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STEAM Brand Osmo Participates in Ace Presents the Kerry Wood Celebrity Golf Invitational Benefiting Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; Makes Product Donation to Hospital

Osmo

Award-winning STEAM brand Osmo participated in the June 28 Ace Presents the Kerry Wood Celebrity Golf Invitational, where its charitable arm, Osmo Cares, gifted its bestselling Creative Kit for iPad to over 200 celebrity golfers and Lurie Children’s Hospital patients’ families. In addition, Osmo Cares gifted 48 Creative Kits for iPad directly to the hospital, for their patients to enjoy. The Celebrity Golf Invitational, which takes place at Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Illinois, is a key fundraising event for Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, raising over $1 million on a single day. This year’s event included high-profile celebrity golfers Kerry Wood, Mark Rypien, Ryan Dempster, Jim McMahon, Toni Kukoc, and many others. ( images ) “We love events that support important organizations that provide life-saving medical services and treatments for children,” says Karen O’Dell, Osmo Director of PR and Osmo Cares. “By providing gifts to participants at this celebrity golf invitational as well as kits to Lurie Children’s Hospital, we hope to bring smiles and joy to many Chicago-area children and families, and provide healthy screen time that inspires kids’ appetite to explore STEAM learning.” Osmo’s combined donations are valued at approximately $18,500. “The Ace team is proud to partner with the award-winning STEAM brand Osmo to raise money for Lurie Children’s hospital in Chicago. Working together with great companies like Osmo to help sick kids and their families is the bedrock of what the Ace Foundation is all about,” stated Kane Calamari, President of the Ace Foundation. Says Susan Ruohonen, EdD, Senior Director of Family Services at Lurie Children’s Hospital, “Through this generous donation, so many children and their families will have this unique opportunity to explore STEAM learning and be inspired through curiosity, creativity and innovation. Thank you for providing this avenue of discovery and imagination for our patients and their families at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.” Osmo’s Creative Kit for iPad, used at home and in classrooms across the U.S., features award-winning games that inspire learning, drawing, creativity, and more. It contains the Osmo Base for iPad, Creative Board, 4 erasable markers, a fuzzy eraser pouch, stackable storage for each game, and three best-selling game apps (Monster, Newton, Masterpiece). Osmo Cares Since 2016, Osmo Cares has made over $600,000 (USD) in product donations to nonprofit and charitable organizations in the U.S., and established over 50 partnerships with family service and autism awareness organizations. Osmo was named one of Time Magazine’s 25 Best Inventions in 2014; and its Osmo Learning System received the 2021 EdTech Digest Award in the “Curriculum and Instruction Solution” category. In 2018, Osmo received a Best AI-based Solution for Education Award for its proprietary reflective AI technology. About the Ace Hardware Foundation As the official charitable division of Ace Hardware Corporation, the Ace Hardware Foundation helps enhance the vision of being the “Helpful Place” in local communities across the country and around the globe through charitable giving. The Ace Foundation provides support and philanthropic opportunities to its consumers, retail store owners, vendors and team members to give back to local communities through fundraising efforts for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Ace Hardware has been a national partner for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for the last 30 years, raising over $140 million during that time. For more information, visit acehardware.com or newsroom.acehardware.com. About Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is ranked as one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. It is the pediatric training ground for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Last year, the hospital served more than 220,000 children from 48 states and 49 countries. About Osmo Osmo is an award-winning STEAM brand whose products are used in over 50,000 classrooms and 2.5 million homes. It is building a universe of hands-on play experiences that nourish the minds of children by unleashing the power of imagination. The company brings physical tools into the digital world through augmented reality and its proprietary reflective artificial intelligence. Founded in 2013 by ex-Google engineers Pramod Sharma and Jerome Scholler, the Osmo Play System fuses digital gameplay and physical interaction to create fun and nutritious play experiences designed for all kids. Osmo is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. Learn more at playosmo.com. For information about its educational division, Osmo for Schools, visit schools.playosmo.com. Contact Details Carolyn Kamii +1 310-251-0550 carolynkpr@gmail.com Company Website http://www.playosmo.com

June 29, 2021 04:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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NAMEPA’s Maritime Sustainability Passport Awarded to Tidewater

