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With a Two-Year Revenue Growth of 1,853%, Le Prunier Ranks No. 7 on Inc. Magazine’s List of the Pacific Region’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

Le Prunier

Inc. Magazine recently named Le Prunier as No. 7 on its third annual Inc. 5000 Regionals: Pacific list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies based in Alaska, Hawaii, California, Oregon, and Washington. Born of the annual Inc. 5000 franchise, this regional list represents a unique look at the most successful private companies within the Pacific region economy generating sustainable growth and jobs. “We are so excited and grateful that Le Prunier has achieved this amazing milestone. We certainly couldn’t have done it without our amazing customers who have supported us during a phase of rapid growth and our talented, hardworking team,” shared Co-Founders Jacqueline, Allison and Elaine Taylor. Since its 2018 debut, Le Prunier has undergone dramatic year over year growth, built on its loyal customer base, strong innovation, and solid retail strategy. Customers seek out the brand for its efficacious products built on the Power Of Plum, and commitment to organic and sustainable practices. In 2021, the brand experienced an over 25,000 person wait list for their cult-classic Plum Beauty Oil. Expanding upon their offerings, patented Plumscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 31 was introduced this past year; an innovative sunscreen that pairs skincare and sun protection without leaving a white residue typical of many mineral sunscreens. Today, Le Prunier can be found at Credo Beauty, The Detox Market, Goop, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Aillea, Verishop, Petit Vour, Niche Beauty, Luisa Via Roma, Le Bon Marche and QVC. Le Prunier also has a strong international presence due to distribution partnerships in Europe and Asia. The companies on this Inc. list show a remarkable rate of growth across all industries in the Pacific. Between 2018 and 2020, these 150 private companies had an average growth rate of 195% percent and, in 2020 alone, they added 10,252 jobs and $5.1 billion to the Pacific region’s economy. Companies based in the Irvine, Santa Monica, and Venice, California, areas had the highest growth rate overall. Complete results of the Inc. 5000 Regionals Pacific, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, metro area, and other criteria, can be found at inc.com/pacific. This acknowledgement by Inc. is aligned with the other accolades and recognition shared by some of the most prominent media and industry leaders for Le Prunier including, 2022 Elle Magazine’s Green Beauty Star Award for Plumscreen SPF 31, 2022 Allure Readers’ Choice Award Nominee for Best Clean Facial Moisturizer, 2021 Oprah Daily O-Ward for Best SPF for Combination Skin, 2021 Shape Magazine for Best Face Sunscreen, and 2021 QVC and HSN Winner of “The Big Find”. In 2021, Cosmetify and WWD announced Le Prunier as the “No. 3 Rising Beauty Star” with an 866% brand increase after carefully analyzing the most searched beauty brands in the world, ranked via Instagram followers, Instagram engagement, Instagram mentions, Google search volume, and change in search volume. “This year’s Inc. 5000 Regional winners represent one of the most exceptional and exciting lists of America’s off-the-charts growth companies. They are disruptors and job creators, and all delivered an outsize impact on the economy. Remember their names and follow their lead. These are the companies you’ll be hearing about for years to come,” says Scott Omelianuk, Editor-In-Chief of Inc. About Le Prunier: In September 2017, siblings Jacqueline, Allison and Elaine Taylor collectively founded Le Prunier, an organic beauty line based on The Power of Plum®. The sisters built Le Prunier from an ancestral legacy that began in 1916 with their great grandfather who farmed the rich soils of Northern California, laying the seeds for four generations of family-operated farming. While maintaining the family’s sustainable, organic farming practices, the Taylor sisters unlocked the extraordinary beauty benefits of this powerful fruit. Today, the sisters carry on the farm’s legacy with a 4th generation perspective—Tradition Meets Innovation®. More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000 Regionals Methodology The 2022 Inc. 5000 Regionals are ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2018 and 2020. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2018. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2019. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2018 is $100,000; the minimum for 2020 is $1 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. About Inc. Media The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com. Contact Details General Inquiries info@leprunier.com Company Website https://leprunier.com

