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Back to School Prep - A Guide for Families with Meaghan Murphy – author of Your Fully Charged Life and Lifestyle Expert

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/4Ph9croFC2o Summer breaks are over and back to school time is here. Where did the time go???!! What do you need to know to make the most of your remaining time to plan and budget to spend? Meaghan Murphy – author of Your Fully Charged Life and Lifestyle Expert conducted a nationwide media tour discussing her comprehensive guide to prep your home, family, and students for back to school. This back-to-school season Meaghan is highlighting thredUP, Target, T-Mobile, and fairlife Here is the best of Meaghan’s guide: thredUP thredUP is a one-stop shop where you can clean out your closet AND buy affordable, sustainable secondhand clothing and accessories across 55,000 brands and 100+ product categories. thredUP’s Clean Out Kit is the easiest and most convenient way to clean out your closet. All you have to do is go to thredUP.com/cleanout, order their signature polka dot bag or print a shipping label, and send thredUP your gently worn items. From there, thredUP does all of the work to resell your items. thredUP makes it easy and convenient to sell items that you no longer love, and you can stretch your dollar further by refilling your closet with like-new pieces at up to 90% off retail value. For more information: thredUP.com/cleanout @ thredUP Target If you are looking for a one-stop-shop for back-to-school and college look now further than Target. Target has all the national brands that kiddos and parents are looking for - and with deals starting at just $1, Target has all the back-to-school and back-to-college essentials you’ll need. Now let’s talk must-have products. Essentials: This colorful Up & Up pencil pouch and Mondo Llama pencil set are two of my favorite essentials. Backpacks: I love this adorable Cat & Jack Unicorn backpack and this adaptive backpack option. Lunch Must-Haves: Cat & Jack bento boxes are so handy for packing a delicious lunch with some Good & Gather goodies– the Glazed Doughnut Almonds. Dorm: Level up your dorm room style with this Room Essentials sherpa pillow and letterboard. Don't forget to throw your morning coffee into these cute mugs too! Target’s same-day pickup options allow you to get your items the same day, with no membership required. Drive Up is my go-to for when I have kids in tow. Just pull up, and a team member will bring your items straight to your car! For more information: Check out Target.com to see more incredible items to send your kids to school without breaking the bank! @target T-Mobile T-Mobile just announced back-to-school device deals for the whole family ahead of the school year – and they’re all available NOW for both new and existing customers. Whether you’re sending your child off to college or taking your kiddo to their first day of first grade, T-Mobile has you covered so you can stay better connected with a variety of device deals! Pick up a free 5G smartphone, like the exclusive REVVL 6 PRO 5G OR the award-winning SyncUP KIDS Watch for free, both with 24 monthly bill credits plus tax when adding a qualifying line. And being a T-Mobile customer means you always get major value packed into your plans. Families on Go5G Plus get over $270 in extra perks every single month – like Netflix on Us, free in-flight Wi-Fi on the biggest U.S. airlines, free international high-speed data, T-Mobile Tuesdays and so much more. Just for being a T-Mobile customer. Go5G Plus customers are also upgrade-ready every two years, and it’s the first plan where customers always get the same great device deals whether they’re a new or existing customer. No other wireless provider can say that. And that’s all on top of getting access to the nation’s largest, fastest and most awarded 5G network. For more information: Target back-to-school-deals T-Mobile Facebook T-Mobile Twitter T-Mobile Instagram T-Mobile Threads REVVL 6 Pro 5G SyncUP Kids Watch Fairlife For families looking to find nutritious options during the busy back to school season. fairlife Ultra-Filtered Milk is a great tasting, source of nutrition for families like mine that are always on the go. fairlife has 50% more protein and 50% less sugar than regular milk, fairlife’s 14oz bottles offer great tasting, nutrition-rich products, made to enjoy on the go! Available in 2% white, chocolate and strawberry Ultra-Filtered Milk, fairlife delivers nutrition at any time whether you’re starting your day with breakfast on-the-go, pairing with your favorite lunch, or enjoying a mid-day snack. Head to your local grocery store or convenience store to stock up on fairlife Ultra-Filtered Milk 14oz ahead of back-to-school season! For more information: https://fairlife.com/ultra-filtered-milk-14oz/ https://www.facebook.com/fairlifeLLC https://www.instagram.com/fairlife/ Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

