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Alana and Ramon Alvarez Grow Minuteman Press Franchise in Colorado Springs

Minuteman Press International Inc

Alana and Ramon Alvarez have owned their Minuteman Press franchise in Colorado Springs since August of 2019. Minuteman Press in Colorado Springs has been operating for 15 years since 2008 and is located at 6870 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80918. After taking over the business nearly 4 years ago, Alana and Ramon have consistently grown their business and increased sales “by nearly 400% since we started,” according to Ramon. Journey to Minuteman Press Alana and Ramon “met at work 31 years ago” and the rest is history, according to Ramon. He shares, “Alana is my forever partner. After leaving the company, we lived throughout the West Coast and South America throughout our time together. I continued to work in the corporate world and Alana managed our household and led the raising of our children.” In 2019, it was time for a change. Ramon says, “Fast forward to August 5, 2019. That is when we began our small business journey, owning our Minuteman Press center in Colorado Springs. Minuteman Press International RVP Jack Panzer was instrumental in helping us acquire this existing location, which has been doing business in Colorado Springs since 2008. Jack helped us throughout the purchasing and on-boarding process, just as he does now in supporting us to grow along with excellent field support talent like Todd Golberg at the time (who is now RVP in New England), and now Sky Hittle.” Operating the Business & Ongoing Support Nearly 4 years after purchasing the business, Ramon remains excited about working with Alana, sharing: “Today, Alana and I continue commuting to our business together, excited to spend quality time with each other while creating outstanding experiences for our clients, just as we did 31 years ago when we first met. We are fortunate to be serving many clients in the Pikes Peak Region, having grown our sales by nearly 400% since we started.” Specifically, Ramon says, “Our small business has evolved into a one-stop shop for our clients, providing design, print, promotional items, direct mail, and more! We are now providing vehicle and window graphics, along with building sign replacements. We won’t stop there, ensuring we continue to listen to our clients, and treating each of them like a VIP. In spite of the digital transformation that marketing has experienced, print is everywhere, and continues to be leveraged by businesses launching or striving for growth. Print simply looks different today, with a critical role in creating an omnichannel experience for clients, like adding QR codes to drive the client’s audience to a website, scheduling form, or otherwise.” As he reflects on what it’s been like to transition from the corporate world to small business owner, Ramon says, “Having led large teams with large budgets in the Americas, I felt that being a small business owner would be relatively easy. It’s actually the hardest role I’ve ever had, yet it’s the most rewarding by far.” Ramon explains how the support he’s received as a Minuteman Press franchise owner has helped him along the way: “Minuteman Press has been supporting us in many ways, setting us up for success. In my career, I was previously an operations executive and so I wanted a proven brand, a proven system, and a proven structure to allow us to succeed as small business owners. Minuteman Press International has given us all of that.” He continues, “The Minuteman Press FLEX software, which allows us to connect with our clients for quoting, invoicing, work orders, marketing, and more, has been invaluable. The support team is also outstanding in urgently reacting to our needs, as they have extensive experience and an aptitude to serve.” Marketing & Being Active in the Community When it comes to marketing the business, Ramon shares, “No silver bullet exists in marketing our small business, and Minuteman Press has supported owners successfully who may not be experts in the industry. We focus on providing outstanding experiences for our clients through our high-performing team, delivering quality, speed, and reliability. Every customer is a VIP. We leverage direct mail, use digital marketing, networking, and other marketing opportunities, just like businesses in all industries do, focusing heavily on our target audiences and key clients.” Being active in the community is also key to Alana and Ramon’s local outreach efforts. Ramon says, “We also engage with our community, advocating for local business growth through various volunteer efforts. I serve as the current Chair of the Board of Directors for the Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC, on the Board of Directors for the Southern Colorado Better Business Bureau, on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Consult for the Pikes Peak Region Small Business Development Center, and help drive economic development in our region for our local businesses any way I can.” Ramon concludes, “By helping our community of businesses prosper, opportunities for prosperity are available for all.” Minuteman Press in Colorado Springs is located at 6870 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80918. For more information, visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/co/colorado-springs20/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

April 10, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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The Good Flour Company eyes US market to continue fueling its growth plan

The Good Flour Corp.