April 19, 2022 08:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

On the Trails: Ideas for Kicking Off Spring on the Trails

YourUpdateTV

Spring is here, and the outdoors are calling. Sometimes it can be hard to think of new ways to get outside and have fun. Recently, vice president of communications at Rails-To-Trails Conservancy (RTC), Brandi Horton, participated in a satellite media tour campaign to talk about kicking off the spring trail season and share ideas to make the most out of the outdoors on the nation’s 40,000 miles of trails, where people can walk, bike and be active outside, completely separate from vehicle traffic. There are thousands of multiuse trails across the country, including trails in every state. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/n92molHjE74 RTC, the nation’s largest trail advocacy organization, is encouraging Americans to kick off the spring trail season on Celebrate Trails Day, Saturday, Apr. 23, 2022, by getting outside and being active on their favorite trails. Celebrate Trails Day is an annual celebration of the nation’s trails and the benefits they bring to our health and well-being. Since 2019, trail use has surged as people seek outdoor spaces for exercise and connection with friends and family. Trails make getting outdoors and around by foot, bike and wheelchair more accessible for everyone. On Celebrate Trails Day, and beyond, RTC is offering resources and events to encourage people to make trail use part of their daily lives. As people increasingly navigate back to in-person work, school and other activities, there is an urgency in encouraging them to continue their practice of outdoor physical activity. The CDC recommends 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per day, five days per week, through activities such as a brisk walk or bike ride, yet the latest data shows that 25% of Americans are inactive. Trails are a valuable resource to address inactivity, providing safe, close-to-home spaces where people can walk, bike and be active. Those who participated in Celebrate Trails Day in 2021 reported spending on average more than 90 minutes being active outside, exceeding physical activity guidelines. RTC offers creative ideas for getting outside, a free trail-finder app, TrailLink.com, and stories from RTC’s Trail Moments initiative and TrailBlog, which capture voices from around the country about how people are incorporating trail use into their lives. Hosted on the fourth Saturday of April, Celebrate Trails Day is an annual spring celebration of America’s trails. Started by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in 2013, the celebration encourages people across the country to get outside and enjoy the nation’s exceptional trails and trail systems. On April 23, more than 185 partner organizations and thousands of people from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., plan to take part in Celebrate Trails Day. For more information about Celebrate Trails Day, to find events, and to enter to win prizes, visit railstotrails.org/celebratetrails and follow #CelebrateTrails on social media. Celebrate Trails Day is supported by “Parks for All” championed by Hydro Flask, Athletic Brewing Company, Catrike, Clif Family Foundation, the CDC’s “Active People, Healthy Nation” initiative, Dogfish Head, Mirrycle, the Recreate Responsibly Coalition, IZIP and Warm Peet. About Brandi Horton: Brandi Horton serves as RTC’s vice president of communications. She has dedicated her career to communications for social change and is passionate about creating communities that promote health and well-being. She lives in Arlington, Virginia, with her family, where she regularly frequents the Four Mile Run and W&OD trails en route to work, the playground and little league games. About Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community more than 1 million strong. RTC is dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors. Connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

April 18, 2022 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Maple Bridging Digital Divide For Students And Educators

