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Rebuilding Together and Lowe’s Provide Critical Repairs to Historic Los Angeles Homes

YourUpdateTV

Nonprofit Rebuilding Together partnered with Lowe’s, the Official Home Improvement Sponsor of the NFL, to provide essential home repairs for community residents in Los Angeles neighborhoods including View Park, just outside SoFi Stadium, during the annual Kickoff to Rebuild event. A video accompanying this release is available at: https://youtu.be/GYbiDDQwtmY Kickoff to Rebuild, a Super Bowl-sanctioned event presented by Lowe’s, directly benefits 16 families in Los Angeles through home repairs, including roof replacements, bathroom upgrades, kitchen installations, landscaping, window repairs and fresh paint. The families include a senior struggling with mobility, a veteran on dialysis and a retired healthcare provider. Volunteers and local contractors completed the home repairs following COVID-19 safety guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, Robert Woods, a Lowe’s Home Team member and wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, participated in the event. “At Rebuilding Together, our mission is to assist people with disabilities and low-income seniors in rehabilitating or modifying their homes,” said Zeeda Daniele, executive director of Rebuilding Together of the City of Angels. “Through Kickoff to Rebuild, volunteers, contractors and sponsors help make homes in our community safer and more accessible.” Rebuilding Together will also repair the headquarters of the Consolidated Board of Realtists, a local organization founded in 1949 that strives for democracy in housing by opening doors for Black professionals and consumers in real estate. The Board is part of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), which in 1963 secured the passage of the nation’s first state-level fair housing legislation in California. “Through our Kickoff to Rebuild events held during the past 27 Super Bowls, we’ve repaired more than 158 homes, engaged 5,000 volunteers and invested more than $5 million in communities nationwide,” said Caroline Blakely, president and CEO of Rebuilding Together. “This year, we are honored to continue preserving affordable homeownership and revitalizing communities in the Los Angeles area by providing critical home repairs at no cost to homeowners in need.” The work occurred in neighborhoods within a five-mile radius of the University of Southern California, including Baldwin Hills, Chesterfield Square, Crenshaw, View Park, Jefferson Park, West Adams, Wilshire Center, Koreatown, South Los Angeles and the western section of downtown Los Angeles. Despite years of investments into the university and public venues, these neighborhoods still face challenges including persistent generational poverty, substandard and obsolescent housing and low-paying jobs. “The houses we repaired during Kickoff to Rebuild are more than structures that can help build generational wealth, they are part of the community’s history and identity,” said Cesar Martinez, Lowe’s regional vice president. “We have proudly partnered with Rebuilding Together since 2007 and are humbled to provide our expertise in home repairs to help homeowners stay in their homes and safely age in place.” Kickoff to Rebuild is made possible by Lowe’s and Omaze. For additional information about Kickoff to Rebuild, visit rebuildingtogether.org/ktr. For more about Rebuilding Together City of Angels, visit https://rebuildingla.org/. About Rebuilding Together: Rebuilding Together is a leading national nonprofit organization with a mission to repair the homes of people in need and revitalize our communities. Each year Rebuilding Together affiliates complete about 10,000 rebuild projects. Learn more and get involved at rebuildingtogether.org. About Rebuilding Together City of Angeles: Rebuilding Together Of the City of Angels (RTCOA), located in Los Angeles, California, is a 501C3 nonprofit organization established on August 31, 2020, as an affiliate of Rebuilding Together Inc., headquartered in Washington DC. About Kickoff to Rebuild: Kickoff to Rebuild is an annual Super Bowl-sanctioned event hosted by Rebuilding Together. For the past 26 years, Rebuilding Together has partnered with the NFL in Super Bowl cities across the country, rebuilding houses and bringing together neighborhoods. Together, we have repaired more than 150 homes and engaged 5,000 volunteers during these Super Bowl events. About Lowe’s in the Community: As a FORTUNE ® 50 home improvement company, Lowe’s is committed to creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts through nonprofit partnerships. Across every community we serve, Lowe’s associates donate their time and expertise through the Lowe’s Heroes volunteer program. For the latest news, visit Newsroom.Lowes.com or follow @LowesMedia on Twitter. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

