News Hub | News Direct

Lifestyle

Beverage: Coffee/Tea/Non-Alcoholic Beverage: Spirits/Beer/Wine Casino/Gaming Fashion Food/Cooking/Baking Health & Fitness Home Goods Hospitality Leisure Activities & Hobbies Parenting Pets Photography Seniors Travel & Tourism
Article thumbnail News Release

LITTLE SAINTS INTRODUCES ST. MEZCAL, THEIR FIRST NON-ALCOHOLIC SPIRIT, INTO THEIR PORTFOLIO OF PLANT MAGIC BEVERAGES

Little Saints

Little Saints, the only mocktail brand to combine Reishi mushrooms, CBD and terpenes in their ingredients –a formula expertly crafted by of a food scientist, environmentalist and a shaman– today expands their non-alcoholic offerings with the release of St. Mezcal. Known for its rich history and rituals of connection, Mezcal is the fastest growing spirit in the US and the least represented in the non-alcoholic space, making St. Mezcal the first functional alternative on the market. Little Saints is believed to be the first spirit producer (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) using a pure palo santo extract –sourced sustainably from Peru– as an ingredient in its St. Mezcal formula, which will be sold at a suggested retail price of $49.99 in a beautifully-designed, Mezcal-inspired 750ml glass bottle. Little Saints St. Mezcal ingredient profile is highly intentional with a complex blend of flavors and functional, sacred plants for a multi-sensory and mood-enhancing experience. The sophisticated, first-of-its-kind blend is highlighted by palo santo (a surprising blend of wood and fennel), ginger, cardamom and vanilla along with an added burn (from capsicum peppers) that hits your throat even when mixed into a blended beverage. It also delivers the rich smell profile associated with certain alcoholic spirits, like Mezcal. Inspired by, but not trying to replicate, the traditional alcoholic Mezcal spirit, St. Mezcal serves as an idyllic, delicious beverage option meant to be consumed neat or as a non-alcoholic replacement for mocktails and cocktail recipes. Little Saints St. Mezcal is joining the menus of today’s buzziest hottest bar and hotel menus including but not limited to Patent Pending (NYC), Clay (NYC), Saint Tuesday (NYC), La Noxe (NYC), Howard’s Bar and Club (Austin), Perla’s (Austin), Liz Lambert ’s Hotel Saint Vincent (New Orleans) and Austin Proper Hotel (Austin). Little Saints sources its palo santo extract, a fragrant wood known for its energy-cleansing and spiritual properties, directly from a forest in Northern Peru. Creating the pure palo santo extract was an extensive process the Little Saints team perfected alongside its Peruvian partners, over a year-long period to optimize the smell and taste of the extract, in addition to procuring a USDA timber permit to import directly from the Peruvian suppliers. The palo santo used to make the extract in St. Mezcal is harvested sustainably from dead and fallen trees, and a percentage of the proceeds of St. Mezcal goes back to the community in Peru that harvests it. Lion’s mane, an adaptogenic mushroom, has been added in 100mg/serving, a dosage adequate to boost brain power and creativity by stimulating the growth of neurons in the brain–the very thing alcohol negatively impacts. Out of all adaptogenic mushrooms, lion’s mane was included as a segue to better social dialogue and more meaningful interactions. The dosage is stated intentionally as it’s commonplace for brands to include the ingredient without dosage information to mask insufficient amounts for noticeable impact. According to NPR in 2023, the non-alcoholic beverage category is a $400m category in the United States, growing at 20% year or year. In comparison, the US alcoholic drinks market is a $284b market growing at a flat 7% per year. Consumers are seeking savvy, high quality choices. “ Most non-alcoholic spirits don’t hold up by themselves. Some of them are okay in cocktails, but I would never drink them on their own. St. Mezcal is one of two N/A spirits that I would ever drink neat or on the rocks, and I would prefer St. Mezcal out of those two. It is zero proof but it has a kick like a thunder. I want to highlight that it has a flavor balance and that it gets you in a nice mood. It does something to you… It’s not just like I’m not drinking and I’m good for the night. It will put you in a good mood. ” — Nikola Nikoletic, Head Bartender at Patent Pending NYC Little Saints was founded by environmental lawyer turned plant-based foods entrepreneur, Megan Klein, and shaped by a female food scientist with a Masters in adaptogens (plants that help the body adapt to stress). As a woman-led company, Little Saints sets out to elevate