News Hub | News Direct

Lifestyle

Beverage: Coffee/Tea/Non-Alcoholic Beverage: Spirits/Beer/Wine Casino/Gaming Fashion Food/Cooking/Baking Health & Fitness Home Goods Hospitality Leisure Activities & Hobbies Parenting Pets Photography Seniors Travel & Tourism
Article thumbnail News Release

Love, Bonito raises US$50MILLION in Series C funding to fuel category and international expansion

Love, Bonito

Southeast Asia’s largest omnichannel womenswear brand has its eyes set on evolving into a purpose-driven female ecosystem that supports Asian women around the world at every life stage Fundraising round led by Primavera Capital Group with participation from Adastria and Ondine Capital The funds will be used to bolster efforts in existing omnichannel markets and accelerate high growth international markets including Hong Kong, Japan, Philippines and the United States (US) SINGAPORE - Media OutReach - 27 October 2021 - Love, Bonito today announced the close of its Series C funding round, raising a total of US$50Million. The round was led by Primavera Capital Group, a global investment firm whose previous investments include Alibaba, ByteDance, Yum China and Mead Johnson China. Adastria and Ondine Capital participated in the round too. Love, Bonito’s current investors include Openspace Ventures and Kakaku.com. Proceeds from the fundraising will enable the brand to bolster efforts in existing omnichannel markets and supercharge international expansion in markets that collectively are experiencing triple digits year-on-year (YoY) growth. These key markets include Hong Kong, Japan, Philippines and the US. Furthermore, the company is exploring categories outside of fashion as part of its plan to create a female ecosystem. (Above: Love, Bonito Senior Leadership Team) Supercharging International Expansion Since its launch in 2010, Love, Bonito has achieved impressive growth, expanding into 10 key markets which include those in Southeast Asia, namely Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia, and East Asia markets, namely Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan as well as Australia and the US. To date, Love, Bonito has achieved overall growth of over 120 per cent YoY in international markets, and overall growth of 208 per cent for its online sales. The company believes the Asian diaspora communities have extremely high potential, especially in the US, where online revenue growth exceeded 1,200 per cent YoY as of September 2021. With the latest funding, the brand will double down efforts within markets such as Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia that have omni-channel presence, while other markets such as Hong Kong, Japan, Philippines and the US will see an expansion in omni-channels, new business verticals, strengthening of local community engagement and key collaborations, as well as the continuous optimisation of user experiences. “I am more excited than ever for what is to come in the next decade,” said Rachel Lim, Co-Founder of Love, Bonito. “The growth we see today would not have happened without #TeamLB and our #LBCommunity who consistently strive to support women in the different seasons of their lives. Being in the business of women has been our mission since day one, and we are finally venturing outside of fashion to bolster our offerings.” Business of Women vs Business of Fashion In line with the brand’s mission to empower the everyday Asian woman, plans are in place to increase offerings within the fashion line to include active apparel and accessories. The brand is also looking to venture into a content platform (LiBrary) as well as exploration into new categories (LaB) which will include wellness. The category and product expansion strategy is informed and driven by data and community feedback garnered from several platforms, including the brand’s soon-to-be-launched artificial intelligence that delivers personalisation at scale for women globally, through data and machine-learning models. Other existing platforms that contribute to the insights and knowledge gathering include: LBCommunity+: Love, Bonito’s loyalty programme that provides customers an all-access community and rewards experience LBCreate: Love, Bonito’s social impact programme with the mission to bring women’s issues to the forefront and create actionable steps for the future "We have built a strong foundation in understanding the everyday Asian woman in order to be pre-emptive in catering to her needs,” said Dione Song, CEO of Love, Bonito. “We are primed to become a true life partner for our community of women, in and beyond fashion. We have yet to see a womenswear brand from the region stand proud on the world stage amongst industry heavyweights and we want to be the first brand to achieve that, by being purpose-driven, community-focused and innovative. “We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our existing and new investors who bring deep consumer investment experience and recognise the potential of the Asian consumer, both within and outside of the region,” added Dione. Lead investor Primavera provided a statement: “Love, Bonito has proven itself to be a one-of-a-kind, purpose-driven brand for women across all life-stages. Consumers are drawn by what the brand stands for and its mission to empower women around the world. Primavera is deeply impressed by how much the team has achieved over the last decade and looks forward to tapping into our understanding and experience in the global consumer sector to help elevate Love, Bonito to the next level. We are thrilled to join Dione and the rest of the team on this path-breaking journey.” Love, Bonito’s first external institutional investor, Openspace said: “From day one, we believed in what the brand could achieve as a business led by women, for women. We are thrilled to now work alongside esteemed investors like Primavera to help write the brand’s next chapter.” Series B lead investor Kakaku.com added: “We are delighted to be on the global stage with Love, Bonito, and will continue to support the brand’s data and tech strategies, especially on their entry into the Japanese market.” In the next phase of its growth, Love, Bonito aims to shake up the fashion industry by creating a more meaningful impact on its community across all life stages. The brand is setting its sights on creating a thoughtful and well-rounded female ecosystem, supporting different facets of women’s needs within Asian countries and reaching further into the Asian diaspora communities across the globe. About Love, Bonito Designing for the key moments and milestones of a woman’s life, Love, Bonito’s comprehensive assortment features stylish and comfortable pieces for the modern Asian woman at home, work and play. Love, Bonito is the largest vertically integrated, omni-channel women’s fashion brand in the region today. We remain committed to relationship building and nurturance, imbuing soul into innovation with thoughtful design and dedicated community outreach. For more information, please visit https://www.lovebonito.com/sg/about-us Contact Details Ogilvy Ada Tong +65 9297 0748 ada.tong@ogilvy.com Love, Bonito Jacqueline Lui +65 9068 4123 jacqueline.lui@lovebonito.com

