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Dr Hen launches STI Education Series, Exclusively on Social Media

Dr Hen

Dr Hen, the popular social media Hen doctor, has launched a content series highlighting digestible STI education and prevention, as the U.S. predicts a record surge in STI rates this summer. The content series comes hot off the heels of vaccine roll-outs - with 50% of Americans now being vaccinated, singles are gearing up for a hot summer and Dr Hen is aiming to destigmatize STI awareness with its educational series. The ‘ Dr Hen Says’ STI series launches May 25, with content posted throughout the summer until July 15. The series will present multiple illustrated panels, with the goal of modernizing and simplifying health education, ultimately, putting people’s health information in their own hands. Additionally, the series will cover leading diseases and concerns, including; herpes, gonorrhea, HPV facts, curable and incurable STIs, risk factors, and simple treatment measures. “I created a social platform as I saw the need for a safe space dedicated to sharing and building a community where individuals can help each other stay informed on leading health topics - something we need now more than ever,” said Dr Hen, Chief Physician of the Medical Center in Hen World. “We are beginning to experience a post-pandemic world, with STIs being one of many health concerns to surface - the platform aims to address these topics in a non-judgemental and compassionate way.” As Covid restrictions across the nation continue to ease, the pent up (sexual) frustration is real. The CDC notes that those aged between 15-24 years of age are amongst the most popular age group to experience leading STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea. Coupled with this being the same age group to retrieve the majority of their information from social media, we have a generation that is in need of quick, easy, and accurate information directly from their phone - and Dr Hen is the answer. With 72% of the United States population active across social media, online health education has seen a steady increase due to its ability to remove physical barriers that traditionally impede access to healthcare support and resources. As selected health topics, including STIs, mental health, and AIDS, continue to be stigmatized, the need for an inclusive and approachable online platform with accurate information has never been more important. With a rapidly growing Instagram page of 148K followers, the testimonials speak for themselves as Dr Hen Says has become a popular and go-to health platform for many in the U.S. and across the globe. The platform destigmatizes the world of health, ultimately breaking through negative and inaccurate health concerns, offering individuals around the world the opportunity to overcome any barriers to accessing quality health information through modern devices. ABOUT DR HEN SAYS: Dr Hen is a Chief Resident, writer and illustrator in the animated planet called Hen World. This Instagram influencer is renowned for encouraging awareness, dialogue, and building communities around difficult health topics. With so much misinformation and toxicity on social media, Dr Hen is there to break through the negativity with a voice of compassion, empathy, inclusiveness, decency and diversity. Dr Hen believes in empowering readers to actively seek and share knowledge in order to gain greater control over decisions relating to their own health. Aiming to establish a destigmatized world of health, Dr Hen is making health more approachable by raising awareness and fighting misinformation. Instagram: @drhensays YouTube: Dr Hen Says Twitter: @drhensays Facebook: @drhensays *Statistics included from ‘CDC Newsroom’, Reported STDs Reach All-time High for 6th Consecutive Year; ‘Statista’, Reach of leading social networking sites used by teenage and young adult online users in the United States as of 3rd quarter 2020; ‘Statista’, Active social network penetration in selected countries as of January 2021; The New York Times’ interactive COVID-19 vaccine tracker: Tracking Coronavirus Vaccinations Around the World by Josh Holder. Contact Details Jive PR + Digital Lynsey Gray +1 250-505-6434 lgray@jiveprdigital.com Company Website https://hen.world/

May 26, 2021 11:33 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Osmo Announces New Retail Partnership: Families Traveling Through U.S. Airports Memorial Day Weekend Can Purchase Osmo’s STEAM Products at InMotion Stores

