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Turn family moments into cherished memories

YourUpdateTV

This holiday season, whether you’re looking for gifts for your children, grandkids, friends or yourself, Nintendo Switch has gifts for all ages — and incredible games and experiences the entire family can enjoy. With Nintendo’s vast library of games, there is a game for everyone on the Nintendo Switch system. This includes fun multiplayer titles that the whole family can play together, in addition to incredible games and experiences you can only find on Nintendo Switch. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/wWekFk-Mcik With the Nintendo Switch family of systems, everyone has the choice of a system that best fits their needs and play styles. The Nintendo Switch system can be played on the TV, in Tabletop mode or taken on the go for portable play. The Nintendo Switch Lite system is a dedicated handheld gaming system great for those who love playing in handheld mode. The Nintendo Switch – OLED Model system is similar in overall size to the Nintendo Switch system, but features a larger, vibrant 7-inch OLED screen with vivid colors and crisp contrast. Here are some of the Nintendo Switch games people are talking about this year: The Splatoon 3 game is the newest addition to the Splatoon series, where players splash vivid ink everywhere using colorful, over-the-top weapons. The battlegrounds include new and returning stages for heated multiplayer Turf War* battles, where two teams attempt to cover the most ground with their ink color in three-minutes. Players can also pick a side and battle it out in three-team Splatfests**, compete for rankings in thrilling Anarchy Battles or swim solo in the new single-player Story Mode, “Return of the Mammalians.” Gameplay is fun for both parents and kids, who can play together across multiple Nintendo Switch systems or online including co-op modes like Salmon Run*. Families can get moving together with the Nintendo Switch Sports game, as they team up to play Soccer, Volleyball, Bowling, Tennis, Badminton, and Chambara (swordplay) using Joy-Con controllers. Plus, in late November, Nintendo released a new update that adds Golf to the lineup. Controls are intuitive, so it’s easy to jump in and get started. With controlled motions you can curve your bowling ball, add spin to a tennis shot or even use a Joy-Con with the included Leg Strap accessory to kick the ball in Soccer. Family and friends can join in on the fun on the same system (additional accessories may be required; sold separately) or online**. In Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet embark on a new, open-world Pokémon adventure through the rich and expansive Paldea region. Weave freely through three grand stories: Take on Gyms in Victory Road, battle Titan Pokémon in Path of Legends and challenge Team Star in Starfall Street. Ride a form-changing Legendary Pokémon to traverse the land, seas and skies of the Paldea Region. Parents that grew up with the original Pokémon games can now experience the game in a whole new way with the little trainers in their family. Plus, several Nintendo Switch games and DLC*** are sure to bring family fun this holiday, including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, Just Dance 2023 Edition, Sonic Frontiers in addition to a library of classic Nintendo 64 titles available for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members. For more information, visit https://www.nintendo.com/store/holiday-gifts/. *Additional games, systems and/or Nintendo Switch Online membership required for multiplayer mode. Nintendo Switch Online membership and Nintendo Account required for online features. Membership auto-renews after initial term at the then-current price unless canceled. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. nintendo.com/switch-online. Games, systems and Nintendo Switch Online memberships sold separately. **Any Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Membership auto-renews after initial term at the then-current price unless canceled. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. nintendo.com/switch-online ***Full version of game required to use DLC for that game. Sold separately. About Lilliana Vasquez: Emmy-winning host and TV personality Lilliana Vazquez is a trailblazing interviewer, style expert, and producer. With roles in front of and behind the camera, she's built an inspiring career watched by millions across numerous platforms. At barely five feet tall, Vazquez brings a larger than life presence to everything she does - her upbeat personality and approachable style combined with her natural ability to connect with audiences have made her a household name. Most recently, Vazquez was the host of E! Entertainment's daily morning shows E! News and Pop of the Morning, the first and only Latina to hold the role in the show's 30 year history. Previously, Vazquez was a contributor on TODAY where she shared her experiences and expertise covering the latest in technology, business, travel, entertainment, and lifestyle. She currently contributes to select programs like CBS Mornings and Amazon Live, while focusing on her newest role as a founding partner at Curated Productions. For more exclusive content and access to Lilliana's world, be sure to check out The LV Guide. About Nintendo: Nintendo Co., Ltd., headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, has created franchises that have become household names worldwide, including Mario ™, Donkey Kong ™, The Legend of Zelda ™, Metroid ™, Pokémon ™, Animal Crossing ™, Pikmin ™ and Splatoon ™, through its integrated hardware and software products. Nintendo aims to deliver unique, intuitive entertainment experiences for everyone, manufacturing and marketing video game devices such as the Nintendo Switch ™ family of systems, developing and operating applications for smart devices, and collaborating with partners on a range of other entertainment initiatives like visual content and theme parks. Nintendo has sold more than 5.4 billion video games and over 800 million hardware units globally. From the launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System ™ more than 30 years ago, through today and into the future, Nintendo’s continuing mission is to create unique entertainment that puts smiles on the faces of people all over the world. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Americas. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at https://www.nintendo.com/. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