emotional wellbeing and to encourage connectivity with nature. Launched at music festivals from day one, the brand embodies play in all its forms. It is the mocktail and spirit to drink for a consequence-free mood lift. “St. Mezcal takes the non-alcoholic spirit game up a notch, adding a mood-enhancing ingredient to traditional mocktail menus. I wanted to pair something sensory and spiritual like palo santo with something highly efficacious like lion’s mane. I use both in my everyday life, and I see the benefits - the palo santo helps me clear negative energy and feel creative, and the lion’s mane activates my brain and gives me a buzz that helps me feel creative, focused and playful.” —  Megan Klein, Founder and CEO of Little Saints. Little Saints' bold flavored non-alcoholic drinks are designed to provide an uplifting sensory experience through thoughtfully combined plant magic ingredients. With the philosophy that play is wellness, their mission is to inspire indulgence in art, movement and connection with their community via the canned ready-to-drink plant magic mocktails and new St. Mezcal spirit. Through sourcing, partnerships and distribution purchasing decisions, Little Saints promotes environmental sustainability and conscious capitalism. With integrity and an open mind, Little Saints serves the community by donating more than 1% of its revenue to organizations fostering equity in relation to plant medicine and mental health. Little Saints St. Mezcal is the brand’s first entry point into the spirit world, but certainly not the last as the brand looks to expand functional, delicious offerings in the non-alcohol mocktail and spirit space. About Little Saints Little Saints is a brand of plant magic beverages inspired by our deep reverence for plants and equally deep commitment to play. Working with functional ingredients sourced from sacred plants—plants with special spiritual and curative properties—Little Saints creates non alcoholic, sugar-free plant magic mocktails and spirits. With flavors inspired by classic cocktails —like Paloma, Spicy Margarita, Ginger Mule, Negroni Spritz, and Mimosa—the ready-to-drink mocktails are sugar free and formulated with Little Saints proprietary blend of Reishi mushroom, CBD and botanical terpenes, and the new St. Mezcal spirit continues their mission of providing consumable functional benefits without the alcohol but with the joy. This plant magic "stack" was created in collaboration with Little Saints' adaptogen-expert food scientist and sacred-plant-medicine shaman to inspire positive emotions and a lifted spirit. The brand debuted in 2021, launching first at outdoor festivals throughout Michigan where Megan served mocktails from the back of a mint-green trailer to attendees intrigued by the unique option of an uplifting, natural, clean, and alcohol-free alternative. Since then, the brand has gone national and is already an industry favorite, staking its claim within the non-alcoholic beverage space which continues to grow exponentially faster than the alcoholic space–a signal of a growing cultural shift. Little Saints is at the forefront of a growing movement of an intentional wellness focused lifestyle that eschews drinking alcohol in favor of healthier options. Little Saints is available at select specialty retailers nationwide, including Erewhon in Los Angeles, Berkeley Bowl in San Francisco, as well as non-alcoholic bottle shops such as Spirited Away, Minus Moonshine, and Sechey in New York. The suggested retail price is $5.99 per 8oz can and $49.99 for St. Mezcal per 750ml bottle. For additional information on Little Saints, check out the website littlesaints.com and follow the brand on Instagram at @littlesaintsco. About Founder Megan Klein Megan Klein, Little Saints' Founder + CEO, is a longtime advocate for plant-inspired living. As an environmental lawyer early in her career for Earthjustice, Megan fought against frackers and factory farm polluters. Later, she became a modern farmer, running the country's largest vertical farm and playing a role in the burgeoning local food movement in the Midwest. As an extension of her work in local foods, in 2017 Megan founded Field + Farmer a plant-based food and beverage brand sold in grocery stores throughout the U.S. While running that company, Megan enrolled in the Kellogg School of Management, where she was when the pandemic hit—and when her thoughts turned to emotional healing. Megan founded Little Saints in May 2021 in Detroit and has since moved herself and the company to Miami. Contact Details Little Saints Amanda Smeal amanda@amandasmeal.com Company Website https://littlesaints.com

