News Hub | News Direct

Unleashing Pet Industry Trends to Keep Your Furry Friend Healthy, Happy & Pampered

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/Z2YHiW3ehKw Pets are undeniably cherished members of our families and ensuring their happiness, health and comfort is a top priority. In today's world, our furry, feathered, and scaly companions live the good life alongside us, and we strive to provide them with the very best—from their favorite treats to specialized diets, stylish collars, interactive toys and even high-tech gadgets. But what's the next big thing for your beloved pet? That's where SUPERZOO comes in, the pet industry's premier retail event that sets the stage for the latest trends and groundbreaking new products ready to elevate your pet's lifestyle to new heights! With pet spending on the rise, the range of trending products is ever-expanding—from pet health solutions and grooming tools to groundbreaking advancements featuring automation and artificial intelligence, the possibilities to enhance your pet's life are endless. A nationwide media tour was conducted to discuss these topics and more live from the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, where SUPERZOO took center stage. Organized by the World Pet Association, SUPERZOO is the pet industry’s largest and most comprehensive pet retail event in North America. Topics that were discussed during the media tour included: The latest pet product news and industry insights live from SUPERZOO Pet products that will be hitting retail shelves later this year How technology is taking pet care to the next level What’s next in pet health and wellness trends, including unique foods and diets, specialized supplements, creative habitats and more For more information, visit www.SUPERZOO.org Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

September 11, 2023 02:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Mark Barnes Shares Keys to Tripling Sales & Growing Into Million-Dollar Business in Bakersfield, CA

Minuteman Press International Inc.