February 17, 2022 04:55 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Restaurant Industry Year in Review: QSR Average Check Soars, Traffic Lags

Revenue Management Solutions

Revenue Management Solutions today released its analysis of US quick-service restaurant (QSR) performance for 2021. Overall, traffic continued its post-pandemic decline, but the global data solutions provider believes double-digit increases in average check will remain — and demonstrate a fundamental change in consumer behavior. To accurately assess the underlying trends of restaurant performance, RMS compared 2021 sales and traffic to pre-pandemic 2019 data. On average, sales were up 8.1% over 2019, and average check increased by a remarkable 22.9%. Traffic, on the other hand, remains low, down 12% as compared to 2019, and continued a negative trend in the second half of the year. Surprisingly, 2021 traffic also was even with or slightly lower when compared to the highly volatile 2020. “Consumer habits are fundamentally different,” notes RMS Director of Research and Consumer Analytics Francois Acerra. “Traffic is down, but the relative increases in average check indicate that QSRs haven’t lost customer segments. Instead, we believe that quick-service restaurant customers have permanently changed their behaviors — visiting less frequently than pre-pandemic yet spending more per visit.” RMS is among the only restaurant data providers to deconstruct average check and the story it tells about how consumers dine now. In its estimation, sales and traffic data still matter, but average spend has emerged as a leading indicator for overall performance. “Given the intense pressure on margins caused by rising commodity prices and labor shortages, analysts may give credit to price increases for the overall rise in average check,” said Acerra. “But when we dug deeper into the numbers, it’s clear that a behavior change is also driving up average check. In short, consumers are ordering more food, and for larger parties. We’ve noticed that the increase in basket size is partly due to more guests being on the same check and that, in fact, the share of single-party orders has declined.” In 2021, the quantity per transaction — or how many items were purchased in a single order — was up 14.3% compared to 2019. Compare that to average net price, which was up 7.5%, and it’s clear that net sales performance was sustained by average check growth. “As QSRs make it increasingly easier to order off-premise with the rollouts of mobile applications and loyalty programs, they provide a convenience to customers that may take the sting out of higher prices,” said Acerra. This is true for efficient drive-thrus as well, notes RMS. In the company’s November 2021 survey of more than 800 US restaurant consumers, 76% reported making a restaurant drive-thru visit at least once a week, compared to 63% that reported dining in. Delivery, which has become a flashpoint for customers and operators, has steadily decreased since its peak in 2020. Just 49% of survey respondents reported using delivery at least once per week in November 2021, a steady decline from 60% in November 2020. “Wait times, poor customer service and order inaccuracy — not price — are being cited in our surveys as the top reasons for dissatisfaction,” said Acerra. “QSRs that can overcome challenges and deliver meals quickly, accurately and with a smile will deliver value to customers and potentially outweigh necessary price increases.” RMS has meticulously monitored consumer sentiment and behavior since March 2020, supplementing its 25-year experience and rich data insights with quarterly consumer surveys, university-sponsored research and anecdotal information. For more data insights and 2022 predictions, visit revenuemanage.com. About Revenue Management Solutions Now more than ever, Revenue Management Solutions (RMS) is committed to supporting restaurants through these ever-changing times. Today, more than 50 major brands in 40-plus countries trust RMS. Its data-driven analytics and tech-enabled solutions are designed to optimize sales, menus and a brand’s financial health. RMS provides actionable insights to more than 100,000 restaurant locations worldwide to help them make informed business decisions that drive profitability and combat inflation and increasing wages. The company holds five US patents on menu pricing and customer segmentation and supports ongoing academic research efforts. For more information on how RMS helps its clients, visit www.revenuemanage.com. Contact Details Tracy Henderson +1 720-989-3530 tracy@centerreachcommunication.com Rebecca Wilkins +1 214-437-9096 Company Website https://www.revenuemanage.com

