Return-Path: Delivered-To: norris@clearsoundatlanta.com Received: from box5914.bluehost.com by box5914.bluehost.com with LMTP id wHMmAG07UWmR6QQAjGobiw (envelope-from ) for ; Sun, 28 Dec 2025 07:15:09 -0700 Return-path: Envelope-to: norris@clearsoundatlanta.com Delivery-date: Sun, 28 Dec 2025 07:15:09 -0700 Received: from mail173.atl121.mcsv.net ([198.2.131.173]:56427) by box5914.bluehost.com with esmtps (TLS1.3) tls TLS_AES_256_GCM_SHA384 (Exim 4.98.2) (envelope-from ) id 1vZrY4-00000001MWs-37w7 for norris@clearsoundatlanta.com; Sun, 28 Dec 2025 07:15:08 -0700 DKIM-Signature: v=1; a=rsa-sha256; c=relaxed/relaxed; d=russellcenter.org; s=k3; t=1766931297; x=1767201297; i=marketing@russellcenter.org; bh=rlVZfbL5wx0R8rVf8pKKqLDVFyXvBlhEpSPuX8wjtB0=; h=Subject:From:Reply-To:To:Date:Message-ID:X-MC-User:Feedback-ID: List-ID:List-Unsubscribe:List-Unsubscribe-Post:Content-Type: MIME-Version:CC:Date:Subject:From; b=JErFZQ2/nayVfrMnYCbAtHTRzQ03m08nNHwIqbBHq85AOdHkTZ81EqC3DeGHvYFQA XMGBhFWaf7ZAQhHlUOItpWlIZZWQfbwrUfTkjnwoM+icVyt5/ZwD3gD4TYhdqX0Pvh aVYFUGdMoTDOHltRbBZk0qII15zFSKqzI9CsjF0DcbsS16gYGH08sgpT5znRWuzNYS VLPZs1m1RGxrANtXS2IWZVS7eDjteo3wfOR1NkDH3Jj6F8uTkIy4QGp+RQJFOumzbZ 4hl55fFGwCwGg/fYUhhKsbu9Wu/9JaZbSWFeSnhgMOu7DMe1sn7U5ZsJL6xauWAp+P 7ZEjL71ToTMEg== Received: from localhost (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by mail173.atl121.mcsv.net (Mailchimp) with ESMTP id 4dfLw06WM6zMRJBxh for ; Sun, 28 Dec 2025 14:14:56 +0000 (GMT) Subject: =?utf-8?Q?The=20RICE=20Way=20Insider=20|=20Weekly=20Newsletter?= From: Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs Reply-To: =?utf-8?Q?Russell=20Innovation=20Center=20for=20Entrepreneurs?= To: =?utf-8?Q??= Date: Sun, 28 Dec 2025 14:14:43 +0000 Message-ID: <1d057288c3ae46540e2b02f3f.a348196c70.20251228141434.704cc0ba67.815fdf0d@mail173.atl121.mcsv.net> X-Mailer: Mailchimp Mailer - **CID704cc0ba67a348196c70** X-Campaign: mailchimp1d057288c3ae46540e2b02f3f.704cc0ba67 X-campaignid: mailchimp1d057288c3ae46540e2b02f3f.704cc0ba67 X-Report-Abuse: Please report abuse for this campaign here: https://mailchimp.com/contact/abuse/?u=1d057288c3ae46540e2b02f3f&id=704cc0ba67&e=a348196c70 X-MC-User: 1d057288c3ae46540e2b02f3f Feedback-ID: 74670202:74670202.21061785:us15:mc List-ID: 1d057288c3ae46540e2b02f3fmc list <1d057288c3ae46540e2b02f3f.323365.list-id.mcsv.net> Precedence: bulk X-Accounttype: pr List-Unsubscribe: , List-Unsubscribe-Post: List-Unsubscribe=One-Click Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="_----------=_MCPart_345519929" MIME-Version: 1.0 This is a multi-part message in MIME format --_----------=_MCPart_345519929 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"; format="fixed" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable https://russellcenter.org?mc_cid=3D704cc0ba67&mc_eid=3DUNIQID ** RICE President and CEO Jay Bailey Pens Year-End Letter to Stakeholders ------------------------------------------------------------ 2025 has tested entrepreneurs in ways few years ever have. For many of us= =2C this has been one of the most challenging business environments in rec= ent memory...and I won=E2=80=99t pretend it hasn=E2=80=99t been hard. I=E2= =80=99ve felt it personally. We=E2=80=99ve all carried it collectively. An= d yet=2C even in a year defined by uncertainty=2C pressure=2C and persever= ance=2C we continued to move forward with intention and resolve. Progress this year did not come easily=2C but it came honestly. Together= =2C we navigated tightening capital=2C shifting priorities=2C and a climat= e where support for entrepreneurs like ours became harder to secure in man= y places. Still=2C we chose presence over retreat and progress over pause.