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Kate Hudson Joins Symbiome as Creative Advisor

Symbiome

Symbiome ™, the pioneering microbiome research & development skincare brand announced today that actress and entrepreneur Kate Hudson joined the company as a Creative Advisor. As an avid Symbiome customer, Hudson will join Symbiome’s team of scientists and executives as they develop the next generation of microbiome products in consumer verticals ranging from skin to gut and oral health. Symbiome addresses the root causes of inflammatory disease in global populations, with a core mission to restore health by studying the ancestral human microbiome. With health as the primary design parameter for consumer product development, Symbiome’s eponymous skincare business is the first result of over five years of advanced microbiome research. "Kate and I are both passionate about the importance of the microbiome to our health and well-being,” says Larry Weiss, natural products chemist, Stanford-trained MD, and the CEO and Founder of Symbiome. “We are committed to developing scientifically validated products with the highest standards that help people understand and unlock the potential of the microbiome to improve their health. I am thrilled to welcome Kate to the Symbiome team” “Almost immediately after I started using Symbiome skincare, I could see and feel the difference,” says award-winning actress and entrepreneur Kate Hudson. “I am proud and excited to join the brilliant and dedicated Symbiome team on their mission to improve health from the outside in. I look forward to a future where the products that we love also nourish our microbiome, enhancing our beauty and our health.” About Symbiome. Weiss Bioscience, Inc. is a San Francisco-based microbiome biotechnology company focusing on health and wellness and the developer of the Symbiome ® brand of BioIntact ® fermented skincare products. Weiss Bioscience has sponsored three international academic research expeditions deep into the Amazon rainforest, defining an evolutionary reference point for the human microbiome and transforming our understanding of the healthy microbiome. Symbiome scientists have translated this groundbreaking research into a unique line of proprietary skincare products formulated with naturally fermented Amazonian botanicals to restore what has been lost in the modern world. Symbiome’s skincare lineup includes ten clean, organic, sustainable, and traceable products, all with less than eight ingredients. Learn more about Symbiome, and follow Symbiome on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Contact Details BPCM Archita Patel +1 281-725-2121 archita@bpcm.com Company Website https://www.symbiome.com

October 25, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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NFT Artist Set to Open a New Art Gallery in Soho

Doctor Troller

Renowned digital artist Andrew Brown, famously known as Doctor Troller, is thrilled to announce the opening of his innovative art gallery in Soho. The gallery, opened its doors in October and prominently features works from acclaimed artwork collections including The Shifters, Crocs League, and Skull Squad. Art enthusiasts and followers of Doctor Troller will have the unique opportunity to experience his digital artistry in person while emerging artists are also invited to showcase their work in this avant-garde space. This initiative embodies Doctor Troller’s continuous endeavor to foster a vibrant community of digital art lovers and creators, bridging the virtual and physical realms of artistic expression. Doctor Troller’s Voyage from Streets to Screens Doctor Troller has a raw, unfiltered journey that morphed a street troller into a digital art mogul. His growth is a testimony to the boundless realms creativity can venture into when fueled by audacity and a touch of rebellion. His artwork, now celebrated globally, finds its roots in the bustling streets of London. In May 2021, Andrew Brown's experiment in Soho’s Berwick Street dubbed the ‘Honest Gallery’, saw £4,000 worth of artwork displayed openly, inviting passersby to pay what they wished. By day's end, all pieces were taken with not a penny in the collection box. “It was an experiment in human nature to see if we could expect people to do the right thing and in Soho, it was a dismal failure," remarked Brown. Despite the setback, the spirit of philanthropy persevered, with the intended charity donation honored. This experience, a blend of audacity and altruism, subtly shaped the ethos of the forthcoming gallery, where inclusivity meets edgy digital artistry. From Digital Disruption to Artistic Elevation Forged in the buzzing core of London’s art scene, Andrew "Doctor Troller" Brown’s artistry is a riveting blend of rebellion and innovation. His Chelsea-based endeavors have seen the birth of provocative digital pieces, igniting controversies and sparking debates across both traditional and digital art spheres. His dyslexia, far from a hurdle, propelled him beyond conventional mediums, crafting a narrative that bridges art and body, borne from a "passion of expression through physical action to trigger controversy". As the art world converges at his Soho gallery, spectators are in for an experience that transcends mere visual appeal, diving into a narrative that’s as edgy as it is evocative. The gallery isn’t just a showcase of Doctor Troller’s celebrated collections - The Shifters, Crocs League, and Skull Squad, but an invitation to emerging artists to be part of a narrative that challenges, disrupts, and evokes. Doctor Troller’s ascent to a net worth of £200 million GBP in 2021 mirrors the crescendo of digital art’s acclaim, marking him as a vanguard in this realm. His artworks, veiled in satire and bold commentary, found their home in digital marketplaces and even traditional auction houses, echoing the appetite for digital artistry in contemporary circles. Pieces like 'Booty Shot' and 'Lightzilla' aren’t mere digital creations, but audacious dialogues challenging societal norms and igniting discussions on empowerment, identity, and the human experience. Location: 54 Poland St, London W1F 7NJ, United Kingdom doctortroller.com Contact Details Doctor Troller +44 333 355 3548 maya@cryptocurrencysource.com Company Website https://www.doctortroller.com/