North American Marine Environment Protection Association

Carleen Lyden Walker, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) announced that NAMEPA will be awarding their new member, Tidewater (NYSE: TDW), the “Maritime Sustainability Passport” (MSP) Certificate and Seal. The MSP is awarded to companies, organizations and individuals who meet the requirements of the program which encompasses each of NAMEPA’s six Transparency Pillars in its Corporate Social Responsibility/Environmental, Social and Governance (CSR/ESG) metrics. Tidewater is dedicated to meeting their ESG goals not only to satisfy their shareholders but all stakeholders, clearly demonstrated through successfully passing the MSP evaluation. Jason Stanley, Tidewater’s Vice President of ESG said, “As a company with a long history of operating responsibly and sustainably, we have been pleased to take the opportunity to improve our transparency by sharing what we have been doing to protect the environment and positively impact the communities in which we work around the world. We are proud to have received this important recognition of our commitment to sustainability from the team at NAMEPA.” Tidewater, the company with one of the largest offshore support vessel fleets globally, is the fourth company and first offshore service vessel company to be awarded the Maritime Sustainability Passport Certificate and Seal. Tidewater has demonstrated strong progress in developing programs and policies to support their ESG efforts and were awarded the MSP by completing all phases of the program, including supplying supporting documentation for its claims. A team of assessors evaluated their submission to determine whether they meet the CSR/ESG program’s criteria, which, upon approval, made them eligible to receive the MSP Certificate and Seal. Dedicated to protecting the safety of its employees, building strong community relationships and maintaining awareness of potential environmental impact all while promoting strong business ethics, Tidewater is a positive influence in the Maritime Industry. Tidewater has an exemplary reputation for providing their customers with exceptional service while maintaining safe and environmentally responsible operations, clearly aligning with NAMEPA’s mission to promote industry best practices and to Save Our Seas. NAMEPA congratulates their member on successfully fulfilling the requirements for their CSR/ESG Program and looks forward to continuing to work together to Save Our Seas. The MSP Seal is used to signify the participant met or exceeded the program’s benchmarks, which offer basic guidelines for the maritime industry along with a Tool Kit to help achieve them and develop best practices using CSR/ESG principles. Some of the program’s benefits include increased efficiency, stakeholder visibility and positive global impact and social license. “The maritime industry is rapidly recognizing the importance of demonstrating its commitment to sustainability” stated NAMEPA Chairman Joe Hughes, CEO and President of the Shipowners Claims Bureau. “NAMEPA identified the need to provide the industry with a standard guideline of expectations relating to a company’s efforts in CSR/ESG. We are pleased to provide this tool for the industry to support its efforts towards sustainability.” NAMEPA is extremely proud of its contribution to the maritime industry, as its CSR/ESG program is the first known standards program developed specifically for the maritime industry, winning the 2021 Green4Sea Initiative Award for its significant contribution towards greener shipping. Tidewater owns and operates one of the largest fleets of Offshore Support Vessels in the industry, with over 65 years of experience supporting offshore energy exploration and production activities worldwide. To learn more, visit www.tdw.com. The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is a marine industry-led organization of environmental stewards preserving the marine environment by promoting sustainable marine industry best practices and educating seafarers, students and the public about the need and strategies for protecting global ocean, lake and river resources. Visit us at: www.namepa.net Contact Details Morgan Marketing & Communications Carleen Lyden Walker +1 203-260-0480 c.walker@morganmarketcomm.com Company Website https://namepa.net/

June 27, 2021 05:48 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Phantom Fireworks Encourages Safe Firework Usage as Record Number of Consumers Buy Fireworks Products Amid Historic Fourth of July Celebration

