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Investis Digital Releases Connect.IQ Special Report on Virtual Events

Investis Digital

Investis Digital, a leading global digital communications company, released its special Connect.IQ report on Virtual Events that evaluates five trends that are influencing the future of virtual and hybrid events as businesses learn how to make them better with key lessons learned during the pandemic. To uncover these trends, Investis Digital: Reviewed hundreds of companies to uncover how they’re approaching virtual events. We started with the top-scoring publicly traded companies based on our 2021 Connect.IQ Global 100 Report. Surveyed members of the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI) to understand how IR and Corporate Communications executives are using virtual events to support their business needs. Interviewed virtual events analysts and studied additional research from both Forrester and Gartner. Using its proprietary Connect.IQ methodology, Investis Digital reviewed over 300 criteria that create an effective digital presence, including the use and integration of virtual events into their IR and corporate communications regime. In addition to the survey and analyst research, they studied what is driving stakeholder expectations and the way industry leaders support the needs of their stakeholder audiences with virtual events. “At a time when audiences are raising their expectations for what virtual events can deliver, businesses that place a higher priority on engagement and content will have a distinct advantage over those that do not”, said Frank Persia, US Director of Webcasting, Investis Digital. “This report is a playbook for key decision-makers on how they can get the most from their virtual and hybrid events.” The report also uncovers, hybrid events are becoming more commonplace and according to Gartner, by 2023, 60% of businesses that pivoted to virtual events will incorporate physical real-time/real-space experiential elements into marketing experiences. To access the full report, click here. Investis Digital has been at the forefront of digital communications for two decades. Over time we have gained deep sector knowledge, invested in leading technologies, and built lasting and trusted relationships with more than1600 global companies, including Ascential, Anglo American, Rolls-Royce, Fruit of the Loom and Vodafone. Through a proprietary approach we call Connected Content™, we unite compelling communications, intelligent digital experiences, and performance marketing to help companies build deeper connections with audiences and drive business performance. We tell brand stories through strategic and engaging content that meets your audiences at the right time, in the right place, with the right message. We build and run intelligent websites and digital experiences that are rapidly deployed and strategically measured, underpinned by our secure, world-leading Connect.ID technology and 24/7 service. We find the audiences that matter most through powerful performance marketing solutions that optimize and amplify your brand across all touchpoints. This unique blend of expertise, technology and “always on” service allow clients to trust that their digital footprint and brand reputation is secure and protected 24/7 by our dedicated team of 500 digital experts across 9 global offices. To learn more on how Investis Digital has been powering digital communications since 2000, please visit: www.InvestisDigital.com Contact Details MaryAlina Vettichira-Mathew +1 646-766-9040 MaryAlina@investisdigital.com Company Website https://www.investisdigital.com

November 24, 2021 09:32 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Preventing Holiday Health Humbugs

