In the Headlines

The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction and the North Carolina Department of Commerce are expanding access to the NC Jobs Exploration in Transition system, known as NCJET, following the success of an initial pilot program.

NCJET is now available in 22 correctional facilities and has registered nearly 700 men and women. The system was developed by Geographic Solutions in partnership with the state and is built on the company's Virtual OneStop Reentry Employment Opportunities, or VOS REO, platform.

Designed specifically for correctional environments, VOS REO helps justice-impacted individuals prepare for employment and connect with workforce resources as they approach release. Geographic Solutions' platform can be customized to reflect each client's identity, programs, and workforce infrastructure. In North Carolina, the technology has been branded as NCJET and integrated with the statewide NCWorks Online system.

The system has been highly effective. A little more than a year since its implementation, several justice-impacted individuals shred their stories in a recent article published on Correction Connection, the NC Department of Adult Correction's Blog. 

“This is a great thing,” said Candra Mullins, the associate warden of programs at medium-custody Albemarle Correctional Institution – one of the non-Correction Enterprises designated reentry facilities. “We piloted it last fall and it has been successful. Our peer support men have been open to it.”

Samuel Mayfield, who has been housed at Albemarle Correctional Institution since April 2005 and is scheduled to be released in 2032, has instructed others on how to use the system. He assists the men in working on the laptops in the education classroom, setting up accounts and answers any other question. He sees this as a win/win situation for the men as well as the community.

“This has been very beneficial to me,” said Mayfield, who received his associate degree in business administration from Stanly Community College while incarcerated. “And think about the offender once he gets out of prison and comes into your community. You don’t want them to return without any fundamental skills when they come back into society. This is a tool you can use that’s big to help yourself and keep the public safe.”

NCWorks has more than 70 career centers across the state. When an offender completes their incarcerated time, they can go to a center or access service virtually by logging in with their registration. The same username and password access from NCJET works across both systems, allowing the individual to continue their job search with their saved information.

“The more successful our justice-involved individuals can be, the safer our communities can be,” said Torrey Leach, the Workforce Development Manager for Correction Enterprises and one of the driving forces behind NCJET. “It started as an idea, and it’s grown into a vision to assist the incarcerated.”

Parts of this article first originated at the NC Department of Adult Correction's Blog. Read the article in its entirety by visiting Correction Connection.

PALM HARBOR, Fla., July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Geographic Solutions has successfully completed the first production deployments of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies' (NASWA) latest modernization of the State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES), becoming the first vendor in the nation to transition client states to the updated platform.

SIDES is a secure, web-based system developed by NASWA in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor that enables the electronic exchange of unemployment insurance (UI) claims information between state workforce agencies, employers, third-party administrators (TPAs), and professional employer organizations (PEOs). The platform streamlines UI claims processing by improving speed, accuracy, security, reducing improper payments, and helping employers better manage UI tax costs.

As part of its ongoing modernization efforts, NASWA periodically updates SIDES modules to incorporate state-requested enhancements and improve system performance. Geographic Solutions began preparing for the latest modernization in November 2025 by implementing the infrastructure enhancements needed to support the platform.

Geographic Solutions worked closely with NASWA and four client states to coordinate testing, certification, and implementation. The production upgrades were successfully completed on July 16, with all four Geographic Solutions client states transitioning to the modernized SIDES platform without issue, becoming the first production implementations completed nationwide.

"Successfully completing the nation's first production implementations of NASWA's modernized SIDES module reflects our commitment to delivering reliable, secure unemployment insurance technology," said Paul Toomey, President and Founder of Geographic Solutions. "Working alongside NASWA and our client states, we achieved a seamless transition that allows agencies to immediately benefit from the platform's latest enhancements while continuing to provide efficient service to employers and claimants."

Geographic Solutions continues to partner with state workforce agencies to modernize unemployment insurance systems through secure, scalable technology that improves efficiency, strengthens program integrity, and enhances service for employers and claimants.

Article first published and distributed via PR Newswire.

We’re excited to announce Geographic Solutions’ Founder and President, Paul Toomey, as a 2026 Tampa Bay Titan 100 honoree. 

The Titan 100 program recognizes Tampa Bay’s Top 100 CEOs & C-level executives. They are the area’s most accomplished business leaders in their industry, using criteria that include demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, and passion. Combined, the 2026 Tampa Bay Titan 100 honorees and their companies generate more than $10 billion in annual revenue and employ over 60,000 people across the region and beyond.