In the three and a half years since Mark Barnes purchased the Minuteman Press franchise in Bakersfield, CA located at 4500 Easton Drive, he has more than tripled his sales. Mark shares, “Before the acquisition in December of 2019, the prior year’s sales totaled just under $500,000. Our current 12-month sales (as of August of 2023) is just over $1.75 million.” In 2023, Mark became one of the newest members of the Minuteman Press International President’s Club for top performers (based on 2022 yearly sales). Mark shares his keys to growing the business as well as his journey to Minuteman Press in Bakersfield. He also gives his thoughts on the printing industry today, what it’s like owning a business in Bakersfield, the ongoing franchise support he’s received from Minuteman Press, and more. What does it mean to you to be a member of the Minuteman Press President’s Club? Mark Barnes: “Making the President’s Club has always been a goal from the very beginning! We knew it wouldn’t be easy and it would take a lot of hard work and a little time, but we knew with the right team, and the right approach, it was only a matter of time before we got it. 3 years in, and we made it!” What are the 3 biggest keys to your sales growth and success? Mark Barnes: “Our sales growth success has been through a variety of factors. I feel like we have taken an ‘all of the above’ approach. We incrementally increased our ad spend, and tested and adjusted as necessary We took a focused approach on our networking opportunities We added product lines and revenue streams to our offering mix, and we have looked for strategic partnerships that made sense We were already doing wholesale print for what you might consider our competitors, but we are equipped and positioned to do more, better, with our facility and equipment mix, so when we realized there was some untapped potential to expand on that, we actively pursued those opportunities as well. If we don’t get the account directly, due to, perhaps, a relationship, we will look to get them indirectly through wholesaling to our competition that can’t offer what we can.” What are your high-demand products and key growth areas? Mark Barnes: “We have many high-demand products and services. Our high growth areas have been direct mail marketing and compliance mailings, programs for events, signs, branded apparel, and “operational” things like blueprints. Promotional items have also played a large role.” Why do you think printing remains so vital to businesses today? Mark Barnes: “Print remains vital because it drives behavior. Think about your daily life, do you stand in the wine aisle and judge a wine by its label when looking for a decent wine? Imagine if all of those labels were blank and you just had rows of bottles, how would you ‘know’ what to choose? You wouldn’t. If this is you, you are relying on print to drive your behavior. Maybe you casually look at a speed limit sign to adjust your driving speed, those are printed folks, and you have just relied on print to change your behavior in that moment. Print is ubiquitous and has been around all of us our entire lives; for that reason, print has an inherent trust built in because we rely on it day in and day out, and we don’t even realize it. I have had people ask me if print was dying and I asked, ‘Why because the credit card companies want you to go ‘green’ by paying your bills online?’ They certainly do this, but they turn around and send you all of these offers for new credit cards via direct mail, because they know direct mail works to drive revenues and new acquisitions. Need more proof that print is here to stay? Just ask the savvy marketers that rely on us for their campaigns, and even their clients’ campaigns. Spend a day in our office and you will see how high emotions can run when a marketer has waited until the last minute for something, or when blueprints are needed to submit plans by a deadline, and then ask yourself why these people bring us food and snacks as a way of saying thank you. How many businesses have their clients bringing them food? Print is vital – and everyone from marketers to admins that need to make sure they have the things they need for their team – understands this.” How would you best describe your business community in Bakersfield? Mark Barnes: “I would put our business community up against any in the nation. We have a robust and growing business community in both our local Bakersfield area and our county as a whole. In fact, this entire region is that way. The San Joaquin Valley where we are located feeds the world when it comes to many fruits and vegetables and nuts. The scale of the reach of businesses here blows my mind. Maybe more importantly, our business community is active and involved, supports one another, and I am honored to have developed personal relationships with so many of the business owners and leaders here. Many have become friends, and even mentors (whether they realize it or not).” What was your previous background and why did you choose Minuteman Press? Mark Barnes: “I was in the corporate world in the oil and gas industry for nearly 15 years. Prior to acquiring Minuteman Press, I was the Regional Manager for an oil and gas manufacturer and supplier of key products for the industry. I was tasked with leading a turnaround effort in that role where the company was looking to regain market share. I earned the trust of the tenured staff, got some wins early, and then we added a completely new product line that I had background with from a previous career. After getting market share with that product line, we then identified other locations to expand. We opened a new location a few hours away, secured the business we were going after there, and began due diligence on the next location. I was traveling back and forth to our manufacturing facility in Texas and learned a ton about manufacturing processes in general, being lean, and I felt like there was a lot of overlap with Minuteman Press. Minuteman Press is a manufacturer and I felt like there were a lot of similarities – the processes, the tenured staff in place, the reputation and book of business in place, and I felt like Minuteman Press was simply producing ‘a different widget’ and that the transition would be relatively smooth as a result. Of course, we didn’t account for a global pandemic three months after taking over, supply chain issues, employee shortages, and those things. With that said, because of my corporate experience and with the support of Minuteman Press, we were well-equipped to manage through these challenges when they did come up. As you can see, we managed through them relatively successfully. We continue to learn and improve as we go. That’s what it’s all about, continuous improvement.” What has the franchise support from Minuteman Press been like for you? Mark Barnes: “The support from Minuteman Press has been great. Obviously, something like the pandemic presented many challenges for all businesses, but being new in business for myself, the support we received was critical. They rolled out new programs; they provided marketing support and operational support when we needed it; and my favorite part has been the best practice training we continue to get regionally. Every 3-6 months, we have the 54 owners in my region get together and exchange best practices on just about everything from marketing, operations, product/service mix, staffing, accounting, etc. This has been vital as the different owners have their own experiences and insights that we get to learn from. They are also at different locations in the region so we get to see how they have their operation set up and it just goes a long way with exposure to new ideas or confirming what we are already doing. The President’s Club meeting was also important because those owners were top performers and the advice and conversations there, along with the new relationships established, have elevated us even further.” What are the biggest personal and professional rewards of owning your business? Mark Barnes: “The biggest personal reward of owning my own business is simply fulfilling the long-standing desire to own my own business. I’ve always been entrepreneurial and I feel so good every single day that I am in control of my own destiny. I love that I’m able to help provide for staff that can then provide for their families, and that we are able to help our business partners provide for their families (because at the end of the day we are helping businesses grow or become more efficient, and that improves their own lives by extension). Even when things are hard or stressful, that feeling overrides all of that for me, and I feel lucky. Professionally, I’m just proud to have developed great new friendships and mentorships in the business community here. I’ve been able to give back in various ways; I’m on the board of a non-profit, I’m on the board of the Bakersfield Rotary, and these have led to wonderful opportunities to give back but also to learn from such strong and high level leaders; I’m just very fortunate.” What are 1 or 2 key pieces of advice would you give to other owners? Mark Barnes: “My biggest piece of advice for other Minuteman Press owners is to think big. We look at ourselves as commercial printers, marketers and designers. We are not a quick copy model; we are a commercial level organization helping other organizations achieve their business goals by being a trusted and valued partner of theirs. We look to align ourselves with organizations as partners – the Robin to their Batman – supporting them from recruiting employees and marketing their value propositions in the marketplace to supporting their operations internally with critical items used in the day-to-day operation of the enterprise. We don’t need the limelight; we just aim to add value to the full life cycle of a given day in their operation. As our clients succeed, we will succeed… so we have a vested interest in their success and making sure we are acting as a good partner in every way we can.” Minuteman Press in Bakersfield is located at 4500 Easton Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93309. For more information, visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/ca/bakersfield/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

September 08, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Baseball Hall of Famer John Smoltz Leads Latest List of Retired MLB Stars to Sign with PBX Pickleball

