News Hub | News Direct

Consumer

Baby/Maternity Children Family LGBT Men Religion Teens Women
Article thumbnail News Release

Getir and Copia Reach Milestone Addressing Food Insecurity

Getir

In recognition of Hunger Action Day, rapid grocery delivery app Getir has reached a milestone of 80,000 pounds of food donated to Copia, a technology company that connects food donations to local not-for-profits in need. By diverting the 84,404 pounds of perfectly edible donated food from landfills, Getir donated 70,336 meals, reduced 377,284 pounds of C02 and saved 8,355,957 gallons of water. As Getir’s partner since March 2022, Copia – the world’s first end-to-end solution that addresses both food waste and hunger – has matched donated food from Getir storefronts in Chicago, New York City, and Boston, and delivered it to local nonprofits throughout each city. “ This is exactly the type of impact we wanted to have when we began partnering with Copia earlier this year,” said Langston Dugger, head of U.S. operations for Getir. “ At an inflationary time when food insecurity has only worsened, I’m proud of the hard work and commitment to this partnership by our storefront employees. The work continues. Our goal is to collaborate with the local actors, be an active part of the community and we always focus on the well-being of people. We are committed to the city and the country, and we would like to be part of the cycle, give back what we receive and contribute to improve the lives of those who need it most.” There is 3x more food produced for human consumption than there are mouths to feed, costing Americans more than $150 billion in food each year. Hunger is not a scarcity issue, but rather a logistics one. Getir and Copia’s partnership is a perfect example of how this problem can be solved, through technology. “ Hunger Action Month is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the positive impact our donors are making, like Getir, to solve our very real hunger problem,” said Kimberly Smith, CEO of Copia. “ Witnessing how well received Getir’s efforts are amongst their communities, customers and employees is always a great honor for us.” Getir and Copia have formed local partnerships with nonprofit organizations to ensure the donations reach people who need it most - including the Salvation Army, The Bowery Mission (NYC), The Dwelling Place (NYC), Community Solutions of Illinois and the Boston Rescue Mission. " The Getir donations we've received have been amazing,” said Deborah Pollack, President of The Dwelling Place. “ They've included avocados, strawberries, an amazing amount of fresh fruit, and more. The items serve a very different and crucial component to our services by supplementing our pantry bags. These donations allow us to support many more from the community. People are so grateful because they are, in many cases, items they wouldn't be able to afford. The healthy items are great and our community members are so grateful. Thank you, Getir and Copia! " Hunger Action Month began on September 1st and includes Hunger Action Day on September 23rd, an opportunity for people across the country to work together to end hunger. About Getir: Getir is the pioneer of ultrafast grocery delivery. The tech company, based in Istanbul, has revolutionized last-mile delivery with its “groceries in minutes” delivery proposition, offering approximately 2,000 everyday items to its customers. Getir has operations in all 81 cities of Turkey, and launched operations in the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal and the United States in 2021. Getir is, first and foremost, a technology company that operates in retail and logistics. It was founded in 2015 by Nazim Salur (founder of BiTaksi, Turkey’s leading taxi app), Serkan Borancili (founder of GittiGidiyor, acquired by eBay in 2011), and Tuncay Tutek (ex-PepsiCo and P&G executive in Europe and the Middle East.) Learn more at www.getir.com/us. About Copia: Copia is helping people in need and reducing carbon emissions by making it easy and beneficial to reduce waste and donate surplus. Copia’s technology is the first fully automated waste tracking, prevention, and surplus redistribution platform. The easy-to-use app creates operational consistency and ensures that every donation is matched and delivered to a nonprofit in need. Through Copia’s robust and actionable data, food donors are better able to inform business decisions, celebrate positive social and environmental impact, write-off meaningful tax deductions, and show legislative compliance. Copia is not only making it simple and profitable for businesses to do the right thing, but they’re democratizing food access and equity for all. Contact Details Arielle Goren +1 212-717-5863 getir@kivvit.com Company Website http://www.getir.com/us

September 23, 2022 10:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Fall Health Checklist from the College of American Pathologists