August 23, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

Logitix Names former Amazon Web Services Executive Michael Ramirez as Vice President of Business Operations

Logitix

Logitix, the leader in live event ticketing technology and analytics, announced they have named Michael Ramirez as Vice President of Business Operations. Ramirez most recently worked with Amazon Web Services (AWS) as their Head of Worldwide Sales Strategy & Operations for Microsoft Workloads. As a result of Logitix's recent growth into more markets with broader offerings, Ramirez will focus on streamlining processes and workflows to maximize efficiencies and establishing KPIs that drive results for clients. Logitix manages millions of tickets for teams and properties from the MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, and NCAA, plus live event properties across the music, performing arts, and entertainment industries. Its unique platform analyzes millions of real-time data points, providing up-to-the-minute insights within the live event marketplace. Logitix optimizes ticket sales outcomes for all partners through proprietary dynamic pricing and distribution. “As our operation at Logitix continues to expand, we are recruiting talented leaders from in and out of our direct industries,” said Logitix CEO Stu Halberg. “Michael enters the live event industry as one of the most respected leaders in business operations for technology giants. He will play an important role in helping our team sell more tickets in more places while optimizing ticketing revenue for our diverse portfolio of clients.” Before AWS, Ramirez built his career in technology and telecommunications, working with brands like Advanced Media Technologies, Inc., Deluxe Corporation, and AT&T (formerly BellSouth Corporation). He graduated from the University of Florida. About Logitix Logitix is the preeminent monetization engine and ticketing platform for the live event industry, combining optimized pricing, distribution, and inventory management with real-time insights to help sellers and buyers respond to a rapidly changing market environment. The Logitix vision is to automate the entire ticket life cycle and provide data-driven insights to serve the diverse needs of its clients. The company is backed by ZMC and is privately held. For more information about Logitix, visit Logitix.com or find them on LinkedIn. Contact Details Eric PR & Marketing, LLC Eric Nemeth nemeth@ericpr.com Company Website https://logitix.com/

August 23, 2023 08:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time

The History & Popularity Of Baccarat In Thailand

AM Europe

Baccarat, a time-honored card game that is celebrated for both its sophistication and its accessibility, has won the affection of players from all over the world. Thailand, a nation that has a rich cultural past and a growing interest in gaming and entertainment, is one of the countries that is attracted to it. In this article, we discuss the history of baccarat in Thailand, as well as its cultural significance, widespread popularity, and the one-of-a-kind manner in which it blends contemporary and tradition. You can learn more about Baccarat in Thailand here Cultural Context and Influence The introduction of baccarat in Thailand can be dated back to the country's colonial era. European colonisation of the area in the latter half of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century brought with it a variety of Western practises and traditions, such as casino card games like baccarat. The refined yet uncomplicated nature of the game was appealing to members of Thai high society, and it didn't take long for it to become a staple at high-society events. Baccarat has gained a certain mystery over the course of time, and it is frequently linked to concepts like as luxury and exclusivity. It evolved into a signifier of refined taste and a pastime that was popular among wealthy people. The fact that playing the game was associated with a certain level of social rank and distinction was another factor that led to its popularity among the more affluent members of Thai society. Popularity and Accessibility Baccarat is played by people from all walks of life in Thailand, despite the fact that it was originally played only by the country's upper class. Access to the game can now be gained through a variety of channels, such as land-based casinos, smartphone applications, and even digital platforms like the internet. The game has become more democratic as a result of this accessibility, making it more inclusive and allowing it to reach a wider audience outside the constraints of luxury parties. The proliferation of live dealer platforms and online casinos has been a big contributor to the democratisation of the gambling industry. The excitement of baccarat may now be enjoyed by Thai players without them having to leave the confines of their own homes, resulting in a greater degree of convenience and flexibility. Online platforms have also provided new versions and inventive twists on the conventional game, appealing to players who are looking for a fresh gaming experience as well as traditionalists who prefer the game as it has always been played. Cultural Fusion and Modernity The intriguing aspect of baccarat in Thailand is that it successfully combines aspects of Western culture with those of Thai culture. While the game has not lost any of its innate brilliance, it has adapted very well to the rapidly developing entertainment landscape in current day Thailand. Baccarat provides players with an experience that is resonant with both heritage and contemporary, and it can be found in opulent casino resorts as well as in virtual gaming places. The popularity of baccarat in Thailand, which has been on the rise in recent years, has also helped the tourism economy in that country. The attractiveness of casinos and gaming businesses, in addition to the opportunity to experience the adrenaline of baccarat, has attracted people from nations both in the immediate vicinity and further afield. This rush of tourists has not only bolstered Thailand's reputation as a lively entertainment destination but has also given a boost to the local economy. Conclusion The fact that baccarat has become so popular in Thailand is evidence of the game's versatility as well as its persistent allure. Baccarat has carved out a particular niche for itself in Thai society, from its long-standing connections to high-society groups to the ease with which it can now be played through various internet platforms. It bridges the gap between tradition and modernity while providing players of all different backgrounds with an experience that is both amusing and thrilling. It is a symbol of the synthesis of cultural influences. If you enjoy gambling and casinos in Thailand find out more here. The history of baccarat is still fascinating to learn about because it demonstrates how Thailand is able to celebrate both its rich past and its bright future. This capacity is reflected in the country's openness to new types of entertainment. Baccarat is likely to retain its attractiveness regardless of whether it is played in lavish casinos or through virtual interfaces because of the game's ability to captivate players with its combination of refinement and excitement. Contact Details J Stewart joshua.stewart@acroud.com

