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‘Hybrid’ Sports Tourism and Community Recreation Facility Development Increases 33% -- Signaling Major Transformation for Future of Parks & Recreation

Sports Facilities Companies

The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), a national consultancy, developer, and operator of sports, recreation, and events properties, predict that the $39.7 billion youth and amateur travel sports and the $218 billion parks and recreation industries are colliding, signaling a major transformation in the operations of local government. This prediction is based on SFC's analysis of 2,000 communities over the last 20 years, including analyzing parks and recreation budgets, sport and recreation funding mechanisms, political pressures, the rise of sports mega-complexes to drive tourism, and the budget constraints of municipal government. SFC predicts that assets traditionally operated by local government through their parks department will require new types of operating and management models to keep pace with private sector demands and to ensure local citizen activation. Numerous factors are impacting the way parks and recreation departments are structured, operated and how they deliver services to communities. What has gone unchanged is the popularity and significance of parks in the political landscape at the local level and as a proven amenity that impacts the quality of life, health and social outcomes, community engagement, and revenues for the cities where parks and recreation are prioritized. According to the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) 82% of U.S. adults agree that parks and recreation is essential and 72% of U.S. adults are more likely to vote for local political leaders who make park and recreation funding a priority. “What many community leaders don’t realize is that this shift is already underway. Now is the time to get strategic with your sports, parks, and tourism assets – or get left behind,” said Mike Kelly, former CEO of the Chicago Park District and NRPA chair, now Executive-Vice President of Community Development for SFC. “In my thirty-year tenure serving the City of Chicago, we chose to privatize twenty-plus properties – particularly those with an emphasis on sports, tourism, or those where driving revenue was an important factor.” According to SFC Partner Evan Eleff, who oversees the firms’ planning and advisory services, evidence of this shift is clear during the pre-development phase. Eleff’s team, which performs 150+ studies each year, reports a 33% increase in studies for facilities from municipal clients that combine multiple tourism, recreation, and events components since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Community leaders are challenged with meeting the needs of their cities and growing consumer expectations around sports and events, balancing the multitude of municipal infrastructure needs, and driving economic growth,” says Eleff. “With the rising cost of construction and materials, it means the average project cost is upwards of $30 million. For parks and recreation, which have been traditionally heavily subsidized, this means more pressure on revenue generation and cost recovery. This is a paradigm shift for most parks departments.” The rise of sports tourism since the early 2010’s has been a major contributing factor to this impending shift. According to a 2015 Industry Report by the Sports Events and Travel association (now called SportsETA), the youth and amateur sports tourism industry was valued at $9.45b. In their latest report from 2021, that figure is now $39.7 billion, a 320% increase in six years. That growth has predicted to continue to rise and reach $77.5 billion in 2026, according to Wintergreen Research, Inc. New hybrid facilities are being developed and opened in cities large and small. The City of Albertville, AL (population ~22,000) opened their $58 million Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater in 2021 with a mission to serve both local residents with camps, clinics, and leagues and to drive economic development through sports tourism by hosting large sports tournaments and live entertainment. With two new hotels opened or under development, big-name quick service restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings and Beef O’Brady’s, and $23.2 in direct economic impact, the venue, operated by SFC, is outperforming original forecasts and driving economic development. “It’s tough for the traditional government approach to work in this dynamic environment. Developing and operating such diverse assets with such high expectations is not something with which most municipalities have experience,” said Jason Clement, CEO and co-founder of Sports Facilities Companies. “It’s why we purpose-built our team over the last twenty years to serve public entities. Our mission, to improve the health and economic vitality of the communities we serve, lives most vibrantly when we balance the competing needs of social equity and access, revenue generation, tourism development, emotional, physical, and mental health, and combatting the obesity epidemic. These are key elements of a flourishing community and operating partnerships with professional management firms are the way to maximize those results.” There may be no better example of this transformation than in Hoover, AL with the Hoover Met Complex. Forward-thinking leaders in Hoover re-imagined their existing AA (double-A) baseball stadium, former home to the Birmingham Barons and current host of the SEC baseball tournament, into a sports and recreation mecca. In 2017, the City opened the 155,000 square-foot indoor sport and event facility, the Finley Center and expanded RV Park. In 2019, the second phase of the project opened including an accessible playground, splash pad, outdoor baseball fields, rectangle fields, and tennis center. The operation has provided more than 10,000 hours of free community access annually, hosted premier tournaments like Perfect Game Baseball and community events including Market Noel and Vintage Market Days while providing financially for additional programming and capital investment projects. Additionally, the complex generated $68 million in economic impact in 2021 alone supporting the residential and commercial real estate development surrounding the Hoover Met Complex property. The City of Hoover oversees the SFC team, who manages daily operations and partners closely with City parks leadership to collaborate, not compete, with well-established programs and team members. “It’s examples like Hoover and Albertville demonstrating that not only can communities balance the multitude of outcomes demanded by residents, but they don’t have to do it alone,” said Kelly. “Communities of all sizes – as large as the City of Chicago and as small as twenty-thousand – have the opportunity to adapt now. The proverbial train has left the station. Change is coming. Now is the time to re-think old models and embrace what is next.” ### The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) are the Nation’s leading resources for the management and development of sports, recreation, wellness, and events facilities. As a turn-key solution for community leaders and developers alike, SFC services span the gamut of sports and recreation needs from sports tourism & recreation master planning, program planning, and feasibility through professional facility management services. Our 30+ managed venues and 1500+ team members, represented by the SF Network, welcome more than 25 million guest visits and produce over $250 million in economic impact each year. To learn more, please visit SportsFacilities.com and theSFnetwork.com. Contact Details Eric Nemeth nemeth@ericpr.com Company Website https://sportsfacilities.com/

