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Drayage Brokersin Front Royal, VA

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Because a drayage load can mean a few different things, confusion among carriers is common. Many carriers link drayage with going into a port, but that isn't always true. While all drayage loads typically originate from a port of entry, there are often several legs of a drayage journey before a container turns up at its final stop. Legs of a drayage load may include:

Why Are Drayage Companies in Front Royal, VA So Important?

You may be thinking, what's so important about drayage? It's such a small step in the container storage transport process. In reality, it's an integral piece needed in the logistics industry and a crucial part of U.S. supply chain management.

To truly understand the importance of drayage, let's use flowers as an example. Most cut flower shipments enter the market from areas in South America until they end up at Dutch auction houses. Once there, wholesalers purchase flowers in bulk and send those products to retail outlets worldwide. Because flowers are perishable, they typically need to be refrigerated and are often shipped in reefer containers. These refrigerated vessels must maintain a certain temp to prevent loss.

Drayage companies like RelyEx allow flower shippers to send their products from Argentinian ports to airports in the Netherlands with peace of mind because their products are protected. The only way to accomplish this feat is with the help of swift, meticulous port drayage services. Drayage companies allow flower shippers to send their products from Argentinian ports to airports in the Netherlands with peace of mind, because their products are protected. The only way to accomplish this feat is with the help of swift, meticulous port drayage services.

If port drayage is compromised, it can cause delays and even fines. You know the packages you get delivered to your front door from apps like Amazon? Without drayage and drayage brokers, one or two-day shipping times wouldn't even be possible.

As a multi-billion-dollar industry in the U.S. alone, it seems like drayage shipping issues shouldn't exist. But the fact is inefficiencies and congestion are still major problems at ports. Whether it's a lack of carriers, absent chassis, or overburdened terminals, delays lead to missed deadlines, lost revenue, and worse.

But anytime challenges exist, so too do innovative solutions.

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RelyEx Solves Problems

At RelyEx, we like to consider ourselves problem solvers. The nature of the container drayage industry presents new challenges every day, but we're firm believers that there's a solution to every hurdle we encounter. And while some drayage businesses implement a reactive approach, RelyEx customers choose us for our proactive mindset. We take pride in solving your company's drayage challenges to help you avoid frustrating fees, missed expectations, and delayed shipments. We strive to make every transaction successful and streamlined by partnering with shippers who prioritize transparent, prompt, and accurate communication.

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RelyEx Has a Unique Vantage Point

RelyEx approaches your business from the customer's perspective - a unique approach that helps us provide high-quality, effective drayage services. We've been in the customers' shoes, know their pain points, and because of that, provide first-hand solutions to stressful supply chain issues. With over 30 years of collective knowledge, our team excels in:

  • Inventory Management
  • Logistics
  • Purchasing
  • Finance

Our varied, high-level drayage shipping experience helps us achieve our overarching goal: expertly managing your freight movement needs. That way, you can direct your time and focus on growing the core aspects of your business while we handle the heavy lifting. Throw in proactive planning to avoid bottleneck situations and strong communication for transparent customer relations, and you can see why so many companies trust RelyEx.

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RelyEx Nurtures Strong Carrier Relationships

When it comes to shipping logistics, it only takes one mistake by a mediocre worker to disrupt your business. That's why, at RelyEx, we pride ourselves on forming and nurturing relationships with carriers who match our standards of care. Our founding partner started his career transporting freight for companies as an on-demand carrier. He uses that knowledge to maximize the resources of our carriers so that our customer's expectations aren't just met - they're exceeded.

Based in the port city of Front Royal, RelyEx has a keen understanding of the challenges of managing the inbound and outbound flow of containers. Our team of container drayage experts provides your business with unique solutions to nuanced shipping problems, minimizing demurrage and ensuring the successful delivery of your freight.

