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Minuteman Press Franchise in Bloomington, MN Celebrates 15 Years in Business

Minuteman Press International Inc

Bill and Karen Grewe have owned their Minuteman Press franchise in Bloomington, Minnesota since July of 2007. As they celebrate 15 years in business, Bill shares keys to success, lessons learned, high-demand products and services, and many more insights and reflections. Minuteman Press in Bloomington is located at 8742 Lyndale Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55420. Congrats on 15 years in business! What does this milestone mean to you and what are 3 keys to your success and longevity? Bill Grewe: It means we’ve thrived over other competitors in the area, and we lasted longer than the average small business. Most recently, we survived the Covid-19 crisis, and we start to see a return to normalcy. Further, our retirement plans include continuing to work in our shop for the foreseeable future. We still enjoy it! Key 1: Our customer focus requires us to authorize staff to solve ‘the problem.’ We back the good faith decisions made in our absence. We prioritize discussions about how to solve issues when we are available. We emphasize that the customer is not always right, but we all make mistakes. Even so, there is no need to place blame. We look for win-win solutions. Key 2: Prioritize the quote. It is not the least expensive print company that gets the job; it is the most responsive. Sure, we accommodate ‘commodity-focused’ customers. We also price aggressively on three tiers: retail, print brokers, and non-profits. We also have two of our five employees, who generate estimates for us. Key 3: Value your team members. Our payroll is excessive, and that is intentional. We pay for talent, and that inspires loyalty. When Covid forced us to reduce hours and pay, our staff supported us. We share the successes and struggles, and we look for opportunities together. What are some of the key ways you’ve grown your business? Bill Grewe: One of the hardest lessons we learned was ‘cold calling.’ We waited too long to start following the advice received at training. (What can we say, introverts find it difficult.) A business coach encouraged us to experiment with a variety of ideas. So, we ventured outside the ‘comfort zone.’ As the business expanded, we found a salesman to perform this task for us. Early on, we remembered an important lesson from Minuteman Press International (MPI), “When someone asks you if you can ‘print this’, the answer is always ‘Yes.’” Since our small print shop simply did not have the resources to produce every job, we figured out how to find “central facilities” to fill the gaps. (Hint: We asked our MPI friends, searched the internet for trade only printers, and checked the vendor catalog.) Before FLEX offered a feature to request reviews, we employed a vendor to perform the service on our behalf. Now, we use functionality built in to automatically make this request when invoices are sent. The benefit of our finding this functionality early is that we are working to maintain a 5.0 rating, not trying to earn it. Our Google rating is one of the most often mentioned ways that new customers find us. What are the high-demand products and services that have really been helpful for your clients? Bill Grewe: EDDM offers one landscaping customer the opportunity to replace the 20% customer loss experienced year-over-year. On a routine basis several times each year, we use a central facility to produce 30,000 postcards. Our customer chooses the carrier routes they want to prospect. Then, we batch the postcards and deliver them to various post offices in the area. Wide format is a place where our central facility strategy permits us to offer signs for graduates. Our graphic designer offered to produce artwork for a school-themed graduation sign, and word quickly spread. Several other schools participated, and parents even paid in advance our third year providing this service to our community. One private school decided to pay for all the signs ahead of time and resell them. We print so many envelopes, regular and window. We moved our envelope printing off our digital toner machines onto an inkjet envelope printer, and we assigned the task to our graphic designer. This freed up our other machines for other work. We still have discriminating customers, who demand precise color. So, when our team cannot match color digitally, we work with an area pressman, who works out of his garage. How would you best describe your community? Bill Grewe: Bloomington is the 5th largest city in Minnesota with more jobs per capita than either Minneapolis or St. Paul, the two largest cities. Businesses range in size from the smallest to large, multi-national corporations. From a business perspective, the opportunities are abundant. Why do you think printing remains so vital to businesses today? Bill Grewe: Print provides tangible marketing messages that you can set aside for a convenient read. Where people skim their emails followed by the quick delete, they store and share meaningful documents. What was your background before franchising and why did you choose Minuteman Press? Bill Grewe: Neither of us comes from a print background. Karen worked in a day care center, then provided home day care. I worked for the revenue department for 20 years before looking for something new. An advertisement caught my attention, and the rest is history. What has the support from Minuteman Press International been like for you? Bill Grewe: After learning volumes of new information during training, I spent the first year figuring out what it all meant. Remember when I said we waited too long to start following all the advice we received from Minuteman Press International? I was so wrapped up in trying to understand it all, I missed the ‘do this’ advice that helped our business start growing. The FLEX software is a significant advancement over previous versions, which underscores Minuteman Press International’s commitment to improvement. Its integration with the website and increased functionality allows us to accept orders and payments online. Much of our business remains either an email or phone conversation, but the day is coming when current customers can reorder previously delivered projects with the click of a portal button. We should not miss an opportunity to thank the most important local support provided by Minuteman Press International, our field representative Kate. When Bill, our salesman, retired in July this year, Kate was on the job helping train Pete with updated advice from the franchisor, using FLEX, etc. What are the biggest personal and professional rewards of owning your business? Bill Grewe: For us, our franchise provides a sense of security. While there are income fluctuations, the business provides a steady income. Furthermore, it is part of our retirement plan. (We enjoy working with our staff.) What advice would you give to other business owners or people looking to own a business? Bill Grewe: For people looking to own a business, your first responsibility is to build your market share. Your employees depend on their paycheck. This means you must separate yourself from the day-to-day operations and focus on how to increase income. Our franchise focuses on building a relationship with customers. This starts with listening long enough to hear the vision, ask questions to clarify the intent, and suggest options that deliver the right product on schedule. It involves managing expectations and avoiding unrealistic promises. Sometimes the best thing to tell your customer is, ‘We simply cannot meet that deadline.’ Otherwise, you risk delivering a product that advertises failure. It’s better to overdeliver. For more information on Minuteman Press in Bloomington, MN, visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/mn/bloomington/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and see 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

