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Spiceology Teams Up With Marley Kitchen to Launch Taste-Good, Feel-Good Line of Seasonings

Spiceology

Spiceology, a leading spice and flavor company, is announcing its collaboration with Marley Kitchen, the food-driven brand created by members of Bob Marley's family to share the soul and spirit of the Caribbean. Now available for purchase, the line of Caribbean-inspired seasonings was developed with the culinary support of Cedella Marley and the Marley Family. “We’re advocates for experimenting with flavor while nourishing the mind, body and soul, and one of the most important aspects of that comes down to what we put in our bodies,” said Cedella Marley of Marley Kitchen. “We knew we wanted to work with Spiceology to bring our interpretation of the flavors of the Caribbean to life because of their commitment to high-quality ingredients and lack of fillers. We value this as a family and a community and felt confident that working with Spiceology would help us bring our flavors to tables around the world.” Inspired by some of Bob Marley’s favorite dishes and his health-forward focus on food, the new blends, One Love, One Heart and One World, were intended to be paired with whole foods, grains and vegetable-forward dishes. One Love ($14.95): Hemp Heart & Honey Ginger Butter Blend - This warm and sweet blend offers flavor notes of earthiness from Hemp Hearts and Turmeric, richness from Butter Powder, and a warm sweetness from Honey Granules, Cinnamon, Vanilla, and Ginger; this blend is ideal for granola, yogurt, lamb, rice pilafs, quinoa, hummus, compound butter, and Jamaican toto bread. One Heart ($14.95): Jamaican Curry Blend - Drawing inspiration from traditional Jamaican curries and African flavors, this blend is warm but not spicy, complex yet approachable. With strong notes of Coriander, Mustard, Cumin, and Ginger, this blend was designed to elevate chicken, fish, lentils, and legumes. One World ($14.95): Cardamom Coconut BBQ Blend - With the perfect balance of sweetness, citrus and heat and inspired by traditional Berbere blends of Africa, this blend’s layers of warm and tropical ingredients were thoughtfully added in, including Turmeric and Coconut Sugar. Try this on lentils, legumes, fish, stews, and chicken. “While creating these blends, we prioritized ingredients like Hemp Hearts, Ginger, Fenugreek, and Turmeric,” said Chef Tony Reed, Senior Director of Innovation and Partnerships. “These are ingredients with amazing flavor that are good for you, while also bringing the flavors of the Caribbean to life. Whether you’re making granola or a curry, these blends offer flavor profiles that might be new to many home cooks and some chefs and will be fun to experiment with.” The blends can be found on Spiceology.com and are available in individual 9 oz glass jars and a 3-pack of 2 oz glass jars. For more information, see here. ABOUT SPICEOLOGY Founded in 2013, Spiceology is the fastest-growing spice company in America and is on a mission to bring the magic back to spices, the world’s first currency. The chef-owned and operated, one-stop spice shop develops innovative blends and offers over 400 ingredients that are ground fresh in small-batches and shipped fresh to consumers and chefs. Spiceology’s “experiment with flavor” ethos is not only embraced through excellent ingredients and unique combinations, but also through responsible business practices designed to create a better world with diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of the workforce. Spiceology products can be found on spiceology.com, in specialty retailers and grocers, in restaurants around the US, and as far away as Australia and Dubai. Visit spiceology.com for more information or to place an order, or follow Spiceology on Facebook and Instagram. For recipe inspiration, visit here. ABOUT MARLEY MERCHANDISING LLC. The Marley brand honors the timeless values of Bob Marley by uniting people around the world under the banner of One Love. Marley Merchandising, LLC, a wholly owned Marley family entity, owns, licenses and markets a portfolio of Marley consumer brands globally, including: House of Marley®, Marley Beverage Co™, Marley Natural®, Marley One™, Marley Kitchen®, Marley Coffee®, and Bob Marley®. For more information, visit bobmarley.com and @bobmarley on social media. Contact Details Spiceology Cassidy Levine +1 908-770-7880 cassidy@spiceology.com Company Website https://spiceology.com/

March 02, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Corporate Watchdog Calls for Disney to Be as Tough on China as They are on Russia

