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Minuteman Press Highlights Year of Helping Independent Print Center Owners Sell Their Businesses

Minuteman Press International Inc

Minuteman Press International, the world’s leading design, marketing, and printing franchise, is proud to announce additional successful conversions of independent print shops to Minuteman Press franchises in 2021. Through the Minuteman Press International Conversion Program, independent printers are able to sell their printing business at no cost to them. Minuteman Press Franchise Conversion Program – 2021 Highlights Through this program, Minuteman Press International helps sellers of qualified printing businesses find qualified buyers within a reasonable time frame. All of the businesses highlighted below were listed for sale in mid-2020 and sold through 2021. Minuteman Press, Red Bank, New Jersey (formerly All American Print & Copy Center) Jason Carris is the new owner of Minuteman Press in Red Bank, NJ, which is part of the Middletown Township. He purchased All American Print & Copy Center, which was in business for 40 years, and took over the business in September 2021. Jason says, “ The biggest advantage of buying this business was having an established clientele. We did our research and made sure the owners were respected by their clients. There was also 40 years of history and track record as well.” He continues, “Minuteman Press and our Regional Vice President Jim Galasso guided us through the purchase of the business step by step. Jim made the process easier to manage and I couldn’t have done this on my own without the help from the team at Minuteman Press International.” Prior to franchising, Jason worked in medical publishing and digital marketing. He also ran a number of small consulting businesses in his career. He says, “A combination of things – including the pandemic and economic forces – made me decide to go fully into business ownership. My wife Renee has an entrepreneurial spirt as well.” Why Minuteman Press? Jason answers, “We did a lot of research and Minuteman Press jumped out to us on a number of levels. They were on a lot of top franchise lists, they appealed to people who hadn’t owned a business, and the business seemed easy to learn. In addition to being a highly respected franchise, Minuteman Press had a reasonable cost of entry and I appreciate their cap on royalties.” He adds, “The support has been wonderful. Because there is a 40-year history of the independent print shop we purchased, we have been transitioning the business. It’s great to have the training and support especially since I had not run a business of this scope before.” What is it like for Jason to be a business owner? He says, “Once you make that leap, it’s a very exciting experience to own your own business. We have a vibrant community here and I see the long-term growth potential. I am looking forward to making Minuteman Press a real pillar and trusted business partner in Red Bank / Middletown Township.” Jason further explains, “I think we have a tremendous opportunity to expand our wide format printing business with banners, posters, and signage remaining in high demand for our clients. I am also looking forward to bolstering our in-house mailing and direct mail services to help other local businesses reach their target audiences.” “I think the two biggest keys to owning a business are to really make sure you feel 100% comfortable with the business model, and to believe in your products and services. Also, it is important to be proactive but also have patience after buying the business. Think about growth potential, and understand there is a learning curve. That’s normal for everyone.” -Jason Carris, owner, Minuteman Press franchise, Red Bank, NJ (formerly All American Print & Copy Center) For more information on Minuteman Press in Red Bank, visit https://minuteman.com/us/locations/nj/red-bank. Minuteman Press, Longmont, Colorado (formerly Ron’s Printing Center) Avi Kumar has been part of the Minuteman Press franchise family since May 2016 as the owner of Minuteman Press in Greeley, CO. In February 2021, Avi had the opportunity to buy Ron’s Printing Center located in Longmont, CO, which was in business for 40 years. Avi converted Ron’s Printing Center into his second Minuteman Press franchise location in February 2021. Avi says, “Our Regional Vice President Jack Panzer told us about this established business for sale in Longmont, which is 40 minutes from us. The main advantage was to extend profitability and expand our business in Northern Colorado.” He continues, “Another advantage was that we did not have to spend a lot of extra effort in marketing this as a new business because Ron’s Printing Center had been established for a long time. The employees were all very hands-on and diligent and we were able to retain them all. Within the second month, we added mailings, promotional products, and apparel to their product lines. In fact, we just wrapped up a 30K mailer for a local non-profit organization and secured a large apparel order as well.” Prior to franchising in 2016, Avi worked in retail as a convenience store manager of several locations. “I used to manage some stores in Illinois for a big outfit out of Wisconsin. I finally got tired of answering to my boss and decided I wanted to own my own business. I moved on to better pastures and we decided as a family that Colorado was our calling.” Avi is thankful for being able to work with Minuteman Press and Jack Panzer over the past five years in Greeley and on the conversion in Longmont in 2021. He says, “Working with Jack is amazing as he is very thorough and helpful. Since I started my business in Greeley in 2016, he has been a huge resource for us and very supportive. As we start to build in Longmont, we are also expanding in Greeley to a new 5,000 sq. ft. facility – remodeling is under way as we speak. We started small and grew the business, and now we are building on that success at the right, consistent pace.” For more information on Minuteman Press in Longmont and Greeley, visit https://minuteman.com/us/locations/co/longmont or https://minuteman.com/us/locations/co/greeley. Minuteman Press, Missoula, Montana (formerly Advertiser Montana Printing) Rebecca and Kirk Treece are the new owners of Minuteman