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Travel Technology Association Files Comments with U.S. Department of Transportation on Airline Ticket Refunds and Consumer Protections

Travel Tech

The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), the voice of the travel technology industry and a consistent advocate for public policy that supports a competitive and transparent marketplace, filed comments today in response to the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on “Airline Ticket Refunds and Consumer Protections,” – Docket No. DOT-OST-2022-0089. "On behalf of consumers and our member companies that serve them, the Travel Technology Association is proud to stand with the U.S. Department of Transportation in assuring once and for all that airline travelers are made whole when their flights are canceled,” said Travel Tech President and CEO Laura Chadwick. “You get what you pay for, and when you don't, you should get your money back." "We welcome the Department's decision to define what constitutes a ‘canceled flight’ and ‘significant change to flight itinerary.’ These definitions will bring much-needed uniformity and clarity to what have been fraught and stressful experiences for travelers facing weather or airline staffing issues," Chadwick continued. "Great customer service, whether before, during, or after a trip, is key to the value Travel Tech members offer. These definitions will help online travel agents better support their customers navigating frustrating flight cancellations and the labyrinth of airline customer service systems." The Travel Technology Association’s full comments may be viewed at: https://www.traveltech.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Comments-of-The-Travel-Technology-Association.pdf In its comments, the Travel Technology Association explains that ticket agents are already bound to issue refunds “promptly” after airlines provide the authorization and funds to do so. In its draft rule, the Department proposes that customers receive refunds within seven days. However, it takes up to eleven days to secure refunds from airlines' payment and refund systems. "To require refunds before the funds are returned by the airline – as the proposed rule currently demands – would impose an undue financial burden and risk on ticket agents. We encourage the Department to revise this part of its proposal to reflect that airlines’ payment and refund systems are beyond the control of ticket agents.” ### About Travel Tech The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) is the voice of the travel technology industry, advocating for public policy that promotes transparency and competition in the marketplace to encourage innovation and preserve consumer choice. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including global distribution systems, online travel agencies and metasearch companies, travel management companies, and short-term rental platforms. To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact Dan Rene of kglobal at 202-329-8357 or daniel.rene@kglobal.com. Contact Details kglobal Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 daniel.rene@kglobal.com Company Website https://www.traveltech.org.

December 19, 2022 10:15 AM Eastern Standard Time

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CleverTap appoints Satyadeep Mishra as Chief Human Resources Officer

CleverTap

CleverTap, the World's #1 Retention Cloud today announced the appointment of Satyadeep Mishra as their new Chief Human Resources Officer. He joins from the hospitality-technology platform, OYO where he worked as the Chief Human Resources Officer for its technology, product, global functions and international markets teams. With over two decades of experience working with the likes of Jio, Barclays and Bajaj Finserv among others, Satya brings with him a demonstrable history of leading teams and conceptualizing innovative HR strategies across domains of talent acquisition, training & development, and performance management. He also played a pivotal role in the transformational growth journey of Jio’s core telecom and digital initiatives. “We are excited to have Satya onboard. Having nurtured some of the industry’s leading experts, quality talent has always been a top priority for CleverTap. And with Satya’s immense experience, I have no doubt that he will lead our People Strategy and continue to build on our culture which puts employees first, as we go from strength to strength in our journey as global MarTech leaders”, said Sidharth Malik, Chief Executive Officer, CleverTap. “It's an absolute pleasure to be part of such a dynamic and exuberant team. The growth of CleverTap over the past few years is a testament to the capabilities and dedication of everybody involved with the team. The roles that HR functions play, not just in people strategy, but even in business, have become significant for more companies, especially within the era of work from anywhere. I am elated to be working with like-minded individuals that understand the importance of retaining and nurturing bright talent. I am confident that together, we can scale new heights and break conventional barriers while creating value not only for our customers but also for our employees the world over”, said Satyadeep Mishra, Chief Human Resource Officer, CleverTap. About CleverTap CleverTap is the World's #1 Retention Cloud that helps app-first brands personalize and optimize all consumer touch points to improve user engagement, retention, and life-time value. It's the only solution built to address the needs of retention and growth teams, with audience analytics, deep-segmentation, multi-channel engagement, product recommendations, and automation in one unified product.The platform is powered by TesseractDB™ - world’s first purpose-built database for customer engagement, offering both speed and economies of scale. CleverTap is trusted by 1500 customers, including Gojek, ShopX, Electronic Arts, TED, English Premier League, TD Bank, Carousell, AirAsia, Papa John’s, and Tesco. Backed by leading investors such as Sequoia India, Tiger Global, Accel, and CDPQ the company is headquartered in Mountain View, California, with presence in San Francisco, New York, São Paulo, Bogota, London, Amsterdam, Sofia, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, and Jakarta. For more information, visit clevertap.com or follow on LinkedIn and Twitter. Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements in this press release may represent CleverTap's belief in connection with future events and may be forward-looking statements, or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. CleverTap cautions that such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties that could result in the actual outcome being absolutely different from the results anticipated by the statements mentioned in the press release.Factors such as the development of general economic conditions affecting our business, future market conditions, our ability to maintain cost advantages, uncertainty with respect to earnings, corporate actions, client concentration, reduced demand, liability or damages in our service contracts, unusual catastrophic loss events, war, political instability, changes in government policies or laws, legal restrictions impacting our business, impact of pandemic, epidemic, any natural calamity and other factors that are naturally beyond our control, changes in the capital markets and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different, from those anticipated by such statements. CleverTap does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or updated or revised status of such statements. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will CleverTap and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction Contact Details Sony Shetty sony@clevertap.com Company Website https://clevertap.com/

