energy, forestry, and mining sectors.  

Her dedication to community and reconciliation is the basis of her work, and she tirelessly works to build a better understanding of the diverse communities of Turtle Island/Canada. Nadine is currently the co-chair for Tribe Network’s Board, and is a past board member of the NS Advisory Council on the Status of Women, Feed NS, and the NS Police Review Board. Her work has had a profound impact on Indigenous communities and the broader society.

To connect with Nadine, reach out on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nadinegbernard/

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In the final episode of season one, hosts Matt and Anuj review some of the biggest and best takeaways from the past eleven episodes. Stay tuned until the end of the episode for an exciting surprise announcement! 

Just Us! has been a worker co-op since its founding in 1995. From baristas and roasters to managers and administrators, everyone who works at Just Us! can be member-owners. This is inspired by the small producer farm co-ops that Just Us! partners with in the Global South.

More than two decades later, Just Us! continues to thrive as a wholly Canadian-owned worker co-operative, still committed to their founding mission. Just Us! proved the spirit and model of an alternative approach to business, while becoming a key rural employer in Nova Scotia.
 
Informing each decision the co-op makes is the belief that, in business, people and planet should come first — and their success is proof that it can. As the business grows, a portion of the profits are redistributed to non-member workers, worker-members, and producer-partners.

To learn more about Just Us! Coffee Roasters Co-Op, visit https://justuscoffee.com/

Joey Pittoello joined Just Us! Coffee Roasters Co-operative as a chocolatier to support his organic farming habit in 2010. He is a worker-member and currently is responsible for producer relationships and management at Just Us!.

Although farming has become more of a “hobby” over the years, Joey continues to live the organic farming dream through the small-scale coffee growers from whom Just Us! buys their coffee.

Joey, his partner, and their two children live near Wolfville, Nova Scotia on their small organic farm.

To get in contact with Joey, find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-pittoello-82925080/

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New Dawn is a non-profit, private, volunteer-directed social enterprise dedicated to community building. It seeks to identify community needs and to establish and operate ventures that speak to those needs.

Some of the services provided by New Dawn generate revenues, and these revenues are reinvested in New Dawn. These revenues allow New Dawn to develop new projects and take on new community issues in pursuit of a more vibrant and self-reliant Cape Breton Island.

New Dawn employs over 175 people from the Cape Breton community, and serves 600 Cape Bretoners each day through our companies and projects.

New Dawn Enterprises' mission — to engage the community to create a culture of self-reliance — is as relevant today as it was when the organization was founded back in 1976.

For more information on New Dawn Enterprises, visit https://newdawn.ca/

Erika Shea is the President and CEO of New Dawn Enterprises and has been working in community development for over fifteen years.

After completing degrees at Carleton University and Saint Mary's University and working across Canada, she moved to Cape Breton and started with New Dawn in 2012.

Over the past decade, Erika has had her hands in countless initiatives and projects targeting a range of social problems, from housing and immigration, to climate change and education.

The guiding ethos of Erika’s daily work is the building of communities that centre the dignity, worth, and well-being of all people.

In addition to her work with New Dawn, she has served on the boards of the Social Enterprise Network of Nova Scotia, ACAP Cape Breton, and is presently a director with the Highland Arts Theatre and Community Foundation of Nova Scotia.

To get in contact with Erika Shea, find her on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-shea-09324a139/

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As a 100% municipally-owned company formed in 2014 by the towns of Antigonish, Berwick and Mahone Bay, AREA believes in the strength of collaboration. AREA has been developing solar photovoltaic projects in Nova Scotia since 2017, starting with 1.5 MW of commercial solar for 20 municipalities across the province through the Solar for Community Buildings Program. 

Inspired by the opportunities presented through community solar and the experience AREA gained through these projects; they launched the development of their own Community Solar Gardens. Cumulatively AREA will build 9MW of Community Solar in the towns of Antigonish, Berwick and Mahone Bay. These Community Solar Gardens will unlock opportunities for people to participate in solar, without needing a roof and at a financial level of their own choosing.

With their projects and customer programs, AREA’s mission is to create a realistic path towards net zero in the supply and end-user sides of electrical power.

To learn more about AREA Nova Scotia, visit www.areans.ca

Aaron has worked in the renewable energy industry for over two decades. As General Manager, Aaron is responsible for the overall performance of AREA, MEU decarbonization initiatives and relationships with stakeholders. Aaron has deep roots in Nova Scotia and enjoys coaching his sons’ hockey teams.

To connect with Aaron, reach out on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aaronklong/

Meg is dedicated to ensuring AREA operations run smoothly. She possesses a diverse background as a former municipal councillor, entrepreneur, and operations manager. Meg has honed her facilitation and consensus-building skills while serving as the chair of the Kings Transit Authority and is currently a board member for Devour! The Food Film Festival, a director of the Sheffield Mills Community Association, and chair of the Glooscap Home and School Association.

To connect with Meg, reach out on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/meg-hodges-a56308172/

Your hosts Matt and Anuj sit down with guest Louisa Horne to chat about a sustainable way to assist and facilitate end-of-life care!

The three discuss the importance of addressing end-of-life transitions with empathy and expertise, emphasizing the need for a safe space to talk about death and the end of life. They highlighted the significance of Epilog's work in addressing the emotional and practical aspects of end-of-life transitions and discussed the potential for disruption in the funeral industry through a focus on environmental sustainability. Louisa also emphasized the importance of planning for end-of-life care and funeral arrangements in an environmentally friendly manner and discussed evolving funeral traditions and practices.

Louisa is the founder of Epilog and describes herself as a Natural Burial enthusiast and Senior Transition Specialist, privileged to support families with a variety of transitions.

To learn more about Epilog, https://epilog.ca/about-us

To get in contact with Louisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisa-horne-icd-d/

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Justin Cantafio, Executive Director of Farmers Markets of Nova Scotia, discusses the importance of local food systems and farmers markets as economic and community hubs!

In this conversation with your hosts, Matt and Anuj, Justin highlights the cooperative's 20-year history, supporting over 40 markets and 1,500 owner-operated businesses. Justin emphasizes the need for equitable funding models and the economic impact of local food systems, noting that 85% of Nova Scotia's food is imported. He also discusses the Nova Scotia Loyal program, which incentivizes local food consumption, and the Taking Root program, which supports newcomers in starting businesses at farmers' markets. Justin's passion for using food systems to solve post-modern systemic inadequacies bleeds throughout the conversation.

To learn more about Farmers Markets Nova Scotia: https://farmersmarketsnovascotia.ca/

To get in contact with Louisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-cantafio-4a397627/

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