November 29, 2022 08:35 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Did FTX’s Collapse Have You Spooked? FiscalNote’s (NYSE: NOTE) Crypto Solutions Could Help You Stay Safe

Benzinga

Last week, a series of events stemming from a CoinDesk article led to the bankruptcy of one of the biggest crypto exchanges in the world, FTX. Following the popularization of a leaked document showing the assets of Alameda Research, a Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) company, investors in FTX find themselves on the ropes. Alameda, it turns out, holds a vast majority of its assets in FTT, FTX’s native token. This discovery spooks FTX holders and Alameda investors, triggering a flurry of panic selling that annihilates FTT’s price. FTT’s descent poses a problem for Alameda Research, the quantitative crypto trading firm. FTT is Alameda’s core asset; its sudden devaluation puts the company at intense financial risk of defaulting on its loans. Facing liquidity risk, SBF reaches out to Binance CEO Changpeng Zao for help. Zao announces Binance will be acquiring FTX, saving thousands of customers from losing their deposits on the exchange, but after conducting some due diligence, Zao reconsiders. FTX is left without a solution. Soon after, SBF declares bankruptcy and issues a public apology on Twitter. The apology does little to soften the blow, particularly after more information on FTX’s activities becomes publicly available. In the days after the CoinDesk article, it was uncovered that SBF used FTX customer funds for trading via Alameda Research and took out a $1 billion loan from Alameda Research, his own company. Due to wide-scale negligence and fraud, SBF and his team have lost investors and customers millions of dollars. The SBF case also shows the frailty of certain projects within the crypto space; FTX was valued at $32 billion at its peak. It took one leak of its balance sheet to bring it to $0. FiscalNote’s Crypto-Policy-Tracking Solutions The more concerning part of this story is its unoriginality. Crypto onlookers have seen several high-profile implosions this year. Three Arrows Capital, Celsius, Voyager Digital, Luna, BlockFi and Genesis have all collapsed in 2022, sending ripples of danger throughout the crypto world. FTX’s story, while perhaps slightly more dramatic, embodies the same fault as the rest: An inability to appropriately manage risk and responsibly manage assets and liabilities. To crypto cynics, these case studies serve as evidence that the idea of a decentralized version of traditional financial systems cannot exist. To them, human error is inevitable when there are no regulations to observe and punish misbehavior. Advocates believe that these projects, no matter how large, do not reflect the value of “true” decentralized projects. Instead, they’re like weeds in a garden – a nuisance to an otherwise healthily-growing community. Given the past sequence of events, it’s clear that staunch blockchain supporters need help staying safe while this technology climbs out of its infancy stage. As an agency specialized in collecting data on the regulatory processes in the U.S. and abroad, FiscalNote Holdings Inc. (NYSE: NOTE) may provide investors with the needed safety coverage. Through its crypto-policy-tracking solutions, FiscalNote provides customers with comprehensive solutions to help investors stay on top of the regulations, stakeholders and news impacting the crypto space. Just imagine if investors could have caught the CoinDesk report right after it was published and before FTT began to tank – it would have saved them fortunes. FiscalNote’s crypto-policy-tracking solutions allow investors to: Quickly monitor thousands of U.S. local and federal bills across 12,000 local government entities and all 50 states. Access award-winning non-partisan news. Consume weekly newsletters on Congress and Federal agencies’ latest dealings with cryptocurrency-related issues. Monitor changes in cryptocurrency legislation across Europe and the world. FiscalNote’s crypto-policy-tracking solutions are trusted by Lenovo, UBS and Allianz. To the crypto optimist, they represent a safeguard against the industry’s unforgiving fraudsters. For more on how FiscalNote can help keep you safe, click here. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 29, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Best Online Sports Betting Sites And Legal Bookmakers