May 02, 2023 08:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

FS is on a Mission to Unleash Human Creativity. With a Relaunch of its Trend Forecasting Platform, the Future’s Looking Brighter for all Creators

Fashion Snoops

Earlier forecast timelines, dedicated specialty areas, advanced color inspiration, smoothly integrated with AI-powered market tracking and design tools — empowers creators to map their path ahead with extraordinary clarity. FS (Fashion Snoops) announces the relaunch of its popular future forecasting platform. The new rendition streamlines the product creation process; makes it more intuitive, interactive, and creatively fulfilling. Putting power into the hands of the creators, the FS platform provides advanced inspiration aimed to spark future ideas and help track what's happening in the market. Its range of custom tools enable subscribers to gather creative intelligence across retail, runways, trade shows, and social media. Most importantly, they help curate those discoveries into cutting-edge creative strategies and concepts. All in a format that is easy to customize, share, or export into design software. "The problem for creators today is not a lack of information, but rather an overload of it. That's where we come in, ” explains Itay Arad, Co-founder and CEO at FS. "Instead of just offering more, we present our clients with incisive, inspiring content that is easy to find and ready to provoke action." As a company with a purpose to unleash human creativity, the FS forecasting platform offers creatives a way to find joy and inspiration in the product development process. Once again. Feeding their imagination and passion for creating products that aren't driven solely by data or recent fads but by genuine innovation. "We realized that the market is desperately looking for a way to rekindle inspiration,” says Lilly Berelovich, Co-founder and Chief Creator at FS. “We are seeing too many brands and retailers trading in curiosity for a false sense of certainty. Relying so heavily on data and past successes that creativity and innovation are quickly diminishing. It's a catch-22 situation.” Berelovich continues, “Everyone is trying to figure out what consumers want, while the consumers are simply looking to be surprised and excited by newness from the brands... from our commitment to unleashing human creativity, we aim to help the market break this exhausting cycle.” Here are the highlights of features and tools on the renewed FS futures platform: TRACK AREA: FS subscribers can keep their finger on the pulse of what's happening across retail, social media, runways, and trade shows. FS's unique sorting and filtering algorithms make identifying trends and discovering inspiration for their future assortments fun and easy. EXPANDED CATEGORIES: Due to popular demand, the FS team has invested in and grown the offering for Activewear, Swimwear, and Intimates. Creators in these areas now have a section that speaks their language and focuses on their unique needs. COLOR TOOLS: FS's powerful suite of color tools includes a dynamic palette builder, an AI-enhanced runway color tracker, and the ability to search the platform's images by color. Aided by these tools and FS's in-depth color reports, subscribers can create their own original color palettes or use the ones built by FS as a starting point. Individual color chips and entire palettes can now be easily exported and uploaded to design software like Adobe Photoshop and InDesign. PATTERN + GRAPHICS AREA: Inspiration across markets or an individual design category can be found while accessing FS's popular pattern and graphics reports in one convenient place. ASSET GALLERY: FS team's editorial content, which includes mood images, bespoke videos, original art, CADs, and color palettes, is easy to browse through, save, and share. MY FS AREA: Subscribers can access all their saved multimedia content (reports, videos, images, palettes, individual color chips) and drag-and-drop pieces to curate visually compelling mood and concept boards. ABOUT FS For over 22 years, FS (Fashion Snoops) has been a leading force in trend forecasting. Our curious team of experts serves clients in over 50 countries from the worlds of fashion, accessories, home decor, beauty, wellness, and other consumer-facing industries. With a powerful-yet-intuitive digital platform and decades of industry insight, FS is known for collaborating closely with clients. From boutique brands to Fortune 500 companies, we are helping to chart their path to a thriving business. Find your creative futures at fashionsnoops.com Contact Details Fashion Snoops Ashleigh Ralfe +44 7824 393164 ashleigh@fashionsnoops.com Company Website http://fashionsnoops.com/

May 01, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail Digital Asset Direct

Connected Mom - Spring into Summer Gadgets

News Media Group, Inc.

Contact Details News Media Group Karl Wayne +1 334-440-6397 karl@newsmg.com Company Website https://newsmg.com/

May 01, 2023 06:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

USDA’s ‘Defend the Flock’ Campaign Addresses How to Help Keep Your Backyard Chickens Safe from Bird Flu

YourUpdateTV

Over the last several years, more people have turned to raising chickens at home. But a highly infectious bird flu called Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has created challenges for backyard growers, already affecting more than 58 million birds nationwide. Recently, Dr. Julie Gauthier, the Assistant Director of Poultry Health at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the crisis and how their ‘Defend the Flock’ campaign is helping address the issue. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/-7Wg4IcF5Bc The U.S. poultry industry is one of the largest in the world and an important sector of our agricultural economy. Disease outbreaks can devastate flocks, impact trade, cause job and financial losses, and affect prices on eggs, prepared poultry, and other staples. The Defend the Flock education program offers free tools and resources to help everyone who handles or works with poultry follow proper biosecurity practices. These practices will help keep your birds healthy and reduce the risk of avian influenza and other infectious diseases. Tips include: · Keep flocks away from open water and wild birds that can carry disease · Separating your poultry from the rest of your property, using only one entry and exit point · Clean regularly and wear dedicated clothes and shoes when tending to your flock · Clean equipment and vehicles with soap and water before and after they are near your flock · Don’t share tools, poultry supplies or equipment with other flock owners · Report sick birds and know the warning signs, including lower egg production, soft-shelled or misshapen eggs, and runny nose, sneezing and trouble breathing. Report any signs of illness or unexplained deaths to your veterinarian, animal health official, or call the USDA at 866-536-7593 For more tips and advice to keep your chickens safe, search online for ‘Defend the Flock’ About Dr. Julie Gauthier Dr. Julie Gauthier is Assistant Director for Poultry Health and a Veterinary Medical Officer at the U.S. Department of Agriculture/APHIS. The doctor is a Veterinary Medicine Prevention Officer for the U.S. Army Reserve where she has served for more than five years. Dr. Gauthier received her Master’s in Public Health from the Yale School of Public Health and her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

April 27, 2023 10:31 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

ANNISTON, ALABAMA WOMAN FEATURED IN NEWEST HIBBETT SMALL-TOWN SNEAKERHEAD

Hibbett, Inc.

