News Hub | News Direct

Jewellery World Awards honours industry leaders

Jewellery World Awards (JWA)

DUBAI, UAE - Media OutReach - 23 February 2022 - The Jewellery World Awards (JWA) unveiled the Recipients during a gala dinner and awards ceremony at the Jewellery, Gem & Technology Dubai (JGT Dubai). Organised by Informa Markets Jewellery (IMJ), JWA is the only business awards programme for the international jewellery industry covering the whole supply chain from mines to market. Navrattan Kothari (fourth from right) Recipient of JWA 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award Letitia Chow, chairperson and founder of JWA at IMJ remarked, “The jewellery industry has once again demonstrated its resilience and ability to adapt with what we witnessed at this year’s JWA. With the achievements and success stories shared by the recipients, we are inspired by their vision, innovative approach and thirst for excellence to move forward even in times of adversity.” The evening’s highest accolade was given to Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Navrattan Kothari, who has shown compassionate and driven leadership in the past six decades. Aside from transforming his family business into a global conglomerate, he has also been dedicated to supporting the local communities where KGK Group operates in. The Recipients are: 1. Lifetime Achievement Award Navrattan Kothari 2. Brand of the Year – Retail Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, Hong Kong 3. Industry Innovation of the Year Diamonds On Call Limited, Hong Kong Emerald Jewel Industry India Limited, India Picup Media, Hong Kong Shenzhen Link Gold Technology Co Ltd, China 4. Manufacturer of the Year – Diamond KGK Group, Hong Kong 5. Manufacturer of the Year – Jewellery Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company, Vietnam 6. Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – APAC CHJ Jewellery, China YLG Bullion Singapore Pte Ltd, Singapore 7. Outstanding Small Enterprise of the Year (50 full-time employees and below) Brilliant Cuts Pvt Ltd, Sri Lanka 8. Outstanding ESG Performance of the Year Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewelry Industrial Co Ltd, China 9. Young Entrepreneur of the Year (age 40 and below) Do Minh Duc, DOJI Gold & Gems Group JSC, Vietnam Joyee Zhao, BOJEM, China James Courage, one of the principal judges of JWA said, “Judging from the participants’ responses and initiatives, one can say that the industry continues to push the boundaries in order to safeguard the welfare of its employees and satisfy its customers — even in the harshest conditions. Their ability to innovate, adapt and meet the market’s needs is testament to our Honourees’ resilience, passion, drive and humanity.” Albert Cheng, also a principal judge added, “In the past 18 months, all our Honourees showcased resiliency, flexibility and rapid digitisation to battle the negative effects of COVID-19. On behalf of the judging panel, I salute all Recipients who have succeeded in these unprecedented times.” Kent Wong, Managing Director of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group (CTF), said, “We are honoured and proud to be a Headline Partner of JWA for 10 straight years. We look forward to collaborating with our peers and driving the industry towards more milestones and achievements in the future.” Lin Qiang, President & Managing Director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE), who also is one of the judges noted, “The global jewellery industry is clearly recovering from the effects of the pandemic. The Chinese diamond business, for one, had a robust rebound. Such growth largely results from the unremitting efforts made by our colleagues in the industry. JWA continues to serve its purpose as a stage for celebrating these achievements and more.” JWA is supported by Headline Partners CTF and SDE, and Honoured Partners KGK Group and Guangdong GD Land Group Limited. JGT Dubai, jointly organised by IMJ and the Italian Exhibition Group, is supported by official partner, DMCC. Contact Details JWA Marketing +852 2516 2184 marketing@JWAwards.com

February 23, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image

Brush Up on Oral Health: Technology For Your Mouth Leading To Healthy, Confident Smiles

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/UIgoM06hR04 How do you get that ‘fresh from the dentist’ clean feeling on the 360+ days you’re not at the dentist? You turn to a revolutionary kit that integrates advanced technology to deliver brighter, whiter smiles and cleaner, healthier teeth. The result is that consumers look and feel their best and enjoy greater confidence as they go about their day. Built by dental professionals, izzoTM was developed by fourth-generation family-owned Premier Dental, a global developer and manufacturer of dental and medical products that has been in business for 100+ years, with a presence in 76 countries. Julie Charlestein, the President and CEO of Premier Dental, conducted a nationwide media tour to discuss the launch of izzo TM, an innovative new direct to consumer initiative designed to elevate at-home oral care. While brushing your teeth regularly is certainly important, izzo TM is the first and only 4-in-1 oral care system that goes significantly beyond just the typical toothbrush to give your teeth a whole new level of clean. izzo is technology for your mouth leading to healthy, confident smiles. izzo not only helps you brush effectively, it helps you polish to remove surface stains for a brighter, whiter smile; scale to remove plaque and debris between teeth; and sanitize your brush to ensure it’s germ-free for your next use. Best of all, it gives you that ‘fresh from the dentist’ clean feeling and a healthy confidence to look and feel your best. The revolutionary izzo system is currently available online for purchase at www.izzosmile.com for $129.95. For more information or to read first-hand product reviews, please visit www.izzosmile.com. About izzo TM izzo TM is the revolutionary 4-in-1 home oral care system that helps consumers look and feel their best through healthier, whiter smiles. izzo includes a toothbrush, polishing system (polisher & enamel polishing paste), scaler and sanitizer. Made in partnership with Premier ® Dental Products Company, a 4th generation, family-run business established in 1913, izzo reflects the knowledge of over 100 years in developing professional-grade oral care products. This differentiated product introduces innovative in-home dental care directly to consumers through an easy-to-use kit and a convenient Subscribe & Save program. For more information, please visit www.izzosmile.com. About Premier Dental ® Products Company Premier Dental ® is a global privately-held business dedicated to delivering inspired solutions for daily dentistry. Dental professionals have turned to Premier for over 100 years as a leader in bringing innovative products to market that improve their daily procedures, practices and patient outcomes. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

