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Quidel Corporation to Sponsor Distinguished Speaker Series Conducted by the Bay Area Lyme Foundation

Quidel Corporation

Quidel Corporation announced today that it will serve as sponsor for the upcoming Distinguished Speaker Series being conducted by the Bay Area Lyme Foundation. Quidel is a California-based diagnostic health care manufacturer known for successfully developing rapid diagnostic health solutions, including the industry-leading Sofia ® 2 Lyme FIA test for Lyme disease. The Distinguished Speaker Series are free community events that provide new information on various Lyme-related topics. Speakers typically feature an esteemed scientific researcher paired with a Lyme survivor sharing their inspirational story in an open-discussion format. The events are designed to create a more informed, connected and inspired public, which, in turn, will lead to stronger families, schools, businesses and communities. “We share the Bay Area Lyme Foundation’s mission to make Lyme disease easy to diagnose and simple to cure,” said Judi Tilghman, Ph.D., vice president of technology assessment at Quidel. “Over the years the Foundation has collaborated with world-class scientists and institutions to accelerate medical breakthroughs for Lyme disease and to build a more informed and engaged public. We are honored to sponsor this important speakers series in support of those efforts.” On Nov. 3, the series will feature a researcher, physician and Lyme patient advocate who will discuss how the immune system “can protect or attack” when it comes to Lyme disease. The discussion will focus on the importance of using a broad and comprehensive diagnostic and treatment approach to Lyme disease. Speakers include Liz Horn, Ph.D., MBI, principal investigator, Lyme Disease Biobank, and principal, LHC Biosolutions; Victoria Blaho, Ph.D., assistant professor, Sanford Burnham Prebys, Immunity and Pathogenesis Program; and David N. Haney, Ph.D., researcher and family caregiver. The Nov. 3 event will be held from 4-7 p.m. in the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute in San Diego. Reservations are required and can be made at SpeakerSeries@bayarealyme.org or by calling 650-530-2684. Full vaccination is required for this venue. Lyme disease is on the rise to record numbers throughout the country and has the potential to affect as many as 476,000 citizens before the year is out. Leading the way in Lyme disease testing is the innovative Sofia ® 2 Lyme FIA by Quidel. This revolutionary test provides the patient and physician with indicative results within 15 minutes, as opposed to days, which has historically been the norm (and during which time organisms can spread and become systemic). It can be performed in the privacy of a doctor’s office, local clinic or even by a nurse at a children’s summer camp; and it is the only test that can get results from a simple finger prick of blood. About Quidel Corporation Quidel Corporation (Nasdaq: QDEL) is a leading manufacturer of diagnostic solutions at the point of care, delivering a continuum of rapid testing technologies that further improve the quality of health care throughout the globe. An innovator for over 40 years in the medical device industry, Quidel pioneered the first FDA-cleared point-of-care test for influenza in 1999 and was the first to market a rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen test in the U.S. Under trusted brand names, Sofia®, Solana®, Lyra®, Triage® and QuickVue®, Quidel’s comprehensive product portfolio includes tests for a wide range of infectious diseases, cardiac and autoimmune biomarkers, as well as a host of products to detect COVID-19. With products made in America, Quidel’s mission is to provide patients with immediate and frequent access to highly accurate, affordable testing for the good of our families, our communities and the world. For more information about Quidel, visit quidel.com. Contact Details breakwhitelight JAMES YEAGER Yeager +1 818-264-6812 jim@breakwhitelight.com Company Website http://Quidel.com