October 25, 2023 11:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Southern University’s World-Famous “Human Jukebox” Marching Band Partners with SIGMA to Elevate Video Production Quality

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA

Southern University’s esteemed Human Jukebox Marching Band has entered into an exciting and exclusive partnership with SIGMA Corporation of America, a leading camera and lens manufacturer for both photography and cinema applications, to enhance the quality of their video production when chronicling and producing their prestigious performances. This is the third academic year that SIGMA has sponsored the Human Jukebox. A world-famous marching band with a rich history of performances at prestigious events such as the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, and college and professional football games’ halftimes, the Human Jukebox is known for its captivating shows and choreography, which includes the talented Dancing Dolls ensemble. The band's reputation plays a vital role in attracting students to Southern University and cultivating valuable partnerships, and sharply capturing their performances is of utmost importance. In 2014, Eric Johnson, the Human Jukebox’s Marketing and Brand Manager, along with Jabari Morgan (marketing) and Media Director Garrett Edgerson, embarked on a journey to develop a strong brand identity and elevate the band's presence in the world of collegiate marching bands. Their success in building an impressive online presence on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and beyond has garnered attention from notable artists such as Lizzo, Adele, 50 Cent, DJ Khaled, and Janet Jackson. The Human Jukebox's ability to capture their performances and share them with the world relies heavily on consistent high-quality video production. In 2020, the band turned to SIGMA, drawn to SIGMA's reputation for providing premium yet affordable lenses. SIGMA's dedication to customer service and a shared passion for creative excellence led to the establishment of a productive partnership. "An appreciation for art is cultivated during a person’s formative school years and is something SIGMA has always been passionately supportive of," says Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of SIGMA America. "Having the opportunity to help bring the Human Jukebox’s work to life for the past three years with crisply captured video, and to contribute to the long-term growth of this HBCU, has been an honor.” Southern University’s Media Director Garrett Edgerson, a photographer and filmmaker, heads a team of four students and three alumni responsible for creating captivating content for the Human Jukebox. To ensure top-notch video quality, Edgerson and his team have embraced SIGMA lenses as their go-to choice for capturing the band's performances. "Like many HBCUs, Southern University's marching band plays a crucial role in attracting students from all over the world," said Eric Johnson, the Human Jukebox's Marketing and Brand Manager. “SIGMA lenses have taken our production level to a whole new height with compact form factor, lighter weight, and excellent build, making it easier for the team to capture stunning footage during performances and events. Hollywood-quality video has advanced our reputation, leading to additional sponsorships and partnerships that help support students' education and band expenses.” To learn more about how the Southern University Marching Band Media team utilizes SIGMA gear for their work, please visit this behind-the-scenes piece. About SIGMA Corporation of America SIGMA Corporation of America, founded in 1984, is the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation, a family-owned manufacturer of lenses, cameras and photo accessories. With U.S. headquarters in Ronkonkoma, NY, SIGMA Corporation of America expanded with a showroom and office in Burbank, CA in 2018 to support the Hollywood filmmaking industry. Craftsmanship. Precision. Dedication. Since 1961, SIGMA has been devoted to the pursuit of advancing photographic technology. Unique to the industry, the family-owned business produces its high-quality, award-winning still photo and cinema camera lenses, DSLR and mirrorless cameras, flashes, filters and accessories from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Aizu, Japan. In 2012, the company introduced SIGMA Global Vision with three distinct lens lines: Art, Contemporary and Sports. Designed for industry camera mount systems including Canon, Leica, Nikon, Panasonic, Sony and SIGMA, each lens is handcrafted and tested in Japan to ensure a high-performance, premium product that is purpose-built to last. In 2016, the SIGMA Cine lens lineup was launched, further cementing SIGMA as an innovator in imaging engineering. Embodying the core optical DNA that has defined the SIGMA benchmark of excellence, SIGMA Cine lenses meet the needs of advanced 6k and 8k cinema production. Forming the landmark L-Mount alliance alongside Leica and Panasonic in 2018, SIGMA continues its storied tradition of imaging excellence through groundbreaking innovations such as the native L-mount SIGMA fp and fp L full-frame mirrorless digital cameras, announced in July 2019 and March 2021 respectively. These products, along with over 35 award-winning SIGMA Global Vision lenses available in native L-Mount format, demonstrate SIGMA's continued commitment to the creative community through expanded product offerings. With the fp, fp L and these lenses, even more users can now leverage SIGMA's renowned optical formula to achieve their creative vision with ease. For information about SIGMA America, please visit sigmaphoto.com and SIGMA Blog for helpful information about our products. Follow SIGMA America on social media! SIGMA Photo: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram SIGMA Cine: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Contact Details SIGMA +1 631-201-7381 SIGMA.PR@Sigmaphoto.com Company Website https://www.sigma-global.com/en/