February 18, 2022 01:54 PM Eastern Standard Time

Video

Rebuilding Together and Lowe’s Provide Critical Repairs to Historic Los Angeles Homes

YourUpdateTV

Nonprofit Rebuilding Together partnered with Lowe’s, the Official Home Improvement Sponsor of the NFL, to provide essential home repairs for community residents in Los Angeles neighborhoods including View Park, just outside SoFi Stadium, during the annual Kickoff to Rebuild event. A video accompanying this release is available at: https://youtu.be/GYbiDDQwtmY Kickoff to Rebuild, a Super Bowl-sanctioned event presented by Lowe’s, directly benefits 16 families in Los Angeles through home repairs, including roof replacements, bathroom upgrades, kitchen installations, landscaping, window repairs and fresh paint. The families include a senior struggling with mobility, a veteran on dialysis and a retired healthcare provider. Volunteers and local contractors completed the home repairs following COVID-19 safety guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, Robert Woods, a Lowe’s Home Team member and wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, participated in the event. “At Rebuilding Together, our mission is to assist people with disabilities and low-income seniors in rehabilitating or modifying their homes,” said Zeeda Daniele, executive director of Rebuilding Together of the City of Angels. “Through Kickoff to Rebuild, volunteers, contractors and sponsors help make homes in our community safer and more accessible.” Rebuilding Together will also repair the headquarters of the Consolidated Board of Realtists, a local organization founded in 1949 that strives for democracy in housing by opening doors for Black professionals and consumers in real estate. The Board is part of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), which in 1963 secured the passage of the nation’s first state-level fair housing legislation in California. “Through our Kickoff to Rebuild events held during the past 27 Super Bowls, we’ve repaired more than 158 homes, engaged 5,000 volunteers and invested more than $5 million in communities nationwide,” said Caroline Blakely, president and CEO of Rebuilding Together. “This year, we are honored to continue preserving affordable homeownership and revitalizing communities in the Los Angeles area by providing critical home repairs at no cost to homeowners in need.” The work occurred in neighborhoods within a five-mile radius of the University of Southern California, including Baldwin Hills, Chesterfield Square, Crenshaw, View Park, Jefferson Park, West Adams, Wilshire Center, Koreatown, South Los Angeles and the western section of downtown Los Angeles. Despite years of investments into the university and public venues, these neighborhoods still face challenges including persistent generational poverty, substandard and obsolescent housing and low-paying jobs. “The houses we repaired during Kickoff to Rebuild are more than structures that can help build generational wealth, they are part of the community’s history and identity,” said Cesar Martinez, Lowe’s regional vice president. “We have proudly partnered with Rebuilding Together since 2007 and are humbled to provide our expertise in home repairs to help homeowners stay in their homes and safely age in place.” Kickoff to Rebuild is made possible by Lowe’s and Omaze. For additional information about Kickoff to Rebuild, visit rebuildingtogether.org/ktr. For more about Rebuilding Together City of Angels, visit https://rebuildingla.org/. About Rebuilding Together: Rebuilding Together is a leading national nonprofit organization with a mission to repair the homes of people in need and revitalize our communities. Each year Rebuilding Together affiliates complete about 10,000 rebuild projects. Learn more and get involved at rebuildingtogether.org. About Rebuilding Together City of Angeles: Rebuilding Together Of the City of Angels (RTCOA), located in Los Angeles, California, is a 501C3 nonprofit organization established on August 31, 2020, as an affiliate of Rebuilding Together Inc., headquartered in Washington DC. About Kickoff to Rebuild: Kickoff to Rebuild is an annual Super Bowl-sanctioned event hosted by Rebuilding Together. For the past 26 years, Rebuilding Together has partnered with the NFL in Super Bowl cities across the country, rebuilding houses and bringing together neighborhoods. Together, we have repaired more than 150 homes and engaged 5,000 volunteers during these Super Bowl events. About Lowe’s in the Community: As a FORTUNE ® 50 home improvement company, Lowe’s is committed to creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts through nonprofit partnerships. Across every community we serve, Lowe’s associates donate their time and expertise through the Lowe’s Heroes volunteer program. For the latest news, visit Newsroom.Lowes.com or follow @LowesMedia on Twitter. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