November 02, 2021 09:44 AM Pacific Daylight Time

ENEOS AT THE 2021 SEMA SHOW

ENEOS

ENEOS — Japan’s largest oil company, and supplier of motor oil and transmission fluids to the majority of Asian vehicle manufacturers — is returning to the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas this week to meet and interact with automotive enthusiasts and customers. The lubricant specialist will be located in booth # 21203 at the front of Central Hall. Attendees will be able to explore a reimagined booth, which features a distinctive ENEOS road map aimed at highlighting the company’s core strengths. It includes an area dedicated to the company's crucial OEM relationships, which have allowed ENEOS to share its latest technology with the world’s car makers. The company is the leading expert in synthetic oil formulation, creating some of the thinnest, most efficient lubricants for the very latest gasoline and hybrid engines as well as their transmissions and differentials. As part of its expanding OEM relationships, ENEOS has created a new EV Fluid Line, which is designed to help increase the efficiency and durability of current and future electric vehicle components. And like its conventional motor and transmission oils, which are available to retail customers, the EV Fluid Line will initially be available to car makers as part of its OE Fill Program, with an aftermarket line in development. Full details about the EV Fluid Line are available from the ENEOS SEMA booth or at eneos.us The remaining stops on the ENEOS road map are at Performance and Transmission stations. These focus on the wide range of lubricants dedicated to the majority of current and older vehicles. Of particular interest is the ENEOS Racing Series motor oils, which are designed for use by weekend track day enthusiasts or dedicated racers. The Racing Street Series is engineered to work with emissions equipment and ensures extended high-temperature running, superior protection at initial start-up, and greater performance thanks to significantly reduced friction; benefits that have been proven to improve horsepower when used against its competitors. ENEOS Racing Pro Series oils are designed for dedicated race cars that do not require emissions equipment. The formulation provides the same protection as the Street series but at higher temperatures and for extended track sessions, ensuring maximum protection for the racing community. ENEOS also produces OE-quality lubricants for all transmission types, including automatic and CVT, thanks to its extensive OE partnerships. ENEOS carries two transmission product lines: ENEOS IMPORT SERIES for exact transmission specifications; and ENEOS ECO Series for extremely broad coverage of automatic and CVT transmissions in market today. For more information about the full ENEOS product lines, please visit eneos.us FORMULA DRIFT Thank you, Dai – Hello Fredric! ENEOS has been a sponsoring partner of Formula DRIFT and competing teams for many years. The company currently supports 2011 FD Champion Dai Yoshihara in the PRO Championship, and Rich Whiteman in the PROSPEC class. However, after competing at the highest level for more than 18 years, Dai is retiring from the series to focus on other motorsports activities. While we’re extremely sad to see Dai leave Formula DRIFT, ENEOS is planning to continue supporting Dai as he embarks on new projects. And we can exclusively announce that ENEOS will partner with the newly crowned Formula DRIFT Champion, Fredric Aasbo and Papadakis Racing for the 2022 season. This is extremely exciting for ENEOS because the company works closely with Toyota at the engineering and development level, and its synthetic lubricants will be the perfect addition to Fredric’s Rockstar Energy Toyota GR Supra. "At Papadakis Racing, we're fortunate to work with top tier companies in the automotive industry," said Papadakis Racing team owner Stephan Papadakis. “ We first put ENEOS to the test with our NASCAR-engined Scion tC and already know it’s a great product line. With that knowledge, we’re excited to bring ENEOS on board for our 1000hp Rockstar Energy Toyota GR Supra in Formula DRIFT next year.” ENEOS will work closely with Papadakis Racing over the winter and looks forward to Fredric’s defense of his Championship title throughout the 2022 season of the Formula DRIFT PRO series. HONDA-POWERED BMW Star of the ENEOS SEMA booth # 20213 is a 1985 BMW 318i built by Formula DRIFT PRO driver and owner of DevSpeed Motorsports, Faruk Kugay. To help make the vehicle unique, Faruk undertook an engine swap using the 2.0L four-cylinder engine from the Honda S2000. Codenamed F20C, the potent VTEC engine develops 240hp without requiring forced induction. The purpose of the swap was to provide the BMW with a more powerful yet lightweight engine that compares favorably to even the E30 M3’s 2.3L 16v engine. For this application, DevSpeed resisted the temptation to fit aftermarket tuning equipment, preferring instead to create a CARB-legal conversion that will provide a healthy performance increase without running into emissions problems As such, the engine is equipped with a CARB-legal AEM air intake and Borla Performance stainless steel exhaust system fitted after the BMW’s catalytic converter. Among the other upgrades to accommodate the swap is a custom wiring harness, tucked radiator, aluminum mounts and new installation hardware. The F20C is lubricated by ENEOS Racing Street 0W-50 motor oil to provide the optimum combination of wear protection and performance. Further highlights of the ENEOS BMW 318i F20C include the S2000’s six-speed transmission with a BMW limited-slip differential to aid traction when Faruk utilizes the car for track days and drift events. Both these drivetrain elements are lubricated by ENEOS oils. To improve mechanical grip, DevSpeed chose the Pandem V1.5 widebody kit. Designed and manufactured in Japan, it continues the JDM theme for this DTM classic. The wider Pandem fenders accommodate sticky Toyo Proxes RA1 tires, which are sized 255/40 front and 275/40 ZR17 rear. This is a significant increase over the stock E30. The Toyo Tires are mounted on motorsport-themed 17” Rotiform IGS wheels, which are a generous 9.5” wide at the front and 11” rear. Suspension is controlled by multi-adjustable KW Variant 3 coilovers, and the 36 year-old E30 bodyshell is reinforced with Garagistic components and a custom Devspeed four-point internal roll bar to deal with the increased cornering forces. Braking power has been considerably improved with equipment from the later E36 M3, including its larger front calipers and rotors thanks to specialized adapters. In addition to the widebody fender conversion, the ENEOS BMW 318i F20C also has the distinctive rear window, raised trunk lid and Evo II rear wing of the E30 M3, which helped to both improve airflow and increase downforce. There is also a carbon fiber roof panel, which allowed DevSpeed to delete the stock sunroof and lower the center of gravity. Inside, there are MOMO racing seats, steering wheel and shift knob as well as a motorsport-style