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Nutritional Supplement Manufacturer Nutramax Laboratories Exceeds Industry Standards for Quality

Nutramax Laboratories

For 30 years, Nutramax Laboratories has diligently adhered to industry-leading quality controls and manufacturing standards. This commitment to quality has been affirmed by Nutramax’s utilization of third-party, independent auditing and certification programs. Nutramax Laboratories recently completed a rigorous conformance assessment for the GMP certification program administered by Underwriters' Laboratories (UL), the global safety science leader in auditing and certification. The annual certification covers a full GMP audit criterion based on 21 CFR Part 111, Good Manufacturing Practices for dietary supplements. This marks the third year of the UL Certificate of Conformance program; the successful audits featuring three different auditors are a testament to the quality systems, facilities, equipment, processes, and the superb employees of Nutramax. Nutramax’s quality procedures include rigorous testing and inspection at every stage of the manufacturing process and go above and beyond the standards governing the industry. “ We choose to go above and beyond what is required because it is the only way to be certain that the products released for sale meet a defined set of the quality standards that our customers deserve,” says Godwin Omorogieva, Vice President of Quality at Nutramax. As the #1 veterinarian recommended supplement company, Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences has earned the trust of its valued customers by providing them with innovative products that are backed by science and held to the highest standard. “Supporting the health of pets is our priority,” says President and CEO, Todd Henderson, DVM. “In our ongoing pursuit of excellence for the next 30 years, and beyond, we pledge our loyalty to customers with a continued commitment to uphold the highest standards in quality control, manufacturing, and research.” Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences’ products are manufactured in state-of-the-art facilities in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and a strict set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). It has long been their tradition to back each supplement with scientific studies that support their safety and efficacy, ensuring that customers can be confident that what the packaging states, can be trusted. For more information on the Nutramax Laboratories quality standard, visit nutramaxlabs.com/our-quality or speak to a dedicated Customer Service team member at (888) 886-6442. Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc. develops, and markets supplements backed by research for companion animals to help support their quality of life. Small animal products include Cosequin®, the #1 Veterinarian Recommended Retail Joint Health Supplement Brand*,**; Dasuquin®, the #1 veterinarian-recommended joint health supplement brand*; the #1 veterinarian-recommended liver support brand Denamarin®***; and products supporting urinary tract health, digestive health, and skin/coat health plus overall wellness. To learn more, call (888) 886-6442 or visit nutramaxlabs.com. *Source: Among retail brands. Survey conducted among small animal veterinarians who recommend oral joint health supplements. **Source: Among veterinary brands. Survey conducted among small animal veterinarians who recommended oral joint health supplements. ***Source: Survey conducted among small animal veterinarians who recommended liver support brands. Contact Details Erika Dyer +1 703-906-6368 erika@curleycompany.com Company Website https://www.nutramaxlabs.com/

May 26, 2022 09:48 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Dukkantek creates a digital ecosystem for SMB retail sector as it rapidly expands across MENA