Maple

Maple, a provider of reliable, remote online access for students and educators, announced its fully portable and pocket-sized WiFi hotspot connectivity solution will be available to schools and libraries as a new Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) application window opens. The Federal Communications Commission's ECF program provides more than $7 billion to meet remote learning needs. Maple leaders encourage schools to obtain their learning solutions by utilizing the third ECF opportunity launching on April 28, 2022. Maple technology provides students and educators with online connection by utilizing a pocket-sized router with a fast and reliable network connection. The ease of use, superior connectivity, security, and 24/7 bilingual technical support, make Maple a well-received partner of school systems in the United States and globally. "Maple provides a safe and reliable solution that unlocks opportunities and bridges the digital divide for students. Our technology solutions support learning in the classroom, at home, and in the community, giving students safe access to the internet," explained Michelle Mirshokri, Vice President at Maple. "Our school partners appreciate the customized settings available that include restrictions on web surfing, geolocation, and verification options that ensure students have safe experiences learning online." Conventional and “legacy” hotspots lack features school districts need, creating logistical challenges and added costs. Maple technologies are superior, providing unique benefits more desirable for schools in managing and students in utilizing. The cloud management capabilities allow for ease of tracking (making it nearly impossible to lose devices). The remote monitoring and shutdown features ensure students use the technology properly and lost/stolen equipment is promptly deactivated (messages on how to return devices are also displayed on the hostspot’s digital screen). Most importantly, Maple hotspots feature a proprietary and patented SIM management technology, that prevents disruptions in service as devices can switch seamlessly between mobile carrier networks to provide an optimal signal at all times. There are no SIMs in devices to remove or lose, saving schools time and money associated with the management and logistics of their fleets. Any changes to access or service, including website restrictions, are implemented remotely. The security, quality of connection, and cloud management are unparalleled. Schools may use the funds they secure through the ECF program to procure Maple's technology. A new application window opens from April 28 through May 13, where schools may request 100% funding for student connectivity needs. Maple also provides schools with a white-glove service, with end-to-end assistance on everything from government funding applications to hardware setup and device deployment. "We are proud to play a role in supporting students as virtual learning continues to open doors for more opportunities and experiences," Mirshokri continued. "We hope to help thousands more access a reliable, high-speed connection suitable for online learning.” Representatives from Beth Rivkah Colleges described their experience with Maple stating, "With Maple devices, we're able to provide portable internet devices to all of our students in need. This aids us in ensuring that no child falls behind and misses out on vital learning with their teachers and peers and allows them to remain connected." "The Maple team is pleased to assist schools with the ECF application process. The opportunity to provide internet access to all students is too important to pass up," Mirshokri said. "Remote and hybrid learning is here to stay, and Maple hotspots are the great equalizer in bridging access for so many." About Maple Maple provides trusted technology solutions for schools, students, and libraries that close the bridge divide by delivering high-quality internet access that unlocks valuable educational experiences for students. Please visit https://www.mapleconnect.co/. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with a Maple spokesperson please contact Dan Rene of kglobal, at daniel.rene@kglobal.com or 202-329-8357. Contact Details kglobal Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 daniel.rene@kglobal.com Company Website https://www.mapleconnect.co/

April 18, 2022 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Justin Dealy New Chief Compliance & Operations Officer at Accelerated Wealth Advisors

Accelerated Wealth

Justin Dealy has been appointed Chief Compliance & Operations Officer at Accelerated Wealth Advisors, LLC (AWA), succeeding Melissa Starr. AWA is a wealth strategy firm providing financial planning, and risk-controlled investment and tax strategies to help clients achieve their long-term goals. “I look forward to fostering a culture of compliance and operational excellence at Accelerated Wealth Advisors. In the coming months and years, I want to apply a systematic process to nurture an environment where employees understand AWA’s commitment to integrity and encourage everyone to do the right thing while our firm helps its clients to live life abundantly and with confidence.” - Justin Dealy, Chief Compliance & Operations Officer, Accelerated Wealth Advisors, LLC “All of us at AWA wish Melissa Starr good luck and happiness as she embarks on her new future. I am sure Melissa will carry the same commitments and energy to her new endeavor as we were accustomed at Accelerated Wealth. We’ve learned over the years that change is the one constant while we help our clients live rich and meaningful lives. One thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment to operational and regulatory excellence. With his vast experience, Justin Dealy will play an important and crucial role in future-proofing our compliance and operations strategy at Accelerated Wealth.” - Bill Walton, Founder & CEO Accelerated Wealth, LLC Dealy earned his master’s degree in Financial Analysis and Risk Management from the University of Colorado. Before joining AWA, Justin worked for the Royal Bank of Canada, T. Rowe Price, Integrity Wealth Group and Trellis Software. Away from the office, Justin spends every spare moment he can with his wonderful three-year-old daughter. Listen to Accelerated Wealth Radio on 740KVOR every Saturday and Sunday from 9am-10am. For more information please visit www.acceleratedwealth.com or https://www.facebook.com/AcceleratedWealthColoradoSprings/ About Accelerated Wealth Advisors, LLC (AWA) Accelerated Wealth Advisors, LLC (AWA) is a SEC Registered Investment Advisor, headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO, and dedicated to providing effective strategies to help its clients make wise financial decisions. AWA's business practices and culture are driven by its core values of faith, integrity, relationships, vision, excellence and being coachable. AWA is affiliated with Accelerated Wealth, LLC (Accelerated Wealth) also headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO. Accelerated Wealth and its affiliates have 5 offices located in three states including additional Colorado offices in Englewood, La Junta and Pueblo. Advisory services are offered through Accelerated Wealth Advisors, LLC, a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Accelerated Wealth, LLC and Accelerated Wealth Advisors, LLC are affiliated entities. Neither Accelerated Wealth, LLC nor Accelerated Wealth Advisors, LLC provides legal or tax advice. The information contained herein is obtained from sources deemed to be reliable. Accelerated Wealth Advisors, LLC and Accelerated Wealth, LLC cannot be responsible for the accuracy of the information being presented. Contact Details Accelerated Wealth Advisors, LLC Sloane Herman, Director of Marketing +1 719-466-5639 sloaneh@acceleratedwealth.com Company Website https://www.acceleratedwealth.com

