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Paul Toomey Shares Insights on Rural Workforce Development in Forbes Business Council Article

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:21:53 GMT

How do we strengthen workforce development in rural parts of the United States? For the 46 million Americans who call rural communities their home, the answer is shaped by a complex mix of economic, demographic, and infrastructure-related challenges.

From population decline and an aging workforce to limited access to education and training, broadband gaps, industry concentration, and healthcare barriers, these communities face obstacles that can restrict job opportunities, slow career advancement, and make it more difficult for employers to build sustainable talent pipelines.

Yet there is also reason for optimism.

Rural employment sits at the crossroads of economic transformation, population change, and the opportunity to address infrastructure limitations. While these communities continue to face longstanding structural challenges, they also offer strong potential for sustainable growth when workforce strategies are aligned with local needs and opportunities.

Geographic Solutions’ President and Founder, Paul Toomey, explores these issues in greater detail in his latest Forbes Business Council article, highlighting both the challenges face and the opportunities ahead.

Follow this link to read the full council article.

Geographic Solutions Named as Finalist for 2026 North American Inspiring Workplaces Award

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 20:11:12 GMT

We’re proud to announce that Geographic Solutions has been named a finalist for the 2026 North American Inspiring Workplaces Award, marking the third consecutive year the company has received this distinguished recognition.

The Inspiring Workplaces Awards recognize organizations that prioritize their people by fostering cultures built on trust, purpose, and belonging. These are more than just great places to work – they are environments where individuals are encouraged to grow and succeed. This year’s finalists reflect a diverse range of organizations that are redefining what it means to truly put employees first in today’s complex and fast-changing world of work.

In 2024 and 2025, the company was named in the Top 50 North American Inspiring Workplaces and received recognition in the Culture and Purpose category. In 2024, Geographic Solutions was named to the Top 50 of the Global Top 100 Inspiring Workplaces Awards, standing out as one of the few North America–based organizations recognized at the global level.

“Earning consecutive recognition from Inspiring Workplaces reflects our strong commitment to empowering employees and building an inclusive, high-performing culture,” said Paul Toomey, President and Founder of Geographic Solutions. “Our people are our greatest strength, and this honor reaffirms our dedication to continuously enhancing the employee experience and fostering engagement.”

The official 2026 Top 100 Inspiring Workplaces across North America, along with individual category and special recognition award winners, will be announced at an exclusive event in Chicago on June 17, 2026.

Press release originally published and distributed via PR Newswire.

Geographic Solutions’ President and Founder Paul Toomey Named to TAtech Honors Spring 2026 Class

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:09:26 GMT

Geographic Solutions is proud to announce that its President and Founder, Paul Toomey, has been selected for TAtech Honors Spring 2026 Class, a prestigious recognition program celebrating extraordinary leaders in talent acquisition and technology.

TAtech Honors recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to advancing the field of talent acquisition. Each year, just 40 leaders are selected based on their sustained excellence and industry impact. Honorees are celebrated as innovators and trailblazers shaping the future of talent technology worldwide.

Paul Toomey joins an elite group of professionals recognized for driving meaningful progress and innovation in the field. This distinction reflects his ongoing commitment to pushing technological boundaries, advancing workforce solutions, and delivering state-of-the-art technology that supports employers, job seekers, and workforce agencies alike.

The Spring 2026 Class was formally announced on March 19, with additional recognition taking place at the TAtech North America Conference, held May 6–8 in Charleston, where honorees will be featured on the TAtech Walk of Fame.

To learn more about TAtech Honors and view the full list of honorees, visit TAtech.org.

Texas Workforce Commission Launches Streamlined State of Texas Application

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:04:12 GMT

On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Governor Greg Abbott announced the launch of a streamlined State of Texas application by the Texas Workforce Commission. We’re proud to support the technology that powers WorkInTexas.com, helping connect Texans with meaningful career opportunities.

Through a faster, two-step process, this modernized experience helps reduce barriers, aligns job seekers with today’s hiring practices, and expand access to meaningful, high-paying careers. Its supporting benefits include making state government more responsive and efficient, which in turn aims to make Texans more prosperous.

Read the full press release from the Office of the Texas Governor.

Geographic Solutions Earns Top Recognition at the DaVinci Awards

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 22:01:54 GMT

PALM HARBOR, Fla., Feb. 27, 2026 -- Geographic Solutions has been recognized in the latest round of The DaVinci Awards® judging, earning a three-star certification in the category of 'Technology' for the Virtual OneStop Reentry Employment Opportunities (VOS REO) solution and the California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority (CALCTRA) Entry to Employment (E2E) Network.

The DaVinci Awards® is an international awards body that celebrates outstanding displays of innovation, or significant achievements, in business, technology, products, and lifestyle. Nominations are accepted on behalf of individuals, teams or departments, entire organizations, or specific products or services. The awards were launched in 2025, making Geographic Solutions one of the world's first to receive one.