Press in Missoula, Montana. They purchased Advertiser Montana Printing, which has a 40-year history in Missoula, in January 2021. Rebecca says, “It is a real honor to become part of Missoula’s thriving business community. The Palmers (former owners) had a 40-year long relationship with this community and their loyal customers have welcomed us and trusted us with their service, which has given us a great start here in Missoula.” Prior to Minuteman Press, Rebecca and Kirk had varying careers. Rebecca shares, “Before owning my own business, I was utilizing my teaching degree as a vision therapist at an optometry office in Missoula, working with children and adults to improve their visual skills. My husband Kirk was previously a financial and operational manager for a large company. He and I also own a franchise of Fish Window Cleaning and Sunbelt Business Brokerage. We are familiar with business and the franchise concept, but were really drawn to the Minuteman Press structure, training, support and record of success.” While Rebecca and Kirk have experience owning a business, they had never been involved in the printing industry before. Rebecca says, “Advertiser Montana Printing was an independent print shop that had been in business for 40 years and they had a very loyal base of long-standing customers. An established customer base was the opportunity we were looking for when buying a new business. Our goal is 100% retention and we have worked diligently to meet and develop relationships with each customer. We hit the ground running and it gave us an opportunity to get experience across the board. Our local Minuteman Press field representatives were able to train us on every aspect of the business, which gave us the confidence to meet the demands of our customers.” Rebecca continues, “The support from Minuteman Press has been exceptional. The training was very comprehensive, and we felt like we were well-prepared for starting up and getting straight to work. We also know exactly who to call when we have a question or issue to manage. The network of Minuteman Press is amazing in the way that everyone is there for you at any time and in any capacity that you need. The expertise of the training and the continual mentoring are the powerful tools we need to succeed.” One of the ways Rebecca is looking to stand out as a new business owner is by expanding on the products and services offered by Minuteman Press and educating clients on what is in high demand right now. She explains, “Our high-demand products are business cards, menus, point of sale products like invoices and forms, and medical facility materials. As businesses open up, the demand for envelopes, letterhead, and other consumables has grown. Being part of Minuteman Press family has given us a huge opportunity to share with customers our expanded line of products like mailing, signage, apparel, promotional items. It has really given us the ability to help people promote their business.” As for Minuteman Press in Missoula, Rebecca and Kirk know exactly where they want to go. She says, “Our goal is to become the premier printing and advertising design company in Missoula and the Greater Northwestern Montana area. We want to develop the reputation for supplying the highest quality products and having superior customer service. We strive to make Minuteman Press in Missoula the place to go for all advice and services. The main lesson Minuteman Press impressed upon me is that if you do not like the current state of your business, change it! Get up, get out there, market, make connections, and grow your business. We have been given the tools and the support to create something great and that is extremely exciting for us.” For more information on Minuteman Press in Missoula, visit https://minuteman.com/us/locations/mt/missoula. Minuteman Press, Hove, England (formerly TJ’s Branding Solutions) Romi and Russell Pinsent are the new owners of Minuteman Press in Hove, England. They purchased TJ’s Branding Solutions, which operated for 30 years, in June 2021. Romi says, We are so excited to carry the legacy of TJ’s Branding Solutions and expand our products and services through Minuteman Press to benefit our local business clients and community.” TJ’s Branding Solutions laid a solid foundation for Romi and Russell as they look forward to continuing to build the business that was started by original owner Tony Jenner. Romi says, “The store that we have bought has predominantly been a sign writing store that already supports existing businesses and has a good customer base. The work done within the store already supports local businesses by assisting them to promote their own business by way of designing logos, shop fronts and vehicle livery.” On selling the printing and sign business through Minuteman Press, Tony Jenner says, “Minuteman Press Regional Vice President Mark Jones approached me at a good time and asked me if I was interested in selling my business. I have been running TJ’s Branding Solutions for over 30 years and was looking at a change of direction. I was looking to retire and enjoy what I have achieved and spend more time with family. This was a great opportunity to sell at a good price with no broker fees. What was there not to like? It was a smooth exchange and transfer that was done – I would recommend it.” Prior to franchising with Minuteman Press, Romi and Russell were no strangers to running their own business. Romi shares, “Before franchising, our background was and still is running care homes. It is an enjoyable business to run, supporting the more vulnerable people within society but it is riddled with legislation and we wanted to explore a new venture that was more creative and had an opportunity for growth. We wanted a change for us and a new business venture seemed the way forward.” Why Minuteman Press? Romi answers, “We have over 40 years of business experience between us however we were cautious about moving into a new industry as our experience is only in our other business. We visited a franchise show with the intention of looking at a hospitality franchise but quickly realized that this wasn’t something we wanted to explore due to having to work evenings and weekends.” Romi adds, “The intention at the start was to purchase a new store and grow it from the ground