April 14, 2022 11:44 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Spiceology Welcomes Charlie’s Produce as a Distribution Partner to Provide Pacific Northwest Chefs and Restaurants Access to Next-Day Fresh Spices

Spiceology

Spiceology, the fastest-growing spice company in America, today announced its partnership with Charlie’s Produce, an independent, full-service produce company. By adding Spiceology products to their category lineup, Charlie’s Produce is now providing local chefs and grocery stores in Washington, Montana, Idaho, Alaska and Oregon with next-day access to the highest quality, freshly-ground, grade-A spices and blends. “As a partner of Spiceology and a Spokane native, it’s great to have my blends with Spiceology, as well as their entire spice and ingredient line, available through a local produce distributor like Charlie’s Produce,” said Chef Chad White, a Pacific Northwest-based chef and James Beard Awards Semifinalist. “I know how crucial it is to have a distributor in the area to get fresh ingredients that you can trust, and, similar to Spiceology, Charlie’s has a history of being a dedicated partner to the foodservice industry.” Charlie’s Spokane location, which services North Idaho and Montana, as well, was the first to offer Spiceology, and the company’s footprint has now expanded to Seattle, Anchorage and Portland. “As a produce distributor, our priority is to provide our clients with the freshest ingredients possible,” said Tygann Billow, Division President, Charlie’s Seattle. “We are excited to work with Spiceology and bring premium spices to chefs and grocery stores in the Northwest, and eventually expand into the west coast. Working with their team will ensure that we not only have the freshest produce, but also the freshest spices and seasonings.” Professional chefs and grocery stores look to Spiceology for its selection of 400+ spices, blends, chiles, salts, confections, and more. As a chef-owned and operated company, Spiceology’s Periodic Table of Flavor™ was designed to keep chefs organized with identifiable packaging that will ensure easy access to each ingredient. “It’s been a tough couple of years for the foodservice industry, and we are grateful to have partners like Charlie’s Produce, a leader in the industry, believe in us to help them move forward,” said Darby McLean, Spiceology’s Vice President of Channels and Distribution. “Spiceology is chef-owned and chef-operated, and we strive to be a good partner within the foodservice industry by offering chefs streamlined access to the most fresh and high-quality ingredients. We’re excited to partner with Charlie’s Produce, and continue to partner with more locations.” Charlie’s customers can add Spiceology ingredients to their next Charlie’s Produce order through their normal ordering process. To sign up as a Charlie’s customer or for more information, please visit https://www.charliesproduce.com/order/. 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 CHARLIE’S PRODUCE The Charlie’s story begins in 1978 with a truck and three guys who thought they could do better. They were smart, hard-working and had a passion for produce. They had some ideas on how they could raise the bar on quality, inventory and the logistics of how produce moves from where it’s grown to where it’s enjoyed. Today, with innovation and technology woven into everything we do, Charlie’s has evolved into an independent, full-service produce company with 7 distributions centers throughout the west coast. We supply restaurants, grocery stores, institutions, wholesalers, the marine industry, and more with a full range of services. We offer conventional, organic, specialty produce, floral items, and a full line of fresh processed solutions for the retail and food service industries. We believe that forging rich, meaningful partnerships fosters success, from our employees, to our growers, to our customers and consumers, and ultimately, to the communities in which we live and work. Our aim is to nurture our partners so that together, we can nourish consumers and sustain communities. Learn more about Charlie’s Produce here. Contact Details Spiceology Cassidy Levine +1 908-770-7880 cassidy@spiceology.com Company Website https://spiceology.com/

April 14, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Air pollution levels crank up in March 2022 across European cities, reveals Airly insights