October 27, 2021 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Shatterproof and The Hartford Release Largest and Most Expansive Addiction Stigma Survey Ever Fielded

Shatterproof

Today, Shatterproof and its collaborator The Hartford published the largest, most expansive survey ever fielded on addiction stigma of nearly 8,000 U.S. residents. The findings are striking. More than three-quarters of the American public believe that a substance use disorder (SUD) is not a chronic medical illness and over half of respondents hold the belief that SUDs are caused by bad character or lack of moral strength, according to the national research. The Shatterproof Addiction Stigma Index, a first-of-its-kind measurement tool, was designed to assess attitudes about substance use and people who use substances. It used more than 50 validated stigma measures to gauge perceptions of those with a SUD, including the degree to which they have internalized this exclusion. The Index is designed to track progress regularly and hold our nation accountable for continual improvement. The lack of understanding about addiction by the general public creates a desire for social distance. According to the survey, nearly half (45%) of the public is unwilling to live next to or be close friends with someone with a SUD. Similarly, 45.8% of respondents don't want a person in recovery marrying into their family – highlighting how these beliefs entrench deep feelings of exclusion and shame for individuals with a SUD throughout their lives, regardless of their recovery status. “What’s at stake is real. For millions of people across the country, fighting pervasive stigma is a matter of survival,” said Gary Mendell, CEO of Shatterproof. “We must change the way our institutions operate, the way we view our friends and neighbors, and how those with a SUD view themselves. We must end discrimination, strengthen the road to recovery, and offer hope of a bright future. And measuring our progress is essential.” Dr. Melissa Anderson, MD, PharmD, a Shatterproof Ambassador from Kentucky and a person in long-term recovery, has experienced stigma in both the health care and workplace settings. Following a severe dog bite incident, she found herself as a patient in the hospital system where she’d previously been employed as both a pharmacist and a resident physician. “Former co-workers greeted me with jeers, joking that the ‘doctor-turned-junkie’ was back. During my 8-hour ER stay, I did not receive the standard of care for my injuries - neither antibiotics nor analgesics were administered, after I requested non-opioid agents, despite standard facility protocols and the easily-observed severity of my injuries,” said Dr. Anderson. “It was made abundantly clear from both their actions and language team that this health care team felt the disease of addiction, even one in recovery, made me an individual less deserving of compassion and care. That was July 2015 and I have not been a formal recipient of health care since.” Nearly half (44%) of health care professionals surveyed endorsed the harmful belief that medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is substituting one drug for another. This is compared to the about 41% of the public that expressed the same belief. Moreover, one in four health care professionals do not agree that more providers should offer MOUD to increase accessibility. “The work to end addiction stigma is far from over, and we are proud to partner with Shatterproof on establishing this important research that will drive future public policies and workplace practices,” said Christopher J. Swift, chairman and CEO of The Hartford, a leading workers’ compensation and disability insurer and founding partner of Shatterproof. “We believe efforts involving all levels of government, the business community, and neighborhood organizations are necessary to end the ongoing addiction crisis, create open and inclusive cultures, and break down stigma that impedes human achievement.” Nearly a million people have been lost to addiction in the last two decades and in 2020 alone, more than 93,000 Americans died of an overdose, representing the most overdoses ever recorded. More than 