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Spiceology Kicks Off Barbecue Season With ‘Golden Tongs Sweepstakes’

Spiceology

Spiceology, the fastest-growing spice company in America, is kicking off National Barbecue Month with its first-ever Golden Tongs Sweepstakes. Known for its innovative spice blends and barbecue rubs, Spiceology is giving three lucky flavor fans a chance to create a BBQ blend worthy of joining the ranks of the Spiceology ‘Grill Greats’ like Derek Wolf, Christie Vanover and Chad White. Through May 31, 2022, any purchase made directly from Spiceology.com will automatically enter customers into the sweepstakes. Fans can also enter by sending their name, address, and phone number to goldentongs@spiceology.com, with entries limited to one per person. Taking a page out of Willy Wonka’s playbook, the sweepstakes will grant the winners a pair of golden BBQ tongs and a trip to Spokane, WA to tour the Spiceology flavor factory and formulate their very own Spiceology BBQ blend. “The Spiceology community is enthusiastic and ever growing, and we wanted to do something to bring our fans even closer to the brand,” said Tony Reed, Senior Director of Innovation and Partnerships at Spiceology. “What better way to continue growing our connection to the community than immersing them in our world and getting a few lucky fans into the lab to see where and how all of the magic happens? Spiceology is a beloved brand, and we have our customers, fans and community to thank for that.” Winners will work with Chef Tony Reed and Derek Wolf, Spiceology collaborator and the grill great behind the social phenomenon @overthefirecooking. “Flavor innovation is at the core of our company,” said Chip Overstreet, president and CEO of Spiceology. “Our unique flavor combinations, like Smoky Honey Habanero and Black & Bleu, are what makes us a fan favorite. We’re excited to share the creative experience with our community and see what flavors and ingredient combinations they come up with.” Following the trip to Spiceology’s headquarters in Spokane, each winner’s blend will be judged by the roster of Spiceology Collaborators, including award-winning pitmaster Christie Vanover, Burger Aficionado Chef Alvin Cailan, television celebrities and grilling experts The Grill Dads, Top Chef Chad White and more. One delicious blend will be chosen as the ‘Golden Tongs Blend’ and sold on Spiceology.com as a limited-time offering during the holidays. For more information visit www.spiceology.com/golden-tongs. 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. Contact Details Spiceology Cassidy Levine +1 908-770-7880 cassidy@spiceology.com Company Website https://spiceology.com/

May 02, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Shareholder Activist Wants Warren Buffett to 'Save' Capitalism