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/TOMbYDy-ncg It’s easy to forget about personal well-being during this season of holiday gifting and get-togethers. However, there are ways to help maintain your health while eating and getting enough rest during the holidays and wintertime. MONITOR REST & SLEEP TIME: Getting enough rest tops Wellington’s list of things to do as we move into the colder winter months. When you consistently get less than seven hours of sleep a night, it can affect your overall health and well-being. In fact, a recent survey from Tranquility found that more than half of Americans say stress or anxiety is a barrier to sleep. Wellington adds now is the time to prioritize rest and relaxation so that you stay on top of your self-care, especially during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. The wellness lifestyle contributor suggests going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, avoiding screens before bedtime, and adding weighted blankets to your routine. Wellington noted that weighted blankets can help improve sleep quality, since they use deep calming pressure to help users relax, fall asleep and wake more well rested. One recommended brand is Tranquility, America’s No. 1 selling weighted blanket. “These blankets make the perfect gift for anyone on your holiday list and come in a range of weights and styles, including snuggly options, like soft Sherpa, and a stylish chunky knit,” says Wellington. Tranquility weighted blankets can be found in-store and online at Walmart, Target and Sam’s Club this holiday season. Walmart.com https://www.walmart.com/search?q=tranquility%20weighted%20blanket Target.com https://www.target.com/b/tranquility/-/N-95azj SamsClub.com https://www.samsclub.com/s/tranquility%20weighted%20blanket Instagram: @ tranquilitybedding Hashtags: #TranquilityWeightedBlankets “SWAP OUT” FOR HEALTHIER OPTIONS: Wellington’s winter wellness tips include a focus on diet, including portion control, moderation, and substituting less caloric foods for others. She says “swap outs” are a great way to eliminate a less healthy item by replacing it with a healthier alternative. Another brand the wellness contributor supports is Mighty Sesame Company. She likes their no mess squeezable, convenient, ready-to-use bottles of tahini condiments, which come in a variety of flavors, including Harissa, Whole Seed and Organic. She prefers to swap out ketchup, peanut butter, or creamy dressings for the tahini options. She highlights that the brand makes their tahini from nutrient dense Ethiopian sesame seeds. The tahini varieties are loaded with protein and calcium, while being organic, vegan, gluten and dairy-free, kosher, and halal. Wellington adds that this makes the brand’s tahini a healthy alternative to butter or mayonnaise. For more information, go to mightysesame.com. www.mightysesame.com Instagram: @ mightysesameco Facebook: @ mightysesame Twitter: @ mightysesame MAKE ROOM OF SUPPLEMENTS: One of Wellington’s winter wellness tips is geared towards children. She says take advantage of the season and get outdoors, adding, “Now is not the time to hideout inside.” Instead, she suggests being active while getting sunshine, saying, “It helps with your health and mood.” Additionally, she encourages the entire family to eat a rainbow of produce. Orange and yellows, like carrots and oranges, aid in heart health, while helping prevent colds. Reds, like tomatoes and strawberries help support memory. Blues, like blueberries, eggplant, and purple potatoes help prevent cancer. However, the wellness contributor admits that kids sometimes have nutritional gaps. In this case, she turns to supplements. For quality you can trust, Wellington likes KAL Dinosaurs gummies supplements to help support a child’s natural development. The brand’s KAL Vitamin D Rex, is a Vitamin D supplement that comes in tasty flavors like mango and strawberry. She says it’s a great option for healthy bones and a strong immune system. Additionally, the brand’s KAL Sleep-a-Saurus supplement has 1 milligram of melatonin to support a healthy sleep cycle. Scientific studies find melatonin can help children fall asleep. For more information, including other trusted and lifelong wellness solutions, go to The Vitamin Shoppe stores and vitaminshoppe.com. Instagram: @ VitaminShoppe @ KALvitamins Facebook: @ thevitaminshoppe @ kalvits MAINTAIN A HEALTHY BODY WEIGHT: Weight management can be a struggle during the holiday season. For that reason, Wellington highlights a few ways to maintain a healthy body weight with her winter wellness tips. “Exercise is key to keeping a healthy weight,” says Wellington, “You might want to change it up because of the weather, but I always recommend spending time outdoors — science shows that it is beneficial to a positive mindset and healthy body. You can hike, bike, or take a walk in your neighborhood,” says Wellington, “20 to 30 minutes is a good goal,” she adds. The wellness contributor also says devices can be helpful to keep you motivated. A new product that stands out to Welllington is the Sportneer Smart Scale. The scale can help people know more about their body and be more intentional with their workout routines. The scale measures beyond numeric weight and captures 14 unique metrics including muscle mass, body fat, water weight and more with high accuracy that is comparable to professional body composition scales used by fitness and health experts. Wellington points out that the smart scale helps users understand where weight loss or gain comes from, adding “Understanding the body composition metrics can help users develop a customized approach to weight management, whether trying to lose weight, shed body fat, or build muscle in one area of the body.” The smart scale pairs with the Sportneer mobile app, allowing users to access a health report right from their phone. Wellington loves that she is able to store unlimited profiles, so the whole family can keep track on their health and wellness journey. For more information, go to sportneer.com. Official website link: https://bit.ly/3DosLy0 Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3CoA1Ze Discount: 35% off Original Price: $69.90 Price after discount: $45.40 Code: TERRAW35 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportneerofficial/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sportneer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiJq4OH8cJ0tcMkZ1JvnM7Q 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

November 23, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Hi-Tech Holiday Gift Guide for 2021