PBX Pickleball

PBX Pickleball, the organization that unites retired professional athletes with the pickleball community, has signed Baseball Hall of Famer John Smoltz, fellow Cy Young Award Winner and 3x All-Star Eric Gangé, World Series Champ and All-Star Game MVP J.D. Drew, 4x All-Star Russell Martin, 3x All-Star Jason Kendall, 2x All-Star Brian Roberts, 2x All-Star and World Series Champ Derrek Lee, 2x All-Star Jeff Cirillo, 4x Gold Glover and veteran MLB manager Mike Matheny, All-Star Russ Ortiz, and former MLB Manager of the Year Clint Hurdle as the latest PBX Pros. Smoltz, Gagné, Drew, Martin, Kendall, Roberts, Lee, Cirillo, Matheny, Ortiz, and Hurdle join a list of accomplished retired professional athletes who will participate in the PBX Tour, PBX Pro-Ams, PBX Dream Weekends, and PBX Corporate Experiences starting later this year. In the PBX Tour, the PBX Pros will represent their respective sports in tournaments for live audiences across the country. In the PBX Pro-Ams, Dream Weekends, and Corporate Experiences, amateur pickleball players will have the opportunity to take the pickleball court with the retired stars from baseball, hockey, football, basketball, and other sports. Advisors for PBX Pickleball include 3x MLB All-Star Kevin Youkilis, 4x World Series Champ Tino Martinez, 2x MLB All-Star Brad Penny, 18-year MLB veteran Kent Mercker, NHL Player, Coach, GM and Team President Paul Holmgren, 4x Stanley Cup Champ Kris Draper, and NFL Pro Bowler and Super Bowl Champ Golden Tate. The PBX advisors will also take to the pickleball courts as PBX Pros. PBX Pickleball also signed 7x All-Star and World Series Champion Matt Holliday, 4x All-Star and 2x World Series Champion Mike Lowell, 3x All-Star, 2x World Series Champion, and World Series MVP Josh Beckett, 2x All-Star and 2x World Series Champion Jeff Conine, pitcher Josh Roenicke, and catcher Toby Hall. Martinez, Drew, Roberts, Conine, Penny, Mercker, Roenicke, and Hall were all part of the PBX Training Camp that took place at The Pickleball Club in Sarasota, FL, in August. It also included retired players from the NFL, NHL, and Olympians. As part of its outreach to athletes across major American sports, PBX Pickleball partnered with the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) and the NHL Alumni Association. About PBX Pickleball PBX Pickleball creates memorable experiences by uniting well-known retired professional athletes with amateur pickleball players and fans. Established in 2023, PBX Pickleball consists of four experiences: the PBX Tour, PBX Pro-Ams, PBX Dream Weekends, and PBX Corporate Experiences. The company is part of The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), the nation’s leading resource for the management and development of sports, recreation, wellness, and events facilities. To learn more about PBX Pickleball, go to https://pbxpickleball.com or follow @pbxpickleball on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. About The Sports Facilities Companies The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) are the nation’s leading resources for the management and development of sports, recreation, wellness, and events facilities. As a turn-key solution for community leaders and developers alike, SFC services span the gamut of sports and recreation needs from sports tourism & recreation master planning, program planning, and feasibility through professional facility management services. Our 45+ managed venues and 2000+ team members, represented by the SF Network, welcome more than 25 million guest visits and produce over $300 million in economic impact each year. To learn more, please visit SportsFacilities.com and theSFnetwork.com. Contact Details Eric Nemeth nemeth@ericpr.com Company Website https://www.pbxpickleball.com/

September 08, 2023 07:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Uno Pizzeria and Grill Initiates Fundraiser for Maui Relief Effort

UNO Pizzeria & Grill

Restaurant chain Uno Pizzeria and Grill, known as the birthplace of Deep Dish pizza, has launched a fundraiser that will benefit the Maui Strong fund. The pizza pioneer has collaborated with Anheuser Busch brand Kona Brewing to make a donation to the cause with a purchase of Kona Big Wave Golden Ale from Sept. 11th through 17th. An in-restaurant purchase of a Kona Big Wave during that period will trigger a 20% donation of the total guest check going to this fundraiser. The program will be run through most of the company’s 70 locations, which are a combination of franchise and company-owned restaurants. The Support for Maui fundraiser, known at Unos as a ‘DoughRaiser’, is an effort that is near and dear to Uno’s CEO Erik Frederick. Frederick was stationed on Pearl Harbor during his time serving in the United States Navy. “The Aloha Spirit becomes part of anyone who lives in Hawaii and leaves an indelible mark on their life and soul. I even met my wife in Hawaii, so it has always been a meaningful part of my life”. Frederick continued “Upon hearing of the tragic wildfires in Maui, I felt very strongly that we as a brand could contribute to the fundraising efforts as the recovery process will last for many years. We found a real partner in Anheuser Busch and their brand Kona Brewing whose roots are in Hawaii. It was just a natural partnership and quite frankly the right thing to do.” “This DoughRaiser allows guests of Uno Pizzeria and Grill to contribute in their own small way” stated Uno’s Director of Marketing, Chris Dellamarggio. “People always want to support when there are worthy causes, but may not know how get involved. Allowing them to contribute as part of their everyday activities gives them an easy way to give to the cause. When those contributions are pooled together across a brand like Uno’s, they can add up to a large donation.” The Maui Strong Fund is a new fund that has been set up by the well-regarded Hawai’i Community Foundation that works to get funds directly to organizations that need funding no matter their size as part of their regular every day mission. The Maui Strong Fund has been set up get immediate relief to multiple organizations that need the funds to take action now. Information about the foundation and the Maui Strong Fund can be found at hawaiicommunityfoundation.org. About UNO Pizzeria & Grill Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Uno Restaurant Holdings Corporation includes approximately 80 company-owned and franchised UNO Pizzeria & Grill restaurants located in 18 states, and the District of Columbia, India, and Saudi Arabia. UNO is all about connecting people over pizza – from its famous Chicago Deep Dish, which UNO invented in 1943, to its Chicago Thin Crust, to its gluten-free and vegan pizzas. The Company also operates Uno Foods, a consumer packaged-foods business which supplies supermarkets, airlines, movie theaters, hotels, airports, travel plazas, and schools, with both frozen and refrigerated UNO branded products. For more information, visit www.unos.com. Contact Details Chris Dellamarggio +1 339-613-7641 cdellamarggio@unos.com Company Website https://www.unos.com/