Osmo

According to parents, kids love playing Osmo at school, at home, and even while they are on vacation. To reach families with school-aged kids (3-10 years) who love to shop while traveling, award-winning STEAM brand Osmo announces a new exclusive partnership with the country’s largest airport-based electronics retailer, InMotion, plus its sister venues iStore and Soundbalance, which offer cutting-edge and diverse premium electronics for tech-savvy business and leisure travelers. Starting May 29, 2021, four of Osmo’s best-selling kits will be available for purchase at InMotion, Soundbalance and iStore airport and resort locations across the country. “We’re thrilled to be launching our best-selling STEM/STEAM kits for iPad at so many InMotion locations across the country, during one of the busiest and most anticipated travel holidays, and this pivotal reopening time,” says Richard Ryan, Senior Director of U.S. Omnichannel Sales at Osmo. “Today’s parents feel that traveling with technology is a must, even for their kids, who are looking for the best products and entertainment to use while on the road. And, with tablet technology being easier to operate while in flight, kids can easily play with Osmo’s engaging array of learning games.” “The travel industry’s resilience is clear, and we are ready for the pent up demand for travel. The toy industry is experiencing a 16% increase over last year and InMotion is intent on delivering gaming technology to all ages. Osmo is the ideal kids’ system for engagement and happiness while traveling and we’re elated to introduce our exclusive partnership to the traveling consumers. Families are traveling more as virtual education is more readily available. Families look to toys to help keep their children engaged, active, and delighted,” says Eden Goldberg, Divisional Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at InMotion Entertainment Group, LLC. Almost half of the retail locations will feature Osmo’s STEAM kits stacked in floor displays, while over half of the locations will showcase a powered display with video, interactive display, and all four Osmo kits. Orlando, Detroit and New York City/LaGuardia airport locations will soon offer interactive displays that allow families to sit and test out products, while shopping. The four Osmo products currently offered by InMotion, Soundbalance and iStore, are: Little Genius Starter Kit for iPad (retail $79) Genius Starter Kit for iPad (retail $99) Creative Starter Kit for iPad (retail $69) Coding Starter Kit for iPad (retail $99) InMotion, Soundbalance, and iStore airport locations currently carrying Osmo include: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Dallas, Detroit, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Seattle, San Diego, San Francisco, Windsor Locks (CT), Baltimore, Washington D.C./Dulles, Washington D.C./Reagan, and New York City/LaGuardia. InMotion casino locations carrying Osmo include: Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas. About InMotion InMotion Entertainment Group is the largest airport-based electronics retailer with more than 120 locations throughout the United States. Together with Marshall Retail Group, InMotion is a part of world-renowned retailer WH Smith. InMotion operates in 44 of the top performing U.S. airports as InMotion, Soundbalance, Headphone Hub, and iStore. With access and insight into the latest technologies for business and leisure travelers, InMotion offers lifestyle products and electronics that include a wide breadth of headphones, mobile power, Bluetooth speakers and travel accessories. InMotion has been the recipient of numerous industry awards that include recognition by Airport Experience News for "Best Specialty Retailer" and "Best Concessions, Highest Regard for Customer Service" for four years running. It has been acknowledged by USA Today as one of the "10 Best" Airport Concession Stores nationwide. InMotion Entertainment Group also remains the only airport retailer to appear in the two industry indexes: Dealerscope's Top 101 Consumer Electronics Retailer List for nine consecutive years, along with ranking in the Top 50 of Twice Magazine's Top 100 CE Retailers. The award-winning, knowledgeable sales associates provide an exceptional experience, with live demonstrations of every product in the store to help travelers choose the best products for their journey. For more information and real-time updates, visit InMotion online at InMotionStores.com. Follow the conversations on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. About Osmo Osmo is an award-winning STEAM brand whose products are used in over 50,000 classrooms and 2.5 million homes. It is building a universe of hands-on play experiences that nourish the minds of children by unleashing the power of imagination. The company brings physical tools into the digital world through augmented reality and its proprietary reflective artificial intelligence. Founded in 2013 by ex-Google engineers Pramod Sharma and Jerome Scholler, the Osmo Play System fuses digital gameplay and physical interaction to create fun and nutritious play experiences designed for all kids. Osmo is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. Learn more at playosmo.com. Contact Details Carolyn Kamii PR Carolyn Kamii carolynkpr@gmail.com Osmo Karen O'Dell karen@playosmo.com Company Website http://www.playosmo.com