December 01, 2022 01:10 PM Eastern Standard Time

Video

News Release

15 Best Secret Santa Apps: Gift Exchange Generator Tools For Memorable Christmas

Halvorson Media Group

Choosing The Best Secret Santa Organizer For A Truly Special Christmas Looking for ways to breathe life into the Christmas gift exchange? Try setting up the good old Secret Santa game. Whether you will be exchanging presents with your colleagues or in a close family circle, this lovely ritual will help to ensure everyone feels valued and included. And with our selection of the 15 best Secret Santa generator services, you can find a tool that will help to get things organized. So pick an app of your liking, invite your friends, and get prepared for a truly memorable Christmas! To save you time and effort, we have carefully scanned dozens of gift exchange generator services and apps available in the market today. Here are our top 3 recommendations. Our #1 recommendation is My Santa, a versatile Secret Santa app that has all the features necessary to organize an outstanding Christmas event. What Is Secret Santa and Why Do You Need An App for It? [ How To Do A Secret Santa ] Secret Santa is a simple and enjoyable game that allows saving some money and ensures each person in a group gets the present. So, here is how it works: A group of colleagues, roommates, friends, relatives, or whoever else, agrees to participate in the game. They write their names on a piece of paper and put them into a container. Each person draws a name from the container to find out who they shall prepare a gift for. The participants can set the basic rules such as the date, by which the presents must be ready, and the budget. They might provide wishlists or even agree upon a particular gift type such as digital only, gifts with meaning, or charitable donations. The game begins and everyone tries to find the best possible gift for the assigned person. By the due date, each participant must receive their secret present. Set Up Your Perfect Secret Santa Event with My Santa Sounds pretty straightforward, doesn’t it? But what if the participants want to play remotely? Or what if you need to send a digital present such as a subscription but do not know the email of the assigned person? A Secret Santa organizer service takes care of minor issues like this and ensures they do not spoil the whole fun. These services allow you to invite participants through social media, create a Secret Santa list with emails and phone numbers, add wishlists, and much more. Simply put, Secret Santa name randomizer services — at least, those from our top 15 selection — let you enjoy the best part of the gift exchange ritual without being distracted by organizational matters. 5 Features of the Best Online Secret Santa Generator But how, you may wonder, do we know the services on our list are the top ones? Well, here are the four criteria we have kept in mind while compiling this selection. Maybe, they’ll come in handy when you are choosing your best Secret Santa app. Price Setting up a gift exchange game is, among all else, about saving some money so the best Secret Santa generator should be free. Or, it might have paid plans but, in that case, it must have a free one, too. And the latter should offer a decent feature set so that you only pay if you want some exclusive pro perks. Feature set The best gift exchange generator is the one that helps you get things organized. With this in mind, we expect it to have a basic set of options such as setting up the due date and the budget as well as some advanced features such as wishlists and personalized gift recommendations. Access My Santa’s Free Advanced Features To Plan An Idea Event Interface What’s the use of advanced app features if you don’t understand how they work? The best Secret Santa app should, thus, have a simple user-friendly interface that feels intuitive and will appeal to different age groups. Visual design Christmas is probably the loveliest holiday in the year with a whole host of heart-warming symbols. In addition to being functional, the best online Secret Santa generator must have an eye-pleasing visual design for you to feel the magic vibe of Christmas time. 8 Awesome Secret Santa Organizer Services Worth Trying #1 My Santa — Best Secret Santa gift exchange generator overall💖 When it comes to functionality, My Santa is the absolute leader on our list. Besides the standard due date, budget, and name drawing, it has a whole set of advanced features including three modes of gift exchange: in-person, virtual, or mixed; real-time reports to track the progress of each present exchange; wishlists, where you upload links to particular items; personalized gift recommendations for each participant and hints where these gifts can be bought. The best part of it is that it only takes you a few seconds to set up an account and start the game. And if your group is 10 people or fewer, you can enjoy the service for free. For bigger companies, the price will vary between $9-$19, which is not expensive either. Add to this a charming winter-themed interface, user-friendly design, and prompt customer service, and you get a perfect organizer tool to make your Christmas unforgettable. Find Out More About My Santa’s Plans And Pro Features We especially love two currencies (euro and dollars) for budget settings; an opportunity to manage several games at a time; participants can be invited via Whatsapp and Facebook; secret chats to exchange messages; progress reports to keep an eye on how it is going; playful design and intuitive interface. We wish they made the service totally free; added the feature to prevent certain pairings. #2 Elfster — Best feature set for a free Secret Santa organizer ✨ Another great Secret Santa gift exchange generator on our list, Elfster is a beautifully designed platform that offers all features necessary for a successful gift exchange game. In addition to classic options such as spending limit, due date, and wishlists, Elfster