September 06, 2023 03:31 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Technology Touchdown: The Denver Broncos Score Big with Comcast Business

Comcast Colorado

Comcast Business today announced that it is providing the Denver Broncos with a suite of network solutions to help the sports franchise run its operations smoothly – whether it’s a game day or a training day – as well as keep fans connected to their favorite technology-enabled applications when they attend a game at Empower Field at Mile High. Whether it’s managing the plethora of merchandise sales, replaying nail-biting tackles on stadium screens, or asking Miles, the Broncos’ virtual assistant, a question during a game, employees and guests alike can expect reliable experiences backed by Comcast Business. Technology continues to revolutionize the sports industry, transforming experiences for fans and the operations of teams like the Broncos. Fans now expect real-time viewing experiences – regardless of whether they’re in the stadium or watching at home – and are actively participating in gamedays through social media engagement and personalized streaming services. On the backend, technology has ushered in new revenue streams for sports organizations through e-commerce platforms and digital ticketing and point-of-sale applications, and has made it easier to analyze players’ performances during training or game days. All these technology-driven offerings require a strong and reliable network backbone to make them a reality. Solutions provided by Comcast Business include SIP Trunking, between Empower Field at Mile High and the Centura Health Training Center. Additionally, Comcast Business is providing two 10 gig ethernet circuits and Comcast Business Hospitality HD Video for thousands of screens at Empower Field at Mile High. “When it comes to football, players and fans alike know that every second counts, and the same holds true for the technology within sports facilities – if it isn’t fast and reliable, fans and athletes could miss out on exciting experiences,” said Robert Thompson, vice president of business services for Comcast’s Mountain West Region. “We are proud to support the Broncos with technology solutions that not only assist the team’s employees as they work hard to bring these experiences to the Denver community, but that keep fans connected and engaged with the Broncos.” Comcast Business is the Broncos’ main internet provider for employees, players, staff, and media that attend game days. In addition to supporting stadium operations, the 10 gig circuits power the Broncos TV studio to quickly capture and create real-time content – like player interviews, commentator segments, or fan giveaways within the stadium – then broadcast it on TV screens across Empower Field at Mile High. SIP trunking provides reliable phone lines. The strong network backbone created by the combination of these solutions ultimately contributes to a more connected and convenient game day experience for fans, as well as fast, reliable back-end operations for staff. Between 2008 and today, the Broncos have seen its network of connectivity solutions and devices grow exponentially, going from roughly 400 devices supported on its network to 8,000. Despite this growth, the organization’s goal has remained the same – to deliver an uninterrupted technology experience for fans and Broncos staff. By partnering with Comcast Business, the Broncos ensured that its network was flexible, and capable of handling future growth as the sporting industry continues to evolve. “We need to make sure that our back-end network can provide it all, and Comcast Business has created a runway for us that helps ensure our daily operations will be successful,” said Russ Trainor, senior vice president of IT for the Broncos. “We trust Comcast Business to deliver the solutions and support we need every day, not just on game days. And, as we add more services to our existing network, we know Comcast Business will help us deliver them.” In the Denver area, Comcast Business also supports the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field with an enhanced network infrastructure and end-to-end network management solutions. Additionally, in December 2022, Comcast expanded its network throughout the Denver Metro Area, launching an additional multi-gig internet speed tier for Xfinity and Comcast Business customers. The upgrade is delivering download speeds up to two gigabits-per-second and up to 5x to 10x faster upload speeds to customers in select areas. About Comcast Business Comcast Business offers a broad suite of technology solutions to keep businesses of all sizes ready for what’s next. With a range of offerings including connectivity, secure networking, advanced cybersecurity, and unified communications solutions, Comcast Business is partnering with business and technology leaders across industries and integrating Masergy, a leader in software defined networking, to help drive businesses forward. Backed by a next-generation network, Comcast Business has been recognized for its growth, innovation, and leadership in global secure networking. For more information, call 800-501-6000. Follow on Twitter @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social. 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 connectivity, 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. Contact Details Matt Helmke +1 215-286-8666 matt_helmke@comcast.com Company Website https://colorado.comcast.com/