February 17, 2022 04:55 PM Eastern Standard Time

Video

Winter Skin Care & Beauty Tips

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/IH8D0yadno Winter weather can wreak havoc on your skin and hair. Between all the dry, chapped and cracked skin, and frizzy or damaged hair, this is the time of year to pay extra attention to self-care and beauty routines. During the colder months, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (ADD) recommends adding moisture into your skin. All skin types need moisture, as lower temperatures, hot indoor air, and dry air everywhere can disrupt the skin’s barrier. It’s the season to focus on all areas of self-care from head to toe. Healthy hair and moisture go hand in hand — no matter the time of year. There are some surprising ways to help keep your locks healthy and looking their best as winter winds snag and tangle hair, which can lead to breakage and split ends. Foley has come up with a four-step plan to help people look and feel their best during the colder months. MORE MOISTURE: One way to counter the effects of dry air is with a daily moisturizer. Foley recommends OLEHENRIKSEN Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturizer. It is a daily vegan and nutrient-rich moisturizer that quickly doubles hydration, visibly boosts elasticity, improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and protects your skin’s moisture barrier from harsh winter elements. This moisturizer is packed with potent ingredients inspired by skin’s building blocks—such as amino acids, peptides, ceramides, and collagen—to bring moisture, bounce and resiliency back to all skin types. Foley says it “Melts into your skin. This balm-to-gel texture delivers rich hydration… an unexpectedly lightweight feel perfect for protecting dry winter skin.” For more information, go to olehenriksen.com. Direct link: https://www.sephora.com/product/ole-henriksen-strength-trainer-peptide-boost-moisturizer-P479339?skuId=2547917&keyword=olehenriksen%20-%20strength%20trainer%20peptide%20boost%20moisturizer Social media handles: @olehenriksen MORE HAIR CARE: Healthy hair and moisture go hand in hand. Foley has found that there are some surprising ways to help keep your locks looking their best in the winter. One brand the beauty expert highlights is Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Hair Mask, saying, “This is a refreshing and restorative vegan hair care line developed with Aloe Vera as the first ingredient for a hydrating and healthy base for curls.' The brand’s creamy hair mask is formulated with shea butter, coconut oil, and macadamia oil which work to deeply quench, nourish and repair dry, damaged curls and strands while helping minimize split ends. Foley recommends using the product as a leave in treatment on wet hair to deeply condition strands if locks are feeling extra dry, adding, “I love it, it has a soft and sweet scent. Although it’s thick and creamy in appearance, it doesn’t feel heavy and glides nicely onto your hair.” For more information, go to mauimoisture.com Direct link: Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Hair Mask & Leave-In Conditioner Treatment to Deeply Nourish Curls & Help Repair Split Ends, Vegan, Silicone-, Paraben- & Sulfate-Free, 12 oz - Walmart.com Social media handles: @mauimoisture HYDRATE DELICATE SKIN: Cold and dry weather can damage softer skin. Foley says, “Our lips are a very thin and delicate. The cold months zap them of much-needed moisture, often leaving them dry and irritated.” The beauty expert says people can keep their lips hydrated all-day (and all-naturally!) with the #1 organic lip balm in the U.S—eos 100% Natural Shea Lip Balms. Foley points out that, “eos blends flavors that are almost good enough to eat with super-moisturizing ingredients for delicious lip balms that you’ll want to swipe on again and again.” This brand’s balms are made with USDA Certified Organic, sustainably-sourced shea butter and hydrating coconut & jojoba oils for long-lasting hydration and soft, smooth lips. Foley adds, “I can’t get over how soft my lips are! It feels like smoothness in a stick!” For more information, visit evolutionofsmooth.com, Target and Walmart. Direct link: https://evolutionofsmooth.com/collections/100-natural Instagram: @ eosproducts FEEL & LOOK YOUR BEST: Foley admits personal style is unique, but the weather can make it difficult at times. “I’m always searching for ways to help people look and feel their best. However, I’m really excited by a new hydrating concealer that is perfect for winter months.” A sister launch to the viral Good Apple Skin-Perfecting Foundation Balm, KVD Beauty is back with their latest launch, Good Apple Lightweight Full-Coverage Concealer. Foley says this new concealer delivers lightweight full coverage with extreme long wear staying power and is packed with ultra-concentrated InterLace Pigments for crease resistance, and maximum vibrancy. She adds, “It’s formulated with hydrating ingredients, such as apple extract and raspberry stem cells, and is available in 32 inclusive shades. You’re going to love how it feels and looks!” For more information, go to KVDVeganBeauty.com. Social media handles: @KVDbeauty Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