allows setting up draw restrictions and the exchange type (by mail or at a party). Besides the great functionality, the platform is perfect for drawing inspiration. Elfster’s shop has all sorts of lovely gifts which you can buy as a present or add directly to your wishlist. Overall, Elfster offers the best feature set you can get from a Secret Santa gift exchange generator for free today. Best suited for those who seek maximum functionality free of charge #3 Pikkado — Best old-school Secret Santa name randomizer 🎉 Pikkado is a unique Secret Santa list generator that brings together fairly good functionality and a very simple, somewhat old-fashioned design. Thus, its group creation form looks like one of those you could see at the onset of the Internet era. In the meantime, when setting up an event, you, all of a sudden, discover the service has all the necessary features in place. It allows you to determine the budget, specify the due date, and set up all sorts of draw restrictions. In addition, Pikkado enables you to set up and manage several events at a time and write anonymous emails to participants. The latter is especially helpful if you need to find out important details about a person without disclosing yourself. All in all, it is a good free service that will appeal to people of different ages with its smart and simple design. Best suited for families and mixed-age groups #4 SecretSanta.com — Best variety of gift exchange games Powered by Elfster, the service provides all features and functions you might expect from the best Secret Santa generator: prevent same pairings, set pairing exclusion rules, assign several recipients to each participant, and much more. All features are free and easy to use. What makes the platform stand out from other Secret Santa apps on our list is that it offers different gift exchange formats. Besides the classic Kris Kringle game, you may likewise enjoy Yankee Swap and White Elephant. This should appeal to those who are not new to the gift exchange ritual and would love to add more fun and novelty to it. There is also a great blog with Christmas history, facts, and inspirational ideas. Best suited for those who want to recharge the classic gift exchange game #5 Sneaky Santa — Best source of inspiration and cool gift ideas Another beautifully-designed platform on our list, Sneaky Santa is the best gift exchange generator for those who seek good functionality coupled with inspirational ideas and recommendations. Adding wishlists, contacting one another via a chat, drawing names, and preventing certain pairings — all this and a lot more is available for free here. Whereas great functionality is what every best Secret Santa app on our list features, there is something that makes Sneaky Santa stand out. Thus, we particularly adore this site for its heart-warming blog with cool gift ideas such as 10 Gift Ideas for Homeowners or Gifts Under $25 For A Virtual Office Christmas Party. They are even present on Zazzle with cute Christmas souvenirs such as mugs and cards. Best suited for those who seek inspiration and great gift ideas #6 Secret Santa Organizer — Best for a simple design & lovely interface We choose this organizer because it has a good design, plenty of features, and is simply lovely. There is some unique charm about this platform that will make you choose it again and again. Setting up an event here is super simple and free. All you need to do is to fill in a simple form with the date, location, budget, participants, and their emails. You can also add a personal message to greet the participants. With all its simplicity, the organizer has as many as 12 interface languages available. It also has some advanced features such as excluding certain combinations, unlimited amount of participants allowed, and the opportunity to reuse your wishlist for new events. The service is, thus, a perfect fit for anyone who wants it simple, effective, and, meanwhile, atmospheric. Best suited for those who want a mixture of simplicity and effectiveness #7 Giftster — Best for shopping your family’s and friends’ wishlists This Secret Santa list organizer is, first and foremost, about ensuring your presents are meaningful and wanted rather than organizing the gift exchange as such. The service is primarily focused on the wishlist feature. Once you’ve started a group and added at least one participant there, you can start shopping for the person’s wishlist. Gifster will show you which items have been already bought so that there is no risk two people will buy the same present. The service is, thus, an ideal solution for those who want guarantees their presents will be appreciated. The interface is cute and the overall design is simple and intuitive. And because there are no due dates or budget limits, Gifster is a great way to make the process of shopping for gifts more enjoyable and stress-free. Best suited for choosing meaningful and wanted presents #8 My Wishlist — Best for cool wishlists for all occasions As the name implies, the service specializes in generating and sharing wishlists. You can add items from any webshop, create a wishlist for any occasion, and reserve items on your friend’s Secret Santa list, to ensure there will be no double gifts in your company. You can also use the platform as a simple Secret Santa name generator without email. You won’t find any advanced event setting features here but you can still use it to draw names and manage exclusions. The platform is very simple to use and free of charge. Best suited for sharing all sorts of wishlists More Downloadable Secret Santa Apps That Might Be of Help For those looking for downloadable Secret Santa apps that allow you to manage the gift exchange on the go, we have compiled a selection of seven great Secret Santa organizer tools. Check the table below to find your best Secret Santa generator! Contact Details Edward +1 929-491-3157 edward@halvorsonmediagroup.com Company Website https://halvorsonmediagroup.com/

