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The U.S. Chamber Discover & Deliver Initiative Spotlights Medical Innovation Happening across Main Street America

YourUpdateTV

You may be surprised to learn that cutting edge medical innovation is happening right now in your own community—from coronavirus to cancer, America’s innovation community is mobilized like never before. Across main street America, businesses of all sizes, the public sector, and academic institutions are making remarkable progress in developing the next generation of breakthrough treatments, vaccines, and diagnostics we need. The results are clear—working together we achieve more. That’s why the U.S. Chamber Discover & Deliver initiative is spotlighting the role of business in bringing science to life and delivering it to humanity. It’s the story of a nationwide, cross-industry effort that involves our brightest scientific minds, the most innovative companies, and the nation’s leading universities—all working together toward the common goal of making a healthier global community. The scope is as impressive as the speed. Scientists are conducting more than 140,000 clinical trials across the United States, in all 50 states, from big cities to small towns. This search for new medical solutions and cures also supports hometown economies by creating good jobs and driving growth. Discover & Deliver is conducting outreach in communities across the United States to engage local leaders, share the latest information, and provide a “peek inside the pipeline” to shed light on what science can tackle next. To help illustrate this story, the U.S. Chamber developed an interactive map, to show what’s happening across our country—in communities large and small—as innovation works to identify the solutions needed to fight disease. Visit www.USChamber.com for the latest resources and insights into how business is stepping up in extraordinary ways to solve our biggest challenges. 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 15, 2021 03:40 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Turning the Lights Out on Fluorescents