National Legal & Policy Center

Peter Flaherty, Chairman of the National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC), will today present a shareholder proposal to separate the roles of Chairman and CEO at the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting in Omaha. Both positions are held by Warren Buffett. Here is the complete text of Flaherty's planned remarks: I am Peter Flaherty, Chairman of the National Legal and Policy Center. Our mission is to promote ethics in public life. Toward that end, we sponsor the Corporate Integrity Project. Our proposal would separate the roles of Chairman and CEO. I’d take it one step further and suggest that Berkshire remove itself from corporate America’s assault on American institutions and culture. I am proud to say that I am a capitalist, but it is obvious to me be that capitalism is failing to deliver for the American people. Is this meeting Woodstock for capitalists, or is it Altamont? Real wages have been falling for years. Wealth disparity has never been greater. And right outside my hotel window here in Omaha is a homeless encampment, an all-too-familiar sight in American cities. We don’t have a free economy; we have bailout capitalism. When small businesses lose money, they go out of business, but when billionaires bet wrong, government steps in to save their fortunes. Money printing by the Federal Reserve and irresponsible, debt-fueled spending by politicians — called fiscal stimulus — have artificially inflated asset values. So those with the most assets benefit the most. Wage earners get ruinous inflation. But even worse than the wealth gap is the values gap. The top 1% now seek to impose their corrupt morality upon the rest of us, whether it is in the form of Critical Race Theory, transgenderism, or the myriad of other “woke” causes that permeate corporate advertising and messaging. Why has corporate America embraced both economic and cultural radicalism? It’s pretty simple. When you have so much money, your fortune is going to come under scrutiny. The best way to insulate yourself and keep anti-business activists off your back is to embrace their causes, even if in the process you undermine the system that produces your wealth. That is what allows Mr. Buffett to advocate higher taxes, even though everyone knows they will fall mainly on the middle class, or bankroll the likes of Hillary Clinton. The Federal Reserve has offered free money to corporate America for over a decade now, creating a class of oligarchs, and greatly enhancing corporate political power. Executives now believe they can tell elected governors and legislators what to do, as we have seen in Indiana, Georgia, Texas and Florida. Last year, Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey, a British citizen, sought to kill Georgia’s new voter integrity law by making inaccurate and inflammatory statements about it. He also instituted diversity training whereby white employees were encouraged to “try to be less white.” Despite being Coke’s most celebrated shareholder, Warren Buffett has done nothing about Quincey. In fact, Mr. Buffett jumped on the “America is racist” bandwagon by signing a statement by corporate leaders suggesting that Republicans seek to restrict ballot access based on race. All this did not prevent Coke from sponsoring the Winter Olympics in China, which has never had a free election, and where minority communities are the victims of genocidal policies. And what about Apple? A large part of Apple’s supply chain is in China. The company removes apps from the app store at the request of the Chinese government because they are used by human rights activists. And of course, Apple is the world’s most successful corporate-tax minimizer, famous for routing profits through offshore tax shelters. Over at American Express, the company instituted an “Anti-Racist Initiative” for employees that teaches that capitalism is fundamentally racist and requires workers to engage in an exercise to determine whether they are “oppressor” or “oppressed.” Activism by “woke” CEOs may be reaching its limits. The people of Florida are fighting back against Disney’s Robert Chapek, who not only embraces the view that gender is a form of oppression, but that kindergarteners must be forced to confront it. Mr. Buffett has praised the brand endurance of Disney’s characters and the trust parents place in its content to be safe and appropriate for children. But now the company is adding warnings to Dumbo, Peter Pan and Aladdin about the stereotypes they allegedly portray. And poor Prince Charming has been excised for kissing Snow White QUOTE, UNQUOTE “without consent.” Warren Buffett has yet to address the crisis gripping corporate America, and I fear he never will. Yes, Berkshire may be a holding company, and Mr. Buffett may stay out of the way of managers, but what happens when these executives use their companies to wage a social revolution that most Americans don’t want? Is he not responsible? He can’t have it both ways. In this country, wealth has been admired and even celebrated because our system allows anyone to become rich. But what happens when Americans suddenly find their history and future under attack by Corporate America? The social contract that permits for such affluence will be broken. Mr. Buffett, if you are the face of capitalism, why don’t you do something to save it? Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education, and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Peter Flaherty +1 202-329-8357 danrenejr@gmail.com Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

April 30, 2022 10:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Velocity Global to play ball in partnership with the Rockies in 2022