December 07, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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'Tis the Season-ally Inspired Holiday Menus at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

500NewsWire

Charlotte, NC ( 500NewsWire ) -- Firebirds Wood Fired Grill introduces new holiday lunch and dinner menus just in time to make any celebration a memorable one this holiday season. From hand-cut wood-fire grilled NY Strip, and certified Duroc pork chop with cognac cream sauce, to Bananas Foster Bread Pudding for dessert, Firebirds’ limited time scratch-made menus are available now through January 3. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is known for its signature hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood hand-fileted in-house and seared over locally sourced hickory, oak, or pecan wood on Firebirds’ exposed wood-fired grill. Firebirds’ seasonal Lunch Menu includes suggested wine pairings, and features: NY Strip (10oz.) BLT butter / choice of side Suggested wine pairing: Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon Parmesan Crusted Mahi Coal-roasted tomato-basil sauce / “loaded “ember-grilled corn / fresh asparagus Suggested wine pairing: Decoy Chardonnay Lump Crab Cakes Bold remoulade / wonton slaw / seasoned steak fries Suggested wine pairing: Firebirds Private Label Chardonnay Guests can enhance their entrées by adding: Lump Crab Cake Lobster Mac & Cheese Dessert Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Vanilla bean ice cream / spiced pecans / crispy cinnamon-sugar tortilla Firebirds’ seasonal Dinner Menu includes suggested wine pairings, and features: NY Strip (14oz.) BLT butter / choice of side Suggested wine pairing: Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon Tomahawk Prime Pork Chop Wood-grilled, certified Duroc pork chop / cognac cream sauce / red wine-poached apples / green chile mac & cheese Suggested wine pairing: Acrobat Pinot Noir Parmesan Crusted Mahi Coal-roasted tomato-basil sauce / “loaded “ember-grilled corn / fresh asparagus Suggested wine pairing: Decoy Chardonnay Lump Crab Cakes Bold remoulade / wonton slaw / seasoned steak fries Suggested wine pairing: Firebirds Private Label Chardonnay Guests can enhance their entrees by adding: Lump Crab Cake Lobster Mac & Cheese Dessert Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Vanilla bean ice cream / spiced pecans / crispy cinnamon-sugar tortilla Many of the restaurant’s dishes are created using fresh seasonal ingredients. Gluten-sensitive menu items, such as Grilled Tenderloin Salad, Wood Grilled Salmon, and Parmesan Mashed Potatoes, are also available. Firebirds offers catering, online ordering for ToGo and delivery options. In addition, Firebirds is offering a holiday gift card promotion. For every $100 in gift cards purchased in-store or online, guests will receive $20 in “bonus cards.” This special offer is available now through December 31st and “bonus cards” are valid for redemption from January 1 through February 9, 2023. For more information visit firebirdsrestaurants.com/gift-cards/. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill’s FIREBAR® offers an impressive array of seasonal cocktails, craft beer, bourbon, after-dinner drinks, Firebirds’ private label wine, hand crafted mocktails and more. Popular specialties include Wine Down Mondays, and happy hour in the FIREBAR® and on the Patio every Monday through Friday from 4PM – 7PM. Happy Hour times vary. Visit FirebirdsRestaurants.com to make a reservation, order ToGo online, or register to become a member of Firebirds’ Inner Circle and be the first to hear about upcoming events, promotions, new menu items and exclusive offers. Members receive a gift for joining and a gift for their birthday. About Firebirds Wood Fired Grill Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, a polished casual American restaurant, is an energetic twist on the traditional grill featuring a boldly flavored menu in a stylish, fire-centric atmosphere. Signature menu items include hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood hand-fileted in-house and seared over locally sourced hickory, oak, or pecan wood on Firebirds’ exposed wood-fired grill. Complementing its inviting dining room, a patio with seasonal comforts and the award-winning FIREBAR® are additional gathering spaces inside the restaurant. Firebirds has been named one of ten ‘Breakout Brands’ by Nation’s Restaurant News, and the 2022 Diners’ Choice Winner awarded by OpenTable. Firebirds supports sustainability efforts and partners with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, having surpassed $3 million raised for childhood cancer research through the sale of fresh-squeezed lemonade. To become a member of Firebirds Inner Circle, order ToGo online or to make a reservation visit firebirdsrestaurants.com. Contact Details Firebirds Wood Fired Grill Lesley Gamwell +1 404-309-6915 lgamwell@rountreegroup.com Company Website https://firebirdsrestaurants.com/