Clean Lighting Coalition

A new report released today by the Clean Lighting Coalition highlights the environmental and health risks posed when fluorescent lamps break, especially to vulnerable populations. The report provides concrete steps government, industry, consumers, and others, like childcare providers, can take to accelerate the transition to LED lighting, which is mercury-free, more energy-efficient, more cost-effective, and widely available. To mitigate the risks posed by mercury, the Coalition is calling on the Biden Administration to support the global phase-out of fluorescent lighting by 2025 at the upcoming meeting of the United Nation’s Minamata Convention on Mercury in March 2022. Furthermore, the Coalition notes that phasing out fluorescent lighting aligns with the Administration’s Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad issued earlier this year. “Fluorescent lamps have been tolerated for decades because they were considered the most energy-efficient option,” said Alicia Culver, Executive Director of the Responsible Purchasing Network and co-author of the report. “But this is no longer the case: LEDs are twice as energy efficient as fluorescent lamps, last 2-3 times longer, and they don’t contain mercury.” The report details: Health risks to those exposed to mercury, especially populations that are more vulnerable, such as pregnant people and their unborn babies, infants and young children, communities of color, and those living in low-income neighborhoods Health risks to workers exposed to mercury when lamps break during the manufacturing, installation, recycling, and disposal of fluorescent lamps Environmental hazards posed by the release of mercury in fluorescent lighting Benefits of transitioning to LED lighting, now considered the most cost-effective and reliable lighting option in the U.S. marketplace “We know that mercury exposure, especially in early life, can lead to irreversible deficits in verbal skills, reduced attention span and motor control, and lower IQ,” said Michael T. Bender, director of the Mercury Policy Project and one of the report authors. “However, these exposure risks are avoidable by replacing fluorescents with LEDs.” The report recommends steps that government entities, businesses, and consumers can take to accelerate the transition to LEDs. For example, it recommends state and local governments: Adopt and enforce mercury reduction laws to phase out fluorescents. For example, Vermont law bans sales of mercury-containing lamps unless the manufacturer has demonstrated that no comparably performing alternative non-mercury energy-efficient lamp is available at a comparable cost. Update guidance, including on websites, to highlight the hazards of mercury in fluorescent lighting and the advantages of LEDs including reduced risk, better energy efficiency, longer product life, and significant cost savings. Adopt new lighting specifications that prohibit vendors from offering fluorescent lamps, fixtures and ballasts on their state supply contracts. Maryland and Minnesota are already using this approach to eliminate many fluorescent lighting products from their contracts. Develop contracts for environmentally preferable lighting equipment that offer a wide array of LED lighting products at discounted prices. New York State and the City of San Francisco have lighting contracts that feature LEDs. The report also highlights guidelines from the US EPA regarding strict protocols that should be taken when cleaning up broken fluorescent lamps. “There is no safe level of mercury exposure and following US EPA guidelines in cleaning up a broken lamp is not easy,” says Coalition Deputy Director Ana Maria Carreño. " Most people, for example, either don’t know about or find it difficult to follow the proper procedures. Yet, with the tremendous advances in LED technology during the past decade, there’s no reason to continue using fluorescent lighting.” Mercury is highly toxic to humans, which is why the World Health Organization lists it among the top 10 chemicals or groups of chemicals of major public health concern. “The U.S. has been a global leader on many fronts,” said Michael Scholand, LC, of the Coalition and one of a worlds-leading experts on lighting policy and technology. “But when it comes to taking action on fluorescent lighting, the U.S. lags behind some African countries and the European Union, which have already taken steps to phase out mercury-based lighting.” Mercury in Fluorescent Lighting: Unnecessary Health Risks and Actionable Solutions ” was published by the Clean Lighting Coalition in partnership with the Mercury Policy Project and the Responsible Purchasing Network. The report was co-published by the following groups: Vermont Public Interest Research Group, Healthy Babies Bright Futures, Eco-Healthy Child Care, the Children’s Environmental Health Network, Clean Water Action and Ecology Center. The Coalition is encouraging consumers, businesses, and others to sign a pledge to support the global transition to clean and efficient lighting, and to end the manufacture, export and import of mercury-containing fluorescent lighting in the United States by 2025. To learn more, visit https://cleanlightingcoalition.org/advocates-pledge. ____________ For more information about the transition away from mercury-based lighting, visit https://cleanlightingcoalition.org/benefits/ About the Clean Lighting Coalition The Clean Lighting Coalition is a global partnership coordinated by CLASP to capture the health and environmental benefits of eliminating mercury-based lighting. To learn more, visit www.cleanlightingcoalition.org and follow the Coalition on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. About the Mercury Policy Project Founded in 1998, the Mercury Policy Project promotes policies to eliminate mercury use and reduce mercury exposure. To learn more, visit www.mercurypolicy.org About the Responsible Purchasing Network Responsible Purchasing Network is an international network of buyers dedicated to socially responsible and environmentally sustainable purchasing. To learn more, visit www.responsiblepurchasing.org About Peter Maxson Mr. Maxson is an environmental consultant who has long provided expert advice on mercury to multinational organizations, government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and others. Contact Details Clean Lighting Coalition Alexia Ross +1 339-222-4311 aross@clasp.ngo Clean Lighting Coalition Ana Maria Carreno +1 202-999-2886 acarreno@clasp.ngo Company Website https://www.cleanlightingcoalition.org

October 14, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Holland & Barrett backs Floe Oral Care to tackle gum disease via salivary biomarkers