October 24, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Cutting Through the AEP Clutter

YourUpdateTV

Millions of older Americans rely on Medicare as a crucial support for their health care. Yet, choosing a health plan that fits their needs can be overwhelming, particularly since nearly 90% of adults struggle with understanding health-related information. This can make the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) – which runs from October 15 th to December 7 th – feel like an obstacle course Medicare beneficiaries must navigate every year. A video accompaying this release can be found here: https://youtu.be/F-MZ0L3t9Zw Recently, Terri Swanson, President of Medicare for Aetna, a CVS Health company, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the annual enrollment period and tips for consumers on how to choose a plan. When selecting a plan, the first thing people should consider is their own health needs, which can help cut through the clutter of information and make a decision that’s right for you. Medicare decisions can be confusing, so it’s important to seek out trusted sources of information and ask yourself some basic questions before choosing a plan. The three main questions people should ask themselves are: Will this plan fit my budget? This includes the monthly premium, as well as out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copays and coinsurance for doctors’ visits, hospital stays and other health services. Are my favorite doctors, hospitals and pharmacies in the plan’s network? Are my prescription drugs covered and what are they going to cost? With these three pieces of critical information, consumers can begin the process of narrowing down their plan options and finding the one that’s right for their budget and specific health needs. In addition to the basics, like coverage for doctors and prescription medications, most Medicare Advantage plans offer a variety of additional benefits that can create further value. Examples include dental, vision, hearing, fitness membership, over-the-counter products, transportation to and from doctors’ visits and even healthy foods. To begin the process of selecting a plan, people should go to Medicare.gov. Once there, they can enter their zip code and see all the Medicare plans available in their area. To learn more about Aetna plans and find some resources to help you understand your Medicare options, visit AetnaMedicare.com. About Terri Swanson As President of Medicare for Aetna, a CVS Health company, Terri oversees the sales, operations and business strategy for Aetna’s robust portfolio of Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare prescription drug plans and Medicare Supplement plans. Terri is proud to lead a team that advocates for the older adult population, helping nearly 11 million Aetna Medicare members nationwide achieve their best health. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

October 23, 2023 02:08 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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HIBBETT & NIKE LAUNCH CONNECTED HIBBETT REWARDS X NIKE MEMBERSHIP

Hibbett, Inc.