December 07, 2022 08:59 AM Eastern Standard Time

Identity-Bound Biometrics Could Eliminate Hidden Costs Of Current Passwordless Solutions, Says BIO-key

BIO-key International, Inc.

With the ever-growing number of websites that individuals need to log into these days, for both work and personal matters, creating and remembering countless, unique, and secure passwords have become a substantial challenge. In the workplace, specifically, this could lead to potential security risks as employees may end up ignoring security protocols altogether due to password fatigue, putting their organization’s data security at risk. In addition to the pain points arising from having to remember passwords, traditional authentication methods also result in mounting costs for organizations – with sizable IT helpdesk resources required just for password resets alone. Additionally, according to the World Economic Forum, 80% of all cybersecurity breaches occur as a result of weak or stolen passwords. With all the issues associated with password-based authentication, organizations are now seemingly ready to move away from this approach. A recent survey showed that 82% of business leaders currently say that they are ready to implement passwordless authentication options within their organizations. Current Passwordless Authentication Options May Not Be The Best Most of the passwordless authentication solutions adopted today rely on hardware tokens or mobile devices – which present their own set of issues, including security risks from the loss of the physical devices and usability challenges in restricted areas of operation such as contact centers and manufacturing floors. Additionally, authentication methods involving mobile phones could involve hidden costs for both the employer and employee. BIO-Key International Inc. (NASDAQ: BKYI), a provider of Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions, reports that it offers authentication options that could address such risks and issues by offering an easier and more secure way to authenticate the identity of employees, customers, and suppliers. The company says that its unique approach to authentication uses Identity-Bound Biometrics (IBB) to manage access across devices and applications within the organization. IBB is part of BIO-key's unified IAM platform — PortalGuard ® IDaaS (Identity-as-a-Service) — which offers various authentication options, including biometrics, to meet the security goals of most modern organizations and deliver an optimized user experience, reports the company. BIO-key also recently introduced new authentication methods to its one-of-kind multi-factor authentication mobile app, MobileAuth TM, which now includes server-secured facial recognition, device-based biometrics for Android and iOS, and push token support. The app was initially launched with just one biometric option, PalmPositive TM, which supported secure biometric authentication through palm scanning. Benefits Of BIO-key’s Identity-Bound-Biometric Solution According to the company, Identity-Bound Biometrics provides a unique and superior level of security as it verifies the identity of the person completing an action– logging into a system, completing a transaction, accessing private information–instead of just authenticating a device, token, or credential. Traditional passwordless options involving a physical device like a mobile phone or token simply confirm that an approved device is being used. There is no way to confirm that the device is actually being used by the authorized individual. IBB offers flexibility and ease of use, where a one-time enrollment quickly sets up access across multiple devices and locations for employees in organizations implementing their solution, says the company. There is also greater deployment versatility and scalability across use cases with BIO-key’s IBB solution, which enables enterprises to provide a consistent and seamless user experience for their employees. In addition, it reduces overall costs by streamlining IT department resources and eliminating operational redundancies yielded by traditional authentication systems. The company reports that its IBB option is cloud-ready and easily integrated with systems, applications, and infrastructures. It is a safe, efficient, cost-effective, and secure option that can be applied to a range of common use cases, including shared workstations, zero-trust environments, remote access, and scenarios where mobile devices are not permitted. Through its trusted biometric authentication solution, Identity-Bound Biometrics, BIO-key believes it could enable organizations to move into a passwordless future with a solution that’s easy to use and hard to hack. IBB could help employers, employees and customers by eliminating the hidden costs associated with current options that involve mobile phones, hardware tokens or other physical devices with a more sensible authentication solution. More information about BIO-key’s Identity-Bound Biometric solutions can be found on BIO-key.com. BIO-key is revolutionizing authentication and cybersecurity with biometric-centric, multi-factor identity and access management (IAM) software managing millions of users. Its cloud-based PortalGuard IAM solution provides cost-effective, easy to deploy, convenient and secure access to devices, information, applications, and high-value transactions. BIO-key's patented software and hardware solutions, with industry-leading Identity-Bound Biometric (IBB) capabilities, enable large-scale Identity-as-a-Service (IDaaS) solutions, as well as customized on premises solutions. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Catalyst IR- William Jones, David Collins +1 212-924-9800 BKYI@catalyst-ir.com Company Website https://www.bio-key.com/