February 15, 2022 03:54 PM Eastern Standard Time

Video

AmeriLife Now Offers SimpliNow℠ Legacy from AIG

AmeriLife

AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing annuity, life and health insurance solutions, today announced that its agencies and affiliates are now offering SimpliNow Legacy SM from AIG (issued by American General Life Insurance Company), a simplified issue whole life insurance product specifically designed for middle-market American seniors. SimpliNow Legacy was designed to help policyholders lessen the burden of final expenses--including unpaid debt, medical bills or other household costs--on their loved ones. The product offers a unique limited-pay feature and death benefit coverage ranging from $5,000-$35,000. SimpliNow Legacy was created with middle-market Americans (ages 50 to 80 with a household income of $75,000 or less) in mind, including seniors, to help provide this growing demographic an additional layer of financial protection. For agents, SimpliNow Legacy was built for speed. This product features an instant-decision underwriting process, no post-sale paperwork, and the ability to draft credit card payments in real-time to instantly issue policies. This process includes: Electronic applications that tell agents early-on the type of coverage their clients can receive Instant underwriting decisions 100% of the time and early in the application process, with no additional underwriting, ever Instant issue capabilities for IGO and current dated apps paid with credit cards SimpliNow Quoter allows agents to easily quote their clients’ premiums before or during the application process “In the U.S., the median cost of a funeral is around $9,000*, and many older Americans are doing what they can to avoid passing those expenses onto their loved ones,” said Pat Fleming, Executive Vice President of Product Innovation and Corporate Actuary for AmeriLife. “We’re proud to be one of AIG’s exclusive partners in offering a groundbreaking product that provides consumers with the confidence that their final expenses will be addressed. The speed of the process at the point-of-sale is something that will help our agents work quickly and efficiently to help their clients secure coverage that will aid in preserving their legacies.” For more information on SimpliNow Legacy, visit www.amerilife.com to get in touch with an AmeriLife agency or affiliate. ### About AmeriLife AmeriLife’s strength is its mission: to provide financial solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. In doing so, AmeriLife has become recognized as the leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees across the United States. For more than 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers served through a national distribution network of over 300,000 agents and advisors, more than 40 marketing organizations, and 50 agency locations. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com, and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. *Source: National Funeral Directors Association. Policies issued by American General Life Insurance Company (AGL), Houston, TX. Policy Forms: ICC21-21445, 21445, 21445-5, 21445-10, 21445-35, 21445-42, ICC21-21447, 21447, 21447-5, 21447-10, 21447-35 and 21447-42. Rider Numbers: ICC21-21468, 21468, 21468-5, 21468-10, ICC21-21469, 21469, 21469-5, 21469-10, ICC21-21470, 21470, 21470-5, 21470-35 and 21470-42. Issuing company AGL is responsible for financial obligations of insurance products and is a member of American International Group, Inc. (AIG). Guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. AGL does not solicit, issue, or deliver policies or contracts in the state of New York. Products may not be available in all states and product features may vary by state. Please refer to the policy. This is not a preneed insurance contract or agreement. Benefits are payable to the beneficiary or beneficiaries as directed by the owner of policy. Premiums paid may exceed amount of coverage. For an estimate of the year the premiums may exceed the amount of coverage, divide the face amount by the annual premium. SimpliNow Legacy offers a limited death benefit in the first two years of the policy. Should death occur in the first two years, a death benefit will be equal to 110% of the premiums paid. In the event of suicide, the death benefit is limited to a refund of premiums paid less any outstanding loan amount. THIS POLICY DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT ITS PROCEEDS WILL BE SUFFICIENT TO PAY FOR ANY PARTICULAR SERVICES OR MERCHANDISE AT TIME OF NEED OR THAT SERVICES OR MERCHANDISE SHALL BE PROVIDED BY ANY PARTICULAR PROVIDER. American General Life Insurance Company 2929 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77019, United States © 2022 American General Life Insurance. All Rights Reserved. AGLC201559 Contact Details AmeriLife Jeff Maldonado +1 321-297-1112 jmaldonado@amerilife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

February 15, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

COMCAST’S SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAM EXPANDS ELIGIBILITY TO ALL WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS HIT HARDEST BY THE PANDEMIC