The Good Flour Company CEO Matthew Clayton joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share news about the company that has gluten-free, allergen-free, all-purpose baking flour blends. Clayton tells Proactive the company also has a line for fried chicken batter, fish & chip batter, pizza & pasta mix, tempura batter, pancake and waffle blend, as well as cake mix and pizza crusts. He also shared the company's strategy moving forward and the importance of the US market. Contact Details Proactive Investors +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

April 10, 2023 07:52 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Mental Health Provider Shortage Needs Integrated Approach

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

One of two people who need mental health services don’t get it and more than one in three Americans live in a region where there are not enough mental health providers to serve the population.* The average wait time for a medical doctor’s appointment is up to 26 days, up 24 percent since 2004 and there is a projected shortage of 48,000 primary care physicians in the U.S. by 2034.+ “ At a time when the U.S. faces a severe shortage of mental health providers, many people are also finding it increasingly difficult to get the medical care they need,” said Dr. Michele Nealon, Psy.D., President of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. “There is a way for society to address both these problems and that is to integrate the health care system so that primary care and mental health professionals work as a team to treat the whole person more efficiently and effectively,” she said. “We need to take a community-focused, patient-centered, and holistic view approach to mental and physical healthcare,” said Dr. Nealon explained. “Many physical ailments put us at risk for psychological disorders and vice versa, so it makes sense for mental health professionals to work closely with medical doctors to treat the patient when they initially present with symptoms, rather than waiting for a referral later.” “For example, if you have trouble sleeping or your child is experiencing frequent stomach aches, you might turn to your doctor for help. The problem may be physical, yet too often, there are psychological factors such as stress, anxiety or depression that are at play,” Dr. Nealon said. “At The Chicago School, we are always thinking about how to view humans as part of a larger system—how individuals relate to their family, culture and community,” she explained. “That’s why we are dedicated to educating culturally competent psychologists and counselors who get hands-on training in their communities.” The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s seven campuses nationwide educates 6,000 students, 70 percent of whom identify as people of color. *Mental Health America https://mhanational.org/issues/state-mental-health-america +American Academy of Family Physicians https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/wait-times.html About The Chicago School of Professional Psychology: Integrating theory with hands-on experience, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology provides education rooted in a commitment to innovation, service, and community for thousands of diverse students across the United States and globally. Founded in 1979, the nonprofit, regionally accredited university now features campuses in iconic locations across the country (Chicago, Southern California, Washington, D.C., New Orleans, Dallas) and online. To spark positive change in the world where it matters most, The Chicago School has continued to expand its educational offerings beyond the field of psychology to offer more than 30 degrees and certificates in the professional fields of health services, education, counseling, business, and more. Through its engaged professional model of education, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and an extensive network of domestic and international professional partnerships, The Chicago School’s students receive real-world training opportunities that reflect their future careers. The Chicago School is proud to be a part of TCS Education System, a nonprofit, integrated system of colleges and universities that works collaboratively to advance student success and community impact. To learn more, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu. Contact Details Vivien Hao +1 323-893-4743 vhao@thechicagoschool.edu

April 07, 2023 11:59 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Gateway Classic Cars to Celebrate the Grand Opening of Their Tulsa Oklahoma Showroom