Online Casinos

Are you looking for a reliable and convenient platform where you can bet on a wide range of sports events, casino games, and esports? If that is your desire, you should not hesitate to set up an account at one of the top online bookmakers listed below. These gambling sites hold valid licenses and offer competitive odds and several betting options. Apart from reviewing the best online sportsbook that you can try, this article looks at some notable features of these platforms. In addition, it explains how you can differentiate between a reputable and a fake betting site. Best Online Betting Sites Best Overall for US - BetOnline Best for UK Players - Hustles Best Live Games - BetUS Instant Cashout - Betswagger Huge Bonus - MyBookie.AG Casino & Bookie - Winstler Trending Now - My Stake Easy Cashout - SportsBetting.AG Top Rated - Gamblii Ideal for Mobile - GodOdds Best Live Games - PlayHub Live Bets - GoldenBet Instant Cashout - FreshBet How do we rate the best Online Sportsbooks? Here are some factors you can use to rank online betting sites: Welcome bonuses A betting site should have an attractive welcome offer. Most players look for a platform with juicy welcome bonuses, free bets, and other perks. The most widely used welcome offer is a matched deposit or enhanced odds. For example, a bet that many might see as a guaranteed certainty at odds of 1.02 may be boosted to around 40.0 to entice the new user in. These types of offers are usually for new customers only, and more often than not, they come with a maximum stake limit, which is often quite low. This is to ensure that the bookmaker is protecting their market liability and margins. Live Streaming Live streaming is an essential factor you must consider if you are interested in watching horse racing events and top football leagues around the globe. Apart from watching live matches, gamers can also bet on live dealer casinos on these platforms. Betting Odds The odds are essential parts of betting because it determines bettors' earnings. Therefore, you should consider bookmakers that offer bigger odds. Whilst these are becoming harder to find now because most sportsbooks will use a betting exchange as a guide, for the bigger punters amongst us, it enables them to derive a fractionally better return. Accumulator Bonuses A number of online betting sites are now offering accumulator bonuses. This type of incentive is designed to encourage punters to place bets in the form of multiples, with 4, 5, 6 or 7 selections. The odds are often much larger, and they become larger still with the bonus added. Withdrawal speed Payout speed is another factor you must consider when ranking online betting sites. Players should be able to cash out their winnings without any delay. Also, they must support fast and convenient banking methods for smooth transactions. Why play at Online Betting Sites? You can sign up at any of our top online betting sites to take advantage of the generous welcome offers, including free bets, no-deposit bonuses, bets refunded, etc. Apart from that, these platforms give you access to promotional offers like jackpots, boosted odds, bets offered, etc. Furthermore, these websites support fast and convenient payment options and adopt the best security system to prevent cyber fraud or identity theft. Best Online Bookmakers We have selected the best betting sites offering players satisfactory products and services. Check the reviews of these platforms below: Sportsbetting.ag Sportsbetting. ag is a top-ranking online betting site that accepts cryptocurrency. Besides, it offers attractive bonuses and promotions to players. Some of the sportsbook offers include welcome bonuses, free live bets, free mobile bets, free horse bets, etc. Besides sports betting, the website hosts casino games, including slots, poker, live dealer games, crap, roulette, blackjack, etc. Some poker variants you can play on the platform include Caribbean Poker, Three Card Poker, Draw High Low, among others. Apart from digital coins, the sportsbook supports Bank wire, Skrill, etc. Collect Bonus Now BetOnline BetOnline casino offers a generous welcome bonus to bettors. It offers sports betting, poker, and casino games. Also, the online bookmaker offers competitive odds on sports like Football, Basketball, Soccer, Golf, Baseball, MMA, Horse Racing, etc. Furthermore, the gambling site has a simple user interface, which means players can easily find their way around the platform. The platform is compatible with Apple and Android devices, including smartphones, iPods, tablets, and iPhones. Collect Bonus Now BetUS Some unique features of BetUS include live streaming, 24/7 customer support, bet builder, VIP program, etc. It will interest you to learn that the website supports over 20 languages and has a straightforward registration procedure. In addition, it accepts several banking options, including PayPal, Visa, Bank Wise, Paysafecard, Bank Wire, etc. The bookmaker holds licenses from Malta and Gibraltar. And uses SSL encryption technology to keep punters’ data safe. Collect Bonus Now MyBookie.AG 10Bet is one of the top online bookmakers in Sweden, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and several other countries. In addition to sports betting, the platform hosts over 1000 casino games. You can contact the support team in several ways, including by telephone, email, and live chat. The betting sites feature several unique sports, including Motor racing, Darts, Volleyball, Greyhounds Racing, Bandy, etc. Some remarkable betting features on this platform include live betting, enhanced odds, bet builder, early cash out, etc. Collect Bonus Now Hustles Hustles is a Curacao-licensed platform that runs smoothly on