February 17, 2022 08:05 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Spiceology and Hell's Kitchen Team Up To Bring Competition-Worthy Flavor To Homes Everywhere

Spiceology

Spiceology, leading spice and flavor company, today announced a collaboration and new product line with Hell’s Kitchen, the popular cooking competition show. Each blend created by Spiceology and Hell’s Kitchen captures the essence of some of the show’s most viral moments and some of its most well-known dishes: Sir Wellington ($9.99) - Based on Hell’s Kitchen’s most famous dish, Beef Wellington, this blend boasts flavors of mustard, mushroom and shallot, with an earthy horseradish linger balanced by worcestershire, rosemary and thyme. Try it on beef, chicken, eggs, tofu, brussels sprouts, asparagus, mushrooms, potatoes, and in sauces and gravies. Where’s the Lamb Sauce?! ($9.99) - “Source” or Sauce, named after one of the most meme-able moments and quotes from Hell’s Kitchen, this herbaceous blend is filled with mint, tarragon, chives, rosemary, oregano, marjoram and parsley, and finished with a sweet balsamic powder and molasses. Try it on lamb, chicken, white fish, pork, wild game, tofu, roasted root veggies, green beans, asparagus, eggs, salad dressing, rice, and couscous. Vampire Killer ($9.99) - Made for, but not limited to risotto (one of the chef-slaying dishes on the show), this blend is a delicious mixture of garlic and parmesan, with a hint of umami from mushroom powder. Try it on risotto, pasta, eggs, popcorn, roasted vegetables like tomatoes, eggplant, asparagus, root veggies, and potatoes, kale chips, salad dressings, infused olive oil, and garlic bread. Smashing Salmon ($9.99) - What happens in Hell’s Kitchen when the salmon is undercooked? It gets smashed! This blend turns a notorious negative on the show into a palate-pleasing positive with its acidic miso flavor and strong umami from soy and shitake mushroom, as well as hints of lemon and ginger for a kick. Try it on seafood, chicken, pork, tofu, roasted vegetables, peas, string beans, eggs, fried rice, popcorn, noodles, soups and ramen. Under the Sea ($9.99) - Perfectly cooked scallops can be hit or miss on the show. But, this sweet and spicy blend pairs perfectly with scallops with flavors like maple and Korean chile flakes. Try it on white fish, scallops, tofu, chicken, pork, squash, glazed carrots, asparagus, corn, rice bowls, as a pizza topper, and in noodles. “The core of Hell’s Kitchen is creating amazing food, and whether you’re a die-hard fan of the show or want to experiment with incredible flavor shortcuts, these diverse blends bring deliciousness to dishes,” said Chef Tony Reed, Senior Director of Innovation and Partnerships. “These blends bring chef-driven flavors into the kitchen and celebrate the dedication and talent of chefs everywhere” For more information on the partnership and the blends, visit www.Spiceology.com/collaborations/hells-kitchen. ABOUT SPICEOLOGY Founded in 2013, Spiceology is the fastest-growing spice company in America and is on a mission to bring the magic back to spices, the world’s first currency. The chef-owned and operated, one-stop spice shop develops innovative blends and offers over 400 ingredients that are ground fresh in small-batches and shipped fresh to consumers and chefs. Spiceology’s “experiment with flavor” ethos is not only embraced through excellent ingredients and unique combinations, but also through responsible business practices designed to create a better world with diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of the workforce. Spiceology products can be found on spiceology.com, in specialty retailers and grocers, in restaurants around the US, and as far away as Australia and Dubai. Visit spiceology.com for more information or to place an order, or follow Spiceology on Facebook and Instagram. For recipe inspiration, visit here. ABOUT HELL’S KITCHEN Each season of HELL’S KITCHEN welcomes a new batch of ambitious chefs who will brave an intense culinary academy. Competitors face a series of grueling challenges to prove they possess the right combination of ingredients to win a life-changing grand prize. As the competition progresses, the number of contestants is whittled down until only two chefs are left to compete for the ultimate prize, a Head Chef position at a premier restaurant, and fulfill their dreams of working in the culinary industry as the winner of HELL’S KITCHEN. Contact Details Spiceology Cassidy Levine +1 908-770-7880 cassidy@spiceology.com Company Website https://spiceology.com/

February 16, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Cookie Co. Celebrated as Pandemic Success Story, Now Franchising

Cookie Co.