20 million American adults suffer from the disease of addiction per year. Addiction is a treatable disease, but due to stigma most people do not seek the help they need and equally tragically, internalize feelings of shame and lose hope that they can recover and lead healthy, full lives. Creation of the Index was supported by Ipsos alongside Dr. Brea Perry and Dr. Anne Krendl from Indiana University. ### About Shatterproof: Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States. Shatterproof harnesses the models of business, the rigor of science and the power of a national movement to create change and save lives through three pillars of work: revolutionizing the addiction treatment system, breaking down addiction-related stigmas and supporting and empowering our communities. To learn more visit www.Shatterproof.org Contact Details Shatterproof Holly A Jespersen +1 646-334-1024 hjespersen@shatterproof.org Frontwood Strategies Nell Callahan +1 202-262-0721 Company Website https://www.shatterproof.org/

October 27, 2021 06:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

STATHERO LAUNCHES THE ABILITY TO PARLAY DAILY FANTASY SPORTS AND MULTIPLY WINNINGS FOR HEAD-TO-HEAD CONTESTS ACROSS ALL MAJOR SPORTS

StatHero

StatHero, the quickly-growing Daily Fantasy Sports app with unprecedented winning percentages and an emphasis on skill over luck, has added a PARLAYS component to their flagship head-to-head DFS game. StatHero is the ONLY independent fantasy sports company playable in 34 states and lets DFS players go H2H against house lineups instead of in short-odds contests with unknown users. It’s a never-before-seen innovation for the fantasy sports and sports betting hybrid. StatHero players clock a well over 50% winning percentage and it has led to a 400% month-over-month growth in deposits. Players are betting an average of $1,700 a year, which is THREE TIMES the average spend of industry leading apps DraftKings and FanDuel. PARLAYS allows players to choose two or three H2H lineups with a handful of players and multiply their payouts. Win a 2-team parlay? Double your money. Win a 3-team parlay? Win 5X your money! PARLAYS can be played in MLB, NFL, NBA, PGA Tour, NHL, and NCAA Football and is available on iOS and Android. Jason Jaramillo, Founder of StatHero: “With StatHero’s PARLAYS gameplay, daily fantasy players have larger odds to double down on their fantasy skill. Our team has worked tirelessly to provide players with something that has never been seen before in the fantasy space. When people take a look at what we’re doing, they’re going to really notice how different we are.” StatHero house lineups are displayed ahead of time, so players have the ability to study the lineups they’ll be going against, or even buy insurance against potential injuries before gametime. This gives players a greater opportunity to flex their skills. But the gaming app’s design is simple enough for a casual player to jump right in and take advantage of StatHero’s unique gameplay and unheard of payouts in this industry. The low barrier to entry is a defining feature of StatHero and the contest gameplay mirrors the spirit of traditional fantasy sports, so players get deeper into the games. This is a function of StatHero’s commitment to innovation and development and PARLAYS are just the next of many steps for the platform. About STATHERO Combining the best of fantasy sports and sports gaming, StatHero is a first of its kind daily fantasy sports platform. The company has exploded in growth since founded in 2019 in large part due it’s simple gameplay, low commitment and instant gratification. Stathero uses the familiar fantasy sports based format to allow players to compete against posted lineups across a variety of professional sports and game types including Survivor Pools, Head-to-Head and Fantasy Parlays. Their patent pending gameplay gives players an advantage unlike any other in fantasy sports. It’s truly daily fantasy the way it was meant to be played - one-on-one. For more information, visit: www.stathero.com and follow us on Twitter @StatHeroHq. Contact Details Dianne Quirante +1 323-654-0001 dianne@emcbowery.com Company Website https://stathero.com/