Windows, Android, and iOS Operating Systems. Also, it features a wide range of casino games and sports. The betting site welcomes new customers with a 100 percent bonus. The gambling site accepts different digital coins, including Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and Bitcoin. Apart from crypto payments, 22Bet supports MasterCard, Bank Transfer, EcoPayz, Paysafecard, etc. Customer service is available 24/7, and you can reach the support team via email and live chat. Collect Bonus Now GodOdds GodOdds is a reliable online bookmaker with several betting markets. The platform also partners with over 100 high-ranking casino game developers. One of the advantages of this gambling site is that it features multiple banking methods, allowing punters to choose their preferred options. These payment methods include vouchers, e-wallets, credit cards, digital currency, etc. Besides its impressive bonuses and VIP programs, the platform offers top-quality customer support. Collect Bonus Now Types of Online Betting Sites Online bookmakers can be grouped into categories based on payment methods, experience, bonus offers, compatible devices, etc. This section explains the types of online betting sites you need to know. Here we go: New Online Bookmakers Some of the uniqueness of newly developed sportsbooks are massive bonuses, robust security, and top-quality customer support. Also, they offer several betting products, including esports, casino games, etc. Since they are new, there may not be enough information to determine their reliability and reputation. Live Online Sportsbooks These betting sites stream live matches and allow players to place live bets. Also, they feature live casino games developed by top-rated live game providers like Vivo Gaming, Ezugi, Playtech, Evolution Gaming, among others. One of the core benefits of this offering is that punters are able to place bets on markets that would otherwise be inaccessible to them, and these also offer greater value and a more authentic experience, more often than not. For example, a punter betting on Brazil to beat Costa Rica may get odds of 1.15 before a ball is kicked, but if Brazil were to go 1-0 down, that same offering may be available at 1.7. A number of online betting site users have developed in-play systems to generate value from otherwise poor value markets. Mobile Online Betting Sites Consider these online bookmakers if you prefer to bet via your Android and Apple devices. With their HTML5 technology, they are compatible with a vast range of internet-enabled mobile devices, including iPhones, iPods, tablets, and smartphones. Furthermore, this enables punters to be able to bet on the move with friends enjoying social bets as a group. Games at Online Bookmakers Many online bookmakers feature impressive selections of casino games, including slots, poker, baccarat, blackjack, bingo, etc. Check some of these games below: Slots Slots are the most popular casino games with attractive themes and catchy sounds. Exciting slot titles you can play on these platforms include Big Bass Bonanza, Dead or Alive, Twin Spins, Starburst, etc. Also, the game is straightforward as it does not involve learning any particular skill. Bingo Bingo is ideal for players looking for a simple yet entertaining casino game. Some of our top websites feature fun bingo variants to meet players' expectations. Poker Poker is an exciting card game with multiple variants. Also, it is a skill-based game; therefore, you must master poker skills and techniques to excel. Popular poker variants you can try at these sites include Caribbean Poker, Three Card Poker, Deuces Wild, Bonus Poker, etc. Advantages of Online Sportsbooks Online bookmakers have several benefits, including impressive rewards, a simple layout, fast payouts, competitive odds, etc. Also, these platform adopts state-of-the-art security systems and holds licenses from recognized gambling authorities. Hence, they offer top-quality products and services. Furthermore, they support numerous languages and currencies to accommodate players from around the world. In addition, they provide high-quality customer support via convenient and fast communication channels like email, live chat, and live chat. Furthermore, these online betting sites play a fundamental role in market growth. With the adoption of in-play technology and market offering, online bookies are ensuring that players are getting real value for money when they’re placing bets, as they’re able to get a quick, fast, sharp transaction whilst a football match, rugby match, or indeed a horse race are still yet to be completed. The growth and adoption of this concept is one that started around 10 years ago, but it has rapidly developed into one of the most fundamental aspects of online bookmakers’ activity. In addition to this, a large number of the new online betting sites are offering ‘Request A Bet’ or a service with a similar namesake. These are becoming ever more popular with the casual punter, as players are seeking to find additional value, and betting options with higher and more profitable odds, albeit with a smaller chance of winning. Disadvantages of Online Betting Sites These platforms are not available in all countries due to regulatory issues. In other words, you won’t have access to the website if you reside in one of its restricted countries. Also, you may be asked to present your document for KYC verification, especially if you want to withdraw a large amount. Payment options at Online Bookmakers Our recommended betting sites support a broad range of reliable and safe banking options that enables bettors to cash out their winnings without delay. Some factors you need to consider before selecting a payment