National Legal & Policy Center

Following the announcement on Monday by The Walt Disney Company that it would halt all new movie releases in Russia following that nation’s invasion of Ukraine, National Legal and Policy Center is calling on the entertainment conglomerate to apply its indignance to equally menacing China. NLPC owns stock in Disney, and has a resolution before its fellow shareholders that will be presented and voted upon at the company’s annual meeting next Wednesday, March 9. The resolution calls for Disney to annually produce a report that outlines its due diligence – or explains its lack thereof – as it pertains to evaluating the human rights impacts of its business and associations with foreign entities. The board of directors of Disney – a multi-billion-dollar corporation – opposes the measure, calling it a “misplaced premise” that is “neither a necessary nor productive use of the Company’s resources.” Despite being called upon by human rights groups to back off from its coziness with the oppressive regime in the Far East, Disney has persisted in its relationship in order to maintain its access to the vast and lucrative Chinese market. Now that Vladimir Putin has initiated an invasion of Ukraine in an unprovoked power grab, Disney CEO Robert Chapek is showing he has a backbone, and that the company has limits to the degrees of evil and aggression it will accept from its international partners. Paul Chesser, director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project, hopes Disney’s response to Russia’s belligerence will also cause Chapek to revisit the company’s relationship with China. “The global community, including much of the corporate world, is outraged by Russia’s assault on its neighbor – and rightfully so,” Chesser said. “We applaud Disney and other companies that have said they will punish Putin with their own measures, but now we ask: What about China?” News reports indicate that China supports Russia’s violent colonialism, appearing to be the only major nation on Putin’s side. China is also a threat to many of its surrounding countries, especially Taiwan, where it continually flaunts its military might to demonstrate its control over the island. The authoritarian government has also been accused of genocide against the Muslim-minority Uighurs in the province of Xinjiang, imposition of a brutal crackdown and imposition of control over Hong Kong, oppression of the Tibetans, and subjugation of the Chinese people overall to its communist control. Despite China’s unacceptable conduct, Disney is among several corporations that have embraced a relationship with the tyrannical regime. Previous CEOs have groveled to Chinese prime ministers in the past, seeking to have access to their market restored after some films offended the dictators. Disney took a back seat in an ownership deal with the government to build the Disney Resort in Shanghai, and the company’s subsidiaries eagerly censor their own offerings to comply with the regime’s demands. And for the 2020 release of the live-action film “Mulan,” Disney even gave thanks for the assistance provided by the provincial government in Xinjiang, which is responsible for many of the evils against the Uighurs. “Disney is doing the right thing by withholding its entertainment offerings in response to Russia’s unjustified war,” Chesser said. “But China could be considered at least an equal aggressor, against both its own people, its neighbors, and even far-away nations. “It’s time for corporations to stop rewarding such behavior. We urge Disney to implement transparency about its relationship with the Chinese regime, and better yet, to impose its own sanctions until the communist government improves its human rights record.” The full text of NLPC’s shareholder resolution for The Walt Disney Company can be viewed here. Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education, and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Paul Chesser +1 703-237-1970 pchesser@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