September 05, 2023 08:00 AM Mountain Daylight Time

BOUNDARY BREAKING BEAUTY BRAND, THE LIP BAR, DEBUTS IN OVER 3,000 CVS STORES NATIONWIDE

The Lip Bar

TLB, the beauty brand pioneering in maximum impact cosmetics, announces its expansion with retail partner CVS. Following TLB ’s continued success with current retail partners Target and Walmart, the brand has recently been named the largest Black-owned brand available at Target in 2023. Now the indie brand breaking barriers in promoting inclusive beauty standards will have its largest in-store retail presence to date in 3,300 CVS locations nationwide. Customers will have access to The Lip Bar ’s range of award-winning and best-selling lipsticks and lip glosses, intentionally formulated for all complexions. In-store displays will feature product education highlighting the longevity of The Lip Bar ’s clean, vegan, and cruelty-free product formulations, and extensive shade ranges, all made with the consumer in mind. To celebrate The Lip Bar ’s retail expansion and further building the brands longstanding community of confident ‘Bawse’ women, the brand is hosting a cash and product giveaway with a grand prize of $3,000, to coincide with the 3,300-store launch, on September 4 th through September 15 th, for customers who share their lip product purchased at a CVS store. “We are excited to take The Lip Bar nationally in over 3,000 CVS stores and continue growing the brand to be accessible for all beauty lovers nationwide. What started as developing lipsticks in my kitchen over ten years ago, to touring cross country in The Lip Bar mobile truck, it’s beautiful to reach the masses with an amazing retail partner like CVS, who share our mission to drive innovation forward and create beauty solutions for everyone to experience our number one selling lip products that empower our supporters!” shared The Lip Bar Founder and CEO, Melissa Butler “The Lip Bar’s continued success and expansion into CVS stores is an exciting representation of the continued demand for a brand that connects with its community of diverse beauty lovers at their nearest convenience. We are excited as The Lip Bar is already the largest Black-owned brand in its existing retail partners, and we’re looking forward to making history with CVS.” said Lauren DeVor, The Lip Bar’s Director of Sales Since launching in 2012, The Lip Bar has challenged the beauty standard by creating innovative, clean, and exciting products to represent all beauty lovers, growing from lip products to eye, face, and skincare. Founder Melissa Butler strives to deliberately cater to women who have like her, write their own story, and live their unfiltered truth to achieve success. Following launching in select Target stores in 2018 and Walmart stores in 2021, The Lip Bar has garnered cult status with TLB’s matte liquid lipstick Bawse Lady as the retailer’s #1 red lipstick across all multicultural color cosmetics brands, matte liquid lipstick Rich Auntie as the #1 innovation at Target, and TLB has consistently remained the #1 independent, Black owned beauty brand amongst all multicultural color cosmetics. In September 2022, TLB’s parent company, The Lip Bar Inc. announced that it had raised an oversubscribed $6.7M fundraising round to further grow its house of brands including TLB. The funding positioned TLB for growth in both existing and new retail channels, leading to the expansion with CVS. Butler plans to scale and grow her business while continuing to disrupt the beauty industry, challenge societal norms of the past continuously and engage with TLB’s core consumer. About The Lip Bar TLB is a beauty brand started in the kitchen of Founder and CEO, Melissa Butler while working on Wall Street. Since her early days of developing formulations, The Lip Bar has become a pioneer on clean beauty and inclusion, proudly founded and owned by a self-made Woman of Color. Since its launch in 2012, Butler has been on a mission to change the way people think about beauty. Believing that all beauty brands have the capacity to represent all beauty lovers, while creating clean and exciting products. Contact Details First and Last PR thelipbar@firstandlastpr.com Company Website http://www.thelipbar.com

September 05, 2023 08:57 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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New Army campaign inspires young Americans to take the first step to “Be All You Can Be”

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/Zr1Os51K6G8 On August 21, the U.S. Army unveiled “First Steps,” a new campaign that shows young Americans how they can start their journey to service. The campaign is built on the premise that American youth don’t need to have everything figured out from the beginning to make an impact. Taking a chance is the first step to achieving your goals. The campaign is a continuation of the “Be All You Can Be” brand refresh, which launched in March 2023. The new campaign offers an up-close, personal, and unfiltered look at Soldiers embarking on some of the most powerful experiences in their early Army journeys, including arriving at basic training, receiving their first patch, and hitting their first target from a battle tank. Maj. Sam Winkler is a shining example of where your first steps can take you in the U.S. Army. After immigrating to the United States from Nepal, she took her own first step: enlisting in the Army at 17 years old. Now, as a Soldier and a mom, she has used her passion for family to help lead a first grassroots effort transforming the way the U.S. Army supports parents in the force. Her efforts, in collaboration with other Army parents, led to the development of the Army’s Directive 2022-06: Parenthood, Pregnancy, and Postpartum. Twelve policy changes address key issues like family care planning, fertility treatments, paid parental leave, support in returning to work, and more. On August 30, Maj. Winkler conducted a nationwide media tour discussing the campaign and the limitless opportunities in the Army for youth to find their purpose, explore their passions, build connections, and join a community. Topics Maj. Winkler discussed included: The Army’s new “First Steps” campaign Her path to Army service and the many firsts along the way Her work to improve Army life for parents through the Directive on Parenthood, Pregnancy, and Postpartum The limitless possibilities and benefits available to Army Soldiers and their families To learn more, visit: https://www.goarmy.com/ Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