Hibbett, Inc. (NASDAQ:HIBB) today announced the launch of its Connected Partnership, connecting Hibbett and Nike’s loyalty programs. The newly integrated Hibbett Rewards X NIKE Membership will provide Hibbett shoppers with a host of new benefits and elevated retail experiences when they purchase Nike and Jordan products at a Hibbett store or online at Hibbett. Hibbett Rewards X NIKE Member Benefits · Welcome Offer · Access to Member-Only Products · Curated Toe-2-Head™ Nike and Jordan outfit bundles · Engaging Community Experiences · Personalized Content · Increased Convenience Members can link their accounts and first-time subscribers can register for a new account and link at Hibbett Rewards. To learn more about connected membership, check out these FAQs. “We are excited about the launch of our Connected Partnership with Nike,” said Jared Briskin, EVP, Merchandising and Supply Chain, Hibbett. “Integrating Hibbett Rewards X NIKE Membership will transform the ways in which we engage and delight our members across all omnichannel touchpoints. It will further solidify our leading differentiated retail experience in underserved communities.” “The future of our marketplace is a connected one,” said Jason Kirrer, VP, Nike North America Marketplace Partners. “We are excited to team up with Hibbett to launch our next connected partnership, providing consumers with exclusive experiences, personalized content and early access to Nike and Jordan member products.” In celebration of the launch of the Hibbett Rewards X NIKE Membership, customers will start to see a new look to the Hibbett Rewards page online, in the app and email marketing and will notice in-store signage surrounding the program. Customers will also enjoy four new Small-Town Sneakerhead episodes featuring sneakerheads from Georgia, Texas and Nevada in the coming weeks. About Hibbett, Inc. Hibbett, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is a leading athletic-inspired fashion retailer with 1148 Hibbett and City Gear specialty stores, located in 36 states nationwide. Hibbett has a rich history of convenient locations, personalized customer service and access to coveted footwear, apparel and equipment from top brands like Nike, Jordan, and adidas. Consumers can browse styles, find new releases, shop looks and make purchases online or in their nearest store by visiting www.hibbett.com. Follow us @hibbettsports and @citygear on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Contact Details Wendy Yellin pr@hibbett.com Company Website https://www.Hibbett.com

October 23, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Media and FCC Veterans Join the Media and Democracy Project in FCC Meeting Calling for a Hearing on Petition to Deny Fox Affiliate Broadcast License