Hibbett, Inc. (NASDAQ:HIBB), an athletic-inspired fashion retailer with more than 1,100 Hibbett and City Gear specialty stores nationwide, today announced the latest release of the exclusive Small-Town Sneakerhead (STSH) series celebrating sneaker culture. The newest episode features 24 year-old Amari Fleming of Anniston, Alabama, a Physical Therapy Tech whose father inspired her to collect sneakers. “Small-Town Sneakerhead is an homage to unique and interesting sneaker collectors from unexpected small pockets of the country,” said Sarah Sharp-Wangaard, VP Marketing, Hibbett. “Hibbett was founded in the great state of Alabama and we enjoy featuring another sneaker fan with a passion for her hometown and hearing about why she loves Anniston.” In the latest Small-Town Sneakerhead episode, Fleming, who has a degree in Exercise Science and works as a Physical Therapy Tech, says that she loves her small town of Anniston, Alabama because her father’s family originated there. She is proud of Anniston’s significant civil rights history that takes place there including that it was a stopping point in 1961 for the Freedom Riders. Some of Fleming’s favorite spots in Anniston include; Quintard Mall, for movies and shopping, Crab Barrack for seafood and Choccolocco Park for beautiful scenery, biking, hiking and kayaking and to catch practices and games for the minor league baseball team, the Choccolocco Monsters. Fleming was inspired to start collecting sneakers by her father who had his own sneaker collection. “Growing up I always enjoyed streetwear and always wanted to own a pair of Jordan’s. When I got my first full time job, I was finally able to buy my own pair and now there are approximately 75 pairs in my collection. What draws me to a pair of sneakers is the uniqueness of the design, how rare they are, a pair that will hold value and something that I know not a lot of people have. The top three things a pair has to have are a story, a unique silhouette and a color that pops.” “Being a sneakerhead means that not only do you enjoy collecting sneakers, but you also enjoy learning about the story and value behind the sneaker. Wearing sneakers allows us to tell a story without even speaking. What’s special about sneaker culture is just appreciating the story and value of a sneaker. It’s interesting to see how sneakers appreciate in value, like jewelry or fine wine, collecting shoes is like enjoying and collecting art. In my collection I’m most proud that I was able to secure the Nike Concepts X Dunk Low Orange Lobsters and the Air Jordan 1Retro High OG Denim.” "It was a great pleasure to highlight Amari and her story - a homegrown sneakerhead in Alabama, where Hibbett was founded,” said Matt Halfhill, Founder and CEO, Nice Kicks. “It was even more special to tell a story of Nike Air and its versatile and timeless style as a staple for everyone no matter your age or where you call home.” About Small-Town Sneakerhead In 2020, Hibbett launched the Small-Town Sneakerhead project to provide sneakerheads from all walks of life the platform to share their personal sneaker narrative. Produced in partnership with Nike and Nice Kicks, the series highlights the evolving sneaker scene and enthusiasts from across the country. Hibbett has featured collectors from East Buffalo, NY, Cheyenne, WY, Hampton, VA, Cape Girardeau, MO, Murphy, TX, Hopkinsville, KY, Lafayette, LA, Crosby, TX, Sandy Springs, GA and St. George, UT with more coming soon. About Hibbett, Inc. Hibbett, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is a leading athletic-inspired fashion retailer with 1133 Hibbett and City Gear specialty stores, located in 36 states nationwide. 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. Contact Details Wendy Yellin pr@hibbett.com Company Website https://www.Hibbett.com

April 26, 2023 01:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Unleash Your Inner Adventurer