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Customers choose RelyEx because:

  • We are a reliable drayage logistics partner that manages your freight from beginning to end
  • We have a rare industry vantage point with 30+ years of client-side experience
  • We foster and fortify the strongest vendor relations
  • We take a proactive approach to problem-solving, not a reactive approach
Let us know how we can help.
phone-number843-885-3082
Container Services Front Royal, VA

Your Drayage Shipments Managed from Start to Finish

Some drayage brokers don't care how customers feel about their service as long as they sign a contract and get paid. As a solutions-oriented team, RelyEx takes the opposite approach. We're motivated by the opportunity to overachieve for our customers and to provide them with the best logistics experience possible. With professional experience as carriers and shippers ourselves, we know the roadblocks and challenges you're facing. We excel at mapping out the best plans of action to solve those problems. But that's just the start.

Our tracking experts monitor and manage every aspect of your drayage shipment from booking to delivery, 24/7. Once booked, we look for the availability of your containers hourly once they're at port. When they arrive, our team acts quickly to access your storage containers when they're available.

Plus, RelyEx ensures your company's requirements are met by the carrier during loading and delivery and provide necessary documentation as fast as possible. With real-time tracking updates and access to our customer service professionals, your team has complete visibility throughout the shipping process.

We Source Top-Notch Operators at the Best Prices

Over the years, RelyEx has built a strong network of drayage carriers, transloading locations, and container storage spaces to provide you with the best possible options to match your drayage service needs. We know that searching for quality service presents an added layer of complexity and stress to our customers. That's why we work hard to take that off your plate by connecting you with our reliable shipping partners.

With a background moving freight as an on-demand carrier, our founding partner understands how to maximize the resources and equipment of our carriers to match your needs.

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We Make Transparent, Timely Communication a Priority

Like other industries, the global logistics space is complex. Mistakes will be made, and problems will happen. With those truths in mind, RelyEx has built its reputation as problem solvers. Unlike other drayage companies, we don't shy away from this industry's complexities because we take pride in solving problems. Even better, we aim to do what's needed to avoid those problems altogether.

As your logistics partner, we will provide your company with accurate, transparent, and prompt communication. If there are unexpected issues, we'll notify you immediately and will provide several options to remedy the problem. We even offer custom reporting for large clients who need at-the-moment updates and quick access to shipment documentation.

We Have Robust Project Management Experience

Why let the unpredictability of your industry dictate your success? With a background working in manufacturing, our founders are familiar with the demands of managing production schedules and sales orders. That experience makes it abundantly clear to us that every business and industry is different. If you struggle with seasonal surges or other factors, our team supports your business with a mapped-out plan and schedule, so you stay ahead of the game.

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Paperwork Errors

Typically, shippers need four specific documents to clear shipments through customs: A Bill of Lading (or BOL), a commercial invoice, a packing list, and an arrival notice. Seasoned drayage brokers like RelyEx are used to preparing these documents, but new shippers tend to miss this step due to inexperience.

Payment Delays

If a shipper only pays for part of their shipment, a vessel operator may refuse to release their freight until their bill is fully paid. Payment delays lead to cargo detention at the port of entry, which triggers demurrage charges.

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Documents Received Too Late

Paperwork is needed when you're shipping goods with a drayage company. When documents like the Certificate of Origin or Bill of Lading arrive at their destination late, you can expect demurrage fees. RelyEx avoids this situation entirely by being proactive when submitting paperwork.

Additional causes for demurrage fees can include:

  • Damaged Container Storage
  • Custom Released Containers
  • Storage Containers Are Too Heavy

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RelyEx:

The Supply Chain Partner You Can Count On

At RelyEx, we know first-hand how stressful supply chain problems can be for business owners. Though drayage shipping might seem minor on the surface, it affects every stage of your shipping process. And when inevitable hurdles manifest, RelyEx propels you over the proverbial roadblocks with a proactive mindset and a passion for challenging projects. We believe that all problems have a solution, and our unique vantage point allows us to provide first-hand solutions to customers in a wide array of industries.