Comcast Houston

Comcast RISE, a small business support program that’s helped more than 500 Houston-area businesses with grants and no-cost marketing services and technology makeovers, is now expanding eligibility to all women business owners who have been impacted by the pandemic. All women business owners — regardless of race or ethnicity— can now apply through June 17, 2022 at www.ComcastRise.com. Comcast RISE, which stands for Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment, is a multi-year commitment to support small businesses owned by people of color through advancing digital equity — a concept that recognizes everyone’s life circumstances are different and underrepresented small businesses should have access to the digital and marketing tools necessary to be successful in a digital world. The expansion of eligibility comes after Comcast RISE celebrated its one-year anniversary. Nationally, the program provided more than $60 million in grants, no-cost marketing and technology services to more than 6,700 small businesses owned by people of color, including Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Asian Americans, among others. Of the 6,700 Comcast RISE recipients to date, nearly 70% are businesses owned by women of color, which spurred Comcast to take a deeper look into the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. According to a study by the National Association of Women Business Owners, 42% of businesses in the U.S. are owned by women, with more than 1,800 new businesses being started every day. That’s nearly five times the national average. However, according to the same study, women-owned businesses are growing at only half the rate of those run by men, namely because women struggle to access capital and other resources to help them succeed. In 2021, Houston-area woman-owned small businesses like All Real Radio, LAMIK Beauty, and Connect The Dots PR, were awarded either grants and/or digital tools needed to thrive and support their respective communities. The business owners serve as ambassadors to the program. Over the next 10 years, Comcast is committing $1 billion to programs, like Comcast RISE, and partnerships to reach an estimated 50 million people with the skills, opportunities, and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. In addition to women-owned businesses, all businesses owned by people of color are encouraged to apply for the chance to receive no-cost consulting, media and creative production services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, or technology upgrades from Comcast Business. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. About Comcast Business Comcast Business offers a suite of Connectivity, Communications, Networking, Cybersecurity, Wireless, and Managed Solutions to help organizations of different sizes prepare for what’s next. Powered by the nation’s largest Gig-speed broadband network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and one of the leading service providers to the Enterprise market. Comcast Business has been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services. For more information, call 866-429-3085. Follow on Twitter @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social. About Effectv Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, helps local, regional, and national advertisers use the best of digital with the power of TV to grow their business. It provides multi-screen marketing solutions to make advertising campaigns more effective and easier to execute. Headquartered in New York with offices throughout the country, Effectv has a presence in 66 markets with nearly 35 million owned and represented subscribers. For more information, visit www.effectv.com. Contact Details Foti Kallergis +1 832-986-0196 Foti_Kallergis@comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

February 15, 2022 07:02 AM Central Standard Time

Video

The Botanist Debuts First-Ever Tv Commercial, “The Spirit of Community,” at Super Bowl LVI In Support of Local Restaurants and Bars Nationwide