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/ns5Nn7nlbyY Summer is coming to a close, which means it’s the perfect time to take stock of your health and set yourself up for success the rest of the year. The FDA has recently changed their guidelines regarding Covid at-home tests, now advising people to take three tests, instead of the previously recommended two tests. The agency issued the update just ahead of the back-to-school season – an attempt to reduce the risk of infection being missed and to help people from unknowingly spreading the virus. But COVID isn’t the only thing on people’s minds. With fall approaching, cold and flu season isn’t far behind. This time of year can create confusion for people who may not be able to tell the difference between COVID symptoms and cold/flu symptoms. There are also concerns about the spread of Monkeypox and the re-emergence of Polio. During a nationwide media tour on September 15th, Dr. Emily Volk – President of the College of American Pathologists discussed: · Changing FDA guidelines around COVID testing and what you need to know · Navigating flu shots and COVID boosters · Tips for knowing the difference between COVID symptoms and cold/flu symptoms · Additional insights on recent health concerns such as Monkeypox and Polio For more information, visit CDC.GOV or FDA.GOV Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

September 22, 2022 04:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

It’s All in the Crust Celebrating National Pizza Month at Schlotzsky’s

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/DcY33qUP6Vk Calling all cheese connoisseurs, pepperoni people, and toppings lovers! National Pizza Month is just ahead (Oct 1st – Oct 31st) and pizza lovers everywhere are rejoicing. To celebrate, Schlotzsky’s, the popular fast-casual restaurant, is expanding its pizza menu by releasing new flavors and deals. The restaurant is redefining pizza by taking their made-in-house, oven-baked sourdough bread and turning it into delicious pizza crusts. The new flavor toppings include one for the cheese lovers with a Four Cheese White Pizza with Garlic Butter, for the meat lovers Schlotzsky’s is introducing the Meaty Pizza topped with Pepperoni, Italian Sausage and Bacon, and then a Supreme Pizza topped with all of your favorite veggies accompanied by Pepperoni and Italian Sausage. All pizzas are freshly baked and made to order, and start at just $8.79 Schlotzsky’s is so excited for National Pizza Month this year, that they launched a new, limited time Bare Naked Pizza! The Bare Naked Pizza is available now until the end of National Pizza Month, and is priced at $4.99. In addition to the Bare Naked Pizza, Schlotzsky’s is celebrating with a special buy one pizza, get one free deal, which is available every Wednesday. You can enjoy any of the new or existing pizzas by taking advantage of the BOGO deal. This offer also runs through the end of October and is available to Schlotzsky’s Rewards members when ordering online, in-store or through the Schlotzsky’s Rewards app at one of the 320+ locations nationwide. For more information on all things Schlotzsky's, the newest pizza flavors, and Bare Naked Pizza, visit schlotzskys.com. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

September 22, 2022 04:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

“Ready for Ron” Team Growing, Generating Tremendous Support, Amplifying Pro-DeSantis Message

Ready for Ron

Ready for Ron, a draft committee encouraging Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to run for President is seeing growing momentum as the only credible organization working to draft, and elect, Ron DeSantis President in 2024. Ready for Ron launched an advertising and grassroots mobilization effort in late May to convince Ron DeSantis he has the support to win the Presidency in 2024. The PAC also filed a formal Advisory Opinion Request with the Federal Election Commission to defend their right to share the names of Draft petition signers with Governor DeSantis to convince him to run –an act of Constitutionally protected political speech. A new draft advisory opinion from the FEC is expected in the coming days. In addition to the progress at the FEC, a series of recent op-eds and news coverage show the significant and growing support DeSantis has throughout the country among political veterans and grassroots activists alike: Ed Rollins, Ready for Ron Senior Strategist wrote for FoxNews.com “…An alternative is clearly needed, and worthy up-and-comers like Gov. Ron DeSantis exhibit many of the same leadership qualities that made Reagan so successful. Americans are ready for a leader like DeSantis to reclaim Reagan’s vision for America, follow in Donald Trump’s footsteps, and lead from the front… Vanessa Porras, a Venezuelan immigrant, software engineer, cybersecurity consultant, and advocate for Ready for Ron PAC wrote for TownHall.com, “…Americans don’t need politicians who experiment with socialist policies, such as student load cancellation. In 2024, we need an actual leader who is willing to call out the radical Left…Ron DeSantis is that leader. We as ‘Ready for Ron’ because we’re ready to defeat socialism – before it’s too late..." Business executive, author, commentator, and Ready for Ron advocate, Joseph Semprevivo wrote in the South Florida Sun Sentinel, “Ron’s results speak for themselves. Florida-based employers have added jobs for 27 consecutive months, exceeding the national rate for 16 consecutive months since April 2021…Business expansion. Job creation. Economic growth. Those are the staples of the DeSantis platform, and Floridians are ready to see it go national. All Americans should be ready for Ron’s resurgence…” Lilian Rodrigues Baz, Ready for Ron’s Chief Legal Counsel wrote in The Washington Times, “…From Florida to the blue states north and west, America is ready for Mr. DeSantis. He will make America great again, carrying on the Trump tradition and inspiring hope in our country yet again. It can’t come soon enough…” “Americans want more Florida-style freedom and prosperity, not more inflation, crime, and out of control spending we get from the Biden Administration, stated Lilian Rodríguez-Baz. “We are building the biggest grassroots movements ever, and with support for DeSantis growing like this, it will happen even quicker than anticipated.” “We are 100 percent committed to drafting and electing Ron DeSantis in 2024. Ron DeSantis is the best choice to carry the America-First agenda forward,” Ed Rollins said. “In record time, Joe Biden has undone so much of what was gained, and is poised to do more harm to our country. In this time of crisis, we need a new kind of young, energetic, charismatic leadership to stand up for America.” Ready for Ron continues its TV and online advertising efforts to engage with the tens of thousands of Americans who already signed the petition at www.ReadyForRon.com to Draft Ron DeSantis to run in 2024. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with a ‘Ready for Ron’ spokesperson or advocate, please contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or dan@readyforron.com Contact Details Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 dan@readyforron.com Company Website https://www.readyforron.com/