option include bonus eligibility, transaction fees, limits, etc. Also, you need to check if your selected banking method is available for both deposits and withdrawals or only deposits. Below are the top payment options on these platforms: MasterCard Visa Skrill Paysafecard Entropay Trustly EcoPayz Litecoin Bitcoin Neteller How to tell the difference between reputable sportsbooks and fraud? Before signing up at an online betting site, you need to check some essential factors to know if the platform is genuine. The most important parameters to consider are regulation, bonuses and promotional offers, customer support, payment speed, etc. A reliable sportsbook will always offer high-quality products and payment services to bettors. Apart from having a valid license, the gambling site must work with the best software and payment providers. Top gambling regulators to consider when setting up an account at online bookmakers are the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, Curacao eGaming, the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, Kahnawake Gambling Commission, etc. You can also identify a reliable site through its customer support quality. The agents will be available 24/7 to respond swiftly to your inquiries and complaints. Bonuses at Online Sportsbooks One of the advantages of online betting sites is that they offer bountiful bonuses to new and existing bettors. They also roll out periodic promotions. Always check the promotion page to see all the details you need about these offers. Here are some of these rewards: Welcome packages Free bets Sports bonuses No deposit bonuses Boosted odds Bets refunded Free spins Crypto bonuses Key Elements For Consideration With Online Betting Sites Becoming The Best Betting Site In a crowded Market - The betting market is one of the most crowded industries online, especially given its lucrative nature. Punters are always looking for a refreshing array of products with which to gamble. Attractive Design Attracts New Punters - Design is a key element in the decision-making of any sportsbook user. Players are naturally drawn to those sites which are aesthetically pleasing. A number of new online bookmakers are now being enticed in with simple-to-use, easy and effective designs. Easy navigation is fundamental in a player being able to find the market that they want quickly and effectively, thus enabling functionality such as ‘click-to-bet’ to work as effectively as it does. Wide Range Of Betting Markets - As is commonplace with most online betting sites now, there are a whole host of markets available for punters to place their bets. Gone are the days when players could only choose from the Win / Draw / Win market on football, as other more granular markets have been added. In-play betting is becoming ever more prevalent too. Standing Out Amongst Competitors - Competition is rife within the market for the reasons mentioned above. For any new or existing sportsbook product to really come to the fore and be successful, it’s imperative that the brand stands out amongst the competition. Whether that is brand positioning, media kits, advertising, or just site aesthetics - all bookmakers in the industry are looking for that cutting edge. Online Bookies FAQ A. What are Online Betting Sites? They are top gambling sites that allow punters to wager on sporting events, including local and international football leagues, horse racing events, etc. Also, they feature casino games and esports betting. B. Is RTP different at all Online Sportsbooks? Return to Player (RTP) is not the same at all online bookmakers; you can boost your earnings by playing at sites that feature high-RTP games. C. What are the best Online Bookmakers? The best online bookmaker offers excellent customer support and mouth-watering bonuses and promotions. Some of our top online betting sites include BetOnline, Bet365, 10Bet, 22Bet, and 20Bet. D. How to avoid bad streaks at Online Sportsbooks? Excessive gambling can also trigger bad streaks. Players can guide against losing streaks at online bookmakers through proper bankroll management. Apart from that, they should avoid making betting decisions when they are not emotionally stable. E. Are all Online Betting Sites safe? Not all sportsbooks are safe; you can avoid unsafe gambling sites by paying attention to essential parameters like license, online reputation, payment speed, bonuses and promotional offers, security measures, etc. F. Is it legal to join Online Bookmakers? You can join an online betting site without going against the law if you are above the gambling age threshold. In addition to that, online gambling must be legal in your country. onlinecasinos.site is a platform created by casino players for everyone. We strive to offer fellow players a platform that addresses every aspect of online gambling. The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Gambling comes with its fair share of risks and it's important to recognize that when using online gambling sites. The betting sites listed hold a Curacao gambling license and players from around the world can legally play. Wins are taxed. While we review different gambling sites, you should check with local laws in your area before gambling online. Also, all gambling sites and our guides are rated 18+ only. If you have a gambling addiction problem or anyone you know does, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. In addition, the following free gambling addiction resources can be of help: http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ http://www.ncpgambling.org/ http://www.gamblingtherapy.org/ Contact Details Onlinecasinos site Dean Kune onlinecasinosppc@gmail.com Company Website https://onlinecasinos.site/