Phantom Fireworks

The U.S.’s largest consumer based fireworks company is urging consumers to use fireworks products safely as sales surge and many families gather again following last year’s pandemic lockdowns Phantom Fireworks is an industry-leader in supporting fireworks safety measures - encouraging consumers to take time to learn about the products and safety practices prior to usage Phantom Fireworks stores and retailers across the nation are ready to support consumers seeking fireworks to celebrate the season - with extended store hours, in person shopping opportunities and additional staff to help fireworks buyers select the best products for their needs leading up to the holiday weekend This year’s Fourth of July, America’s holiday, promises to be especially celebratory as the nation continues its recovery from the pandemic The nation’s top consumer fireworks retailer Phantom Fireworks, is urging everyone to use fireworks products safely and responsibly - especially as sales surge again this year. Phantom Fireworks is an industry leader supporting fireworks safety measures and encourages customers to learn about products and how to use them safely prior to usage - especially for the higher number of first time users. As families and friends begin to gather in person once again this year, firework usage around the Fourth of July holiday is expected to increase - like it did last year. Among key safety measures recommended https://fireworks.com/fireworks-safety, Phantom Fireworks urges that consumers: Set up fireworks on hard, flat surfaces Have water readily available (bucket of water; hose, fire extinguisher) Keep plenty of distance between the launch site and spectators A sober adult should be in charge of the fireworks; children should not handle the products Consider weather conditions (including using a flashlight at night) Use safety gear (glasses and gloves) when lighting fireworks Keep pets inside during fireworks use (the noise can frighten animals) “Safety is our top priority at Phantom Fireworks - particularly as more Americans are able to celebrate with family and friends this year as we recover from the pandemic,” said Bill Weimer, Vice President of Phantom Fireworks. “We expect more first-time fireworks users this season and it’s important to remember that fireworks and safety can go hand-in-hand. We encourage all amateur pyros to take the time to understand how to properly use our products.” Last year’s consumer fireworks sales surged to record rates industry wide. Many communities had public fireworks displays postponed and canceled amid the height of the pandemic, which is one of the reasons consumer fireworks sales surged. Phantom Fireworks adapted to the 2020 pandemic surge by offering a variety of purchase options, expanded customer service and pandemic-friendly hours. The 2021 season is also expected to bring higher sales for fireworks products - particularly as the nation’s leaders have designated this year’s holiday as the beginning point for the nation to “mark our independence” from the virus - citing the Fourth of July as the unofficial return to normal following the pandemic year. Because of the anticipated demand, Phantom Fireworks has been preparing for the season with additional store openings, early shopping incentives and updated inventory, even while supply chain challenges have emerged. “Phantom Fireworks is excited to help Americans celebrate our nation’s favorite holiday - the Fourth of July, especially meaningful following the 2020 pandemic summer,” said Bruce J. Zoldan, Phantom CEO. “We are ready to help our nation move forward and heal from a difficult year - and to enjoy the summer with friends and family this year, safely and with Phantom products as we move towards a hopeful future.” To follow Phantom Fireworks on social media, visit us on Twitter ( www.twitter.com/Fireworks ), Instagram ( www.instagram.com/phantomfireworks ) and Facebook ( www.facebook.com/fireworks ). For additional information on open stores and information on this year’s shopping process, visit: www.fireworks.com About Phantom Fireworks Phantom Fireworks is the leading consumer fireworks retailer in the country with retail stores in fifteen states and is also the major July 4th product supplier to several national retail chains in all states that permit the sale of consumer fireworks. Each state has different laws and guidelines that regulate both the industry as well as the new COVID-19 reopening regulations. Phantom has a comprehensive and easy-to-find list of state protocols listed on their website: https://fireworks.com/education-and-safety/state-laws-and-regulations Contact Details Amelia Hoffman AHoffman@fireworks.com Company Website http://www.fireworks.com/

June 25, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Akeneo Named an Overall Leader in Ventana Research’s Product Information Management Value Index