Media and Democracy Project

The Media and Democracy Project (MAD) announced it met with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Media Bureau staff about its petition challenging the broadcast license renewal application for FOX Corp-owned television station FOX 29 Philadelphia (WTXF). The meeting focused on the basis for MAD's Petition to Deny and urged the FCC to grant a motion to compel FOX to turn over key relevant documents that have already been produced to plaintiffs in numerous lawsuits, including the settled Dominion case. This action is aimed at ensuring that the Commission has access to all the necessary facts as they evaluate the specific character and conduct issues relevant to Fox 29's renewal. MAD’s Executive Director Milo Vassallo was joined at the FCC by former FCC Chairman Alfred Sikes, former FOX lobbyist Preston Padden, former FOX and News Corp. outside legal counsel Bill Reyner and former Weekly Standard Editor William Kristol. They discussed how the lies about the 2020 election that aired on Fox News, authorized at the highest levels of FOX’s corporate structure to retain FOX’s viewer base and reverse failing ratings, represent egregious misconduct that shocks the conscience and severely violates the FCC policy on licensee character qualifications. The group also underscored the need for the Commission to designate WTXF’s broadcast license renewal for a hearing. "Never in the history of the Commission has the agency been confronted with a license renewal applicant whose parent company was found by a court of law to have repeatedly presented false news," said Preston Padden. “We were proud to bring a highly esteemed group before the Media Bureau to make our case and we hope that the Commission recognizes that all of these Petitioners/Commenters are unpaid volunteers acting out of principle and commitment.” A copy of MAD’s Ex Parte filing summarizing the meeting can be found here. A high resolution copy of the photo is available here. Photo Caption: Left to Right - David Goodfriend, Counsel/Advisor; William Kristol, Longtime Editor of Conservative Murdoch Magazine The Weekly Standard; Art Belendiuk; Counsel To Media And Democracy Project; Milo Vassallo, M.D./Ph.D. Executive Director of the non-partisan Media and Democracy Project; Preston Padden, Former Fox Executive and Murdoch Lead Lobbyist; Bill Reyner, Longtime Lead Regulatory and Commercial Outside Counsel To Murdoch/Fox; Al Sikes, Former Republican Chairman Of The FCC and Former Owner Of Radio Station Group The Media and Democracy Project: MAD is a non-partisan, all-volunteer, grassroots organization focused on strengthening a free and independent media in the public interest. MAD aims to improve our national discourse so that American voters can engage in informed decision-making. As part of that goal, MAD has an interest in the responsibility of journalists and media to report fully, accurately, and fairly on the electoral process and the outcome of elections. Additional information is available at www.MediaAndDemocracyProject.Org. Contact Details Raynor Ave. Aaron Alberico +1 202-744-0786 aalberico@raynoravenue.com Company Website https://www.mediaanddemocracyproject.org/

October 20, 2023 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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GLOBAL ENGINEER GIRLS ACHIEVES MILESTONE IN KOSOVO TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY IN STEM

Limak

GLOBAL ENGINEER GIRLS ACHIEVES MILESTONE IN KOSOVO TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY IN STEM Prishtine, October 18, 2023 - Global Engineer Girls (GEG), the international philanthropic initiative aiming to improve women’s representation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), proudly announces the graduation of 20 young women from its flagship program in Kosovo. Implemented by Limak Group in partnership with the UNDP in Kosovo, GEG Kosovo empowers young women and girls enrolled in STEM education and provides them with opportunities to gain crucial experience in a male-dominated industry. The project aims to inspire the next generation of female engineers, and highlight the strides made towards gender equality in STEM education. The graduation ceremony marked the successful completion of a year-long journey of scholarships, training, mentorship, and internships, all provided by GEG Kosovo. The ceremony also highlighted the projects undertaken by the girls during their participation in the program, including digital communication, effective team management, personal brand-building, communication, and interpersonal skills. These projects serve as compelling evidence that extending opportunities to girls is a vital way to prepare them for successful futures in the STEM world. President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, in her speech, mentioned, "We must ensure that all our bright minds have equal opportunities to pursue the education of their choice. We need these equal minds in order to address the critical issues of our time, such as climate change and AI. We cannot afford to exclude half of our population from the most pressing challenges of our era. It is imperative to collaborate and work together to achieve equality more swiftly. These young girls serve as clear examples of the potential within our youth. It is our duty to ensure that young women and girls feel empowered to pursue their dreams, regardless of the path they choose. They must harbour no fear or hesitation in stating, 'I want it, and I will make it.' Every girl holds a guaranteed place in our future. I encourage each girl to carry forward the legacy of GEG.” Chair of Limak Holding and Limak Foundation, Ebru Özdemir, said: “It's truly an important milestone for GEG and our vision at Limak. I’m thrilled to see the progress of the GEG Kosovo participants over the past year, and I am certain they all have a bright future ahead of them. Engineering isn’t a man’s world anymore, so it is our responsibility to continue to create opportunities for young women to succeed in STEM by supporting them in their studies and careers.” GEG Kosovo extends its gratitude to its supporters, mentors, parents, and volunteers, who have enabled the success of this program. Their collective efforts have empowered young girls to overcome challenges, build confidence, and unlock their full potential. Moving forward, GEG Kosovo remains committed to expanding and enhancing its programs to reach even more young girls, empowering them to break down barriers and become leaders in STEM fields. About Global Engineer Girls Global Engineer Girls (GEG) is an international philanthropic initiative that aims to inspire the next generation of female engineers. The inception of GEG was driven by Limak Group of Companies' culture and its Chairperson's, Ebru Özdemir's, deep personal commitment to improving women's representation in STEM. GEG provides girls and women with education, mentorship and career opportunities in Turkey, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Kuwait and beyond. GEG's predecessor, the Engineer Girls of Turkey (EGT), was launched in Turkey in 2015. Since its inception in 2015, the GEG university programme has benefited 710 young women by providing support for female students enrolled in chemical, civil, computer, electrical- electronic, environmental, industrial, and mechanical engineering departments in Turkish universities. This support has included funded scholarships and mentoring by hundreds of professional volunteers, as well as online training programs, soft skills and English language courses, internships, and employment opportunities at Limak's companies and partner companies. About Global Engineer Girls Kosovo Global Engineer Girls (GEG) Kosovo was established in 2022, in partnership with Limak Kosovo and United Nations Development Programme in Kosovo. GEG Kosovo currently operates in three public universities, covering bachelor and master's programs in engineering. UNIVERSITY OF PRISHTINA "HASAN PRISHTINA", UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES IN FERIZAJ, UNIVERSITY OF MITROVICA "ISA BOLETINI"œ Note to editors: High-resolution images from the graduation ceremony are available in the attachment. Contact Details Highgate Advisory Ltd. Iulia Trandafir +44 7516 787557 iulia@highgate.ltd