May 26, 2021 04:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Cyvatar Wins Two Coveted Global InfoSec Awards at RSA 2021

Cyvatar

Cyvatar today announced two more prestigious industry award wins, this time as 2021 Global InfoSec award winners for the Cutting-Edge in Cybersecurity-as-a-Service (CSaaS) and the Most Innovative SecOps-as-a-Service, by Cyber Defense Magazine--the industry’s leading electronic information security magazine. This year marks Cyber Defense Magazine’s ninth year of honoring global InfoSec innovators. Its submission requirements are for any startup, early-stage, later stage, or public companies in the information security space who have a unique and compelling value proposition for their product or service. “We’re thrilled to receive one of the most prestigious and coveted cybersecurity awards in the world from Cyber Defense Magazine,” said Cyvatar Co-Founder and Chief Executive Corey White. “We knew the competition would be tough, and with top judges who are leading infosec experts from around the globe, we couldn’t be more pleased.”. Award judges are CISSP, FMDHS, CEH, certified security professionals who voted based on their independent review of the company submitted materials on the website of each submission including but not limited to data sheets, white papers, product literature, and other market variables. “We scoured the globe looking for cybersecurity innovators that could make a huge difference and potentially help turn the tide against the exponential growth in cybercrime, said Gary S. Miliefsky, Publisher of Cyber Defense Magazine. “Cyvatar is absolutely worthy of these coveted awards and consideration for deployment in your environment.” CDM has a flexible philosophy to find more innovative players with new and unique technologies, than the one with the most customers or money in the bank. CDM is always asking “What’s Next?” so we are looking for Next Generation InfoSec Solutions. Whether you’re a small business starting from scratch or need to amplify your existing security investments, Cyvatar is here for you. Get started for free or reach out to Cyvatar at CYVATAR.AI. About Cyber Defense Magazine With over 5 Million monthly readers and growing, and thousands of pages of searchable online infosec content, Cyber Defense Magazine is the premier source of IT Security information for B2B and B2G with our sister magazine Cyber Security Magazine for B2C. We are managed and published by and for ethical, honest, passionate information security professionals. Our mission is to share cutting-edge knowledge, real-world stories and awards on the best ideas, products and services in the information technology industry. We deliver electronic magazines every month online for free, and special editions exclusively for the RSA Conferences. CDM is a proud member of the Cyber Defense Media Group. Learn more about us at https://www.cyberdefensemagazine.com and visit https://www.cyberdefensetv.com and https://www.cyberdefenseradio.com to see and hear some of the most informative interviews of many of these winning company executives. Join a webinar at https://www.cyberdefensewebinars.com and realize that infosec knowledge is power. About Cyvatar Cyvatar is committed to cybersecurity for everyone. As the industry’s first subscription-based, cybersecurity-as-a-service (CSaaS) company, it’s our mission to transform the way the security industry builds, sells, and supports cyber solutions. We empower our members to achieve successful outcomes by providing expert advisors, proven technologies, and a strategic process roadmap to guarantee results that map to their business drivers. Our approach is rooted in proprietary ICARM (installation, configuration, assessment, remediation, maintenance) methodology that delivers smarter, measurable security solutions for superior compliance and cyber-attack protection faster and more efficiently, all at a fixed monthly price. And because we’re a subscription, members can cancel anytime. Cyvatar is headquartered in Irvine, California with locations around the world. Begin your journey to security confidence at CYVATAR.AI and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Contact Details Cyvatar KC Higgins +1 303-434-8163 kc@cyvatar.ai Company Website https://cyvatar.ai/

May 19, 2021 12:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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News Release

ThreatModeler Software, Inc Wins Two Categories by Global Infosec Awards for 2021

ThreatModeler Software, Inc.