September 04, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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New Report Raises Concerns Around Human Rights Violations of India's Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah

Human Rights Transparency Trust

In anticipation of the upcoming G20 summit scheduled to take place in New Delhi, India on September 9-10, 2023, Human Rights Index has released a new report titled " Amit Shah - India's Invisible Prime Minister." The report offers a in-depth examination of the influence, impact, and concerns raised by stakeholders around the world regarding the actions and politics Amit Anil Chandra Shah, India's Minister of Home Affairs. As the world's largest democracy prepares to take center stage at the G20 summit, the spotlight turns to India's leadership. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi serves as the visible face of the Indian government, the power and influence wielded by Amit Shah, the Minister of Home Affairs, cannot be underestimated. Often referred to as India's Invisible Prime Minister, Shah's track record raises serious concerns that are of utmost importance to global leaders, particularly those in Great Britain, the European Union, and the United States. The Human Rights Index report presents a meticulously researched analysis of Amit Shah's role as a key player in Indian governance and the driving force behind the country’s pivot to far-right nationalism in recent years. His close association with Prime Minister Modi and his authoritative control over a considerable police force underscore the extent of his reach and authority. Shah's political journey has been characterized by allegations of human rights violations, suppression of dissent, and the enactment of divisive policies that have disproportionately affected minority communities, including Muslims, Jews, and LGBTQ+ groups. Of particular concern is his advocacy for Article 14 and the Citizenship Amendment Act, which have sparked widespread protests and attracted international criticism. Amit Shah has also played a central role in politicizing the ongoing refugee crisis in Manipur, India, and has faced widespread criticism refusing to seek holistic solutions to the issue. The Human Rights Index report also delves into Shah's connections to Russia, especially in the context of regional peace, stability, and freedom, are also explored. As India prepares to host the G20 summit, the report underscores the importance of safeguarding democratic values and human rights on a global scale. The complete "Amit Shah - India's Invisible Prime Minister" report is accessible for download here. For media inquiries, please contact: Comms[at]HRIndex.fund The Human Rights Index is a platform dedicated to raising awareness about the complex crisis faced by refugees in India. Its mission is to bring attention to the history of discrimination and violence faced by religious and ethnic minorities in India. Through research and advocacy, it aims to promote human rights and support those affected by persecution. Contact Details Press Team +44 7584 421001 comms@hrindex.fund

September 04, 2023 03:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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SIGMA Announces release of 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary and 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary for Fujifilm X Mount System