For most people, the pandemic brought about radical shifts both personally and professionally. For locals Matt and Elise Thomas, 2020 – 2021 was a period of time that was riddled with setbacks that challenged their grit and perseverance. Looking for a way to make ends meet during one of the most distressing times in our nation’s history, Elise decided to do what would fuel her soul. In the stressful and reflective early days of the national stay-at-home orders, Elise often thought about the simple things she loved growing up – like fresh baked cookies. She remembered times when a neighbor would be having a rough day and her mom would bake them some fresh baked cookies to help spread a little cheer; and times when a tragic loss would occur and while her mother was powerless to change the tragedy, she could bake cookies as an offering of comfort to those in need. As a mother of 3 at the time, Elise recognized that this tradition of yesteryears often goes by the wayside as most women work these days, with baking last on the to-do list. Beginning as a simple way to comfort locals, pass the time, and bring in a little income, Elise started baking cookies at home with what she now calls “a Barbie size mixer” for purchase via Instagram (where she has amassed a following of over 33K followers). Cookies were for sale from “the cookie lady” (which she became known as) via social media with curbside pick-up in her driveway. Sales quickly skyrocketed and Elise found herself working around the clock to make hundreds of cookies a day. Out of space and managing increasing demand, Elise and her husband did the unthinkable – they opened their flagship location in Redlands in August of 2020. Despite mandates, a house fire, and a fourth child on the way, Elise and her team were able to make Cookie Co. soar. Elise channeled her perseverance from her Boston marathon training to ride the waves of chaos and establish a new standard in her industry. Today, Elise and her team are more excited than ever about the next phase of Cookie Co., which includes franchising. “What I cherish the most about Cookie Co. is the ability it gives us to bring joy to people in times of both success and sadness. Time is precious and if we can help others maximize time while giving them a resource to help impart love and light in the lives of others, then we have succeeded.” –Elise Thomas, Co-Founder, Cookie Co. About Cookie Co: Where there is love, life is better. Founded in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, Cookie Co. began as a labor of love, offering the simplest of comfort foods – fresh baked cookies. Baked right at home with curbside pick-up in their driveway, Founders Elise and Matt Thomas discovered peace in providing an experience that reminded them of hopeful childhood memories. Opening the first location in August 2020 in Redlands, California, Cookie Co. is known for its signature cookies which are proprietary to the company. Cookie Co. has thrived thanks to raving fans across the community with their gourmet cookies made locally and is now available as a franchise. Interested franchise partners can learn more here. Contact Details Sterling Public Relations Paula Steurer +1 949-200-6566 concierge@sterlingpublicrelationsoc.com Company Website https://www.theofficialcookieco.com/

February 15, 2022 02:54 PM Pacific Standard Time

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Winter Skin Care & Beauty Tips