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/zjUnQ2hCLeM Despite supply chain issues, consumers are eager to shop and spend close to 135-billion dollars on gear and tech gadgets this holiday season. Tech Expert, Stephanie Humphrey has compiled a list of some of her favorite must-have hi-tech holiday gift picks in time for this year’s holiday shopping season. STAY CONNECTED: Families with children have been particularly challenged over the past two years with regards to staying connected with remote friends and family members. Humphrey says, “The families that talk and play together — stay together!” This year, one of her must-have technology gifts is the Amazon Glow. The new interactive projector and video calling device helps keep families close. The tech lover says, “Kids and remote family members are connected on a video call, while playing and interacting with the same fun games, books, drawing, and more. All that fun is projected from Glow for kids to interact with, and it shows up on a tablet for grownups.” The Glow makes it easy to get creative with lots of colors, stickers, pencils and brushes. Humphrey highlights “the awesome scanning feature.” She says kids can scan in toys or art and turn them into digital stickers to draw with — again, all done at the same time. Additionally, Glow comes with a wide selection of games, like a fun twist on charades, checkers, card games, tic tac toe, and more that are fun for all ages. There are also unique games, like Tangram Bits, that use physical pieces to solve puzzles, and it’s also a game kids can play side-by-side if they aren’t connected with someone on a video call. Humphrey added that the Amazon Glow can help children learn to read. “We know how much fun it is to read together, and friends and family members can join in the experience. “Remote grand parents can read with their grand kids. You can actually turn the pages together and put a digital spotlight on the page to help kids focus.” For more, search for “Amazon Glow” on amazon.com or via the Amazon app. https://www.amazon.com/Introducing-Amazon-Interactive-Projector-Togetherness/dp/B09DWNZQYM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amazonglow/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmazonGlow GIVE A BOOST: One trend that surfaced during the pandemic has been in transportation. The nation saw an increase in bike ridership, and Humphrey says there is a lot of excitement in the world of cycling tech. Over the past year-and-a-half people have been changing their daily routines and behaviors. Many have turned to bikes instead of mass transit. However, the tech expert points out that, “Many of us are also biking for leisure and exercise.” For that reason, e-bikes have made it onto Humphrey’s hi-tech holiday gift list. “Everyone has fond memories of their Huffy Bikes,” Humphrey said, noting how the brand expanded its product line to include e-bikes and e-scooters. Both offer a superior riding experience with an e-powered boost to ride further and easily climb inclines or hills. The Huffy Oslo e-bike has a compact, folding frame with a telescopic seatpost and handlebars. Ideal for the everyday rider, commuter and camping enthusiast looking for a convenient ride with a speed boost. The brand’s catalogue also includes The Everett+ E-cruiser bike and Transic+ E-mountain bike which offer traditional bicycle frames while also providing an electric boost for all levels of biking experience. E-bikes are not the only craze these days, Humphrey points out how e-scooters are also favorites this season, saying, “they’re perfect for that last leg of your journey.” The Huffy H350 and H300 scooters are both folding, ideal for storing in tight spaces and the H350 even comes with a seat for more support. For more, go to huffybikes.com. https://www.huffybikes.com/electric/ Instagram: @HuffyBicycles Facebook: @HuffyBicycles Twitter: @HuffyBicycles PRIORITIZE SECURITY: It’s important to keep safety top of mind during the hectic holiday season, especially during holiday festivities and visits from loved ones. Humphrey says home security should be a priority now and throughout the entire year. The tech and lifestyle expert says, “It’s a wonderful time of year to celebrate, but don’t let your guard down,” adding, “With family reunions to plan and stockings to be stuffed, the last thing you want to worry about this season is whether your home is properly protected.” Another technology gadget making her 2021 gifting list is from the brand SimpliSafe. The Essentials Kit and the Video Doorbell Pro protects homes and loved ones inside it with award-winning technology. SimpliSafe provides whole-home protection against everything from intruders to fires, water damage and more. Humphrey says the products’ DIY installation makes it easy to secure the home inside and out in under an hour, without the need of professionals or intimidating tools. The hi-tech gift item allows people to arm their homes, monitor gift deliveries, or say hello to carolers even while away via an easy-to-use app. Find out more at simplisafe.com. www.simplisafe.com Instagram: @SimpliSafe Facebook: @SimpliSafe Twitter: @SimpliSafe STAY SMART: The final brand making Humphrey’s hi-tech holiday gift list includes a device to make homes smarter. She highlights how homes are getting smarter, and it often begins with a smart garage.” The myQ Smart Garage Control lets people link an existing garage door opener to its app, allowing them to control, secure, and monitor their home’s busiest entryway from a smartphone. Humphrey urges shoppers to think about it, saying, “Friends and family will never have to worry if they left the garage door open. They can get alerts, and/or check the status of the door from anywhere with the app.” Additionally, it works with Amazon Key for convenient In-Garage Delivery of Amazon packages and groceries. The technology expert says the price point of $30 is great and makes the device a perfect stocking stuffer. You can find out more at myQ.com www.myQ.com Instagram: @ myqconnect Facebook: @ myqconnect Twitter: @ myqconnect Hashtags: #myQconnected #InGarageDelivery #AmazonKey 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