December 07, 2022 08:15 AM Eastern Standard Time

Holiday Cheer gift ideas with Chassie Post

News Media Group, Inc.

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

December 07, 2022 06:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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CleverTap Unveils RenderMax

CleverTap

CleverTap, the World's #1 Retention Cloud today unveiled RenderMax – a proprietary technology that can increase mobile push notification render rates up to 90% on low-end Android devices. Push notifications have the power to increase customer retention rates anywhere from 3 - 10 times. Most marketers just focus on their push notification delivery rates, but a “delivered" notification that doesn't render on the user’s device is a wasted effort. For those who equate delivery and rendering as equal, render rate is the percentage of the number of push notifications the end user received (and were rendered) on the user’s device compared to the total number of push notifications that were sent. All Chinese OEM devices use a custom variant of the stock Android OS. To optimize battery consumption, these OS variants are configured to bypass the Google/Firebase push delivery service, resulting in low delivery rates and even lower render rates. RenderMax gives CleverTap customers a significant competitive advantage as they can now engage users they could not before and elevate the ROI from their push campaigns. This is especially true for devices that are in battery saver mode or cannot be reached due to inactivity. “RenderMax is a testament to our continued commitment towards product development and innovation. Low render rates stifle the true potential of mobile push notifications. We are confident that with RenderMax, brands will be able to harness the full power of push notifications. What’s interesting is that we are offering RenderMax to all customers at no additional cost to any brand that wants to try it out.” said Anand Jain, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer, CleverTap. Betterhalf, India's first and only marriage super app was provided an early access to RenderMax and their push notification render rates more than doubled! Shankar Krishnamurthy, Group Product Manager, Betterhalf said, “At Betterhalf, mobile push notifications are critical for our business. With CleverTap’s innovative RenderMax solution our push notification render rates have skyrocketed to 85%.” RenderMax powers up the render rates of customers’ push notifications, amplifies the push notification reach, and maximizes user engagement. Enhancing the reach of push notifications can help CleverTap customers lower costs, increase engagement and conversion rates, and reduce churn. “The CleverTap platform has a great breadth of capabilities, and this innovative mobile push solution will certainly help them stay much ahead of the competition,” Shankar added. CleverTap RenderMax works with Android OEMs such as Oppo, Xiaomi, Vivo, One Plus, POCO, Realme, and Samsung. About CleverTap CleverTap is the World's #1 Retention Cloud that helps app-first brands personalize and optimize all consumer touch points to improve user engagement, retention, and lifetime value. It's the only solution built to address the needs of retention and growth teams, with audience analytics, deep-segmentation, multi-channel engagement, product recommendations, and automation in one unified product. The platform is powered by TesseractDB™ - the world’s first purpose-built database for customer engagement, offering both speed and economies of scale. CleverTap is trusted by 1500 customers, including Gojek, ShopX, Electronic Arts, TED, English Premier League, TD Bank, Carousell, AirAsia, Papa John’s, and Tesco. Backed by leading investors such as Sequoia India, Tiger Global, Accel, and CDPQ the company is headquartered in Mountain View, California, with presence in San Francisco, New York, São Paulo, Bogota, London, Amsterdam, Sofia, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, and Jakarta. For more information, visit clevertap.com or follow on LinkedIn and Twitter. Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements in this press release may represent CleverTap's belief in connection with future events and may be forward-looking statements, or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. CleverTap cautions that such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties that could result in the actual outcome being absolutely different from the results anticipated by the statements mentioned in the press release. Factors such as the development of general economic conditions affecting our business, future market conditions, our ability to maintain cost advantages, uncertainty with respect to earnings, corporate actions, client concentration, reduced demand, liability or damages in our service contracts, unusual catastrophic loss events, war, political instability, changes in government policies or laws, legal restrictions impacting our business, impact of pandemic, epidemic, any natural calamity and other factors that are naturally beyond our control, changes in the capital markets and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different, from those anticipated by such statements. CleverTap does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or updated or revised status of such statements. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will CleverTap and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction with the information and/or statements in this press release or any related damages. Contact Details Sony Shetty sony@clevertap.com Company Website https://clevertap.com/