When it comes to your business, don't settle for anything less than RelyEx. Contact our office today to learn more about how we make your shipping experience streamlined and stress-free.

phone-number843-885-3082

Latest News in Front Royal, VA

New Front Royal eatery offers fresh, homemade quick bites

FRONT ROYAL — A steady stream of customers flowed into Poppy’s Place for its opening day last week.Warren County builder and entrepreneur Shelly Cook — who has now added restaurateur to her resumé — was excited for the long-awaited launch of her new eatery.“We’re really looking forward to serving our little hometown and having an additional place that you can come and eat and have another choice,” she said. “We have a lot of amazing restaurants in Front Roy...

FRONT ROYAL — A steady stream of customers flowed into Poppy’s Place for its opening day last week.

Warren County builder and entrepreneur Shelly Cook — who has now added restaurateur to her resumé — was excited for the long-awaited launch of her new eatery.

“We’re really looking forward to serving our little hometown and having an additional place that you can come and eat and have another choice,” she said. “We have a lot of amazing restaurants in Front Royal and this is just another option.”

Originally set to start serving food in May after a major renovation, the restaurant launch had to be pushed back because of delays with the kitchen hood, Cook said.

“It has taken forever,” she said, explaining that supply chain shortages lead to a nine-month delay in the delivery of the hood.

Cook was working the grill on opening day and plans to be in there regularly preparing breads and other items using family recipes

“A lot of people worked really hard on this. I don’t do anything by myself. I have a vision and I have a great team,” she said.

Slipping out of the kitchen to greet customers, Cook welcomed old friends and new faces, thanking them for stopping by.

Now open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the restaurant will specialize in simple, nutritious food, Cook said.

“I’m so super excited. We’re going to have a mix of farm-to-table foods,” she said, noting that chicken, tuna and egg salads will be made in house, as will the salads and nourish bowls, which are loaded with vegetables, protein, and a starch and topped with a drizzle curated to blend the flavors together. A chef salad and a variety of hoagies are offered with fresh deli meat, she said, noting that she plans to use locally sourced hamburger and sausage. Cook plans to add additional menu items, including more salads, in the coming weeks.

“We’re trying to lean more toward fresher food,” she said, noting that the restaurant will serve breakfast and lunch and plans to offer items like granola grab bags and bento boxes to folks exploring the area. Currently, sausage and bacon breakfast sandwiches are available.

Poppy’s will lean into bountiful crops, using whatever is in season to serve fresh, homemade soups like tomato basil, squash chowder, and pumpkin, Cook said, adding that she will be making bread fresh daily, as well as sweet treats like cookies, cinnamon rolls, and other desserts.

The restaurant has counter service as well as grab and go prepackaged items and offers WiFi and charging stations, she said.

A small retail area in the restaurant sells “Products with a Purpose,” she said, noting that these products provide financial support to various organizations locally and throughout the United states to help with issues like environmental preservation, domestic violence, homelessness, hunger, animal rescue, charitable health organizations, and other programs geared toward helping those in need.

And customers can also purchase a meal, for any amount, to be donated to someone in need. Cook has set up a “giving board” where receipts for purchased meals are posted to be used to feed the hungry. She said two meals, with a cash value of $25, were purchased on opening day.

Poppy’s Place is located at 205 S. Royal Ave., Front Royal, in the former location of Donahoe’s Florist. The name pays tribute to Jean Rudacille, owner of the flower shop for 23 years, and Cook’s father, John Rice.

“Jean served the community for years out of this location as a florist and gave with her heart back to the community she served,” Cook said. “And my Poppy, well, I’m partial. He is just one of a kind and the best man I’ve ever known so the name shows my love and honor to both.”

For more information, visit www.poppysplacefrontroyal.com .

There are as many worlds as there are kinds of days, and as an opal changes its colors and its fire to match the nature of a day, so do I.

― John Steinbeck

Funds still being withheld from Virginia library over concerns of sexually explicit books

The Warren County Board of Supervisors recently voted to put the full budget for Samuels Public Library on hold amid concerns over sexually explicit material.FRONT ROYAL, Va. — The future of the budget for Samuels Public Library in Front Royal remains in question weeks after a controve...