November 23, 2021 05:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

Video

Give the Gift of Travel this Holiday Season

YourUpdateTV

As shoppers face anxiety around delivery delays and supply chain shortages across the country, memories might be proving more meaningful than materialistic gifts. Recently, Communications Lead for North America at Airbnb, Liz DeBold Fusco, teamed with YourUpdateTV on a satellite media tour to talk travel and how to skip the stress of holiday shopping. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/QpbgsaoIxCM After so much time spent apart from loved ones due to lockdowns and travel restrictions, people are excited to gather around the table with family again. As of the end of September, Airbnb recorded over 40% more nights booked for Thanksgiving week in the US than at the same time in 2019. Seasonal destinations known for spectacular holiday festivals and light shows, as well as college football towns, are trending with guests throughout the holiday season. Earlier this month, the US -- which historically is the largest inbound travel market in the world -- loosened its travel restrictions leading to sudden increases in interest among travelers. According to a 2021 Oracle Retail consumer research study of 5,728 global consumers, “when asked what gifts they plan to buy more of this year, gift cards emerged as the top contender with 34% planning to buy more gift cards (60% of Boomers and 44% of women said that gift cards is the gift they would also most like to receive)”. It’s no surprise that Airbnb guests are craving a variety of experiences to share with others over the holidays. Between October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021 over 510,000 Airbnb gift cards have been purchased. [1] With an Airbnb gift card, your audience doesn’t need to worry about delays in delivery or limited inventory. They’ll simply need to purchase a gift card via airbnb.com/giftcards and have it delivered instantly via text or email. Airbnb’s array of offerings allow for you to give a gift tailored for your loved ones, whether seeking IRL getaways or virtual adventures. Holiday shoppers can head to airbnb.com/giftcards -- and you can always check out airbnb.com to discover stays, Experience or learn how you can become a Host. About Liz DeBold Fusco: Liz DeBold Fusco is a Communications Lead for North America for Airbnb. Prior to that, she was a Vice President at SKDKnickerbocker, a national public affairs firm, where she provided strategic communications guidance to organizations ranging from the NAACP and Demos to The Rockefeller Foundation and AT&T. Liz has also worked for the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City and New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray as well as the New York State Attorney General. 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. [1] Total number of gift card purchases. This refers to the total number of cards purchased at airbnb.com/giftcards or at a selected retailer online or in-store. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

November 23, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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100 Houstonians in Harris and Ft. Bend Counties Awarded a Total of $1 Million Through Comcast RISE, National Initiative to Support Small Business Owners