= Not because it was comfortable=2C but because it was necessary. Together=2C we expanded the RICE campus=E2=80=94adding the Wells Fargo Lea= rning Lab=2C a refreshed Atrium=2C a rooftop gathering and event space=2C= and a new amphitheater. These are more than physical improvements. They a= re shared statements of belief: that entrepreneurs still deserve world-cla= ss space=2C real visibility=2C and environments built for long-term succes= s not short-term survival. Throughout 2025=2C we witnessed the continued power of Uncommon Access=E2= =84=A2 in action. Founders secured contracts=2C built strategic partnershi= ps=2C hired teams=2C and expanded their reach=E2=80=94often in the face of= real headwinds. These wins were not guaranteed. They were earned=2C refle= cting grit=2C discipline=2C and the strength of an ecosystem that refuses= to shrink when conditions get uncomfortable. As we look toward the year ahead=2C let this be clear: we are still here.= We are still building. And we are not backing down from the work of expan= ding opportunity=2C ownership=2C and economic power. This fight matters. A= nd together=2C it must go on. Thank you for believing in yourselves. Thank you for believing in each oth= er. And thank you for doing what you love=2C out loud...in our relentless= pursuit to stay RICE READY!!! Farther together=2C ** Sunday Conversations Presents: ------------------------------------------------------------ ** Hildiah Martin-Suggs: Part Two ------------------------------------------------------------ Dr. Hildiah Martin-Suggs=2C H.C.=2C is the Founder=2C CEO=2C and President= of Almost Lost In The System Inc (https://almostlostinthesystem.org/?mc_c= id=3D704cc0ba67&mc_eid=3DUNIQID) .=2C an organization she launched in July= 2021 to support youth boys and young men in the criminal justice system. With over 25 years of community service experience=2C she is a licensed pr= ivate detective=2C youth advocate=2C and civil rights leader who has recei= ved numerous honors including the Joe Biden White House Presidential Gold= Award=2C Georgia's highest civilian honor (Outstanding Georgia Citizen Aw= ard)=2C and an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters. Tune into Sunday Conversations to hear part two of her story. For Current RICE Stakeholders: Click Here to Submit Your Story to Be Featu= red on Sunday Conversations on Smooth Jazz 101.1/100.1 FM (http://tinyurl.= com/RICESubmissions?mc_cid=3D704cc0ba67&mc_eid=3DUNIQID) ** Tech Tuesdays ------------------------------------------------------------ ** Daniel Fitch ------------------------------------------------------------ https://forms.monday.com/forms/a6c790f07d812f1c82889b2031c28ab1?r=3Duse1&m= c_cid=3D704cc0ba67&mc_eid=3DUNIQID RICE Stakeholders can unlock the power of AI every Tuesday in Stakeholder= Central! Tech Tuesdays are interactive=2C drop-in sessions designed to he= lp entrepreneurs explore tools like ChatGPT and learn how to tailor AI for= real business needs=E2=80=94whether it=E2=80=99s marketing=2C operations= =2C product development=2C or financial planning. Why Attend? =E2=80=A2 Build confidence using digital tools =E2=80=A2 Get hands-on tech support in a relaxed setting =E2=80=A2 Stay ahead with forward-thinking business practices =E2=80=A2 Connect with peers while deepening your tech skills What to Expect: =E2=80=A2 Weekly 1=E2=80=932 hour sessions every Tueday =E2=80=A2 Rotating workshop leaders with specialized expertise =E2=80=A2 Interactive discussions and hands-on activities =E2=80=A2 Open to all current Stakeholders Join us weekly and level up your entrepreneurial toolkit! Stakeholders can= register below. REGISTER (https://forms.monday.com/forms/a6c790f07d812f1c82889b2031c28ab1?