Dukkantek

In less than six months since securing a $5.2m funding round, store management platform DukkanTek has expanded from UAE where it is headquartered into Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. This takes their presence to 7 countries as they seek opportunities in North Africa. Dukkantek was founded in January 2021 by Ali Al Sayegh, Sanad Yaghi and Shadi Joulani. It has already attracted more than 5,000+ customers for its suite of services empowering traditional merchants with end-to-end digital technology that improves all business processes. Dukkantek believes that traditional merchants and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) remain the backbone of the global economy, and their transactions should be digitized to keep pace with market developments. And to this end they platform provides: Cloud POS: The Cloud POS is a Point-of-Sales system that can be accessed online, from anywhere. It allows businesses to keep track of transactions & sales, calculate VAT, generate reports and calculate profit margin. Inventory Management: The Cloud IM is an online software that helps businesses track, manage & organize the inventory. It allows users to keep track of stock, measure stock value, manage fast-moving products and generate reports for analysis. Payment Options: The platform offers a variety of payment options including cash, card payments or credit payments. Reports can be generated to track payments. E-Commerce: The e-commerce functionality allows stores to sell their goods online or through an app. One of its features includes live inventory, as it’s linked to the IM & POS software. Another feature is that stores can choose what items to put online and their corresponding prices. Moreover, it sends push notifications to customers. Companion App: The companion app is a mobile application that helps manage the store online. Its features include: Automated Inventory Reconciliation, live store data, linked to IM & POS, ability to track daily sales on the dashboard, ability to review all transactions, and track cash movements and payment methods. Dukkantek co-founder Sanad Yaghi commented: “For too long SMB store owners have been left on the margins of the tech shift. We are serving the unmet need observed in these businesses with the adoption and usage of comprehensive online shopping technologies. It’s a severely underserved market and we are trying to get to as many people as possible. Our growth is testament to our efforts in empowering traditional merchants to thrive in a digital world with premium end-to-end technology.” The UAE has one of the most vibrant and attractive startup ecosystems in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Dukkantek provides a one stop shop for local community retail stores, supermarkets, small grocers, service shops and dark stores who are seeking to use the latest technology to serve their customers. The coronavirus pandemic hastened digital adoption in the MENA region, leading to an increase in online shopping, in particular. The region's e-commerce market is expected to reach $49 billion in 2025, up almost 55 per cent from 2021, a report by EZDubai, an e-commerce zone in Dubai, and Euromonitor International showed earlier this year. The UAE’s e-commerce market alone is forecast to grow 60 per cent to more than $8bn by 2025 from 2021. Community retailers in the UAE without a digital presence, who were unable to accept online payments during the pandemic, were severely affected due to the drop in customer footfall. About Dukkantek Founded in January 2021, Dukkantek is the UAE’s first and only revolutionary store management platform that enables traditional merchants to compete equally in an evolving digital world, and further empower their retail capacity. Redefining the conventional way of managing tasks and sales, the innovative platform aims to strengthen local community stores and power digital transformations with end-to-end technology that enhances and streamlines all business processes, enabling them to compete with dark stores and delivery players. Dukkantek is the technology partner for all local community stores in the region. For more information please visit https://www.dukkantek.com Contact Details Dukkantek Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://www.dukkantek.com/

May 26, 2022 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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What Happens After Closing: Everything Homeowners Need to Know About Maintaining Their Homes

YourUpdateTV

The last two years have seen a record-high surge in people seeking their first homes, with first-time homebuyers making up more than a third (34%) of all home buyers in the last 12 months, according to the National Association of Realtors. However, house hunting, down payments and closing costs are just the beginning of the journey. Recently, David Steckel, Home Expert at Thumbtack, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss taking a proactive approach to home maintenance. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/K18fnH0kpps According to a recent survey from Thumbtack, the app used by millions of homeowners, 68% of homeowners report feeling overwhelmed, confused or stressed about maintaining their homes (and this increases to 80% for millennial homeowners). To most, maintaining a home can feel like having a second job, yet one-third of homeowners are unsure where to begin when it comes to maintaining it. This is why Thumbtack is launching a new home care experience to build a long-term partnership with homeowners in the continuous care of their largest asset. The new home care experience not only gives homeowners peace of mind, but also step-by-step, personalized guidance to maintain their most valuable asset – their home. Through Thumbtack, homeowners can create a free seasonal maintenance guide that’s personalized to their home and location, with the ability to book a pro in seconds through their on-demand booking feature. And through their new membership offering, homeowners can get 1:1 support from home specialists, discounts on on-demand bookings, and much more – all for just $49/year. According to Thumbtack, the average cost of home maintenance increased by 8.2% — amounting to an annual maintenance budget of roughly $5,000. Yet, 79% of homeowners are under budgeting for essential home maintenance. And this investment pays off, new data from Thumbtack and OJO shows that a well maintained home sells for 10% more, increasing a home’s value by ~$44,000 nationally. For more information, homeowners can download the Thumbtack app (available on iOS and Android) or go to Thumbtack.com About David Steckel David Steckel is a Home Expert at Thumbtack, with 15 years of experience as a general contractor in the home building industry. At Thumbtack, he provides homeowners with the guidance they need to better plan, budget, and complete home repair, maintenance and improvement projects. As a licensed general contractor, David has experience in custom home building as well as residential and commercial building maintenance. Prior to his role at Thumbtack, David founded Setter, a subscription-based home maintenance and repair service which was acquired by Thumbtack. About Thumbtack Thumbtack is a technology leader building the modern home management platform. Through the Thumbtack app, homeowners can effortlessly manage their homes — confidently knowing what to do, when to do it, and who to hire. Bringing the $500 billion home services industry online, Thumbtack empowers millions of homeowners to fix, maintain, and improve their most valuable asset. The company is backed by Sequoia Capital, Tiger Global Management, Javelin Venture Partners, Baillie Gifford, and CapitalG, among others. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