December 19, 2022 07:59 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Giving the Gift of Home Services

YourUpdateTV

The last few years have changed the value we put in our homes and how we see our homes as we spend more time there. And fittingly homeowners have taken on a lot of work to make their homes better suited to them. Recently, Angie Hicks, Chief Customer Officer of Home Services at Angi and Co-Founder of Angie’s List, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss giving the gift of home services. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/eFgMPqhKR6k According to Angi’s new State of Home Spending report, the top improvement projects completed in 2022 by American homeowners were: Painted an interior space - 33.6%; Remodeled a bathroom - 28.9%; Installed new flooring - 27.8%; Installed a smart home device - 22.9%; Painted/stained home exterior - 22.9%; Remodeled a kitchen - 21.4%; Installed new landscaping - 20.0%; Added/replaced windows - 18.2%; Repaired a roof - 18.1% In addition to all of that remodeling and improvement work, 38% of US homeowners completed routine home maintenance. These projects include tasks like landscaping, yard work, interior cleaning, gutter cleaning, window washing and more. This holiday season, people will be looking for cost effective gifts and gifting home projects is a great way to stay on budget and show your friends and family how much you care. In fact, from a recent study by Beyond Finance, 4 out of 5 people said inflation has affected their holiday spending plans, with 53% saying they plan on buying fewer or less expensive gifts. Taking on projects, either DIY or by hiring a pro is like self-care for your home and this holiday season is a perfect time to gift that care. With budget on the brain, here are a few great DIY home projects. Lawn care - gift your family or loved ones bi-monthly lawn mowing, repaint a space, plant a garden, tackle some existing projects. You can also hire a pro to come in and complete some work too. A great gift would be to hire a cleaner following the holidays to start the year with a clean home or hire a handyman for a few hours to tackle that honey-do list. Or if you are looking for an easy gift for that homeowner friend or relative who always seems to be doing work, the gift of Angi Key, our membership program, is perfect. At $30 a year, this membership program not only offers a discount on services booked through Angi, but also comes with an Angi Home Specialist, a dedicated advisor to help with any home needs. For more information, visit Angi.com About Angie Hicks Since 1995, Angie Hicks has been dedicated to helping consumers get the real scoop on local service companies and health providers. Inspired by the frustrations her co-founder had trying to find reliable contractors in suburban Columbus, Ohio, she started Angie's List 'now Angi' to help homeowners find who they should hire and who they should avoid. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

December 16, 2022 01:43 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Preparing the next generation of nurses highlighted in PATIENT SAFETY