= r=3Duse1&mc_cid=3D704cc0ba67&mc_eid=3DUNIQID) ** Think Tank Thursdays ------------------------------------------------------------ ** Treseca Hamilton ------------------------------------------------------------ https://forms.monday.com/forms/0743a39a3f4b409001d3622387c62377?r=3Duse1&m= c_cid=3D704cc0ba67&mc_eid=3DUNIQID Every Thursday=2C RICE Stakeholders and Subject Matter Experts will lead f= ocused workshops inside Stakeholder Central. These sessions are designed t= o create a space where entrepreneurs can learn directly from one another t= hrough lived experience=2C practical skill sharing=2C and collaborative pr= oblem solving. Each workshop will focus on a topic tailored to the needs and interests of= the Stakeholder community =E2=80=94 from scaling operations and marketing= strategies to personal development and wellness in business. On January 8=2C 2026=2C we=E2=80=99ll welcome Treseca Hamilton for the yea= r=E2=80=99s first Think Tank Thursday. Stakeholders can register using the= link below. REGISTER (https://forms.monday.com/forms/0743a39a3f4b409001d3622387c62377?= r=3Duse1&mc_cid=3D704cc0ba67&mc_eid=3DUNIQID) ** Now Accepting Fulfillment Support for RICE Founders (https://ecomspaces= =2Etypeform.com/logisticslaunch?mc_cid=3D704cc0ba67&mc_eid=3DUNIQID) ------------------------------------------------------------ RICE is proud to partner with ecomspaces to offer accessible=2C daily fulf= illment support for our product-based founders=2C right here at the RICE L= ogistics Launchpad. JOIN WAITLIST (https://ecomspaces.typeform.com/logisticslaunch?mc_cid=3D70= 4cc0ba67&mc_eid=3DUNIQID) ** Read The RICE Report: Vol. 2 (https://rice.russellcenter.org/view/10435= 92787/?mc_cid=3D704cc0ba67&mc_eid=3DUNIQID) ------------------------------------------------------------ https://rice.russellcenter.org/view/1043592787/?mc_cid=3D704cc0ba67&mc_eid= =3DUNIQID ** Want More? Stay Connected. ------------------------------------------------------------ https://www.facebook.com/RussellCenterAtlanta?mc_cid=3D704cc0ba67&mc_eid= =3DUNIQID https://instagram.com/RICEAtlanta?mc_cid=3D704cc0ba67&mc_eid=3DUNIQID https://www.linkedin.com/company/riceatlanta/?mc_cid=3D704cc0ba67&mc_eid= =3DUNIQID https://tiktok.com/@RICEAtlanta?mc_cid=3D704cc0ba67&mc_eid=3DUNIQID https://youtube.com/@RICEAtlanta?mc_cid=3D704cc0ba67&mc_eid=3DUNIQID https://threads.net/@RICEAtlanta?mc_cid=3D704cc0ba67&mc_eid=3DUNIQID https://russellcenter.org?mc_cid=3D704cc0ba67&mc_eid=3DUNIQID View this email in your browser (https://mailchi.mp/faec34cdf524/thericewa= yinsider-21061785?e=3Da348196c70) Copyright (C) 2025 Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs. All rights= reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website. Our mailing address is: Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs 504 Fair St SW Atlanta=2C GA 30313 USA Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences (https://russellcenter.us15.list-manage.co= m/profile?u=3D1d057288c3ae46540e2b02f3f&id=3Deca0f590fc&e=3Da348196c70&c=3D7= 04cc0ba67) or unsubscribe (https://russellcenter.us15.list-manage.com/unsu= bscribe?u=3D1d057288c3ae46540e2b02f3f&id=3Deca0f590fc&t=3Db&e=3Da348196c70&c= =3D704cc0ba67) --_----------=_MCPart_345519929 Content-Type: text/html; charset="utf-8" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable The RICE Way Insider | Weekly Newsletter Here's What's H= appening at RICE
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RICE President and CEO Jay Bailey Pens Year-End Letter to Stakeho= lders