August 23, 2023 03:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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The Top 5 Most Expensive CSGO Skins 2023

AM Europe

Not only has Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) established itself as a well-liked competitive shooter, but it has also established itself as a domain of virtual luxury. The in-game skins are at the centre of the game's bustling economy; the value of some of these items is truly astounding. With the popularity of skins has also led to gambling on CSGO skins, you read more at Livemint.com. In this post, we will dig into the world of rare CSGO skins, exploring the top 5 most expensive CS:GO skins that have grabbed the imagination of gamers and collectors alike. 1. Karambit Case Hardened (Blue Gem) The Hardened Karambit, Factory New, pattern 387 (blue gem), is a legendary skin. It was purchased in 2016 for just over $100,000 but is now worth much more. Although it hasn't been sold yet, the owner turned down an offer of €1.2 million (approximately $1.5 million USD at the time), implying that someone would have to pay more than $1.5 million USD to buy it. The price will have only risen by 2023, and it is likely to be worth more over $2 million presently. One reason for this is that the chances of opening the same knife from different cases are about 1 in 371 million. It is the best pattern, a blue gem Karambit, and the only one in Factory New condition. 2. Souvenir AWP | Dragon Lore (Souvenir) Due to its extreme scarcity and breathtaking dragon design, this skin is considered by collectors to be the holy grail. It was only available to win during the 2018 ELEAGUE Major Boston competition, and as a result, its superb design and limited supply have caused its price to skyrocket to unfathomable heights. Souvenir copies of the Dragon Lore skin can sell for more than $150,000, especially if they are Factory New. These memorialise specific esports matches by including gold stickers with the teams and event information. 3. AK-47 – Case Hardened (661) Case Hardened AK skins, like Case Hardened knives, can command astronomical prices depending on the pattern. Although most AK-47 Case Hardened skins are merely a few hundred dollars, pattern number 661 is worth a lot more. Because of this pattern, much of the exposed area of the weapon has that same 'blue diamond' appearance, making it highly prized. If this AK has Titan stickers on it, the price might rise to more over $100,000. A StatTrak Minimal Wear 661 AK-47 with four Titan Holos sold for $400,000. This makes it the most expensive single skin ever sold in CS:GO. This price, however, was primarily owing to the stickers used. 4.Vice / Pandora’s Box Sport Gloves (Factory New) These brightly coloured Sport Gloves are among the most desirable CS:GO glove skins. Because there are only 113 FN Vice Gloves and 29 FN Pandora's Box Gloves in existence, their prices can reach $20,000 and $50,000, respectively. Because it is incredibly uncommon to find these gloves in Factory New condition, they are less expensive with worse use. Field-Tested Vice Gloves, for example, cost roughly $2,000. 5.Karambit / Butterfly / M9 Bayonet (Sapphire) Because there are several phases of Doppler knives, the price of some of them will be close to $1000. If, on the other hand, you have your heart set on a Ruby, Emerald, or Sapphire version, you should get ready to shell out a significant amount of money. Karambit, Butterfly Knives, and M9 Bayonets crafted from Sapphire or Emerald often command the highest price tags, which currently exceed $15,000; Ruby's are available for a little lower price. As a result of the fact that these skins appear even better in Counter-Strike 2, their values have soared to nearly $20,000 for items such as the Emerald Butterfly Knife. What makes CSGO Skins Expensive? The overall rarity of a CS:GO skin is the primary factor that determines its price. There are eight tiers of rarity, which are as follows: Consumer – White Industrial – Light blue Mil-Spec – Blue Restricted – Purple Classified – Pink Covert – Red Contraband – Orange Extraordinary – Gold The amount of wear and pattern on a CS:GO skin are two more options. The value of a skin depreciates as it is used since the skin will eventually become scratched and will have a less desirable appearance in-game. There are also a ridiculous number of distinct patterns for each skin, which means that skins with more desirable patterns will cost more. Summary The realm of CS:GO skins goes far beyond simple aesthetics, having developed into a marketplace where rarity, design, and passion are brought together. The top 10 most expensive CS:GO skins highlight the persistent fascination of virtual luxury, where players and collectors alike want to acquire pieces of digital craftsmanship that possess both financial and emotional significance. These skins are known as "skins," and they are used in the multiplayer online battle arena game CS:GO. In spite of the ongoing development of both the CS:GO community and its economy, it is likely that these skins will continue to stand as emblems of exclusiveness and prestige in the digital world. Sources of information taken from Dexerto & Charlieintel Contact Details AM Europe Joshua Stewart joshua.stewart@acroud.com

