News Hub | News Direct

Consumer

Baby/Maternity Children Family LGBT Men Religion Teens Women
Article thumbnail News Release

AmeriLife & The American Home Life Insurance Company Team Up to Launch Medicare Supplement & Financial Expense Combo Solution

AmeriLife

AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions, today announced the launch of a ground-breaking, Medicare Supplement/final expense combination solution developed in partnership with The American Home Life Insurance Company (AHL) and designed to deliver two great products together to better address customers’ holistic needs. “We are extremely excited to partner with AmeriLife to offer highly competitive Medicare Supplement and Final Expense products intentionally designed to facilitate combination sales,” said Tom Lobell, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of AHL. “Between our one-of-a-kind e-app technology, which enables both applications to be completed simultaneously from a single enrollment, and the extensive cost savings clients can access by bundling products, combination sales will never be easier.” For customers, AHL’s Medicare Supplement and Patriot Series final expense products work in tandem to deliver the freedom provided by traditional Medicare along with the peace of mind in knowing their loved ones will not have to bear the burden of their funeral costs. In addition to highly competitive rates, The Patriot Series features a simple, electronic application process, instant underwriting, and seamless premium payments via direct billing through Social Security. For agents, the combination is game-changing. Once clients have qualified for the Medicare Supplement plan, they’re a few questions away – with no phone call required – from being accepted for their discounted, super-preferred Patriot Series final expense policy. And with a discount of up to 20% when combined with the Medicare Supplement plan, agents will help save their clients money year after year and improve client retention. “This new solution is the rewarding combination agents and clients have been waiting for,” said David Paul, national sales director for Simplified Issue Life at AmeriLife. “With a front-loaded commission structure alongside generous bonuses, agents don’t have to let their marketing costs be a roadblock to success – especially while agents learn a new product to better cover their clients’ holistic needs.” “It’s rare that you see a solution with more benefits and less complexity, but this unique combination achieves exactly that,” added Greg Etchison, vice president of Medicare Supplement and Specialty Health for AmeriLife. “It’s a solution made with customers in mind – the way insurance was intended to be – and we’re excited with its potential to help grow our agents’ businesses.” The launch of this combo solution continues AmeriLife’s intense focus on delivering innovative product design, and its partnership with AHL remains a testament to the companies’ shared values and approach to developing modern health and financial planning solutions. “Final expense is continuing to have its moment — and for good reason — as individuals reassess their needs, and those of their loved ones, for their final days,” said Pat Fleming, executive vice president, Product Innovation & Corporate Actuary at AmeriLife. “By combining final expense and Medicare Supplement products under one, simple solution, AmeriLife and AHL are bringing to market a holistic solution that is in line with our unique approach to addressing clients’ total health and financial wellbeing.” To learn more about this new combo solution from AmeriLife and AHL, including details on coverage amounts and other benefits, visit ahlpatriotseries.com. ### About AmeriLife AmeriLife’s strength is its mission: to offer insurance and retirement 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 insurance agents and advisors, more than 50 marketing organizations, and 50 insurance agency locations. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com, and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. About The American Home Life Insurance Company The American Home Life Insurance Company (AHL) was founded in 1909 in Topeka, Kansas, under the name Kansas Home Mutual Life Insurance Company. In 1912, the Company merged with the American Mutual Life Insurance Company of McPherson, Kansas, and adopted its current name, The American Home Life Insurance Company, which the company has operated under for over 100 years. Throughout the last century, AHL’s mutual corporate structure, conservative investment philosophy, and Midwestern value-oriented culture have enabled it to grow and prosper through multiple world wars, epidemics and recessions while fulfilling its commitments to its policyholders, agents and employees. To learn more, visit amhlifeco.com. Contact Details AmeriLife Jeff Maldonado +1 321-297-1112 jmaldonado@amerilife.com The American Home Life Insurance Company Tom Lobell +1 800-876-0199 tlobell@amhomelife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

June 01, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Communication Service for the Deaf Welcomes Shireen Hafeez to its Board of Directors