Airly

Air pollution levels recorded across major European cities in March 2022 made for grim reading. Scientists at cleantech Airly reported on NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) and PM10 (particulate matter) elements of air pollution across European cities (full tables further below). The highest concentration of NO2 was recorded in Newcastle upon Tyne, a city in the north of England. And the highest concentrations of PM10 occurred in Spain (Malaga and Seville). The rise in air pollution was significantly influenced by a Sahara desert dust storm that traveled across Europe. The dust and other factors such as high pressure and lack of wind, meant that air pollution in southern and western Europe was slightly higher than in central Europe. Notably, the air in Portugal or Belgium was worse than the air in Poland or Romania. The new WHO standards are often exceeded In September 2021, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced stricter standards on NO2 and PM10 levels. The new 24-hour PM10 norms were changed from 50µg / m3 to 45µg / m3 and NO2 levels were confirmed as 25µg / m3, previously as advisory level. There were several cities falling short of the new levels but two Spanish cities at the top of the list (Malaga and Seville) were above the daily safe levels of PM10 (45 µg / m3). Meanwhile, every city exceeded the safe daily average of NO2 levels (25 µg / m3). Effect on health Long term exposure to PM10 may lead to reduced lung function, the development of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and increased rate of disease progression. Long-term exposure to Nitrogen dioxide may contribute to the development of asthma and increase susceptibility to respiratory diseases. Marcin Gnat, spokesperson at Airly commented: “This study confirms others which suggest that almost the entire global population (99%) breathes air that exceeds WHO air quality limits, and threatens their health. Although the number of countries and cities where air quality is monitored continuously is increasing, there is still a lack of such information in a great number of vulnerable sites. By knowing the exact pollution situation in their surroundings, local governments and communities are able to take appropriate steps to improve air quality, and then monitor the effectiveness of the actions taken”. NO2 Ranking: Newcastle upon Tyne - 44,6 µg/m3 (179% of WHO safe norm, 25 µg / m3) Naples - 42,4 (170%) Paris - 41,2 (165%) Antwerp - 35,9 (144%) Dortmund - 35,6 (142%) Zurich - 34,9 (140%) Stuttgart - 34,1 (137%) Munich - 33,5 (134%) Frankfurt am Main - 32,6 (130%) Hamburg - 32,0 (128%) Rotterdam [The Hague] - 31,8 (127%) Brussels - 31,2 (125%) Oslo - 30,5 (122%) Athens - 30,5 (122%) Sofia - 30,0 (120%) London - 29,4 (118%) Lyon - 29,2 (117%) Katowice - 29,1 (116%) Manchester - 28,9 (116%) Prague 29,7 (115%) PM10 Ranking: Malaga 56,1 µg/m3 (125% of WHO safe norm, 45 µg / m3) Seville 46,5 (103%) Belgrade 40,9 (91%) Katowice 40,5 (90%) Antwerp 38,3 (85%) Stockholm 37,2 (83%) Kraków 36,8 (82%) Stuttgart 35,4 (79%) Oslo 35,1 (78%) Wrocław 34,7 (77%) Leeds 34,3 (76%) Lisbon 34,0 (76%) Paris 33,9 (75%) Łódź 33,8 (75%) Poznań 33,7 (75%) Sofia 32,8 (73%) Zagreb 32,8 (73%) Thessaloniki 32,4 (72%) Rotterdam [The Hague] 31,8 (71%) Madrid 30,8 (68%) About Airly Using sensors, Airly provides accurate, ultra-local, predictive data for governments, media and businesses to tackle the issue of air pollution head-on. Airly’s platform acts as a warning system for pollution at street level and in real time with greater accuracy and at lower cost for cities & enterprises. Local councils and municipalities can start by monitoring air quality in real-time on an ongoing basis, locating sources of pollution and bringing forward policy that targets local pollution by reducing road traffic in the busiest, polluted places. Similarly, people need to make lifestyle choices that will benefit their air quality and environment. By choosing carsharing, cycling or electric scooters instead of cars will make a significant impact. Airly provides actionable insights about air quality with its AI-driven algorithms that predict air pollution for the next 24 hours with a verifiability of up to 95%. Airly gives customers across the globe an environmental intelligence platform by installing networks of sensors that track all the key pollution markers - particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10) and gases (NO2, O3, SO2 and CO). Contact Details Airly Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://airly.org/en/

April 14, 2022 07:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Drug Residue Found in Empire Kosher Meat