August 23, 2023 03:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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The Most Played Slot Games In Canada - Top 10 Slots

AM Europe

Slot machines have long been considered the "heart and soul" of casinos, and gamblers in Canada have a specific affinity for these games of chance. Slot machines pay out the majority of casino revenue. Slot machines are a popular hobby not just among residents of the area but also among visitors from out of town because of the flashing lights, the possibility of a large win, and the many different themes available. As we continue our journey into the exciting world of Canadian casinos, let's take a look at some of the most exciting slot games that have won the hearts and minds of gamers from all over the nation. If you enjoy Canadian online casinos learn more at Hindustantimes.com 1. Mega Moolah When discussing the realm of progressive jackpot slots, there is one name that stands out above the rest: Mega Moolah. The jaw-dropping and life-altering payouts of this game have propelled it to the position of a legend not only in Canada but even outside its borders. It is not surprising that Mega Moolah maintains its position at the top of the popularity lists, given that the game features a wilderness setting and offers players the chance to win the highly sought-after Mega Jackpot. 2. Thunderstruck II Another legendary slot game that has captivated the interest of Canadian gamers is Thunderstruck II, which takes its influence from Norse mythology. Players keep coming back for more because of the game's rich graphics and audio, epic score, and novel gameplay mechanics. 3. Book of Ra One of the most popular slot games in Canada is Book of Ra, which whisks players away to the magical land of ancient Egypt. Canadian gamblers have been captivated by this game. Free spins and expanding symbols both give an extra dimension of excitement to this game, making it a fan favourite among gamers who prefer playing games with an exploration theme. 4. Gonzo's Quest Gonzo's Quest has established itself as a mainstay at Canadian casinos thanks to its one-of-a-kind avalanche feature and mesmerising 3D visuals. The players of this slot game are taken on an adventure to locate the long-lost city of gold, which provides them with both enjoyment and the opportunity to win valuable prizes. 5. Immortal Romance If you enjoy stories about vampires and forbidden love, you will find that Immortal Romance provides a slot playing experience that is unlike any other. Players are kept interested as they discover more about the game's characters through the game's complex storyline, which is backed by a number of other additional features. 6. Starburst Starburst is a slot game that has amassed a big fanbase in Canada. This game is well-known for its vivid colours and gameplay that is both straightforward and mesmerising. This game has the potential to be both visually appealing and financially rewarding thanks to the increasing wilds and the re-spin feature that it offers. 7. Mega Fortune Another game that competes for the progressive jackpot, Mega Fortune gives players the opportunity to experience the finer things in life thanks to its opulent aesthetic and abundant payouts. Those who have always wanted to make it big in life will feel at home playing this game, which has symbols of riches and luxury. 8. Cleopatra Cleopatra is a video slot game that, similar to Book of Ra, transports players to ancient Egypt and features the mysterious queen herself on the reels. Because to its easy-to-understand gameplay and generous free spins bonus, Canadian gamers have consistently ranked it as their top choice for years. 9. Game of Thrones This online slot game capitalises on the immense popularity of the television series by bringing the struggle for the Iron Throne to the reels. Players have the opportunity to associate themselves with the noble family of their choice thanks to the many free spins opportunities that are tied to different houses. 10. Avalon II This slot game is a successor to the original Avalon game and sends players on an adventure through a mediaeval world. Gamblers in Canada are drawn to the game because of the immersive experience it provides, which is created by the various bonus rounds and cinematic animations. Summary Although these slot games have certainly created a name for themselves in Canada, it is essential to keep in mind that individual players' preferences can differ greatly from one another. The sheer diversity of themes, gaming mechanisms, and extra features available in slot games assures that there is a game that caters to the preferences of each and every player. Because of the proliferation of online casinos, residents of Canada are now able to play some of the most popular slot games without having to leave the convenience of their own homes or move away from their mobile devices. This internet accessibility has only served to increase the popularity of slot machines in Canada, so transforming them into an integral component of the vibrant casino culture that exists throughout the country. It is thrilling to anticipate the ways in which slot games will continue to captivate and surprise players all across the Great White North as technology continues to advance at a rapid pace. Contact Details AM Europe J Stewart joshua.stewart@acroud.com