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2025 has tested entre= preneurs in ways few years ever have. For many of us=2C this has been one= of the most challenging business environments in recent memory...and I wo= n=E2=80=99t pretend it hasn=E2=80=99t been hard. I=E2=80=99ve felt it pers= onally. We=E2=80=99ve all carried it collectively. And yet=2C even in a ye= ar defined by uncertainty=2C pressure=2C and perseverance=2C we continued= to move forward with intention and resolve.

=

= Progress this year did not come easily=2C but it came hones= tly. Together=2C we navigated tightening capital=2C shifting priorities=2C= and a climate where support for entrepreneurs like ours became harder to= secure in many places. Still=2C we chose presence over retreat and progre= ss over pause. Not because it was comfortable=2C but because it was necess= ary.

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Together=2C we expanded the RICE campus= =E2=80=94adding the Wells Fargo Learning Lab=2C a refreshed Atrium=2C a ro= oftop gathering and event space=2C and a new amphitheater. These are more= than physical improvements. They are shared statements of belief: that en= trepreneurs still deserve world-class space=2C real visibility=2C and envi= ronments built for long-term success not short-term survival.

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= Throughout 2025=2C we witnes= sed the continued power of Uncommon Access=E2=84=A2 in action. Founders se= cured contracts=2C built strategic partnerships=2C hired teams=2C and expa= nded their reach=E2=80=94often in the face of real headwinds. These wins w= ere not guaranteed. They were earned=2C reflecting grit=2C discipline=2C a= nd the strength of an ecosystem that refuses to shrink when conditions get= uncomfortable.

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As we look toward the year ahead=2C let this be clear: we are st= ill here. We are still building. And we are not backing down from the work= of expanding opportunity=2C ownership=2C and economic power. This fight m= atters. And together=2C it must go on.<= /p>

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Thank you for believing in yourselves. Thank you for beli= eving in each other. And thank you for doing what you love=2C out loud...i= n our relentless pursuit to stay RICE READY!!!=

Farther together=2C

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Sunday Conversations Presents= :

Hil= diah Martin-Suggs: Part Two

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Dr. Hildiah Martin-Suggs=2C H.C.=2C is the Founder=2C CEO= =2C and President of Almost L= ost In The System Inc.=2C an organization she launched in July 20= 21 to support youth boys and young men in the criminal justice system.


With over 25 years of community service exper= ience=2C she is a licensed private detective=2C youth advocate=2C and civi= l rights leader who has received numerous honors including the Joe Biden W= hite House Presidential Gold Award=2C Georgia's highest civilian honor (Ou= tstanding Georgia Citizen Award)=2C and an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Le= tters.


Tune into Sun= day Conversations to hear part two of her story.

For Current RICE Stakeholders: Click Here to Submit Your Story to= Be Featured on Sunday Conversations on Smooth Jazz 101.1/100.1 FM
=C2=A0
=

Tech Tuesdays=

Danie= l Fitch

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RICE Stakeholders can unlock the power of AI every Tuesda= y in Stakeholder Central! Tech Tuesdays are interactive=2C drop-in session= s designed to help entrepreneurs explore tools like ChatGPT and learn how= to tailor AI for real business needs=E2=80=94whether it=E2=80=99s marketi= ng=2C operations=2C product development=2C or financial planning.


<= span style=3D"font-size: 16px">Why Attend?

=E2= =80=A2 Build confidence using digital tools

=E2=80=A2 Ge= t hands-on tech support in a relaxed setting

=E2=80=A2 S= tay ahead with forward-thinking business practices

=E2= =80=A2 Connect with peers while deepening your tech skills


What to Expect:

=E2=80= =A2 Weekly 1=E2=80=932 hour sessions every Tueday

=E2=80= =A2 Rotating workshop leaders with specialized expertise

=

=E2=80=A2 Interactive discussions and hands-on activities

=E2=80=A2 Open to all current Stakeholders


Join us weekly and level up your entrepreneurial t= oolkit! Stakeholders can register below.

REGISTER
=
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=

Think Tank Th= ursdays

Treseca Hamilton

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Every Thursday=2C RICE Stakeholders and Subject Matter Ex= perts will lead focused workshops inside Stakeholder Central. These sessio= ns are designed to create a space where entrepreneurs can learn directly f= rom one another through lived experience=2C practical skill sharing=2C and= collaborative problem solving.


Each works= hop will focus on a topic tailored to the needs and interests of the Stake= holder community =E2=80=94 from scaling operations and marketing strategie= s to personal development and wellness in business.

On January 8=2C 2026=2C we=E2=80=99ll welcom= e Treseca Hamilton for the year=E2=80=99s first Think Tank Thursday. Stake= holders can register using the link below.

REGISTER
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RICE is proud to partner with ecomspaces to offer accessible=2C= daily fulfillment support for our product-based founders=2C right here at= the RICE Logistics Launchpad.

JOIN WAITLIST
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= Want More? Stay Connected.

=
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