Velocity Global

Talent solutions company to sponsor fastest pitch of the game, other brand engagements at Coors Field Velocity Global to serve as the official global workforce solution platform for the Colorado Rockies Velocity Global, the leading provider of global talent solutions, and the Colorado Rockies baseball franchise today announced a robust partnership for the 2022 season. Velocity Global will serve as the official global workforce solutions platform of the Colorado Rockies. As part of the sponsorship, Velocity Global will present the fastest pitch of the game after the first six innings and will also receive an in-game feature during an inning break or pitching change on the main video board. “Like the Rockies, we’re proud to be a part of what makes Denver a better place to live and raise a family,” stated Velocity Global founder and CEO Ben Wright. “Just as our name implies, our company has grown and works with extreme velocity, so this partnership is truly a home run. Working with the Rockies allows us to further our commitment to the city our company calls home, and we look forward to our employees joining others in the community to enjoy Rockies game days.” “Velocity Global is a cutting-edge tech company that represents the future of the workforce,” said Walker Monfort, Rockies Vice President of Corporate Partnerships. “As a Denver-based employer that understands the changing dynamics in today’s world, we’re thrilled to team up with Velocity Global this season.” In addition to the high-speed pitch of the game, Velocity Global will be featured around the stadium in engaging and dynamic physical and digital assets. These assets will prominently display Velocity Global’s branding and messaging around Coors Field (home and visitor bullpens, and concourse televisions framing). As the largest global Employer of Record (EoR) in 185 countries and all 50 United States, Velocity Global manages a client’s talent, providing in-country and in-state compliance, payroll, and benefits for the supported employees. About Velocity Global Velocity Global accelerates the future of work for anyone, anywhere, anyhow. Its Global Work Platform™ simplifies the employer and talent experience through its proprietary cloud-based talent management technology, backed by personalized expertise and unmatched global scale. The platform offers a full suite of talent solutions, including global Employer of Record and Contractor Management, to help companies onboard, manage, and pay talent in more than 185 countries and all 50 United States. Thousands of brands rely on Velocity Global to build international teams without the cost or complexity of setting up foreign legal entities or state registrations. Velocity Global was named a “Leader” in Global Employer of Record services by prominent analyst firm NelsonHall. Founded in 2014, the company has hundreds of employees across six continents. For more information, visit velocityglobal.com. Contact Details Velocity Global Chris McGrath +1 720-650-4348 news@velocityglobal.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

April 29, 2022 10:00 AM Mountain Daylight Time

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Top Tips for Returning to the Office

YourUpdateTV

With pandemic restrictions being lifted around the country, people are returning to a work environment that looks familiar but feels much different. Recently, Dr. Dana Sumpter, a Professor of Organization Theory and Management at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss tips for employees, especially working moms, returning to the office and what organizations can do to help facilitate the process. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/vdw5gcwfEuI Employees are facing many challenges as they return to the office, especially working parents and caregivers. The first is how returning to the office can impact scheduling. Going back to the office means creating new routines, which can impact an entire household. There is also the challenge of uncertainty. The continued uncertainty around childcare, schooling, health protocols, and more, can completely disrupt a work routine and make it difficult to integrate back into the office. One suggestion from Dr. Sumpter? Be very clear about your availability. During the pandemic, many employees became accustomed to being “constantly available,” which is unsustainable in an office environment. It’s important to be proactive in regard to what you want your work hours to be and be clear with co-workers about when you need to take some time for yourself. Companies and organizations can also take the lead in helping their employees successfully return to the office. The first thing they can do, is keep their finger on the pulse of how employee re-entry is going, which means listening and paying attention to how their employees are feeling. It’s also important to consider employees’ holistic needs. Employers can demonstrate they care about employees holistically by upping their support policies and structure opportunities for people to connect. One potential way to jumpstart or revitalize your work life? Dr. Sumpter suggests earning a higher degree, such as an MBA or aMasters in Leadership, can be an experience and credential to help employees reach their career goals. For more information, visit bschool.pepperdine.edu About Dr. Dana Sumpter: Dana Sumpter is an Associate Professor of Organization Theory and Management at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. Her research employs a cross-cultural lens in understanding social behavior at work, studying topics including energy, mindfulness, power, work/family systems, people management, and work relationships. She has published in numerous academic journals, and her recent award-winning international management case focused on a woman’s human resource management expatriate role in Oman. In addition to her teaching and scholarship, Professor Sumpter enjoys consulting, giving presentations and talks, and running professional workshops. She gave a popular TEDx talk in 2018 titled "Don't Underestimate Working Mothers." Previously, she was a Vice President of Human Resources at Citigroup, based in New York and Singapore. Across 10 Asia-Pacific nations, Dr. Sumpter has led live executive training and coached executives on people management skills. She is an avid traveler, who has spent time in more than 30 countries, and counting! Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

April 28, 2022 06:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Texas Car Accident Data Reflects Worrisome Trend