December 01, 2022 12:47 PM Eastern Standard Time

Sara Wingate Bako Honored by University of South Carolina College of HRSM with 2022 Distinguished Alumni and Friends of the College Award

YourUpdateTV

Sara Wingate Bako earned her degree in retailing from the University of South Carolina in 2004. Today she serves as president of London Times, a division of Maggy London Group. Four University of South Carolina alumni have been recognized by the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management for their leadership and accomplishments in their field. The College of HRSM Distinguished Alumni and Friends of the College Awards are presented annually and celebrate industry professionals, organizations and friends of the college who are making an impact on the industry or who are helping to advance the College of HRSM’s education excellence. Congratulations to Sara Wingate Bako, 2022 College of HRSM Distinguished Alumni and Friends of the College award winner. Sara Wingate Bako earned her degree in retailing from the University of South Carolina in 2004. Today she serves as president of London Times, a division of Maggy London Group – a women’s designer apparel brand specializing in dresses. Throughout her distinguished career, Bako has remained engaged with her alma mater – providing mentorship and career development opportunities for students and serving on the Industry Advisory Board for the Department of Retailing. Career Highlights Prior to joining Maggy London in 2022, Bako spearheaded the launch and oversaw management of three brands; Cupio, Cupio Blush, and Adyson Parker. Bako has held numerous executive positions with companies such as Takeout Inc., HMS Productions, and NYC Alliance. Her retailing career started in 2005 in the executive training program with Macy’s where she went on to become a buyer before moving to New York City to pursue wholesale and merchandising. She is a member of two exclusive leadership groups, Chief and the Women in Retail Leadership Circle. HRSM Distinguished Friend of the College Award: Contemporary Services Corporation Established in 1967, Contemporary Services Corporation, CSC is the world leader in crowd management and event security. CSC’s esteemed clientele base includes more than 180 stadiums, arenas, and theaters, over 110 universities and scholastic institutions, nearly 50 convention centers, and numerous clients within the professional ranks of MLB, MLS, NBA, NFL, NHL, and NASCAR. CSC has also provided services for the world’s most prestigious special events, including Collegiate Bowl Games, NCAA Final Four Tournaments, Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, Kentucky Derby, 32 Super Bowls, 10 Olympic Games, 5 Presidential Inaugurations, 4 Papal Visits, and 2 FIFA World Cups. CSC operates 49 branch locations throughout the United States and Canada and has a long-standing partnership with the University of South Carolina. Numerous South Carolina graduates are currently working in various managerial positions with CSC. CSC provides South Carolina students with unique opportunities to gain event experience at the largest sporting events, including the Super Bowl, MLB All-Star Events, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, Players Championship, Presidents Cup, Kentucky Derby and many more. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

December 01, 2022 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Unbox Real Happiness: Don't Let Counterfeit Goods Ruin Your Holidays