Comcast Houston

Comcast today announced the 100 recipients of the Comcast Rise Investment Fund grants. Each small business will receive a one-time $10,000 grant from the fund. More than 100 businesses in the area will also receive technology and marketing resources. The recipients are among nearly 6,700 entrepreneurs nationwide who have been selected through the Comcast RISE program, which provides marketing, technology, and capital support to small business owners. “We are proud of all of our small businesses, the impact they have in Fort Bend County is invaluable. Many of our business owners, particularly our minority owned businesses, have faced unprecedented challenges over the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and require a wide range of support to help their businesses survive,” stated Fort Bend County Judge KP George. “The Comcast Rise Investment Fund Grant provides these business owners with the critical financial lifeline and the resources needed so they can sustain and grow their businesses.” Through Comcast RISE, the company also announced it is on track to support 13,000 small businesses by the end of the year with marketing or technology support such as a TV campaign, production of a TV commercial or consulting services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, or computer equipment, internet, voice or cybersecurity services from Comcast Business. “Since we launched Comcast RISE a year ago, we have assisted more than 200 small businesses throughout the Houston area with either marketing, technology, or monetary grants. This round of Comcast RISE grants will provide even more small business owners of color with the resources and tools they need to thrive,” said Ralph Martinez, senior vice president for Comcast’s Houston region. “We look forward to empowering their success.” To further build on the program’s success and provide support to even more small businesses, Comcast also announced today a major expansion to eligibility, enabling all women-owned small businesses nationwide to apply. This expansion recognizes and seeks to help address the persistent inequities women continue to face in accessing the resources and funding that are critical to success. Comcast RISE and the Comcast RISE Investment Fund, initially launched as a response to help small businesses owners of color hardest hit by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to focus on uplifting small businesses, ensuring they continue to prosper in an ever-shifting post-pandemic economy. “As we continue to rebuild and emerge from the effects of the pandemic, small businesses will continue to be the backbone of our economy – and we must take every opportunity to help them thrive,” said Dave Watson, President and CEO, Comcast Cable. “Looking forward, this expansion will enable Comcast RISE to further empower and strengthen even more small businesses that are the heart of our local communities across the country.” In the year since its inception, Comcast RISE has awarded more than $11 million in grants and $50 million in in-kind support for marketing and technology services, impacting more than 6,700 entrepreneurs of color in 432 cities across 34 states. By the end of 2022, 13,000 businesses across the country are expected to benefit from the Comcast RISE initiative, either through the grant program or from the resources provided through Effectv and Comcast Business. In addition to the financial and business support services provided, a key part of the program is ensuring the long-term sustainability of businesses. To help address this, Comcast invests in and partners with organizations such as Ureeka to provide ongoing mentorship and resources to help small businesses succeed over the long-term. Comcast RISE, which stands for Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment, is part of Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help provide underrepresented small business owners with access to the digital tools and funding they need to thrive. Over the next 10 years, Comcast has committed $1 billion to programs and partnerships that will reach an estimated 50 million people with the skills, opportunities, and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. The program will continue to be open to racially and ethnically diverse small business owners and the expanded Comcast RISE eligibility to all women-owned businesses will be effective on January 16, 2022. More information and the applications to apply for either the grant program or marketing and technology services are available at www.ComcastRISE.com. To help drive outreach and awareness about Comcast RISE and provide additional support, training and mentorship, Comcast has also awarded $50,000 in grants to local community partners – Houston Hispanic Chamber, Houston Black Chamber, Empresarios Latinos Foundation, Houston LGBT Chamber, Asian Chamber of Commerce, Greater Houston Women’s Foundation and East End Chamber of Commerce. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. About 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. About Effectv Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, helps local, regional and national advertisers use the best of digital with the power of TV to grow their business. It provides multi-screen marketing solutions to make advertising campaigns more effective and easier to execute. Headquartered in New York with offices throughout the country, Effectv has a presence in 66 markets with nearly 35 million owned and represented subscribers. For more information, visit www.effectv.com. Contact Details Comcast Foti Kallergis +1 832-986-0196 Foti_Kallergis@comcast.com Comcast Misha McClure +1 832-547-6783 Misha_McClure@cable.comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

November 23, 2021 09:31 AM Central Standard Time

100 TWIN CITIES BUSINESSES AWARDED A TOTAL OF $1 MILLION THROUGH COMCAST RISE, NATIONAL INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