August 23, 2023 03:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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News Release

Which One Is A Must-have Crypto For 2023 - TRON (TRX), Polygon (MATIC), or Everlodge (ELDG)

Total Media

There are a few rare projects that alter the landscape of the crypto world with their massive growth potential. Everlodge is one such project that is likely to become a market titan in the coming weeks. If you are looking for profitable crypto options, you must invest in this new project. On the other hand, long-standing projects like TRON (TRX) and Polygon (MATIC) have struggled to strike a balance in their market performances. Join the Everlodge presale and win a luxury holiday to the Maldives TRON (TRX) Falls Despite Network Growth Despite noticing some network growth, the trading price of TRON (TRX) has declined by more than 7% in the past month. As a result, TRON (TRX) is currently changing hands at $0.0774. To tackle the prevailing bearish market conditions, TRON (TRX) has taken some development measures. Recently, TRON (TRX) announced its use of the Web3 Node Engine Service of Huawei. Interestingly, TRON (TRX) is one of the first blockchains to embrace Huawei’s technology. With this, TRON (TRX) aims to connect developers to blockchains, and help them build dApps more efficiently. By market capitalization, TRON (TRX) is currently in the 11th position. y00ts NFT Collection Leaves Polygon (MATIC) Polygon (MATIC) is going through a prolonged bearish phase. The sudden exit of the NFT collection, y00ts, from the Polygon network is the primary reason behind the recent fall of MATIC. Notably, y00ts had recently shifted to Polygon (MATIC) from Solana, and was one of the most successful NFT collections on the network. However, Polygon (MATIC) has found support in the Reddit Collectible Avatars, which has registered a growth in sales. The Polygon (MATIC) community hopes that this Reddit-based NFT collection will attract more users to the network. However, the price trajectory of Polygon (MATIC) has moved downward by 23% in the past month. Consequently, the trading price of Polygon (MATIC) has now dropped to $0.5865. Everlodge (ELDG) Captures All Market Attention The real estate industry is one of the most profitable, and safest investment assets. To make this industry more accessible to investors, Everlodge has developed a new blockchain platform. It is a state-of-the-art Web3 platform that allows users to own holiday homes, and luxurious hotels. Notably, the market size of global vacation rentals can grow at a CAGR of 4.7% by 2030. Hence, this new project can do wonders over the coming years. Here, people can own a luxurious villa for as low as $100, and in the simplest possible way. The platform mints NFTs against real estate properties, and fractionalizes them to make it accessible to small and retail investors. Besides, people who co-own properties can use their NFTs as collateral to get a loan. Users could also trade their NFTs on the secondary marketplace of the platform, or any ERC20-compatible marketplace. The platform has announced plans to launch a Launchpad, wherein developers will get an opportunity to raise capital for new projects. Everlodge has ELDG as its native token, and its presale has started. Currently, the purchase price of a token is just $0.01. However, as per analysts, the token’s market value can explode by 280% during the presale round, and 30x upon launch. Moreover, the token holders will receive multiple benefits that include discounts on trading fees, and staking rewards. Considering the demand for this project, it can raise $12 million during its presale. Find out more about the Everlodge (ELDG) Presale Website: https://www.everlodge.io/ Telegram: https://t.me/everlodge Contact Details Everlodge Team marketing@everlodge.io