Gateway Classic Cars

[Gateway Classic Cars of St. Louis]: Gateway Classic Cars of Tulsa is excited to host its Grand Opening on Saturday, April 29 th from 9am-1pm. Two days before, the Tulsa Regional Chamber will hold their ribbon cutting ceremony on, Thursday, April 27 th at 4:00pm. Come out and celebrate the next chapter in the company’s 24-year history with Gateway Classic Cars. The Grand Opening is open to the public and has no admission or registration fee. Attendees are encouraged to cruise in with all makes and models and bring their appetite. The first 100 guests will receive a free Gateway Classic Cars T-shirt. Special giveaways will be announced throughout the day as guests listen to music and indulge in delicious cuisine. Gateway Classic Cars continues to remain the leader in global marketing for classic and exotic vehicles. Their new launched auction platform has only strengthened their position as the largest classic and exotic car sales network in the world. Since 1999, Gateway Classic Cars has specialized in selling classic and exotic vehicles for private sellers, collectors, and estates by improving their success in passing along the passion for their treasured vehicles. Plus, no other company is more reputable and eager to assist fellow classic car enthusiasts around the world with the opportunity to get behind the wheel of their dreams. Every Gateway Classic Cars’ showroom is open to the public from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday. The Charlotte showroom showcases classic, collector, exotic cars, and trucks. The last Saturday of the month is Caffeine and Chrome, our version of cars and coffee, from 9am-Noon. Event Details: Title: Gateway Classic Cars Grand Opening Date: Saturday, April 29, 2023 Start Time: 9am End Time: 1pm Cost: FREE St. Louis, MO (HQ); Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, SC; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Houston, TX; Indianapolis, IN; Kansas City, KS; Las Vegas, NV; Louisville, KY; Milwaukee, WI; Nashville, TN; Orlando, FL; Philadelphia, PA; Scottsdale, AZ; Tampa, FL; San Antonio, Austin, TX; Tulsa, OK Phone: (866) 383-1416 https://news.gatewayclassiccars.com Gateway Classic Cars Where Dreams Are Driven (#dreamsdriven) Corporate Offices 1237 Central Park Drive O’Fallon, IL 62269 (618) 271-3000 https://hub.gatewayclassiccars.com Contact Details Gateway Classic Cars +1 866-383-1416 marketing@gatewayclassiccars.com Company Website https://news.gatewayclassiccars.com

April 06, 2023 03:45 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Aqua Cultured Foods Closes $5.5M Seed Round led by Stray Dog Capital

AquaCultured Foods

Food tech startup Aqua Cultured Foods today announced it has raised $5.5 million in seed funding to bring its ultra-realistic seafood alternatives to market. The round was led by Stray Dog Capital, a venture capital fund specializing in alternative protein investments, with participation from H Venture Partners, Aztec Capital Management and Amplifica Capital, along with follow-on investment from current investors Supply Change Capital, Big Idea Ventures, HPA, Aera VC, Kingfisher Family Investments, and Swiss Pampa. The round also included a strategic investment from CJ CheilJedang, a South Korea-based global food and bio company owning renowned brands such as Bibigo. Aqua will use the investment to equip its new facility, scale up production, bring products to market, add key talent, and expand its roster of restaurant and foodservice outlets for product introductions this year. “We appreciate having mission-aligned partners that offer strong strategic value for the next phase of our growth, which will involve building up the business and brand,” said Anne Palermo, CEO of Aqua. “Being good stewards of investor capital is important to us, so along with hitting milestones earlier than expected, we are benefiting from government programs, academic resources, and other advantages to get to market quickly.” Aqua’s primary value is its low cost of scaling and its path to price parity, thanks to proprietary fermentation methods that use relatively affordable inputs and equipment. The company recently acquired a food-grade facility that was already built out nearly to its requirements—which it estimates will save more than a million dollars in construction costs. Aqua was recently accepted into the Illinois Office of Business Development’s EDGE program that provides tax incentives to growing companies, which will save hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes over the next 10 years. “The adage is true that early-stage funds heavily weight investment conviction in people, and less in technologies or products given the embryonic nature of companies at these stages, but Aqua already boasts strength across its team, product, and key partnerships already in place,” said Johnny Ream, Partner at Stray Dog Capital. “We are interested in backing founding teams leveraging unique technologies and approaches that drive a more sustainable future; the work Aqua is doing with alt-seafood has immense potential to drive both human and planetary benefits in a massive $100B+ global market.” The global plant-based seafood market was valued at $42.1 million in 2021, and is projected to reach $1.3 billion by 2031 with a CAGR of more than 42 percent as wild fish stocks are further depleted. In addition to depleted fish populations, commercial fishing practices result in damage to ecosystems, plastic waste, and “bycatch” of non-target species. As fish farming increases, so does habitat destruction, pollution and diseases spread to wild fish, and the industry’s reliance on antibiotics and wild-caught fish for feed. Despite its health halo, fish contains microplastics, mercury, pesticides, antibiotics, dioxin and PCBs. High in cholesterol and saturated fats, seafood, in particular finfish, is a good source of foodborne illness caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites. Aqua is developing calamari, shrimp, scallops, and filets of tuna and whitefish with proprietary mycoprotein fermentation processes that do not use any animal inputs, genetic altering or modification. Unlike plant-based processed foods formulated with starches and protein isolates, Aqua’s alt-seafood retains its naturally occurring fiber, protein, and other micronutrients. The company also produces minced “seafood” fillings for applications such as dumplings, ravioli, and sushi rolls. For images visit https://app.box.com/s/wfbrvgraf2ty2b7by5h6ahjsaqrd8zx3. Follow Aqua Cultured Foods LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/aquacultured-foods Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aquaculturedfoods Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AquaCulturedFoods Twitter https://twitter.com/eatAquaFoods ‎ About Aqua Cultured Foods Aqua Cultured Foods is an innovative food technology startup developing the world’s first whole-muscle cut seafood alternatives created through microbial fermentation. Its novel technology produces a sustainable, complete protein source using only a fraction of the resources required by traditional aquaculture. As an R&D company with a focus on product commercialization, Aqua Cultured Foods occupies a unique position in the burgeoning alt-seafood market as well as within the fermentation industry. The company’s mission is to mitigate global challenges such as overfishing, climate change and feeding the world’s expanding population with delicious, nutrient-rich foods. For more information visit https://www.aquaculturedfoods.com. About Stray Dog Capital Stray Dog Capital is a venture capital fund investing in innovative, early-stage companies across the food, beverage, and biotechnology sectors that are driving a healthier, humane, and more sustainable future. Stray Dog Capital supports its portfolio of investments with broad experience from its team as entrepreneurs, operators, advisors, and investors. www.straydogcapital.com. ### Contact Details Gary Smith +1 818-783-0569 gary@evolotuspr.com Company Website https://www.aquaculturedfoods.com