March 01, 2022 01:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

The Outset Brings a New Beginning to Skincare

The Outset

Today, globally recognized actor Scarlett Johansson and her co-founder, entrepreneur, and beauty/fashion executive Kate Foster Lengyel, announced the highly anticipated US launch of The Outset, a modern collection of consciously clean, minimalist skincare essentials free from trends, harsh ingredients, and gender/age stereotypes. Anchored in purpose, The Outset celebrates The Start of You™ from product to mission, an ethos of optimism and empowerment also woven into philanthropic efforts that foster new beginnings for people and the planet. After years of serving as the face of several luxury beauty brands, Johansson made the conscious decision to step back from endorsements and immerse herself in the business of beauty with the ultimate goal of developing her own brand that represented her vision and values, but more importantly, answered unmet consumer needs. She spent five years educating herself on the industry, formulations, product development and brand identity, and partnered with Foster to conduct in depth market research to better understand what consumers wanted. With a vision to create a modern classic in skincare, Johansson and Foster were validated by what they learned and set out to develop an accessible approach to prestige beauty that is clean, reliable and democratic, proving that less is not only more, but what is in demand. The full range includes a thoughtfully curated collection of five skincare essentials that can be used as a full regimen or paired with your existing skincare, as these formulas will not compete with other active ingredients. Products are all under $55 and available on TheOutset.com beginning March 1, 2022. “I wanted to create and represent a brand that felt true to me, something real and intimate that others could see themselves in, too,” said Johansson. “The Outset was inspired by my own skincare ritual - a consistent routine of cleansing, prepping and moisturizing that keeps my skin on track and camera ready. I’ve found that great skin starts with the basics, and consumers we spoke with similarly expressed a desire to return to the essentials.” No matter where you are on your skincare journey, The Outset offers a simplified skincare solution that allows you to begin again. In a world of overcomplicated skincare routines and active ingredients that can irritate, The Outset believes that less is more and takes the guesswork out of skincare by offering skin-friendly, effective formulas that can be used by all. “The Outset provides benefit-driven formulas that don’t disrupt the skin barrier and instead work to preserve skin for the future,” said Foster. “Through our research, we found that 96% of prestige beauty consumers are generally happy with their skin and are more focused on preservation rather than transformation. The Outset is where simplicity and purpose meet; we help consumers find freedom in the uncomplicated through non-toxic yet effective formulas that nourish skin of all genders and generations.” Inside every product is The Outset’s signature Hyaluroset™ Complex, a clean ingredient blend that acts as a botanical alternative to hyaluronic acid. This nourishing powerhouse complex provides immediate and lasting hydration, plumping the skin to help reduce the look of fine lines while improving radiance. THE COLLECTION The Cleanser / Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser ($32) The Prep Serum / Firming Vegan Collagen Prep Serum ($46) The Moisturizer / Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer ($44) The Night Cream / Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream ($54) The Eye Cream / Smoothing Vitamin C Eye + Expression Lines Cream ($42) At the heart of the line is the Daily Essential Regimen, a simple 3-step effort inspired by Johansson’s own daily routine: (01) Cleanse, (02) Prep and (03) Moisturize. This minimalist and clean approach is represented via a tightly curated and refillable skincare system that includes The Cleanser, The Prep Serum and The Moisturizer to soothe, hydrate, and rebalance the skin. The Outset excludes 2,700 potentially harmful ingredients to meet only the highest clean beauty standard, a “free from” list that is twice as long as standard beauty brands. Any ingredients that are incomplete, questionably sourced or unsatisfactory were banned. The Outset is fragrance-free, vegan, gluten-free, and nut allergen free, dermatologist and allergy tested, suitable for sensitive skin, and Leaping Bunny certified. Designed with sustainability in mind, the packaging incorporates glass, bio-resin and/or post-consumer recycled materials where possible, and product cartons are made with FSC certified materials. The brand is also a member of 1% for the Planet and has pledged to donate 1% of annual sales to support nonprofit organizations focused on the environment. “The Outset means a new beginning, which feels more relevant than ever at a time when we are all starting over and pressing the reset button,” said Johansson. “It took years for us to build a brand that was backed by quality and purpose, and I’m thrilled to finally share The Outset with the world. It’s an exciting beginning for me, as well.” For more information, images or quotes, please contact: BPCM Laura Schroeder, Director, Clean Beauty & Wellness, lschroeder@bpcm.com About The Outset: The Outset creates purposeful skincare products that are consciously clean and mindfully designed to elevate your everyday. Envisioned by Scarlett Johansson and her co-founder Kate Foster Lengyel, The Outset believes that clean and effective skincare should be universal, accessible and essential. Driven by values of radical simplicity, conscious minimalism, and universal optimism, The Outset helps people embrace the elemental and find freedom in the uncomplicated. The Outset is where you begin, again. theoutset.com | @theoutset on Instagram and TikTok About Scarlett Johansson: Scarlett Johansson is Founder and Chair of The Outset, a new clean beauty brand focused on simplicity via consciously clean ingredients and mindfully designed products. A Tony and BAFTA winner and two-time Academy Award nominee, Johansson is the highest grossing female actor of all time. She was most recently seen in the final installment of the Avengers film series, Avengers: Endgame, and reprised her role as “Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow” in the highly anticipated stand-alone film Black Widow. She earned Academy Award nominations for her work in Marriage Story, directed by Noah Baumbach, and in Taika Waititi's JoJo Rabbit. Other recent roles include Sing and Sing 2, Avengers: Infinity War, Lucy, Under the Skin, Ghost in the Shell, Isle of Dogs and Her, which earned her a Best Actress Award at the Rome Film Festival. A champion for giving back, Johansson has served as Global Ambassador for Oxfam and RED, and has actively supported philanthropic organizations including USA Harvest, Feeding America, AmfAR, Meals on Wheels, Solar Responders, Soles4Souls, and Planned Parenthood. About Kate Foster Lengyel: Kate Foster Lengyel is co-founder and CEO of The Outset. Foster is an entrepreneur and executive from the beauty and fashion industries. Her first foray into entrepreneurship was as founder and CEO of a digital platform focused on word-of-mouth product recommendations, which was acquired by media powerhouse Meredith Corporation in January 2020. Foster’s knowledge of e-commerce, marketing and brand strategy was built through a career of leadership roles at companies including the beauty division of Victoria’s Secret and Juicy Couture. Foster holds three degrees: an MBA from Columbia Business School, an MPS from the Fashion Institute of Technology concentrating in Beauty Marketing and Management and an AB from Colgate University. Foster volunteers her time as a mentor for Colgate’s Entrepreneurship Program and resides in Brooklyn with her husband and their two children. Contact Details Laura Schroeder lschroeder@bpcm.com