May 25, 2022 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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The ForeverLawn Black and Green Grass Machine Returns at Charlotte Motor Speedway

ForeverLawn

ForeverLawn, Inc. ® will continue their sponsorship of Jeffrey Earnhardt and the “Black and Green Grass Machine” at the Alsco Uniforms 300 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Saturday, May 28, 2022. This race is part of ForeverLawn’s multi-race deal with Earnhardt and the Sam Hunt Racing team and will be streamed live from Charlotte Motor Speedway at 1:00 p.m. ET on FS1. “Last year our race at Charlotte was filled with memorable moments, one being when Jeffrey hit the wall and as a result flew the Harvest Church back panel banner on national TV,” says Dale Karmie, Co-Founder of ForeverLawn. “This year with SHR, we are hoping to get noticed for a different reason: running at the front. We also want to honor and pay tribute to all the men and women who gave their lives to serve and protect this great nation. God Bless America.” Earnhardt will pilot the No. 26 ForeverLawn Toyota GR Supra with a revamped version of the 2022 Black and Green Grass Machine paint scheme, as seen in the SRS Distribution 250 at Texas Motor Speedway. Continuing their ongoing sponsorship participation alongside ForeverLawn are the Accredited Petroleum Association, LifeGR, STR, and Precision Products. Viewers can follow Earnhardt and the ForeverLawn car by watching on FS1 or on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook using #blackandgreengrassmachine. About ForeverLawn ForeverLawn ® improves spaces and communities through innovative synthetic grass solutions. Beginning in 2004 as the daring entrepreneurial venture of two brothers, ForeverLawn has consistently led the synthetic turf industry through groundbreaking approaches to products and practice. As the premium choice for synthetic surfacing, each product is engineered to solve unique consumer needs and desires while maintaining superior standards and natural aesthetics. Today the company services over eighty localized markets through their dealer network, with an impressive regional, national, and international project portfolio. Want to be a part of something bigger? Learn how you can be a person of impact through business ownership opportunities with ForeverLawn. For more information, contact opportunities@foreverlawn.com. Contact Details ForeverLawn, Inc. Julia Kontur +1 330-499-8873 julia@foreverlawn.com Company Website https://www.foreverlawn.com/

May 25, 2022 12:45 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Ripken Baseball Expands Programming in Pigeon Forge