ThreatModeler Software, Inc is proud to announce that it has won the following two categories from Cyber Defense Magazine, the industry's leading electronic information security magazine exclusively for RSA Conferences: Most Innovative in Cloud Security Most Innovative in Threat Modeling The 9th annual Global InfoSec Awards were announced during the opening of the RSA Conference on May 17, 2021. We have been selected by CISSP, FMDHS, CEH, certified security professionals based on their independent reviews of the products/services. Innovation is the driving force here at Threatmodeler and believe this is what sets us apart to be the leader in our industry category. “We are very excited to see continuing recognition for our automated threat modeling platform and the innovation we bring to cyber security”, said Archie Agarwal, Founder and CEO of ThreatModeler Software, Inc. “We’re honored to be selected by a panel of expert judges around the globe from over 3,000 companies”. “These winners are the most innovative, forward thinking and proactive cyber security companies and service providers on the planet who are working to bring tomorrow’s cybersecurity solutions to market, today,” said Gary S. Miliefsky, Publisher of Cyber Defense Magazine. About Cyber Defense Magazine Infosec Awards This is Cyber Defense Magazine's ninth year of delivering and honoring the most innovative and valuable innovator for any startup, early-stage, later-stage, or public companies in the information security space who have a unique and compelling value proposition for their product or service. Learn more at https://cyberdefenseawards.com/ About ThreatModeler Software, Inc. ThreatModeler is an automated platform that provides a sustainable, self-service threat modeling practice for applications and infrastructure that evolves as your infrastructure grows. ThreatModeler encourages collaboration through its simple process flow diagram-based functionality that's easy to use in the creation of threat models that identify, prioritize and mitigate threats, while communicating them broadly. ThreatModeler integrates with JIRA, Jenkins, and Azure Boards and Pipelines, with bidirectional web services API also unifying stakeholders in collaboration. Teams are empowered to code fearlessly and deliver new products with security built-in as early as the design phase, which is based on global security and compliance standards. Click here to schedule a live demo with a threat modeling expert. Contact Details ThreatModeler Software, Inc Sarah Chan +1 201-266-0510 marketing@threatmodeler.com Company Website https://threatmodeler.com/

May 18, 2021 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

COMCAST EQUIPS 10 COMMUNITY CENTERS AS WIFI-CONNECTED “LIFT ZONES” ACROSS SOUTHERN COLORADO

Comcast Colorado

As part of its ongoing commitment to help connect low-income families to the Internet so they can fully participate in educational opportunities and the digital economy, Comcast today announced the activation of 10 locations across Colorado Springs and Pueblo as WiFi-connected “Lift Zones.” Working with its network of nonprofit partners in the Southern Colorado region, Comcast is providing robust WiFi coverage in safe spaces to help low-income students and individuals get online, access critical resources, participate in digital literacy and workforce development trainings, and support their education during the school year and into the summer months for continuous learning. "We are grateful to Comcast for providing these Lift Zones at service providers across our city,” said Mayor John Suthers, City of Colorado Springs. “Internet connectivity has been a vital part of the continued functioning of our economy and our schools, and it’s important that we remove any obstacles that could keep people from working or learning during these unprecedented times.” "The pandemic underscored how critical a reliable internet connection is for Pueblo students and individuals,” said Mayor Nick Gradisar, City of Pueblo. "The Comcast Lift Zones being installed at community centers across the city are a welcome addition to our community, providing much-needed connectivity.” Southern Colorado organizations working with Comcast to establish Lift Zones in their respective facilities include: Colorado Springs • Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pikes Peak Region • E.A. Tutt Club • El Pomar Club • YMCA • Southeast Family • Garden Ranch Family • Salvation Army • Red Shield • Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center Pueblo • Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County • Senior Resource Development Agency (SRDA) • Sprague Clubhouse • Pueblo YMCA • Southern Colorado Youth Development “Comcast has long been a steadfast partner to Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center as we team to support our military community,” said Robert “Bob” McLaughlin, Chief Operating Officer, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center. “COVID-19 forced us to expand our virtual service delivery model and Comcast has once again come along side of us to offer a helping hand to enhance the connectivity of our clients. A sincere thank you to these tremendous teammates.” "The Comcast Lift Zone allowed our members to fully participate in their virtual classroom experience, which was not the case prior the Lift Zone installation due to the lack of internet speed with so many members utilizing the WiFi at the club at the same time,” said Cheryl Martinez, Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County Teen Director. These Lift Zones will feature free WiFi provided by Comcast, which allows students and adults to work on laptops simultaneously so they can successfully participate in the digital economy. This initiative provides free connectivity inside partner community centers for the next three years. “Access to the Internet is a critical component of digital equity, especially as we head into the summer months,” said Amy Lynch, Sr. Vice President Comcast Mountain West Region. “Reliable connectivity offered in a safe, clean space for students is a year-round necessity to combat summer learning loss. Consistent connectivity and locations for adults to get online, search for jobs, access healthcare information and adult education is key for all individuals in our communities to succeeded in an increasingly digital world.” Lift Zones sites are also being installed in communities throughout the state and Comcast is currently accepting nominations for potential Lift Zone sites. Visit Colorado.Comcast.com/Lift-Zones to nominate an organization and see the full list of current locations. In addition, the company is providing free access to hundreds of hours of digital skills content to help families and site coordinators navigate online learning. Lift Zone sites complement Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, which has connected more than more than 82,000 low-income Southern Coloradans and more than 480,000 Coloradans across the state to the internet at home. Today’s announcement also comes on the heels of Comcast’s recent $1 billion commitment over the next 10 years to help further close the digital divide and give even more low-income students and families the tools and resources they need to succeed in a digital world. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 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 Comcast Leslie Oliver +1 303-810-6326 leslie_oliver@comcast.com Company Website https://colorado.comcast.com/