up however once we had decided on the franchise, [Regional Vice President] Mark Jones undertook some market research and found an existing independent print shop in TJ’s Branding Solutions where the owner wanted to retire. As a result, we began the process of purchasing the store.” “Throughout the whole process, Mark Jones supported us in liaising with the seller, solicitors, and accountants to make the process as easy as possible. There was never a question that couldn’t be answered! We secured the store on the 3 rd June 2021. Russell and I are both excited to work with the Minuteman Press franchise support team and to grow the business in the local area. Russ has lived in the city since he was 5-years-old and I have lived here all my life. We are proud to call Brighton and Hove our home, we love where we live and want to offer the best service to all local businesses here!” -Romi Pinsent, co-owner, Minuteman Press, Hove, England (formerly TJ’s Branding Solutions) Romi concludes, “Overall, As a local business ourselves, Minuteman Press in Hove is excited to work with other local businesses. We look forward to seeing where this incredible journey takes us as we build and grow together.” For more information on Minuteman Press in Hove, England, visit https://hove.minutemanpress.co.uk. International Minute Press, Nampa, Idaho (formerly Custom Printing) Sheryl and James Wisler are the new owners if International Minute Press in Nampa, Idaho. They purchased Custom Printing from Mike Cutler, who operated the independent printing business for 25 years. Seller’s Perspective from Mike Cutler, Retired Owner of Custom Printing Mike Cutler built up Custom Printing from a print shop out of his garage in 1996 to a successful printing business that averaged over $1 million in gross sales over the past 5 years. He tried to sell his printing business for six to eight months before realizing it was going to be harder than he thought. That is when he turned to Minuteman Press. Mike says, “I tried to sell the business that I worked so hard to build for six to eight months on my own. I was also preparing to let it go at a very undervalued price as I couldn’t find the right people to buy the business and I found many of them were time-wasters and tire-kickers. On top of that, when I consulted with a business broker, they were asking me for 10% off the top of the sale, and they also wanted a percentage of my lease agreement.” After experiencing these challenges on his own, Mike turned to Minuteman Press International to help sell his printing business. “One of the franchisees I knew locally in Idaho referred me to Chris Jutt, Minuteman Press International Regional Vice President. After our first phone call, I felt confident that Chris had the ability, drive and connections to make this dream a reality for me. Our meetings were always super easygoing and comfortable. Chris took all the pressure off of me and said to focus on my successful business and he would do the rest. That is just what he did.” “We set a price for my independent printing business that was significantly higher than I anticipated, and Chris Jutt recommended some terms. Within one week, I had several very interested parties. Chris found the perfect people to purchase my business – James and Sheryl Wisler – that will continue what I started some 25 years ago. Minuteman Press International knew that the most important things to me were my long-term employees, my clients, and the reputation I had worked so hard to build. Chris found buyers that valued the same things. He and the entire team at Minuteman Press International delivered on all of my expectations and exceeded in most of them. Looking back, if I knew this was going to be this easy, I would have contacted him years ago.” -Mike Cutler, retired owner, Custom Printing (now International Minute Press, Nampa, Idaho) After the sale of his business, Mike quickly realized how beneficial it was to have the team at Minuteman Press International assist with all aspects of the transition to the new owners. He shares, “At first, I was apprehensive about how the transition would go. I was immediately relieved when I saw how Minuteman Press International took the reins to teach and train James and Sheryl. We are only two and a half weeks into the transition phase, and already I feel like I am not needed as much as I thought I would be. My employees are in great hands, my clients are being taken care of, and James and Sheryl are doing a fantastic job.” He adds, “The entire team both here locally and at their corporate headquarters has been phenomenal. No matter who I’ve talked to or worked with during this entire process, everyone has been professional as well as instrumental in making this happen. It’s a win-win situation all around.” “The smooth transition has reassured me that it was the right move to sell my business with Minuteman Press International. They have the right plan, the right experience, and everyone has been incredible to the very last detail. In my acquisition experience, nothing has ever been as easy as this. I had everything to gain and nothing to lose, and there were absolutely no hiccups along the way. I would easily rate my experience as 10/10.” -Mike Cutler Advice to Other Sellers When asked what advice he would give to other print and sign shop owners looking to sell, Mike answers, “Don’t even waste your time trying to do this yourself. When you try to sell on your own, there are so many bottleneck issues and you will likely undervalue your business. I couldn’t find the right buyers on my own and I had to spend too much time to meet with people repeatedly while still running my own business.” Mike concludes, “Minuteman Press International alleviated the bottlenecks and came forward with qualified buyers who were ready to write the check for the right price. I am 100% satisfied beyond my expectations. This was a total team effort by everyone, and they all came through for me.” For more information on International Minute Press in Nampa, Idaho, visit https://minuteman.com/us/locations/id/nampa. For more information on how to sell your printing business or sign business through Minuteman Press International’s Conversion Program, visit https://bit.ly/minutemanpressconversions Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