October 26, 2021 02:45 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

SAN DIABLO ARTISAN CHURROS LAUNCHES THE CHURRO FIESTA IN A BOX

San Diablo Artisan Churros

San Diablo Artisan Churros (San Diablo), the premier global purveyor of gourmet filled churro experiences at special events, celebrations and at home, announces the “ Churro Fiesta in a Box ”—the ultimate at-home churro-making DIY kit that has everything you need to turn any gathering into a fiesta. With the launch of the box, San Diablo Artisan Churros easily empowers the re-creation of favorite churro memories (and making new ones) in the comfort of home, making it the perfect gift for travelers, churro lovers, foodies, clients, team members, cultural enthusiasts and the person who has everything. Each beautiful black pinstriped “Churro Fiesta in a Box” kit includes San Diablo’s gourmet churro maker kitchen gadget, just-add-water dry churro dough mix, signature cinnamon sugar, and reusable filling bottle. A QR code provides buyers with access to a free e-book of recipes with 40 different filling flavor ideas and our made-from-scratch dough recipe in gluten-free and vegan versions. A one-page Fiesta Planner with games, party ideas, churro challenges, fun facts and wearable party supplies like devil’s horns and angel halo, complete the experience. The churro maker, dry mix, sugars and fillings are also available for individual purchase or to double or triple your churro production in “Refill packs.” “The pandemic impacted businesses worldwide, and it forced San Diablo to pivot and create a churro experience we could take beyond the fresh churros we make on our food truck and catering events locally. The launch of the Churro Fiesta in a Box is a dream made reality that empowers everyone everywhere to enjoy our unique “heaven sent, wicked good” fresh churro experience,” said founder Scott Porter. “Bringing one of the world's most desirable deep-fried desserts into the home and making it simple to prepare and enjoy, creates a unique gift that creates memories and new traditions of deep-fried happiness to last a lifetime!” A perfect gift for corporate and group gifts, holiday celebrations, client and team appreciation, or family and date night, the Churro Fiesta in a Box creates a one-of-a-kind dessert experience that will create lasting memories and new traditions. After a recent virtual “How to Make Churros” cooking class with her team, Kendra Thomas from Google said, “This was so much fun! I’m truly amazed at how good these are!” Companies like Google, Health Equity, Keller Williams and Pure Storage are opting for gifting their teams and clients a memory-building experience as an alternative to an ordinary gift. During the pandemic quarantine, San Diablo created, packaged, and launched a new e-commerce business to bring the churro experience to churro lovers everywhere with products available for global shipping in the final quarter of 2020. In addition to the new Churro Fiesta in a Box, other churro-making products include: San Diablo’s Churro Maker, a gourmet kitchen gadget with 9 interchangeable nozzles, including San Diablo’s signature hollow nozzle. San Diablo’s signature sugars mixes: the classic sugar and freshly-ground cinnamon mix, cinnamon sugar diablo style with cayenne powder, cinnamon sugar inferno style with habanero powder, and the Black Label La Muerte — an extremely spicy cinnamon sugar with ghost pepper powder. All of San Diablo Artisan Churros products are available at sandiablochurros.com and the Churro Fiesta in a Box is available on Amazon. Photos and videos are available HERE ABOUT SAN DIABLO ARTISAN CHURROS San Diablo delivers outstanding quality artisanal food that is undeniably fresh, delicious, and delivered with a unique style of “heaven sent, wicked good” fun. At San Diablo’s fresh churro experiences, the proprietary, award-winning churro dough recipe is made from scratch and fried on-demand at catering events for weddings and parties, food truck round-ups and festivals. In a relentless search for churro perfection, San Diablo’s catering and food truck menu has expanded to include seasonal flavors and savory churro offerings. In 2021, San Diablo launched an entire DIY product offering to enable churro lovers worldwide to create their own churro memories at home with its flagship Churro Fiesta in a Box. Like their churros, San Diablo is filled with goodness through their continued support of local, national, and international non-profit causes. Contact Details In The Lights Amber Henrie +1 347-201-0485 churros@inthelights.net Company Website https://www.sandiablochurros.com