September 22, 2022 12:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Is Screen Time Affecting Your Eye Health?

YourUpdateTV

A new partnership with the American Optometric Association (AOA), the leading authority on quality eye care and the gaming industry is underway to address the effects of prolonged screen time and its impact on eye health. AOA launched the first-of-its kind Screen Time Alliance with Nerd Street Gamers, a national network of e-sports facilities, events, and content, and Playcrafting, a game development company, to encourage Americans to get their eyes checked offline by a doctor of optometry so they can do more of what they love online. There are more than 227 million Americans who play video games1 and with gaming and screen time on the rise, so is the risk for long-term implications for people’s eye health. AOA’s 2022 Gamer Survey results revealed, the average gamer spends more than 8 hours a day on screens and has experienced various eye-related symptoms from gaming, including eye strain, headaches, dry eyes, and blurred vision. Further, many gamers are aware of the eye health implications for long-term screen time usage, but less than half (46%) visit a health care professional for a comprehensive eye exam every year. In-person eye exams by doctors of optometry are critical to identify vision and health issues as well as early signs of systemic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. As part of this year’s Eye Deserve More campaign, AOA is collaborating with optometrist Dr. Jason Compton, AOA member and gamer himself to encourage people to practice healthier screen time habits and be mindful of symptoms such as dry eyes and headaches. “It’s my job as an optometrist to get to know my patients’ habits and behaviors to create tailored recommendations to keep their eyes and overall body healthy, especially since comprehensive eye health is not a one-size-fits-all approach,” says Dr. Compton. “Whether you’re a pro gamer, Twitch streamer, casual scroller, or someone who spends all day working at the computer – it’s critical to see a doctor of optometry in person every year and adapt healthy gaming and screen time habits, like taking regular screen breaks and stopping any gaming activity at least one hour before bedtime.” To find Eye Health Guidance for Screen Time and to book an appointment with a local AOA doctor of optometry, visit AOA.org/EyeDeserveMore. About The American Optometric Association (AOA) The American Optometric Association (AOA) is the leading authority on and advocate for quality eye health care, representing more than 44,000 doctors of optometry, optometry students and optometric professionals. As the sole primary eye care provider in many communities across America, doctors of optometry are often a patient's first entry point into the health care system, and have extensive, ongoing training to examine, diagnose, treat and manage disorders, diseases, and injuries that affect the eye and visual system. Through a nationwide public health initiative, AOA's Eye Deserve More campaign is fostering awareness of the importance of eye health and vision care and the overall health benefits of in-person, comprehensive eye examinations with AOA doctors of optometry for all Americans. References: 1. Entertainment Software Association. February 2022. “2021 Essential Facts About the Video Game Industry.” https://www.theesa.com/resource/2021-essential-facts-about-the-video-game-industry/ Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