Ripken Baseball

Ripken Baseball, the leader in youth sports events, announced they are gaining access to four additional fields in the City of Pigeon Forge. As one of the most sought-after youth sports complexes in the country, Ripken Experience™ Pigeon Forge will be able to host teams from around the country on 10 total fields, including access to the newly renovated fields at Pigeon Forge’s Wear Farm City Park. The park’s four fields will be completely upgraded and reimagined prior to the start of the 2023 season. Similar to the original six fields at Ripken Experience™ Pigeon Forge which opened in 2016, each field at Wear Farm City Park will become a youth replica of famous Major League Baseball parks of the past and present. Residents of Pigeon Forge will benefit from the renovations as Wear Farm City Park will continue to host tournaments throughout the year on state-of-the-art artificial turf that closely replicates real grass. “Every year, our teams and their families take home countless fond memories of the Pigeon Forge area when they participate in The Ripken Experience™,” said Cal Ripken, Jr., who co-founded Ripken Baseball with his brother Bill Ripken. “The views are unbelievable and the feeling you have when you experience our complex is special. The demand to play here is through the roof. This is an exciting opportunity to expand and welcome even more baseball families to Pigeon Forge.” Wear Farm City Park’s four fields will be transformed into youth replicas of the following big league stadiums: St. Louis’ Busch Stadium, Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers Stadium, Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium, and Cincinnati’s Riverfront Stadium. The $3 million renovation project will begin this summer. “Pigeon Forge’s partnership with Ripken Baseball is a successful one, as demonstrated by the annual increase in demand for the ball fields and the direct impact on our city’s tourism industry due to the many families who visit,” said Pigeon Forge City Manager Earlene Teaster. “The upgrades to Wear Farm City Park are a win-win for The Ripken Experience™ and our Pigeon Forge residents as these fields bring vast improvements for everyone to enjoy.” Pigeon Forge residents and local youth teams will enjoy the renovations immediately following completion. The Ripken Experience™ Pigeon Forge’s access to Wear Farm City Park applies primarily to daytime hours during the summer season, allowing the four baseball fields to remain available for Pigeon Forge residents during evenings, weekends, and most Fridays. The addition of artificial turf provides longer days during the winter months (November through early March), earlier year-round start times, and quicker turnaround during the event of rain. Wear Farm City Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The park, which also has soccer and youth football facilities, will continue to host youth baseball leagues. The Ripken Experience™ Pigeon Forge hosts more than 1,000 teams annually from over 30 states, traveling from as far away as California, Alaska, and overseas. Players’ families, many of whom are first-time visitors to Pigeon Forge, have a significant impact on the Pigeon Forge economy. A 2018 economic impact study attributed $33.8 million in visitor spending to The Ripken Experience™ Pigeon Forge during the facility’s nine-month season that year. The appeal of Pigeon Forge as a family vacation destination was a major reason the city built the $22.5 million complex and contracted with Ripken Baseball to operate it. During seven seasons of operations, the facility has solidified Pigeon Forge as a major sports tourism destination. In addition, research indicates that 99 percent of those who visit the facility reside outside of Sevier County. Tournament participants, coaches, and their families contribute to the local economy through overnight lodging stays ticket purchases to area attractions, restaurant dining, and other purchases. Pigeon Forge is located in Sevier County just six miles from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Since opening its doors in March 2016, more than 5,000 youth baseball teams and 250 high school softball teams have taken to the six fields at The Ripken Experience Pigeon Forge. In total, more than 75,000 players and coaches have traveled to play ball on fields that offer unobstructed views of the Great Smoky Mountains, with an additional 1,000 teams expected to travel to the complex for competition in 2022. The Ripken Experience™ Pigeon Forge is located on a ridge above Pigeon Forge. Each field borrows its design inspiration from current and former ballparks highlighting the professional player progression from the Minor to Major Leagues, including Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore. The others are Calfee Park in Pulaski, Va., the oldest park in the Appalachian League; Fluor Field in Greenville, S.C., known as “Little Fenway”; Engel Stadium in Chattanooga, Tenn., a filming location for the “42” movie about Jackie Robinson; BB&T Ballpark in Winston-Salem, N.C.; and Isotopes Park in Albuquerque, N.M. The Ripken Experience™ Pigeon Forge hosts tournaments nine months out of the year and offers year-round branded events in its 14,000-square-foot clubhouse. Tournaments are free to spectators, and parking is free at the complex. Visitor information about Pigeon Forge is available online at MyPigeonForge.com and toll-free at 800-251-9100. To learn more about Ripken Baseball and for The Ripken Experience™ Pigeon Forge, visit RipkenBaseball.com. Cal Ripken, Jr. headshot and The Ripken Experience Pigeon Forge facility images are available here. Photo credit: The Ripken Experience Pigeon Forge About Ripken Baseball Ripken Baseball brings teammates, coaches, and families together through its Big-League Experiences, while teaching the values of the game, and how to play it the right way – the Ripken Way. Recently expanding the best experience in youth sports to satellite locations through Ripken Select Tournaments, Ripken Baseball continues to innovate the game through tournaments, camps, clinics, and spring training at their state-of-the-art baseball and softball facilities – The Ripken Experience™ Aberdeen (Maryland), The Ripken Experience™ Myrtle Beach (South Carolina), and The Ripken Experience™ Pigeon Forge (Tennessee). # # # Contact Details Eric Nemeth +1 602-502-2793 nemeth@ericpr.com Company Website https://www.ripkenbaseball.com/