Communication Service for the Deaf

Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) is proud to announce the addition of Shireen Hafeez to its Board of Directors. Hafeez joins eight other board members who guide CSD’s overall strategies, promote innovative thinking about the future of CSD, and strategize ways to unleash transformational impact in the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Shireen Hafeez is the founder of Deaf Kids Code, a first-of-its-kind nonprofit that teaches Deaf and hard of hearing children computer and technology skills so they can be economically and socially successful in life. The national outreach organization has worked with more than 9,000 children in over 40 locations around the United States. Hafeez founded Deaf Kids Code to support future generations of Deaf children, including her son, so they can thrive in ways that previous generations couldn’t due to societal and linguistic barriers. “It is the greatest honor to join the board of directors,” said Hafeez. “The most important and exciting part of this role is creating meaningful learning and workforce experiences. It is the greatest privilege to be able to work with like-minded people and create new pathways that didn’t exist before.” Deaf Kids Code is founded on the belief that the digital age is the great equalizer. The organization empowers Deaf and hard of hearing children by equipping them with the technology and design skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive workforce. By teaching them the universal language of computing, students have more substantial opportunities to enter top-tier colleges and pursue fulfilling careers in technology. “Deaf Kids Code is a tremendous success and an important resource for our community to promote and advance STEM education and career pathways,” said CSD CEO Chris Soukup. “Shireen’s experience and expertise aligns beautifully with the outcomes CSD aspires to achieve.” Together, Hafeez and CSD will continue developing strategies to further their shared missions of expanding access to technology and economic opportunities for children and adults who are Deaf or hard of hearing. “Shireen is a longtime ally of the Deaf community, and we are excited to have her join us,” said Board Chair Rogelio Fernandez. “Her unique and valuable perspective will help us shape the future of our organization and community for generations to come.” About Communication Service for the Deaf Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) is the largest Deaf-led social impact organization in the world. For more than four decades, CSD has been a leader in creating and providing accessible and innovative solutions for the Deaf community. Today, CSD continues its work to create opportunities for personal and economic growth within the Deaf community, specifically addressing leadership and employment. For more information, please visit CSD and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Contact Details Leila Eltouny leltouny@csd.org Company Website https://www.csd.org/

May 31, 2022 11:42 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail Digital Asset Direct

Dads and Grads Gift Ideas

News Media Group, Inc.

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

May 31, 2022 10:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

SleepX approved by the Helsinki Committee to conduct clinical trial with the SleepX PRO smartphone application

Appyea

SleepX, a subsidiary of AppYea (OTC: APYP) focusing on the development of accurate wearable monitoring solutions to treat sleep apnea and snoring, announces it received approval from the Helsinki Committee to begin its planned clinical trial on the SleepX PRO application. This follows the company’s recent update that it intends to test the SleepX Pro application at a hospital sleep lab. The trial is the first step towards applying for an FDA approval under the first-of-its-kind medical device category for contactless detection of sleep apnea to be performed through the Artificial Intelligence (AI) analysis of breathing during sleep. SleepX Pro, which is designed to diagnose sleep apnea using only a smartphone, requires no physical contact with the subject. Global Smart Sleep Tracking Products Market to Garner a Revenue of USD 11,234.55 Million by 2028 and Grow with a CAGR of 17.50% during 2020-2028; Surge in Concern for Sleep-Related Disorders to Drive the Market Growth, according to Kenneth Research (May 16, 2022). “Poor sleep is associated with the compromised immune system, heart problems, reduce physical and mental performance, mood problems, obesity and many other health problems”, said Neil Kline, Founder & former CEO of the American Sleep Association, and a AppYea Board Member. “Unfortunately, most people with sleep disorder breathing problems, like sleep apnea, are undiagnosed and untreated. Our goal in this unique technology is to raise the awareness to the problem and to improve people’s they can live healthier and more fulfilling lives.” “SleepX PRO makes for a unique, quick and friendly diagnosis tool that will prevent subjects from having to spend nights at sleep labs while saving the healthcare system and insurance companies hundreds of millions of dollars”, said Boris (Bary) Molchadsky, President and CEO of SleepX, and Chair at AppYea. “We plan to make our diagnosis solution highly accessible so people get tested easily. SleepX is an Israeli research and development company recently acquired by AppYea. The company had developed a unique product for monitoring and treating sleep apnea and snoring. The technology is protected by several international patents and the company plans to start serial production in 2022. The company currently focuses its activities on the development and commercialization of its flagship product DreamIT. Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This release includes forward-looking statements. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth herein. No statement herein should be considered an offer or a solicitation of an offer for the purchase or sale of any securities. Although APYP believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and the assumptions upon which they are based are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations and assumptions will prove to have been correct. Forward-looking statements, which involve assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies, and expectations, are generally identifiable by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "intend," or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as these statements are subject to numerous factors and uncertainties, including but not limited to adverse economic conditions, intense competition, entry of new competitors and products, adverse federal, state and local government regulation, inadequate capital, unexpected costs and operating deficits, increases in general and administrative costs, unanticipated losses, financial condition and stock price, inability to carry out research, development and commercialization plans and other specific risks. APYP does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement. Neither APYP nor SLEEPX are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as amended. Contact Details Asaf Porat +1 800-674-3561 info@appyea.com Company Website http://www.appyea.com