September 22, 2022 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

California Passes Landmark Clean Lighting Bill

Clean Lighting Coalition

On Sunday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2208 into law, a landmark bill by Assemblymember Kalra and Senator Becker that sets phase out dates for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and linear fluorescent lamps (LFLs) starting in 2024. Climate, clean air, worker safety, and public and environmental health advocates applaud the move to protect Californians and the planet from the dangers of mercury containing lamps. “We are delighted to have legislative champions in Assemblymember Ash Kalra and Senator Josh Becker who were willing to take action to remove toxic mercury from lighting which unnecessarily exposes the public and waste workers to a potent neurotoxin,” said Heidi Sanborn, Executive Director of bill sponsor, the National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC). Over the past 10 years, light emitting diodes (LEDs) have become an increasingly available, cost-effective, and much more efficient lighting alternative. Because LEDs use half as much electricity as fluorescents, the bill will double lighting cost savings for Californians and protect the state from rolling blackouts caused by energy shortages. Victoria Rome, Director of California Government Affairs for Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC) shared, “In the past, despite their mercury content, fluorescent lamps were tolerated – and even promoted – because they were the most energy-efficient option at the time. But that is no longer the case. AB 2208 is an important climate protection measure that will result in significant electricity and carbon dioxide emissions savings.” A recent market study found that by 2030, California could save over $1 billion annually on electricity bills, achieve annual electricity savings of about 5,600 gigawatt hours, and avoid the release of 950,000 metric tons of CO 2 per year. California is now the second state to pass a ban on fluorescent lamps, following Vermont’s vote to phase out CFLs in 2023 and 4-foot LFLs in 2024. California, however, went further by including lamps up to 8 feet in the phase-out. “We are excited to see California pull ahead as a global leader in clean lighting,” said Corinne Schneider of the Clean Lighting Coalition. "We hope California’s move will generate some momentum, with other states taking action to protect people and the planet from fluorescent lighting.” Governments around the world are increasingly recognizing LEDs as the foremost lighting technology on the market today. On December 16, the European Union banned the sale of almost all mercury-containing fluorescent lamps by September 2023, and in March, 137 governments voted to phase out CFLs by 2025 through the Minamata Convention on Mercury. As one of the biggest lighting markets in the country, the California ban signals that the US is ready to make the transition to a clean lighting economy. The US is well positioned to take a leading role in global negotiations and push for an equitable global transition to better lighting at the Minamata Convention COP5 next year. About the Clean Lighting Coalition The Clean Lighting Coalition is a global partnership coordinated by CLASP to capture the health and environmental benefits of eliminating mercury-based lighting. To learn more, visit www.cleanlightingcoalition.org and follow the Coalition on Twitter and LinkedIn. About the National Stewardship Action Council The National Stewardship Action Council was founded in 2015 as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that engages in education and advocacy work that drives a circular and equitable economy, anywhere in the U.S., and at any level of government. Our vision is that the U.S. achieve a circular and equitable economy. You can follow us on social media via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Contact Details Alexia Ross +1 339-222-4311 aross@clasp.ngo Company Website https://www.cleanlightingcoalition.org

September 20, 2022 07:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

TULU Topping Up Series A Funding Round with Strategic Investments from Leonardo DiCaprio-Backed VC