YourUpdateTV

The Botanist Islay Dry Gin introduces its first-ever television commercial, “The Spirit of Community,” debuting at the Super Bowl, to drive awareness for local bars and restaurants who continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with the Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC), the campaign urges all Americans to take action to help the IRC in its efforts to refill the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) and promote positive change for the industry. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/ud_lZY0ZiMA The Botanist hails from Bruichladdich Distillery on the Scottish Isle of Islay, one of the few distilleries in the world to be B Corp certified. The distillery believes in using business as a force for good, putting people and purpose in line with profit. The Botanist’s ongoing partnership with the IRC is rooted in its people-centric values, a demonstration of how its community extends far beyond Islay and into the bar and restaurant industry in the U.S. The goal of “The Spirit of Community” campaign is to raise awareness of the critical support still needed for the 500,000 independent restaurants and bars that remain at risk of closure – 90,000 of which initially closed during the first year of the pandemic. Through the campaign, The Botanist and the IRC are mobilizing Americans to show support for the bar and restaurant community in this continued time of hardship. “Local bars and restaurants across the U.S. have been supporting The Botanist since our first distillation on Islay over a decade ago,” said Ian McLernon, President and CEO at Rémy Cointreau Americas. “Thus it was natural for The Botanist, a brand that is an integral part of the community on the island of Islay, to leverage our first-ever TV commercial to help support the community of hospitality staff working at local bars and restaurants across the U.S. during their time of need. Now more than ever, we must do what we can to save the establishments we know and love. Our hope is that our campaign’s debut at the Super Bowl helps amplify the vital message of our partners at the Independent Restaurant Coalition.” The Botanist is proud to bring its community-focused spirit to life through its first-ever commercial debuting on the biggest night in television. The 30-second spot will urge Americans to take action and support their favorite local bars and restaurants. Created by documentary film production company Blacksmith & Jones, the commercial features real-life bar and restaurant staff, amplifying the continued need for support and encouraging viewers to get involved. “Local bars and restaurants are the fabric of our communities across the country. These beloved establishments are still facing potentially insurmountable hardships,” said Tom Colicchio, Founding Member of the Independent Restaurant Coalition. “Our industry is on life support right now, and the only way to avoid massive closures is for swift action to be taken by our elected officials. We are grateful to The Botanist for recognizing the spirit of our community and using their platform to help raise awareness of our industry’s struggles during a monumental event like the Super Bowl.” “Hospitality is at the heart of every independent restaurant and bar,” explained Erika Polmar, Executive Director of the Independent Restaurant Coalition. “While you will surely be welcomed with a warm smile as you’re seated in your favorite corner booth, beneath the surface restaurant owners continue to struggle with nearly two years of losses and little financial assistance. Hundreds of thousands of restaurants are at risk of closing permanently, threatening widespread job loss, a massive supply chain disruption, the loss of community gathering spots, and the destruction of family-owned businesses. It’s partners like The Botanist who are helping us fight to keep those businesses and dreams alive.” The Botanist’s “The Spirit of Community” creative will air in 18 TV markets nationwide and digitally across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The Botanist chose to run the ad in some of the America’s most influential food and drink cities, including New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, Chicago, and Miami. The campaign teaser is live now on YouTube. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVG15dSOCjY. To learn more about how to get involved to support your favorite local bars and restaurants visit saverestaurants.com. About Karen Grill: Karen Grill is The Botanist Islay Dry Gin Brand Ambassador. A beverage industry professional in Los Angeles for 12 years, Karen is originally from New Jersey, where she began her career in hospitality at 15. Karen has spent time behind some of Los Angeles' most notable bars and has competed in several bartending competitions throughout her bartending career, earning herself numerous national and global bartending titles. Named Zagat's '30 Under 30' Culinary Game Changer in 2016, Karen is committed to the education and support of the national bartending community in every capacity. About The Botanist: Founded in 2011, The Botanist Islay Dry Gin is distilled and hand-crafted at Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay, a remote island off the west coast of Scotland. It is the first and only Islay Dry Gin – a rare expression of the heart and soul of this wild Scottish isle. Hailing from one of the only B Corp certified distilleries in the world, The Botanist believes in using business as a force for good, putting people and planet in line with profit. The craft liquid is distilled with a unique combination of 22 wild Islay botanicals which are hand-foraged locally and sustainably on the island by The Botanist's professional forager, James Donaldson. The Islay botanicals are slow simmer distilled with pure Islay spring water in a unique Lomond Still, affectionately nicknamed Ugly Betty, by Head Distiller Adam Hannett. The result is a smooth yet complex gin that speaks of Islay. www.thebotanist.com | Instagram @TheBotanistGin_US |Twitter @TheBotanist_US About the Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC): The Independent Restaurant Coalition was formed by chefs and independent restaurant owners across the country who have built a grassroots movement to secure vital protections for the nation’s 500,000 independent restaurants and the more than 11 million restaurant workers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. About Blacksmith & Jones: Production company Blacksmith & Jones is a motion picture concern focused on story driven filmmaking. Founded by Trevor Jones and Greg Swartz, the company recently produced the documentary feature film The Water of Life. About Rémy Cointreau: All around the world, there are clients seeking exceptional experiences; clients for whom a wide range of terroirs means a variety of flavors. Their exacting standards are proportional to our expertise – the finely-honed skills that we pass down from generation to generation. The time these clients devote to drinking our products is a tribute to all those who have worked to develop them. It is for these men and women that Rémy Cointreau, a family-owned French Group, protects its terroirs, cultivates exceptional multi-centenary spirits and undertakes to preserve their eternal modernity. The Group's portfolio includes 13 unique brands: Rémy Martin and Louis XIII cognacs, Cointreau liqueur, Champagne Telmont, METAXA Greek spirit, Mount Gay rum, St-Rémy brandy, The Botanist gin, and our collection of single-malt whiskies (Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore from Islay, Westland from Seattle and Domaine des Hautes Glaces from the French Alps). Rémy Cointreau has a single ambition: becoming the world leader in exceptional spirits. To this end, it relies on the commitment and creativity of its 1,900 employees and on its distribution subsidiaries established in the Group's strategic markets. Rémy Cointreau is listed on Euronext Paris. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

February 11, 2022 06:26 PM Eastern Standard Time

Video

Canadians projected to consume 76 million wings for Super Bowl LVI

Chicken Farmers of Canada

Every year, Chicken Farmers of Canada fields the same question: Will there be enough chicken wings in Canada for the Super Bowl? The answer – is yes. In fact, Canadians will consume 76 million wings during the game this year! Chicken continues to be the first choice of Canadians and has been for over a decade. Not much has changed, and chicken wings remain at the top of the list when it comes to Super Bowl food. “Wings are a great choice for the big game, whether you are making them at home or have the means to order them in from your favourite local restaurant,” said Benoît Fontaine, Chair of Chicken Farmers of Canada. “Canadians want Canadian chicken and we do everything in our power to make sure there is enough fresh, safe, high-quality chicken available.” Canadians care deeply about their food, about knowing where it comes from and that what they’re serving to their family is of the highest quality. Around 93% of Canadians seek out foods of Canadian origin, and over half will be doing that more than ever. 76 million wings is equal to: 2.4 years, if each wing is counted as one second Roughly 3,800 km if laid end-to-end, the distance to drive from Quebec City to Calgary About 27,142 wings per chicken farmer (there are 2,800 in Canada) Consumers are reminded to ask for the Raised by a Canadian Farmer logo at their favourite grocer or restaurant and buy the wings that are raised with care, quality, and freshness in mind. So, get your favourite Canadian wings, safe in the knowledge that there are plenty to go around. Enjoy the game! For great game day wing recipes and other appetizer to make your Super Bowl experience great, visit www.chicken.ca! Contact Details For more information, please contact Marty Brett, Senior Corporate Communications Officer +1 613-566-5926 mbrett@chicken.ca Company Website https://www.chicken.ca/