Patient Safety Authority

The nursing field offers huge career opportunities. But with a critical nursing shortage and new complexities for those entering the profession, how can we ensure the next generation of nurses can handle whatever might come their way? What does it take to successfully transition them from classroom into practice? These are some of the questions addressed in the December issue of PATIENT SAFETY. “We need to prepare our nurses to learn in a new way and adapt how they make decisions, even at the bedside,” says Cedar Crest College senior instructor Eileen Fruchtl, MSN. She explores issues such as simulation technology, testing for decision making, core curricula and the expanding roles of nurses in the article, Onward and Upward: The Future of Nursing Education. “Most people don’t see the complexity of what a nurse does at the bedside, what they have to have in their knowledge base to keep patients safe,” she says. “The core curriculum integrates things that didn’t even exist years ago—like informatics. We see a lot more in politics and advocacy, leadership and management, and communities.” Fruchtl explains that nurses drive the healthcare system through their work in policy making, insurance, education, and in the community. “A lot of students don’t realize the extent of the opportunities they’ll have.” Transitioning students from academia into safe practice is the subject of another article based on a study conducted by faculty at Commonwealth University, Bloomsburg Campus, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee College of Nursing and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Their research revealed new nurses’ challenges including lack of skill dexterity, absence of mentors, and imposter syndrome. Enhancing academic curriculum, cooperative efforts between practice nurses and faculty, and improving nurse residency programs can narrow the academic practice gap, the authors conclude. Other topics in this issue of PATIENT SAFETY include: How a peer support program improves care for all – Jefferson Health’s RISE program is a psychological first-aid, peer-support team for distressed healthcare workers and providers in the immediate wake of a stressful or traumatic workplace event. Jefferson’s program leads, John Olsen and Dr. Scott Cowan, explain the program’s genesis, its positive impact, and how it can be replicated in other institutions. An inside look to healthcare in prison – Erica Benning, Bureau of Healthcare director for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PA DOC), discusses healthcare delivery for almost 40,000 incarcerated individuals: what can be done in-house, how her team handles inmates with mental illness, their COVID response, and more. PATIENT SAFETY is the peer-reviewed journal of the Patient Safety Authority. A scientific publication, PATIENT SAFETY humanizes patient harm with stories, opinion pieces, and magazine-quality design. It has a readership of more than 45,000 people in 164 countries. About PSA Established under the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (MCARE) Act of 2002, the PSA, an independent state agency, collects and analyzes patient safety data to improve safety outcomes and help prevent patient harm. http://patientsafety.pa.gov/ Contact Details Bev Volpe +1 609-230-4696 bev@madisongall.com Company Website http://patientsafety.pa.gov/

December 16, 2022 12:52 PM Eastern Standard Time

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SWMBRD Sports announces company has started mass production of its proprietary Swimboard

SWMBRD Sports Inc

Contact Details Proactive Canada Proactive Canada +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

December 16, 2022 07:30 AM Pacific Standard Time

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FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR HIBBETT AND PUMA PARTNER ON GENEROUS CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA DONATION

Hibbett, Inc.

Hibbett, Inc., leading Birmingham-based premium footwear and athletic-inspired fashion retailer, today announced a donation to Children’s of Alabama in partnership with leading global sports brand company, PUMA. The donation of $20,000 and more than $30,000 worth of apparel, footwear and toys were presented to the hospital staff on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. For the third consecutive year, donations from Hibbett and PUMA will benefit the Care Closet in Social Services, Child Life's Sugar Plum Shop and the CHIPS Center, which all focus on providing family centered care for patients and their families. The Care Closet is utilized by social workers from every division at Children's on a daily basis, and shoes and clothing items are frequently needed, but not always readily available. On average, the team provides more than 400 families in crisis with essential items each year. The Care Closet donations allow those who arrive at the hospital with a child after an emergency to pick up essentials they may need for their child or themselves such as apparel and footwear, toiletries and more, free of charge. The Sugar Plum Shop provides an average of 260 patient families with gifts to help ease the burden of being in the hospital during the holiday season annually, while Children's Hospital Intervention and Prevention Services (CHIPS Center) promotes hope and healing for those affected by child abuse and neglect. The specialty-trained staff at the CHIPS Center provides more than 2,850 counseling sessions for children and families in need each year. “We are grateful to our partners at PUMA for helping us support the great work of Children’s of Alabama and the Care Closet, Sugar Plum Shop & CHIPS Center, for the third year in a row,” said Sarah Sharp-Wangaard, VP Marketing, Hibbett. “No one facing a child’s illness or accident should have to worry about basic supplies in a time of need and thanks to the staff and social workers at Children’s, they won’t have to.” “This partnership with Hibbett and Puma has provided valuable funding and resources for the Social Services team to be able to connect with patients and patient families when they are at their most vulnerable,” said Emily Hornak, Cause Marketing and Corporate Partnerships director, Children’s of Alabama. “The Care Closet allows for patients and patient families to receive clothes, shoes and other necessary items when they may have had to come to Children’s of Alabama urgently and unexpectedly. We are grateful to Hibbett and PUMA for their ongoing partnership with our mission.” The donation of 3,363 items was presented to Children’s of Alabama by Hibbett and PUMA on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. The shipment contained approximately 375 pairs of footwear, 1,988 items of clothing and 1,000 Poppit toys. About Hibbett, Inc. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Hibbett is a leading athletic-inspired fashion retailer with 1,126 Hibbett and City Gear specialty stores located in 36 states nationwide as of October 29, 2022. Hibbett has a rich history of convenient locations, personalized customer service, and access to coveted footwear, apparel and equipment from top brands like Nike, Jordan, and adidas. Consumers can browse styles, find new releases, shop looks, and make purchases online or in their nearest store by visiting www.hibbett.com. Follow us @hibbettsports and @citygear on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. About Children’s of Alabama Since 1911, Children’s of Alabama has provided specialized medical care for ill and injured children, offering inpatient and outpatient services throughout central Alabama. Ranked among the best pediatric medical centers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s provided care for youngsters from every county in Alabama and 42 other states last year, representing more than 684,000 outpatient visits and more than 15,000 inpatient admissions. With more than 3.5 million square feet, Children’s is one of the largest pediatric medical facilities in the United States. More information is available at childrensal.org. About PUMA PUMA is one of the world’s leading Sports Brands, designing, developing, selling and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories. For more than 70 years, PUMA has relentlessly pushed sport and culture forward by creating fast products for the world’s fastest athletes. PUMA offers performance and sport-inspired lifestyle products in categories such as Football, Running and Training, Basketball, Golf, and Motorsports. It collaborates with renowned designers and brands to bring sport influences into street culture and fashion. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Cobra Golf and stichd. The company distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs more than 16,000 people worldwide, and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany. https://about.puma.com/ Contact Details Wendy Yellin pr@hibbett.com Company Website https://www.Hibbett.com