May 18, 2021 08:30 AM Mountain Daylight Time

Lack Of Long-Term Care Planning Forces Retirees To The Poverty Level For Assistance by Jennifer Lang Financial Services

Jennifer Lang Financial Services, LLC

Contact Details Jennifer Lang Financial Services, LLC. Jennifer Lang +1 877-487-8926 mail@jenniferlangfinancialservices.com Company Website https://www.jenniferlangfinancialservices.com

May 18, 2021 10:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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TRUST SCIENCE PLEDGE CALLS FOR PUBLIC TO ENGAGE IN SCIENTIFIC LITERACY

International Day of Light Steering Committee

After a year in which scientific breakthroughs are helping countries return to a sense of normality, a new pledge offers the general public a path to draw attention to the importance of scientific literacy. The Trust Science pledge, a worldwide campaign to promote support for the scientific process and acknowledge the many benefits of science for society is a first step to recognizing the vital role science plays in improving quality of life and combatting scientific misinformation. Scientific literacy, or the understanding of science, its methodology, observations and theories, starts with appreciating the wonder and advancements of science. One current example is the progress made with vaccines, but the past year has seen many other scientific developments, specifically in light science. These include advances in high-speed communications enabling families to stay connected through videoconferencing, faster access to online media content and breakthroughs in astronomy and planetary exploration such as NASA’s Perseverance Rover landing on Mars in February. With the rise of disinformation, declaring support for the scientific process provides a concrete way to stand up for science and the benefits it brings to society. The pledge, launched in celebration of the UNESCO International Day of Light on 16 May, aims to promote support for the scientific process and to acknowledge the many benefits of science for society. Nobel and Breakthrough laureates, scientific leaders, CEOs and everyday citizens worldwide have signed the pledge, taking a significant step in building scientific literacy and trust in the scientific method. “We all share responsibility for seeking out trustworthy scientific information,” said Dr. Jess Wade, a physicist working in the Department of Materials at Imperial College London. “Before sharing information about a scientific claim, we can check the source of claims, research the credibility of the author and double-check the facts with fact-checking organizations.” The pledge complements other strategies for identifying fact from fiction. A first step in achieving scientific literacy is the careful questioning of any statement that is positioned as a scientific fact. Below are three ways the general public can check the validity of something they may have read, heard or seen online as a fact: 1. Embrace initial skepticism and check the source of the claims. 2. Watch out for rhetoric. A credible author will cite facts and sources and the results of scientific research rather than “science” itself. 3. Double-check the facts with fact-checking organizations. The Trust Science campaign is organized by the IEEE Photonics Society, SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, and The Optical Society (OSA), together with the International Day of Light Steering Committee. To sign the pledge and to learn more, please go to https://www.trust-science.org Contacts For questions about how you can engage with the campaign, please contact: info@trust-science.org For media inquiries, please contact: pr@trust-science.org Social media: please share using #TrustScience and #LightDay2021 Social media links: Facebook; Instagram; Twitter About the International Day of Light The International Day of Light (IDL) is a worldwide initiative that provides an annual focal point for the continued appreciation of light and the role it plays in science, culture and art, education and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications and energy. The International Day of Light is administered from the International Basic Science Programme (IBSP) of UNESCO by a Steering Committee that includes representatives from a broad range of international partners: the American Institute of Physics (AIP), the American Physical Society (APS), Bosca, the China International Optoelectronic Exhibition (CIOE), Chinese Optical Society (COS), the European Centres for Outreach in Photonics (ECOP), the European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC), the European Physical Society (EPS), the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), the IEEE Photonics Society (IPS), the International Commission on Illumination (CIE), lightsources.org - the international network of accelerator based light sources, Light: Science and Applications, The Optical Society (OSA), Tampere University, SPIE, the International Society for Optics and Photonics, SESAME, Signify, Tampere University, Thorlabs, Transitions, the Université de Franche-Comté and Velux. For information about the International Day of Light, please visit www.lightday.org Contacts for IDL: John Dudley and Joseph Niemela 2021 Steering Committee Chairs Email: contact@lightday.org Bethany Downer 2021 Communications Coordinator Email: contact@lightday.org Media Contact for Trust Science: pr@trust-science.org About IEEE Photonics Society The IEEE Photonics Society is the professional home for a global network of scientists, engineers and allied professionals who advance laser, optoelectronics, and photonics technology. As a technical society representing the IEEE, it is a vital part of the world’s largest technical professional organization of more than 400,000 members dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, educational activities, and humanitarian initiatives, the IEEE Photonics Society provides its members in more than 160 countries the opportunity to grow professionally and stay on the forefront of transformational breakthroughs in photonics. PhotonicsSociety.org About SPIE SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, was founded in 1955 to advance light-based technologies. Serving more than 255,000 constituents from 183 countries, the not-for-profit society advances emerging technologies through interdisciplinary information exchange, continuing education, publications, patent precedent, and career and professional growth. SPIE annually organizes and sponsors approximately 25 major technical forums, exhibitions, and education programs in North America, Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific. In 2020, SPIE provided more than $5 million in support of education and outreach programs. www.spie.org About The Optical Society Founded in 1916, The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional organization for scientists, engineers, students and business leaders in light science and technology. The society serves over 432,000 customers and 22,000 members from more than 100 countries who fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate achievements in the field. OSA provides quality research, inspired interactions and dedicated resources for its extensive global network of optics and photonics experts through world-renowned publications. For more information, visit osa.org. Contact Details pr@trust-science.org +1 703-907-0010 pr@trust-science.org Company Website https://www.trust-science.org

May 18, 2021 09:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Minuteman Press Franchise in Richmond, Kentucky Adapts and Grows During Pandemic as Essential Local Business