December 07, 2022 05:07 AM Eastern Standard Time

Wonders.ai Is Bridging the Gap Between The Digital World and Reality By Bringing Virtual Characters to Life

Wonders.ai

Imagine interacting with a virtual character from an anime series in real life, being able to connect with them on an interpersonal level, get to know their personality, emotions, and preferences. It almost sounds like a childhood dream come true, only it’s a very real reality thanks to Wonders.ai and the power of AI technology. Leveling up on the realistic interactivity, Wonders.ai, an AI/AR-focused tech company, is on a mission to create multiple platforms where people can live their everyday life alongside their favorite virtual characters. The innovative company is currently focusing on developing a technology platform that can bring one’s favorite virtual characters straight to their smartphone. Wonder X, a virtual character adventure game created to give users the ability to interact with a full scale life sized virtual character, came to fruition just before Lin and his team’s current passion platform. Wonders.ai, founded in March of 2019, is the next step in creating the user virtual companion platform they are working towards daily. However, Wonderverse is the platform that will give life to the ability of living alongside a virtual companion, perhaps a character you have grown up receiving entertainment from. Lin grew up playing video games and anime, and like most kids his age, he would fantasize about what it would be like if the characters in his game were real. When he founded Wonders.ai he wanted to utilize cutting edge technology to create a multicomponent platform that could bring these well-loved characters to this dimension. During his masters at the University of Cambridge, he proposed merging a virtual component and real-world content as his end of year project. This would have been made possible using virtual reality headsets if any of the instructors or students could envision his dream. Instead of imagining the lives changed by this new technology, it was shut down and labelled “ridiculous.” Undeterred, Michael Lin went on to help create wonderverse where players can live alongside right next to their favourite virtual character. Inside the wonderverse platform, all virtual characters become the AI companions to the users, “I prefer to build the future than to actually predict it, and I was right,” says Lin. The technical definition of an AI companion is any IP, cartoon character, avatar, or anime character, with a personality, feelings, behavior, storyline, and preferences, that has the ability to interact with the user in real time. When you combine the virtual character with artificial intelligence and augmented reality you release the advanced capabilities of your virtual companion, anywhere at any time. These characters can converse, chat, and speak with their own unique voices and personas. They can share real-life physical interactions in AR and share lifestyles with users. They can form relationships, socialize, and even display human emotions with users. Seeing the potential of this technology, wonders.ai decided to collaborate with and first implement the technology in the vTubing market. Dreaming of the day when people can finally have a personal interaction with virtual characters they love, Wonders.ai, partnered with Phase-Connect, one of the biggest vTubing agencies in North America. Together they plan to take people one big step closer to the goal of “bringing virtual reality and characters to life.” For the first time, they are breaking the traditional barrier of talking through a chatroom and fans are sharing the same space as their most loved personality. This is only the beginning of the Wonders.ai future of user-companion interactivity and with daily innovation you can expect revolutionary gifts from their team of creators. As a user you’ll soon find interactions to be as simple as opening your mobile device or walking out of your bedroom to live alongside a genuine persona, no scripts, no pre-planning, just top of the line AI tech driven conversations. Wonderverse will create the new standard of AI technology, proving what is possible when you align a vision with persistence and passion. “Our love for virtual characters inspires our work. Everyone in the company grew up with games, comics, and novels where they all had their own favorite character they wanted to bring to life. They strive to do that very thing daily with the goal in mind that these characters bring lifestyle value to the users, not just superficial conversation.” To learn more about Wonders.ai and keep up with their pioneering productions, visit https://wonders.ai/ About Wonders.ai are cultivating a world where Artificial General Intelligence can live amongst people as equals and relate to them on an interpersonal level. By giving each of those AI Companions a character of their own, Wonders.ai design AI companions, who complement people in their everyday lives. Hereby, creating a world where users live alongside their favorite characters. Company Name: Wonders.ai Contact Person: Michael Lin Email: contact@wonders.ai Website Link: http://www.wonders.ai Social Media Links: https://twitter.com/wonderplatform https://www.linkedin.com/company/42796866/admin/ Contact Details Wonders.ai Michael Lin contact@wonders.ai Company Website http://www.wonders.ai