Akeneo

Akeneo, the global leader in product experience management (PXM), today announced that it has been honored as an Overall Value Index Leader in Ventana Research’s 2021 Value Index on Product Information Management (PIM). Akeneo was further classified as Exemplary, the highest possible rating, based on Ventana Research’s thorough analysis of product and customer experience criteria. The PIM Value Index distils over a year of market and product research to evaluate 16 PIM software solutions in seven key categories weighted to reflect buyers’ needs. The index is structured to replicate the procurement process, and incorporates all the criteria needed to evaluate, select, utilize, and maintain PIM solutions and establish relationships with vendors. Akeneo earned a top-three ranking in six out of seven categories — more than any other company surveyed — and was ranked first in three categories, earning the title of Overall Value Index Leader in each category. Among the categories where Akeneo exceled: Customer Experience, where Akeneo PIM was ranked 1st for providing an impressive level of information to communicate their commitment and dedication to customer needs for PIM technology. TCO/ROI, where Akeneo PIM was ranked 1st for effectively demonstrating the PIM business case, including the product’s strategic value, total cost of ownership and total benefit of ownership. Usability, where Akeneo PIM was ranked 1st for meeting the varying business needs of executives, management, workers, analysts, along with IT, and others involved in the PIM processes. Capability, where Akeneo PIM was honored for providing the broader and deeper range of PIM capabilities that support enterprise, commerce, supplier, consumer, and business-to-business requirements. Manageability, where Akeneo PIM was recognized for providing easy, secure, and flexible technology administration by business users as part of new enterprise tech requirements in an organization. Reliability, where Akeneo PIM was celebrated for providing high performance and scalability of the PIM system that supports the continuous processing required for business continuity and operational resilience. Akeneo received an Exemplary Leader rating overall — the highest ranking possible — and won special praise for its TCO/ROI-related support, an area in which most surveyed companies struggled to deliver the support that customers need to make informed decisions. “Akeneo PIM provides a set of flexible enrichment capabilities, powerful automation, and actionable insights for building and enriching contextualized product catalogs. You and your team can be productive, collaborate without friction, and deliver those great product experiences regardless of channel,” said Mark Smith, Chief Research Officer at Ventana Research. “Our assessment finds Akeneo finished as a Value Index Leader in the highest number of evaluation categories, demonstrating its leadership and investment to PIM.” About Akeneo Akeneo is a global leader in Product Experience Management (PXM) helping businesses with products to sell to unlock growth opportunities by delivering a consistent and compelling product experience across all channels, including eCommerce, mobile, print, points of sale and beyond. With its open platform, leading PIM, add-ons, connectors and marketplace, Akeneo PXM Studio dramatically improves product data quality and accuracy, simplifies catalog management, and accelerates the sharing of product information across channels and locales. Leading global brands, manufacturers, distributors and retailers, including Staples Canada, Fossil, Air Liquide and Myer trust Akeneo to scale and customize their omnichannel commerce initiatives. Using Akeneo, brands and retailers can improve customer experience, increase sales, reduce time to market, go global, and boost team productivity. Contact Details David Wamsley +1 415-259-9104 dave@rosebudrp.io

June 24, 2021 06:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Summer Beauty Must-Haves

YourUpdateTV

Summer 2021 is here, and it’s safe to say that people have never been more excited to enjoy the season. Recently, Lifestyle Expert Emily L. Foley teamed with YourUpdateTV to discuss the beauty must-haves we need to thrive this season. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/FiAchlstK44 Protection from the Sun Sunscreen is a beauty must-have 365 days a year–not just in the summer! No matter what the weather is, our skin needs broad-spectrum sun protection from both UVA and UVB rays. CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Sheer Tint is a great daily face sunscreen, because it’s a lightweight, 100% mineral sunscreen, which means it’s safe for even sensitive skin, plus it provides a sheer tint that blends well with most skin tones. It really offers sun care and skincare in one–it has that broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen you need, but it also has important skincare ingredients to restore the skin barrier, lock in moisture and soothe skin, like three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Good Makeup Habits With people going out and putting on makeup, it’s important to remember to wash off your makeup at the end of the day. But what a lot of people don’t know is that ordinary liquid cleansers can leave up to 30% of your makeup still on your face–especially stubborn eye makeup! That’s why professional makeup artists and people in the know turn to Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, because they remove even the tiniest traces of makeup to make sure nothing gets in the way of your healthiest skin. It’s always a good idea to do a double cleanse, so for the very best clean and your healthiest possible skin, you should use a wipe first and then cleanse. Healthy Looking Skin Everyone is so excited to pull out their sun dresses and actually get dressed and be seen for the first time in a long time, but that also means our pandemic skin is about to be exposed. It’s important to find products that are easy-to-use and deliver big results, and the Olay Premium Exfoliating Body Wash Collection does just that. Their Exfoliating & Moisturizing Body Wash made with sugar and cocoa butter, massages away dead skin cells to leave skin feeling smooth and renewed and is gentle enough to use every day. It’s full of moisturizing ingredients like Vitamin B3 Complex and petrolatum, which is the #1 dermatologist recommended moisturizer, so it deeply hydrates to nourish the skin. For more information, check out @EmilyLFoley on Instagram About Emily L. Foley: Emily is a freelance writer and on-air beauty and lifestyle expert. Specializing in beauty, fashion, entertainment and The Bachelor franchise (it’s totally a specialty), she writes for magazines such as Allure, Glamour, O, The Oprah Magazine, Marie Claire, US Weekly, and on the web for Brides.com, Refinery29.com, and Glamour.com. She's interviewed Oscar, Grammy and reality show winners; the designers who've dressed them, and the fans who love them. Emily resides in Atlanta with her husband and their exceptionally wonderful young children. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 23, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Phase 4 Services Adds “Science and Quality Powerhouse” Duo to Roster of Cannabis Testing Experts