May 31, 2022 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

RAK Ceramics to Unveil New Global Design Hub in London

RAK Ceramics UK

RAK Ceramics PJSC (Ticker: RAKCEC: Abu Dhabi), one of the largest ceramics brands in the world, announced today the opening of its first global Design Hub in London. Located at 100 St John Street, in the heart of London's design quarter for designers, architects and developers, the RAK Ceramics Design Hub is one of the largest in the area, with 7,276 square feet over two floors. The space allows visitors to explore limitless design possibilities for their projects and showcases a wide range of RAK Ceramics bathroom ranges, kitchen taps, and brassware. The location also offers meeting facilities and a dedicated area showing the brand's extensive range of tiles, including mega slabs, which can be used for cladding, tiling, surfacing, and as unique decorative pieces. The RAK Ceramics Design Hub will be an interactive and immersive environment designed to inspire creativity and includes a working kitchen display, working tap display, Virtual Worlds 4D Theatre and a Grab and Go sample area. Abdallah Massaad, Group CEO, RAK Ceramics said "London is the obvious choice to launch our first global Design Hub concept. The UK is an increasingly important market for RAK Ceramics, and London is home to many of the world's leading designers, architects, and project specifiers. The RAK Ceramics Design Hub is a unique concept where the design community can experience the innovative possibilities of our products.” Many signature products will be displayed, including a new collection from world-renowned fashion designer ELIE SAAB along with products from designers Maurizio Scuttella, Debiasi & Sandri, and Patrick Nourget. Commenting on the design hub concept, Leonardo De Muro, VP of Marketing & Communications, RAK Ceramics said: "The RAK Ceramics Design Hub is a unique concept in our retail portfolio which allows us to bring together the design community, showcase unique products, and create a brand experience that is both inspiring and informative." The official launch of the RAK Ceramics Design Hub will take place on May 24, 2022, during the Clerkenwell Design Week. To celebrate its opening, designers Maurizio Scuttella, Federico Sandri, and Patrick Nourget will be hosting a series of special talks at the RAK Ceramics Design Hub from May 24-26, 2022. Further information can be found on the Clerkenwell Design Week website at: www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com. Commenting on the opening, Alvin Biggs, Managing Director, RAK Ceramics (UK), said: "We are proud that London has been selected as the location for RAK Ceramics' first global Design Hub, and we look forward to welcoming the international design community to showcase RAK Ceramics' global product innovations." Media Press Kit A media press kit including a digital copy of this press release, approved company images, corporate profiles and product ambiences are available for download at the following URL: https://airtable.com/shrM86xtITKgSZBaf About RAK Ceramics RAK Ceramics is one of the largest ceramics brands in the world. Specialising in ceramic and gres porcelain wall and floor tiles, tableware, sanitaryware and faucets, the Company has the capacity to produce 118 million square metres of tiles, 5 million pieces of sanitaryware, 24 million pieces of porcelain tableware and 1 million pieces of faucets per year at its 21 state-of-the-art plants across the United Arab Emirates, India and Bangladesh. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, RAK Ceramics serves clients in more than 150 countries through its network of operational hubs in Europe, Middle East and North Africa, Asia, North and South America and Australia. RAK Ceramics is a publicly listed company on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange in the United Arab Emirates and as a group has an annual turnover of approximately US$1 billion. Further information is available online at www.rakceramics.com Contact Details RAK Ceramics Group Steven Allen +971 7 246 7400 steven.allen@rakceramics.com UK Press Enquiries Fiona Pavely, Shelan Communications Limited Fiona.pavely@shelan.co.uk Company Website https://www.rakceramics.com/

May 30, 2022 04:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Start Your Summer off Right with ReadyWise

ReadyWise, Inc.