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/IH8D0yadno Winter weather can wreak havoc on your skin and hair. Between all the dry, chapped and cracked skin, and frizzy or damaged hair, this is the time of year to pay extra attention to self-care and beauty routines. During the colder months, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (ADD) recommends adding moisture into your skin. All skin types need moisture, as lower temperatures, hot indoor air, and dry air everywhere can disrupt the skin’s barrier. It’s the season to focus on all areas of self-care from head to toe. Healthy hair and moisture go hand in hand — no matter the time of year. There are some surprising ways to help keep your locks healthy and looking their best as winter winds snag and tangle hair, which can lead to breakage and split ends. Foley has come up with a four-step plan to help people look and feel their best during the colder months. MORE MOISTURE: One way to counter the effects of dry air is with a daily moisturizer. Foley recommends OLEHENRIKSEN Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturizer. It is a daily vegan and nutrient-rich moisturizer that quickly doubles hydration, visibly boosts elasticity, improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and protects your skin’s moisture barrier from harsh winter elements. This moisturizer is packed with potent ingredients inspired by skin’s building blocks—such as amino acids, peptides, ceramides, and collagen—to bring moisture, bounce and resiliency back to all skin types. Foley says it “Melts into your skin. This balm-to-gel texture delivers rich hydration… an unexpectedly lightweight feel perfect for protecting dry winter skin.” For more information, go to olehenriksen.com. Direct link: https://www.sephora.com/product/ole-henriksen-strength-trainer-peptide-boost-moisturizer-P479339?skuId=2547917&keyword=olehenriksen%20-%20strength%20trainer%20peptide%20boost%20moisturizer Social media handles: @olehenriksen MORE HAIR CARE: Healthy hair and moisture go hand in hand. Foley has found that there are some surprising ways to help keep your locks looking their best in the winter. One brand the beauty expert highlights is Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Hair Mask, saying, “This is a refreshing and restorative vegan hair care line developed with Aloe Vera as the first ingredient for a hydrating and healthy base for curls.' The brand’s creamy hair mask is formulated with shea butter, coconut oil, and macadamia oil which work to deeply quench, nourish and repair dry, damaged curls and strands while helping minimize split ends. Foley recommends using the product as a leave in treatment on wet hair to deeply condition strands if locks are feeling extra dry, adding, “I love it, it has a soft and sweet scent. Although it’s thick and creamy in appearance, it doesn’t feel heavy and glides nicely onto your hair.” For more information, go to mauimoisture.com Direct link: Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Hair Mask & Leave-In Conditioner Treatment to Deeply Nourish Curls & Help Repair Split Ends, Vegan, Silicone-, Paraben- & Sulfate-Free, 12 oz - Walmart.com Social media handles: @mauimoisture HYDRATE DELICATE SKIN: Cold and dry weather can damage softer skin. Foley says, “Our lips are a very thin and delicate. The cold months zap them of much-needed moisture, often leaving them dry and irritated.” The beauty expert says people can keep their lips hydrated all-day (and all-naturally!) with the #1 organic lip balm in the U.S—eos 100% Natural Shea Lip Balms. Foley points out that, “eos blends flavors that are almost good enough to eat with super-moisturizing ingredients for delicious lip balms that you’ll want to swipe on again and again.” This brand’s balms are made with USDA Certified Organic, sustainably-sourced shea butter and hydrating coconut & jojoba oils for long-lasting hydration and soft, smooth lips. Foley adds, “I can’t get over how soft my lips are! It feels like smoothness in a stick!” For more information, visit evolutionofsmooth.com, Target and Walmart. Direct link: https://evolutionofsmooth.com/collections/100-natural Instagram: @ eosproducts FEEL & LOOK YOUR BEST: Foley admits personal style is unique, but the weather can make it difficult at times. “I’m always searching for ways to help people look and feel their best. However, I’m really excited by a new hydrating concealer that is perfect for winter months.” A sister launch to the viral Good Apple Skin-Perfecting Foundation Balm, KVD Beauty is back with their latest launch, Good Apple Lightweight Full-Coverage Concealer. Foley says this new concealer delivers lightweight full coverage with extreme long wear staying power and is packed with ultra-concentrated InterLace Pigments for crease resistance, and maximum vibrancy. She adds, “It’s formulated with hydrating ingredients, such as apple extract and raspberry stem cells, and is available in 32 inclusive shades. You’re going to love how it feels and looks!” For more information, go to KVDVeganBeauty.com. Social media handles: @KVDbeauty Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

February 15, 2022 03:54 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Avi Kumar Converts Independent Print Shop to Minuteman Press Franchise in Longmont, CO