Justinian & Associates

Vehicle accidents and fatalities in Texas have continued on a worrisome trend upward in 2022 according to recent data compiled by Justinian & Associates, an Austin personal injury lawyer firm. The trend is not only reflecting an increase in the number of overall accidents and deaths, it’s contributing to a growing economic loss for the state, up significantly from the $43-billion loss from vehicle accidents alone reported just over a year ago. “The worrisome trend of increased Texas car accidents and fatalities, particularly here in the general Austin area and surrounding communities of Round Rock and Pflugerville, is something that can’t be ignored,” said Dustin Fox, lead attorney for Justinian & Associates. “While not all car accidents result in fatalities,” said Fox, “they can result in catastrophic injuries and huge losses for those involved who don’t know what to do after a car accident occurs. This knowledge gap is one of the reasons why we’ve prepared a list of top things to do immediately after an accident occurs, to help Austin area residents limit potential losses and medical bills.” Fox has six primary tips for drivers who have been in an Austin car accident. “First, know that you have the right to know the other driver's information. Other parties involved are required to share specific information with you, and it's important that you get that information as soon as possible after the accident. Second, be cautious about what you say or share with the other driver or passengers involved. Any comments can be used against you later in court. For this reason, it’s best not to discuss the accident with the other driver at the scene.” The third tip has to do with paying medical bills, a topic many accident victims worry about. “Some personal injury lawyers will work with medical providers under a Letter of Protection after the accident,” says Fox. “If you've been injured in a car accident in Austin, this will delay the need for you to pay medical bills you might incur until after a settlement. A good personal injury lawyer will negotiate with medical providers on a client’s behalf.” Texas Department of Transportation data shows that 2021 was the deadliest year on record for Austin’s roads, with more than 106 deaths reported by year-end. This number reflects the danger of driving in Texas statewide, where, on average, more than 11 people died each day in traffic-related accidents in 2021. The record deaths-from-accidents data led one state official to lament the worrisome trend: “We have a real crisis in our state,” said Bob Kaufman, chief communications officer with the Texas Department of Transportation. The three most common causes of vehicle accident deaths in Texas shed some light on where Austin area drivers need to exercise more caution and restraint: Driving while intoxicated, not wearing a seatbelt, and speeding. “Oftentimes, the cases we see and try are situations that could have been avoided if drivers exercised more caution before getting on the road,” said Fox “That’s the general message we want to convey — be careful on the road because, while an Austin personal injury lawyer is there to help you navigate the challenges of the legal system, the best approach is to avoid having to deal with the hassles and potentially catastrophic consequences of a car accident in the first place.” Listen to a podcast interview with Dustin Fox on Six Things To Do after a car accident. Justinian & Associates is an Austin personal injury law firm with offices in Round Rock and San Antonio, Texas. www.justinian.com -###- Contact Details Threlkeld Communications, Inc. Bill Threlkeld bill@threlkeldcomm.com Company Website https://www.justinian.com

April 28, 2022 08:42 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Robots & Pencils Announces Partnership with LunaYou to Improve Maternal Health for BIPOC Women