April 06, 2023 09:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Study: Are Digital Content Creators Corporate America’s New Superpower?

MBO Partners

A new study from ​ MBO Partners® reveals that corporate America may be overlooking a growing and significant source of hidden internal talent: digital content creators. According to MBO Partners’ 2023 Creator Economy report, part of its State of Independence research series, independent digital content creators are among the fastest growing self-employment work segment infiltrating the traditional workforce. The study found that almost six out of ten (57%) have content side gigs, along with traditional jobs. However, a stunning 41% said they definitely (15%) or probably (26%) will leave their traditional job and start a business full time in the next 24 months. The MBO Partners study also found that 8.1 million U.S. independent creators earned money in the creator economy in 2022, a 14% increase since 2021. “The creator economy is huge and growing in steadfastness day by day – with a rising majority working in stealth mode in large and mid-sized companies,” said Miles Everson, CEO of MBO Partners. “In fact, enterprises may be sitting on a gold mine of untapped talent and not even know it. These employees are not only highly creative and fast-moving, but they are entrepreneurial and extremely tech savvy. They have the potential to be an enterprise’s ultimate ally. But to win, employers need to first put out the welcome mat and show independents that they value modern ways of working and specialized skill sets. Next, they need to recreate their workforce models where independents are a critical component of their total talent strategy and teams.” This year’s study showed six key insights about the independent creator workforce, including: Owned media offers WOO (window of opportunity) to make more money. MBO’s data shows that while 73,000 US independent creators (the 1%) report annual income over $1 million, most creators report modest earnings, with the majority (44%) earning $10,000 or less last year as a creator. However, as companies shift their marketing strategies to focus on owned media as more affordable alternatives to paid advertising this year, there will be plenty of lucrative opportunities for creators to make extra money. There’s no “I” in team. About half of all independent creators (48%) report teaming up with other content creators on projects, versus only 23% of independent workers who aren't content creators. Looking forward, 68% of content creators plan to partner with other independent workers over the next year. That means that for companies, you are no longer just hiring a creator, you’ll be hiring a larger set of skills. Black creators are building their entrepreneurial footprint. The study revealed that in terms of ethnic and racial groups, Black Americans are more robustly represented in the creator economy (18%) compared with their U.S. population share overall (13%). As companies look to create more inclusive workplaces, there is an emerging pipeline of black entrepreneurial creative talent that exists. Make no mistake, creators will quickly adapt to ChatGPT. Eighty-seven of creators report being early adopters of technology, so this is an early indication that they are already learning how to embrace the opportunity of ChatGPT. This compares to only 34% of traditional employees and 37% of independent workers as early technology adopters. By tapping into creators, companies can leverage emerging trends and quickly respond to market demands. Digital nomadism is the new manifesto for mental health. While traditional workers are quiet quitting and hush tripping, take a page from the creators whose job burnout and mental health issues have been widely documented. Over eight in ten independent creators (84%) prefer a location-independent lifestyle that allows them to work and travel at the same time. So, it comes as no surprise that almost two-thirds (63%) report they are currently a digital nomad and over 90% report feeling highly satisfied (83%) or satisfied (9%) with their work. At last, a new era of creative renegades has arrived. While only 1 in 10 creators makes more than $100,000 per year, 83% plan to continue as an independent creator (57%) or build a bigger creator business (26%) over the next 2-3 years. Seventy-nine percent report being optimistic about the future. To obtain a copy of the 2023 MBO Partners Creator Economy research report, please visit https://www.mbopartners.com/state-of-independence/creator-economy-report/. About MBO Partners® ​ MBO Partners is a direct sourcing platform that enables enterprises and independents to work efficiently together. Its unmatched experience and industry leadership enable it to operate on the forefront of the independent economy and consistently advance the next way of working. For more information, visit​ ​mbopartners.com. About MBO Partners®​ MBO Partners is a direct sourcing platform that enables enterprises and independents to work efficiently together. Its unmatched experience and industry leadership enable it to operate on the forefront of the independent economy and consistently advance the next way of working. For more information, visit​ ​mbopartners.com​ Contact Details Words For Hire for MBO Partners Karen Swim +1 586-461-2103 karen@wordsforhirellc.com Company Website https://mbopartners.com