February 10, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image

SIGMA Announces 20mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary, the 7th and Widest Lens in the All-Metal I series of Premium Compact Primes

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA

SIGMA Corporation of America, the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki. Headquarters: Asao-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan) is pleased to announce the upcoming release of the SIGMA 20mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary lens, part of SIGMA's I series. This new lens is the widest in the I series released to date. Equipped with a metal, knurled, petal-type lens hood, this ultra-wide prime is compatible with 62mm threaded front filters. It is also an addition to the fast F2 aperture group of I series lenses alongside the 24mm F2 DG DN | C, 35mm F2 DG DN | C, and 65mm F2 DG DN | C. All F2 I series lenses feature a distinctive arc-type AF/MF switch and stylized barrel design near the "Made in Japan" marking. The fast F2 maximum aperture and total optical performance makes this a natural choice for astrophotography, along with landscapes, cityscapes, street photography, low-light interiors, and other nighttime situations. Due to its wide focal length and compact size, this 20mm lens is also an ideal choice for handheld vlogging and video streaming. And the ability to mount front filters, such as neutral density filters, for video and long-exposure landscapes on such a fast-aperture ultra-wide will be appreciated by many content creators. The SIGMA 20mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary lens will be available in the U.S. at SIGMA Authorized Dealers for a retail price of $699 on February 25, 2022. Learn more about the SIGMA 20mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary: https://www.sigmaphoto.com/20mm-f2-dg-dn-c Exclusively for mirrorless cameras | Compatible with full-frame cameras C | Contemporary SIGMA 20mm F2 DG DN Dynamism in the palm of your hand I series | Premium Compact Primes for mirrorless users New standards of optical performance for the Contemporary line Exceptional I series build quality with a compact form-factor Supplied accessories: Magnetic metal lens cap (LCF62-01M), Petal-type lens hood (LH656-03), Front Cap (LCF-62III), Rear Cap (LCRII) Available mounts: L-Mount, Sony E-mount * The appearance and specifications of the product are subject to change. * This product is developed, manufactured and sold based on the specifications of E-mount which was disclosed by Sony Corporation under the license agreement with Sony Corporation. * L-Mount is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG. #SIGMA #SIGMA20mmF2Contemporary #SIGMAContemporary #SIGMAContemporaryPrime #SIGMADGDN #Iseries #SIGMAIseries Exceptional optical performance and superb build quality give photographers the joy of creating images – introducing the new ultra-wide SIGMA 20mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary This all-new full-frame premium compact prime for mirrorless systems is the latest addition to SIGMA's I series lineup, combining a bright maximum aperture of F2, an ultra-wide 20mm focal length and stunning optical performance. The lens boasts an exceptionally small form factor, weighing in at just 370g and measuring just 72.4mm in length*, which makes it a highly practical optic that is portable enough for everyday shooting. It's ideal for landscapes, wide-angle portraits, weddings and interiors, and is particularly well-suited to astrophotography owing to its very well-controlled sagittal coma flare. It is the fourth I series lens with an F2 aperture, joining a 24mm, 35mm and 65mm, which together make a well-matched lens set for L-Mount and Sony E-mount users. *Figures are for L-Mount Remarkably, the 20mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary is almost identical in size and weight to the very compact SIGMA 24mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary. A sleek, all-metal design, with a signature I series magnetic lens cap, a manual aperture ring and exceptional production quality means using this lens is a highly intuitive and satisfying experience, making the photo-taking process even more enjoyable. This sharp and beautifully built I series prime, the SIGMA 20mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary captures the essence of the I series, bringing a new level of user experience―the pleasure of owning and using a lens. [Key Features] 1. I series | "Premium Compact Primes" for mirrorless users The SIGMA I series features full-frame compatible lenses that offer new value to mirrorless systems. The combination of superb optical performance with a level of compactness that is perfectly suited to smaller and lighter modern mirrorless cameras will bring you new opportunities for a perfect shot. SIGMA is aware that in today's world we have a wide range of camera choices, especially with the increase in mobile phone ownership. But with many photographers looking for something more than something that simply captures images when they choose to own a camera and lens, I series lenses offer the ultimate combination of superb optical performance, outstanding usability and compact form-factor. SIGMA's excellence in development and production technologies has been built up since our founding in 1961 and became increasingly sophisticated with the introduction of the SIGMA Global Vision brand in 2012. With this as a base, SIGMA has given careful thought to the quality of the products, the feeling of using it and the pleasure of owning it. This is how the I series was born. 2. New standards of optical performance for the