Jewish Initiative For Animals

Nonprofit Jewish Initiative for Animals (JIFA) found drug residue in Empire kosher chicken by testing samples of meat purchased from supermarket shelves. The drug, fenbendazole, is widely used in conventional animal agriculture to treat or prevent parasites that are common in crowded conditions on factory farms. "Many shoppers, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, might perceive Empire's products to be higher quality and more ethically produced because they're kosher," said Melissa Hoffman, JIFA Director. "However, our testing found drug residue in Empire chicken. This reinforces what we already know: virtually all kosher chicken found in grocery stores comes from factory farms which pose an enormous risk to public health and where animals suffer tremendously." Health Motivates Kosher Purchases According to Mintel, more than 40 percent of all the food on U.S. store shelves is kosher. Why? Americans perceive kosher foods as more health-conscious. A recent survey by JIFA found that more than half of all adult shoppers of kosher food say they purchase kosher out of concern for public health (65 percent). Yet, kosher-certified animal products often fall short of consumer expectations. Pandemics and Superbugs On The Rise The widespread use of antibiotics and other drugs to treat animals has been known for years, but concerns are growing around the use contributing to the rise of superbugs or infections resistant to standard antibiotics. Farmed animals raised in confinement with no access to pasture provide a breeding ground for superbugs and pandemics. The current avian flu outbreak sweeping the globe shows how easily pandemics that originate in animals can spread. Kosher Humanewashing Continues Adding to shoppers' misconception that kosher certification equates to better conditions for animals, retailers and producers continue to deceive consumers with labels designed to mislead shoppers into buying products they think are healthier or more humane than they really are. Like Empire, kosher companies use claims such as "raised without antibiotics" and "humanely raised" to imply that the meat comes from animals who are treated with compassion and have access to the outdoors. The reality is that most meat purchased in the U.S., including virtually all kosher meat, comes from factory farms where drugs are needed to keep animals alive in conditions that may otherwise kill them. "More than 250 rabbis and Jewish leaders have already called upon Jewish communities to serve food that better aligns with their values, such as reducing meat consumption and serving plant-based foods by default," said Hoffman. "Drugs are used abundantly in kosher poultry, and shoppers have been misinformed. This is yet another reason why our communities must take action to adopt ethical food policies." To learn more, visit jewishinitiativeforanimals.org. About JIFA The Jewish Initiative for Animals (JIFA) supports innovative programs to turn the Jewish value of compassion for animals into action while building ethical and sustainable Jewish American communities in the process. JIFA is an initiative of Farm Forward. Contact Details SUSAN PETERS +1 708-759-7175 susan@farmforward.com

April 13, 2022 12:37 PM Pacific Daylight Time

NAMEPA receives grant from Cargill to implement program for educating students to become Marine Environment Protectors

North American Marine Environment Protection Association

The North American Marine Environmental Protection Association (NAMEPA) has received funding from Cargill to implement an afterschool enrichment program for youth in grades 6-8 in underserved communities in the greater Miami area with a goal to educate and activate students to be “Marine Environment Protectors”. The project will help “Save Our Seas” by encouraging this generation to become responsible stewards of the marine environment through hands-on educational programs and projects. NAMEPA’s Marine Environment Protectors program increases ocean literacy among underrepresented youth, highlights workforce development in marine fields, allows for long-term scientific research, and creates a framework for similar projects to expand across North America. “Cargill believes in being strong community partners and actively supports valuable programs that protect and promote our planet,” explained Jan-Willem van den Dijssel, Cargill’s Americas Lead for Ocean Transportation. “We are partnering with NAMEPA to help foster ocean literacy amongst students of today and steer them to become ocean ambassadors of tomorrow. This program supports this goal and will drive lasting positive change.” NAMEPA Co-Founder and Executive Director Carleen Lyden Walker commented, “ NAMEPA is grateful to Cargill Cares Community Fund for providing opportunities for organizations such as NAMEPA to engage with students in local communities to be better overall stewards. Marine Environment Protectors will provide hands-on educational programming by utilizing the natural environment, scientific instrumentation, and immersive classroom instruction. This funding allows NAMEPA to continue our educational outreach toward the goal of activating communities to ‘Save Our Seas’.” CARGILL - Cargill’s 155,000 employees across 70 countries work relentlessly to achieve our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Every day, we connect farmers with markets, customers with ingredients, and people and animals with the food they need to thrive. We combine 157 years of experience with new technologies and insights to serve as a trusted partner for food, agriculture, financial and industrial customers in more than 125 countries. Side-by-side, we are building a stronger, sustainable future for agriculture. NAMEPA - The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is a marine industry-led organization of environmental stewards preserving the marine environment by promoting sustainable marine industry best practices and educating seafarers, students and the public about the need and strategies for protecting global ocean, lake and river resources. Visit us at www.namepa.net. Contact Details NAMEPA Carleen Lyden Walker +1 203-260-0480 executivedirector@namepa.net Company Website https://namepa.net/