Floe Oral Care

Floe Oral Care, the oral healthcare business dedicated to improving oral and systemic health by means of a direct-to-consumer subscription, has secured £350k from a group of high profile investors including Holland & Barrett, Lord Mervyn Davies, Tim Farazmand, Professor John Deanfield CBE, Sir Nigel Rudd, and Julio Bruno. Existing shareholders Stephen Welton, Dr. Jose Navarro, and Charles Southey are also following on. Founded by Anglo-Spanish duo Will Welton and Javier Navarro, Floe is an online subscription service on a mission to address the UK’s ‘dental care timebomb’ by building a preventative routine for consumers and providing vital insights into undetected gum disease. Will Welton, Co-founder at Floe Oral Care said: “If your mouth is the gateway to your body, then protecting it requires not only using the right products but also visibility of what condition your gums are in. The impact of gum disease is significant, and the prevalence of periodontitis has barely changed over the last 20 years. Our mission is to build a service that both tracks and improves oral and systemic health. We want to encourage a pro-active relationship with dental care by capturing and contextualising oral health data, and are thrilled to be bringing on board a fantastic group of investors from business and healthcare as well as an excellent and highly relevant corporate partner. This is a great platform for the next stage of our development” Periodontitis is now the sixth most prevalent disease in the world, and according to research led by The Economist Intelligence Unit (IEU), costs the UK £6.4bn a year in treatment. Nearly half the adults in the UK have some form of periodontal disease, which has increasingly been shown to raise the risk of serious health conditions including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Its awareness has remained low however amongst the general public and other health professionals - it’s often referred to as a silent killer - with the study showing that three out of four adults with periodontitis do not know they have the condition at all. Tamara Rajah MBE, Chief Business & Science Officer, Holland and Barrett: “H&B are committed to making health and wellness a way of life for everyone, and to supporting early-stage innovation in wellness as part of our strategy. Recognising that effective oral health management can disproportionately impact an individual’s overall health and wellness, coupled with our interest about the potential of diagnostics, makes Floe very exciting for us. We look forward to working with Will, Javier and the team at Floe to optimise the way we manage our oral health and improve lives.” Floe is building a data driven approach, designed to cast light on untreated periodontitis and put the right measures in place to improve it. The service will track gum health via proprietary at home saliva testing whilst delivering essential products to support your oral health. Floe launched their core dental kit in August 2020, delivering their own unique toothpaste formulations (Dusk and Dawn), an ultra-soft toothbrush, and charcoal dental floss, delivered every three months to improve preventative habits in a more sustainable way. The products are all built with the environment in mind, including a free-returns service collecting used products for specialist recycling when subscribers' new boxes arrive. Julio Bruno, CEO of Time Out Group plc, will be joining the board as a Non-Executive Director whilst Stephen Welton, founder and Executive Chairman of BGF, the UK’s largest growth capital investor, will remain as the Chairman. Professor John Deanfield CBE joins Floe as Chief Medical Officer, to put together a world leading Advisory Board to inform the strategy of the saliva testing and future healthcare products. Professor Deanfield is one of the leading cardiologists in the UK and has published several papers on the linkage between oral and systemic health. Professor John Deanfield CBE commented: “We now understand the big impact oral health can have on important diseases in the rest of the body. This underpins a new opportunity to benefit from a change in approach to oral health – I am excited to be joining Floe to help address this.” About Floe Oral Care Floe Oral Care is a subscription service providing core dental products/ services on a quarterly basis with a closed loop recycling process to ensure that plastic doesn’t end up in the ocean. It was co-founded by William Welton and Javier Navarro to deliver technology enabled dental healthcare solutions whilst protecting the planet’s environment. Javier comes from a family of dentists and spent the first part of his career in banking. Will’s background is in consumer goods with commercial roles within the drinks industry and e-commerce. For careers please get in touch via CV and covering letter to hello@getfloe.com. About Holland & Barrett Holland & Barrett is the UK’s leading wellness retailer* and one of the largest in Europe. We make health and wellness and way of life for everyone, with a leading range of own brand, innovative vitamins, supplements, specialist food, sports nutrition and ethical beauty brands. Established in 1870, Holland & Barrett has been trusted for wellness for over 150 years and is owned by the Letter One Retail Group (L1 Retail). Holland & Barrett has a retail presence of more than 1000 stores across 16 countries worldwide, including over 800 in the UK and Ireland**, as well as a rapidly expanding e-commerce business. Holland & Barrett’s colleagues are “qualified to advise” with in depth training in nutrition and supplements to give accessible personalised advice to customers on their individual needs. *Kantar Brand Tracking – health and wellness retailers March 2021 ** up to 30 September 2020. Contact Details Floe Oral Care Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 bilal@getfloe.com Company Website https://getfloe.com/

October 13, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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COMCAST JOINS COMMUNITY LEADERS TO MARK 10 YEARS OF INTERNET ESSENTIALS