Phase 4 Services

MCR Labs Director of Scientific Operations Scott Churchill and former ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) Accreditation Manager Matthew Sica have joined Phase 4 Services, a laboratory management and consulting firm looking to solidify its status as a leader in the marijuana and hemp testing space. Churchill, an analytical testing and pharmaceutical science expert with nearly a decade of cannabis industry experience, has been named Phase 4’s vice president of scientific development. Sica, a compliance testing and accreditation expert with 30 year of experience in the field, has joined the firm as vice president of regulatory compliance & quality. “Scott and Matt have both been integral to growing MCR Labs into a successful multistate organization,” said Michael Kahn, founder and CEO of MCR Labs, a cannabis testing lab operating in several legal cannabis markets. “Together, these two are an absolute science and quality powerhouse that bring critical knowledge and experience to Phase 4’s consulting team.” In their respective roles at Phase 4 Services, Churchill and Sica will assist the firm’s laboratory partners with method development, process improvement, regulatory compliance, and managing the challenges of scaling operations effectively. Phase 4 Services works with cannabis testing labs in both the marijuana and hemp industries to streamline management processes, advance testing capabilities, and implement business strategies designed for the evolving cannabis industry. About Phase 4 Services: Phase 4 Services is a scientific consulting and laboratory management firm dedicated to growing, supporting, and enhancing hemp and cannabis testing laboratories. Founded by experts in analytical testing, pharmaceutical chemistry, business administration, and development strategy, our team is equipped with the knowledge and experience necessary to ensure partner laboratories are successful in their pursuit of advancing public health and safety for cannabis patients and consumers. For more information visit http://phase4services.com. Contact Details Phase 4 Services Joe Crinkley +1 857-230-0839 PR@phase4services.com Company Website https://phase4services.com/

June 23, 2021 11:38 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Comcast Business Helps Sabey Bring High-Speed Connectivity to Washington Area Data Centers and Offer Better IT Continuity

Comcast Washington

Comcast Business today announced it is investing in local Washington data centers in partnership with the Sabey Data Centers to bring better IT continuity and connectivity to businesses. Specifically, Comcast Business will integrate its connectivity into data centers located in Tukwila and Quincy, giving businesses a private connection to regional Sabey data centers. The collaboration will also help advance digital transformation initiatives and enable Washington state businesses to better support their employees working remotely. Most recently, Washington state has made a name for itself in the data center sector for hosting the digital assets of California-based enterprises. Thanks to these benefits, Washington is currently experiencing rapid growth across its data center market. Recognizing the benefits of hosting data in Washington state, Sabey Data Centers has brought to market a combined 2.2 million square feet of data center space throughout the state, and is providing tenants with access to reliable, price-stabilized affordable power via sustainable generation, superior connectivity and turnkey infrastructure deployment. As one of the largest privately-owned data center operators in the world, Sabey needs reliable, credible partners to help capitalize on the booming data center market in Washington. They have teamed up with Comcast Business for comprehensive solutions that support the broad connectivity initiatives data centers demand. “CIOs and IT decision makers are often challenged with managing connections to multiple data centers and cloud solutions, managing application performance as well as troubleshooting latency and throughput issues from their data center connections,” said John Ford, VP and General Manager, Sabey Data Centers, Seattle. “Comcast Business’ data center connectivity helps our customers simplify their workloads by providing direct access on a network that can be tied to a business’s physical location – this means great performance, reliability, and scalability, and ultimately greater network agility for businesses.” By integrating Comcast Business’ Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) system, Sabey Data Center customers will be able to take advantage of high network availability. Comcast Business has also built diverse 100 Gbps connections through separate network locations in its HFC system, so if there is an outage along one path, alternative paths are available for backup connectivity and support so Sabey customers can stay online. As part of the partnership, Comcast Business will also offer Sabey customers an “on-ramp” to popular cloud services like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and IBM Cloud via the Comcast Business Direct-to-Cloud platform, which connects customers to the cloud without going through the Internet. “Comcast Business is focused on empowering businesses with a choice in hybrid IT solutions and massive Ethernet network reach,” said Scott Woodard, Director of Sales Engineering for Comcast Business’ WA Region. “Our goal is to connect data centers and cloud services to more than one million Ethernet-enabled buildings and businesses nationwide.” In addition, businesses already using Comcast Business Ethernet and IP services will have efficient and secure access to Sabey’s data centers. Plus, workers with Xfinity internet who need to remotely access information or upload files will be able to send their information through Comcast’s statewide network. “We’ve already seen that the demand for digital transformation has the power to completely revolutionize how a business operates,” said Rob Brenner, Vice President of Comcast Business for Comcast’s Washington Region. “As a provider of comprehensive technology solutions for businesses, we are thrilled to partner with the Sabey Data Centers to help local businesses in Washington transform their backend operations and modernize in anticipation of a data-driven future of work.” For more information, please visit http://business.comcast.com. About Comcast Business Comcast Business offers a suite of Connectivity, Communications, Networking, Cybersecurity, Wireless, and Managed Solutions to help organizations of different sizes prepare for what’s next. Powered by the nation’s largest Gig-speed broadband network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and one of the leading service providers to the Enterprise market. Comcast Business has been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services. For more information, call 866-429-3085. Follow on Twitter @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social. Contact Details Comcast Nick McDonald +1 425-977-5565 Nick_McDonald@Comcast.com FINN Partners Chloe Huard +13132094957 chloe.huard@finnpartners.com Company Website https://washington.comcast.com/