Minuteman Press International Inc

Pete Cummings and Chuck Bentley have owned their Minuteman Press printing and marketing franchise in Richmond since May 2014. While the COVID-19 pandemic was certainly the biggest challenge for people and local businesses everywhere, Pete and Chuck managed to remain open as an essential business, adapt their products and services to what local businesses needed during the pandemic, and position themselves for sales growth both during and after the pandemic as a result of their hard work. Pete says, “At the outset of the pandemic we were as alarmed as anyone else over not only what this could do to our business but our community and even the country as a whole. The prospect of slogging through months of economic slowdowns did cause us some anxiety in the beginning. However, we remained optimistic and determined to take advantage of any unique opportunities that the pandemic presented to those of us in the print world.” He continues, “It quickly became apparent that those businesses allowed to remain open would need COVID-related printing and signs in order to both safely assist customers as well as stay in compliance with state and local ordinances. We discovered that some organizations had been allotted grant money from the Federal Government to help with pandemic-related safety requirements. We honed in on those agencies to let them know we were open as essential business and local to them. They responded well to our outreach efforts and we ended up doing a considerable volume of business printing floor decals, signs, logo-imprinted face masks, and other safety-related products. Almost every business that chose to remain open had similar pandemic-related printing needs and we wanted to do everything possible, especially for our local small businesses, to provide them everything we could to help them navigate these unchartered waters.” “We primarily grew our business in 2020 through the expanded offering of signage, floor decals, posters, direct mail, and other essential printed items. We are anticipating that 2021 will see continued growth as more and more local businesses reopen and come back online.” -Pete Cummings, co-owner, Minuteman Press franchise, Richmond, Kentucky Supporting Local Businesses During and After the Pandemic Over the past year, Minuteman Press in Richmond has continued to reach out to local businesses as they reopen. Pete says, “We’ve seen a positive response from local business owners. Many of them seem as glad to see that we are still operating and succeeding as we are trying to help them achieve their own successes through these challenging times. I think in some ways we have had a galvanizing effect for local businesses as we are all in this together. It’s that ‘can-do spirit’ that can really lift others up and we are thankful to be a part of it.” As more restrictions continue to be lifted and other local businesses reopen and recover, Pete and Chuck are ready to help them with custom printing products and marketing services. Pete says, “Because we have stayed open the entire time, Minuteman Press has the experience of helping all different types of businesses at all different phases of the pandemic. We have proven to be a valuable partner and we are excited to provide our business community with as many resources as possible to enhance their marketing and sales efforts.” Pete continues, “Now that the tide is turning on the pandemic, we are encouraging clients to resume their direct marketing efforts. As conferences and events resume, we are promoting all of our capabilities including imprinted table throws, retractable banners, trade show displays, conference-related signage, and promotional products.” Direct mail was another key area of growth that Minuteman Press in Richmond experienced during the pandemic. Pete is excited about the future prospects of direct mail as well. He says, “Surviving and flourishing during the past year has required some adaptation. Last year, direct marketing became very challenging with social distancing becoming the norm. To continue growing we looked to direct mailings as an additional revenue stream. Based on the success we saw from these efforts, we have decided to fully embrace direct mail. We would certainly encourage other businesses to utilize direct mailings as a way to ‘connect’ with potential customers as they ramp up