Tulu

TULU, a smart tech platform that provides building tenants with on-demand access to hundreds of brand name appliances, grocery staples, micro-mobility solutions, and entertainment devices, is rapidly expanding across real estate markets, while more and more global brands feature their products on the platform to get unique access to millennial and Gen-Z consumers. The new funds will fuel rapidly-growing partnerships with leading property owners and consumer brands, to enhance geographic expansion and data capabilities and unleash environmental and circular consumption initiatives across its global areas of operation. Companies such as Bosch, Kärcher, Hoover, and Dremel are partnering with TULU to gain genuine customer insights, expand their physical and digital exposure with new consumers, and collect valuable data about their products and user behaviors, while leading landlords like Greystar Real Estate Partners, Brookfield Asset Management, Invesco, RXR Realty, Silverstein Properties, and CA Ventures integrate the TULU platform in their buildings to elevate the living experiences they offer. Since launching in 2019, TULU has served more than 70,000 people across 19 cities in the United States, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and Israel. “In the last year, we’ve seen a tremendous demand for our service and have exponentially expanded our portfolio globally. TULU has becomeS a standard for hundreds of communities world-wide and an industry benchmark, making it the leading global vehicle in powering the Usage Economy.” says Yishai Lehavi, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of TULU. “We are excited to see that, even in these days of change in the markets, there is still a high demand to support ambitious transformative ideas like the ones we execute in TULU. Beyond the impact of reshaping consumption habits on the demand side, we believe that the long-term impact will come from the supply side. Manufacturers and brands need to adjust to the Usage Economy, which incentivizes them to build long-lasting products instead of the shorter product lifetimes of today’s Buying Economy.” TULU provides on-demand rentals of high-quality home products, household items and perishables to reduce the cost of living and waste in big cities. Using nothing more than a wall in a building’s lobby, tenant lounge, laundry room, or bike room, TULU’s IoT-based units provide 24/7 access to a variety of brand-name products including vacuums, VR headsets, e-scooters, bikes, and necessary household supplies. Units are customized to each building’s needs and core tenant base, where users rent or purchase products through the TULU app. TULU was recently listed by Retail Insider as a “Top Digital Retail Global Innovation” alongside products of companies such as Google, Meta, and Nike, and is quickly expanding to keep up with strong demand for its service. Four months after closing its series A round, TULU is now announcing additional funding led by Regeneration.VC, a consumer-powered climate innovation fund backed by actor Leonardo DiCaprio, with the participation of Proptech VC Trifare, UMTB, and existing investors New Era Capital Partners, Bosch VC arm, Round Hill Ventures, Tal Ventures, AGP Partners, and Good Company. This additional funding will allow TULU to pursue new partnerships with landlords and brands, with a goal to reach hundreds of new buildings in existing and additional markets over the next year. Additionally, the company will execute its environmental strategy that considers property and product level emissions data, product life extension, sharing of consumer products, and much more. “Nearly half of Greenhouse Gas Emissions derive from producing and consuming consumer goods and much of our individual consumption occurs from the things we use within our homes - from manufacturing and packaging to shipping and returns,” says Yael Shemer, Chief Customer Officer and co-founder of TULU. “We aim to provide an infrastructure to create an alternative mode of consumption that will replace the owner mindset. We’re transforming our homes from individual buying units to a collective sharing unit.” “Next-generation consumers are driving a transition towards circular consumption and shared usage economies with more than half of consumers indicating a willingness to rent rather than buy,”says Michael Smith, General Partner of Regeneration.VC. “With TULU, we see a massive opportunity to improve resource efficiency within buildings by increasing the utilization of products over their lifecycle and decreasing the quantity of goods needed to service a building. TULU has the potential to significantly reduce embodied emissions as well as materials, energy, and water consumption associated with product manufacturing.” About TULU TULU is the usage economy platform and amenity services provider to over 50,000 people in 19 cities across the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and Israel. Founded in 2019, TULU provides building tenants with on-demand access to hundreds of brand name appliances, grocery staples, micro-mobility and entertainment devices, and more. Using IOT, data analysis and smart design, TULU maximizes building space and product usage, encourages a shared economy system and overall sustainable quality of life. To date, TULU has raised $30 million in seed and series A funding. About Regeneration.VC Founded in Los Angeles, Regeneration.VC is an early-stage venture fund supercharging consumer-powered climate innovation driven by circular and regenerative principles. Our investment strategy encompasses design (materials & packaging), use (consumer brands & products), and reuse technologies (reverse logistics & marketplaces) that generate measurable environmental impact alongside outsized return potential. For More information, visit https://www.regeneration.vc/ Contact Details TuluPR Tulu@LoBellocomms.com

September 20, 2022 09:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Understanding Hearing Loss: Don’t Miss Out on Hearing the Moments that Matter Most