Robots & Pencils

Robots & Pencils, a digital innovation and solutions firm focused on transforming businesses with mobile, web, and frontier technologies, announced today its ongoing partnership with LunaYou, a women-centered maternal wellbeing program created to address the maternity crisis. Through this partnership, Robots & Pencils will continue to expand and modernize LunaYou’s digital program to better provide its members with solutions for their pregnancy-related needs. LunaYou’s personalized web-based platform supports BIPOC mothers throughout their pregnancy and three months postpartum by helping them analyze, track and improve the seven elements that go into maternal well-being. Through the platform, members are able to track elements of their health such as blood pressure, sleep, and physical activity. Members can also access a complete journal to record notes and doctors appointments, and access a forum where they can connect with LunaYou’s community of other mothers. Additionally, LunaYou connects members with a live well-being coach who will stay with users every step of the way. LunaYou began as a concept that Robots & Pencils brought to life on the Salesforce Experience Cloud. Since its inception, LunaYou has enrolled more than 250 BIPOC women in their wellbeing program and has just recently celebrated their 105th birth with a customer utilizing the program. With an average of more than 30 new enrollments each month, the platform is growing at a rapid pace. “Being a part of something such as LunaYou has been an amazing experience,” said Tracey Zimmerman, President and CEO of Robots & Pencils. “We want to use technology for good and as a tool to solve societal issues and working with the great, caring team at LunaYou has given us this opportunity. We are excited to continue to help provide the moms using the platform with more agency as they manage their pregnancies by making the user experience for the women using LunaYou as seamless as possible.” In early March, the CDC released the United States’ maternal mortality statistics for 2020, and the results were alarming. In 2020, the U.S. maternal mortality rate was 23.8 deaths per 100,000 live births, with 861 known deaths due to maternal causes. Black women are three times more likely to die in childbirth than white women, and Hispanic women saw the largest increase in mortality rate (44%) over a one year period. Additionally, LunaYou has found: Maternal mortality rates, or the rate of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, are higher in the United States than any other high income nation. Today, U.S. women are 50% more likely to die or experience a serious complication in childbirth than their mothers. Women on Medicaid are 82% more likely to develop life threatening complications than women who are privately insured. 38% of women of color suffer from postpartum depression compared to 16% of white women. “We can’t thank Robots & Pencils enough for the work their team has done so far for LunaYou,” said Saul Kaplan, Founder and CEO of LunaYou. “The recent stats we’ve compiled around the maternity crisis is reason enough for LunaYou to provide BIPOC women with the tools and support they need to improve their pregnancy journey and wellbeing. As the platform’s solutions are catered specifically to the needs of the user, we look forward to creating a continuous safe and seamless user experience on the LunaYou platform.” LunaYou is currently raising funds for their enrollment process, with a goal of $200,000. To learn more and to donate, please visit https://www.lunayou.com/donate/. About LunaYou LunaYou is a woman-centered maternal wellbeing program, offering women the ability to manage risk factors, track their health and wellbeing goals, and access a dedicated Wellbeing Coach to help them throughout their pregnancy, and in the first three months after their baby is born. LunaYou encourages women to share their journey with their personal support network and their Wellbeing Coach, who together, enable rapid and seamless connection to medical and social service care, when needed. Each woman is unique, and deserves personalized support that is both respectful, and culturally sensitive to her individual needs. For more information, please visit https://www.lunayou.com/. About Robots & Pencils Established in 2009, Robots & Pencils is a digital innovation firm founded on the then-contrarian view that mobile would be more transformative than the Internet. Today, in an age of unprecedented technology acceleration, Robots & Pencils helps companies maintain a competitive advantage by developing new digital strategies and products focused on education, financial services, and retail & consumer goods. For more information, please visit robotsandpencils.com. Contact Details North 6th Agency for Robots & Pencils Paige Blair robotsandpencils@n6a.com

April 28, 2022 09:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Ripken Baseball Celebrates National Beef Month with Tommy’s Jerky