Comcast Utah

Alongside Utah’s top leaders, Comcast’s executives announced its expansion efforts to help low-income Utahns gain access to the Internet and increase digital equity. “Utah is one of the most collaborative states we work with across the country when it comes to helping its citizens gain digital equity,” said J.D. Keller, senior vice president, Comcast Mountain West Region. “Leaders from the state, county and city are working together as we open more free WiFi Lift Zones, connect more families to the Internet at home, and increase speeds for businesses and families across the state.” The announcement is part of Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities; and coincides with the 10th anniversary of its Internet Essentials program, which has connected a cumulative total of more than 10 million people to the Internet at home – most for the very first time. Comcast’s expanded eligibility for Internet Essentials, now including all Federal Pell Grant recipients within its service area, will enable even more students to stay connected as they continue to pursue degrees at colleges, universities, and technical schools. Comcast’s top priorities are connecting people to the Internet at home, equipping safe spaces with free WiFi and working with a robust network of nonprofit community organizations, city leaders, and business partners to create opportunities for low-income Americans. “We are delighted to work with such outstanding corporate partners, such as Comcast, as we connect more Utahns to the Internet,” said Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox. “Utah is regularly lauded for its innovative vision in numerous categories, and increasing our digital access helps everyone, including families, students and businesses.” Salt Lake County is responsible for launching unique digital equity initiatives to connect its community. “We have one of the most forward-thinking counties in the country and having such a robust partnership with leaders in government and community organizations means we can connect the pivot points quicker and more securely for all involved,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. “We’re committed to digital equity. Our Salt Lake County libraries have more than 300 hotspots and 150 Chromebooks in circulation to assist residents with digital needs in their homes. “As a national technology leader, Comcast is greatly advancing Salt Lake County's effort in supporting economic prosperity in each region of the county.” According to Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, county collaboration with Salt Lake City allows continuity between communities in their efforts to bridge the digital divide. “We only benefit as a community when we embrace technology and ensure we have the fastest and most reliable Internet services available,” said Mendenhall. “Closing the digital divide and providing Lift Zones allows students and families to excel in ways they need to compete in today’s fast-paced environment.” As the nation’s largest Internet provider, Comcast supports cooperation between communities, businesses and non-profit organizations to enhance digital equity. “In working with communities across America, we know Utah is remarkable with a can-do attitude and an extraordinary amount of collaboration with incredible community partners,” said Keller. “Together, we have been able to connect tens of thousands of Utahns to the power of the Internet at home and to the endless opportunity, education, growth, and discovery it provides. Today, we are rededicating ourselves to this mission to ensure the next generation of students in Utah has the tools, resources, and abilities to succeed in an increasingly digital world.” In 2021 alone, Comcast estimates students across America will complete more than 25 million hours of remote learning lessons to further address the “homework gap” at the hundreds of Lift Zone locations that have already opened or will open soon. Comcast’s $1 billion commitment will include investments in several critical areas, including: additional support for the Lift Zone initiative, which establishes WiFi-connected safe spaces in 35 community centers in Utah and 1,000+ community centers nationwide for students and adults by the end of 2021; new laptop and computer donations; over $100,000 in digital equity grants for local Utah nonprofit community organizations to create opportunities for low-income Utahns – particularly in media, technology, and entrepreneurship; and continued investment in the company’s landmark Internet Essentials program. “Comcast’s investment in Utah’s digital connectivity future is remarkable,” said Gov. Cox. “Helping to close the digital divide so everyone has Internet access in Utah is paramount.” To increase digital access and reliability, Comcast awarded a financial grant to Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake, whose mission is to inspire and empower youth to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. “We are very grateful for this timely grant from Comcast,” said Amanda Ree Hughes, president and CEO of Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake. “Comcast is a 360-partner because they give more than just dollars for computers and programs. Their employees bring skills, experience and knowledge to create a whole solution in providing access and technology to help our kids succeed.” To help close Utah’s digital divide, Comcast is gifting computers and laptops to Neighborhood House for individuals and families to have Internet access where they had none. “We are excited about our partnership with Comcast because we work with a clientele that doesn't have a lot of access to technology,” said Jennifer Nuttall, executive director at Neighborhood House. “Comcast has been an amazing partner by connecting us, and now that they're giving out 300 computers and laptops to our clients and to help our programs, it's just really phenomenal. “It's life-changing for families. Being able to access technology for kids for school and for parents with work and their kids’ school needs is very much needed.” “Whenever we can help our community neighbors connect to reliable, high-speed Internet access, we work to do that,” said Keller. “It helps keep us all moving forward one family, one organization, and one community at a time.” Project UP & Comcast’s $1 Billion Commitment to Advancing Digital Equity: For over a decade, connecting more people to the Internet and the technology they need to participate and excel in an increasingly digital world has been a core focus for the company. Looking toward the next ten years, Comcast is building on that foundation and expanding its impact through Project UP, a comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. Backed by a $1 billion commitment to reach 50 million people, Project UP encompasses the programs and community partnerships across Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Sky that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators. For more information on Project UP and the latest news on efforts to address digital inequities, including the recent expansion of the Comcast RISE Investment Fund to provide millions in grants to small business owners of color and investment in research to increase diversity in the technology and digital fields, visit https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up. 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 over 56 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 Ethernet, Internet, Wi-Fi, Voice, TV and Managed Enterprise Solutions to help organizations of all sizes transform their business. Powered by an advanced network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is one of the largest contributors to the growth of Comcast Cable. Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and has emerged as a force in the Enterprise market; recognized over the last two years by leading industry associations as 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 more than 30 million households with video service. For more information, visit www.effectv.com. Contact Details Deneiva Knight +1 520-345-9792 deneiva_knight@comcast.com Company Website https://utah.comcast.com/