March 01, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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LevLane Advertising Announces SVP, Partnerships and Development

LevLane

LevLane Advertising, a full-service, award-winning advertising agency based in Center City, Philadelphia, has announced Carl Cherkin, former Vice President of Communications and Business Development at Philadelphia Union, as the agency’s first Senior Vice President of Partnerships and Development. LevLane is a nationally recognized agency which offers creative services, brand planning, social media strategy, public relations, analytics, and more. It was founded almost 40 years ago and has grown to employ more than 75 full-time employees today. Bruce Lev, LevLane’s CEO, Chief Creative Officer, and co-founder, said that while driving in new business and expanding the agency’s presence in the region are primary goals for Cherkin, he fully expects him to step in and contribute in areas outside of partnerships and development. “That’s just who Carl is, and the exact reason we brought him onto our team.” In his previous role at Philadelphia Union, Cherkin was a member of the executive team responsible for launching Philadelphia Union, the city’s successful Major League Soccer team, where he remains a consultant, now in his 13 th season with the club. In addition to the ground-breaking launch, he established a number of successful relationships with corporate sponsors, Chambers of Commerce, and a vast and varied array of businesses, while continuing to generate a continuum of profitable business development opportunities at all levels for the club. Prior to his work in business development and communications, he had a successful career spanning decades in journalism and public relations. For Cherkin, the transition from Emmy Award-winning television sportscaster to business development executive was natural. “I’ve spent my entire career making connections and building relationships, it’s what I love to do,” he said. “I am looking forward to being a part of the team that pushes LevLane into its next phase of growth. We have incredible talent here and my hope is that our reputation for attracting creative powerhouses and impressive clientele makes us the number one agency in Philadelphia and mid-Atlantic region.” The agency has experienced steady growth throughout the past several decades—the decision to bring on a senior vice president for partnerships and development ensures that the agency as a whole remains energized. ‘‘This is an exciting time for LevLane and for me as well. I’ve been given a unique opportunity to work in an environment where the culture, already created, is so vitally important. That my lifelong friend Bruce Lev has been the driving force behind that culture, makes it that much more meaningful,” said Cherkin. “It’s incredibly motivating and at the same time challenging, to know that any and all of contributions I make to this extraordinary group of people will continue to enhance the growth and success of LevLane and its clients.” About LevLane LevLane is an award-winning, full-service, independent advertising agency in Philadelphia, PA, that has been building brands that people love for nearly 40 years. Contact Details Lauren Stralo +1 610-401-4825 lstralo@levlane.com Company Website https://www.levlane.com