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA

SIGMA Corporation of America is pleased to announce the release of two lenses for the Fujifilm X Mount camera system. The addition of the 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary and 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary expands the line of SIGMA products for Fujifilm X Mount to six versatile lenses. The 100-400mm F5-6.3 is the second zoom lens for Fujifilm X Mount, joining the compact 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary lens; while the 23mm F1.4 joins the fast F1.4 prime lineup, which also includes the 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary, 30mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary and 56mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary lenses. The X Mount versions of these lenses join the Leica L and Sony E-mount versions which are currently available for purchase through authorized retailers. The SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary ($949 US) and SIGMA 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary ($549 US) will be available for Fujifilm X Mount cameras at Authorized US Dealers on September 21, 2023. Learn more about the SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary lens: https://www.sigmaphoto.com/100-400mm-f5-6-3-dg-dn-os-c Learn more about the SIGMA 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary lens: https://www.sigmaphoto.com/23mm-f1-4-dc-dn-c Launch schedule of SIGMA 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary in FUJIFILM X Mount SIGMA Corporation is pleased to announce the launch schedule of the SIGMA 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary in FUJIFILM X Mount. Supplied Accessories: LENS HOOD LH554-01, FRONT CAP LCF-52mm III, REAR CAP LCR II Available Mount: FUJIFILM X Mount Barcode: 0085126 348755 Available: September 21, 2023 * The appearance and specifications of the product are subject to change. #SIGMA #SIGMA23mmContemporary #SIGMAContemporary #SIGMADCDN #SIGMAXMount Long-awaited X Mount addition The SIGMA 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary ― a large-aperture wide-angle lens designed exclusively for APS-C mirrorless cameras ― will now be available for the Fujifilm X Mount. A control algorithm including AF drive and communication speed optimization has been developed specifically for X Mount interchangeable lenses. In addition to realizing high-speed AF, the lens also supports AF-C (Continuous AF) and in-camera aberration correction*. The mount is rubber-sealed to cater for use in a variety of environments. *Function available on supported cameras only. Functionality may vary depending on the camera model. Mount Conversion Service is available to convert other mounts of SIGMA 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary to FUJIFILM X Mount. https://www.sigma-global.com/en/support/purpose/mcs/ [ Key Features ] 1. Large aperture F1.4 brightness and excellent resolution from maximum aperture The SIGMA 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary has an easy-to-use angle of view equivalent to 35mm in 35mm format, as well as the brightness of a large F1.4 aperture and high descriptive power. The optics is composed of 13 elements in 10 groups, including 3 SLD glass elements and 2 aspherical lens elements, to achieve sharp, clear images. The lens delivers excellent resolving power from the maximum aperture. Furthermore, the large F1.4 aperture allows for large, beautiful bokeh effects. The compact, palm-size body allows you to enjoy the rich descriptive power of mirrorless cameras. Careful countermeasures against flare and ghosting enable clear shooting even in backlit environments. 2. Compact body optimized for APS-C mirrorless cameras To take advantage of the mobility of APS-C mirrorless cameras, the lens body is compact and lightweight, with a weight of 335g*, length of 79.2mm*, and filter diameter of 52mm. At the same time, the quality of the lens body itself has not been compromised. The high-precision machining technology of SIGMA's sole production facility in Aizu, Japan, has enabled the lens body to achieve the ideal balance between excellent optical performance based on the latest optical and mechanical design, and compactness. The AF drive system uses a quiet, high-speed stepping motor. The latest algorithm enables quick focusing for easy shooting. * The figures are for X Mount. * The length of a lens is measured from the filter surface to its mount. 3. Expands the variety of APS-C format F1.4 prime lenses The SIGMA Contemporary line offers a wide variety of APS-C format F1.4 prime lenses. All of them share the concept of combining superior resolution with compactness and light weight. By combining them according to your needs, you can build a compact photographic system without compromising image quality. * The figures are for X Mount. * The length of a lens is measured from the filter surface to its mount. [ Additional Features ] • Lens construction: 13 elements in 10 groups (3 SLD, 2 aspherical elements) • Inner focus system • Compatible with high-speed autofocus • Stepping Motor • Compatible with lens aberration correction *Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections or auto correction functionality may vary depending on the camera model. *On cameras where lens aberration correction is controlled with ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’ in the camera menu, please set all aberration correction functions to ‘ON'(AUTO). • Support DMF and AF+MF • Compatible with AF assist (Sony E-mount only) • Super Multi-Layer Coating • Mount with dust and splash resistant structure • Lens Hood LH554-01 • 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 [ Key Specifications ] The figures below are for the X Mount version. Lens Construction: 13 elements in 10 groups (3 SLD, 2 aspherical elements) Angle of View: 63.4° Number of Diaphragm Blades: 9 (rounded diaphragm) Minimum Aperture: F16 Minimum Focusing Distance: 25cm / 9.8 in. Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:7.3 Filter Size: 52mm Dimensions (Max. Diam. x Length*): 65.8mm x 79.2mm / 2.6in. x 3.1in. Weight: 335g / 11.8 oz. * The length of a lens is measured from the filter surface to its mount. Launch schedule of SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary in FUJIFILM X Mount SIGMA Corporation is pleased to announce the launch schedule of the SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary in FUJIFILM X Mount. Supplied Accessories: LENS HOOD LH770-05, FRONT CAP LCF-67mm III, REAR CAP LCR II, PROTECTIVE COVER PT-31 Available Mount: FUJIFILM X Mount Barcode: 0085126 750756 Available: September 21, 2023 * The appearance and specifications of the product are subject to change. #SIGMA #SIGMA100400mmContemporary #SIGMAContemporary #SIGMADGDN #SIGMAXMount Long-awaited X Mount addition The SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary, which was created in 2020 as the "Handy Tele Master", the DG DN version of the ultra-telephoto zoom dedicated for full-frame mirrorless cameras, will now be added for the Fujifilm X Mount. With the mirrorless large-aperture F1.4 APS-C size single focal length (16mm, 23mm, 30mm, 56mm), F2.8 zoom (18-50mm), and the addition of this super-telephoto zoom lens, SIGMA's X Mount lens lineup has expanded to six lenses. The new lineup covers a wide range of applications, from wide-angle to ultra-telephoto. A control algorithm including AF drive and communication speed