The Warren County Board of Supervisors recently voted to put the full budget for Samuels Public Library on hold amid concerns over sexually explicit material.

FRONT ROYAL, Va. — The future of the budget for Samuels Public Library in Front Royal remains in question weeks after a controversial decision.

Several Front Royal residents spoke up during the Warren County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday to urge members to provide the full budget to the beloved public library.

Supervisors approved the typical $1 million budget for the library during a work session meeting last month, but four of the five members voted to keep 75% of the funding for now.

The vote comes after ongoing concerns over sexually explicit and pornographic books in the library, primarily from the group Clean Up Samuels Library. The group said the “movement is dedicated to safeguarding the well-being and innocence of our children by advocating for a safe and enriching environment in the children’s section of our public libraries. We strive to uphold the values of our community and protect taxpayer funds while promoting age-appropriate materials.”

“There's no reason for them to keep holding three-quarters worth of funding,” said Front Royal resident Kelsey Lawrence. “It should be given to the library.”

To help alleviate concerns and avoid infringing on freedom of speech rights, the library has created a new collection and section inside known as the “New Adult” Collection. The area would house books whose target audience is 16 and up.

The library also implemented a new card system which allows parents to limit what their child can rent.

However, it is unclear if the changes are enough. When asked what the changes to the library would mean for the budget, Supervisor Jay Butler said, “I still want to sit down and talk with the library and get a sense or a feeling from the other board members and we'll go from there.”

The library’s Board of Trustees recently announced two of the books in question, Juvenile Non-Fiction titles, will remain in place while a third will move to the new section. They have not removed any books.

“Is there a sense if books are not banned that they may not get the full budget?” WUSA9 asked.

“No, I wouldn't say that. We want to make sure the library is working in the best interest as a whole.”

Before the county vote on the budget, Butler himself provided two requests for reconsideration.

He told WUSA9 he is pleased with the changes and cooperation from the library, but is concerned by the influx in requests, which is now close to 800.

“If you get too many of them, people start looking at it, ‘Well, what do we do with all this?” he said.

Currently, there are no official plans to have a meeting about the budget.

Front Royal mandates water conservation

As drought conditions worsen in the area, Front Royal is mandating residents and businesses conserve water with fines possible for anyone violating the conservation measures.Front Royal officials reported Wednesday that the daily flow rate of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River dropped below 340 cubic feet per second or approximately 220 million gallons per day, according to an announcement from Town Manager Joseph Waltz.Front Royal’s permit to withdraw water from the river, issued by the Virginia Department of Environ...

As drought conditions worsen in the area, Front Royal is mandating residents and businesses conserve water with fines possible for anyone violating the conservation measures.

Front Royal officials reported Wednesday that the daily flow rate of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River dropped below 340 cubic feet per second or approximately 220 million gallons per day, according to an announcement from Town Manager Joseph Waltz.

Front Royal’s permit to withdraw water from the river, issued by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, requires that the town implement conservation measures at certain flow rates.

Anyone who violates any of the mandatory water conservation activities can face a fine of up to $1,000 per offense, Waltz advised. The town also can punish each day that a violation occurs as a separate offense.

During the mandatory water conservation period, Front Royal prohibits:

• Watering shrubs, trees, lawns, grass, plants, or any other vegetation with town water supplies between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., except indoor plantings, greenhouse and commercial nursery stocks, and new plantings less than one year old.

• Washing automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes or other types of mobile equipment, except in a commercial vehicle wash facility.

• Washing private streets, driveways, parking lots, service station grounds or other paved outdoor surfaces.

• Operating ornamental fountains unless they recycle their water. Municipal ornamental fountains shall be cleaned and closed within two days of the mandatory restriction declaration.

• Filling swimming and/or wading pools, except to top off to maintain appropriate levels for use.

The town requests users practice other conservation measures by:

• Serving drinking water in restaurants only upon patron request.

• Operating only fully loaded dishwashers and clothes washing machines.