Contemporary line The 20mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary achieves the highest level of optical performance even at the widest aperture setting of F2 from the center of the image to the periphery. Based on the latest optical design technology, the lens construction includes three high-precision glass-molded aspherical lens elements, one SLD element, and one FLD element to suppress a range of optical aberrations. The result is clear and sharp images even in the extreme corners of the frame. By focusing on the suppression of sagittal coma flare, which is difficult to correct in post-processing, accurate reproduction of very bright points of light has been achieved. This also provides extremely detailed results across the entire image, especially important for night sky photography. The lens' optical design, as well as its Super Multi-Layer Coating and Nano Porous Coating (NPC), ensures very minimal flare and ghosting even when shooting into bright light sources. This makes it much easier to photograph backlit subjects and still achieve punchy, high contrast results. 3. Exceptional I series build quality with a compact form-factor All I series lenses have an all-metal construction. The precision-cut aluminum parts not only give the barrel a sleek, stylish finish, but provide superb durability that improves the quality of the entire product. Metal materials are also used in internal structures that slide with the operation ring for added robustness. These high-precision components crafted with SIGMA's cutting-edge metalworking technology are also used in SIGMA's CINE LENS lineup for professional cinematographers and provide a tactile, ergonomic feel that make the lens a pleasure to use. The cover ring between the focus ring and the aperture ring has hairline processing that is also used for the rear cylinder of the Art line. This covering functions as a finger hold when attaching or detaching the lens. [Additional Features] Lens construction: 13 elements in 11 groups, with 1 FLD, 1 SLD and 3 aspherical lens elements Inner focus system Compatible with high-speed autofocus Stepping motor Compatible with Lens Aberration Correction *Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections may vary depending on the camera model. Supports DMF and AF+MF Nano Porous Coating Super Multi-Layer Coating Aperture ring Focus mode switch Petal-type lens hood (LH656-03) Magnetic metal lens cap (LCF62-01M) Mount with dust and splash resistant structure Support for switching between linear and non-linear focus ring settings (for L-Mount only) Compatible with SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 (sold separately / for L-Mount only) Designed to minimize flare and ghosting Every single lens undergoes SIGMA's proprietary MTF measuring system 9-blade rounded diaphragm High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount "Made in Japan" craftsmanship Learn more about SIGMA's craftsmanship here: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/about/craftsmanship/ [Key Specifications] [Product Barcode] [Accessories: Supplied] [Accessories: Optional] [Contact] For further information, please contact your local authorized SIGMA Service Station listed here: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/world-network/ [Information] SIGMA Corporation: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/ Product information: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/c022_20_2/ SIGMA I series special page: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/special/i-series/ About SIGMA Corporation Craftsmanship. Precision. Dedication. Since 1961, SIGMA has been devoted to the pursuit of advancing photographic technology. Unique to the industry, the family-owned business produces its high-quality, award-winning still photo and cinema camera lenses, DSLR and mirrorless cameras, flashes, filters and accessories from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Aizu, Japan. In 2012, the company introduced SIGMA Global Vision with three distinct lens lines: Art, Contemporary and Sports. Designed for industry camera mount systems including Canon, Leica, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony and SIGMA, each lens is handcrafted and tested in Japan to ensure a high-performance, premium product that is purpose-built to last. In 2016, the SIGMA Cine lens lineup was launched, further cementing SIGMA as an innovator in imaging engineering. Embodying the core optical DNA that has defined the SIGMA benchmark of excellence, SIGMA Cine lenses meet the needs of advanced 6k and 8k cinema production. Forming the landmark L-Mount alliance alongside Leica and Panasonic in 2018, SIGMA continues its storied tradition of imaging excellence through groundbreaking innovations such as the native L-mount SIGMA fp and fp L full-frame mirrorless digital cameras, announced in July 2019 and March 2021 respectively. These products, along with nearly 30 award-winning SIGMA Global Vision lenses available in native L-Mount format, demonstrate SIGMA's continued commitment to the creative community through expanded product offerings. With the fp, fp L and these lenses, even more users can now leverage SIGMA's renowned optical formula to achieve their creative vision with ease. ### For information about SIGMA America, please visit sigmaphoto.com and SIGMA Blog for helpful information about our products. Follow SIGMA America on social media! SIGMA Photo: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram SIGMA Cine: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Contact Details SIGMA +1 631-585-1144 SIGMA.PR@Sigmaphoto.com

February 09, 2022 07:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image