YourUpdateTV

Untreated hearing loss not only disconnects you from family, friends, and work, it exposes you to higher risk of dementia, depression, memory loss, injury, and cognitive decline. Recently, licensed audiologist, Dr. Cliff Olson, conducted a satellite media tour to talk about hearing loss and the importance of addressing it from a trusted healthcare professional. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/xgXK9jvhssc Hearing loss is a major health issue, around the world and in the U.S. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates that 1 in 8 Americans aged 12 or older — about 30 million people — has lost some hearing in both ears. While men are almost twice as likely as women to having hearing loss, it is an issue that is often unaddressed or undertreated by many. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, ~ 37.5 million adults report some trouble hearing and an estimated 28.8 million U.S. adults with mild to severe hearing loss could benefit from hearing aids. Too often, people delay seeking care. There are several reasons individuals may delay addressing hearing loss, including: Recognizing and accepting that one may have hearing loss Typical symptoms of hearing loss include having trouble hearing people on the phone, turning up the TV volume, becoming tired from listening and hearing and being able to understand conversations when there’s background noise. Access to HCPs, and misperceptions associated with hearing aids. Hearing aids have evolved so much, so the good news is that: Hearing aids are totally different now with new and improved tech features. Users are getting younger…with average purchase age dropping from 68 to 60. The time people are waiting to purchase hearing aids has dropped to 4 years…not the 6 or 7 years it used to take. Users rarely or never feel embarrassed they wear hearing aids. That’s because they look so cool and do so many great things to connect you to your world. In fact, user satisfaction with hearing aids has increased significantly in the past 20+ years…from 58% to 83%. Hearing speech in noisy environments is still a challenge for people with hearing loss. In fact, 80% of people who wear hearing aids describe hearing in noise as a key challenge. (MarketTrak 2019) The newest hearing aid from GN, ReSound OMNIA, addresses the No.1 hearing aid challenge – hearing speech in noise. ReSound OMNIA allows people to hear and connect with the world naturally, thanks to an outstanding 150% improvement in speech understanding. Go to ReSound.com for a free hearing screening and additional resources for understanding hearing loss and helping family members who are also struggling with hearing loss. About Dr. Cliff Olson Dr. Cliff Olson, from Phoenix, Arizona, USA, is a Doctor of Audiology, advocate for better hearing and creator of popular YouTube channel, Dr Cliff Aud - Doctor Cliff, AuD - YouTube - where he posts educational information about hearing care and hearing aids. The channel has 220k subscribers and has received over 34 million views. Dr. Olson is also the founder of Hearing Up – www.hearingup.com - a network where people can get connected to local experienced hearing professionals who are committed to best practices. A Board-Certified Audiologist, Dr. Olson holds his doctoral degree from the University of Illinois where he is a lecturer for the Department of Speech & Hearing. He is a member of the Academy of Doctors for Audiology and a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