Minuteman Press International Inc

A vi Kumar has been part of the Minuteman Press franchise family since May 2016 as the owner of Minuteman Press in Greeley, CO. In February 2021, Avi had the opportunity to buy Ron’s Printing Center located in Longmont, CO, which was in business for 40 years. Avi converted Ron’s Printing Center into his second Minuteman Press location in February 2021 and is now celebrating one year in business at the new center. Minuteman Press in Longmont is located at 420 Main Street, Longmont, CO 80501. Avi says, “Our Regional Vice President Jack Panzer told us about this established business for sale in Longmont, which is 40 minutes from us. The main advantage was to extend profitability and expand our business in Northern Colorado.” He continues, “Another advantage was that we did not have to spend a lot of extra effort in marketing this as a new business because Ron’s Printing Center had been established for a long time. The employees were all very hands-on and diligent and we were able to retain them all. Within the second month, we added mailings, promotional products, and apparel to their product lines. In fact, we just wrapped up a 30K mailer for a local non-profit organization and secured a large apparel order as well.” Prior to franchising in 2016, Avi worked in retail as a convenience store manager of several locations. “I used to manage some stores in Illinois for a big outfit out of Wisconsin. I finally got tired of answering to my boss and decided I wanted to own my own business. I moved on to better pastures and we decided as a family that Colorado was our calling.” Avi is thankful for being able to work with Minuteman Press and Jack Panzer over the past five-plus years in Greeley and on the conversion in Longmont in 2021. He says, “Working with Jack is amazing as he is very thorough and helpful. Since I started my business in Greeley in 2016, he has been a huge resource for us and very supportive. As we continue to build in Longmont, we are also expanding in Greeley to a new 5,000 sq. ft. facility – remodeling is under way as we speak. We started small and grew the business, and now we are building on that success at the right, consistent pace.” For more information on Minuteman Press in Longmont, CO, visit https://minuteman.com/us/locations/co/longmont. Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. To learn how to sell your printing business through the Minuteman Press Conversion Program, visit https://bit.ly/minutemanpressconversions. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

February 15, 2022 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Sports Business Analyst Mike Bako’s Winter Olympic Analysis

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEYO-2_V6A4 Mike Bako, Daily National.com sports editor, provides insights and analysis on the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games and the latest on the scandal that is overshadowing the games. Failed Test Casts Shadow Over Skating, the Olympics’ Showcase Event. Russian skater’s Kamila Valieva positive test were an embarrassing failure of the systems designed to keep doping out of the Olympics. Valieva was cleared to skate even though she failed a drug test taken Dec. 25, the result only emerging last week, after her two brilliant performances in the team competition helped win gold for the Russian team. The Court of Arbitration for Sport gave her a favorable decision early Monday in part because she is a minor, known as a "protected person,'' and is subject to different rules from an adult athlete. For additional commentary by Bako please email mike@dailynational.com For more information, visit DailyNational.com Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

February 15, 2022 10:25 AM Eastern Standard Time

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AmeriLife Now Offers SimpliNow℠ Legacy from AIG