dashboard and seat delete panels, adding to the weight reduction measures. As we mentioned, DevSpeed Motorsports will utilize the ENEOS BMW 318i F20C for track days and drift events, and Faruk will be able to drive the car legally on the street in California once it passes inspection after the SEMA Show. TECH SPEC 1985 BMW 318i with Honda S2000 F20C engine swap ENEOS BMW 318i F20C Engine: 2001 Honda S2000 F20C 2.0L four-cylinder 16v VTEC with CARB-legal AEM intake, Borla Performance stainless steel Type S cat-back exhaust, MPC hardware, Ryno Wiring mil-spec harness, ENEOS Racing Street 0W-50 motor oil, Chase Bays tucked radiator, Garagistic aluminum mounts Power: 240hp at 8300rpm / 153 lb-ft at 7500rpm Transmission: Honda S2000 six-speed transmission, Exedy clutch, 3.73:1 BMW limited-slip differential, ENEOS 75W-90 gear oil, custom driveshaft, Garagistic secondary diff mount, diff stud kit, aluminum transmission mounts, and front subframe spacers Suspension/Chassis: KW Variant 3 coilovers with adjustable compression and rebound, E30 M3 front spindles, E36 318Ti rear trailing arms with Garagistic reinforcement, Garagistic chassis and subframe reinforcements, Delrin bushings, power steering delete and camber/castor modification, four-point custom roll bar, E30 325i Convertible front shock tower reinforcement Braking: E36 M3 front brake conversion with custom brake hat adapters, E36 M3 rear brakes with SRS caliper adapters, Chase Bays dual master 6:1 boosterless conversion and stainless steel lines throughout Wheels & Tires: Rotiform IGS 17x9.5” front, 17x11” rear wheels finished in anthracite, 255/40 R17 front, 275/40 R17 rear Toyo Proxes RA1 tires Exterior: 6666 Customs / TRA Kyoto Pandem V1.5 widebody fenders, front spoiler, rear bumper, side skirts, CATuned E30 M3 Evo II rear wing, carbon fiber roof and front grilles, E30Garage Norway M3-style steel C-pillar conversion, E30 M3 trunk lid, Glass-On-The-Go E30 M3 rear glass, Frenchie Smiley headlights, @E30taillights, MPC hardware Interior: MOMO front seats, harnesses, steering wheel and shift knob, custom dashboard with Landmark Grafix 3M anti-glare wrap, rear seat delete panels Thanks / Sponsors: ENEOS, DevSpeed Motorsports, AEM, Borla Performance, CATuned, Chase Bays, Diverse Motorsports, Exedy, Foreign Parts Specialties, Garagistic, GReddy, Hanson Distributing Company, KW Suspension, Landmark Grafix, MOMO, MPC Motorsport, Rotiform, Ryno Wiring Solutions, Toyo Tires, @E30taillights HONDA ACTY Sticking with the JDM theme, ENEOS will also display a very unusual Honda Acty pickup built by Neil Tjin from Tjin Edition. The Kei truck was imported from Japan and has been put into service as a stylish delivery vehicle carrying ENEOS oil products and a distinctive SUPER73-ZX e-bike, which was customized to match the van. The many features and highlights of the Tjin Edition Honda Acty include the following: Mag factory wing, front bumper and fender flares FLP metal rear wing and custom side panels Seafoam green paint 13” Enjoy wheels painted yellow Custom upholstered Status seats and steering wheel Custom LED headlights, Rigid fog lights, reversing lights and third brake light Custom oil pan for mid-mounted three-cylinder 660cc liquid-cooled engine Rear-wheel drive Custom SUPER73-ZX e-bike with matching Seafoam green frame, yellow wheels and seat cover This small, maneuverable, economical Acty pickup is the ideal runaround for busy cities like Tokyo and Los Angeles. Its peppy three-cylinder engine makes light work of city streets and avoids the gas pump for as long as possible. The engine is mid-mounted to provide ample legroom for the occupants. Painted in a distinctive Seafoam green paint with contrasting 13” yellow Enjoy wheels and Status racing seats, the Tjin Edition Honda Acty will put a smile on your face every time you see it. Once the driver arrives at his destination, he's able to unload the custom SUPER73-ZX e-bike from the cargo bed. Painted in the same Seafoam green with yellow highlights to match the Acty's interior, the ZX was launched a few months ago to rave reviews. The e-bike features a lightweight aluminum frame and a removable battery that can provide an estimated 50 miles of range (depending on conditions). The ZX also features four riding modes and can be set to four riding classes to comply with local bylaws, all through the SUPER73 smart phone app. TESLA MODEL 3 PIKES PEAK In addition to sponsoring Dai Yoshihara’s Formula DRIFT season, ENEOS has been a long-time supporter of his Pikes Peak attempts, which culminated in a 2020 Unlimited Class win. For 2021, ENEOS and Dai again partnered with Evasive Motorsports to return to the annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC). However, the Toyota 86 they had built and prepared for previous years was replaced by a brand new project: the Turn 14 Distribution / Toyo Tires / ENEOS / Evasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3 Pikes Peak race car. With ENEOS announcing its new line of six dedicated EV fluids, the combination of Dai, Evasive, and a new Tesla race car was a tantalizing prospect. However, despite numerous pre-event test sessions, the car suffered an electrical problem as it left the starting line. Undeterred, all parties plan to return to the PPIHC in 2022 to make another attempt to set an EV Production Car track record time in the Exhibition Class. Full details on the car can be found here: eneos.us/blog/eneos-returns-to-pikes-peak-with-dai-yoshihara-evasive-motorsports-and-a-tesla-model-3/ The Turn 14 Distribution / Toyo Tires / ENEOS / Evasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3 Pikes Peak car will be exhibited at SEMA 2021 by Turn 14 Distribution in booth # 21503 in Central Hall. EDITOR’S NOTE High-resolution images of the DevSpeed / ENEOS BMW 318i F20C, Tjin Edition Honda Acty and SUPER73-ZX can be found here for editorial use: dropbox.com/sh/igyyszt4ur61zfi/AABvsPTiRVIIIUTS8F3trQGKa?dl=0 Images of the Turn 14 Distribution / Toyo Tires / ENEOS / Evasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3 Pikes Peak are available here for editorial use: dropbox.com/sh/dkqgsmrz03p6bjo/AACyd_-aCEz7l4P5-2AsUDjna?dl=0 FOLLOW ENEOS USA facebook.com/ENEOSUSA instagram.com/ENEOSUSA twitter.com/ENEOSUSA youtube.com/ENEOSUSA eneos.us MEDIA CONTACT Satomi Yamashita ( media@eneos.us ) Greg Emmerson ( greg@theidagency.com ) ABOUT ENEOS Established in 1888 and headquartered in Tokyo, ENEOS is Japan’s largest oil company, with manufacturing and sales facilities throughout the world. With a unique position in its home market, ENEOS has worked with Asia’s automakers and leading race teams for decades, creating advanced lubricants with their vehicle engineers to provide optimum fuel economy with maximum power and long-term protection. ENEOS also recently announced a new line of products for future electric vehicle applications, helping to ensure the newest EV technology is operating as efficiently as possible. For more information, please visit eneos.us Contact Details Satomi Yamashita media@eneos.us Company Website https://www.eneos.us