optimization has been developed specifically for X Mount interchangeable lenses. In addition to realizing high-speed AF, the lens also supports AF-C (Continuous AF) and in-camera aberration correction*. The mount is rubber-sealed to cater for use in a variety of environments. *Function available on supported cameras only. Functionality may vary depending on the camera model. The switches have also been optimized for X Mount. The "AF Function Setting Switch" allows the user to select a function while the AF Function Button is pressed on the lens side. Mount Conversion Service is available to convert other mounts of SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary to FUJIFILM X Mount. About Mount Conversion Service: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/support/purpose/mcs/ [ Key Features ] 1. Compact ultra-telephoto zoom equivalent to 600mm in 35mm format The SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary for X Mount, the sixth lens to be converted to X Mount, is a ultra-telephoto zoom lens covering an angle of view equivalent to 150-600mm in 35mm format. Despite covering the 600mm equivalent ultra-telephoto range, the lens has a compact design with an length of 199.5mm, a maximum diameter of 86mm, and a weight of 1,135g. It enables ultra-telephoto photography utilizing the compact Fujifilm X Mount system. The SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary, designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras, can be used with an APS-C format X Mount body to deliver extremely high descriptive performance right up to the extreme periphery. 2. Uncompromising image quality The lens construction of the SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary comprises 16 groups and 22 elements, with one FLD and four SLDs used for the effective correction of aberrations and distortions. Built on the latest optical design technology and optimized for mirrorless systems, the lens ensures the same high-resolution image quality all the way to the edges. In addition, it constantly achieves high levels of optical performance and makes the most of its capabilities as a zoom lens in any condition, at every focal length from wide to telephoto, and from close-up shots to telephoto photography. 3. A full range of functionalities that enables smooth and easy ultra-telephoto shooting In addition to a high-speed and smooth AF enabled by the stepping motor optimized to the latest algorithm, the SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary incorporates powerful image stabilization (OS) of five steps* built into the lens. When combined with a camera body with image stabilization built in, the lens corrects for pitch and yaw axis rotations, providing even more powerful image stabilization. It also features the AF function setting switch to which the user may select AF lock/AF activation, and the focus limiter switch that allows optimizing the AF range according to the purpose of shooting, Zoom lock switch that fixes the zoom ring at the widest end, preventing it from rotating and causing the lens barrel to extend under its own weight during transportation, OS Switch which the user may switch between Mode 1 for general photography and Mode 2 for motor sports and other applications requiring panning. In addition, the SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary supports straight zoom, which allows photographers to zoom in and out by adjusting the hood, enabling intuitive and quick view angle adjustments. It features a “Dual action zoom” which supports both straight zoom and ring zoom. * Based on CIPA guidelines (Measured in 400mm with an APS-C size image sensor) 4. Lightweight & Compact lens body SIGMA designed a light and durable ultra-telephoto zoom lens addition to its Contemporary line. The SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary packs functionalities required for angles of view corresponding to focal lengths of 100-400mm in a compact, lightweight body. It is not merely about weight reduction, but the lens is durable, with careful selections to utilize the right materials in the right place. For instance, magnesium alloy is used for the part where a tripod socket is attached, which needs to be very strong. To allow for a pairing with camera bodies of different sizes, a tripod socket, TS-111 kit (sold separately) is available. As this helps reduce any strain on the camera body, photographers can shoot long hours without worrying about it. The tripod socket comes with a strap which also helps reduce strain on the mount when carrying the lens around or during transportation. [ Additional Features ] • Lens construction: 22 elements in 16 groups (1 FLD, 4 SLD) • OS (Optical Stabilizer) function • Inner focus system • Compatible with high-speed autofocus • Stepping motor • Compatible with Lens Aberration Correction *Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections or auto correction functionality may vary depending on the camera model. *On cameras where lens aberration correction is controlled with ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’ in the camera menu, please set all aberration correction functions to ‘ON'(AUTO). • Super Multi-Layer Coating • AF function button • Focus Limiter • AF function setting switch • OS switch • Zoom lock switch • Mount with dust and splash resistant structure • LENS HOOD LH770-05 • PROTECTIVE COVER PT-31 • Compatible with TRIPOD SOCKET TS-111 Kit • 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 [ Key Specifications ] The figures below are for the X Mount version. Lens Construction: 22 elements in 16 groups (1 FLD, 4 SLD) Angle of View (APS-C): 16.2° (W) - 4.1° (T) Number of Diaphragm Blades: 9 (rounded diaphragm) Minimum Aperture: F22-29 Minimum Focusing Distance: 112cm (W) – 160cm (T) Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:4.1 (at 400mm focal length) Filter Size: 67mm Dimensions (Max. Diam. x Length*): 86mm x 199.5mm / 3.4 x 7.9 in Weight: 1,135g / 40.0 oz. * The length of a lens is measured from the filter surface to its mount. [Contact] For further information, please contact your local authorized SIGMA Service Station listed at the link below: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/world-network/ [Information] SIGMA Corporation: https://www.sigma-global.com/ SIGMA 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary product page: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/c023_23_14/ SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary product page： https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/c020_100_400_5_63/ SIGMA X Mount special page: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/magazine/m_series/others-lenses/fujifilm-x-mount/sigma_xmount_lenses/ ### 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, Fujifilm, 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 over 35 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, or follow SIGMA America on social media. SIGMA Photo: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram SIGMA CINE: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Contact Details SIGMA +1 631-585-1144 SIGMA.PR@Sigmaphoto.com Company Website https://www.sigma-global.com/en/

August 31, 2023 09:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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SIGMA Announces release of 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary and 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary for Fujifilm X Mount System