November 28, 2022 02:21 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Tia goes back to the beginning of her journey, was it just a dream?

Redhill Asia

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 28 November 2022 - In the fifth episode of “ GOODBYE PRINCESS ” animation series, Asian global fashion icon, C-pop singer, film and television actress — Tia Lee (Tia Lee Yu Fen) takes a bite on the apple given by the magical mirror. She, then, has been returned to the depths of the sea and back to the beginning of her Journey, was it just a dream? With the 6-part series drawing to a close, stay tuned as the plot continues to challenge your imagination. The viewership figures of the “ GOODBYE PRINCESS ” animation and motion images MV pre-release campaign series has scaled new heights, with almost 90 million views to date. In the fifth episode, “ Temptation Apple ”, after the handsome prince kneels down and declares his love for the princess in the previous episode, they are now dancing inside the castle. She takes a casual glance outside the window, but discovers that the dazzling light that has drawn her to this adventure is drifting further and further away. She runs down the spiraling staircase inside the castle without the prince. She is led into a room, where the magical mirror awaits and reflects her “past life” as a carefree mermaid who swims in the sea happily. The magical mirror then hands her an apple, and she takes a bite without hesitation. The handsome prince follows, but he is not quick enough to stop her in time. When the princess opens her eyes again, she has been returned to the depths of the sea. The television set shows images of the handsome prince holding the unconscious princess, trying to revive her with the kiss of life. Thematic image echoing content of the fifth animated episode Then the “ Temptation Apple ” poster, released on 26 November, told Tia’s followers more about this episode: The magical mirror that never lies makes an appearance, re-connecting Tia with reality. The bite of the apple changes the princess’ life. For better or worse, it is her own choice to make. As the princess returns to the setting of the first episode, in the depths of the water and with the old television set, was everything she experienced just a dream? The fifth set of motion images and still photography for " Temptation Apple ” was released today together with Vogue Hong Kong, showing Tia in her Prakakaas hook and Poem skirt, looking curiously into the magical mirror. Will the princess wake with the handsome prince’s kiss of life? Expect an unexpected ending in the finale of this “ GOODBYE PRINCESS ” animation series. Official press materials: Tia Lee Official Channels: Instagram @leeyufen: https://www.instagram.com/leeyufen/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tialeeofficial/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leeyufentialee/ Weibo: https://weibo.com/u/1396928042/ About Tia Lee Yu Fen: Tia Lee Yu Fen (李毓芬), born in Taipei, is an Asian global C-pop singer, film and television actress, and model. In addition to her acting roles and musical career, Tia appears frequently at major fashion shows. As a fashion icon and trend-setter, Tia has graced the covers of fashion, beauty and lifestyle magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, and shares her beauty and fashion tips through a number of Vogue’s social media channels. Contact Details Media Contact +852 6077 7342 global@redhill.asia

November 28, 2022 08:25 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Holiday Gifts 101

News Media Group, Inc.

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

November 25, 2022 02:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Retention Cloud Leader CleverTap Launches CleverTap for Startups

CleverTap

CleverTap, the modern, integrated retention cloud today announced the launch of CleverTap for Startups (C4S). Through this initiative, CleverTap will offer a full stack retention platform to all budding digital-native brands, in order to help them personalize and optimize all customer touchpoints, improving user engagement and conversion. Till date, thousands of large digital-native brands have benefited from CleverTap’s platform which has solved their needs at scale, speed, and security. The aim now is to make solutions even more affordable for pre-launch, early-stage startups, or companies with limited monthly active users. New and early-stage businesses have very different needs from larger, well-established brands. They require more flexibility, affordability, and a partner that provides seamless support fuelling their growth plans. CleverTap has currently partnered with more than 50 venture capital firms, incubators, and business accelerators including Sequoia Surge, Techstars, Y-combinator, AWS Activate, Accel and others to provide exclusive discounts and resources to early-stage startups through this initiative. The C4S initiative was undertaken a year back and the offerings have now been fine tuned following feedback from 1000+ startups and is now ready to launch. Through this initiative, CleverTap aspires to be a growth partner for more than 100,000 new businesses by the end of 2025. Through this initiative, early stage startups can opt for a flexible plan with no minimum scale requirement, and can make use of the platform with as low as 5000 monthly active users. The platform is designed realizing the requirement of SMBs/startups. Additionally, customers will have the option to customize the platform with add-ons and will have the ability to only pay for the services they use. Speaking about the initiative Anand Jain, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer, CleverTap said, “Every small business needs an ecosystem of stakeholders that are supportive and will help them get on their growth journeys. Be it small or big, startups can use all the help they can get. In our effort to bolster new businesses globally we are excited to launch CleverTap for Startups. Customer retention for consumer brands is one of the key components to building a successful business. By offering our solutions to startups at a lower cost with flexible options, we want to create an atmosphere where we can support new businesses from their 0 to 1 and then 1 to 100 journeys.” About CleverTap CleverTap is the World's #1 Retention Cloud that helps app-first brands personalize and optimize all consumer touch points to improve user engagement, retention, and lifetime value. It's the only solution built to address the needs of retention and growth teams, with audience analytics, deep-segmentation, multi-channel engagement, product recommendations, and automation in one unified product. The platform is powered by TesseractDB™ - the world’s first purpose-built database for customer engagement, offering both speed and economies of scale.CleverTap is trusted by 1500 customers, including Gojek, ShopX, Electronic Arts, TED, English Premier League, TD Bank, Carousell, AirAsia, Papa John’s, and Tesco. Backed by leading investors such as Sequoia India, Tiger Global, Accel, and CDPQ the company is headquartered in Mountain View, California, with presence in San Francisco, New York, São Paulo, Bogota, London, Amsterdam, Sofia, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, and Jakarta. For more information, visit clevertap.com or follow on LinkedIn and Twitter Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements in this press release may represent CleverTap's belief in connection with future events and may be forward-looking statements, or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. CleverTap cautions that such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties that could result in the actual outcome being absolutely different from the results anticipated by the statements mentioned in the press release. Factors such as the development of general economic conditions affecting our business, future market conditions, our ability to maintain cost advantages, uncertainty with respect to earnings, corporate actions, client concentration, reduced demand, liability or damages in our service contracts, unusual catastrophic loss events, war, political instability, changes in government policies or laws, legal restrictions impacting our business, impact of pandemic, epidemic, any natural calamity and other factors that are naturally beyond our control, changes in the capital markets and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different, from those anticipated by such statements. CleverTap does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or updated or revised status of such statements. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will CleverTap and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction. Contact Details CleverTap Sony Shetty sony@clevertap.com Company Website https://clevertap.com/