November 02, 2021 05:55 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Recording Artist Guild (RAG) Selects BEASY to Empower and Enable Musicians for the Metaverse

Beasy, LLC

Blockchain Made Easy, LLC (dba BEASY) and Recording Artist Guild (RAG.ORG) announced today that RAG.ORG and Lookhu.com have signed a multi-year enterprise licensing agreement with BEASY to deliver the utility of blockchain to RAG’s more than 20,000 members. “We’ve sought tirelessly to understand and deliver the benefits of blockchain to our members for years and although we succeeded in some ways, we lacked consistency and the ability to scale.” said Byron Booker, Chairman and Founder of RAG. “We’ve been talking with everyone who’s anyone at the intersection of blockchain and entertainment, and while solutions have advanced, BEASY stands out as our winner. BEASY’s solution puts enterprise grade software and the power to legally trade and enforce ownership in the hands of the artist. It’s easy to use, works with all our systems, supports NFT transactions on credit cards and allows us to do so within our brand identity,” he added. “We’re incredibly grateful and excited to be working with RAG. We started building BEASY three years ago for organizations just like RAG to help their communities realize their dreams. And now our dream is coming true as well.” said Bob Kramich, Founder and CEO of BEASY. For RAG creators or sellers, BEASY provides a complete metaverse identity management solution in one simple package through which they can: Mint, rarify and sell their own digital assets on any NFT marketplace, or directly from their web sites. Accept credit cards as a payment method for NFTs. Smarten, manage and control song contracts including fractional ownership splits. Easily onboard friends as fans which expands their serviceable obtainable market and prepares fans to participate in upcoming NFT drops. Establish and manage their official Sovereign Digital Identities including their digital name, official credentials and accomplishments. Manage their Official Partner Network. Maintain the true state of receivables owed and paid across multiple contracts and multiple mediums, no matter how many or how fractional the ownership or micro payment due. Customize, scale and continuously improve using enterprise-grade BaaS software. Rapidly team with a variety of business partners and sell and go to market. For buyers and fans, BEASY makes it possible to participate in the digital asset economy without using cryptocurrencies. As most NFT sites require buyers to use cryptocurrencies, the BEASY Wallet allows RAG fans to buy NFTs using credit cards. The buyer benefits from ease of use and the creator benefits from the expansion of their serviceable obtainable market (SOM). At its highest level, BEASY mainstreams the adoption of blockchain to improve the economic situation of individuals, businesses and communities. “BEASY is not a blockchain game and BEASY is not an NFT marketplace,” explains Kramich. “BEASY is Blockchain-as-a-Service software that is easy to install and use and acts as a combined personal notary and digital asset control center. With BEASY, influencers and creators can participate in multiple blockchain-based games and sell NFTs on any NFT marketplace while preserving the true state of how much is owned and owed across all mediums - no matter how fractional the ownership or how micro the payment. What’s more is that sellers, while operating in main blockchain networks, can do so without forcing themselves or their clients to ever purchase cryptocurrencies. We allow people to use the assets and the networks without forcing them to use the underlying cryptocurrency. Our aim is to do this to any Dapp and any network, to bring crypto-based solutions to the next billion users.” # # # About BEASY Blockchain Made Easy ™️, LLC is a Massachusetts-based technology and professional services company empowering retail and business customers with the ability to deploy customized blockchain-based strategies through easy-to-use blockchain software products. The company’s core product, BEASY Authentication ™️, is a multi-blockchain platform and associated wallet solution allowing users to seamlessly create, sell, and track digital goods in addition to a broad range of other applications such as digital identity management, fractional and whole digital asset ownership, royalties management, contract-to-smart contract management and more. BEASY does this without requiring owning or managing any cryptocurrency on major compatible blockchain networks such as Ethereum, Matic and more. BEASY is committed to making blockchain adoption easy. For more information, go to www.BEASY1.com About RAG.ORG Recording Artists Guild (RAG), a non-profit focused on empowering recording artists since 2009 provides its thousands of members with tools, resources, and technology to help monetize their skills and IP while bringing them exposure and a platform to make their voices heard. About Lookhu Lookhu ( www.lookhu.com ) is a cord-cutter’s dream, delivering unlimited streaming TV channels, exclusive series, and live events worldwide. Lookhu offers influencer driven a la carte channels within specific genres including MMA, Comedy, Spanish, Faith, and more for free, subscription and or on-demand. About Talynt Talynt is an NFT marketplace that focuses on providing a robust marketplace for creators offering Phygital NFTs with live events. Talynt offers exclusive NFT collections from notable celebrities and limited campaigns from TokenOfRespect.com, ApeRockStars.com, CryptoRoadies.com, NFTV.life and more Media Relations Contacts: BEASY, LLC. Contact: David Kaupp SVP, Head of Marketing info@beasy1.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeasyInc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beasy-blockchain-made-easy-llc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beasy1859/ RAG and Lookhu Contact: Melissa Jones press@lookhu.com Contact: Mellissa Jones press@rag.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ragworld/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RAGWORLD/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RAGWORLD Blockchain Made Easy, LLC is a Massachusetts-based technology and professional services company empowering retail and business customers with the ability to deploy customized blockchain-based strategies through easy-to-use blockchain software products. The company's core product, BEASY Authentication, is a multi-blockchain platform and associated wallet solution allowing users to seamlessly create, sell, and track digital goods in addition to a broad range of other applications such as digital identity management, fractional and whole digital asset ownership, royalties management, contract-to-smart contract management and more. BEASY does this without requiring owning or managing any cryptocurrency on major compatible blockchain networks such as Ethereum, Matic and more. BEASY is committed to making blockchain adoption easy. For more information, go to www.BEASY1.com Contact Details BEASY, LLC David Kaupp +1 978-360-6698 info@beasy1.com RAG and Lookhu Melissa Jones press@rag.org Company Website https://www.beasy1.com