This year’s honorees will be published in a limited-edition Titan 100 book and profiled exclusively online. They will be honored at the annual awards ceremony on October 22nd, 2026, and will be given the opportunity to interact and connect multiple times throughout the year with their fellow Titans.

“This year’s Titans represent more than success; they embody resilience, purpose, and transformation,” said Jaime Zawmon, President of Titan CEO. “Being a Titan is not just a title; it is a mindset, a way of leading with courage, serving with integrity, and creating something that outlasts you. It is about lifting those around you and leaving a legacy that inspires others to rise. These leaders stand as proof that the future of business is driven by those who turn vision into lasting impact.”

For more than three decades, Paul has helped shape the future of workforce technology by tuning complex employment challenges into practical, innovative solutions. His leadership has guided Geographic Solutions’ growth into an industry leader known for delivering award-winning software, trusted implementation expertise, and responsive customer service to workforce agencies nationwide. His inclusion among the 2026 Tampa Bay Titan 100 marks the second consecutive year he has received the honor, further recognizing his leadership, industry impact, and dedication to advancing workforce technology. This recognition follows his selection for the TAtech Honors Spring 2026 Class, continued contributions to the Fast Company Impact Council and Forbes Business Council, and leadership in advancing VOS Sapphire AI, which was named the Best AI/ML Powered Solution in the 2026 Tech Ascension Awards.

“Being recognized as a Tampa Bay Titan 100 honoree for the second consecutive year is an incredible honor that I proudly share with the entire Geographic Solutions team,” said Paul Toomey, President and Founder of Geographic Solutions. “This recognition reflects the dedication, creativity, and passion our employees bring to developing technology that addresses real employment challenges," said Toomey. “Together, we remain committed to strengthening workforce systems, expanding access to opportunity, and helping communities throughout Tampa Bay and across the nation thrive.”

Paul will be honored at the Titan 100 awards celebration on October 22nd, 2026, which will be held at Yuengling Center.

Geographic Solutions and VOS Sapphire AI has been featured by HR Tech Edge following its selection as a finalist in four categories at the 2026 SaaS Awards, an international program recognizing innovation and excellence in cloud-based software. The finalist categories include Best SaaS Product for Education and Nonprofits, Best SaaS Solution for HR and Workforce Management, Best Data-Driven SaaS Innovation, and Best Bespoke or Specialized SaaS Solution.

HR Tech Edge highlights Geographic Solutions’ specialized role in public-sector workforce technology. As agencies modernize employment services, purpose-built platforms, such as VOS Sapphire AI, can help reduce administrative burdens, improve access to services, strengthen data-informed decision-making, and create more personalized experiences for job seekers and employers.

The competitive environment around Enterprise HR and workforce technology has intensified in recent years. Many providers have continued to expand AI capabilities across talent acquisition, workforce planning, employee and employer experience, and skills intelligence. Specialized workforce technology vendors are differentiating themselves through vertical expertise, particularly in government workforce systems and public employment infrastructure. 

The digital publication notes that Geographic Solutions’ focus on workforce agencies positions the company within a niche segment of HR technology where digital transformation initiatives continue to accelerate. Governments worldwide are modernizing employment systems to improve service accessibility, and AI is becoming central to these modernization efforts.

Article originally published at HRTechEdge. 
 

PALM HARBOR, Fla., July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Geographic Solutions has been named as a finalist for the 2026 SaaS Awards in four categories: Best SaaS Product for Education and Nonprofits, Best SaaS Solution for HR and Workforce Management, Best Data-Driven SaaS Innovation, and Best Bespoke or Specialized SaaS Solution.

Celebrating a decade of recognizing software excellence since its launch in 2016, The SaaS Awards is operated by the global cloud computing awards body, The Cloud Awards. The SaaS Awards recognizes cutting edge innovations and applications of software-as-a-service solutions across a broad range of use cases and sectors. Geographic Solutions among the selected organizations representing all corners of the globe progressing to the finalist stage.

"Being named a finalist in the SaaS Awards for the second consecutive year is a testament to our team's relentless focus on innovation and customer success," said Paul Toomey, President and Founder of Geographic Solutions. "We are committed to advancing AI-powered workforce technology that helps agencies modernize service delivery, improve operational efficiency, and create better outcomes for the individuals, businesses, and communities they serve."