AmeriLife

AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing annuity, life and health insurance solutions, today announced that its agencies and affiliates are now offering SimpliNow Legacy SM from AIG (issued by American General Life Insurance Company), a simplified issue whole life insurance product specifically designed for middle-market American seniors. SimpliNow Legacy was designed to help policyholders lessen the burden of final expenses--including unpaid debt, medical bills or other household costs--on their loved ones. The product offers a unique limited-pay feature and death benefit coverage ranging from $5,000-$35,000. SimpliNow Legacy was created with middle-market Americans (ages 50 to 80 with a household income of $75,000 or less) in mind, including seniors, to help provide this growing demographic an additional layer of financial protection. For agents, SimpliNow Legacy was built for speed. This product features an instant-decision underwriting process, no post-sale paperwork, and the ability to draft credit card payments in real-time to instantly issue policies. This process includes: Electronic applications that tell agents early-on the type of coverage their clients can receive Instant underwriting decisions 100% of the time and early in the application process, with no additional underwriting, ever Instant issue capabilities for IGO and current dated apps paid with credit cards SimpliNow Quoter allows agents to easily quote their clients’ premiums before or during the application process “In the U.S., the median cost of a funeral is around $9,000*, and many older Americans are doing what they can to avoid passing those expenses onto their loved ones,” said Pat Fleming, Executive Vice President of Product Innovation and Corporate Actuary for AmeriLife. “We’re proud to be one of AIG’s exclusive partners in offering a groundbreaking product that provides consumers with the confidence that their final expenses will be addressed. The speed of the process at the point-of-sale is something that will help our agents work quickly and efficiently to help their clients secure coverage that will aid in preserving their legacies.” For more information on SimpliNow Legacy, visit www.amerilife.com to get in touch with an AmeriLife agency or affiliate. ### About AmeriLife AmeriLife’s strength is its mission: to provide financial solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. In doing so, AmeriLife has become recognized as the leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees across the United States. For more than 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers served through a national distribution network of over 300,000 agents and advisors, more than 40 marketing organizations, and 50 agency locations. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com, and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. *Source: National Funeral Directors Association. Policies issued by American General Life Insurance Company (AGL), Houston, TX. Policy Forms: ICC21-21445, 21445, 21445-5, 21445-10, 21445-35, 21445-42, ICC21-21447, 21447, 21447-5, 21447-10, 21447-35 and 21447-42. Rider Numbers: ICC21-21468, 21468, 21468-5, 21468-10, ICC21-21469, 21469, 21469-5, 21469-10, ICC21-21470, 21470, 21470-5, 21470-35 and 21470-42. Issuing company AGL is responsible for financial obligations of insurance products and is a member of American International Group, Inc. (AIG). Guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. AGL does not solicit, issue, or deliver policies or contracts in the state of New York. Products may not be available in all states and product features may vary by state. Please refer to the policy. This is not a preneed insurance contract or agreement. Benefits are payable to the beneficiary or beneficiaries as directed by the owner of policy. Premiums paid may exceed amount of coverage. For an estimate of the year the premiums may exceed the amount of coverage, divide the face amount by the annual premium. SimpliNow Legacy offers a limited death benefit in the first two years of the policy. Should death occur in the first two years, a death benefit will be equal to 110% of the premiums paid. In the event of suicide, the death benefit is limited to a refund of premiums paid less any outstanding loan amount. THIS POLICY DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT ITS PROCEEDS WILL BE SUFFICIENT TO PAY FOR ANY PARTICULAR SERVICES OR MERCHANDISE AT TIME OF NEED OR THAT SERVICES OR MERCHANDISE SHALL BE PROVIDED BY ANY PARTICULAR PROVIDER. American General Life Insurance Company 2929 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77019, United States © 2022 American General Life Insurance. All Rights Reserved. AGLC201559 Contact Details AmeriLife Jeff Maldonado +1 321-297-1112 jmaldonado@amerilife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

February 15, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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QX Global Group Acquires Management Consulting & Advisory Services Firm Chazey Partners