December 06, 2021 09:10 AM Eastern Standard Time

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How to Figure Out Medicare and Choose the Right Plan

YourUpdateTV

Choosing a Medicare plan can feel overwhelming. Ten thousand baby boomers age into Medicare everyday with questions about getting the right, affordable healthcare coverage and finding a Medicare plan that fits their needs. Recently, Keira Krausz, the Chief Marketing Officer at ClearMatch™ Medicare, part of HealthPlanOne, teamed with YourUpdateTV on a satellite media tour to share tips on how to make this year’s Medicare enrollment less confusing. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/58vAvLAhVyIQ For nearly 63 million Medicare beneficiaries or individuals turning 65 who need affordable health plan coverage, Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period is here, and it will end in December 7 th. Choosing a Medicare plan can feel overwhelming. According to a recent survey, 58 percent of Medicare members say they don’t look forward to reviewing their Medicare plan, with 23 percent of people sharing that reviewing their plan is as delightful as having a colonoscopy. In 2019, 71 percent of Medicare beneficiaries said they didn’t compare plans during the open enrollment period, according to a Kaiser study published last month. Not comparing plans is a missed opportunity – because each year plans and benefits change – it’s important for individuals to compare their options, and a broker like ClearMatch™ Medicare can easily provide you a simple comparison of best plans. ClearMatch™ Medicare is committed to “de-complexify” Medicare for customers across the country. They match each customer with the right plan at the right place to deliver better health and peace of mind. The company can support customers throughout their Medicare journey, with a focus on the long-term. ClearMatch agents guide customers at every step of the way, from identifying and enrolling in a plan to reviewing coverage each year to make sure customers get all the benefits they deserve. To learn more about this year’s Medicare’s Annual Enrollment period and ClearMatch™ Medicare, go to: clearmatchmedicare.com About Keira Krausz: An award-winning Direct-to-Consumer marketer, Krausz has spent her career focused on the melding of data-driven analytics and compelling creative. Krausz led the launch of the ClearMatch™ Medicare brand. The brand’s purpose is to match each customer with a Medicare plan that delivers the benefits the customer is entitled to, to support better health and deliver peace of mind. The company expects potential customers will benefit from its digital content and then leverage a hybrid approach – an ecommerce platform plus a licensed ClearMatch™ Medicare insurance agent – to gain a solid understanding of options and enroll in a plan. ClearMatch™ Medicare agents, supported by the company, then will build a long-term relationship with each customer to ensure satisfaction. From 2013-2018 Krausz was the CMO and EVP of Nutrisystem, Inc., where her team reversed a seven-year decline and returned the company to sustained growth, to nearly double revenue and quadruple EBITDA. Prior to Nutrisystem, Krausz held leadership positions at Time Inc. and the Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. Krausz attended Cornell University as an undergraduate and has an MBA from the Tuck School at Dartmouth College. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

December 03, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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DonorsTrust Celebrates Record-Breaking Donations On Giving Tuesday

Donors Trust

The team at DonorsTrust, a donor-advised fund (DAF) committed to encouraging philanthropic giving and protecting donor intent, is celebrating “Giving Tuesday” amid a record-breaking pace of donations. Giving Tuesday, the first Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, is a global celebration of generosity. All are encouraged to help others and consider giving their time and resources. “DAFs remain positioned right now to serve the public good, especially in these continued uncertain times,” explained Lawson Bader, CEO of DonorsTrust. “Charitable contributions from DAFs met the challenge of 2020 for a multitude of charities and kept the pace going throughout 2021.” DonorsTrust is on pace to set a new record in 2021, already distributing grants totaling more than $140 million through mid-October. In 2020, DonorsTrust paid out more than $186 million to charitable causes. With an expected surge in additional giving around the holidays, the amount in 2021 is on track to be significantly higher. In 2019, DonorsTrust accountholders recommended $163 million in grants to 751 charities in nearly every U.S. state, representing an increase of 12% from 2018. DAFs are like a charitable savings account that provides donors more time to think about which charities to contribute to over time, all while their money is growing in the fund, increasing the impact of giving from both a timing perspective and amount, too. “Giving from DAFs is increasing as philanthropists look to give more, and more strategically – on Giving Tuesday and beyond - making up for the unanticipated needs and demands many non-profits are currently experiencing,” Bader continued. “Despite these fears and uncertainty from the pandemic and economic uncertainty, giving expectations were surpassed as donors continue to step up and support non-profit organizations.” DAFs provide a key source of income for charities. The charitable vehicle is growing in popularity, with nearly 1 million Americans utilizing DAFs to centralize and simplify giving. Low new account minimums make them the great democratizers of philanthropy – available to all, not just the privileged few. To learn more about how DAFs and DonorsTrust are making a difference, please visit http://www.donorstrust.org. ### Established in 1999 as a 501(c)(3) public charity, DonorsTrust is a community of donors devoted to creating a better future. Our donors support charities they believe protect our Nation’s constitutional liberties and strengthen civil society through private institutions rather than government programs. Our boutique size lets us offer our donors personal attention and advice that helps them achieve their philanthropic goals. We ensure that our donors’ intentions are protected and offer simple, effective, and tax-advantaged, ways to give. Since its inception, DonorsTrust granted over $1.6 billion to more than 4,000 charities that protect our constitutional liberties and strengthen civil society without government funding. Contact Details Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 daniel.rene@kglobal.com Company Website https://www.donorstrust.org/