October 12, 2021 12:00 PM Mountain Daylight Time

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It’s Flu and Cold Season: How Over-the-Counter Remedies Can Help Relieve Cough and Chest Congestion

YourUpdateTV

As influenza activity begins to increase in October, now is the time to know how to navigate this cold and flu season. Recently, New York Times bestselling author, Dr. Ian Smith teamed with Mucinex and YourUpdateTV on a satellite media tour to discuss how to relieve cold, cough, and chest congestion symptoms. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/vfd-KUPmT3U While seasonal influenza viruses are detected year-round, flu viruses are most common during the fall and winter – kicking off in October. So, as we enter another unprecedented cold & flu season, we can still expect to see an increase in cold and flu cases between now and February. That said, according to Dr. Ian Smith, we should still continue to take key preventative measures to avoid catching any of these viruses. This includes wearing a mask in crowded public places, washing your hands often and covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you cough and sneeze to prevent the spread of germs. While there is no cure for the common cold or flu, there are over-the-counter medications that can help when you start to feel those classic cold and flu symptoms coming on. For instance, Mucinex has a line of 12-hour products that provide relief. Mucinex DM not only thins and loosens mucus, but also controls cough, providing relief for both wet and dry coughs, lasting up to 12 hours. And Mucinex 12 HR Extended Release Tablets help thin and loosen mucus to relieve chest congestion, and also provide relief for 12 hours. People must use over-the-counter products as directed. If your cold and flu symptoms persist, you should contact your healthcare professional and get checked out if deemed necessary. Dr. Smith also shared self-care recommendations such as exercising regularly and eating healthy. Activities like walking, strength training and yoga are good for the mind and the body. A diet full of nutritious meals packed with fruits and veggies and lean proteins like chicken or fish is also very important for a strong immune system. For more information on how to take care of yourself this cold and flu season, visit Mucinex.com for more information. About Dr. Dr Ian Smith: Dr. Ian Smith is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling books, SHRED: THE REVOLUTIONARY DIET, and SUPER SHRED: The Big Results Diet, and BLAST THE SUGAR OUT. Dr. Smith’s highly anticipated newest book, The Clean 20, became an instant New York Times best seller, helping hundreds of thousands of people reduce bad sugars from their diet, lose weight, lower blood sugar levels, and cut the cravings. Dr. Smith was appointed by President Obama to a second term on the prestigious President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. He is currently the medical contributor and co-host of the nationally syndicated television show The Rachael Ray Show. He is a former co-host of the Emmy award winning syndicated daytime talk show, The Doctors. He also served as the medical/diet expert for six seasons on VH1’s highly-rated Celebrity Fit Club, and is the creator and founder of the national health initiatives The 50 Million Pound Challenge and The Makeover Mile. Dr. Smith is the former medical correspondent for NBC News network and for NewsChannel 4 in New York, where he filed reports for NBC Nightly News and The Today Show as well as WNBC’s various news broadcasts. He has appeared extensively on various broadcasts including The Oprah Winfrey Show, The View, Dr. Oz, Steve Harvey Show, The Talk, Larry King Live, Anderson Cooper 360, CNN, MSNBC and many more. He has written for various publications including Time, Newsweek, Men’s Fitness, and the New York Daily News, and has been featured in several other publications including, People, Redbook, Details Magazine, Essence, Ebony, University of Chicago Medicine on the Midway, Cosmopolitan, and Black Enterprise. 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 12, 2021 11:09 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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WATCHDOG GROUP URGES STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DIVEST FROM UNILEVER