March 01, 2022 08:07 AM Eastern Standard Time

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ManiMe and Coca-Cola® Kick off Three-Year Partnership with Limited-Edition Custom-Fit Gel Manicures

ManiMe

ManiMe, the pioneer of custom-fit, stick-on gel manicures, and Coca-Cola have agreed to a three-year partnership. To kick off, the two brands will launch a limited-edition collection of custom-fit gel manicures. The ManiMe and Coca-Cola Collection will feature six unique nail art designs that celebrate Coca-Cola's iconic brand. Each design is a fresh perspective on Coca-Cola’s colors and iconography. The ManiMe and Coca-Cola Collection will be available at http://manime.co/coca-cola, starting on Feb. 28, 2022, while supplies last. A Sign of Good Taste: a matte black mani gets upgraded with raised gel features that showcase how Coca-Cola® is spelled in different languages and recognized worldwide. Happiness in a Sip: a mix of bold Coca-Cola® Red and White checkers makes for the mix-and-match mani of our dreams. Always Coca-Cola®: a collage of Coca-Cola’s® most recognizable script makes for a beautiful print for your nails. Drink Coca-Cola®: a classic Coca-Cola® Red solid mani with the option to add accent nails featuring iconic Coca-Cola® branding. Red, White & You: a swirling motif of Coca-Cola® Red and White mimics the curvature of Coca-Cola® iconic glass bottles and gives you the instantly refreshing mani. Open Happiness: a silver-foil cuticle detailing on a grey base imitates cans of Coca-Cola® and Coke®. “The collaboration with Coca-Cola marks a milestone for ManiMe as it will be our most significant, longest-standing collaboration and has the potential to expand our reach into new demographics and markets. We are so inspired to be working with a brand with such an established history,” said Jooyeon Song, ManiMe CEO, and founder. “The opportunities and gel designs are truly endless as we begin to plan the next three years of our partnership with The Coca-Cola Company’s portfolio of brands.” This partnership is the first time Coca-Cola will be working with an emerging startup beauty brand rather than one with a global or regional presence. It reflects Coca-Cola's continued investment in brands shaping the future of the consumer experience, which centers around personalization. “We appreciate The Coca-Cola Company’s ability to recognize the important role of customization for our respective industries,” said Laure Murciano, ManiMe Chief Marketing Officer. “Through our partnership, ManiMe and Coca-Cola will bring a new level of innovation to the beauty industries, all while delighting consumers with recognizable and wearable nail art designs.” ManiMe and Coca-Cola share the same love of personalization. ManiMe provides custom-fit, stick-on gel manicures through its patented 3D-modeling technologies while Coca-Cola provides refreshing experiences for consumers globally with its food and beverage products. “Throughout the years, Coca-Cola has created iconic visual assets that take our brand beyond the food & beverage industry and into the realm of our customers' everyday lives. In partnership with ManiMe, we can now offer the unique opportunity for our fans to capture these iconic moments directly on their fingertips,” said Katie Wilhelm, Associate Licensing Manager, North America, The Coca-Cola Company. Learn more about the inspiration behind the ManiMe and Coca-Cola Collection at http://manime.co/coca-cola. The ManiMe and Coca-Cola Collection can be purchased at http://manime.co/coca-cola at $25 per gel set. About ManiMe: ManiMe is the leading beauty tech company that produces custom-fit, stick on gel manicures and pedicures alongside a growing portfolio of personal care products. ManiMe is the only brand creating bespoke vegan, non-toxic, and cruelty-free gels. With its patented 3D modeling, machine learning, and laser cutting technologies, ManiMe is transforming the consumer experience and emerging as a beauty innovator. For more information, visit manime.co. Contact Details Rell Marketing & Communications Kaitlyn Palocsko kaitlyn@incommn.co

February 28, 2022 08:33 AM Eastern Standard Time

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You Deserve a Vacation: St. Kitts is Warm, Welcoming and Full of Adventure