QX Global Group

Together QX Global Group and Chazey Partners will provide end-to-end Business Transformation, Digital Services & Intelligent Automation, and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) for Fortune 1000 companies and public sector organizations, including higher education, across the globe. QX Global Group, a Top 100 Business Process Outsourcing company, announced the acquisition of an 80% stake in Austin, Texas-based Chazey Partners, a world-class management consulting and advisory firm specializing in business and digital transformation. The Chazey Partners team brings decades of experience in implementing and operating world-class business support and shared services organizations around the globe, with expertise in Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Together, QX and Chazey Partners will work to deliver innovative solutions that cover transformative consulting, digital services, and business process outsourcing, customized to meet each client’s specific needs. “At QX, we have always focused on enabling transformation of our client’s businesses using our unique 3P approach of people, process, and platform, and we are thrilled that the addition of Chazey will allow us to help organizations solve their most significant barrier to growth – digital adoption and business transformation at scale, said Frank Robinson, Group CEO of QX Global Group. “Adding Chazey furthers our vision to provide integrated, end-to-end solutions to help our customers take advantage of the latest operating models and emerging technologies. I am also delighted to officially welcome Phil Searle onto QX Global Group’s Board as Chief Transformation Officer.” Chazey brings to the QX Global Group management consulting and advisory services with a global reach. Founded in 2006, Chazey Partners has demonstrated consistent and significant growth, with global representation in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ireland, Turkey, and India. Chazey’s consultants provide advice, support, and implementation expertise, covering strategy setting, business case production, program management, process optimization, technology enablement, training, and change management. “ Since founding the company, we have significantly expanded and evolved Chazey’s solutions to help numerous businesses and public sector organizations achieve operational excellence by transforming their business operations,’’ said Phil Searle, CEO and Founder of Chazey Partners. ‘’With QX, we have found a shared passion for empowering our clients to achieve world-class performance. By joining forces with QX, we will augment our near-shoring and offshoring capabilities by opening new Centers of Excellence (COEs) in India and Latin America. This is an exciting new chapter for Chazey Partners, our employees, and our customers.” The partnership of both trusted brands comes at a time when enterprises across the globe are adjusting to the post-pandemic world. In this environment, Chazey Partners is at the forefront of offering needed transformation solutions, helping enterprises optimize business operations and adopt the latest technologies for sustained growth. The QX-Chazey partnership will enable all clients to achieve a faster return on investment and add more value to their customers and employees. Barbara Hodge, Global Digital Editor at the Shared Services & Outsourcing Network (SSON), said, “This marks an exciting and timely development in the shared services and outsourcing space. SSON has collaborated with Chazey Partners for many years, and I am pleased to see such a highly respected group in the field of business transformation push forwards in extending its services to provide enterprise customers with the more holistic solutions they need right now. Adding Chazey Partners’ transformation capabilities to QX Global Groups’ BPO services, drives an end-to-end solution that connects consulting, digital and business process outsourcing. This aligns perfectly with the move to integrated business services, digitalization – driven by intelligent automation – and data analytics, that we are seeing across the shared services landscape. It’s also consistent with service providers moving to a ‘one-stop-shop’ solution for business transformation and digital needs. I am delighted at this news and look forward to engaging with the new partnership.” For QX Global Group: Corbett Keeling, London, and J. Sloan & Co, Dallas, Texas, provided corporate finance and transaction advice for QX Global Group; BDO LLP provided Due Diligence support across all entity geographies; legal support was provided by Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C. For Chazey Partners: Sett & Lucas acted as transaction advisor, and Jackson Walker LLP provided legal support. About QX Global Group QX Global Group is a leading provider of business process management services. With over 17 years of accounting and recruitment process outsourcing experience, we help our clients unlock business value by improving process efficiencies and automation in the accounting and recruitment functions to enable business transformation. We have offices in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and India. About Chazey Partners Chazey Partners is a practitioner-led, global management consulting and advisory services firm. We bring real-life, practical, hands-on experience, empowering clients to strive for world-class performance, through Business Transformation, Shared Services, and Intelligent Automation. We help businesses and public sector organizations achieve operational excellence in the provision of mission-critical business services, including Finance, Human Resources, IT, Procurement, Contact Centers, Marketing, and Facilities Management. For over sixteen years, Chazey Partners has helped clients implement successful service delivery solutions; in the US & Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Oceania, and Asia. Contact Details QX Global Group Vishal Kurani +44 20 8146 0808 vishal.kurani@qxglobalgroup.com Chazey Partners Leigh Knowles +1 855-692-6229 LeighKnowles@chazeypartners.com Company Website https://qxglobalgroup.com/

February 14, 2022 09:55 AM Eastern Standard Time

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