National Legal & Policy Center

The National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC), an ethics watchdog group, released a letter today that it sent to North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell. The letter requests that the Tar Heel State join others in “the immediate divestiture of Unilever holdings in all public pension funds managed and controlled by the State of North Carolina….” An earlier letter was sent by NLPC to New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, and the Falls Church, Va.-based nonprofit also filed a complaint was filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Arizona and New Jersey have already announced intentions to withdraw investments from their states’ holdings, due to Unilever subsidiary Ben & Jerry’s plans to discontinue selling its products in Israel’s so-called “occupied territories.” More than 30 states, including North Carolina, have laws that prohibit state investments in companies that engage in boycotts against the nation of Israel. “So far Unilever has refused to do anything about the anti-Israel and anti-Semitic actions of its wholly-owned subsidiary Ben and Jerry’s,” said Peter Flaherty, NLPC Chairman. “Until Unilever changes its policy, it must pay a price.” The letter, signed by NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project Director Paul Chesser, explains how Anuradha Mittal – the Chair of Ben & Jerry’s Board of Directors – was the architect of the ice cream company’s policy to end sales in Israel’s “occupied territories.” “Mittal proposed a boycott of all of Israel. Her Twitter account has many anti-Israel tweets and as Chair of the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation may have steered funds in a self-dealing scheme,” stated Chesser. “We urge North Carolina to join other states in divesting from Unilever.” A complete copy of the letter is below: Dear Treasurer Folwell: We write to respectfully request that you affect the immediate divestiture of Unilever holdings in all public pension funds managed and controlled by the State of North Carolina, under your authority. In July New York’s Office of the State Comptroller warned Unilever that its Ben & Jerry’s subsidiary, by its decision to stop selling ice cream in Israel’s “occupied territories,” jeopardized its Common Fund’s ability and willingness to invest in Unilever. Since that time, the states of Arizona and New Jersey have announced their intention to divest themselves of Unilever stocks and bonds. Under its current law, Florida is reportedly discontinuing further investments in Unilever. Illinois is considering the same, and other states are reportedly reviewing their investment holdings in Unilever under their existing anti-Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) laws. More urgently, Unilever’s position that it is opposed to anti-Semitism is belied by the actions and associations of Anuradha Mittal, the Chair of Ben & Jerry’s Board of Directors. The Ben & Jerry’s Board is not an actual governing board, but holds special control under its agreement with Unilever that is “empowered to protect and defend Ben & Jerry's brand equity and integrity.” Mittal is the architect of the ice cream company’s policy to end sales in Israel’s “occupied territories.” Reportedly, Mittal also proposed a boycott of all of Israel. Her Twitter account has many anti-Israel tweets, and contains specific endorsements of the BDS movement. Mittal is also a trustee of the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation – listed as vice president of the four-member board as recently as 2019 – which reportedly has made $170,000 in grants to a nonprofit called the Oakland Institute, of which Mittal is the paid executive director. In August, the National Legal and Policy Center filed a Complaint with the Internal Revenue Service, alleging that this arrangement may violate the Internal Revenue Code’s prohibition on self-dealing. In 2017, the Oakland Institute reportedly made a sub-grant to the so-called Badil Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights. Last year, the European Union ended its funding of this Center after it refused to agree to an “anti-terror” clause in its funding contract. If Unilever were truly opposed to anti-Semitism – as well as the appearance of unethical self-dealing between Ben & Jerry’s corporate, its foundation, and organizations it supports – then it would have already severed its relationship with Mittal. Moreover, Unilever’s anti-Israel bias is underscored by the fact that it has announced no intention to end ice cream sales in China, where it is a leading foreign brand. National Legal and Policy Center promotes ethics in public life, and sponsors the Corporate Integrity Project. We are heartened to see state officials of both political parties in different states defending Israel and taking a strong stand against anti-Semitism. Unilever was given the opportunity to do the right thing, but instead the company doubled down on defending the indefensible. It is time for investors to do the right thing and divest from Unilever. If I can be of further assistance or answer any questions, please feel free to contact me at pchesser@nlpc.org. Sincerely, Paul Chesser Director, Corporate Integrity Project ### Please visit http://www.nlpc.org Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Paul Chesser +1 703-237-1970 pchesser@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