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/a0K1buK6eC4 New year, new outlook, new travel plans. You might be asking yourself, is there ever a bad time for a Caribbean vacation? For those looking for a truly immersive Caribbean experience without the crowds, look no further than St. Kitts. Known for its rich history and picturesque landscape, St. Kitts is an authentic Caribbean destination that offers visitors a riveting getaway. The island is currently amongst the highest vaccinated Caribbean nations, and international travelers must be vaccinated to visit. Travelers who love destinations where they can pair relaxation with activities that align with their interest, whether that is music or culinary or history or adventure, will discover St. Kitts offers it all! Wander the secluded beaches and rainforests that stretch for miles or hear the pulsating sounds of nature as you explore via ziplines, ATVs, and jet skis. Embark on a leisurely ride on the Caribbean’s only authentic scenic passenger train, hike to the rim of a dormant volcano, or dive into an ancient shipwreck. Embrace the scents of a smoky, sizzling beach barbecue, and taste culinary delights fresh from the sea. Indulge your wanderlust in one-of-a-kind attractions such as the UNESCO recognized Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park. With an array of attractions and experiences available, St. Kitts is the ideal destination for adventure seekers, history buffs, culinary enthusiasts, and leisure lovers alike. This unique combination is what makes St. Kitts a quintessential Caribbean destination unlike any other. Visit StKittsTourism.KN for more information Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

February 25, 2022 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Jewellery World Awards honours industry leaders

Jewellery World Awards (JWA)

DUBAI, UAE - Media OutReach - 23 February 2022 - The Jewellery World Awards (JWA) unveiled the Recipients during a gala dinner and awards ceremony at the Jewellery, Gem & Technology Dubai (JGT Dubai). Organised by Informa Markets Jewellery (IMJ), JWA is the only business awards programme for the international jewellery industry covering the whole supply chain from mines to market. Navrattan Kothari (fourth from right) Recipient of JWA 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award Letitia Chow, chairperson and founder of JWA at IMJ remarked, “The jewellery industry has once again demonstrated its resilience and ability to adapt with what we witnessed at this year’s JWA. With the achievements and success stories shared by the recipients, we are inspired by their vision, innovative approach and thirst for excellence to move forward even in times of adversity.” The evening’s highest accolade was given to Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Navrattan Kothari, who has shown compassionate and driven leadership in the past six decades. Aside from transforming his family business into a global conglomerate, he has also been dedicated to supporting the local communities where KGK Group operates in. The Recipients are: 1. Lifetime Achievement Award Navrattan Kothari 2. Brand of the Year – Retail Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, Hong Kong 3. Industry Innovation of the Year Diamonds On Call Limited, Hong Kong Emerald Jewel Industry India Limited, India Picup Media, Hong Kong Shenzhen Link Gold Technology Co Ltd, China 4. Manufacturer of the Year – Diamond KGK Group, Hong Kong 5. Manufacturer of the Year – Jewellery Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company, Vietnam 6. Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – APAC CHJ Jewellery, China YLG Bullion Singapore Pte Ltd, Singapore 7. Outstanding Small Enterprise of the Year (50 full-time employees and below) Brilliant Cuts Pvt Ltd, Sri Lanka 8. Outstanding ESG Performance of the Year Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewelry Industrial Co Ltd, China 9. Young Entrepreneur of the Year (age 40 and below) Do Minh Duc, DOJI Gold & Gems Group JSC, Vietnam Joyee Zhao, BOJEM, China James Courage, one of the principal judges of JWA said, “Judging from the participants’ responses and initiatives, one can say that the industry continues to push the boundaries in order to safeguard the welfare of its employees and satisfy its customers — even in the harshest conditions. Their ability to innovate, adapt and meet the market’s needs is testament to our Honourees’ resilience, passion, drive and humanity.” Albert Cheng, also a principal judge added, “In the past 18 months, all our Honourees showcased resiliency, flexibility and rapid digitisation to battle the negative effects of COVID-19. On behalf of the judging panel, I salute all Recipients who have succeeded in these unprecedented times.” Kent Wong, Managing Director of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group (CTF), said, “We are honoured and proud to be a Headline Partner of JWA for 10 straight years. We look forward to collaborating with our peers and driving the industry towards more milestones and achievements in the future.” Lin Qiang, President & Managing Director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE), who also is one of the judges noted, “The global jewellery industry is clearly recovering from the effects of the pandemic. The Chinese diamond business, for one, had a robust rebound. Such growth largely results from the unremitting efforts made by our colleagues in the industry. JWA continues to serve its purpose as a stage for celebrating these achievements and more.” JWA is supported by Headline Partners CTF and SDE, and Honoured Partners KGK Group and Guangdong GD Land Group Limited. JGT Dubai, jointly organised by IMJ and the Italian Exhibition Group, is supported by official partner, DMCC. Contact Details JWA Marketing +852 2516 2184 marketing@JWAwards.com