December 06, 2022 11:45 PM Eastern Standard Time

Comcast Invests in Chico, Calif. Launching Three New Lift Zones to Help Increase Digital Equity in the Region

Comcast California

Comcast today announced the opening of a new Lift Zone at The Jesus Center and one in The Torres Community Shelter in Chico to provide free WiFi access to families across the area with an additional Lift Zone location opening at The Jesus Center early next year. As part of its larger digital equity initiative, Comcast also announced donations totaling $75,000. The Jesus Center received $50,000 to help their residents and those of the Pallet Shelter with digital literacy training and work readiness skills, and the Torres Community Shelter received $25,000 to provide digital literacy training to unhoused adults and seniors. Comcast’s Lift Zones program provides free WiFi, powered by Comcast Business, to enable students, seniors, families, and community members to get online and fully participate in the digital economy. With these new locations, Comcast now offers three Lift Zones in the City of Chico — and a total of over 150 Lift Zones throughout its California service area. “Helping to close the digital divide and address digital equity remain top priorities here in Chico,” said Mayor Andrew Coolidge, of Chico, CA. “Our city and our region have become more dependent on broadband to learn, find work and healthcare services and many other aspects of our daily life. Comcast’s new Lift Zones along with their significant financial investments into our city, will create opportunity for individuals, families, and seniors in our community.” “Comcast’s significant investments in our shelters and our communities will help us expand not only our digital literacy efforts but our workforce development initiatives and shows their commitment to providing the necessary tools and resources to those who will benefit most from these life-changing opportunities,” said Amber Abney-Bass, Executive Director of The Jesus Center. “Today’s announcement, and Comcast’s support, will allow us to ensure all of our community members have access to the services they need to thrive.” Today’s announcement and donation are part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to reach millions of people with the tools, resources, and skills needed to succeed in a digital world. Comcast’s Lift Zones program complements its Internet Essentials program which, since 2011, has helped connect more than 10 million low-income people to the Internet at home. In California, Comcast has connected more than 1.7 million residents, making it the number one state in terms of overall participation in the Internet Essentials program. “We’re proud to partner with the City of Chico to launch these new Lift Zones and donate $75,000 to advance digital equity and workforce readiness in our most vulnerable neighborhoods,” said David Tashjian, Regional Senior Vice President, Comcast California. “Today’s announcement is a testament to the continued commitment from Comcast in closing the digital divide and ensuring equitable digital learning opportunities are available to every individual who seeks it. Our continued partnership with the city and our community partners will equip individuals, families and seniors with the tools, skills and resources they need to achieve their goals.” Comcast continues to be a proud participant in the Federal Government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible people up to a $30 per month credit toward their Internet and mobile services (and $75 per month on tribal lands). New and existing Xfinity Internet or Internet Essentials customers can learn more about the program and sign up here. 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. About The Jesus Center For more than 40 years, The Jesus Center has been offering help and hope in the name of Jesus to the homeless population of Chico. The Jesus Center provides a variety of programs to help those they serve move from isolation and homelessness, to community, stability and contribution. Their current 58-bed shelter facility will be augmented by an additional 100 beds for families and seniors experiencing homelessness with the opening of the Renewal Center in June. As a contractor for the City of Chico, the Jesus Center also operates the Pallet Shelter, an emergency housing site consisting of 177 units designed to serve up to 354 individuals. They exist as part of a continuum of service providers, churches, local government, schools and community groups who together care for the various needs of the homeless and at risk for homelessness population. For more information visit www.jesuscenter.org. About True North Housing Alliance: True North Housing Alliance moves people forward and out of homelessness with compassion, dignity, and accountability. As the largest provider of low-barrier emergency shelter north of Sacramento we provide 3 hot meals a day, showers, laundering services, and wrap-around case management to upwards of 200 individuals daily. The Torres Community Shelter is our largest operation, where we serve up to 177 adults in need of emergency shelter daily. Providing a dignified experience at what is arguably a person's lowest point is integral to our mission. Going beyond basic needs, we work to support individual's efforts to cultivate the skills necessary to achieve and maintain permanent housing, including vocational training skills. Contact Details Jon Koriel +1 925-315-2690 Jon_Koriel@comcast.com