September 19, 2022 11:33 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

Minuteman Press Franchise in Cherry Hill, NJ Celebrates 30 Years in Business

Minuteman Press International Inc

When Frank Bittner, Jr. first worked alongside his dad Frank, Sr., it was March of 1990. “I was 17, still in high school, and it was the summer before senior year,” reflects Frank, Jr. “I was working on bindery and making deliveries for our Trenton shop, which we owned for two years before opening our Minuteman Press franchise in Cherry Hill. It’s amazing to think that was 32 years ago.” In October 1992, Frank, Sr. opened Minuteman Press in Cherry Hill, and 30 years later, Frank, Jr. and his wife Kelly are still owning and operating the family business. Frank, Jr. says, “The chance to work side by side with my dad for all those years was incredibly special. I started managing the shop in 1997, and Kelly and I bought the shop from my dad 5 or 6 years ago. My Uncle Joe also came on board early on and runs our Hainesport shop today, so this truly is a family business all the way around.” Keys to Success Frank doesn’t hesitate when sharing the biggest key to success for Minuteman Press in Cherry Hill. He says, “We build relationships with our clients, and we simply do not give them a reason to leave us.” He continues, “We’ve had many clients for over 20 years, and some since Day 1. For example, we’ve been working with some of the local car dealerships since we opened. Once customers find you and know they can rely on you, cost is not a factor because there is real trust in that relationship.” “What it really comes down to is being personable, developing that trust, and forming a tight bond that leads to residual / repeat customers. Providing that personal service along with the products they need is how we’ve been successful.” -Frank Bittner, Jr., Owner, Minuteman Press, Cherry Hill, NJ Expanding Products & Services During the pandemic, Minuteman Press in Cherry Hill remained open and operating as an essential business. As a result, Frank saw a trend that continues to help his business today. He shares, “One thing we noticed during the pandemic was that a lot of local municipalities were spending, buying additional products from us we hadn’t done for them previously. We had a rise in sales from those municipal groups, townships, and county offices. As a result, we are now taking more orders from them today, such as plastic ID cards and plaques for their employees. We already had done some of their printing for retractable banners, carbonless forms, and envelopes, and now we are getting to do more.” Just by contacting other local businesses during the pandemic to see how they were doing has helped increase business today. Frank shares, “We wanted to simply show that we care and still available to help our clients. At that time, we put a strong focus on in-house Every Door Direct Mail, and our EDDM business really took off.” He adds, “In addition to mailings, clients are now coming back to us with orders for trade show supplies, wide format printing, promo products, apparel, items for community events and job fairs, raffles and tickets for local events, and more.” “I think people still want something in their hands. They might be used to their phones but having a tangible printed marketing piece that shows bullet-points is special. Print will always be a vital tool of information.” -Frank Bittner, Jr. Marketing the Business Cherry Hill, NJ is the largest suburb in New Jersey outside of Philadelphia. It is home to mostly small to mid-sized businesses, as well as local schools and organizations. To market his business in Cherry Hill, Frank has followed the Minuteman Press system for over 30 years. Frank says, “I am in the same two networking groups that my dad first joined, the Voorhees Business Association (VBA) and the Marlton Business Association (MBA). We are also members of the Burlington County Chamber of Commerce. It is important to get involved and have that personal relationship with members of your community. No matter what you are selling, it’s you that they buy into. I am not a faceless entity, I am Frank the owner, and that makes a huge difference.” In addition, Frank also participates in the Minuteman Press Internet Marketing Program. “It’s great to have that program in place to generate online leads as it’s another we to secure orders and then develop relationships with clients.” Support from Minuteman Press When it comes to being part of Minuteman Press, support comes in many ways. Frank says, “The support from Minuteman Press is always there when I need it, and this has always been the case. They have helped with employee training and staffing, provided great advice, and our Regional VP Rich Hornberger is a tremendous asset to us. Rich truly cares about the owners in his region, and I always appreciate his input.” Frank also appreciates the FLEX software as he has seen its evolution and enhancements over the years. “FLEX is so valuable and robust for pricing, marketing, and management. It’s great to see that some popular suggestions from owners are implemented. I love the integration with our vendors and the idea of getting deposits ahead of time is fantastic. Anything to make quotes easier and receiving payments easier is a huge benefit to our business.” During the first days and weeks of the pandemic, Frank credits the daily emails and communications he received from Minuteman Press World Headquarters and Nick Titus for reassuring him at a crucial time. “The emails we received from Nick were fantastic and I looked forward to them every day. They also helped us quickly pivot by implementing new marketing strategies and sell essential products. When everything first shut down, I couldn’t help but think about my family and my business. That lasted 3 days, and then we came back into the shop, the phones kept ringing, and we did not miss a beat.” He continues, “Without assistance from corporate, and without that morale boost at such a critical time, I don’t know if we would have been able to bounce back so quickly. It was also a huge asset to have the other franchise owners in our system to exchange ideas and share advice. All of that was extremely valuable.” “We were encouraged to keep plugging away, and that’s what we did. We printed masks using heat transfer. We printed new menus for restaurants, and we filled our community with graduation signs for the local schools we had relationships with. By remaining open, we helped one of our energy customers ramp up their mailings with EDDM and personalized mailings, and their sales have doubled since the pandemic. They are now one of our biggest clients.” -Frank Bittner, Jr. Rewards & Advice for Others As he reflects on 32 years, Frank shares, “Flexibility and quality of life are the two biggest rewards to being your own boss. I have been able to set my own schedule and be there for my kids. I’ve allowed my employees to have that same flexibility so we can all share that same mindset of caring about the business but being there for our families” When asked what advice he would give to others, Frank says, “I am a big believer in cross-training my employees. My advice is to have one or two key people who can do everything from front to back. Also, don’t expect to come in and not be present. You need to be present, and you need to be proactive.” Frank concludes, “Minuteman Press International is always moving forward. They fine-tune what is the next step and are on top of industry trends. Take advantage of their knowledge and experience and follow the system. That’s what we’ve done now for over 30 years and counting.” Minuteman Press in Cherry Hill is located at 2060 Springdale Rd., Suite 700, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003. For more information, call 856-817-8400 or visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/nj/cherry-hill/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and see Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com Contact Details Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

September 19, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
1 ... 113114115116117 ... 186