Comcast Twin Cities

Comcast today announced it will award $1 million in total grants as well as technology and marketing resources to more than 100 Twin Cities small businesses owned by people of color. The recipients are among nearly 6,700 entrepreneurs nationwide who have been selected through the Comcast RISE program, which provides marketing, technology, and capital support to small business owners. To further build on the program’s success and provide support to even more small businesses, Comcast also announced today a major expansion to eligibility, enabling all women-owned small businesses nationwide to apply. This expansion recognizes and seeks to help address the persistent inequities women continue to face in accessing the resources and funding that are critical to success. Comcast RISE and the Comcast RISE Investment Fund, initially launched as a response to help small businesses owners of color hardest hit by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to focus on uplifting small businesses, ensuring they continue to prosper in an ever-shifting post-pandemic economy. With today's announcement, 100 selected businesses will each receive a $10,000 grant. Twin Cities grant recipients include: The Greenery Minneapolis LLC Stunning Beauty Supply Revival Training LLC Maraki Beauty Salon The full 100 businesses that received a $10,000 grant can be found here. “This opportunity is a positive aspect to my business and the community. Not only will we be able to reach more future prospects, we’ll also be able to add a few employees to the team," said Henrietta Smaller of Stunning Beauty Supplies in Burnsville, Minnesota. “It feels great to know someone believes in me and my dream.” “As we continue to rebuild and emerge from the effects of the pandemic, small businesses will continue to be the backbone of our economy – and we must take every opportunity to help them thrive,” said Kalyn Hove, Regional Senior Vice President, Comcast Twin Cities. “Looking forward, this expansion will enable Comcast RISE to further empower and strengthen even more small businesses that are the heart of our local communities across the country.” In the year since its inception, Comcast RISE has awarded more than $11 million in grants and $50 million in in-kind support for marketing and technology services, impacting more than 6,700 entrepreneurs of color in 432 cities across 34 states. By the end of 2022, 13,000 businesses across the country are expected to benefit from the Comcast RISE initiative, either through the grant program or from the resources provided through Effectv and Comcast Business. In addition to the financial and business support services provided, a key part of the program is ensuring the long-term sustainability of businesses. To help address this, Comcast invests in and partners with organizations such as Ureeka to provide ongoing mentorship and resources to help small businesses succeed over the long-term. Comcast RISE, which stands for Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment, is part of Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help provide underrepresented small business owners with access to the digital tools and funding they need to thrive. Over the next 10 years, Comcast has committed $1 billion to programs and partnerships that will reach an estimated 50 million people with the skills, opportunities, and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. The program will continue to be open to racially and ethnically diverse small business owners and the expanded Comcast RISE eligibility to all women-owned businesses will be effective on January 16, 2022. More information and the applications to apply for either the grant program or marketing and technology services are available at www.ComcastRISE.com. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Jill Hornbacher +1 651-425-1695 Jill_Hornbacher@comcast.com Company Website https://twincities.comcast.com/

November 23, 2021 08:00 AM Central Standard Time

ASMBLE launches powerful micro-community platform for brands, influencers, and their superfans