YourUpdateTV

Click to download Top 10 Tips to #shopsmart: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ei2fv66u1btakb0/AABWxAAqYRCWZObXk0HlwDd0a?dl=0&preview=GIPC_ShopSmart_Top10Tips_2022_1pager.pdf Counterfeit goods are a problem all year long, but demand for gifts, household goods, and even health products means that the holiday season is an especially busy time for crooks. Just how big is this problem? On average, the worldwide trade in counterfeit and pirated goods amounts to over $500 billion each year—and more than 50 percent of consumers believe they may have purchased a fake item when holiday shopping. Moreover, most consumers report purchasing those counterfeit items online. As the holiday shopping season kicks off, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Amazon are helping to raise awareness among consumers about the dangers of counterfeit goods and how to avoid falling for scams and instead “unbox real happiness.” As families do their best to save money and create new holiday memories, they continue to shop online in record numbers looking for the best deals. However, with this convenience, consumers must remain vigilant to be sure they receive authentic products. For more information about what you can do you can do to can do to shop smart this holiday season, make sure to visit www.USChamber.com/shopsmart Click to download Top 10 Tips to #shopsmart: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ei2fv66u1btakb0/AABWxAAqYRCWZObXk0HlwDd0a?dl=0&preview=GIPC_ShopSmart_Top10Tips_2022_1pager.pdf Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

December 01, 2022 10:51 AM Eastern Standard Time

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HIBBETT BOARD OF DIRECTORS NAMED TOP 20 FINALIST FOR 2022 NACD DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION AWARDS

Hibbett, Inc.

Hibbett, Inc. announced today that their Board of Directors is one of four finalists in the category of public company small cap 2022 for the NACD Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Awards. The awards recognize boards that have improved their governance and created long-term value for stakeholders by implementing forward-thinking diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) practices. “We are honored and grateful to receive this recognition from NACD amongst such an impressive group of fellow finalists,” said Tony Crudele, Chairman of the Board, Hibbett, Inc. “Our team believes that leading with inclusiveness is critical at all levels to cultivate an authentic representation of our communities and to create a competitive advantage. In building the team, our approach is simple; hire the most qualified candidate that brings a unique skill set and perspective.” “Hibbett has worked to achieve great strides in creating an equitable boardroom,” said NACD president and CEO Peter Gleason. “NACD is proud to honor Hibbett for advancing DE&I in their boardroom and throughout their organization." Hibbett has strategically repositioned the company while prioritizing diversification of the Board. Since 2018, Hibbett, Inc. has undergone a significant transformation of its Management and Board of Directors composition. The company is currently represented by a Board of Directors with 80% who self-identify as diverse. Hibbett’s Board sets the tone for the inclusive culture of the company. Hibbett has taken important steps to integrate DE&I into many aspects of the company to positively impact both associates and customers including: Creation of Hibbett MVPs – Mission-Vision-Position Principles to celebrate individuality and self-expression Implementation of Human Capital Management System (HCM) to impact diversity of employees and leaders, increase employee engagement and prioritize pay equity Creation of “ Ignite ”-our employee resource group to empower emerging female leaders Recruiting at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Sole School® community giveback programs to support underserved schools and athletic programs Support Her Sole™ program to highlight successful women in sports and business and support millennial and Gen Z women Celebrating Heritage Months and Identity Recognitions Winners will be announced at the NACD DE&I Awards Gala at Gotham Hall in New York City on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Visit the NACD DE&I Awards site to learn more about the gala and sponsorship opportunities. For more information on NACD’s commitment to the advancement of DE&I at the board level, and for further insights, trends, and perspectives on this issue, please visit the NACD Center for Inclusive Governance™ and the NACD Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Resource Center. About Hibbett, Inc. Hibbett, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is a leading athletic-inspired fashion retailer with 1,117 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. About NACD The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) is the premier membership organization for board directors who want to expand their knowledge, grow their network, and maximize their potential. As the unmatched authority in corporate governance, NACD sets the standards of excellence through its research and community-driven director education, programming, and publications. Directors trust NACD to arm them with the relevant insights to make high-quality decisions on the most pressing and strategic issues facing their businesses today. NACD also prepares leaders to meet tomorrow’s biggest challenges. The NACD Directorship Certification® is the leading director credential in the United States. It sets a new standard for director education, positions directors to meet boardroom challenges, and includes an ongoing education requirement that prepares directors for what is next. With an ever-expanding community of more than 23,000 members and a nationwide chapter network, our impact is both local and global. NACD members are driven by a common purpose: to be trusted catalysts of economic opportunity and positive change—in business and in the communities we serve. To learn more about NACD, visit www.nacdonline.org. Contact Details Wendy Yellin pr@hibbett.com NACD Shannon Bernauer sbernauer@nacdonline.org Company Website https://www.Hibbett.com

December 01, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Holiday Gadget Guide

News Media Group, Inc.