April 12, 2022 03:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Toy Trends & Top Picks For The Children In Your Life

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/1cFzvKKiSB8 Active play helps with a child’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. Additionally, toys often provide an opportunity for youngsters to learn by engaging their senses, sparking their imaginations, and encouraging them to interact with others. A recent Toy Association-commissioned survey revealed that most parents (82%) believe that toys are important for supporting imaginative play and discovery.Toy Trends Specialist with The Toy Association, Jennifer Lynch, says whether it is a stuffed animal, action figure, puzzle, or doll, toys help encourage play, which is important for healthy brain development. With that in mind, she highlights a few of this year’s top toys. TOP TOYS: LITTLE LIVE PETS CHAMELEON, MOOSE TOYS Lynch says one of the newest youth electronic offerings from Little Live Pets, Sunny the Bright Light Chameleon is a one-of-a-kind interactive light up pet that is packed with personality and full of features and surprises. She points out that it’s “Soft, squishy and fun to hold, Sunny responds to love and attention with more than 30 sounds and reactions along with a full body of coloring changing rainbow lights that reflect Sunny’s mood — from happy to super happy, full to sleepy and warm to cold and more. Kids will be delighted when they hear Sunny repeat back what they say.” Like a true chameleon, Lynch adds, “Sunny blends in everywhere. Switch to party mode and Sunny flashes to the beat of the music, and when the party really gets going Sunny sings. Get Sunny dancing on the ceiling, walls, windows – wherever – with the suction feet feature of this one-in-a-chameleon pet.” Direct link: https://www.moosetoys.com/our-toys/little-live-pets/bright-light-chameleon-sunny/ VTECH® KICK & SCORE PLAYGYM™, VTECH Babies are able to achieve motor-skill milestones with this multi-stage, developmental play mat that includes a detachable plush soccer ball, learning panels and gym pieces. Lynch says babies start with floor play by kicking the ball or swatting the giraffe, flip to tummy time to strengthen core muscles, and parents can engage kids during seated play with the interactive, detachable learning panel that reinforces language skills and provides on-the-go play and exploration. Direct link: https://www.vtechkids.com/product/detail/20258/Kick_and_Score_Playgym GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE FAIRY KITTY GARDEN, SPIN MASTER Inspired by the enchanted Cotton Candy Tree from the show, Lynch says, “This treehouse playset features lights, a transforming canopy, secret room, vine zipline, swing, figures, accessories and furniture pieces to play out exciting adventures!” Fans are able to explore the treehouse’s two floors with Kitty Fairy and an exclusive 3.5-inch-tall Gabby Girl figure. They can also discover a tree canopy that opens up to reveal a play area. After exploring all the features, youngsters can unbox their special Dollhouse Delivery, just like Gabby does in the show, and find a surprise watering-can accessory to use in their storytelling. Lynch highlights that there’s also a thumbwheel built into the floor. Kids can spin it to find a secret room in the trunk of the tree and watch as the trunk and table light up (batteries included)! For one last surprise, she says fans can scan the QR code inside the Dollhouse Delivery to unlock a special reward in the free Gabby’s Dollhouse App (available on iOS and Android). Direct link: https://www.spinmaster.com/brands/gabbys-dollhouse/gabby-s-dollhouse-transforming-garden-treehouse-playset-with-lights-2-figures-5-accessories-1-delivery-3-furniture-kids-toys-for-ages-3-and-up SONIC SPEED RC, JAKKS PACIFIC Lynch concludes with the world’s favorite blue hedgehog that’s back for a next-level adventure. The latest offering allows fans to recreate the action from the Sonic the Hedgehog 2 movie with this RC. She points out it includes an iconic ring-shaped controller allowing for forward motion, turns and spinning action. The toy trends specialist adds that the RC lights up when fans select Turbo mode for that extra boost. For convenience and additional fun, the six-inch scale articulated Sonic figure is removeable. Direct link: https://www.jakks.com/sonic-the-movie/sonic-the-hedgehog-2-sonic-speed-rc/ For more information, go to thegeniusofplay.org. Facebook: Facebook Instagram: Instagram Twitter: Twitter Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

April 12, 2022 02:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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