• Taking short showers instead of baths.

• Turning off the tap while shaving or brushing teeth.

• Using two basins when washing dishes by hand, one for washing and one for rinsing, rather than letting the tap run.

• Reducing all non-essential water usage.

• Repairing or replacing all water fixtures with reduced flow fixtures.

Parts of the northern Shenandoah Valley are behind normal averages of rainfall this year. Measurements taken at Winchester’s water treatment plant several days ago showed the area has received 17.38 inches of rain in 2023. That’s 68% of the 25.55 inches the area typically receives through mid-August, records show.

The Shenandoah River, which is 56 miles long and includes two forks, is a major tributary in the region and a primary source of water for the region.

Gauges positioned at various locations on the river’s North Fork illustrate that the river has run low recently. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, gauge height on Saturday showed 2.25 feet in Mount Jackson and 1.59 feet near Strasburg. The gauge height at Front Royal, located on the river’s South Fork, was 1.05 feet that day.

“This is some of the lowest water I’ve seen in the North Fork (of the Shenandoah River) in my four years as executive director and for a more sustained period this summer than most summers,” said David Brotman, executive director of the Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River.

Brotman explained low water levels cause the river to warm because the sun has less water to heat — which can spur algal blooms. The Friends of the North Fork of Shenandoah River, based in Woodstock, operates an algae watch program, and reports of nuisance algae are rolling in. This impacts the river’s ecosystem as more algae in the water can create less oxygen for fish and aquatic insects.

“We’re hearing lots and lots of reports of algae and seeing it for ourselves. One of the categories is nuisance algae, which is the filamentous algae that makes it difficult to paddle a canoe or kayak,” Brotman said. “So far this year, nuisance algae has been rampant in the North Fork.”

Front Royal’s water usage measures are the most restrictive, so far, in the region, but it is not the only locality to call for conservation measures.

Low levels in the North Fork of the Shenandoah River last week led the town of Strasburg to declare a drought emergency and implement mandatory conservation measures.

Town Manager J. Waverly Coggsdale III said in an email last week that Strasburg has declared drought watches and warnings in the past, but no emergencies in recent years. Voluntary conservation measures recommended during drought watches and warnings become mandatory during a drought emergency.

On Tuesday, the city of Winchester issued a “drought watch,” and Clarke County officials are asking for voluntary water conservation as some parts of the county are experiencing a drought and others are unusually dry.

Winchester Star reporter Cormac Dodd contributed to this story.

Litter of Five Cheetah Cubs Are Born at Front Royal Campus, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Carnivore keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia, are celebrating a litter of five cheetah cubs born to 8-year-old adult female Echo Tuesday, Sept. 12. Viewers can enjoy watching the cubs grow via the Cheetah Cub Cam. Note that Echo may move her cubs out of the den and around her habitat so they may be out of view at times.Animal care staff will leave Echo to bond...

Carnivore keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia, are celebrating a litter of five cheetah cubs born to 8-year-old adult female Echo Tuesday, Sept. 12. Viewers can enjoy watching the cubs grow via the Cheetah Cub Cam. Note that Echo may move her cubs out of the den and around her habitat so they may be out of view at times.

Animal care staff will leave Echo to bond with and care for her cubs without interference, but as opportunities arise, staff will perform quick health checks. During a recent weight check, staff confirmed there are three males and two females. The cubs appear to be strong, active, vocal and eating well.

About Echo and Her Cubs

NZCBI is part of the Cheetah Breeding Center Coalition—a group of 10 cheetah breeding centers across the United States that aim to create and maintain a sustainable North American cheetah population under human care. These cubs are a significant addition to the Cheetah Species Survival Plan (SSP), as each individual contributes to this program. The SSP scientists determine which animals to breed by considering their genetic makeup, health and temperament, among other factors. Since 2007, NZCBI has celebrated 81 cheetah births; the facility currently houses 30 cheetahs.