October 19, 2023 09:59 AM Central Daylight Time

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Minuteman Press Franchisees Chantal & Clifton Gideon Win Community Award, Receive Special Proclamation in Forest Park, GA

Minuteman Press International Inc

Chantal and Clifton Gideon are the owners of the Minuteman Press franchise in Forest Park, GA since June of 2021. Over the past two and a half years, Chantal and Clifton have built meaningful connections with their clients and business community. Minuteman Press in Forest Park is located at 1046 Main Street, Forest Park, GA 30297. As a result of their remarkable efforts, Chantal and Clifton were recognized earlier this year in August during National Black Business Month and awarded a Special Proclamation from the City of Forest Park. The Proclamation credits Chantal and Gideon with “serving the community with great distinction and pride” as well as “their strong grit and determination to go into business for themselves.” In addition, Chantal also completed the Leadership Clayton program offered by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce and was recognized as a member of the Class of 2023 for the program. Chantal shares her insights on networking and community involvement, building the business for over two years, and the support she’s received from Minuteman Press. What does this Special Proclamation award mean to you? What are some of the ways you are active in the community? Chantal Gideon: “To me this award serves as recognition of our involvement with the community of Forest Park and the positive relationships we’ve fostered together. It’s very important to be involved in the community as a business owner because more people know our brand, the products and services we offer as well as the quality of our work. Clifton and I are active members of our local Chamber of Commerce, we attend City Council meetings to keep abreast of community happenings as well as the rapid economic development occurring on the Main Street corridor of which our business is located. I also serve as an ambassador for our Chamber of Commerce where I attend ribbon-cuttings for new businesses and assist with welcoming new business members, etc. while offering print/marketing services to them.” What are your high-demand products and key growth areas? Chantal Gideon: “Our high-demand products and services includes business cards, books, EDDM, and flyers/brochures. We do a lot of paper printing for a wide variety of clients.” What marketing strategies have you found to be effective? Chantal Gideon: “Increasing our internet marketing spend has been very effective in keeping a constant flow of new customers/orders coming in. I am looking forward to further increasing our Minuteman Press internet marketing program spending by the end of this year due to how profitable this has been for us.” What was your background before franchising? What has the support been like for you? Chantal Gideon: “Before Clifton and I purchased our Minuteman Press franchise, I was a high school biology teacher and Clifton was an engineer at a local steel manufacturing company. Clay Trussell is our field rep and he is always super responsive with whatever we need. He’s always just a text, phone call or visit away whenever we need him. Tech support is always consistent and our RVP Dave Walton stays involved with our overall growth and long-term strategy.” Is there anything else you’d like to share? Chantal Gideon: “Networking within the community and building our brand awareness has been very rewarding. I anticipate continuing to cultivate these relationships!” Minuteman Press in Forest Park is located at 1046 Main Street, Forest Park, GA 30297. For more information, visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/ga/forest-park/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