November 30, 2021 08:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

Nintendo Holiday Gift Guide 2021: Gifts the Whole Family Can Share And Enjoy

YourUpdateTV

The holidays are almost here and that means spending more time with family and loved ones. With a vast library of games, there is something for everyone on the Nintendo Switch family of systems this holiday season. This includes multiplayer titles that the whole family can play together*, in addition to fun games and experiences you can enjoy on your own. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/S7FY8Dfrjj8 With the Nintendo Switch family of systems, everyone has the choice of a system that best fits their needs and play styles. Nintendo Switch can be played on the TV or taken on the go for portable play, while Nintendo Switch Lite is a dedicated gaming handheld system great for those who love playing in handheld mode. Nintendo Switch – OLED Model has a similar overall size to the Nintendo Switch system, but with a larger, vibrant 7-inch OLED screen with vivid colors and crisp contrast. Here are some of the Nintendo Switch games people are talking about this year: In Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain, you’ll go brain-to-brain with others in a series of fun, family-friendly activities that are sure to test your mental mettle. Everyone can play together at varying difficulties, so a kid can hold their own against an adult in this battle of the brains. The full game launches on Dec. 3, but if you want to try your hand at some mind-tickling challenges today, a free demo is available right now in Nintendo eShop or download directly to your Nintendo Switch from the official website. In Mario Party Superstars, available now, roll your dice and race to get the most stars (and sabotage your opponents) on five different game boards and take on 100 classic minigames fit for the whole family. You’ll have a blast in this all-star funfest filled with some of your favorite characters from the Super Mario series. Want to play with far-off friends and family? All modes can be played locally* and online**. If you’re looking to wind down from holiday travel or get-togethers, take a look at the Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl games. Experience the nostalgic story from the Pokémon Diamond Version and Pokémon Pearl Version games in an adventure reborn on the Nintendo Switch system, available now. Or escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game, out now. In the new paid downloadable content Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise *** you’ll travel to a chain of charming islands in an archipelago where you can design the dream vacation homes of your clients, decorate island facilities – like a school and a restaurant – and discover new ways to create and personalize. This Black Friday, Nintendo is offering a great value with a Nintendo Switch bundle with the digital version of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game and a three-month individual membership to Nintendo Switch Online ****. For a suggested retail price of $299.99, that’s the price of a Nintendo Switch system, with a game and a 3-month Nintendo Switch Online membership at no extra cost. Additionally, several Nintendo Switch games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, Splatoon 2, Super Mario Maker 2, Paper Mario: The Origami King, Kirby Star Allies, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, ASTRAL CHAIN and Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition will be available for $20 off their suggested retail price. There will also be deals on the Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit and Ring Fit Adventure games. Starting on Nov. 21,, while supplies last, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit will be available at a suggested retail price of $59.99 (a savings of $40*****) and Ring Fit Adventure will be available at a suggested retail price of $54.99 (a savings of $25*****). For more information, visit Nintendo.com/holiday. *Additional games, systems and/or accessories may be required for multiplayer mode. Games, systems and some accessories sold separately. **Any Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. nintendo.com/switch-online ***Full version of game required to use DLC. Sold separately. ****Offer valid 11/27/2021, while supplies last. Included Nintendo Switch Online membership auto-renews at the end of three months. Terms apply. nintendo.com/switch-online *****Savings based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Actual discount may vary. About Lilliana Vasquez: Lilliana is a trailblazing interviewer, style expert, and author. The enterprising star has curated a career that began from a small blog, to being seen by millions daily on numerous platforms including TODAY, Access Hollywood, The Wendy Williams Show and most recently as the first and only Latinx host of "Steve Harvey." Lilliana has always been passionate about giving back and actively advocates on issues such as education, health, immigration, and economic empowerment. She also embraces and welcomes her responsibility as a role model for others in the Latinx community who aspire to work in television. About Nintendo: Nintendo Co., Ltd., headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, has created franchises that have become household names worldwide, including Mario ™, Donkey Kong ™, The Legend of Zelda ™, Metroid ™, Pokémon ™, Animal Crossing ™, Pikmin ™ and Splatoon ™, through its integrated hardware and software products. Nintendo aims to deliver unique, intuitive entertainment experiences for everyone, manufacturing and marketing video game devices such as the Nintendo Switch ™ family of systems, developing and operating applications for smart devices, and collaborating with partners on a range of other entertainment initiatives like visual content and theme parks. Nintendo has sold more than 5.1 billion video games and over 800 million hardware units globally. From the launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System ™ more than 30 years ago, through today and into the future, Nintendo’s continuing mission is to create unique entertainment that puts smiles on the faces of people all over the world. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Americas. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at https://www.nintendo.com/. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

November 29, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Actor and Comedian Kevin Hart Is Osmo’s Chief Kindness Officer for the Holidays

Osmo

Award-winning STEAM brand Osmo announces that actor and comedian Kevin Hart is Osmo’s Chief Kindness Officer for the holidays. As Chief Kindness Officer, Hart brings joy to children and parents across the country, bringing them smiles, holiday cheer, in addition to a very big surprise. Hart, using all his “heart,” recently delivered holiday cheer to three household heroes via an unexpected video call, telling them they won a complete collection of STEAM starter kits and games by Osmo, in addition to a tablet. The three lucky parents, who entered into Osmo’s holiday giveaway in November but had not received any notification of final result, were incredibly surprised and overwhelmed by the actor’s call telling them “ you won!” As a father of four including two toddlers, Hart loves to see his children engaged in STEAM technology, which helps them learn core subjects, while they play. About Osmo Osmo is an award-winning STEAM brand whose products are used in over 50,000 classrooms and 2.5 million homes. It is building a universe of hands-on play experiences that nourish the minds of children by unleashing the power of imagination. The company brings physical tools into the digital world through augmented reality and its proprietary reflective artificial intelligence. Osmo is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, and is part of BYJU’S, a global leader in online learning. Learn more at PlayOsmo.com. For information about its educational division, Osmo for Schools, visit schools.playosmo.com. Contact Details Carolyn Kamii Carolyn Kamii PR +1 310-251-0550 carolynkpr@gmail.com Company Website http://www.playosmo.com