April 05, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Innersense Organic Beauty Launches Harmonic Hair Renew Scalp Collection

Innersense Organic Beauty

Award-winning clean beauty brand Innersense Organic Beauty launches Harmonic Hair Renew Collection, a targeted set designed to create a balanced scalp environment. The three-step ritual helps to exfoliate, soothe and massage the scalp to noticeably reduce flaking, relieve dryness and encourage a balanced environment for the hair. Hair Renew Pre Wash Treatment is a treatment product that purifies and nourishes the scalp for healthy hair. Clean, skin-loving ingredients Zinc Gluconate and Magnesium Oil refresh the scalp by removing product buildup, balancing natural oils and restoring a harmonious environment for optimal hair growth. Micro Hyaluronic Acid replenishes hydration to reduce flakes and itch-causing dryness. Hair Renew Daily Active Scalp Serum is a calming serum that restores harmony to scalps in distress. Its clean, calming formula features Celery Seed and Hemp Seed Oil to address common scalp conditions such as flaking, itching, and dryness caused irritation. Antioxidant rich Pea Sprout Extract helps fortify hair follicles to revitalize roots. The third part of the collection includes a natural clear quartz Scalp Massager to help improve circulation, and release tension. The Harmonic Hair Renew collection was clinically tested, in which 97% of consumers agreed their scalp appears to be healthier, 91% agreed their scalp is less itchy and 91% agreed their scalp feels more hydrated and moisturized. Overall, 100% of consumers saw a reduction in flaking. “Our products are formulated to promote holistic wellness, and treat not only the hair, but also the skin and scalp,” says Greg Starkman, CEO and Founder of Innersense Organic Beauty. "The new Harmonic Hair Renew collection starts at the source by creating an optimal environment for the scalp through a combination of conscious formulas and mindful rituals. When the scalp is in perfect harmony, hair becomes healthier and more resilient.” Harmonic Hair Renew Set retails for $80 ($102 value) and includes the full collection. Hair Renew Pre Wash Treatment retails for $38 and Hair Renew Daily Active Scalp Serum retails for $42. All products will be available online at innersensebeauty.com, in select salons, and in-store at specialty retailers such as Credo Beauty and The Detox Market. About Innersense Organic Beauty Beauty professionals Greg and Joanne Starkman founded Innersense Organic Beauty to bring clean, pure and toxin free hair care to salons, stylists and consumers. The clean hair care brand’s products include shampoos, conditioners, scalp scrub, styling and treatment products for all hair types. For more information, visit innersensebeauty.com. Contact Details Archita Patel +1 281-725-2121 archita@bpcm.com Company Website https://innersensebeauty.com/

April 04, 2023 12:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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More than $10 million awarded to 671 Washington State arts and culture organizations through the Community Accelerator Grant program