and reopen.” “ Contrary to what some would have one believe, printing is not dead. The increased demand for direct mailings can partly be explained by the ‘contact-free’ environment of the pandemic era. With that said, I believe it also underscores how printed advertising campaigns, when utilized effectively, can yield significant results for our customers. We have also diversified our offerings with signs, promotional items, and apparel. This provides our customers with the convenience of getting everything done under one roof through someone they trust will give them the level of service and quality they expect. So, the printing industry has evolved but those who evolve with the industry will see continued success.” -Pete Cummings Meet the People Behind the Business As Pete and Chuck celebrate seven years in business this month, they reflect on their journey as well as their experiences as Minuteman Press franchise owners. One interesting thing to note is that Pete and Chuck come from two very different backgrounds and did not have any printing experience until joining the Minuteman Press family. Pete explains, “I worked at a bank for roughly ten years after graduating from college and then owned/operated an outpatient pediatric rehabilitation center, offering Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy to children. We were out of our home state of Kentucky at this time and once we had children we decided to return home. The same opportunities did not exist to operate a rehab center but I had small business ownership in my blood at that point and was actively looking for a good opportunity.” He continues, “Chuck was a school teacher for ten years and he was growing restless. He began looking for a business opportunity that would allow for more financial freedom for his family. He mentioned this to his uncle, Garry Conley, who just so happened to own a Minuteman Press franchise in London, Kentucky along with Chuck’s Aunt, Amy Conley. We sat down with Garry and he did a pretty good job explaining the benefits. It was evident he was running a profitable operation so we listened intently and after meeting with our Regional Vice President Gary Nowak, we decided to take the plunge.” “We opened in 2014 with zero customers and have seen steady growth every year since. Our rate of jobs quoted to jobs earned is very strong. We built the business, especially in the early years, heavily using direct marketing along with the Minuteman Press Internet Marketing program. Sometimes asking people for the opportunity to earn their business is all it takes to open the door to that first job. And once we get that first opportunity, we will almost always turn that person into a repeat customer either in the near future or somewhere down the road. Providing a quality product along with good, friendly service goes a long way.” -Pete Cummings As Pete reflects on the past seven years and especially 2020 when the pandemic first hit, he is thankful to be part of the Minuteman Press franchise family. He says, “We are very grateful for the efforts Minuteman Press International made fairly early on in the pandemic to help keep franchisees flourishing. There’s no question that things could have turned out differently. From continued guidance on how to operate as an essential business to initiating the free Bounce Back program to support local businesses, it was all instrumental in helping us navigate this unprecedented time.” When asked about the rewards of owning a business, Pete answers, “Financial freedom and the feeling that we can control our own destinies for us are the biggest rewards to business ownership. We can’t be the victim of a company downsize or see our jobs shipped overseas. We certainly work hard to achieve success but those efforts are going towards building something that directly benefits our families.” As for what advice he would give to local businesses right now, Pete sums it up best by saying, “Don’t lose heart. I know it has been a tough year but as more and more sectors of the economy ramp things up again, economic opportunities will return.” Pete Cummings and Chuck Bentley’s Minuteman Press franchise is located at 202 Wayne Dr., Ste. A; Richmond, KY 40475. For more information, call 859-314-1172 or visit their website: https://www.richmondky.minutemanpress.com. 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