ASMBLE

Micro-community network ASMBLE has today announced the public launch of its platform for brands, creators, influencers, and superfans. Brands are using ASMBLE to build communities of influencers, creators, and superfans to identify and develop direct relationships with these powerful creators. These brand-owned micro-communities serve as a launchpad enabling content co-creation, influencer campaigns, focus groups, and customer insights. Following a year of beta testing with 2000 influencers and a range of brands in the US, ASMBLE is now accessible globally for all creators, influencers, and brands to join. ASMBLE was launched to help brands with creator-powered marketing while also addressing major underlying problems faced by the average semi-pro creator. Over 35 million semi-pro creators report burnout, isolation, and negative outcomes stemming from social media. In addition to financially rewarding creators through brand communities, ASMBLE’s creator-led communities provide creators with in-app tools, educational content, and peer support around topics of interest. Micro-communities from TikTokTips, to BlackParenting, to MindSet Matters - and dozens of other micro-communities - provide valuable industry insight and support that creators can’t find anywhere else. Nadeem Mazen, CEO and Co-Founder of ASMBLE commented: “The creator economy is today worth $100B every year and growing. Creators and influencers are the future of advertising because they wield authenticity and unprecedented audience trust, while the ground is shifting under traditional digital tracking and digital ads. Everything from streaming studio content wars to Big Tech acquisitions hinges on creators. Creators - as technologists, as producers, as trend-setters, and as subject-matter experts - are the fulcrum on which enormous industries tip. Trillions are at stake.” How ASMBLE works Brands purchase a seat to spin up one or more micro-communities in ASMBLE A dedicated community-building consultant is assigned to each brand. Brands and community-building consultants populate their micro-communities by inviting influencers, creators, superfans, or customers with whom they have an existing relationship. Brands invite influencers and superfans to their micro-community from other relevant micro-communities in ASMBLE, in order to grow their base and extend their creative capacity or reach. Brands create conversations, contests, focus-groups, live in-app events, and paying influencer marketing projects within their micro-community to learn from members or leverage their valuable skills. All micro-community members see when the brand responds to any given community-member - whether that is approval for a project idea, feedback on co-created content, or instant payment from the brand. Each community member learns from feedback that any other community member receives, creating a race to the top in ideation, collaboration, and quality content. Regarding the problem that ASMBLE has set out to solve, Nadeem Mazen said: “The creator economy is naive in its current state - almost every corner of this brave new world is messy, painful, stressful, and unsustainable for stakeholders on all sides. Marketplaces are lackluster, brands are skeptical, influencers get squeezed, and new creator business models fail to capture enough influencer buy-in to really scale. Both long-standing influencer marketplaces and new business models implicitly rely on creator trust and wellbeing in order to scale - yet explicitly treat popular creators as disposable and interchangeable. ASMBLE addresses these problems by addressing creators’ needs: creators are our partners and our fuel. By committing deeply to collective creator community and individual creator wellbeing - something largely missing across the social internet - we assemble a foundation of creator trust, retention, and activity that brands can leverage for their campaigns and strategic imperatives.” Looking ahead Nadeem Mazen added: “ASMBLE creators takes the opposite approach of the industry at present. Instead of focusing on how to woo paying brands, we offer influencers access to real, substantive emotional, professional, and creative support. The core of what we do is offer influencers and creators a safe space where they can talk about their work - which is seen as a cake walk from the outside, but is actually one of the highest pressure jobs” “ASMBLE will become the Y-Combinator for creators - an entire ecosystem of entrepreneurship curriculum, peer and mentor support, and even direct investment where we take a stake in content development and other financial growth.” About ASMBLE As the only social network for influencers and content creators, ASMBLE is uniquely positioned to accelerate brand awareness and market penetration for businesses. Our mobile-first platform promotes collaboration that raises the bar for compelling, authentic content. Our community focuses on human development, peer/mentor connections, and the value of authenticity. ASMBLE is deploying its network of talented, brand and product-obsessed creators against the toughest challenges of today’s leading brands. To explore ASMBLE, please visit: https://asmble.online/ Contact Details ASMBLE Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://asmble.online/

November 23, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Ace Hardware Gifts that Keep on “Grilling”