November 29, 2021 09:00 AM Pacific Standard Time

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ThriveFantasy Builds on Growth Strategy Through Multi-Faceted Equity and Promotional Partnership with PokerGO

ThriveFantasy

ThriveFantasy, the leading player prop daily fantasy sports and esports platform, announced today it has signed a multi-faceted deal with PokerGO, the #1 poker content platform in the world. PokerGO provides exclusive coverage of the biggest live poker tournaments, such as the World Series of Poker, the U.S. Poker Open, and the Poker Masters. As part of the agreement, PokerGO will become a strategic investor in ThriveFantasy and provide the platform with a host of cross promotional, advertising, email marketing and other means to access the company’s large and active user base to offer prop daily games. PokerGO joins a number of strategic investors including Cardinal Sports Capital, Inc. in helping to complete ThriveFantasy’s latest investment round of $3 million. “We’re so excited to work with PokerGO as both a strategic investor and promotional partner, as we continue on our growth track,” says Adam Weinstein, founder and CEO of ThriveFantasy. “This partnership will extend our audience base to a new level. There is a natural connection and affinity among poker players to play daily fantasy sports and we can’t wait to engage, so that ThriveFantasy can become a go to destination for them.” “PokerGO is pleased to become a strategic partner of ThriveFantasy,” said Mori Eskandani, President of PokerGO. “ThriveFantasy shares in the passion of offering industry-leading products to its users, and the company is an ideal fit for the PokerGO audience because its offerings are fun, engaging, and innovative. Adam and the entire ThriveFantasy team are doing great things with their product, and we look forward to showcasing ThriveFantasy on the PokerGO platform through a wide variety of promotional and marketing efforts.” Some specific aspects of the promotional partnership will include: Co-branding on PokerGO events Advertising on NBCSN Unique Giveaway promotions Social Media engagement Co-branded email campaigns About ThriveFantasy ThriveFantasy is a Daily Fantasy Sports and Esports App for Player Props. Thrive eliminates the countless hours of research users have to spend, by only focusing on the top-tier athletes that have the biggest impact on the game. Follow ThriveFantasy on Instagram (@ThriveFantasy), Twitter (@ThriveFantasy) and Facebook (ThriveFantasy). Download the app today via the App Store and Google Play. App Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/thrivefantasy/id1240062484 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appster.p2f&hl=en_US Contact Details Michael Adorno madorno@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://www.thrivefantasy.com/

November 29, 2021 10:01 AM Eastern Standard Time

Weekly World News Launches its First NFT Collection on OpenSea Monday, Nov. 29th at High Noon ET

Weekly World News

Weekly World News, the iconic tabloid brand and Bat Boy chronicler, announces that its first NFT collection, “Is Time Dead?” will launch in OpenSea.io online, no-reserve auctions Monday, November 29th at noon ET. View NFTs here https://opensea.io/collection/wwn-covers. The portfolio includes three never-before-seen Weekly World News NFT covers, one NFT featuring all three covers as a set, and for long-term fans, a classic 2003 Bat Boy cover NFT. Winning bidders in the “no reserve” auctions will also receive a physical copy of this year’s limited-edition Weekly World News Greatest Covers print issue autographed by Bat Boy! The NFT series covers the hotly debated questions of today: “Is Time Dead?,” “Is Satan Dead?” and “Is Reality Dead?”. Rendered in Weekly World News ’s unique style, each cover is a 1 of 1 edition and includes other head-turning stories, such as Bill Gates’s upcoming stint on TV’s The Bachelor. The “Is Time Dead?” cover exposes scientists’ discovery that the space-time continuum is melting and will end timekeeping as we know it; “Is Satan Dead?” reveals the shocking news that—realizing he’s no longer needed—the Devil admits to selling his tattered soul to a blues musician for 30 Bitcoin; while “Is Reality Dead?” tells the tragic story of families ripped apart by loved ones departing for the metaverse. Other supporting stories tackle issues such as finding lost seed phrases, how to tell if you are an NFT and the vicissitudes of newsmakers Dave Grohl, Elon Musk, Gary Vee, Mark Cuban and more. For die-hard Weekly World New s tabloid fans, the auction will also include a 2003 Bat Boy cover—his NFT debut—detailing the half-human, half-bat’s attempt to evade police in a stolen Mini Cooper in a high-speed chase across three states. With a 42-year history, 110,000+ stories and over 300 characters, the Weekly World News universe is fertile ground for unique content, distinctive digital collectibles, media & entertainment, consumer products, advertising and promotions—and the fun has only just begun!! Sign up for our email newsletter to stay on top of the latest WWN news and developments! Contact: NFT Creative Director Weekly World News Johnson Fairbanks johnson@weeklyworldnews.com 212.924.9800 Visit WWN Online Often: Website: weeklyworldnews.com Facebook: WeeklyWorldNews Instagram: WeeklyWorldNewsOfficial Twitter: WeeklyWorldNews YouTube: WeeklyWorldNewsUniverse LinkedIn: Weekly-World-News TikTok: WeeklyWorldNewsOfficial About Weekly World News Since its launch in 1979, Weekly World News has emerged as the defining brand for reliable tabloid news, known for exclusive coverage of Bat Boy, Manigator, P’lod the Alien, SpyCat, the three-legged, Bigfoot and scores of other notable characters. WWN boasts a global fan base of millions, is regularly profiled in the media and relaunched its reliable reporting online in 2019. The brand is expanding into exciting new areas including an online store, advertising and promotions, licensed merchandise and the recent formation of Weekly World News Studios, to bring its iconic characters and stories to big and small screens across the universe. The World's Only Reliable News Contact Details Weekly World News Johnson Fairbanks, NFT Creative Director +1 212-924-9800 johnson@weeklyworldnews.com Company Website https://weeklyworldnews.com