August 22, 2023 06:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time

News Release

Headline

Total Media

There are a few rare projects that alter the landscape of the crypto world with their massive growth potential. Everlodge is one such project that is likely to become a market titan in the coming weeks. If you are looking for profitable crypto options, you must invest in this new project. On the other hand, long-standing projects like TRON (TRX) and Polygon (MATIC) have struggled to strike a balance in their market performances. Join the Everlodge presale and win a luxury holiday to the Maldives TRON (TRX) Falls Despite Network Growth Despite noticing some network growth, the trading price of TRON (TRX) has declined by more than 7% in the past month. As a result, TRON (TRX) is currently changing hands at $0.0774. To tackle the prevailing bearish market conditions, TRON (TRX) has taken some development measures. Recently, TRON (TRX) announced its use of the Web3 Node Engine Service of Huawei. Interestingly, TRON (TRX) is one of the first blockchains to embrace Huawei’s technology. With this, TRON (TRX) aims to connect developers to blockchains, and help them build dApps more efficiently. By market capitalization, TRON (TRX) is currently in the 11th position. y00ts NFT Collection Leaves Polygon (MATIC) Polygon (MATIC) is going through a prolonged bearish phase. The sudden exit of the NFT collection, y00ts, from the Polygon network is the primary reason behind the recent fall of MATIC. Notably, y00ts had recently shifted to Polygon (MATIC) from Solana, and was one of the most successful NFT collections on the network. However, Polygon (MATIC) has found support in the Reddit Collectible Avatars, which has registered a growth in sales. The Polygon (MATIC) community hopes that this Reddit-based NFT collection will attract more users to the network. However, the price trajectory of Polygon (MATIC) has moved downward by 23% in the past month. Consequently, the trading price of Polygon (MATIC) has now dropped to $0.5865. Everlodge (ELDG) Captures All Market Attention The real estate industry is one of the most profitable, and safest investment assets. To make this industry more accessible to investors, Everlodge has developed a new blockchain platform. It is a state-of-the-art Web3 platform that allows users to own holiday homes, and luxurious hotels. Notably, the market size of global vacation rentals can grow at a CAGR of 4.7% by 2030. Hence, this new project can do wonders over the coming years. Here, people can own a luxurious villa for as low as $100, and in the simplest possible way. The platform mints NFTs against real estate properties, and fractionalizes them to make it accessible to small and retail investors. Besides, people who co-own properties can use their NFTs as collateral to get a loan. Users could also trade their NFTs on the secondary marketplace of the platform, or any ERC20-compatible marketplace. The platform has announced plans to launch a Launchpad, wherein developers will get an opportunity to raise capital for new projects. Everlodge has ELDG as its native token, and its presale has started. Currently, the purchase price of a token is just $0.01. However, as per analysts, the token’s market value can explode by 280% during the presale round, and 30x upon launch. Moreover, the token holders will receive multiple benefits that include discounts on trading fees, and staking rewards. Considering the demand for this project, it can raise $12 million during its presale. Find out more about the Everlodge (ELDG) Presale Website: https://www.everlodge.io/ Telegram: https://t.me/everlodge Contact Details Everlodge Team marketing@everlodge.io

August 22, 2023 05:57 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Helping End Pet Homelessness: Hill’s Pet Nutrition teams up with NBCUniversal Local for Month-long Clear the Shelters Campaign to Inspire Pet Adoption Nationwide!