May 25, 2022 09:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Spiceology Launches Two New Spice Blends With Chef Kwame Onwuachi, Bringing His Culinary Roots to Life

Spiceology

Spiceology, the fastest growing spice company in America, today announced its partnership and new product line with Kwame Onwuachi, James Beard award-winning chef and acclaimed author. This launch follows the release of Chef Kwame’s newest book, “ My America: Recipes From a Young Black Chef.” The two new spice blends capture key flavors represented throughout the cookbook and are inspired by the ingredients Onwuachi grew up with and still cooks with to this day. “I don’t remember a time where there wasn’t ‘house spice’ around,” said Chef Kwame Onwuachi, describing his mother’s secret spice blend that seasoned all of the food he grew up eating. “Trying to remember the moment when I was first introduced to house spice is like asking me the first time you had salt - it was just always there. I’m grateful Spiceology was able to help me bring these spice blends to life so that everyone can experience the flavors that sparked my passion for food.” The new blends created by Spiceology and Chef Kwame bring a modern twist to some of Onwuachi’s earliest memories: Kwame’s Mom’s House Spice ($14.95): This all-purpose blend embodies the flavors of Kwame’s mother’s secret recipe. The pairing possibilities are endless with flavor profiles of garlic, onion, black pepper, cayenne, and worcestershire. Intended to be eaten on and in “anything in your house,” Kwame’s Mom’s House Spice pairs with steak, chicken, Cajun food, curries, veggies, and more. Toasted Curry Powder ($14.95): This balance of spices that Onwuachi says “tastes like a symphony” is a combination of Jamaican and Trinadadian curry powders with notes of fenugreek, mustard seed, allspice, turmeric, and coriander. This blend goes beyond traditional curry dishes and can be used on popcorn, pickled veggies, rice dishes, potato salad, and jollof rice. “We’re firm believers in flavor innovation and storytelling with our collaborations and products,” said Chef Tony Reed, Senior Director of Innovation and Partnerships. “Being able to work with Chef Kwame helps us continue to push the needle, bringing his unique flavors to homes and dishes everywhere. These blends offer a complex yet approachable explosion of flavor and a way to experiment with new cuisines.” The blends are available for purchase on Spiceology.com and are available in 9 oz jars. Chef Kwame’s book can be found wherever books are sold. ABOUT SPICEOLOGY Founded in 2013, Spiceology is the fastest-growing spice company in America and is on a mission to bring the magic back to spices, the world’s first currency. The chef-owned and operated, one-stop spice shop develops innovative blends and offers over 400 ingredients that are ground fresh in small-batches and shipped fresh to consumers and chefs. Spiceology’s “experiment with flavor” ethos is not only embraced through excellent ingredients and unique combinations, but also through responsible business practices designed to create a better world with diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of the workforce. Spiceology products can be found on spiceology.com, in specialty retailers and grocers, in restaurants around the US, and as far away as Australia and Dubai. Visit spiceology.com for more information or to place an order, or follow Spiceology on Facebook and Instagram. For recipe inspiration, visit here. ABOUT CHEF KWAME Kwame Onwuachi is a James Beard Award-winning chef and author of the critically acclaimed memoir “Notes from a Young Black Chef,” which is being adapted into a feature film by A24. Kwame’s resume is incomparable as he has been named one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs, Esquire Magazine’s 2019 Chef of the Year, and is a 30 Under 30 honoree by both Zagat and Forbes. He was featured on the TIME 100 Next 2019 List and has been named the most important Chef in America by the San Francisco Chronicle. Kwame currently serves as Food & Wine’s executive producer. In this recently-appointed role, Kwame collaborated on big brand moments and events including the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, where he hosted cooking demonstrations and events. He also serves in the new role of Food & Wine’s pro ambassador to the hospitality industry and creator of “The Family Reunion: Presented by Kwame Onwuachi,” an annual multi-day event that takes place in Middleburg, Virginia and celebrates diversity in the hospitality community. In September 2021, Onwuachi hosted the esteemed James Beard Awards in Chicago. Kwame recently released his first-ever cookbook “My America: Recipes from a Young Black Chef,” which is a follow up to his critically acclaimed memoir “Notes from a Young Black Chef.” Contact Details Spiceology Cassidy Levine +1 908-770-7880 cassidy@spiceology.com Company Website https://spiceology.com/