ReadyWise is kicking off the summer season as the weather gets better with their Memorial Weekend Sale to prepare people to take on the outdoors! The rapidly growing food brand offers ready-to-eat meals and snacking solutions serving the preparedness, outdoors, and everyday end markets. ReadyWise makes it easy to get out there and enjoy your favorite summer activities like hiking, camping, swimming, and more with their delicious freeze-dried and dehydrated meals with an extended shelf-life of up to 15 years. Get ready for summer camping with ReadyWise's Outdoors Category, which makes it one step easier to experience the adventure of your dreams. They have something for everyone with various breakfasts, entrées, desserts, and snack selections. "By the end of a long hike, I'm exhausted," says Chris Carter, Triple Crown Through Hiker. "The thought of a warm meal pushes me through the final miles. Having a rewarding meal like ReadyWise dinners that are nutrient-dense and high-calorie has been key to keeping me fueled during the long haul." These pouches are perfect for summer with lightweight and easy-to-prepare products that are super convenient, just add water and eat in pouch. No messy dishes to clean. People love the variety of recipes ReadyWise offers, like Spicy Asian Style Noodles, Classic Mac and Cheese, Wild Rice Risotto, Pasta Alfredo, and more. They also have their amazing trail treats with a freeze-dried Cookie Dough Snack and a Mango Sticky Rice. They make sure to cater to dietary needs by offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals and snacks. Their Simple Kitchen Everyday Snacks line is the perfect addition to their Outdoor Meals complimenting a nice consistency change with freeze-dried fruit, seasoned vegetables, and sweet treat snacks. ReadyWise has created a camper's dream with their 2-Day Adventure Bag with breakfasts, entrees, and snacks conveniently packed in a 5L drybag for only $54.99. Once you have enjoyed your meals, you can reuse the dry bag as a great waterproof keepsake for future camping trips. As camping season picks up, make sure you reserve in advance if you have specific sites in mind, especially around holiday weekends. If you are a spontaneous planner, there are great resources to find local camping spots or find vacant sites off the beaten path. If you're a Utah local, check out one of ReadyWise's top spots, the Dugway Geode Beds. This unique attraction offers great local area activities like rockhounding, where the public is free to find and keep geodes filled with beautiful crystals. Read this blog to discover how the fascinating geodes came to be and where to find them! When you reach a new campsite, explore your area's local, national park activities to find fun discoveries you didn't even know were there. Before heading off on your adventure, make a camping checklist to ensure enough gear, food, and water. With ReadyWise Outdoor meals, you won't have to stress about expiration dates with delicious meals you can bring and eat anywhere! Check out ReadyWise on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for fun summer giveaways, announcements, and more! To learn more about ReadyWise products or subscribe to emails click here. Contact Details ReadyWise Tim Lawlor +1 801-383-1356 tlawlor@readywise.com

May 27, 2022 05:35 PM Mountain Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Don’t Get Scammed: Avoiding Fraud After a Natural Disaster

YourUpdateTV

With hurricane season and wildfire season on the horizon in many parts of the country, damage and loss to homes in affected areas are unavoidable. The National Insurance Crime Bureau is warning those living in areas that could suffer from a natural disaster to not only be prepared for the disaster but to be aware of the potential for fraudulent contractors and vendors taking advantage of victims in its aftermath. According to the NICB, up to 10 percent of disaster claims paid can be attributable to fraud. In 2021, insurers paid $92 billion in catastrophe claims, up to $9.2 billion attributable to fraud. Oftentimes, these deceitful actors will target neighborhoods affected by disasters and make an unsolicited stop at your home. They’ll take your money, often overcharging, and do shoddy or no work at all, promising that your insurance company will pay for it all. Insurance fraud related to natural disasters can add millions of dollars paid out by insurers, which results in higher premiums for policyholders. In some cases, individual homeowners are on the hook for up to tens-of-thousands of dollars they may not be able to recover. On Tuesday, May 24th, NICB President & CEO David Glawe conducted a nationwide media tour with TV stations across the country to discuss how to avoid home repair fraud after a natural disaster and many other consumer friendly topics. During the media tour interviews David Glawe discussed: · The steps homeowners can and should take prior to a natural disaster and how preparation can help reduce chances of becoming a victim of fraud · The kind of fraud that takes place following disasters while victims are trying to put their homes and lives back together · The best practices for disaster victims when hiring contractors or vendors and tips for avoiding dishonest contractors · What the federal response will be following a natural disaster and what it entails for both recovery and helping to alleviate fraud problems · The most common methods fraudulent contractors try to scam disaster victims · The resources available to help homeowners and other disaster victims avoid potential fraudulent actors or report fraud when they encounter it Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

May 26, 2022 04:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

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

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

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

1 ... 133134135136137 ... 185