Entrants in the 'Technology' segment of the awards were invited to showcase their breakthroughs in a broad range of areas, including advanced electronics, smart devices, AI, cybersecurity, internet services, networking and data management.

CEO and Founder of The DaVinci Awards®, James Williams, said: "We're delighted to award Geographic Solutions a DaVinci Award®, in recognition of their fantastic work in helping individuals re-enter the world of work."

Williams further states, "The technology landscape is fiercely competitive. Lower barriers to entry across the sector have made acquiring, keeping, and growing customers and users harder than ever before. Three-star awards are earned by nominees that embody innovation and deliver unparalleled impact. Many congratulations to Geographic Solutions in securing this award."

The DaVinci Awards® COO, Annabelle Whittall, added: "Geographic Solutions' strengths lay in its clear evidence base, multi-state implementation, and operational execution within complex public sector environments. The cross-agency integration and secure infrastructure design reflect thoughtful engineering and strategic clarity."

Whittall commented further stating, "Three-star distinction recognizes rare, benchmark-level innovation with proven societal and technological impact. Geographic Solutions has delivered something genuinely transformative."

Geographic Solutions Founder and President, Paul Toomey, said: "Geographic Solutions is truly honored to receive the prestigious three-star recognition by The DaVinci Awards®. Our dedicated team remains deeply committed to developing innovative software solutions that empower individuals facing barriers to employment. VOS REO builds meaningful pathways from incarceration back into society – and ultimately into the workforce."

Toomey notes that "Through CALCTRA's first-of-its-kind E2E Network, we are helping reshape the corrections narrative by moving beyond traditional job training and equipping justice-impacted individuals with secure, technology-driven job search tools that support sustainable employment after release."

Press release originally published and distributed via PR Newswire.

Paul Toomey Examines Unemployment Fraud Prevention in Forbes Business Council Article

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 17:31:11 GMT

The pandemic not only changed the way we work but also exposed deep fractures in our aging government technology infrastructure. This raises a critical question: Are state unemployment systems ready for the next crisis?

In a recent Forbes Business Council article, Geographic Solutions’ President and Founder, Paul Toomey, examines this issue and explores the post-pandemic push for system modernization. He also delves into how states are transforming fraud risks into opportunities to build a smarter, more secure infrastructure.

Follow the link here to read more!

Geographic Solutions Honored at 2025 Tampa Bay Inno Awards

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 20:57:00 GMT

Geographic Solutions was recently honored at the 2025 Tampa Bay Inno Awards ceremony on November 18, 2025. This marks the second consecutive year that Geographic Solutions has been named an honoree on this prestigious list, celebrating the talent, creativity, and strategies that shape the Tampa Bay tech ecosystem.

This is the first time Geographic Solutions has been selected in the Partnership of the Year category for the company’s collaborative work with the California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) to launch the Entry to Employment (E2E) Network successfully. Powered by Geographic Solutions VOS REO software, the E2E Network is a game-changer for building pathways from prison back into society, and ultimately, into the workplace.

This recognition underscores Geographic Solutions’ commitment to continually innovating within our product development and leveraging the strength of our partnerships to create impactful solutions. Geographic Solutions is proud to be among the 23 local innovators recognized for the 2025 Tampa Bay Inno Awards.

Follow the link here to read more!

Geographic Solutions Named to Tampa Bay Business Journal’s ‘The List’

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 19:51:00 GMT

For the 12th consecutive year, Geographic Solutions has been named to Tampa Bay Business Journal’s ‘The List’ for the Largest Software Developers in Tampa Bay. The company was recognized for its continued growth over the past decade.

The Tampa Bay Business Journal's ‘The List’ showcases over 1,000 of the largest companies in their fields across the Tampa Bay area. The Largest Software Developers list features the top 32 software development companies in the area based on employee size, revenue, the number of developers employed, and more.

Follow the link here to read more!

Workforce Development Industry Veteran, Chad Carter, Joins Geographic Solutions as Senior Client Services Executive

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:12:00 GMT

Geographic Solutions is thrilled to welcome Chad Carter as the company’s new Senior Client Services Executive.

In his new role, Carter will focus on building and strengthening relationships with clients and stakeholders, as well as providing valuable training and learning opportunities for both internal teams and external audiences. He will also serve as a key resource for business development, conduct on-site client visits to gather direct feedback, as well as attend industry and government events.

"Chad’s extensive experience and knowledge of the workforce development industry and public sector make him an invaluable addition to our team and, more importantly, for our clients”, said Deane Toler, Director of Sales & Marketing at Geographic Solutions. “His unique understanding of the needs of job seekers, employers, and government programs will be crucial -- ensuring we not only provide cutting-edge software, but that we listen carefully to the needs of government agencies and our users.”