YourUpdateTV

Everyone dreams of that one special gift under the tree tied with a giant red bow, the one saved to be opened last. So, if you have a grilling enthusiast in your life and you’re still overwhelmed by the array of grills and grilling tools out there, Ace’s BBQ expert Chef Jason Morse can help. Recently, Chef Jason teamed with YourUpdateTV on a satellite media tour to share the best grills, accessories, and trends in grilling. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/iGOW_E6EjBw Chef Jason picked the perfect grills and grilling accessories from Ace Hardware to make it easy for your audience to give the gift that keeps on "grilling" this holiday season. With all the best grill brands under one roof—including Weber, Big Green Egg and Traeger—Ace has the perfect gift for any griller—including charcoal, pellet, gas, and smoker models Grills at the Top of Ace's "Nice List": Weber Genesis E-325 Gas Grill in Indigo, exclusive to Ace Hardware, features three burners, a sear station and a 10-year warranty, $879 Weber Spirit II E-310 gas grill, an affordable classic with the grill space to feed the whole family, on sale for $489, Reg. $519 (Save $30 on select Weber Spirit Grills, November 15-December 6) Traeger Pro Series 34 Pellet Grill, available in Bronze, features easy to use pellets and precision temperature control, $699.99 Big Green Egg 24" XL Charcoal Kamado Grill and Smoker allows grillers to roast, smoke, sear and bake, $1,299.99 BBQ Gifts: Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub, a step-by-step grilling assistant that turns any grill into a smart grill, and any griller into a master. Its remote wifi access, flip & serve notifications, and readiness countdowns are the secret ingredients to grilling greatness, every time the flame is lit, $129.99 Weber Snapcheck Digital Meat Thermometer, $64.99 Traeger Stainless Steel Grill Spatula, $49.99 Grill Rescue Brush with Scraper, $39.99 Hoff & Pepper Hot Sauce, $25.99 New in 2021, Ace now offers personalized grilling gifts starting at $15.99 featuring your grill master's name or initials emblazoned on the tools of the trade, including: The Traeger BBQ Multi-Tool i ncludes four tools—a Portable Sized Spatula, Pig Tail, Basting Brush and Corkscrew—in one handy device; includes a magnet designed to stick to your grill's hopper and a laser engraved monogram. The Weber Pint Glass is a must for any grilling occasion and includes the iconic Weber kettle logo with your sand-etched monogram underneath. $17.99 The Walnut Butcher Block is made from handcrafted walnut and includes personalized laser engraving on the front edge. This beautiful cutting board is perfect for day to day or as the centerpiece for any gathering, $99.99. Black Friday Sizzlin' Grill Deals: (November 17-30, 2021): Purchase a Traeger Pro 780 Wood Pellet Grill ( $999) or a Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill ($1,499), receive a FREE Traeger accessories package valued at more than $164. This offer also applies to the Pro 575 ($899.99) and the Ironwood 650 ($1,299.99) Purchase a Traeger Stainless Steel Spatula or Traeger Digital Meat Thermometer and receive a free silicone grill basting brush. Create your own gift box with mix-and-match sauces, seasonings, and rubs; 20 percent off. Ace makes shopping easy with free store or curbside pickup, and free delivery on qualifying purchases for Ace Rewards members. For more details and for a complete list of Ace's featured holiday gifts, visit https://www.acehardware.com/holiday-gifts About Chef Jason Morse: Chef Jason has spent a lifetime behind the grills and smokers and is now able to interact with consumers daily to help them cook better with some of the best grilling and smoking tools on the market. As the Ace Hardware National Spokesperson and BBQ Expert, Chef Jason is proud to call Ace his culinary home. Jason is a Certified Executive Chef and member of the American Culinary Federation. Jason has been featured on the Food Network, Local Media for both English and Hispanic segments, was a morning show chef for a Denver Radio station and currently produces the Colorado Department of Agriculture monthly recipes for local Colorado media. Jason has been published in the Colorado Classique Junior League of Denver Cookbook, and various local publications. Jason works with and supports groups like the Ace Foundation, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and The Colorado FFA Foundation. About Ace Hardware: Ace Hardware is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world with more than 5,400 locally owned and operated hardware stores in approximately 70 countries. Headquartered in Oak Brook, IL, Ace and its subsidiaries operate an expansive network of distribution centers in the U.S. and have distribution capabilities in Ningbo, China; Colon, Panama; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Since 1924, Ace has become a part of local communities around the world and known as the place with the helpful hardware folks. For more information, visit acehardware.com or newsroom.acehardware.com. * The Ace survey was conducted by 545 responders from Ace Rewards active members between the ages of 25 – 54 from a sample of 50K members. 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

November 22, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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How Slickdeals Can Help You Social Shop Your Way to the Best Holiday Gifts and Products

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/9PNd2Dm2gss Before you start spending on your holiday gifts it’s a good idea to create a holiday shopping strategy. Are you always on the lookout for deals? Do you do loads of research and crowdsourcing to find deals and recommendations on the products you want to buy? You are not alone. So where can you turn for insights on the best deals? Social shopping and deal hunting websites are increasingly becoming a go to destination for savvy shoppers at the holiday season. Pete King, Deal Expert and host of the Slickdeals YouTube channel, partnered with YourUpdate TV on a nationwide media tour to discuss Slickdeals and the trend of social shopping. Slickdeals is the the only shopping platform powered by millions of real people - it’s shoppers helping shoppers. Doing your own research can get overwhelming so tapping into a community like the one at Slickdeals is a great way to know you’re always getting the best value for your money. There are 12-million savvy shoppers vetting and voting on the best deals on the internet — so you can use it to discover the best products at the best prices from all the top retailers. Plus —Slickdeals Rewards lets you get cashback for shopping at your favorite stores - you earn points for every purchase through Slickdeals, that you can redeem for cash back or gift cards. Visit Slickdeals.net to find the best of the best deals, download the app for your mobile devices and visit Slickdeals YouTube channe l for more great content. And please SUBSCRIBE! 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

November 22, 2021 05:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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