October 19, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Stanford Blood Center Adopts New FDA Blood Donation Guidelines for Enhanced Inclusivity

Stanford Blood Center

Stanford Blood Center ( SBC ) is thrilled to announce the implementation of the updated FDA blood donation guidelines known as the Individual Donor Assessment, effective October 19, emphasizing a more equitable and inclusive donor assessment process. Dr. Suchi Pandey, Chief Medical Officer for SBC, stated, “This historic change in approach to donor eligibility is significant progress. By asking all potential donors the same questions about their sexual behavior, this change reflects the fact that infectious diseases like HIV can be contracted by anyone, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. Although we recognize that FDA will continue to review if additional updates can be made, Stanford Blood Center enthusiastically supports this change. The revamped process underscores a data-centric approach that ensures blood safety. Ultimately, the blood supply is supported by multiple layers of safety, including rigorous testing of blood donors with highly sensitive tests as well as the donor health questionnaire. The data from countries that have already implemented this change – including Canada and the United Kingdom – have shown that making this change does not put the safety of the blood supply at risk. Previously, certain sexual behaviors led to donor deferrals, but under the new guidelines, an "individual donor risk assessment" approach is adopted, focusing on high-risk sexual behaviors. Notably, any donor reporting new or multiple partners in the last three months will undergo further assessment, with specific guidelines around deferral periods for those taking PrEP or PEP medications. SBC has played a pivotal role in advocating for this change over many years, contributing data to the FDA, participating in the ADVANCE Study, and supporting AABB efforts to revise the Universal Donor History Questionnaire (UDHQ). This dedicated effort underpins the FDA’s shift in guidance, ensuring a safe blood supply while extending the inclusivity of blood donation. Stanford Blood Center remains steadfast in its mission to further enhance the policy, continuing to provide valuable data to the FDA for future improvements. This initiative reflects the first steps towards repairing relationships with the broader LGBTQ+ community and invites everyone to participate in this life-saving mission. Further information about the changes to donor eligibility, resources, and FAQs can be found here. Donation appointments can be made at stanfordbloodcenter.org, via the SBC app, by calling 888-723-7831 or texting 999-777. Donors should be in good health with no cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms. Be sure to eat well prior to donation, drink fluids, and bring a photo ID. If donors have been deferred at Stanford Blood Center in the past based upon MSM (Men-Who-Have-Sex-With-Men) criteria, please reach out to the SBC Resource Nurse at 650-725-7336 to confirm your eligibility and begin the process of requalification prior to coming in to donate. Donors with general eligibility questions can contact an SBC team member for assistance at 888-723-7831, by email at givebloodSBC@stanford.edu, or by texting 999-777. ### Stanford Blood Center (SBC) is an independent, community blood center that supplies blood products and testing services to multiple Bay Area hospitals and is a recognized leader in the fields of transfusion and transplantation medicine. SBC was created at the Stanford University School of Medicine in 1978 to meet the complex transfusion and transplant needs of Stanford Health Care and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, as well as provide clinical trial services and specialized blood products for researchers. Today, the center remains locally focused, serving community hospitals, patients and donors, while contributing to research and advancement that impact the world at large. More information is available at stanfordbloodcenter.org. Contact Details Liza Batallones +1 415-766-0846 stanford@landispr.com

October 18, 2023 01:07 PM Pacific Daylight Time

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