Ripken Baseball

In celebration of National Beef Month in May, Ripken Baseball announces its first multi-year partnership in the meats and smokies category with Tommy’s Jerky. As the official jerky of Ripken Baseball, Tommy’s Jerky will provide its award-winning products at The Ripken Experience™ in Aberdeen, MD, Myrtle Beach, SC, and Pigeon Forge, TN. To kick off the new partnership, Ripken Baseball will host multiple “Jerky and Jersey” social media contests where fans can win a supply of Tommy’s Jerky products along with a Cal Ripken, Jr. autographed jersey. “We continue to identify and align with partners that elevate the players’ experience,” said Amanda Shank, Vice President of Business Development for Ripken Baseball. “Tommy’s Jerky is the ultimate easy to go snack and perfect option for all of our players, coaches, umpires, and families inside and outside our facilities.” As part of the retail program, Tommy’s Jerky award-winning jerky and meat smokies will be made available to enhance performance and refuel the umpires during competition. In addition, youth travel baseball teams seeking a delicious and easy way to raise funds to support their program have an opportunity to earn a profit by selling Tommy’s Jerky variety of products. Teams are encouraged to reach out directly to Amy Bulick at abulick@tommysjerky.com if interested in receiving more information about Tommy’s Jerky fundraiser program. “We are so pleased and honored to be the Official Jerky and Smokies of Ripken Baseball,” said Amy Bulick, President and CEO of Tommy’s Jerky and Smokies. “Our high-quality production process and unique flavors set us apart from other jerky and smokie brands. Like Ripken Baseball, we are a first-class experience, and we take great pride in what we do.” Tommy’s Jerky and Smokies looks forward to supplying players, families, and fans with amazing products to tempt their tastes for many seasons to come. About Tommy’s Jerky: Tommy’s Jerky and Smokies is built on tradition and pride of a job well done. With a state-of-the-art facility and USDA approval, the delicious jerky and smokies are made for a high protein, low fat snack to enjoy on the go or any time. Made from the highest quality meats, there is a flavor to please everyone that offers a healthy energy filled boost of flavor that fills cravings and boosts performance. About Ripken Baseball Ripken Baseball brings teammates, coaches, and families together through its Big-League Experiences, while teaching the values of the game, and how to play it the right way – the Ripken Way. Recently expanding the best experience in youth sports to satellite locations through Ripken Select Tournaments, Ripken Baseball continues to innovate the game through tournaments, camps, clinics, and spring training at their state-of-the-art baseball and softball facilities – The Ripken Experience™ Aberdeen (Maryland), The Ripken Experience™ Myrtle Beach (South Carolina), and The Ripken Experience™ Pigeon Forge (Tennessee). Contact Details Eric Nemeth +1 602-502-2793 nemeth@ericpr.com Company Website https://www.ripkenbaseball.com/

April 28, 2022 09:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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IMPROVING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN

Maple

Maple, a provider of reliable, remote online access for students, announced the availability of its fully portable and pocket-sized connectivity solutions for closing the digital divide in rural and low-income communities. School leaders throughout the United States can partner with Maple to take advantage of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) to give students a safe and reliable home internet connection that promotes online learning and unlocks opportunities. Remote and hybrid learning is here to stay, making technology and at-home internet access essential for students to access academic resources. These basic tools that millions of students need are often unavailable to children in underserved and low-income communities, creating gaps in learning, reducing opportunities to advance, and threatening future goals. According to the Federal Communication Commission, nearly 17 million students lack at-home internet access —many of whom are from minority, low-income, and rural communities. "Education is a human right," stated Michael Kadisha, Chief Executive of Maple. "Equal access to education is, in my view, the defining civil rights issue of our time. Regardless of location or economic status, all students today must have equal access to the internet to succeed.” Maple and its leadership team have a proven history of creating solutions for education and serving students. At the outset of the pandemic, Maple provided Chromebooks and other technologies to support remote learning. They quickly realized that a computer or tablet is of little use without reliable internet access. To solve this, Maple partnered with StratusX to build the Maple Hotspot, a cellular, cloud-managed personal WiFi solution that connects students and educators to their digital classrooms from anywhere. Maple hotspots eliminate the frustration associated with slow or 'spotty' service. When students in areas with limited mobile service utilize the Maple hotspot, they can reliably access the internet whenever and wherever they want. "We are proud to partner with StratusX in this critical endeavor," Kadisha said. “Their unique patented technology prevents service disruptions as devices switch seamlessly between mobile carrier networks to capture the optimal signal at all times. This benefit is critical as it gives high-speed connectivity while avoiding downtime for students from any carrier facing weather disruptions, technical issues, or even poor reception in the students' location." "With Maple's insights, experience, and guidance in the education sector, our team designed many specific features, including cloud-managed CIPA compliance to ensure safe access to content authorized by schools," explained Raviv Laor, StratusX's CEO. "With Maple, connecting online is always available, safe, and compliant." While several other hotspot providers exist, Maple's school-centric solution uniquely addresses the needs of educators, students, and school leadership. "This turnkey connectivity solution meets the specific demands of the education sector: schools have customized features to implement certain web surfing restrictions and verification options that ensure students have safe experiences online. Most importantly, the device's proprietary SIM management technology allows schools to connect, manage, configure and operate their fleets 100% remotely," said Laor. "It is a win-win situation. Schools save time and students learn with the technology they need," Kadisha continued. "We are proud of our role in eliminating these easily addressable inequities that arise from a lack of online access and improving learning outcomes for all students." Schools may use the funds they secure through the ECF program to procure Maple hotspots. A new application window opens on April 28 and runs through May 13, where schools may request 100% funding for student connectivity needs. Maple also provides schools with white-glove service, with end-to-end assistance from government funding applications to hardware setup and device deployment. “We know that the Homework Gap is a financial and emotional burden for students," Kadisha said. "We can and will do better." About Maple Maple provides trusted technology solutions for schools, students, and libraries that bridge the digital divide by delivering high-quality internet access that unlocks valuable educational experiences for students. Please visit https://www.mapleconnect.co/. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with a Maple spokesperson, please contact Dan Rene of kglobal at daniel.rene@kglobal.com or 202-329-8357 Contact Details Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 daniel.rene@kglobal.com Company Website https://www.mapleconnect.co/