YourUpdateTV

Are you looking for a vacation destination that offers endless adventure and relaxation? Well, look no further than northeastern North Carolina’s charming lake and river towns. Wit Tuttell, executive director of Visit NC, and Bruce Tyler, co-founder of Weldon Mills Distillery, recently conducted a satellite media tour to talk about the hidden gems and local hotspots that make this region so special. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/CF6-KlI9A90 With spring in full flow, Visit North Carolina rolls out Dream Big in Small Town NC in the state’s Northeast Lakes & Rivers region, an area dotted with waterside gems, refreshing views and resonant history. Travelers can try their luck with sweepstakes prizing as they follow the Dream Big initiative’s roadmap to under-the-radar destinations that will welcome a boost in visitation and interest in longer stays. “Halifax, Henderson, Tarboro, Warrenton — these towns and others invite travelers to cozy up and connect,” said Wit Tuttell, executive director of Visit North Carolina. “Their appeal is immediate as well as timeless with fresh vitality springing from the big dreams of hometown heroes and newly arrived visionaries. Now is a perfect time for travelers to discover places worth knowing.” Dream Big in Small Town NC, created by the General Assembly as the Rural Tourism Recovery Pilot Program, targets 16 counties at risk for population loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative began with a focus on five Scenic Mountain counties and now continues in Edgecombe, Halifax, Vance and Warren counties, whose bodies of water include Kerr Lake, Lake Gaston, and the Tar and Roanoke rivers. The final phase, beginning in June, will zero in on seven Inner Banks counties. Easily reached from exits along Interstates 85 and 95, the Northeast Lakes & Rivers destinations combine distinctive culture with landmark history plus natural beauty and recreation. Start the getaway dream by entering the sweepstakes for a chance to win: · A $1,000 voucher from program partner Airbnb. · Three $100 gift cards for a choice of restaurants, shops and activities. · A $500 gift card from Visit NC to assist with travel expenses. For outdoor lovers, the rivers and lakes create ample reason to explore, Tuttell said. In Henderson, Kerr Lake and its 850 miles of shoreline have a dozen local access points, including eight in a state recreation area known for hiking and birding as well as water activities. At Lake Gaston, between Warrenton and Roanoke Rapids, adventure seekers can sign up for lessons from international wakeboarding champion Adam Fields’ AF Wake. Tarboro visitors can access the scenic Tar River Paddle Trail, and distance paddlers can embark on the Roanoke River State Trail from Weldon. Stunning views of history and nature reward hikers and bikers at Medoc Mountain State Park and on the Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail, which makes loaner bikes available. “There’s joy in these outdoor activities plus a sense of wonder from the historic moments since the time of the Tuscarora,” Tuttell said. “In Halifax, North Carolina became the first colony to call for independence from Britain. Weldon was home to the world’s longest railroad, which played an outsize role in Civil War history. The Roanoke Canal Trail includes stops on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Princeville became one of the first towns in the country chartered by Black residents, and Warren County is recognized as the ‘birthplace of environmental justice’ based on a 1982 protest.” If economic growth has favored urban areas in recent decades, the Lakes & Rivers towns have been fortified by a deep-rooted community spirit and sense of possibility. Ambitious locals who left have returned with big ideas for revitalizing and reinventing the places where they grew up. Homecoming enterprises include Tarboro’s On the Square restaurant and Tarboro Brewing, Halifax’s Hen & the Hog and Halifax Studios, and Littleton’s Blue Jay Bistro, Main Street Wines and Daphne’s Coffee Shop plus the revitalized Lakeland Cultural Arts Center. Near Norlina, Seven Springs Farm & Vineyard opened in 2020 to become a popular spot for music events and wine tastings. Lori Medlin, president and CEO of the Halifax County Convention & Visitors Bureau, cites a pair of entrepreneurs who were inspired to turn a former sleepwear factory in Weldon into a distillery. Almost immediately after opening in 2019, Weldon Mills Distillery gained national attention with its award-winning bourbons and other spirits. The founders of Sylvan Heights Bird Park in Scotland Neck arrived by way of Great Britain. And in nearby Vance County, downtown Henderson attracted an achiever who opened The Eleanor on Belle hotel and a shop called Gear and Beer. “Small towns are best explored at leisure,” Tuttell said. “Between the outdoors and the distinctive downtowns, there’s infinite opportunity to dream big in our Lakes & Rivers destinations.” Dream Big comes with a two-facet approach to economic development: a tourism promotion to infuse revenue into local economies plus appeal to people interested in relocation. As a unit of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, Visit NC is coordinating Dream Big with the N.C. Department of Commerce and other private and public entities involved in growing the state’s first-in-talent workforce. Funded with $1.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, the initiative has a dedicated presence on VisitNC.com, complete with links for job postings in the Scenic Mountains ( Graham, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell and Yancey ) and Inner Banks ( Chowan, Gates, Hertford, Martin, Perquimans, Tyrrell and Washington ) as well as the Northeast Lakes & Rivers. The Dream Big homepage also links to the Airbnb website with content to help travelers plan trips and find short-term rental properties in each region. Beyond the exposure from the satellite media tour and sweepstakes, Dream Big will reach the traveling public via @VisitNC’s social media channels. A digital content creator campaign is bringing selected tastemakers to the destinations to engage followers in the local culture and lifestyle appeal for people interested in a long-term change of scenery. Program partner Airbnb, which is also promoting the campaign on its social media channels, is using its inventory of short-term rental properties to host the content creators. “North Carolina is full of unmatched opportunities for big dreams to take hold,” Tuttell said. “We want people to bring them here and make them real.” · For a quick look at enticements in Dream Big destinations, click here. · Find photos from Dream Big destinations here. About Wit Tuttell Wit Tuttell was named Executive Director of Visit North Carolina in November 2013. He oversees the strategic planning, policy development and marketing initiatives for North Carolina's official state tourism office and the industry sectors it serves. North Carolina's state tourism office, formerly the North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film, and Sports Development, was transferred to the non-profit Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina in October 2014 and renamed Visit North Carolina. Tuttell has been in North Carolina tourism since 2006. During this time, the office has been recognized with numerous national awards for excellence in marketing and advertising. He has served as chair of the board of directors of Travel South USA and serves on the board of the U.S. Travel Association. In 2022, Tuttell was named State Tourism Director of the Year by the National Council of State Tourism Directors. He has more than 30 years’ experience in the tourism industry including working for Universal Studios Florida and the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau Inc. He graduated from the University of Florida and was also a reporter for the Anchorage (Alaska) Times. About Bruce Tyler Attorney Bruce Tyler, a 26-year Army veteran, and Michael Hinderliter opened Weldon Mills Distillery in 2019. Their quest to create a distillery in a historic building with character led them to Weldon, a historic town on the Roanoke River that's known as the “rockfish capital of the world.” Weldon Mills quickly became a regular award winner at competitions, including the East Coast Craft Spirits Awards, the Microliquor Spirit Awards, the SIP Awards and the San Diego International Wine and Spirits Challenge, which named Weldon Mills the Distillery of the Year for 2022. Best known for its bourbons (The All Malt, Reserve, Select and Soldier's Cut, which honors the 82nd Airborne Division and raises money for Gold Star Families), Weldon Mills also crafts vodka, gin, tequila and other spirits. Tyler is vice president of the Distillers Association of North Carolina Board of Directors. About Visit North Carolina: Visit North Carolina is part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. Established in 2014, the EDPNC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that oversees the state's efforts in business and job recruitment and retention, international trade, and tourism, film and sports development. The mission of Visit North Carolina is to unify and lead the state in developing North Carolina as a major destination for leisure travel, group tours, meetings and conventions, sports events and film production. For more information on North Carolina’s destinations and travel assets, go to VisitNC.com. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