December 16, 2022 10:05 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Skape.GG and GoBubble Launch Global Partnership to Tackle Online Toxicity within Gaming

GoBubble Media Centre

Online social community for gamers Skape and AI provider GoBubble, have announced a groundbreaking partnership in the world of online safety. The two companies have joined forces to create a unique experience for the +3m users registered in Skape, with the aim of providing a safer online environment for everyone across the platform, one that is free from online hate and bullying. Skape is a social dashboard that connects real gamers and has selected GoBubble’s Emotion AI as their exclusive global digital safety partner for content moderation. Emotion AI is cutting edge sentiment-based content moderation, which has a pedigree in helping Trust and Safety teams. Ole Vidar Hestas, CEO of Rocket Brands (the company behind Skape) said: “This collaboration is a truly transformative step for Esports and the gaming industry. At Skape we care most about making the gaming community safer for everyone and our lifetime commitment is to create positive communities, and to connect, share and build safer digital spaces for users. As a result, we’re proud to have selected GoBubble as our exclusive safety partner through the use of their Emotion AI technology.” GoBubble’s international patent-pending AI provides clients with bespoke multi-language multimedia content moderation, saving valuable time and scale whilst placing mental health and well-being at the core. Research tells us that there are currently an estimated one billion online gamers worldwide and that the audience continues to grow. Unfortunately, the amount of online hate is also increasing, and the gaming world is rife with toxicity including racist, homophobic, transphobic, and sexist content. In a report published earlier this year about the effects of online abuse, statistics show that almost all victims of online abuse surveyed reported some level of harm from the abuse, with 91% indicating that the abuse impacted them in some way. Women reported higher levels of harm with only 3% of women saying the online abuse did not bother them. Statistics from the Anti-Defamation League research also show that marginalised groups suffer the most harassment in online gaming, with 37% responding that they will try to hide their identity as a result. And in a recent study by Preply, it was found that 90% of gamers surveyed have experienced or witnessed emotional abuse or bullying while playing video games, and nearly 7/10 have considered quitting because of what they’ve witnessed. Danielle Platten, CEO and Co-Founder, GoBubble added: “This unique partnership with Skape marks a huge step forward for the gaming industry as we’re seeing the level of hate speech within the sector increasing. Historically abuse has almost been reluctantly accepted as part of the culture, but content and comments can have a negative effect on the mental health and well-being of gamers and streamers, and on the reputation of the publisher or gaming studio. “Together with Skape, we’re determined to reduce the level of online hate within the sector, and to help build safer and more positive and inclusive gaming communities.” The companies are actively working to raise awareness of the issue of online harassment and are providing resources to help those who have been affected by it. This includes providing access to counseling and support services, as well as assistance and advice on how to stay safer online. About GoBubble GoBubble’s next-generation content moderation and detection technology helps organisations around the globe to create safer, healthier, kinder digital communities and protect brand reputation. They care greatly about freedom of speech and helping to give people access to tools that will shield them from toxicity. Their innovative machine learning helps to protect people against racism, misogyny, negative LGBTQ+ content, and threats. Its turnkey solution can be rolled out to clients in minutes. Twitter @GoBubbleTeam LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/gobubble Instagram @GoBubbleTeam For GoBubble media enquiries or to find out more information about the technology, please contact GoBubble - Chief Communications Officer, Laura Watson at laura@gobubblehq.com or +44 (0)7379 388 110 (UK) About Skape.gg Skape.gg is a social marketplace for anyone to join the world of gaming and esport. They are revolutionizing the way gamers interact with each other. This digital platform has already more than 3.3 million gamers signed up on the waitlist and offers various services that make it easier for gamers to find opponents, connect their existing services, track their progress, and stay connected with the gaming community. From matchmaking to coaching, ranking systems, and digital inventory, skape.gg is quickly becoming the go-to platform for gamers who want to take their gaming experience to the next level. Skape.gg is owned by the American platform developer Rocket Brands, created by an outstanding team of existing leaders and former executives from companies such as TikTok, Apple, Instagram, Disney, Google, Universal, EA, and Unity. Skape is defining a new category with its new social marketplace. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skapegg/ For more questions, reach out to Ole Vidar Hestaas, Founder and CEO: ole@skape.gg Contact Details Laura Watson - GoBubble - Chief Communications Officer +44 7379 388110 laura@gobubblehq.com