November 01, 2021 04:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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SHOPPERS MISTAKENLY BELIEVE KOSHER IS BETTER FOR HUMAN AND ANIMAL HEALTH

Jewish Initiative For Animals

More than 40% of all food products found in U.S. supermarket aisles have kosher certification. According to the results of two national surveys released by Farm Forward, 40% of adults agreed that a kosher label guarantees an animal “was treated humanely during its life.” Three out of four Americans purchase kosher out of concern for food safety, thinking there is a higher health standard. The new survey results highlight many misbeliefs consumers have about what a kosher label means. “Virtually all kosher and non-kosher meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs come from animals raised on factory farms, yet the perception of kosher as better persists in kosher shoppers’ minds,” said Melissa Hoffman, Director of Jewish Initiative for Animals (JIFA). “This phenomenon is called kosher humanewashing.” Key Findings Consumer Expectation of Kosher Certification Kosher certifications wield significant humanewashing and healthwashing power among adults. A high percentage of Americans trust kosher to mean that a product is of superior quality, despite the fact that all animal products in grocery stores come from the same factories as conventional. Previous survey work demonstrates 79% of Americans are committed to broad anti-cruelty principles such as ensuring outdoor access. However, kosher-certified animal products often fall short of consumer expectations, including guaranteeing animals have regular access to outdoor pasture. Proof The new data confirms what JIFA has inferred from previous research that shows people think kosher food is inherently better, whether that’s from a perspective of food safety, health, or overall quality. Consumers extend this belief to the way farmed animals are bred and raised. The two identical online surveys, conducted by Survey USA August 4-9, asked people about their purchasing behaviors and understanding of kosher labels on animal products. The general population survey size was 1,500 adults, while the Jewish-specific survey had 500 Jewish adult respondents. Get Involved More than 200 Jewish leaders are responding to this issue by urging communities to adopt better food practices. Join the effort by sharing the leaders’ pledge on JIFA’s website jewishinitiativeforanimals.com/kosher. About JIFA The Jewish Initiative for Animals (JIFA) supports innovative programs to turn the Jewish value of compassion for animals into action while building ethical and sustainable Jewish American communities in the process. JIFA is an initiative of Farm Forward. Contact Details Susan Peters +1 708-759-7175 susan@effectpartners.com

October 29, 2021 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Spiceology Lands on Shelves at Ace Hardware, Making Ace The Helpful FLAVOR Place

Spiceology

Spiceology Inc., the fastest growing spice company in America, has announced a partnership with Ace Hardware that enables Ace retailers to carry the leading spice company’s innovative signature blends and collaboration products, further bolstering the nationwide retailer's reputation as a flavor and grilling destination. The entire 23 item Spiceology planogram can now be ordered through the Ace Retail Service Center. In the first 30 days, over 400 franchises stocked their shelves with Spiceology. In the last five years, Ace has seen a 36% growth in BBQ, and expects to see this trend continue. The addition of Spiceology is another step toward being a trusted resource for every type of griller and home cook. “At Ace, we consider ourselves an important part of each of our local communities, and we want to provide our customers with everything they need to make their homes a better place,” said Paige Roszkowski, BBQ Fuel & Accessories Associate Merchant. “We are not just a hardware store anymore, and we’ve reworked our focus internally to give growing sections of the business the deserved attention, including our grilling sections. We’ve seen immense growth in the BBQ space, and we’re excited to have Spiceology on our shelves, showing that premium quality blends should be a staple in everyone’s household.” According to Ace CMO Kim Lefko, in 2020, Ace attracted younger shoppers, more new home buyers, and more women than ever before. And while Ace carries other grilling spice blends, the addition of Spiceology’s diverse and easy-to-use blends highlights the company’s expansion from the grill to the kitchen. As a premium spice and flavor company, Spiceology’s products are made with Grade A ingredients and are ultra-versatile for whatever you are grilling, cooking or creating. Spiceology’s flavor experts develop innovative and easy-to-use blends and recipes, empowering Ace customers to go from home cook to home chef with just a few tablespoons. “We’re changing the way people eat and experience flavor,” said Maria Emmer-Aanes, Vice President of Retail and Grocery at Spiceology. “We admire Ace’s connection to the community, and we are excited to have our products available for their customers, showing just how important it is to have high-quality ingredients in your home to experiment with flavor. Just as Ace stores are a one-stop shop for a growing and more diverse clientele, our ultra-versatile spice blends can be the new go-tos customers reach for in the kitchen and around the grill.” Spiceology - AceNet Direct (Vendor #56309). ABOUT SPICEOLOGY Founded in 2013, Spiceology is the fastest-growing spice company in America and is on a mission to bring the magic back to spices, the world’s first currency. The chef-owned and operated, one-stop spice shop develops innovative blends and offers over 400 ingredients that are ground fresh in small-batches and shipped fresh to consumers and chefs. Spiceology’s “experiment with flavor” ethos is not only embraced through excellent ingredients and unique combinations, but also through responsible business practices designed to create a better world with diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of the workforce. Spiceology products can be found on spiceology.com, in specialty retailers and grocers, in restaurants around the US, and as far away as Australia and Dubai. Visit spiceology.com for more information or to place an order, or follow Spiceology on Facebook and Instagram. For recipe inspiration, visit here. ABOUT ACE HARDWARE Ace Hardware is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world with more than 5,200 locally owned and operated hardware stores in approximately 70 countries. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace and its subsidiaries operate an expansive network of distribution centers in the U.S. and have distribution capabilities in Ningbo, China; Colon, Panama; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Since 1924, Ace has become a part of local communities around the world and known as the place with the helpful hardware folks. For more information, visit acehardware.com or newsroom.acehardware.com. Contact Details Cassidy Levine +1 908-770-7880 cassidy@spiceology.com Company Website https://spiceology.com/