April 26, 2023 11:28 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

OYO USA Clocks 48% Growth in Revenue from Bookings on its Own Platforms

OYO

Global travel tech company OYO’s US business witnessed a 48% growth in revenue from bookings on its own platform, such as the app, website, mobile web and call centers in Q4 2022 vs same period in 2021. OYO’s app led the growth with a 99% surge in revenue from bookings in Q4 2022 vs same period in 2021. The company had earlier disclosed that its app is the second most downloaded travel app with over 100 million downloads globally. Growth in revenue from bookings via the company’s call centers saw a 59% increase for the same period. Talking about the improved direct demand, Gautam Swaroop, CEO OYO International said, “US is a highly competitive travel & hospitality market. Driving revenue from bookings onto one's own platform and channels is always a demanding task. While bookings through online travel agents such a Booking.com and Expedia.com play an important role in increasing revenues for our hotel partners, direct demand through OYO’s own platforms leads to better margins for our hoteliers. We have improved direct bookings through simple yet effective measures to bring in operational efficiencies and create a strong business impact. We saw a 3x growth in app conversions and a 2x growth in conversions from the call center using product, price optimizations and by creating operational efficiencies, performance management & better incentive structures in the organization.” Nikhil Heda, Head of Business Development, OYO USA added, “We have focused on things that matter to travelers while planning their stays and improving reach and readability of our communication. As a result, we have seen 1.4X growth in our email opens and 2X growth in click throughs of notifications on our app. This has resulted in a significant improvement in demand via OYO’s own channels. Optimizations such as focusing on the right SEO keyword and improving property reviews on Google have also resulted in improved direct bookings, in turn resulting in substantial savings in OTA commissions for our owners.” Commenting on their experience of working with OYO, Ajay Patel, owner of OYO Hotel Eloy Casa Grande, Arizona said, “We have been seeing 1.5X growth in RevPar from bookings via OYO’s app and call center. Over the last 6 months this has resulted in us paying lower commissions. Typical OTA commissions range anywhere between 15% to 18% and reduced reliance on other channels have helped us save over 50% of the commissions.” OYO offers hotels access to a large base of regular customers through its app and website, and also lists hotels on multiple Online Travel Agents (OTAs) to boost booking demand and, revenue. OYO’s best-in-class Artificial Intelligence-enabled pricing software automatically drives the best booking prices across all channels, based on room type, seasonality and other factors, therefore, enabling such increase in online revenues. Earlier this year OYO said that it is planning to add over 100 hotels in the US in 2023. This is nearly double the number of hotels the company added to its portfolio in 2022. OYO will focus on adding more hotels in the states of Oregon, Washington, Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia and Florida. Texas continues to be the largest and fastest growing market for OYO in the US, while it also has sizable concentration of hotels in Oregon, South and North Carolina, Florida & Georgia. In 2022, the company saw a ~23% increase in new hotels added to its portfolio in the US vs 2021. OYO has started offering hotels the flexibility of not having to invest heavily in redoing the hotel to join the OYO platform, something that other budget hotel chains insist on. Therefore, the initial investment to join OYO is minimal. It has been focusing instead on standardizing service led components such as customer support and booking experience. The company helps ensure great experience for customers, with ease of search and a quick booking experience, highly competitive room prices as per market demand patterns, automated tools such as Artificial Intelligence powered chatbots to quickly resolve customer queries, loyalty programmes and easy refund, if needed. OYO’s US operations recently announced that it has outpaced the budget hotel segments growth in per available room revenue (RevPar) with an 18% rise in 2022 vs pre-covid year, 2019. The budget hotel segment in the meanwhile, grew by only 6% in the US. Disclaimer: Oravel Stays Limited is proposing, subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, to make an initial public offering of its equity shares (the “Equity Shares”) and has filed the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (“DRHP”) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”). The DRHP is available on the website of SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in, websites of the Stock Exchanges, i.e., BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited at www.bseindia.com and www.nseindia.com, respectively, and is available on the websites of the Global Coordinators and Book Running Lead Managers, i.e., Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited, J.P. Morgan India Private Limited and Citigroup Global Markets India Private Limited at www.investmentbank.kotak.com, www.jpmipl.com and www.online.citibank.co.in/rhtm/citigroupglobalscreen1.htm; the websites of the Book Running Lead Managers, i.e., ICICI Securities Limited, Nomura Financial Advisory and Securities (India) Private Limited, JM Financial Limited and Deutsche Equities India Private Limited at www.icicisecurities.com, www.nomuraholdings.com/company/group/asia/india/index.html, www.jmfl.com and www.db.com/India, respectively. Investors should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to the same, refer to the Red Herring Prospectus which may be filed with the Registrar of Companies in the future, including the section titled “Risk Factors”. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP filed with SEBI for making any investment decision. The Equity Shares offered in the Fresh Issue (as defined in the DRHP) and the Offer for Sale (as defined in the DRHP) have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and, may not be offered or sold within the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the Equity Shares are only being offered and sold (i) within the United States only to “qualified institutional buyers” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) in transactions exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements under the Securities Act, and (ii) outside the United States in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act and pursuant to the applicable laws of the jurisdictions where those offers and sales are made. There will be no public offering of the Equity Shares in the United States. Contact Details Anupriya +91 97911 63065 anupriya.d@oyorooms.com Company Website https://www.oyorooms.com/