April 26, 2022 12:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Au Bon Pain Celebrates First-Ever “Sandwich Madness” Contest

Au Bon Pain

How do you fill the innovation pipeline in a supply chain-challenged world? Engage your employees and create a contest where each location is invited to create new recipes utilizing only existing ingredients. To combat supply chain issues and rising food costs, Au Bon Pain launched a “Sandwich Madness” contest, which enlisted its 3,000-plus sandwich makers, bakers and cafe employees across the nation to submit a sandwich recipe and menu description. Tapping into the talent and creativity within their cafes, contestants competed in three heated brackets, with two winners emerging in the Championship round. Today the chain announced the winners — The Ranchero Wrap and The Cleveland Fireside Egg Sandwich. Both will be featured as upcoming LTOs in late 2022. “Inflation and supply chain issues challenge all restaurants,” said Au Bon Pain Corporate Chef Anne Riley. “By tapping into our employees and their creativity with ingredients, we can offer new, craveable sandwiches without straining resources.” A panel of expert judges, including Riley, named the winning sandwiches from 45 contest entries. The Ranchero Wrap is a hot wrap featuring BBQ marinated chicken, a three-cheese blend, red bell peppers, tomatoes, red onions, arugula, ranch dressing and chipotle mayo on a whole wheat tortilla. It was co-created by Genisis Santos and Laura Lopez from Au Bon Pain’s bakery café at Bellevue Hospital, 462 First Ave. in New York City. The Cleveland Fireside Egg Sandwich is a breakfast sandwich featuring eggs, hardwood smoked bacon, swiss cheese, tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, spinach and chipotle mayo on ciabatta. Michael Thomas and Michellica Burson from Au Bon Pain’s bakery cafe at 600 Superior Avenue in Cleveland created this masterpiece. In addition to having their sandwiches featured as an upcoming LTO, each winner received a cash prize and a special trophy featuring their recipes. Genisis Santos and Michael Thomas represented their recipes at the Boston championship round. Employees from many of the brand’s 119 U.S.-based franchise- and corporate-owned locations submitted a recipe, and Riley sees team building as an added benefit of the contest. “Our teams responded with such excitement and creativity. We received so many delicious recipes,” said Riley. “Seeing both corporate-owned and franchise cafes enthusiastically collaborate made for a fun competition that will bring even more mouth-watering recipes to our guests.” Au Bon Pain (translated “from good bread”) offers gourmet convenience to travelers, students, commuters and friends. It serves quality products made from simple ingredients in locations including transportation hubs, airports, urban office buildings, universities and hospitals. See the full menu of fresh and flavorful sandwiches, breads, pastries, salads, soups and coffee or order online at aubonpain.com. Founded in Boston in 1978, Dallas-based Ampex Brands purchased the bakery cafe in 2021, catapulting the franchisee into a franchisor role and expanding its footprint internationally. Contact Details Center Reach Communication Ashley Clontz +1 210-286-0105 ashley@centerreachcommunication.com Company Website https://www.aubonpain.com/

April 26, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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