May 24, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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VAPORESSO BigSleeps x TwoJsKicks Street Artists Vaping Collaboration

VAPORESSO

VAPORESSO has teamed up with two American urban icons, BigSleeps x TwoJsKicks, as part of a stylish new look for the vape kit brand. BigSleeps, the founder of BigSleeps Ink/Letters To Live By, is a legendary lettering tattoo artist based in LA, USA. BigSleeps has artistically developed his Chicano style lettering design and artwork. Creating something unique and out of the ordinary, just like the ethos of the VAPORESSO brand. He is regarded as the leading artist of Chicano lettering style and highly regarded in the Chicano community. Jaysse Lopez, or TwoJskicks, is the founder of the biggest USA sneaker re-sell store ‘Urban Necessities’ and is a social media star, with 905k followers on INSTAGRAM and 310k YouTube subscribers. TwoJskicks, is regarded as the king of sneakers by ‘sneakerheads’ and front of mind in the face of the ever-changing trends. VAPORESSO has teamed up with BigSleeps and TwoJskicks to launch a unique and first-of-its-kind design for the best-selling XROS Nano vape kit. The NEW product design will launch at The Vaper Expo UK, Birmingham NEC on the 27th – 29th May 2022. Come and see the designs at the show… To celebrate the innovative design collaboration, VAPORESSO has revealed a stunning new logo. The new logo features the letter “V” at the forefront to symbolize the passion characterising the vaping community. Encircled behind by the letter “O,” symbolizing a vapor ring opening up. The ‘O’ represents the joy, love and hope VAPORESSO brings. ’V’ and ‘O’ are the defining symbols for VAPORESSO. The VAPORESSO logo redesign represents a new direction of brand personality along with the collaboration with BigSleeps and TwoJskicks. MOVE BEYOND THE ORDINARY with VAPORESSO as it focusses on innovation according to user’s needs and strives to create reliable products of the best quality style. VAPORESSO is exhibiting at The Vaper Expo UK, Birmingham NEC on the 27th – 29th May 2022 on stand D56. For further information on VAPORESSO Contact: Grace Dewhurst – Phone – 07850 448 408 Email - grace@linkup-china.com Nia Thomas – Phone – 07723 019 767 Email - nia@linkup-china.com Background information of VAPORESSO VAPORESSO was created in 2015 and is dedicated to establishing a smoke-free world while raising the quality of life for our users. Based on our continuous innovation, strict quality control, and substantial commitment, VAPORESSO creates products that can fit all levels and styles of vapers. VAPORESSO strives to be able to help as many people as possible. The chairman and CEO Simon Lai was a smoker for 11 years, before turned to vaping. “When we started VAPORESSO, we had a big dream to make switching to vaping as easy as possible for everyone.” - CEO Simon Lai. SMOORE is the parent company of VAPORESSO, which is the largest global vaping device provider. SMOORE is the first to be publicly listed in the industry, with a valuation of over 25 billion USD, which set a significant milestone in history. Find more information in https://www.vaporesso.com/about-us Built by vapers, for vapers Contact Details VAPORESSO Grace Dewhurst +44 7850 448408 grace@linkup-china.com Nia Thomas +44 7723 019767 nia@linkup-china.com