October 28, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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CENTRAL NEW YORK TAKES ON “SEASON OF GIVING WELLNESS CHALLENGE” WITH THE KILTER APP

Kilter

People and business throughout New York will take part in the CNY Season of Giving Wellness Challenge this November, it was announced by Syracuse-native Seth Braddock, founder and CEO of Kilter, the breakthrough social engagement app that connects active lifestyles with important causes. The CNY Season of Giving Wellness Challenge is a fun and healthy way to support the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Anyone can register and track their daily activities, such as running, walking, biking, or over 50 other healthy options using the Kilter app. It’s easy to participate and with live leaderboards and engaging push notifications, it’s fun to follow along. “The Kilter app is a gateway for people who care about staying healthy and helping others,” said Braddock. “For the Central New York Community that I grew up in to come together like this is amazing. And with Pinnacle stepping up to the plate, our goal of raising $50,000 to support Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital is within reach.” The Pinnacle Family of Companies is leading the way in the challenge with a $16,000 matching donation designed to jumpstart healthy activity and donations from individuals and businesses alike. A key member of the CNY community, Pinnacle provides comprehensive solutions to meet the financial needs of individual and commercial investors. “We are always looking for new and exciting ways to give back to the Syracuse community that has done so much to support us over our 25 years in business,” said Elizabeth Bartlett, chief business development officer at Pinnacle. “Our goal was to create a fundraising event that anyone could join, from anywhere, and have fun doing it. When the opportunity came to partner with Kilter, we chose to support Golisano Children’s Hospital in hopes that the money we raised would provide the children in their care with a memorable holiday season.” Everyone participating in the CNY Season of Giving Wellness Challenge will have the opportunity to win valuable prizes, from Syracuse University basketball game tickets (including a chance to sit courtside) to cool Kilter swag bags. The CNY Season of giving Wellness Challenge will be open November 1 through November 30. For more information and to sign up to participate, visit Kilter online or download the Kilter app. ABOUT KILTER Kilter is the world's most inclusive supporter engagement platform that turns everyday health, wellness and lifestyle activities into opportunities for people to drive charitable dollars to their favorite causes, all while building culture and community to make a global impact. With 50+ trackable activities from running to yoga to pickleball to volunteering, plus our best-in-class user experience, functionality and customer support, employers, nonprofits and event producers will meet their supporters where they are today (on their phones) and easily exceed engagement and impact goals. Learn more at www.kilterapp.com. ABOUT PINNACLE The Pinnacle Family of Companies provides comprehensive solutions to meet the financial needs of individual and commercial investors. Whether saving for the future or seeking income today, they provide the services needed to help you reach your financial goals: investments, estate planning, tax planning, services for businesses, trusts and turnkey retirement plans. Their family of companies offer an unbeatable combination of synergistic services that can support individuals, business, and other organizations. From wealth management to human resources management, no other firm has the resources or provides the one-on-one connection that our advisors and consultants deliver. Contact Details Julian Lavelle +1 315-708-3494 julian@kilterapp.com Company Website https://www.kilterapp.com

October 26, 2021 10:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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National Guard Veteran Darin Overstreet Transitions to Owning Minuteman Press Franchise in Aurora, Colorado