November 24, 2021 11:03 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Hi-Tech Holiday Gift Guide for 2021

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/zjUnQ2hCLeM Despite supply chain issues, consumers are eager to shop and spend close to 135-billion dollars on gear and tech gadgets this holiday season. Tech Expert, Stephanie Humphrey has compiled a list of some of her favorite must-have hi-tech holiday gift picks in time for this year’s holiday shopping season. STAY CONNECTED: Families with children have been particularly challenged over the past two years with regards to staying connected with remote friends and family members. Humphrey says, “The families that talk and play together — stay together!” This year, one of her must-have technology gifts is the Amazon Glow. The new interactive projector and video calling device helps keep families close. The tech lover says, “Kids and remote family members are connected on a video call, while playing and interacting with the same fun games, books, drawing, and more. All that fun is projected from Glow for kids to interact with, and it shows up on a tablet for grownups.” The Glow makes it easy to get creative with lots of colors, stickers, pencils and brushes. Humphrey highlights “the awesome scanning feature.” She says kids can scan in toys or art and turn them into digital stickers to draw with — again, all done at the same time. Additionally, Glow comes with a wide selection of games, like a fun twist on charades, checkers, card games, tic tac toe, and more that are fun for all ages. There are also unique games, like Tangram Bits, that use physical pieces to solve puzzles, and it’s also a game kids can play side-by-side if they aren’t connected with someone on a video call. Humphrey added that the Amazon Glow can help children learn to read. “We know how much fun it is to read together, and friends and family members can join in the experience. “Remote grand parents can read with their grand kids. You can actually turn the pages together and put a digital spotlight on the page to help kids focus.” For more, search for “Amazon Glow” on amazon.com or via the Amazon app. https://www.amazon.com/Introducing-Amazon-Interactive-Projector-Togetherness/dp/B09DWNZQYM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amazonglow/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmazonGlow GIVE A BOOST: One trend that surfaced during the pandemic has been in transportation. The nation saw an increase in bike ridership, and Humphrey says there is a lot of excitement in the world of cycling tech. Over the past year-and-a-half people have been changing their daily routines and behaviors. Many have turned to bikes instead of mass transit. However, the tech expert points out that, “Many of us are also biking for leisure and exercise.” For that reason, e-bikes have made it onto Humphrey’s hi-tech holiday gift list. “Everyone has fond memories of their Huffy Bikes,” Humphrey said, noting how the brand expanded its product line to include e-bikes and e-scooters. Both offer a superior riding experience with an e-powered boost to ride further and easily climb inclines or hills. The Huffy Oslo e-bike has a compact, folding frame with a telescopic seatpost and handlebars. Ideal for the everyday rider, commuter and camping enthusiast looking for a convenient ride with a speed boost. The brand’s catalogue also includes The Everett+ E-cruiser bike and Transic+ E-mountain bike which offer traditional bicycle frames while also providing an electric boost for all levels of biking experience. E-bikes are not the only craze these days, Humphrey points out how e-scooters are also favorites this season, saying, “they’re perfect for that last leg of your journey.” The Huffy H350 and H300 scooters are both folding, ideal for storing in tight spaces and the H350 even comes with a seat for more support. For more, go to huffybikes.com. https://www.huffybikes.com/electric/ Instagram: @HuffyBicycles Facebook: @HuffyBicycles Twitter: @HuffyBicycles PRIORITIZE SECURITY: It’s important to keep safety top of mind during the hectic holiday season, especially during holiday festivities and visits from loved ones. Humphrey says home security should be a priority now and throughout the entire year. The tech and lifestyle expert says, “It’s a wonderful time of year to celebrate, but don’t let your guard down,” adding, “With family reunions to plan and stockings to be stuffed, the last thing you want to worry about this season is whether your home is properly protected.” Another technology gadget making her 2021 gifting list is from the brand SimpliSafe. The Essentials Kit and the Video Doorbell Pro protects homes and loved ones inside it with award-winning technology. SimpliSafe provides whole-home protection against everything from intruders to fires, water damage and more. Humphrey says the products’ DIY installation makes it easy to secure the home inside and out in under an hour, without the need of professionals or intimidating tools. The hi-tech gift item allows people to arm their homes, monitor gift deliveries, or say hello to carolers even while away via an easy-to-use app. Find out more at simplisafe.com. www.simplisafe.com Instagram: @SimpliSafe Facebook: @SimpliSafe Twitter: @SimpliSafe STAY SMART: The final brand making Humphrey’s hi-tech holiday gift list includes a device to make homes smarter. She highlights how homes are getting smarter, and it often begins with a smart garage.” The myQ Smart Garage Control lets people link an existing garage door opener to its app, allowing them to control, secure, and monitor their home’s busiest entryway from a smartphone. Humphrey urges shoppers to think about it, saying, “Friends and family will never have to worry if they left the garage door open. They can get alerts, and/or check the status of the door from anywhere with the app.” Additionally, it works with Amazon Key for convenient In-Garage Delivery of Amazon packages and groceries. The technology expert says the price point of $30 is great and makes the device a perfect stocking stuffer. You can find out more at myQ.com www.myQ.com Instagram: @ myqconnect Facebook: @ myqconnect Twitter: @ myqconnect Hashtags: #myQconnected #InGarageDelivery #AmazonKey About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