May 24, 2022 04:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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It’s Home Renovation Season! Here’s How to Have Fun & Stay Calm Through Your Next Big Project

YourUpdateTV

We’re entering home improvement season, with May traditionally being the kick-off month when demand for home projects increases for the summer. It makes sense: better weather, more schedule flexibility with summer breaks and longer days make it easier to get work done on time. Recently, Home Care Expert at Angi, Mallory Micetich, conducted a satellite media tour to talk about how to set yourself up for a successful and low-stress home renovation or remodel. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/C-6sm6nhuUA Major renovations can be daunting, though. Budgeting, financing, finding pros, figuring out timelines, living through the mess…In a recent Angi survey, nearly 40% of people reported feeling anxious leading up to a major renovation or remodel, but fortunately, there are lots of tried and true tips for how to make a renovation make it more of a walk in the park than an emotional rollercoaster. Here is some of Mallory’s favorite advice for how to stay calm and have fun throughout the whole process, and come out of it with a home you love even more than before: Plan Ahead May is the start of home improvement season, so high-quality pros are in high demand. In a recent survey Angi did of adults who recently completed major renovations or remodels, the biggest regret was not planning far enough in advance. Planning ahead can help ensure you get the pro you want and you can finish your renovation on time. It can also ensure you have time to set the right budget and prepare for any surprises you may face throughout the process. Planning ahead can really help you remain calm and in control throughout the whole process. Hire (The Right) Pros We found the whole renovation or remodeling process to be distinct for those who chose to DIY vs. hire a pro. People who hired pros for the full project were twice as likely as DIYers to report feeling calm both before and during the renovation. DIYers expected to feel in control (35%) or excited (34%), but ultimately felt anxious (36%) as they prepared for the renovation. So, even if you’re handy, when it comes to the bigger projects like kitchen or bathroom remodels, additions or gut renovations, it may be best to leave it to the experts to protect your mental health and that of your family. It’s important to know your limits when it comes to DIY projects. They can be great ways to learn new skills, bring your family together or flex your creative muscles, but they can also be risky, dangerous and sources of anxiety. At Angi, we encourage people to think about the three T’s when deciding whether to DIY or hire a pro: time, tools and talent. If you’re lacking in any of these areas, the DIY route can end up being much more expensive, stressful or dangerous than you’d like. In those cases - especially for the bigger renovations or remodels - it’s best to look for a local expert to get the job done right the first time. Buffer Your Budget In our recent survey, budgeting and financing caused the most anxiety in major renovations. It’s important to set a clear budget with your contractor and make sure you understand any additional fees you might face, like permits, materials and labor. Contractors are great at what they do, but unfortunately they can’t see through walls or under floors, so they’re not always able to anticipate every electrical, plumbing or pest issue that may pop up once they start working. A good rule of thumb is to include a 10% buffer in your budget to ensure you have the ability to cover any surprises that may pop up along the way. Give Yourself Space It’s one thing to live in your own clutter (no judgment), but it turns out renovations make bad roommates. Over one-third of people who lived in their home through the full renovation process reported fights between family members, while that number drops to 19% for those who only lived in the home through part of the process. People who took a break from the process also reported lower levels of anxiety attacks, emotional breakdowns, and tense moments with contractors. So, if you have the means and ability to spend some time away from the renovation and give yourself and your family a break from the chaos, it can make the process much more manageable. Set Boundaries Before the renovations actually begin, create a code of conduct with your contractor to start things off on the right foot. Regular, open communication with your contractor is key to forming a positive working relationship and having a calm, fun and successful renovation. Some boundaries to discuss may include: - Hours when work is allowed to be done - What bathroom(s) workers can use - Areas that are off limits - Worksite organization and clean-up protocols - How and when the contractor and workers can contact you with questions or issues Check out the Angi app or visit our website at Angi.com for access to high quality local pros, cost estimates and more tips on how to have the best home reno experience possible. About Mallory Micetich Mallory Micetich is a Home Care Expert, with particular expertise in small home living and consumer protection. While currently renting in Denver, CO, she has been a homeowner, investor, landlord and renter over the last decade. She is committed to minimizing her environmental footprint and to small home living, having lived in only properties of 1,000 square feet or less. Mallory is currently the VP of Corporate Communications at Angi, where she focuses on bringing awareness to Angi and what we do every day to help homeowners love where they live. Survey Methodology This data used in this segment is based on a survey commissioned by Angi Inc. and conducted using the online survey platform Pollfish. The consumer sample of 1,000 U.S. adult homeowners all went through a major renovation or remodel within the last five years. The sample was surveyed between April 20, 2022 and April 21, 2022. The margin of error is 3.1% and no additional weighting was applied to the sample. Pollfish’s survey delivery platform delivers online surveys globally through mobile apps and the mobile web along with the desktop web. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