October 12, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Osmo’s Halloween Sale Turns Learning Into A Fun Treat!

Osmo

Palo Alto-- Osmo announces a Halloween sale that turns learning into a fun treat for kids ages 3 to 10+. From 10/10 through 10/16, save 25% off select kits, games and bundles at PlayOsmo.com, Amazon, Target, BestBuy & other retailers. Kits and games on sale through PlayOsmo.com and multiple retailers include: Little Genius Starter Kit (base included) Genius Starter Kit (base included) Coding Starter Kit (base included) Creative Starter Kit (base included) Pizza Co. (base required) Detective Agency (base required) Super Studio Disney Mickey Mouse & Friends (base required) Super Studio Disney Princess (base required) Super Studio Disney Frozen 2 (base required) Math Wizard and the Secrets of the Dragons (base required) Math Wizard and the Magical Workshop (base required) Kits and games on sale through Amazon include: Little Genius Starter Kit for Fire Tablet (base included) Little Genius Starter Kit + Early Math Adventure for iPad + Case for iPad (base included) Math Wizard and the Secrets of the Dragons (iPad base included) Math Wizard and the Secrets of the Dragons (Fire base included) Math Wizard and the Magical Workshop (iPad base included) Math Wizard and the Magical Workshop (Fire base included) Math Wizard and the Amazing Airships (iPad base included) Math Wizard and the Amazing Airships (Fire base included) Math Wizard and the Enchanted World Games (iPad base included) Math Wizard and the Enchanted World Games (Fire base included) Super Studio Disney Mickey Mouse & Friends for iPad & Fire Tablet (base required) Super Studio Disney Princess for iPad & Fire Tablet (base required) Super Studio Disney Frozen 2 for iPad & Fire Tablet (base required) Pizza Co. for iPad (base included) Detective Agency for Fire Tablet (base included) Monster for iPad & Fire Tablet (base required) Genius Tangram for iPad & Fire Tablet (base required) Genius Words for iPad & Fire Tablet (base required) Genius Numbers for iPad & Fire Tablet (base required) Little Genius Sticks & Rings for iPad & Fire Tablet (base required) Little Genius Costume Pieces for iPad & Fire Tablet (base required) A full list of deals, including Amazon exclusives, can be viewed at Osmo’s Amazon store. Bundles on sales exclusively at PlayOsmo include: Math Wizard Bundle Pretend Play Bundle (Digital) Literacy Bundle Super Studio Artist Bundle A full list of deals at PlayOsmo.com can be viewed here. A full list of Osmo deals at Target can be viewed here. 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 PR Carolyn Kamii +1 310-251-0550 carolynkpr@gmail.com Company Website http://www.playosmo.com