December 06, 2022 11:00 AM Pacific Standard Time

News Release

THE PR NET ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF NEXT GEN AWARDS

The PR Net

The PR Net is pleased to announce the ‘ The PR Net Next Gen Awards ’, a new annual international awards program that celebrates agency excellence, championing the new thinkers, innovators, and groundbreakers across the field of PR, who are shaping the bright future of the communications industry. ‘ The PR Net Next Gen Awards ’ sets forth to recognize the next generation of global PR agencies that foster a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and creativity through sharp and impactful communications campaigns, innovative client portfolios, and new methodologies of business management. The awards will celebrate these agencies’ achievements, compiling a definitive list of younger agencies changing the game. The PR Net founder Lisa Smith explains the creation of these new awards: “From running ‘The PR Net 100’, the awards celebrating the leading 100 PR agencies across sectors, it became clear that a broad pool of exceptional younger talent has emerged. This group presents fresh thinking and is responsible for ushering in new ways of working and operating, and with a talent pool so varied and vast, we’re excited to present a stand-alone platform to have their success accoladed”. Submissions open on December 6th, 2022, and eligible agencies will have been in business for up to 8 years, as the program’s aim is to highlight newer companies in the industry. Entries will be assessed by a committee of highly esteemed industry leaders who will review entries against the criteria of innovation, creative thinking, business acumen, and growth. Up for grabs will be ‘Next Gen Agency of the Year’ and other category and campaign awards. The 2023 Next Gen Awards Judging Committee is comprised of: James LaForce, CEO, LaForce Steph Lund, CEO, North America, M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment Celia Jones, Global Director of Marketing Communications, FINN Partners Michele Thomas, Co-Founder and President, Azione PR Candace (Candy) Peterson, Global Managing Director Brand Marketing, SVP, FleishmanHillard Janna Pea, Executive Vice President, BerlinRosen Nicole Schoenberg, Senior Vice President, Communications, Saks Fifth Avenue Further judges are to be announced soon. ‘The PR Next Net Gen’ honorees will be revealed in March 2023 and celebrated at a gala event held in New York City. For submissions, queries, questions, or help, please reach out to nextgen@theprnet.com. ABOUT THE PR NET: The PR Net is the premier global network for marketing and communications professionals. It is a modern take on the classic networking club and an "industry insider favorite” for executives looking for a central platform for industry intelligence and connections. Founded by industry veteran Lisa Smith in 2015, The PR Net consists of online content that reads like a magazine, member-only services, and highly sought-after digital and in-person member events. www.theprnet.com Contact Details The PR Net Sara Sturges ssturges@theprnet.com Company Website https://theprnet.com/