February 23, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Covid Testing the Right Way and How to Avoid Scams

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/ZyvwNXn2NSo Testing for Covid-19 is now a daily part of many of our lives. Testing to go to work, school, travel, concerts, and most importantly, to stay healthy. But not all tests or testing centers are created equally. There are still many unanswered questions we have on the best ways to stay safe and healthy. With so much uncertainty its time to turn to an expert for insights and information on how to do covid testing the right way and avoid scams. On February 16 th Dr Emily Volk, President of the College of American Pathologists conducted a nationwide media tour. Topics that Dr Volk discussed included: What people need to know to administer an at home test properly Why it’s important that any collection center or laboratory doing COVID testing is accredited, adhering to the very highest standards Are rapid antigen tests more accurate than PCR tests and when to get one or the other Questions we should be asking medical professionals For more information, visit newsroom.cap.org About the College of American Pathologists: As the world's largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

February 22, 2022 01:26 PM Eastern Standard Time

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35-Year Printing Business SprintPrint Converts to Minuteman Press Franchise in Madison, Wisconsin

Minuteman Press International Inc

For 35 years, Phil Van Kampen and his wife Liz built their family-owned independent printing business SprintPrint into a multimillion dollar company by doing what they’ve always done for their customers. “We make printing easy,” says Phil. With the business doing well and retirement on the horizon, Phil has decided to sell the business to the Kenney family: Chrispin, Lynn, and their son CJ. Moving forward, SprintPrint will be rebranded as Minuteman Press in Madison as part of the Minuteman Press Conversion Program. The business will remain at their location at 2790 South Fish Hatchery Road. The Kenney family also owns a Minuteman Press franchise in Waunakee, which they have owned since 2013. Selling the Business As Phil approached retirement and was looking to sell the business, he wanted to make sure that there would be minimal disruption for both his clients and his employees that helped make SprintPrint a success. Phil says, “We had 12 employees, with at least half of them being with us for over 20 years. I wanted to make sure they were taken care of even after I sold the business.” Phil continues, “Originally, we were approached by another company but all they wanted was to buy our customer list. We were also contacted by a business broker and found that their commission rate was expensive. They also seemed to have no sense of urgency as if we wouldn’t be a priority, and so we decided not to go forward with them.” Eventually, Phil found the right partner to sell his business in Minuteman Press International. Phil explains, “After we decided not to use the business broker, Liz came home with a flyer from Minuteman Press that we received in the mail. I called Steve Szymanski, who is the Midwest Regional VP, and we talked for over an hour. I simply trusted him, liked what he had to say, and so we moved forward.” “The Minuteman Press Conversion Program was exactly what we needed to sell our business. There was no charge, no commission, and no broker fees. I also liked the fact that Minuteman Press would aid the new owner in running the business, and that I could retire without worrying about my customers and employees. In fact, my wife Liz is staying on to work with them because she isn’t ready to retire and loves her job. Steve Szymanski helped coordinate the sale and made it work, and it has been an easy transition for all involved.” -Phil Van Kampen, Retired Owner, SprintPrint, Madison, Wisconsin Meet the New Owners Lynn Kenney is the majority owner of the newly acquired business that is being rebranded as Minuteman Press in Madison. Lynn shares, “For the last 17 years, I’ve been working for the post office as a rural carrier. I also have a background in accounting and payroll in my early career working at Excalibur in Las Vegas.” For the Kenney family, the acquisition of SprintPrint simply made sense. Lynn explains, “My husband, Chrispin, was interested in expanding our current business while also building the business with our son CJ. We look forward to offering the same quality and experience customers have relied on in the past. In addition, we will be offering expanded products and services to existing and future customers.” “I believe good communication, accountability, education, and execution are the keys to running a successful family business. After 9 years of building our first location, we are looking forward to building another successful Minuteman Press franchise with our son CJ and creating great relationships