Contact Details News Media Group Karl Wayne +1 334-440-6397 karl@newsmg.com Company Website https://newsmg.com/

December 01, 2022 06:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Video

News Release

Alarmed By Frequent Car Smells? AutoTechIQ Can Help You With That

AutoTech IQ

Bad smells are an age-old problem that affects cars to this day, regardless of how modern they are. Although bad car smells are evident, they can be tricky to track down.. So, we’ll share tips to help you detect the bad smell’s root cause in your car and assist you in getting rid of it. Can I eliminate the smell myself? AutoTechIQ suggests that any odd odor coming from the car needs a professional inspection. An analysis of millions of work orders across North America reveals that the problem is commonly more critical than it appears. Taking your car for a Vehicle Health Inspection is highly recommended; this professional procedure shows a snapshot of your vehicle’s health status, pointing to any damage and smell sources. Visit AutoTechIQ.com and use the shop selector to find the best-suited shop in your area. Shops have three certification levels that you can choose from: Certified, Recommended, and Good Standing. You can find easy-to-digest educational content about car smells and how to fix them on AutoTechIQ.com. And don’t worry, you won’t have to read technical lingo and jargon; we make it friendly. What are the most common car smells? We list common problematic car smells below. If you're experiencing any of those, visit AutoTechIQ.com and find the article that matches your experience. Then, send it to your trusted auto repair shop for reference. My Car Smells Like Burning Oil My Car Smells Like Burning Plastic My Car Smells Like Burning Rubber My Car Smells Like Rotten Eggs What other symptoms should I look for? A distinct smell is often the most dominant symptom, but it might not be the only one. For example, a failed serpentine belt pulley makes a burnt rubber odor and can make a noticeable noise. Reoccurring problems are especially concerning, and it is important to describe the context of these issues to your trusted auto repair shop. Knowing the problem's characteristics helps the professional eliminate up to 90% of the potential root causes, saving you a lot of money for unnecessary diagnostics or repair. What should be my budget when taking my car to an auto repair shop? Traditionally, most car owners follow the service interval recommendation provided by their trusted auto repair shop or just go to the shop when problems arise. Most of the time, the latter is the most expensive way of taking care of your vehicle since it adds to each visit’s cost. Using a preventive maintenance plan from your trusted auto repair shop opens opportunities to discuss future expenses or deferred services. You can start budgeting for future expenses and still save money because preventive maintenance is significantly more cost-effective than paying the repair cost when problems occur. Condition-based inspections take the preventive maintenance concept even further. Your auto repair shop conducts a vehicle inspection every time you drop off your vehicle. The results are compared to previous inspection diagnostics to determine wear and tear patterns. Based on those patterns, the shop discusses the best course of action with you. Why is it important to ask for a Digital Auto Checkup? Many auto repair shops listen to your concern and immediately provide a solution. But, in comparison, when you go to any doctor for a symptom checkup, does the doctor immediately diagnose you? Typically, they don’t do that unless you are in the emergency room. Instead, the doctor will order a vital signs check, blood draw, and other testing procedures. The same goes for your vehicle during car service. First, you establish baseline health before addressing the main symptom. The vehicle’s bill of health is called “Digital Auto Checkup” or “ Digital Vehicle Health Inspection.” What do I get from AutoTechIQ as a car owner?? The majority of car owners dread the appointment at an auto repair shop. To counter that, the shops in AutoTechIQ ’s network put education and professional service as top priorities. Additionally, the shops you’ll find in our business directories meet these criteria: The business has at least 100 Google reviews with an average score higher than 4.5 out of 5. A digital vehicle health inspection is consistently relied upon to examine the health of your vehicle and covers at least 35 topics. The documentation of mint and problem conditions uses well-documented images and videos to give you complete transparency. Contact Details AutoTech IQ +1 866-678-8505 support@AutoTechIQ.com Company Website https://www.autotechiq.com/