Minuteman Press International Inc

Darin Overstreet, co-owner of the Minuteman Press franchise located at 14190 E. Jewell Ave., Suite 1, has retired from the Colorado National Guard where he served as Chief Public Affairs Officer for the Joint Task Force - Centennial. Today, Darin, who also served in the U.S. Air Force, runs Minuteman Press in Aurora along with his wife Anne. Together, Darin and Anne provide local businesses and non-profits with design, printing, marketing, and mailing services. During his time of service, Darin was an integral part of several missions both at home and abroad. He shares, “We (the National Guard) did both federal and state missions that could take us anywhere from The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to El Salvador to right here in Colorado. In 2013, one mission that particularly hit home was the Colorado floods. The flood ripped through a dozen counties, and I was part of the Colorado National Guard’s Joint Staff. We coordinated everything from sandbagging and evacuations to helping people in flooded areas. After the floods, our team was brought in to help rebuild the highway that leads to Estes Park, Colorado. We were able to get the roads paved and, during the rebuild, I coordinated with the media including interviews, public relations, photography, video, and writing articles.” Darin continues, “I am most proud of the fact that I was part of team that truly made a difference and helped people when they needed us most. Over 15 years, our Public Affairs team received 75 National Military awards. I really enjoyed community relations, which is something I am still doing today in a different capacity with Minuteman Press, our Veteran-owned family business in Aurora.” Applying Military Skills to Business Ownership With Minuteman Press in Aurora, Darin has found the perfect opportunity to apply the skills he acquired during his years of military service. He says, “There are so many lessons and experiences I have taken with me – community relations, messaging, public relations, photography, and building relationships with so many different types of people. As the Director of Community Outreach, I was already connecting people who may not otherwise meet and I learned the value of simply helping others by providing service.” Darin adds, “90 percent of our clients are other local business owners like me. If I see that they can benefit from one another, I make meaningful connections and I see working with my clients as a two-way street. I love working with them on all of their marketing promotions and social media, and just building relationships. I want to serve and strengthen my community just as I did when I was in the National Guard.” One other benefit that Darin sees in the transition to business ownership is his ability to endorse and promote businesses, which was not the mission of the National Guard. He says, “Now, I can promote other businesses and help them, and I love being an active part of the Aurora community in this way. For example, during the pandemic I’ve been working to promote local artists. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photo/Video, and so I’ve been art-adjacent all my life. With Minuteman Press, I am able to help these incredible artists print on demand and promote their stories.” Buying the Business During the Pandemic and Operating as an Essential Business Darin and Anne bought their business in June 2020 and have remained open and operating throughout the pandemic as an essential business. They have seen high demand for a wide variety of products as businesses continue to ramp up their marketing efforts. Darin says, “We’ve seen high demand for direct mail and Every Door Direct Mail. We help businesses reach out to targeted geographic and demographic areas so they can tell their customers about operations changes, new guidelines, and of course, special offers.” He continues, “Throughout the pandemic, popular items have included large format printing (banners, posters, and signage), updated restaurant menus, stickers, and dye sublimation (face masks and apparel). We’ve also helped clients come up with special offers for subscription boxes featuring relevant printed and promotional items that their customers will appreciate and remember.” When asked why he chose Minuteman Press, Darin answers, “I looked at other franchises but I’ve always been interested in printing. I have a passion for art, photo and video, and with this business I feel like I can help others bring their visions and branding to life. When I visited Minuteman Press at the Denver Franchise Expo, they were very professional and straightforward. They told me about how the franchise model worked including their training, ongoing support, and capped royalties. I also found the startup costs reasonable and felt they had the knowledge and resources to really help us operate this business.” Darin also credits the local support team in Colorado for being there every step of the way. “Regional Vice President Jack Panzer and Area Manager Todd Golberg are there for us whenever we need them and it is a tremendous benefit to us to have their continued guidance and reassurance.” Minuteman Press in Aurora is located at 14190 East Jewell Avenue, Unit 1, Aurora, CO 80012. Contact Darin and Anne Overstreet at 303-751-5007 or visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/co/aurora21 Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Franchise Business Review has also named Minuteman Press International a Top Franchise for Veterans. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

October 25, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Spiceology Brings Flavor to Make It Pop-In@Nordstrom and Nordstrom Holiday Gift Shops