James Williams, CEO of The Cloud Awards, said: "This year's SaaS Awards nominees are proving that the future of software lies in absolute reliability and performance. Our judges look for products that don't just innovate but actively solve complex business hurdles. Geographic Solutions has demonstrated the exact mix required to lead the market. Reaching this stage is a prestigious benchmark of quality. We congratulate the team on their finalist placement and look forward to celebrating their continued success."

The program's judges will now determine which of the finalists should be crowned the winner in each category. The SaaS Awards winners will be announced on Tuesday August 11, 2026.

Article first published at and distributed by PR Newswire.

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) is proud to announce that the Labor Market Information (LMI) Division has received two national awards from Geographic Solutions (GSI) during the 2026 Workforce Technology Conference for Today's Occupations, Tomorrow's Opportunities (T.O.T.O). The state’s free online career exploration application is designed to help Kansans explore careers, education pathways and workforce opportunities. 

Built on GSI's Virtual Career Center platform, T.O.T.O. earned the Largest Annual Increase in Traffic to an Education Site award for the highest year-over-year traffic growth and the Most Innovative Application award for its customized career exploration tools, Kansas-specific labor market information, educational resources and the Wizard of Jobs budgeting application. 

"We are committed to providing innovative tools that prepare Kansans for successful careers and strengthen our state's workforce," said KDOL Secretary Amber Shultz. "Receiving these national awards is an incredible honor and a reflection of the LMI team's commitment to creating meaningful resources for students, educators and job seekers.” 

"Being recognized with the Most Innovative Application award is a testament to the department's vision for transforming career exploration through technology,” said Paul Toomey, Founder and President of Geographic Solutions. “Together, we're helping build a stronger talent pipeline that benefits students, educators, employers and communities across Kansas. We are honored to partner with Kansas in developing T.O.T.O.” 

Article first published at the Kansas Department of Labor's News List page. For more information about T.O.T.O., visit toto.dol.ks.gov. 

We are thrilled to share that our Founder and President, Paul Toomey, was recently featured in a Fast Company article exploring one of the most critical decisions facing modern business leaders: when to promote talent from within versus when to hire externally.

As a member of the prestigious Fast Company Impact Council—an invitation-only collective of innovative founders, executives, and leaders redefining the future of business—Paul joined 18 other national business minds to share his leadership philosophy on organizational growth and talent development.

Aligning Talent Decisions with Company Lifecycle

The feature, titled "19 leaders on promoting from within versus hiring externally," highlights the delicate balance of building a sustainable, high-performing workforce. When asked how he approaches this critical decision-making process, Paul emphasized that leadership choices should always be driven by a forward-looking assessment of what the company needs at its specific stage of growth.

Rather than relying on a rigid formula, Paul advocates for evaluating a role's immediate demands against the long-term impact on company culture and client success:

"I start by asking what the role requires at this stage of the company. If we have someone internally who has earned trust, understands our clients, and is ready to grow and succeed at the next level, promoting from within is especially valuable. It reinforces culture and continuity. In some circumstances, senior roles can require experience or expertise we have not yet developed internally, so an external hire can bring needed perspective or scale. The key is to make decisions based on future impact, and not just past familiarity."— Paul Toomey, Founder and President of Geographic Solutions

Cultivating Culture While Embracing Innovation

At Geographic Solutions, this philosophy is woven directly into our DNA. Promoting from within rewards dedication, preserves our deep institutional knowledge, and honors the trust our team has built with the workforce development agencies we serve. At the same time, selectively introducing fresh, external perspectives allows us to scale our technology, stay agile, and continuously innovate.

To read the full article and explore insights from all 19 featured Impact Council members, you can head over to the official piece on Fast Company.

Palm Harbor, FL (July 10, 2026) – Geographic Solutions today announced that its proprietary VOS Sapphire AI platform has been named Best AI/ML Solution in the 2026 Tech Ascension Awards.

VOS Sapphire AI leverages artificial intelligence to streamline case management, enhance job matching, automate routine tasks, and deliver personalized assistance to job seekers, employers, and workforce professionals across 40 states and U.S. territories. By improving efficiency, reducing administrative burden, and enabling data-driven decision-making, VOS Sapphire AI helps agencies modernize service delivery and achieve better employment outcomes through a secure, fully integrated AI solution.