Cheetahs live in small, isolated populations mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. Many of their strongholds are in eastern and southern African parks. Due to human conflict, poaching, and habitat and prey-base loss, there are only an estimated 7,000 to 7,500 cheetahs left in the wild. The International Union for Conservation of Nature considers cheetahs vulnerable to extinction.

About the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) leads the Smithsonian’s global effort to save species, better understand ecosystems and train future generations of conservationists. Its two campuses are home to some of the world’s most critically endangered species. Always free of charge, the Zoo’s 163-acre park in the heart of Washington, D.C., features 2,100 animals representing 400 species and is a popular destination for children and families. At the Conservation Biology Institute’s 3,200-acre campus in Virginia, breeding and veterinary research on 250 animals representing 20 species provide critical data for the management of animals in human care and valuable insights for conservation of wild populations. NZCBI’s more than 300 staff and scientists work in Washington, D.C., Virginia and with partners at field sites across the United States and in more than 30 countries to save wildlife, collaborate with communities and conserve native habitats. NZCBI is a long-standing accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

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SI-287-2023

Pamela Baker-Masson

202-380-2963

bakermassonp@si.edu

Jen Zoon

301-908-3102

zoonj@si.edu

Photos and b-roll are available to download in the Zoo’s newsroom.

New Acquisitions

Parents argue library books are 'too sexual' for children in Virginia

Samuels Public Library in Front Royal received 600 complaints about 134 books since May.FRONT ROYAL, Va. — A public library in Front Royal is forced to make adjustments after concerns over sexually explicit material.The Warren County Board of Supervisors approved the typical $1 million budget for Samuels Public Library during a work session meet...

Samuels Public Library in Front Royal received 600 complaints about 134 books since May.

FRONT ROYAL, Va. — A public library in Front Royal is forced to make adjustments after concerns over sexually explicit material.

The Warren County Board of Supervisors approved the typical $1 million budget for Samuels Public Library during a work session meeting on Tuesday.

However, four of the five members voted to keep 75% of the funding for now. From July through September, the county will appropriate $256,000.

Supervisor Jay Butler said the county wanted to give the money quarterly to “work things out” with the library about books some parents deemed controversial and inappropriate for children. Butler agrees with the parents who vocalized their issues that some of the content are pornographic.

“If they want to keep it in the library, that’s up to them,” Butler told WUSA9. “We just don’t want to have that available. We’re just letting folks know that if our public money is going to be used, then it’s going to be under scrutiny.”

Butler did not say if the books still exist after the first quarter that the county will withhold the rest of the funding.

Samuels Public Library Executive Director Michelle Ross said the team is working with the board on a couple of compromises to avoid infringing on anyone’s rights.

Ross said the library board would still have to vote on the ideas which include creating a New Adults section to move content from the Young Adults section. There is a proposal to have new library cards that would give parents the option and authority on what kind of book their child can check out.

“We are really a beloved institution here in our community, so I don't think the board of supervisors wants to defund the library,” said Ross.

Since late May, the library received nearly 600 complaints about 134 books.

In a board meeting last week, dozens of parents, many affiliated with the online group “CleanUpSamuels,” called the books “disgusting” and demanded the library be held accountable.

“A library that threatens the innocence of children puts parents in a situation where they can't trust the same community they paid with their tax money to maintain,” said one mother.

There is also an overwhelming amount of support for the library, which also makes money through different donations. In the same board meeting, many community members favored protecting the library and keeping the books.

Sydney Patton questions if the complaints are more geared towards LGBTQ+ literature. She believes opponents cherry picked lines to get a reaction and failed to consider the entirety of the book and its cultural and creative context.

In her opinion, the library is being ransomed of its money to comply with demands from the opposing groups.

“We have always said you have the option not to look at the material,” said Patton. “If you don't want your child to have access to it, then don't check it out.”

“Where are they going to come next?” questioned Patton. “There are plenty of other sections in here that they can attack. There's material in here that I don't like but a well cultivated library has different opinions and should reflect the diversity of the community.”

An online petition to support the library has garnered more than 16,000 signatures.

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