Spiceology

Spiceology, the fastest growing spice company in America, announced that as of October 22, 2021 and just in time for in-person holiday shopping, select spice blend variety packs can now be purchased via Nordstrom’s limited-time Pop-In@Nordstrom and select Nordstrom Gift Shops across the country. Pop-In@Nordstrom is an ongoing series of pop-up shops curated by Olivia Kim, Nordstrom’s Vice President of Creative Projects and Home. Nordstrom’s Holiday Gift Shops offer an engaging shopping experience that displays the most giftable products in the store through the end of the year, with on-site photo booths and other interactive displays. “As a brand with a predominant online presence, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to enter select Nordstrom locations this holiday season,” said Maria Emmer-Aanes, VP of Retail & Grocery Sales at Spiceology. “We are humbled to help shoppers across the country fall in love with in-store shopping again, browse Spiceology’s most giftable and loved products, and give a gift of good taste.” Products available at both Make It Pop-In@Nordstrom and the Nordstrom Gift Shops include Spiceology’s fan-favorite gift sets and variety packs: Derek Wolf 6-Pack Beer Rub Sampler ($70) - Fire up the grill and your tastebuds with the perfect sampler 6-pack. This 2-in-1 product acts as both a rub and marinade. Just simply add your favorite beer to get the perfect BBQ marinade. 4-Pack Rub Collection ($48) - Spiceology’s four best-selling spice rubs in one giftable collection. From the company’s very first blend Smoky Honey Habanero, to fan-favorite Greek Freak, there's a blend in this 4-pack for any occasion. Popcorn Seasoning Variety Pack ($36) - These unique blends are the perfect party pleaser and greatest for family movie night. The sweet and savory seasonings bring a new level of joy to popcorn. “We take a unique approach to the retail experience, and we immediately saw a connection with the way Spiceology’s brand aligns with our fun, yet practical approach to holiday gifting,” said Olivia Kim, Vice President of Creative Projects and Home at Nordstrom. “We value and carefully curate the experience that each Pop-In and Holiday Village brings to our customers, from offering the most giftable products on our shelves to a fun, interactive in-store photo booth. Spiceology’s high-quality, vibrant and fun gift sets will excite our shoppers that are looking for trusted options.” Spiceology can be found at the below locations through the end of the year: Pop-In@Nordstrom: Downtown Seattle (Seattle, WA) Bellevue Square (Bellevue, WA) NYC Flagship (New York, NY) Michigan Avenue (Chicago, IL) South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa, CA) Northpark (Dallas, TX) Domain Northside (Austin, TX) Nordstrom Holiday Gift Shops: Downtown Seattle (Seattle, WA) Bellevue Square (Bellevue, WA) Washington Square (Tigard, OR) Cherry Creek (Denver, CO) NYC Flagship (New York, NY) Michigan Avenue (Chicago, IL) Oakbrook (Oak Brook, IL) Mall of America (Bloomington, MN) South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa, CA) Brea Mall (Brea, CA) Topanga (Canoga Park, CA) Fashion Valley Center (San Diego, CA) Fashion Square (Scottsdale, AZ) Century City (Los Angeles CA) Valley Fair (San Jose, CA) Tysons Corner (McLean, VA) King of Prussia (King of Prussia, PA) Northpark (Dallas, TX) The Shops at La Cantera (San Antonio, TX) Domain Northside (Austin, TX) International Plaza (Tampa, FL) For more information, visit Spiceology.com or follow along on Instagram: @spiceology. ABOUT SPICEOLOGY: Founded in 2013, Spiceology is the fastest-growing spice company in America and is on a mission to bring the magic back to spices, the world’s first currency. The chef-owned and operated, one-stop spice shop develops innovative blends and offers over 400 ingredients that are ground fresh in small-batches and shipped fresh to consumers and chefs. Spiceology’s “experiment with flavor” ethos is not only embraced through excellent ingredients and unique combinations, but also through responsible business practices designed to create a better world with diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of the workforce. Spiceology products can be found on spiceology.com, in specialty retailers and grocers, in restaurants around the US, and as far away as Australia and Dubai. Visit spiceology.com for more information or to place an order,or follow Spiceology on Facebook and Instagram. For recipe inspiration, visit here. ABOUT NORDSTROM: At Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN), we exist to help our customers feel good and look their best. Since starting as a shoe store in 1901, how to best serve customers has been at the center of every decision we make. This heritage of service is the foundation we’re building on as we provide convenience and true connection for our customers. Our digital-first platform enables us to serve customers when, where and how they want to shop – whether that’s in-store at more than 350 Nordstrom, Nordstrom Local and Nordstrom Rack locations or digitally through our Nordstrom and Rack apps and websites. Through it all, we remain committed to leaving the world better than we found it. Contact Details Spiceology Cassidy Levine +1 908-770-7880 cassidy@spiceology.com Company Website https://spiceology.com/

October 25, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Ensuring Community Sports Programs Survive and Keeping Your Kids Active

YourUpdateTV

Similar to so many other small business owners (restaurants, shops and other local services), the leaders running youth sports programs have faced an evolving multitude of challenges over the past 20 months as the pandemic continues to impact both the programs and the kids they serve. Recently, Olympic Gold Medalist Benita Fitzgerald Mosley participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the importance of organized sports for every kid, family and community. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/3jFXybKQ8qA Latest data shows more than 25% of kids stopped playing sports & many sports programs have ceased operations or have returned in a limited fashion. The stark realities of the pandemic are that there are far too many kids that have been left without access to the physical, mental and emotional benefits sports offer and the lack of access to sports for kids in underserved communities has been exacerbated by the pandemic. For kids, spending time engaging in physical activity through organized sport, free play, at school, and with friends is vital to childhood development and society’s overall well-being. At LeagueApps, Benita leads a program called FundPlay to help address the systemic participation and accessibility gaps. Its mission is to support youth sports organizations and foster those important sports experience opportunities for young people in underserved communities. FundPlay, a National Youth Sports Strategy Champion, offers a quarterly grant program where it awards sports-based youth development organizations with FREE lifetime access to the LeagueApps youth sports technology platform, cash awards and other benefits to help youth sports leaders build organizational capacity. By the end of this year, under Mosley’s leadership, FundPlay will have awarded more than 100 grants, ensuring nearly 300,000 kids have access to sports. For more information, visit leagueapps.com/tour. About Benita Fitzgerald Mosley: Fitzgerald Mosley, an Olympic Gold Medalist, is responsible for stewarding the LeagueApps NextUp community and FundPlay program to support youth sports organizations and foster sports experience opportunities for young people from underserved communities. She also serves as the executive director of the PLAY Sports Coalition, a unique coalition of thousands of stakeholders across the national and community youth sports industry. Prior to joining LeagueApps, Fitzgerald Mosley served as Chief Operating Officer for the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and Chief of Sport Performance for USA Track & Field. About LeagueApps: LeagueApps helps leading youth sports organizations operate and grow with the industry’s most comprehensive youth sports management platform. Powering thousands of leading organizations from professional leagues and teams to clubs and camps, LeagueApps is on a mission to bring the benefits of sport to kids everywhere. Through its NextUp program, LeagueApps goes beyond technology to provide industry leaders with opportunities for professional development and relationship building. LeagueApps also operates FundPlay, a program that supports sports-based youth development organizations to address issues of accessibility and equity. Learn more at leagueapps.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

October 22, 2021 11:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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