April 26, 2023 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Carry-on Getaway: Packing for Vacation 101

YourUpdateTV

The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and everybody is busy daydreaming about their next vacation getaway. But before all of that fun in the sun or adventure in a new place, we need to set ourselves up for success with the perfect outfits. More importantly, we need to make sure all of our great outfits fit into that convenient carry-on suitcase. And that means knowing what to bring, how to style it, and how to pack it. Recently, Lifestyle Expert Christine Bibbo Herr teamed with Tommy Bahama on a nationwide satellite media tour to share helpful tips on styling your vacation wardrobe and packing the perfect carry-on bag. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/OLIB44TUyls According to Christine, pre-planning for vacation is key so that when you arrive at your destination, there’s no guesswork. When deciding on what to pack, always start with the color story and think about how many ways you can wear each piece. Colors should be interchangeable, and styles should be multi-purpose, allowing you to layer and make endless outfit combinations. Tommy Bahama, the masters of relaxation, are the perfect source for vacation-ready, multi-purposes pieces. Their swimsuits are not only reversible, but work great with shorts, allowing you to go seamlessly from pool to party or around town. It’s also a good idea to pack an active piece, like this skort made from performance fabric. It’s lightweight and moisture-wicking, making it a great piece for walking, pickleball or other fun activities. When packing your carry-on bag, planning is important. Try using packing cubes to stay organized so that when you get to your destination you know where everything is and you save space. They are also great to use for your dirty laundry on the way home. Don't overpack accessories. Pick one shoe that can get wet (like a flip-flop), a sandal to dress up or down, a sneaker for walking and staying active and a great pair of Maui Jim sunglasses for sun protection. Plus a packable hat and a roomy tote that you can carry on the plane. For more great options for your next vacation, visit TommyBahama.com About Christine Bibbo Herr Christine Bibbo Herr, aka @NYCPretty is a former magazine fashion director, and currently an on-air TV lifestyle expert and influencer, stylist, fitness enthusiast & on-air guest for QVC. She’s worked for various national glossies including Health, Real Simple, SHAPE en Espanol, Life & Style, Women’s Day, Today.com and more! Her passion for her work and a healthy lifestyle have her covering the hottest fashion, beauty and wellness trends from her uniquely VIBRANT point of view. The power of positivity is her life’s mission, and her brand is about color, energy, & joy. She is a living example that when you insist on making life fun, fit and fabulous, you become truly ageless. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

April 25, 2023 02:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

DRYWORLD BRANDS INC. ANNOUNCES INTENT TO ACQUIRE BRIO HOLDING GROUP INC. PROVIDING ACCESS TO CONTRACTED LATAM RETAIL DISTRIBUTION

DRYWORLD BRANDS INC.