December 06, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Programmatic Consultancy AI Digital Has Banner Growth Year, Focuses on Scaling its Centers of Excellence, ELEVATE Optimization and Outcomes Platform

AI Digital

AI Digital, a full-service, global programmatic consultancy that delivers unrivaled data and technology access and audience analytics to elevate consumer experience, has had a banner year by doubling its revenue year over year. Riding the momentum, AI Digital has appointed Sandeep Gill as its first chief financial officer to manage AI Digital’s current and future financial plan and streamline processes ultimately leading to organizational excellence allowing AI Digital to better serve its clients. AI Digital has increased its specialization in driving programmatic results in emerging streaming channels and highly regulated categories and business sectors. Within the past year, the company has expanded and diversified its client base across various sectors including financial services, DTC, pharma/healthcare, political, state/local government, tourism, retail, QSR, B2B and retail media. AI Digital’s growth is a direct result of marketers’ increased need to maximize performance of the walled garden platforms through hands-on keyboard trading and optimization and holistic and omni-channel, outcome-based strategies that drive value in today's often closed market. To provide its clients with unrivaled insight into changing consumer behavior, AI Digital has built centers of excellence around key focus areas where marketers require increased expertise and unbiased counsel such as retail media, online/offline commerce, OTT and streaming, streaming audio & DOOH, identity, and dynamic optimization and media/business accountability. AI Digital’s proprietary platform ELEVATE improves programmatic optimization and ultimately brand and business outcomes by identifying growth areas in media plans that drive incremental sales and business outcomes. In addition, it has begun to debut accountability metrics that ensure campaigns are delivering on performance drivers that are typically not shared in a non-transparent ecosystem. As part of its expansion efforts, AI Digital will continue to scale its ELEVATE platform to ensure its clients' dollars are held to a higher standard by providing comprehensive and accountable insights into the audiences, channels and publishers that are driving outcomes. “At AI Digital, we believe that programmatic and digital can be a true growth driver for brands, and we are focused on being industry leaders and experts in maximizing performance of the walled gardens. We are committed to ensuring our clients leverage tech and data to drive better outcomes,” said Stephen Magli, CEO at AI Digital. “As we look ahead, we stay focused on our mission and also grow our expertise across emerging channels such as streaming, OTT, commerce and retail media.” As Chief Financial Officer, Sandeep Gill brings over a decade of experience in efficiently scaling high growth firms. Prior to joining AI Digital, Gill held CFO and consultant roles at high growth firms spanning the advertising, business services, and fintech verticals. Gill was CFO at PandoLogic, a leading AI-enabled programmatic job advertising solution, for the period 2015-2021, and until its acquisition by Veritone (Nasdaq: VERI). “AI Digital has experienced tremendous growth across several verticals as a direct result of its global team’s insight into key platforms and walled gardens,” said Sandeep Gill, CFO at AI Digital. “I’m excited to build on AI Digital’s momentum, and leverage our unrivaled data and technology expertise, along with our advanced analytics-driven optimization and measurement, to ensure the continued success of all our clients.” About AI Digital AI Digital is a full-service, global programmatic consultancy that empowers agencies and advertisers with digital expertise and instant data enabled programmatic infrastructure across all media types and access to all leading technology, cookieless data, premium publishers and inventory. Leading with an audience-first approach, the company helps agencies and advertisers navigate the digital ecosystem by delivering hands-on, unrivaled data and technology access, outcome-based audience strategy, advanced analytics driven campaign optimization and advanced measurement including detailed, real-time transparent campaign reporting. AI Digital is a priority Amazon Partner with access to over 150+ people-based data sources and in-platform optimization expertise to maximize value of all walled gardens including Google and Amazon’s data and tech stack, along with 10+ DSPs. AI Digital leverages technology through its proprietary platform ELEVATE and the expertise of its world-class, global team to drive a more ELEVATED consumer experience, measurable action, and brand and sales lift for more accountable results. Learn more about AI Digital at www.aidigital.io. Contact Details Kite Hill PR for AI Digital Ilana Hill +1 561-289-3229 ilana@kitehillpr.com Company Website https://www.aidigital.io

December 06, 2022 09:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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