YourUpdateTV

Since its inception in 2015, NBCUniversal Local’s Clear the Shelters campaign has helped more than 860,000 pets find homes and hopes to reach a new milestone this year - one million pets adopted. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/PJJWLdA2z5k Animal shelters across the country are in crisis as millions of pets are entering shelters but a growing number are not being adopted; In fact, more than 6.3 million animals enter shelters each year and in 2022 alone, 90,000 more cats and dogs entered shelters than were adopted. The Clear the Shelters campaign comes at a critical time as pet adoptions are slowing and shelters are facing extreme challenges with overcrowding and stretched resources. For more than two decades, Hill’s Pet Nutrition has focused on helping end pet homelessness through supporting shelter pet adoption, including its long-term support of the Clear the Shelters campaign. Hill’s Pet Nutrition is working to understand barriers to pet adoption and in a new survey of 1,500 pet owners, learned that high-quality photography is a simple, powerful tool in increasing a pet’s chance of adoption and reducing the time they spend in a shelter. Studies have shown that dogs with good adoption photos are typically adopted within two weeks, compared to 43 days for a pet with a poor photo. Quality photography helps showcase a pet’s true personality, create a deeper connection and inspire more individuals to consider adoption. 95% of pet adopters found photos to be important to the process. 7 in 10 online adopters considered a specific pet because of its photo. More than half of online adopters (58%) felt an emotional connection because of the pet’s photo. Hill’s is proud to team up with award-winning animal photographer and shelter advocate Sophie Gamand to offer simple but impactful photography tips anyone can use with their cell phones to help shelter pets put their best paw forward. To help pets find homes more quickly, volunteers are needed to help their local shelters with intake photographs of pets, as well as other activities ranging from exercising and socializing pets to administrative tasks to at-home fostering. Whether you donate, volunteer, foster, or adopt, your support matters. Together, we can create positive change. ● Adopt: If you’re ready to open your heart to a loyal and loving companion, visit HillsClearTheShelters.com to find a shelter near you. ● Volunteer: Shelters are in desperate need of volunteers. You can put your photography skills to good use by volunteering to help take quality photos of pets in shelters to help them find a new home faster. And even if photography isn’t your thing, shelters can also use extra hands. ● Donate: Consider donating at ClearTheSheltersFund.org where 100% of donations go directly to shelters and rescues in need. ● Foster: Open your home to a pet in need by providing temporary housing to help reduce overcrowding and help a pet prepare for adoption. Join the movement and make a life-saving difference for shelter pets everywhere by visiting www.hillscleartheshelters.com. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

August 22, 2023 04:09 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

Minuteman Press Franchise Review: Jim Sweeney ‘Talks Shop’ on Growing Sales With Booming Apparel Business in Houston, Texas

Minuteman Press International Inc.