November 25, 2022 08:22 AM Eastern Standard Time

Tia Lee’s Animation Series Takes a New Turn Fourth Episode Welcomes the Handsome Prince

Redhill Asia

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 24 November 2022 - Tia Lee Yu Fen, Asian fashion icon, C-POP singer, film and television actress, released the fourth part of her “ GOODBYE PRINCESS ” animation series on 22 November. With many twists and turns in the story, the latest episode is the most dramatic and romantic one in the series. The viewership figures of the “ GOODBYE PRINCESS ” animation and motion images MV pre-release campaign series has scaled new heights, with almost 70 million views to date. In the fourth episode, " Pawn to Queen ”, Tia continues plunging downwards from the last episode; the puppet princess eventually lands on a chessboard. In this dreamland, she becomes a white pawn. On the other side of the chessboard, the queen reads the newspaper and commands the black chess pieces to attack. The white pawn keeps her calm and evades the attacks with agility, eventually reaching the opposite side of the chessboard. There, she sheds the white pawn uniform to regain her human form. In the background, a castle appears mysteriously as a handsome prince kneels down before her to declare his love for her. Thematic image echoing content of the fourth animated episode. Displaying Tia’s fashion wisdom, “ GOODBYE PRINCESS ” MV pre-release campaign stylist, Sanshai, Style Director of Vogue Thailand, has hand-picked the Kanapot iconic dusty blue dress, Christian Louboutin heels and Alessandra Rich ear-rings for this videographic set. Today, well-known UK top fashion and culture magazine ROLLACOASTER released a sneak review of the Winter 2022 cover, and announced that Tia Lee will be covering the Winter 2022 global print and digital issues to be released soon, in which Tia will talk about what to expect from Tia’s new, globally-focused era. Tia wears Burberry's latest autumn and winter collections, presenting yet another side of Tia to her global fans. Previous ROLLACOASTER covers featured Justin Bieber, John Legend, Alicia Keys and other leading artists. @leeyufen wears @burberry for @rollacoaster (Rollacoaster Magazine) Winter 2022 global cover Photography by @studioioo Words by @ericarana Editor @ellaxwest Visual Director @s.e.a.n.k Executive Producer @babylee82 at @blcreativehouse Styling by @ksy_0105 & @kimjeesoo.work at @es.consultancy Hair by @enoclee Make up by @ongibeauty Nails by @nail.suji Set Designer @setset_fromyj Art Directors @aparna_aji @harry_conor Production Director @bencrankbencrank Producer @isabellacoleman_ The " Pawn to Queen ” poster, released on 23 November, gave more details on the episode: When the princess falls in the beginning, she passes by a newspaper with the headline “Otaku Goddess”. This appears again in the scene where the queen reads the newspaper. While fighting on the chessboard, the princess maintains her composure with a familiar look in her eyes. She shows the same determination to chase her dreams as she did in the first 3 episodes. Adding the handsome prince and his castle, the story builds towards a climax. The typical fairytale would end here, with the handsome prince and gorgeous princess living happily ever after, but is “ GOODBYE PRINCESS ” such a straightforward story? Find out in the fifth episode, which will be released tomorrow (25 November)! The fourth set of motion images and still photography for " Pawn to Queen ” was released today together with Vogue Hong Kong, featuring an undaunted Tia on a chessboard, looking at a close to 8-ft plus tall queen with wrapped in newspaper headlines about her. Episode 5 release schedule: Official press materials: Tia Lee Official Channels: Instagram @leeyufen: https://www.instagram.com/leeyufen/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tialeeofficial/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leeyufentialee/ Weibo: https://weibo.com/u/1396928042/ About Tia Lee: Tia Lee Yu Fen (李毓芬), born in Taipei, is an Asian C-POP singer, film and television actress, model, and former member of the girl band Dream Girls. In addition to her acting roles and musical career, Tia appears frequently at major fashion shows. As a fashion icon and trend-setter, Tia has graced the covers of fashion, beauty and lifestyle magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, and shares her beauty and fashion tips through a number of Vogue’s social media channels. Contact Details Media Contact +852 6077 7342 global@redhill.asia

November 24, 2022 09:44 AM Eastern Standard Time

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A Look At The Growing Beauty And Wellness Space — And Some Companies To Keep Your Eye On