June 23, 2021 05:58 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Minuteman Press Franchise in Bellingham Helps Buzzing Local Economy Recover from Pandemic

Minuteman Press International Inc

For Michael Tilley and his team at Minuteman Press in Bellingham, the COVID-19 pandemic brought forth unprecedented challenges but also new opportunities for growth as an essential printing business. Michael says, “Early on, a lot of our clients asked us if we were open. They were happy to know we were still operating and able to help them communicate to their customers that they were open as well. We put renewed emphasis on fast turnaround and timely delivery, which really set us apart since they knew they could rely on us.” By remaining open and operating, Minuteman Press in Bellingham supported a wide range of businesses and groups that relied on print and marketing to keep the community informed. Michael says, “The way we kept growing during the pandemic was that we offered products and services for other essential businesses. We worked with local restaurants, fire departments, police departments, hospitals, schools, and other vital organizations. They all needed signage and direct mail campaigns to promote updated guidelines for employees, customers, patients, and students. We were glad to be able to help spread the word.” Today, as more businesses reopen, Minuteman Press is ready to help them ramp up their advertising and marketing efforts. Michael explains, “As businesses come back, we are helping them by providing fresh banners, window graphics, flags, and full-color photos on windows. We’ve also been printing packaging materials such as labels, tags, boxes, and information sheets. Another popular service we provide is dye sublimation, which enables us to produce custom mugs and branded apparel.” Another way that local businesses can engage and connect with customers right now is by utilizing direct mail campaigns. Michael says, “Direct mail was and is getting more popular because it allows businesses and groups to reach out to their target audiences and reinforce operational updates. We’ve produced a combination of newsletters, postcards, and letters for local governments, local tribes, non-profit groups, and for-profit businesses.” “It’s been really great to see more businesses reopen and recover, especially those that were impacted. The local economy is buzzing again and we are getting even busier.” -Michael Tilley, owner, Minuteman Press franchise, Bellingham, Washington As a local small business owner himself, Michael can empathize with his clients and share his own insights from the past year. He says, “The most important thing to do is reach out to your current and former customers. Let them know you are there and engage with them. We have developed a multi-faceted marketing plan that includes phone calls, emails, direct mail, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Because we’ve done it ourselves and have found success, we know it can work for our clients and other local businesses.” Print is a vital marketing channel that can be used in conjunction with digital to deliver tangible results. Michael explains, “I think one aspect of this is that the pandemic jogged us back into a physical reality. We are physical beings and we are not cyber creatures. It made people pay more attention to print and how it’s all around us. Our ability to produce tangible printed items that people can see, feel, and connect with is a real benefit to my business. The printing industry in general makes sure business customers get what they need. It’s great to be able to rely on something when the world’s a little bit sideways.” Michael has owned Minuteman Press in Bellingham since September 2014. He shares, “Previously, I was a biology professor and I have a PhD in molecular genetics. I lived in Missouri and I moved to Bellingham to be closer to my children, which was the driving force behind switching careers. I was new to owning a business so I wanted to go into something with a framework in place. I bought an established Minuteman Press franchise and liked the potential to build on the existing customer base.” By providing ongoing local support, Minuteman Press International helped Michael transition from his prior career to becoming a business owner in a totally new industry. He says, “The support has been really solid all the way around. My Regional Vice President Chris Jutt and Area Manager Jayson Kraus have been great. I can call them anytime and they have been a great resource. I also enjoy the fact that we are provided with marketing strategies, content, and product ideas that we are free to use but that we also have enough freedom to run our franchise the way we see fit. Minuteman Press offers a solid system with a lot of knowledge behind it.” Michael reflects on his time as a business owner, saying, “I enjoy the fact that the work I do has a direct impact on how the company performs. I feel it’s important to have the right staff in place and to also manage the team properly. I have a staff of seven and I know that happy employees do a great job. The satisfaction I get from running my business the right way and growing a successful company is the ultimate reward.” As for what advice he would give to other local business right now, Michael shares, “Things are opening up, and business is going to start getting much busier for everyone. Act now so you don’t fall behind the curve. Have you worked out what your marketing plan is going to be when things do ramp up? Be prepared organizationally and develop a coherent marketing strategy across all different touchpoints. From web to print, be consistent with your branding and your messaging.” Minuteman Press in Bellingham is located at 4025 Iron Gate Rd., Bellingham, WA 98226. For more information, call 360-738-3539 or visit https://www.bellingham.minutemanpress.com. Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