May 17, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Calls for housing and landmarks for UK’s derelict land - Romal Capital survey

Romal Capital

With Britain still in the grip of an on-going housing crisis, property developers Romal Capital sought the views of the British public on regenerating derelict land and brownfield sites. The national survey* found that 59% of Brits are calling for derelict land to be converted into modern, efficient housing and a place for cultural landmarks. More the three-quarters (77%) feel that when brownfield sites are regenerated, they bring a sense of freshness, art and culture to an area improving the lives of everyone around it. However, as these sites stand, 74% believe that derelict sites are eyesores on the nations landscape. Romal Capital’s survey reported that over four-fifths (83%) of respondents feel Westminster governments have failed to prioritise regenerating brownfield sites in their area, in recent years. People in the North East of England (90%) felt strongest about this followed by those in the South East (85%). It follows that a lack of commitment from central government will have a regional impact. 79% of people pointed the length of time it takes for decisions to be made as the most significant hurdle to change. “It’s great to see that people across the country want see their areas improved and repurposed. However, it is clear that speed is the issue more than ambition says Romal Capital’s CEO Greg Malouf. Regeneration and planning have a lot of due process and extensive local bureaucracy, and it is this that needs to be restructured to get things going. Local authorities need more support and resources to streamline these processes and fast track regeneration of these sites.” What to do with all this space? A 2020 report** from the countryside charity CPRE found there was over 25,000 hectares of brownfield land across 21,000 sites in the UK. Enough to fit over 1 million homes. The survey discovered that almost a third (30%) of people would most like to see cultural landmarks built on this unused, derelict land, while a similar amount (29%) want to see modern, efficient homes and communities built to help solve the nations crippling housing crisis. When it comes to regenerated outdoor space, over a quarter, (26%) are in favour of new recreational facilities. “Many people are desperate for somewhere permanent to live and keen to see former industrial and undeveloped areas turned into new, progressive housing neighbourhoods and community hubs.” says Malouf “The authorities must become far more proactive and flexible to allow this to happen.” Notes to the editor *Research findings based on a survey of 2,000 UK households carried out in April 2021 for Romal Capital by LMRMC (Market Research Society approved partner and ESOMAR corporate member). **CPRE Report 2020 About Romal Capital Romal Capital is an international award-winning property developer based in Liverpool. The team brings to the city over 60 years of combined property development experience from across Liverpool, and other major UK and international cities. Contact Details Romal Capital Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://www.romalcapital.co.uk/

May 12, 2021 06:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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