May 23, 2022 04:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Hudson Valley Duck Farms File Lawsuit Challenging NYC’s Controversial Foie Gras Sales Ban

Catskill Foie Gras Collective

Hudson Valley duck farmers, organized as the Catskill Foie Gras Collective, filed suit today against New York City challenging its ban on the sale of the delicacy, foie gras, which will go into effect on November 25, 2022. The Collective asserts that the sales ban violates a state law, Agriculture and Markets Law § 305-a, which prohibits municipalities, like the City, from adopting local laws that unreasonably restrict farming operations in certified agricultural districts. As a practical matter, the sales ban will wipe-out millions of dollars in revenue for the State, New York City, restaurants, wholesale distributors, retail store owners, and transportation companies. The Collective predicts that over 100 farm workers in Sullivan County will lose their jobs. The Collective also notes that, if allowed to stand, the NYC law will set a dangerous precedent allowing local legislative bodies to effectively control or eliminate other farming practices in agricultural districts. “Today, it’s foie gras, a gourmet delicacy thousands of New York City residents enjoy,” said Marcus Henley, a spokesperson for the Foie Gras Collective. “Tomorrow it could be chicken eggs that aren’t raised cage-free. Or milk-fed veal or non-organic fruit. Do you really want a small group of special-interest lobbyists controlling what you can and can’t have for dinner? This ban creates a nightmarish precedent for farmers and consumers alike.” The Collective is also seeking a preliminary injunction to postpone the ban until the courts can determine its legality. Otherwise, the Collective may be forced to halt its weekly shipments of duck products into the City. “This is the kind of law that puts people out of work, and farmers out of business, and we are asking the court to maintain the status quo until the lawsuit is resolved.” said Henley. “The sales ban is not only groundless and unconstitutional, it also clearly violates a state law which was enacted to protect farmers from local acts like this,” said Henley. “We’re confident that the courts will see it this way and that the city’s top chefs and their guests will continue to enjoy our foie gras products.” Advocates for the sales ban included animal rights groups, who notoriously misrepresented how foie gras is produced and claimed that ducks are treated inhumanely during the production process. Hudson Valley Foie Gras and La Belle Farms maintain that their ducks are well cared for, are allowed to roam freely, and are processed in a government-inspected facility, strictly adhering to animal welfare and federal regulations. Both farms produce foie gras using a special hand-feeding method, like no other farm in the world, so as not to harm the ducks. “We invite everyone who cares about freedom to make some noise. Write their legislators, write their newspaper editors, voice their concern to restaurant owners,” urges Henley. “Don’t allow a small group of well-funded lobbyists dictate what you can and can’t chose to eat. If we don’t win this case, who knows what the next food ban will entail.” To view a copy of the lawsuit, click here or visit www.LawsuitPressRelease.com. For more information about foie gras production visit: https://foiegrasfacts.org. About Catskill Foie Gras Collective: The Catskill Foie Gras Collective is comprised of Hudson Valley Foie Gras and La Belle Farm, the main producers of foie gras to restaurants and retail food stores. The collective serves as a resource for factual information and independent articles about our farming. For more information, visit: https://foiegrasfacts.org/ Contact Details Catskill Foie Gras Collective Lynn Munroe +1 845-548-1211 lynn@maracaibomedia.com Company Website https://foiegrasfacts.org/

May 23, 2022 02:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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