November 23, 2021 05:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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100 Houstonians in Harris and Ft. Bend Counties Awarded a Total of $1 Million Through Comcast RISE, National Initiative to Support Small Business Owners

Comcast Houston

Comcast today announced the 100 recipients of the Comcast Rise Investment Fund grants. Each small business will receive a one-time $10,000 grant from the fund. More than 100 businesses in the area will also receive technology and marketing resources. The recipients are among nearly 6,700 entrepreneurs nationwide who have been selected through the Comcast RISE program, which provides marketing, technology, and capital support to small business owners. “We are proud of all of our small businesses, the impact they have in Fort Bend County is invaluable. Many of our business owners, particularly our minority owned businesses, have faced unprecedented challenges over the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and require a wide range of support to help their businesses survive,” stated Fort Bend County Judge KP George. “The Comcast Rise Investment Fund Grant provides these business owners with the critical financial lifeline and the resources needed so they can sustain and grow their businesses.” Through Comcast RISE, the company also announced it is on track to support 13,000 small businesses by the end of the year with marketing or technology support such as a TV campaign, production of a TV commercial or consulting services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, or computer equipment, internet, voice or cybersecurity services from Comcast Business. “Since we launched Comcast RISE a year ago, we have assisted more than 200 small businesses throughout the Houston area with either marketing, technology, or monetary grants. This round of Comcast RISE grants will provide even more small business owners of color with the resources and tools they need to thrive,” said Ralph Martinez, senior vice president for Comcast’s Houston region. “We look forward to empowering their success.” To further build on the program’s success and provide support to even more small businesses, Comcast also announced today a major expansion to eligibility, enabling all women-owned small businesses nationwide to apply. This expansion recognizes and seeks to help address the persistent inequities women continue to face in accessing the resources and funding that are critical to success. Comcast RISE and the Comcast RISE Investment Fund, initially launched as a response to help small businesses owners of color hardest hit by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to focus on uplifting small businesses, ensuring they continue to prosper in an ever-shifting post-pandemic economy. “As we continue to rebuild and emerge from the effects of the pandemic, small businesses will continue to be the backbone of our economy – and we must take every opportunity to help them thrive,” said Dave Watson, President and CEO, Comcast Cable. “Looking forward, this expansion will enable Comcast RISE to further empower and strengthen even more small businesses that are the heart of our local communities across the country.” In the year since its inception, Comcast RISE has awarded more than $11 million in grants and $50 million in in-kind support for marketing and technology services, impacting more than 6,700 entrepreneurs of color in 432 cities across 34 states. By the end of 2022, 13,000 businesses across the country are expected to benefit from the Comcast RISE initiative, either through the grant program or from the resources provided through Effectv and Comcast Business. In addition to the financial and business support services provided, a key part of the program is ensuring the long-term sustainability of businesses. To help address this, Comcast invests in and partners with organizations such as Ureeka to provide ongoing mentorship and resources to help small businesses succeed over the long-term. Comcast RISE, which stands for Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment, is part of Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help provide underrepresented small business owners with access to the digital tools and funding they need to thrive. Over the next 10 years, Comcast has committed $1 billion to programs and partnerships that will reach an estimated 50 million people with the skills, opportunities, and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. The program will continue to be open to racially and ethnically diverse small business owners and the expanded Comcast RISE eligibility to all women-owned businesses will be effective on January 16, 2022. More information and the applications to apply for either the grant program or marketing and technology services are available at www.ComcastRISE.com. To help drive outreach and awareness about Comcast RISE and provide additional support, training and mentorship, Comcast has also awarded $50,000 in grants to local community partners – Houston Hispanic Chamber, Houston Black Chamber, Empresarios Latinos Foundation, Houston LGBT Chamber, Asian Chamber of Commerce, Greater Houston Women’s Foundation and East End Chamber of Commerce. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. About Comcast Business Comcast Business offers a suite of Connectivity, Communications, Networking, Cybersecurity, Wireless, and Managed Solutions to help organizations of different sizes prepare for what’s next. Powered by the nation’s largest Gig-speed broadband network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and one of the leading service providers to the Enterprise market. Comcast Business has been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services. For more information, call 866-429-3085. Follow on Twitter @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social. About Effectv Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, helps local, regional and national advertisers use the best of digital with the power of TV to grow their business. It provides multi-screen marketing solutions to make advertising campaigns more effective and easier to execute. Headquartered in New York with offices throughout the country, Effectv has a presence in 66 markets with nearly 35 million owned and represented subscribers. For more information, visit www.effectv.com. Contact Details Comcast Foti Kallergis +1 832-986-0196 Foti_Kallergis@comcast.com Comcast Misha McClure +1 832-547-6783 Misha_McClure@cable.comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

November 23, 2021 09:31 AM Central Standard Time