"Receiving the Tech Ascension Award for Best AI/ML Solution is a tremendous honor and reflects our commitment to developing AI technologies that deliver real value for workforce agencies," said Paul Toomey, President and Founder of Geographic Solutions. "VOS Sapphire AI empowers workforce professionals to work more efficiently, improve services for job seekers and employers, and achieve better workforce outcomes through secure, practical innovation."

The 2026 Tech Ascension Awards recognize organizations developing innovative technologies that solve critical business challenges and deliver measurable customer value. Winners are evaluated on technology innovation, market impact, and competitive differentiation.

"The 2026 DevOps Award winners are helping define what modern technology operations look like in an AI-driven era," said David Campbell, CEO of Tech Ascension Awards. "These companies stood out for delivering solutions that bring greater intelligence, automation, visibility, and operational control to complex environments. Their innovations are helping organizations move faster, work smarter, and build more resilient digital systems."

Palm Harbor, FL – July 8, 2026 – Geographic Solutions successfully concluded its 2026 Workforce Technology Conference in Monterey, California, bringing together hundreds of workforce professionals, technology leaders, and government officials for three days of learning, collaboration, and innovation.

Representing 37 states and territories and 105 distinct agencies, attendees explored the latest workforce technologies through expert-led educational sessions, hands-on demonstrations, collaborative discussions, and pre-conference training focused on the newest capabilities of VOS Sapphire® and Virtual LMI®. 

The conference showcased emerging technologies and strategies designed to help workforce agencies modernize services for job seekers, employers, and communities. More than 95 industry leaders and subject matter experts presented sessions covering artificial intelligence, workforce modernization, labor market information, unemployment insurance, apprenticeship, education partnerships, employer engagement, and reentry initiatives.

Attendees also participated in roundtable discussions and product enhancement voting sessions, providing valuable feedback that will help shape the continued evolution of Geographic Solutions' workforce technology solutions. 

Returning this year was Partnership Row, featuring organizations whose integrated solutions complement the Geographic Solutions software suite. The company extends its appreciation to this year's participating partners: Big Interview, Metrix Learning, Engage by Cell, SaraWorks, Amazon Web Services, and JobTarget. Their collaboration helps workforce agencies deliver more connected, technology-driven services.

Another conference highlight was the keynote presentation by Formula 1 and IndyCar racing legend Derek Daly, whose session, Culture Formula WON: How to Shift from Good2Great2Extraordinary, encouraged attendees to embrace continuous improvement, innovation, and AI-driven efficiency.

Drawing from his distinguished racing career and leadership experience, Daly demonstrated how the pursuit of marginal gains can help workforce agencies achieve extraordinary results by empowering teams, improving service delivery, and creating better outcomes for employers and job seekers. 

Additionally, Geographic Solutions also recognized the many guest speakers whose expertise and real-world experiences contributed to a dynamic educational program addressing today's most pressing workforce challenges. The ideas, feedback, and partnerships developed throughout the week will continue to influence product innovation and support workforce agencies as they prepare for the future.

The 2027 Workforce Technology Conference will be held in Clearwater Beach, Florida. More updates on the conference to follow.

Geographic Solutions has been named to the shortlist for the 2026 SaaS Awards in several categories, recognizing our continued innovation and excellent in software-as-a-service solutions. This year, we’ve been shortlisted in the categories of Best SaaS Product for Education and Nonprofits, Best Bespoke or Specialized SaaS Solution, Best SaaS Solution for HR and Workforce Management, and Best Data Driven Solution.

Now in its 10th year as an awarding body, The SaaS Awards recognizes excellence across industries, business processes, and technical areas, including artificial intelligence, data, and content management. This year’s shortlist was selected following the first round of assessment of all nominees received. Geographic Solutions is among a group of organizations from around the world advancing to the next stage of judging.

“Technology buyers are becoming more discerning as budgets are tightened, and expectations heightened, said James Williams, CEO of The Cloud Awards. “Being able to blend ingenuity with demonstrable results is a must to stand out in today’s market – and Geographic Solutions has done just that."

The program will now move into its second round of judging, which will narrow the shortlist to finalists in each category. SaaS Awards finalists are scheduled to be announced on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, with final winners revealed in August.