in the Madison community.” -Lynn Kenney, New Co-Owner, Minuteman Press, Madison, Wisconsin CJ Kenney graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison in December 2021 with a degree in Communication Arts. After graduating, CJ knew that he wanted to take the next step forward with the family business. “I’ve been working with my parents at their center in Waunakee for eight years, since I was in high school. I did whatever they needed me to do. I ran deliveries, I helped with in-house apparel and production, and I loved going to BNI meetings and customer calls with my dad.” CJ continues, “I love talking to people, and I learned a lot from my dad. It always seems like he knows what to say and how to build relationships. I love this business because we can meet so many people that become friends in addition to working with them as clients. I just felt like this was the right track to take for my career and for the family business.” “With SprintPrint, we saw some tremendous expanding points for our business. Phil and Liz built a fantastic business over 35 years that will help us grow our in-house wide format printing services for the production of banners, signs, and posters. They also have a fantastic staff and clients I am excited to work with them as we begin this new chapter as Minuteman Press in Madison.” -CJ Kenney, New Co-Owner, Minuteman Press, Madison, Wisconsin History of the Business Before opening SprintPrint in 1987, Phil worked for another large printing chain based in Madison for 10 years. He says, “I decided to leave and start my own business. I knew what I wanted to do, and I decided I wanted to work for myself. We started the business and I made sure we differentiated ourselves as a quick printer focused on B2B clients rather than walk-ins.” Like many other business owners, Phil grew SprintPrint by building long-term relationships and becoming the face of the business. He also provided products that made sense and helped him stand out. Phil says, “One thing that set us apart early on is that we got into the mailing side of the business, invested in the equipment and the expertise, and became a one-stop source for in-house printing and direct mail.” After six years in business, SprintPrint moved to a 6,000 sq. ft. facility, then added onto the facility in 1997. “This is the same location at 2790 South Fish Hatchery Road that Minuteman Press is taking over, which I am very excited about because it makes for an even easier transition.” Over the past ten years, SprintPrint has continued to evolve and grow. “The biggest change over the past decade was getting into large format printing, which has been a huge benefit to our clients. During the pandemic, we experienced growth in large format, and direct mail held steady. We always try to make printing easy, and the past few years have been no different.” During the pandemic, SprintPrint continued to operate as an essential business and meet the needs of their clients. Phil says, “We have many long-term customers for 30 years or more with well-established businesses. They were able to weather the storm and continue marketing, and we were there to help them adapt and pivot as needed.” Retirement and Advice for Others Now that the sale is complete, Phil is looking forward to his well-earned retirement. “I’ve taken up woodworking as a hobby, and it is very relaxing to be able to enjoy each day.” Phil summarizes his experience with Minuteman Press and shares his advice for others who are looking to sell their printing business: “As owners of SprintPrint, my wife Liz and I had decided in the last year that, after 35 years, it was time to sell our business. It was of utmost importance that our employees were taken care of – we were looking for someone who would run the business in place and retain our staff. We originally explored selling it ourselves or working with a broker, which was not working out for various reasons. We then contacted Steve Szymanski, Regional Vice President of Minuteman Press International, to explore our options with their firm. We found their system to be very attractive as there was no cost to us to market our company for sale, and we could exit the business entirely upon sale. Minuteman Press was able to find a buyer that was the best fit for how we wanted to leave the industry. We could not be more pleased with the whole process. We would highly recommend working with them to any print shop owner looking to sell their business.” Learn more about Minuteman Press in Madison, WI by visiting their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/wi/fitchburg. For more information on how to sell your printing business through Minuteman Press International’s Conversion Program, call 1-800-645-3006 or visit https://bit.ly/minutemanpressconversions. Contact Details Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

February 22, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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