Jim and Jane Sweeney are the owners of the Minuteman Press franchise in Houston, Texas for the last 29 years; they first joined Minuteman Press in June of 1994. Jim and Jane have done a tremendous job building their business over the years. Most recently, they have truly excelled in growing their apparel sales. Jim summarizes: “ The past 2 years have certainly been interesting. We are currently (as of July of 2023) running 30.5% ahead of 2022 sales, which was up 35% over 2021. It seems like the world (or our world anyway) came out of its 2-year long malaise in 2022.” In the below interview, Jim shares more specific details about his center’s booming apparel business and how he and Jane’s Minuteman Press franchise in Houston have accomplished such strong growth in their apparel sales. Their center is located at 1040 Hercules Ave (Clear Lake City); Houston - Clear Lake City, TX 77058. How have you grown your business in general over the past two years? Jim Sweeney: “During the early pandemic we pivoted to personal protection products, which naturally led to custom face masks. While Jane was busy actually sewing 1000 face masks, I was providing custom logo cloth masks to hospitals, medical offices, service providers, and schools. We sold about 40,000 custom masks during that time, and we either heat pressed them or sent them to a local screen print vendor. We also donated a lot of masks to schools, non-profits, etc. Finally, in 2022, our traditional printing was finally starting to climb back to pre-pandemic levels. Promotional products also grew as trade shows and marketing calls became more the norm. We also had a big spurt of large format work, but that actually slowed down a bit after that initial spurt. EDDM printing has also become a larger portion of our print sales. Once we registered as EDDM providers on the USPS website, we definitely saw a very large increase in direct mail in general. Business Card printing has always been big for us, and the addition of the Graphic Whizard slitter, cutter, creaser has made it even more profitable. Our marketing efforts consists of: heavy community involvement; direct mail postcards, especially this year with the Deal of the Month art provided by MMP corporate; SEO/SEM on the Minuteman.com website, and social media, specifically as it relates to Direct to Film Transfer sales.” How have you grown your apparel business? What have you done to get your apparel sales going? Jim Sweeney: “We really started getting serious about apparel about 8 years ago when we purchased a commercial embroidery machine. Then, about 5 years ago, Jane put together a great lobby presentation. This area features apparel, large format, and promotional items of interest. We added dye sublimation capabilities with the Epson F570, and then we added DTG printing for one- offs (we eventually sold the DTG printer). During this time, we were using a lot of screen printed transfers, mostly from 613 originals or FM expressions. The issue became turnaround time. It would take up to 2 weeks to receive those transfers, and then of course we had to press them. We purchased a second, and then a third Stahls’ heat press during this time. That is when we decided to move in to the Direct to Film (DTF) printing business. After going through several desktop converted printers to try to print our own transfers, about 2.5 years ago we purchased our first large format, dual printhead DTF printer and finisher. In addition to producing transfers for our in-house use, we have enough capacity that we sell transfers to other printers, screen printers, sign shops and Facebook Group/Etsy owners. We added additional capacity with a 4 head DTF printer in January of this year (we will most likely be adding a third printer in the third quarter this year).” Jim continues: “Wholesale Transfer printing is now approximately 20% of our monthly sales; we ship all over the country, with a daily capacity for printing thousands of transfers. Adding embroidery and our in-house t-shirt sales makes apparel approximately 30% of our monthly revenue.” “Concurrently with this growth in transfer sales, the embroidery business was taking off. We regularly receive orders for 10-50 polos or button-down shirts for embroidery. We landed a grocery store chain and 2 local hospitals, and the orders became 150-200 shirts at a time. This past fall we completed a $24,000 jacket embroidery order, and we just delivered $32,000 jacket order to that same client, a hospital. Of course, we use a trusted local vendor for larger quantities of jackets.” Jim adds: “Our apparel business continues to grow weekly with more, and larger, in-house turn-key t-shirt sales really ramping up.” What are 3 tips for other owners on growing their apparel business? Jim Sweeney: “1. We feel that the #1 thing that is continuing to drive our apparel sales, in addition to the wholesale transfer sales, is our lobby display. Several years ago, we put this display of apparel samples, promotional items, and some of our large format samples in our shop. Whenever a new, or even an existing customer comes into the shop, invariably they are drawn to this display. About 1 in 5 people who walk into the shop asks about something that they see on that display. We turn about 85% of those inquiries into sales. 2. It also helps that our CSR is very knowledgeable about all aspects of apparel, as she is about all of our products and services. Our CSR/production manager, our daughter Allison, was the store manager at our Galveston location (which we sold in August of 2022), and has worked in every aspect of our business over the years. I realize that not everyone can be this lucky, however, that does not stop you from training and providing your staff with the tools that they need to do their jobs well. SanMar has great apparel catalogs with swatch samples, and you can put together a simple apparel website using their marketing tools. Of course, it also goes without saying that everyone on your staff should be wearing logo shirts, to further showcase your capabilities. 3. If you have the opportunity, attend a local apparel industry trade show, an ASI show, and most especially the MMP International World Expo. Educate yourself, request samples, purchase a good heat press, start small, with your own shirts, then visit your current clients to show them your new capabilities. Apparel is a perfect tie in to all of the other services that our shops provide to our clients. Apparel sales spur printing sales, just like printing sales should spur apparel sales.” At least once or twice a year, this hospital does a bulk purchase of 430 t-shirts for all the staff members. The purchase might include jackets, rain jackets, backpacks, other specialty items, or t-shirts. We’ve provided $200,000 or more in just apparel and high-end promo items to the hospital in the last 3 years. This hospital then referred us to the hospital Can you provide an example of a client who has used you for apparel? Jim Sweeney: “One of our regular ordering apparel clients is a local specialty hospital. In addition to their hospital facility, they also own or partner with 15 other physical therapy centers in the Houston region. We started out providing them with the usual printing and large format products, then contracted with them to provide new building signage for each of the outlying offices, and then grew into apparel with them. We have them set up on 2 Stahl’s Spirit Sale websites. One of them is for employees to purchase branded apparel, and the other is for the hospital to purchase apparel for new employees. In addition to standard corporate apparel, each department has their own branded t-shirt. Is there anything else you’d like to share? Jim Sweeney: “Apparel is an easy sell. Wear your logo. Talk it up. Ask for referrals. Don’t be afraid of it just because you haven’t done it before.” For more information on Jim and Jane Sweeney’s Minuteman Press franchise in Houston/Clear Lake, visit https://minuteman.com/us/locations/tx/houston27/ 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

August 22, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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