Benzinga

The beauty and wellness industry is currently experiencing a renaissance according to many, and companies can thank the younger generations and TikTok. TikTok has become a hub for all things beauty and wellness and in turn, could be the next big marketing gold mine. TikTok and other social media apps are allowing customers to view and experience products like never before. A potential customer can watch a video of someone unboxing a product, applying it and even see how the product survives a busy day. Social media has become the premier beauty destination, and products or companies that go viral on TikTok see massive success. Products that go viral, like the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand, are often sold out for months. The numbers are impressive, too. The #beauty hashtag on TikTok currently exceeds 100 billion views. Studies show that most social media users access the app 12 times per day, with an average of 52 minutes per day. The organic and word-of-mouth nature of apps like TikTok is deeply impacting the wellness and beauty world. The growth in the beauty industry isn’t limited to certain brands doing well. Asian skincare and beauty products are witnessing massive growth in European and North American markets. In 2022, revenue in the beauty and personal care market in Asia amounts to $210.9 billion and is expected to grow annually by 6.39%. Between brands going viral on social media apps and Asian beauty interest being piqued by K-Drama and K-Pop pop-culture sensations. It is clear that the beauty and wellness industry is on the path to continued growth and could be worth market investors keeping their eyes on going into 2023. Beauty And Health Companies To Watch In 2023 L’Oreal S.A. (OTC: LRLCY ) saw some supply chain obstacles in the years past primarily due to COVID-19 but expects to bounce back completely in 2023. The company has recently invested in research and development (R&D) as well as hired additional employees to assist with its ramp-up in 2023. Ulta Beauty Inc. (NASDAQ: ULTA) is one of the leading cosmetic suppliers in the United States. Ulta may have performed relatively well in 2022. Its most recent financial report saw the company increase net income by 17.8%. The growing interest in the wellness and beauty space is a contributor to Ulta’s increased performance. Yoshitsu Co. Ltd. (NASDAQ: TKLF) is a Tokyo-based provider of health, wellness, beauty products, home goods and food. Asian Market is the company’s primary focus but it is expanding retail locations into cities in North America, Australia and the United Kingdom. Yoshitsu is also considering opening a distribution center in the U.S. to help with fulfillment times. In China (Hong Kong), the company has a growing number of retail locations and has expanded its brick-and-mortar roots into a successful e-commerce company. Yoshitsu could be poised for expanded growth as the supply chain returns to normal following the pandemic. The growing interest in Asian beauty companies also positions Yoshitsu to potentially perform well in 2023. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 23, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Samsara Luggage Takes Charge of Travel Tech

Benzinga

The holiday travel outlook is shaping up well for Samsara Luggage as the travel brand reports celebrating unprecedented growth after the launch of its smart luggage and travel accessories — products that are made to ease the travel experience as the industry continues its recovery after a 2-year upheaval due to the pandemic. Holiday travel is kicking off this week with many wondering what to expect after a turbulent summer season where staffing was short and lost luggage made the headlines. Air travel is expected to increase beyond pre-pandemic numbers according to PwC’s annual Holiday Outlook report. Air travel has picked up again, with almost half of travelers — 46% — planning to fly, up from 40% in 2021 and 33% in 2020. The last peak in travel was marked with complications, with overbooked planes, long wait times, canceled flights and over a million lost bags in the U.S. between January and June 2022. The percentage of lost bags, when compared to 2019, is 30% more. As the travel industry’s recovery continues, Samsara Luggage Inc says they are well-positioned to help improve the traveler experience. Samsara Luggage Inc has come up with a clever way to ease stress among travelers and provide customers with a seamless and easy traveling experience. Awarded Special Mention in TIME’s Best Inventions of 2022 list, Samsara Luggage has designed a line of suitcases with an embedded Apple AirTag. The suitcase can be tracked using the Find My app on the iPhone. Now, travelers can stay a step ahead by accessing information about their lost or stolen luggage using their personal mobile device. Samsara Luggage’s Tag Smart suitcase is designed with a durable aluminum frame and TSA-approved combination locks that keep the AirTag protected. The Tag Smart technology is meant to help change the game for travelers by creating a lower-stress experience by letting travelers know where their valuables are at all times. Samsara Luggage Is Partnering With Big Brands To Bring Its Tech Luggage To More Consumers In October, Samsara Luggage made its debut at Tommy Bahama retail stores around the country. "Samsara's presence in a fleet of Tommy Bahama retail stores is a milestone for the company," says Atara Dzikowski, Co-founder & CEO, Samsara Luggage. "The exemplary customer experience and hospitality that the Tommy Bahama stores are known for made the decision to come out of the web and into the brick-and-mortar space an easy one. We are thrilled to give everyone curious about Samsara the opportunity to see the quality of our products in-person for the first time." Click here for more information about Samsara Luggage’s recent partnerships with Tommy Bahama and other notable companies. It may be exciting to see how Samsara Luggage continues to innovate in the travel technology industry. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 23, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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