December 16, 2022 07:20 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Gift Guide for the 2022 Holiday Season

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/2Gwzr4rYqQA A new survey finds holiday shoppers are planning to spend more than $800 on average this season. Trends Editor for Daily National, Mike Bako has compiled some of his favorite items to help consumers navigate the holiday hustle and bustle. MONEY MANAGEMENT Money is top of mind this year. In fact, Google trends data shows searches for financial matters are up more than 350%. Before buying anything, Bako says, “It’s important to know how you’re going to pay for all those gifts.” The trends editor highlights the convenience of Square and Afterpay, saying, “They are the perfect way to shop your favorite brands and avoid interest and revolving debt. As the leading Buy Now Pay Later platform, Afterpay offers consumers the ability to split approved purchases into four interest-free bi-weekly payments.” With Afterpay, consumers are able to unlock access to the things they want and need without using expensive credit cards. Consumers can schedule payments to sync up with their paychecks and receive text and email reminders to make sure the funds are in their accounts. With Square, shoppers can choose Afterpay's Buy Now Pay Later as an option in-person and online at their favorite businesses, while still having flexibility and control of their money. Visit the entire Shop Directory on the Afterpay app and www.afterpay.com. Social media handles: Instagram: @square and @afterpayusa GEAR & GADGETS Some of the biggest trends of the year come from social media and platforms like TikTok. Bako says, “That means content creators of all ages will love the GoPro HERO11 Black. It's one of my favorites!” The GoPro HERO11 Black delivers the highest resolution with 5.3K video and 27 megapixel photo, highest 10-bit color depth, highest level of video stabilization with HyperSmooth 5.0 and widest field of view ever featured on a GoPro HERO camera. Bako adds, “Sharing memories on-the-go has never been easier with HERO11 Black’s auto highlight video feature, which automatically creates highlight reels of your footage with the GoPro Quik app and a GoPro Subscription, which comes with unlimited cloud storage.” GoPro HERO11 helps people get creative with their shots. The camera is rugged and waterproof to 33ft right out of the box or creators can try the built-in Night Effects that let them practice night photography from light painting to capturing star trails with just the press of a button. This season, the HERO11 Black is being bundled with GoPro’s favorite adventure-ready accessories for just $399.98 with a GoPro Subscription, a steal for only $50 more than the standalone camera. Find out more at GoPro.com. Direct Link: https://gopro.com/en/us/shop/cameras/hero11-black/CHDHX-111-master.html Social media handles: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gopro/ Instagram: @gopro Twitter: @GoPro SMART TECHNOLOGY Tech gadgets continue to rank high on many wish lists and Bako says shopping tech is always about the latest and greatest smartphones. “Here’s something that caught my eye! T-Mobile is bringing back a deal so good it hasn’t been seen in years. Four lines for $25 a line per month with autopay for unlimited talk, text and data including 5G access. That means you can switch a whole family of four to T-Mobile’s Essential Plan for just $100 a month… and get access to the nation’s largest, fastest and most reliable 5G network!” T-Mobile also has a selection of FREE 5G smartphones with savings up to $800 off, including the latest Samsung Galaxy 5G smartphones. For more information, visit t-mobile.com/offers. Social Media Handles: Facebook Address: @TMobile Instagram Handle: @TMobile Twitter Handle: @TMobile SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS CONSUMER One of the fastest growing trends has been the rise of the socially conscious consumer who values sustainability over things. The trends editor highlights how TerraCycle’s Zero Waste Box picks up where local recycling programs stop. “Picture it – Christmas morning, the mountains of gift wrap and plastic packaging thrown everywhere, and it’s time for the cleanup. This year instead of throwing it all away, and having it end up in a landfill, incorporate the Holiday Decorations - Zero Waste Box, and the Plastic Packaging Zero Waste Box into your festivities and do your part to recycle everything from coffee capsules to broken holiday decorations and all the plastic packaging you can’t recycle in your blue bin,” adds Bako. There is a Zero Waste Box for almost any type of trash. For more, visit TerraCycle.com. Social Media Handles: @zerowasteboxes @TerraCycle Hashtags: #RecycleEverything Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