October 26, 2021 01:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

SUPERDRAFT FANTASY SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES NEW SUPER 15 GAME

SuperDraft

SuperDraft Fantasy launched its new game mode, Super 15, at the end of September, kicking off a new fan-friendly era in daily fantasy sports. From the moment NFL cornerback Richard Sherman drafted the first-ever lineup on the premiere of PFF’s The Richard Sherman Podcast, Super 15 became open to the public. SuperDraft is the first-to-market with this game mode aimed at casual sports fans rather than hardcore daily fantasy players. Since its launch, over 60 percent of active SuperDraft players have played Super 15, with over 55 percent of those players winning cash. Super 15 is modeled after a popular meme and gives fans the opportunity to draft a lineup in seconds by selecting from a 5x5 player grid. Players have $15 in salary to select 5 players, valued between $1 and $5 each by simply tapping each player’s picture in the app. The limited player pool and easy selection grid makes it a more winnable game for casual fans with a more social and shareable design. “Super 15 is the latest example of SuperDraft’s fan-friendly product innovations. It gets rid of the spreadsheet look and feel and replaces it with something that actually looks like a game. We’re proud to create a fantasy game designed for real sports fans, not algorithms,” said Steve Wang, Founder and CEO of SuperDraft. “It’s extra special to have a legend like Richard Sherman debut Super 15 on his PFF podcast to show his fans how fun and easy it is to play.” SuperDraft launched Super 15 on mobile devices on September 28th and the company plans to make the game available on desktop in November. About SuperDraft, Inc. SuperDraft, Inc. is based in New Hampshire and is focused on paid entry and free to play daily fantasy in the U.S. via its SuperDraft DFS app available on iOS and Android, as well as desktop and mobile web. The company has developed several unique game modes and features that appeal to both casual and hardcore sports fans and fantasy players. With unique game modes like Super 15 and Multiplier, SuperDraft levels the playing field and provides new ways to play and win. The result is a game that is easier to play and quicker to understand. These daily fantasy sports contests are legal in more than 35 states with its free contests available in all 48 states. For more information, please visit www.superdraft.io About Pro Football Focus PFF leverages exclusive advanced stats and 0-100 player grades to create premium NFL, NCAA, fantasy and betting content & tools. All 32 NFL teams and over 100 CFB teams subscribe to PFF. Prepare for all of your fantasy football drafts and make every in-season roster decision with PFF's rankings, projections & more. Bet with PFF's NFL Player Props Tool & NFL/NCAA Betting Dashboards every weekend on PFF.com Contact Details Kristin Conte +1 917-699-1941 kconte@superdraft.io Company Website https://superdraft.io/

October 26, 2021 10:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

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

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

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

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

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

Article thumbnail News Release

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

Video
1 ... 342343344345346 ... 413