June 21, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Mike Bako’s Father’s Day Gifts That Will Become Year-Round Favorites

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/nP0A1xC4D6k After the year that we have all collectively had, parents around the globe deserve a round of applause. Endless Zoom meetings? Check. Kids screaming during endless Zoom meetings. Check. So, this year, skip out on generic, run-of-the-mills presents and give the dad figure in your life a gift that keeps on giving Thinking about what to get dad for Father’s Day? Wondering what to get for the guy who has everything? Looking to avoid cliched gifts like ties and coffee mugs? You’re not alone. With Father’s Day around the corner, many of us are scrambling to figure out the perfect gift for dad, without resorting to old standbys. This year, it’s time to get creative, and find something Dad will actually use and enjoy. Be Smart with Your Spending: If industry predictions are correct there will be record spending, so expect a banner year for all the dads out there. In its annual survey, the National Retail Federation said US consumers are expected to spend more than $20 billion dollars on gifts and other items for Father's Day this year, that is a record high. With that said, spending wisely is definitely something dad would want you to do. So, if you are getting dad a gift, make sure it is something he will love and use financial sense by splitting up your payments with Afterpay. Afterpay partners with thousands of brands and retailers to offer interest-free installment payments to shoppers. With Afterpay, you can get the perfect gift for dad right away but pay for it over time by breaking up the cost into four equal installments, due every two weeks. Shoppers can refer to Afterpay's Shop Directory at Afterpay.com or through its app to browse all of their brand partners across both e-commerce and in-store. Afterpay is available in-store with brands like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Finish Line, JD Sports, Carhartt, Chubbies ….so many more. Great options for Father’s Day gifts. www.Afterpay.com @afterpayusa GROOMING: Dad’s might not admit it but taking care of their skin and smelling good is something they care about and as we head into the steamy summer months its even more important to have products that will work and keep us fresh. Old Spice has two products that can help upgrade any dad’s skincare routine. Old Spice’s Daily Hydration Hand & Body Lotion features a lightweight formula infused with shea butter to deeply condition dry, irritating skin. This lotion provides all-day hydration. Put it on in the morning after a shower to start the day and you are all set. If you are looking for a great gift to supplement something larger or if buying on a budget there’s Old Spice’s Clinical Sweat Defense Anti-perspirant/Deodorant. It was recently selected as an “Expert Pick” in the 2021 Men’s Health Grooming Awards and features 5 in 1 protection power, with 73 hours of proven sweat protection, making it the best defense against sweat and odor for the dad in your life Even during these hot summer days, it provides even the most active guys with superior wetness protection. You can impress dad and show that you’ve done your research because this is tested and backed by dermatologists with skin moisturizers and formulated to be gentle on skin. Daily Hydration Hand & Body Lotion - LINKED HERE Clinical Sweat Defense – LINKED HERE Instagram: @oldspice Twitter: @oldspice https://www.facebook.com/OldSpice/ About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 18, 2021 12:20 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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