November 28, 2022 03:26 PM Eastern Standard Time

Family Gift Guide for the 2022 Holiday Season

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/5srhLRhXTBU A new survey finds holiday shoppers are planning to spend more than $800 on average this season. That’s a lot of gifting for those who were either naughty or nice on your shopping list. Lifestyle Expert, Bethany Braun-Silva has compiled a few family-focused gift ideas to help consumers navigate the holiday hustle and bustle. MAKE IT A STYLISH AND AFFORDABLE SEASON Online sales continue to reign supreme this holiday season and Bethany Braun-Silva, lifestyle expert and mom of two boys, says style is important, as is how the clothing is manufactured. She highlights one company, Gerber ® Childrenswear, saying, “Their new line, Our Softest Edit, is so buttery soft and comfy for little ones to sleep or play in.” Shoppers can feel confident in its quality, as the line is developed in partnership with Livaeco by Birla Cellulose for a more sustainably produced and environmentally-friendly product. The clothing is made from natural eucalyptus blended with Spandex, adding to its durability and stretch for the most active toddlers. Braun-Silva adds, “I also love that everything is under 25-dollars. That makes it affordable to add multiple pajamas, rompers or dresses in great solids or fun prints to your shopping list.” Gerber ® has been trusted by parents for generations. For more, go to Gerberchildrenswear.com Social media handles: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gerberchildrenswear Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gerberchildrenswear/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gerberchildrenswear Twitter: https://twitter.com/gerbercw Brand Hashtag: #GCWbaby Style and comfort are important no matter your age. The lifestyle expert says she’s a big fan of a pop of plaid, lux fabrics and thoughtful details for women’s clothing. She points to J.Jill, a brand that “Has the perfect gifts for all the women in your life, including yourself!” J.Jill has styles for every moment with high-quality fabrics and details that make the difference. In addition to the versatile selection of items, they have a variety of sizing, inlcuding XS – 4X online and XS – 2X in-store. “Something else that makes this brand special—they make it easy to give back for the holidays with their snowflake printed scarf.” It’s part of the J.Jill Compassion Fund, where 100% of the net proceeds will be donated to organizations that support and empower women. Shoppers can visit their local J.Jill store or JJill.com to find their favorite pieces from the holiday collection for themselves or anyone on their gifting list. For more information, go to https://www.jjill.com/. Social media handles: Instagram: @jjillstyle Facebook: @jjillstyle KEEP IT COZY Braun-Silva says it’s a perfect season to spend time with your loved ones, adding, “The holidays are all about those warm and cozy moments.” That’s why she says it’s so easy to find your cozy and charming moments inside and outdoors this holiday season with Bedsure’s Wearable Blanket Hoodies. “My kids and husband love them, especially since there are family sets so we can match,” admits Braun-Silva, “It’s the perfect gift for the whole family.” The hooded blankets come in a range of sizes and variety of colors and patterns, featuring super-soft sherpa fleece and pockets to keep families snuggly and warm. Braun-Silva adds they are perfect for any occasion, “These blanket hoodies are perfect to use while working from home or outside on a walk.” Shoppers can find out more by visiting Bedsure’s store on Amazon. For those looking for a deal, they can get up to 51% off for shopping and gifting for a limited time. For more information, visit the Bedsure store on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bedsure-Sweatshirt-Wearable-Families-Standard/dp/B095WRRTWR?maas=maas_adg_F2AB75A62099517F9948BAE867077AC8_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas&th=1 Social media handles: Facebook: @BedsureHome Instagram: @BedsureHome TikTok: @BedsureHome PAY OVER TIME After selecting the best gifts for your family and friends, Braun-Silva says there is a convenient way to manage holiday spending while not breaking the bank. “If you’re looking for flexibility, PayPal Pay Later lets you spread out payments over time to better suit your budget,” the lifestyle expert adds, “I really like this approach, because it helps me balance out my spending and doesn’t stress me out.” PayPal Pay Later provides options to break purchases into four payments every two weeks or monthly payments for larger purchases. Braun-Silva thinks this is a great option, saying, “Now we can surprise loved ones with the best gifts this holiday season and stay on budget. Shoppers can learn more by checking out with PayPal Pay Later and selecting the option that suits them best to pay for all the special gifts for the people in their lives. For more information, visit paypal.com/buynowpaylater. Facebook Address: @PayPal Instagram Handle: @PayPal Twitter Handle: @PayPal Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