DRYWORLD Brands Inc. (OTC: IBGR) (“ Dryworld ”, or the “ Company ”) is pleased to announce that it has entered a binding Letter of Intent (the “ LOI ”) with Brio Holding Group inc. (“ Brio ”), to acquire 100% of Brio. Brio will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dryworld. About Brio Holding Group Inc. Brio is a Delaware company having the exclusive global license to Brio Soul Brands. Brio’s sales and distribution strategy is focused on Latin and Central America having distribution agreements providing access to more than 9,000 + retail locations and best-in-class apparel manufacturing supply chain solutions located in Colombia. For further information about Brio, please see: Brio Soul brands Transaction Purpose Dryworld’s goal is to immediately place the O Bruxo Ronaldinho collection into select retail locations across Latin America that are already under contract with Brio, and where Ronaldinho has significant brand recognition. Dryworld will complement the market launch with its existing HauteD and CoreD branded collections, and CBD-based health products (where federally permissible). Finally bringing the full DRYWORLD suite of products, including SignatureD and premium Ronaldinho My Global Collection to the masses in LATAM through targeted premium retail partnerships. DRYWORLD will support and build-out the brand with targeted partnerships with high-profile athletes, teams, and leagues. As part of the transaction, DRYWORLD will build out the Brío Soul collection, under the DRYWORLD banner, which has produced proprietary fabrics with exceptional, multifunctional performance for its eco-conscious collections. Matt Weingart, Co-CEO of Dryworld, commented: “ This transaction has the potential to be transformative for Dryworld, providing immediate expansion into Central and South America with an initial focus on placing our DRYWORLD products throughout Brio’s existing retail distribution agreements in Colombia, Panama, Peru, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. That is why I traveled to Colombia, to meet the partners and hit the ground running on due diligence, so we can get to work immediately.” Jorge Diaz, Brio’s Chairman, stated: "We’re very pleased to strengthen Dryworld's presence in LATAM, a region with outstanding per capita consumption in the fashion and apparel industry. The timing of this transaction will serve as a catalyst to accelerate Dryworld's operations both in LATAM and globally. Also, Dryworld will be able to leverage the expertise, know-how, and distribution experience that Brio’s developed in order to expedite the combined and expanded go-to-market strategy." Terms of Proposed Transaction Under the terms of the LOI, and subject to requisite approvals, Dryworld shall issue up to 5,000,000 shares to the shareholders of Brio to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Brio. Following close of the Transaction, Brio will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dryworld. Terms of the transaction include 3,000,000 shares to be paid at closing, with the remaining 2,000,000 subjects to performance milestones connected directly to revenue growth of the Latin/Central American market. All properties, assets, and contracts of Brio shall continue to be the property of Brio, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dryworld; and all sales contracts entered into by Brio shall be assigned to Dryworld. Expanding the Dryworld Team with Brio’s Experience On closing of the transaction, Dryworld’s Board will remain unchanged, however, Chayle Beaudoin (Brio’s Founder, Director and CEO) and Jorge Diaz (Brio’s Chairman) will become Officers of Dryworld: Chayle Beaudoin: Founder, Director & CEO of Brio Chayle Beaudoin is the CEO and Founder of Brío Soul Apparel and brings 15+ years of business experience from the insurance and retail fashion industries across North America, both Canada and the US. Chayle brings a strong entrepreneurial spirit and has a deep passion for unlocking and building disruptive new ventures. Having dedicated 20 years to the practice of Yoga, Chayle has a solid understanding of the needs of practitioners along with a keen eye for fashion and art as well as a love of languages; she is fluent in English, French and Spanish. Jorge Díaz: Chairman of Brio Mr. Diaz is the founder and CEO of Domäne Investment Group Inc (DIG) a private equity fund that has been the first-round investor in several companies that have been listed on recognized securities exchanges. (DIG) and associates have funded projects located in Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, Italy, Canada and USA to name a few. The capital raised by Mr. Diaz and his associates over the last 15 years has exceeded $200 Million. For further information on the Company, please visit: Dryworld Investor Relations DRYWORLD Shop | DRYWORLD Instagram | DRYWORLD Facebook | DRYWORLD Twitter For more information, contact: info@thedryworld.com Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with: the company's acquisition integration and market sectors, COVID-19, and the impact of economic, competitive and other factors affecting the Company and its operations, markets, product, and distributor performance, the impact on the national and local economies resulting from terrorist actions, and U.S. actions subsequently; and other factors detailed in reports filed by the company. Contact Details Dryworld Brands Inc. info@thedryworld.com Company Website https://thedryworld.com/

April 25, 2023 01:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time

1 ... 7879808182 ... 269