October 10, 2021 06:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Fruitables® Celebrates The Fun Side of Healthy in Your Dog’s Bowl

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/Ccg5OIMqwNw A healthy diet is fundamental to a fit and happy dog. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, deciding what you feed your pet may be the most important thing you do for them. By choosing what they eat, pet owners can help their pet live life to the fullest by maintaining a healthy weight. So, what is the first step to setting your beloved pooch on the road to a healthy diet? Have you thought about pumpkin? It’s fall, and pumpkin is everywhere. While you’re grabbing your pumpkin coffee, share a pumpkin treat with your dog! Pumpkin is a healthy and delicious treat for dogs. By choosing healthy treats like Fruitables ®, you can help your pet live life to the fullest by maintaining a healthy weight. Many Fruitables treats feature pumpkin, like Pumpkin & Blueberry baked treats and Pumpkin Spice Skinny Minis ®. The Fruitables line of healthy dog treats was inspired by the weight-loss and digestive-health properties of pumpkin, which is a staple ingredient in many Fruitables treats. Learn more about Fruitables, visit Fruitablespet.com/blog or follow on Facebook or Instagram at @fruitablespettreats. To purchase Fruitables online or to find a retailer near you, please visit https://fruitablespet.com/store-locator. About Fruitables: Fruitables ® was created by people with a passion for innovation and advanced nutrition, with a primary focus on harvest-fresh ingredients. Founded in 2008, the Fruitables brand relies on advanced nutrition that uses fruits and vegetables to balance taste, calorie control and gratification for a treat dogs will enjoy. Fruitables is a proud part of Manna Pro, a recognized leader in pet care and nutrition with well-established brands in the companion pet, backyard chicken, equine and small animal categories. For more information about Fruitables, visit https://fruitablespet.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 08, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Creative, Safe and Fun – That’s #HowWeHalloween!

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This year is all about #HowWeHalloween, and the National Confectioners Association has ideas on how to celebrate the season throughout the month of October. Chocolate and candy play a central role in so many of our favorite Halloween traditions, and the National Confectioners Association revealed Americans’ favorite treats for the 2021 Halloween season when it participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the survey results and share celebration tips. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/9t4pI-DbRw0 The Halloween season has always been about people, traditions and celebrations. Whether it’s a classic night of trick-or-treating or other creative ways of enjoying the season, 82% of people plan to celebrate Halloween this year – up 12% from 70% in 2020. In a national online survey, NCA found that Americans prefer chocolate (60%) to non-chocolate (40%) in their trick-or-treat pumpkins, so it’s no surprise that when Americans were surveyed about their favorite types of candy, chocolate came in first place, followed closely by Americans’ second choice: gummy candy. Americans’ third choice is classic candy corn, There are plenty of fun and unique approaches to enjoying the Halloween season in ways that work for consumers and their families – whether that’s fun from a distance, Halloween at home or something in between. Visit AlwaysAtTreat.com/Halloween for more information. About the National Confectioners Association (NCA): The National Confectioners Association is the trade organization that promotes the unique role of chocolate, candy, gum and mints in a happy, balanced lifestyle and the companies that make these special treats. Through advocacy and regulatory guidance, communications, industry insights and retail and supply chain engagement, NCA helps create an environment that enables candy makers and confectionery retailers to thrive. As the leading association for the $36 billion U.S. confectionery industry, NCA works to ensure that chocolate and candy are celebrated for their contributions to culture, society, the economy and everyday moments of joy. Confections are produced in all 50 states, creating jobs for approximately 55,000 workers in more than 1,300 manufacturing facilities across the country. Learn more at CandyUSA.com or follow NCA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 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 01, 2021 01:56 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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