December 15, 2022 01:15 PM Eastern Standard Time

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New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Orders NYC to Drop Foie Gras Sales Ban

Catskill Foie Gras Collective

Hudson Valley duck farmers, organized as the Catskill Foie Gras Collective, announced today that the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has ruled that NYC’s proposed ban on the sale of foie gras in NYC restaurants and retail stores violates State law. The Department has issued an Order directing that New York City “immediately comply with the provisions of Section 305-a of the Agriculture and Markets Law” and refrain from taking any action “that would restrict [the farmers’] ability to sell their product in the New York City market.” Agriculture and Markets Law § 305-a prohibits municipalities, like New York City, from enacting laws that unreasonably restrict farming operations in certified agricultural districts. The Hudson Valley duck farms are located within certified agricultural districts. The Department issued its Order after investigating the farmers’ complaint that NYC’s sales ban, which is known as Local Law 202, would unreasonably restrict their operations. “After reviewing our complaint, the Department of Agriculture has determined the City’s proposed actions do, in fact, violate New York State Law,” said Marcus Henley, a spokesperson for the Catskill Foie Gras Collective. “We are extremely grateful that the Department has taken this action, as hundreds of Sullivan County farm worker jobs were hanging in the balance.” Local Law 202 would have become effective on November 25, 2022, but in a separate lawsuit, a Manhattan judge issued a preliminary injunction that enjoins the City from enforcing the law pending further proceedings in that suit. Had Local Law 202 gone into effect at that time, the sales ban would have caused millions of dollars in revenue loss to the State, New York City, restaurants, wholesale distributors, retail store owners, and related transportation companies. “On a broader scale, the order stops local municipalities from establishing a dangerous precedent of dictating to us what farmers can grow and what people can eat,” added Henley. “It’s great news for farmers and fine diners everywhere.” Proponents for the sales ban, including animal rights groups, mistakenly claim that ducks are treated inhumanely during the foie gras production process. Hudson Valley Foie Gras and La Belle Farms respond that their ducks are well cared for, are allowed to roam freely, and are processed in a government-inspected facility, strictly adhering to animal welfare and federal regulations. Both farms produce foie gras using a special hand-feeding method, like no other farm in the world, so as not to harm the ducks. “These well-funded groups are reactionary and powerful, often times acting without knowing all the facts,” said Sergio Saravia, President of La Belle Farms. “We welcome politicians and reporters to visit our poultry farms and see, firsthand, the farming practices we have in place.” New York City has thirty days to challenge the Department’s Order by filing a court proceeding in Albany County. “We hope the City will accept the Order given the Department’s authority and expertise enforcing the Agriculture and Markets Law, but we will continue to fight to protect our farms if the City decides to spend even more taxpayer dollars on taking the matter to court in Albany.” For more information about foie gras production visit: https://foiegrasfacts.org. About Catskill Foie Gras Collective: The Catskill Foie Gras Collective is comprised of Hudson Valley Foie Gras and La Belle Farm, the main producers of foie gras to restaurants and retail food stores. The collective serves as a resource for factual information and independent articles about our farming. For more information, visit: https://foiegrasfacts.org/ Contact Details Lynn Munroe +1 845-548-1211 lynn@maracaibomedia.com Company Website https://foiegrasfacts.org/

December 15, 2022 11:58 AM Eastern Standard Time

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