November 28, 2022 03:17 PM Eastern Standard Time

Video

News Release

Why People Aren’t Calling Auto Repair Businesses

AutoTech IQ

In case you haven’t noticed, the world of communications is changing. And that includes customer calls and service requests in the auto repair business. In the past, the automotive repair business centered around phone calls and one-on-one interactions with customers. But today’s customers expect more. Digital communication and education are the foundation of today’s successful auto repair businesses. If you haven’t implemented these changes in your shop, learn about why digital tech has replaced yesterday’s phone communication. 7 Reasons Auto Repair Businesses Aren’t Getting Calls The younger generations grew up using technology, which has changed how they interact with businesses. They no longer want to call a business but prefer to communicate via text, view data-driven estimates and pay with online invoices. In other words, they require more transparency and want to understand the particulars of what they are paying for. In fact, in one study, the majority of those surveyed prefer digital communications when getting car repairs. The advent of digital communication not only gives your customers those benefits, but it also helps you build essential trust as you earn their business. Fewer People Want to Talk Because people prefer to do business digitally, they want instant access to the information that will help them decide which business to go to. One survey shows that 80% of all local searches result in a sale. But that same survey explains that the people doing the local search want to easily find the business’s number, address and product offerings. In other words, they want to skip the call — and the wait to speak with someone — and get all the pertinent information from their phone. Not Optimizing the Mobile Experience Because most people use their phones to make purchases and set appointments, the auto repair shops that have a mobile app that allows for easy online booking will attract those customers. No one wants to wait 10 minutes on the phone trying to set an appointment. Instead, they want to log onto the website, choose from the available appointments, and schedule one. An app allows customers to do things on their own schedule and not have to worry about making a decision while someone is waiting on the other end of the line. Lack of Quality Customer Service What’s worse than having to call a car repair shop for an appointment or an explanation about your car’s issues? Dealing with someone on the phone who isn’t helpful or friendly. If your customers must call your shop, it’s important to ensure they speak with someone who shows they care. And forget about old-school sales techniques when explaining the potential repairs. Today’s customers want digital proof of what’s wrong with the car and what it will take to fix it. Give your customers more emphasis on helpful and specific details to gain their trust. Long Wait Times People want access to quick information online, but that doesn’t mean they don’t expect superior service when they do have to call or interact with a technician. A survey shows that 75% of callers won’t leave a voicemail, and 85% of them will not call you back if you don’t answer the phone. And because many auto repair shops have a reputation for long wait times on the phone and in person, it’s something that needs to be addressed. Ideally, car repair shops will reduce call wait times, drop-off wait times, service wait times and the amount of time it takes to complete paperwork — all in addition to offering digital communication to their customers. Lack of Quality Customer Service Did you know that 90% of people use customer service as a factor when deciding whether to do business with a company? And 58% of those surveyed say they will switch companies because of poor customer service. In the automotive repair business, customer service often comes down to whether a business uses digital communications to allow customers to view their car repair options. These digital reports and estimates make customers feel in control and allow for better decision-making. Lack of Transparency Most people don’t know how to fix their own car, and they look for an auto technician they can trust to do the job for them. If a technician doesn’t explain a needed repair — or worse, recommends an unnecessary repair — they aren’t going to gain the trust of their customers. Today’s customers want digital proof of needed repairs from techs like AutoTechIQ-certified auto repair shops, where a vehicle’s bill of health is the basis of their recommendation. They can view digital reports and feel confident they have full transparency when making decisions. Digital Vehicle Inspections Seeing is believing, as the old saying goes, and that’s true when it comes to auto repairs. That’s why digital inspections are the new norm when it comes to auto repairs. These digital inspections show customers the whole picture of their car’s health with videos, high-resolution photos and detailed notes. And once a customer sees for themself what’s needed, they tend to approve two to three times the amount of work than when given verbal explanations. Give Customers the Control and Confidence They Need The auto repair shops that give today’s customers what they need are the shops that will thrive in this new marketplace. If you haven’t yet used digital communications and reports, contact AutoTechIQ now and find the best shop in your area. Contact Details AutoTech IQ +1 866-678-8505 support@AutoTechIQ.com Company Website https://www.autotechiq.com/

November 28, 2022 02:51 PM Eastern Standard Time