Carter joins Geographic Solutions following 11 years as the Director of Workforce Programs and Systems for the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. In his previous role, he managed teams dedicated to strengthening connections between job seekers and employers through innovative programs and system implementations. Chad earned a BA in Organizational Communication from the State University of New York - Regents. Prior to his time in the public sector, he primarily worked in Human Resources and Talent Acquisition within the defense and aerospace industries.

Paul Toomey Explores Benefits of Second-Chance Hiring in Fast Company Article

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 13:58:00 GMT

As labor shortages persist, companies need to look beyond traditional hiring methods. Geographic Solutions’ President and Founder, Paul Toomey, discusses this in his latest article as a member of the Fast Company Impact Council. In the article, Paul explains how overlooked talent pools, such as second-chance workers or graduates of prison education programs, can help struggling industries fill key employment gaps.

By changing perceptions and implementing strategic programs, forward-thinking companies can access a dependable source of millions of skilled workers while also making a positive social impact.

Follow the link to learn more!

Geographic Solutions Launches VOS Sapphire AI+: The Next Level of Workforce Development Innovation

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 17:20:00 GMT

We are excited to introduce VOS Sapphire AI+, the next version of its award-winning VOS Sapphire AI^® platform, which boasts a heightened user experience and more integrated AI-driven tools to enhance employment service delivery. VOS Sapphire AI+ introduces several new enhancements, including a redesigned interface and streamlined navigation for job seekers, employers, agency staff, and administrators.

Building upon the success of the VOS Sapphire AI platform, the new version features a refreshed dashboard that displays key activities and related links through dashboard widgets. The latest dashboard design now offers clearer insights and client-themed customization options.

Across the system, improved notification and navigation bars streamline access to essential features, enhancing usability and accessibility. VOS Sapphire AI+ also introduces breadcrumb navigation, which provides a clear and simple trail throughout the system, helping users stay organized and easily return to previous sections or pages.

"The development of VOS Sapphire AI+ was driven by feedback from our clients and users," said Paul Toomey, CEO of Geographic Solutions. "We carefully redesigned the platform to be more modern, intuitive, and accessible, aiming to improve the user experience. VOS Sapphire AI+ leverages the latest advancements in AI and user interface design to streamline service delivery and provide job seekers and employers with powerful tools to assist them in today's job market."

In addition to several design enhancements, staff can use AI Assist to improve service delivery and reporting by using natural language to pull reports and analyze key trends, ultimately saving time and simplifying the data retrieval process.

Job seekers can use AI Assist tools to support their job search efforts, including the new ability to describe their desired job rather than using a keyword to display relevant matches. VOS Sapphire AI+ also offers enhanced job cards with functionality that promotes user engagement, including card shuffle animation and a customizable layout.

For employers, VOS Sapphire AI+ offers a simplified job order creation process with a step-by-step guide that helps them quickly post jobs and make them visible to potential candidates. New candidate match cards are also available to assist employers with analyzing summary information about job seekers who are a good fit for a posted job. Additionally, employers can now use AI Assist to describe their ideal candidate in a single input field to access relevant matches, making it easier to pinpoint suitable job seekers.

The release of VOS Sapphire AI+ reflects Geographic Solutions' commitment to continuous evolution, providing its users with cutting-edge tools that leverage modern technology, improve service delivery, and drive better employment outcomes for all users.

Geographic Solutions Named a Top 25 Work Tech Vendor for Second Year in a Row

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:33:35 GMT

At Geographic Solutions, we believe that technology should be more than functional -- it should be inspiring. That’s why we’re honored to announce that Geographic Solutions has been named one of the Top 25 Work Tech Vendors in the 2025 Inspiring Work Tech Awards. This global recognition celebrates companies that are driving meaningful change in the world of work through technology

The Inspiring Work Tech Awards spotlights vendors whose solutions demonstrate real purpose and impact, whether in human resources, employment, wellbeing, inclusion, communication, or beyond. Winners are selected by an independent panel based on how their technology supports people-first organizations, fosters innovation, and helps shape the future of work.

Read more about the 2025 Top 25 Inspiring Work Tech Awards Winners

VOS REO Recognized as an Honoree for the 2025 Tampa Bay Inno Awards

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:48:50 GMT

We’re continually thinking about how to innovate within the development our products -- and through the strength of our partnerships. That’s why we’re happy to announce that Geographic Solutions is among 23 local innovators being recognized as honorees for the 2025 Tampa Bay Inno Awards. These awards celebrate the talent, creativity, and strategies shaping the Tampa Bay tech ecosystem.

This is the second year in a row that Geographic Solutions has been included on the Tampa Bay Inno Awards list. And this is the first year that we’ve been named in the Partnership of the Year category for our work on VOS REO. Justice-impacted individuals face significant hurdles in securing employment post release from prisons and jails, and this solution helps break the cycle of recidivism.

Read more about our 2025 Tampa Bay Inno Awards honoree nomination.

In The News: Arizona Launches New CACTUS Portal to Streamline Unemployment Benefits

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 20:22:44 GMT

Article first appeared at ABC 15 Arizona

PHOENIX — Arizonans who rely on unemployment benefits now have a new way to manage their claims: the Comprehensive Arizona Claims Tracking Unemployment Insurance System (CACTUS). The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) launched the CACTUS portal on Sunday, September 7.

The online system is designed to make it easier to file for unemployment insurance, track payments, and upload required documents online. DES data shows that, on average, nearly 19,600 people in the state of Arizona receive unemployment benefits weekly.

We’re Live! Second Quarter System Launch Roundup

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 17:54:00 GMT

We're already making significant strides with system deployments this year. So far, in the second quarter of 2025, our teams have successfully launched eight new client systems, portals, and modules across various states, territories, cities, and educational institutions.

These systems include:

👩‍💻 Texas’s Integration of AI Assist into WorkInTexas – April 2025
👩‍🔧 Indiana Registered Apprenticeship Module – April 2025
👩‍👧 Texas Non-Custodial Parent Module – May 2025
🚪 Virginia Workforce Connection’s VOSGreeter Module – May 2025
🏫 Virginia Workforce Connection’s Registered Apprenticeship Module – May 2025
💵 Iowa’s IOWAWORKS Unemployment Insurance Module – June 2025
⚖ Louisiana’s RETURN Portal – June 2025
💳 Indiana’s Work Opportunity Tax Credit Module – July 2025

These innovative solutions are designed to modernize dated systems, enhance user experience, improve operational efficiency, meet the evolving needs of our clients, and provide new opportunities to individuals in need.

Stay tuned for more updates on these and other systems as we continue to innovate and grow.

Geographic Solutions’ Paul Toomey Featured in The Tampa Bay Business Journal

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 18:33:00 GMT

Our esteemed President and Founder, Paul Toomey, was recently featured in an article from The Tampa Bay Business Journal! The article highlights Paul as one of two Tampa Bay business leaders who were named Florida winners of EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year award.

The Entrepreneur of the Year award is the leading competitive program for entrepreneurs and executives of high-growth companies. Paul was selected by an independent panel of past winners, top CEOs, and business leaders for his entrepreneurial spirit, strong sense of purpose, and substantial contributions to building long-term value for his company and the workforce industry.

Follow the link here to read more!

Geographic Solutions Partners with Microsoft to Release New Case Study

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 14:07:00 GMT

We have teamed up with Microsoft to release a case study highlighting how we are leveraging Microsoft Azure's AI capabilities in our VOS Sapphire AI software. This study shows how the collaboration aims to connect job seekers with meaningful career opportunities while empowering employers to identify candidates who meet their requirements.

But don’t just take our word for it. The study also includes testimony from clients and insights from Geographic Solutions’ Paul Toomey and Melina Tabares to showcase the benefits of VOS Sapphire AI and the positive impact our software has had on our clients in Georgia and Texas since its launch.

Click here to read the full case study.

Paul Toomey Explores Benefits of Vocational Rehabilitation in Forbes Business Council

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 12:15:00 GMT

Our President and Founder, Paul Toomey, has released his latest article as a Forbes Business Council member, spotlighting Vocational Rehabilitation. This insightful read explores how VR programs bridge the employment gap for individuals with disabilities, create a more inclusive and robust job market, and ultimately empower them to thrive in the workforce and achieve economic independence.

Follow the link here to read more!

Geographic Solutions Publishes Article in the IEP Journal

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 12:37:00 GMT

Check out our latest article in the IEP Journal about expanding employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals! In the article, we explore how innovative solutions like the Entry to Employment (E2E) Network are helping to break the cycle of recidivism and create pathways to quality employment. The E2E provides justice-impacted individuals with essential job search tools and connects them with second-chance employers.

Follow the link here to read more!

Geographic Solutions' VOS Sapphire was shortlisted for the 2025 Cloud Security Awards

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 12:32:00 GMT

Geographic Solutions’ VOS Sapphire software suite was shortlisted in not just one, but four categories for the 2025 Cloud Security Awards! The Cloud Security Awards recognizes those at the forefront of cybersecurity – rewarding overall excellence in keeping digital assets secure. The program spotlights groundbreaking solutions that tackle specific challenges in cloud security.

The company’s flagship solution was shortlisted in the following categories:

Best Cybersecurity Solution
Best Use of AI in a Cloud Security Solution
Best Security Compliance in Enterprise
Cloud Security Innovator of the Year categories

Cloud Security Awards finalists will be revealed on April 15, with the final winners named in May.

Follow the link here to read more!