Paul G. Allen Family Foundation

Today, ArtsFund and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation announced the 671 grantees of the Community Accelerator Grant, a historic investment in Washington’s arts and culture sector. Administered by Arts Fund and funded by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, the program provides just over $10M in $2,500 to $25,000 grants across Washington state. The distribution comes just six months after the partnership was announced, in response to the continued sector need. Funding will provide essential resources to Washington organizations whose primary mission is to produce or support arts and culture activities. The unrestricted funding will boost arts organizations’ ability to invest in their missions and essential roles serving communities across the state. “We are so proud to highlight the breadth and depth of Washington’s rich cultural landscape and celebrate the leadership and vision of the Paul G Allen Family Foundation in funding this program,” said ArtsFund CEO and President, Michael Greer. “Our hope is that their philanthropy inspires others to continue to invest in this sector and see how possible it is to make an investment that is meaningful, equitable, and expeditious.” Grants were awarded to every eligible organization that applied, with an average award of $14,909. The total funding pool of $10M responds to approximately two-thirds of total requested funds. Nearly 70% of the grantees reported annual budgets of less than $500,000. Organizations in 35 of Washington’s 39 countries are included. “This community-driven model distributes urgently needed capital quickly, equitably, and efficiently to arts and culture organizations that are so important to a vibrant, healthy community,” said Lara Littlefield, executive director on behalf of the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. “We are heartened by the diversity and geographic reach of this program as well as the speed and efficiency in which it was administered thanks to ArtsFund and the Community Advisory Panel.” The Community Accelerator Grant program prioritized funding to communities that are underrepresented in other funding programs – specifically, in rural communities, and for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities. The application was designed to be low-barrier, with the goal that no organizations would find it too complicated, or that the information requested was too cumbersome. All eligible applicants received a grant. Applicants were asked to what degree they felt that this grant might positively impact their ability to build capacity and increase their sustainability. Organizations reported anticipating an additional $2 raised for every $1 of their grant. Representation of priority populations was an important consideration for the program. More than half of the grants are to organizations with a minimum 25% BIPOC representation on both Board and staff. See the complete list of grant recipients HERE. Community Advisory Panel The program was informed by a Community Advisory Panel who advised ArtsFund on the application design, outreach, evaluation and outcome. Panelists included: Beth Takekawa, Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience (retired) Ginger Ewing, Terrain Jane Broom, Microsoft Corporation Karen Hanan, ArtsWA (Washington State Arts Commission) Katie Carter, Pride Foundation Lorin Schmit Dunlop, M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust Manny Cawaling, Inspire Washington Michael Greer, ArtsFund Molly Sanchez, Innovia Foundation Shelly Wynecoop, Spokane Arts Stephanie Ellis-Smith, Phila Engaged Giving Troy Coalman, Wellspring Family Services ArtsFund considered applications based on representation of and centering of BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and people with disabilities, geographic location, and on the reported potential impact of the grant on organizations’ fundraising. Grant funds are unrestricted and may be used as each organization self-determines. Grant recipients cite the top uses for funding, in order of priority, include salaries and labor; programming; rent, mortgage and facility upgrades; personal protective equipment and COVID preparedness; and communications and marketing, with more than 80% of organizations citing salaries and labor, and programming as their top needs. The initiative follows two and a half years of pandemic impacts on the arts and culture sector, which experienced drops in revenue, challenges with reopening logistics, audience hesitation to return to pre-pandemic levels of cultural participation, and workforce impacts, as detailed in ArtsFund’s COVID Cultural Impact Study: ArtsFund.org/CCIS that was partially funded by the foundation. This $10 million investment in the sector responds directly to the study’s recommendations to expand and sustain support for arts and culture organizations as a strategy for social impact, and to provide unrestricted funding in support of the long-term adaptation of the industry. To receive updates from ArtsFund and find out about future opportunities, please sign up for ArtsFund Newsletter | ArtsFund About ArtsFund About ArtsFund ArtsFund supports the arts through leadership, advocacy, and grantmaking in order to build a healthy, equitable, and creative Washington. Founded in 1969, the Seattle-based nonprofit has been building community through the arts for more than 50 years. ArtsFund was originally founded to bring corporate and civic leaders together to help establish and sustain our region’s arts and cultural institutions. Over its grantmaking history, ArtsFund has supported more than 650 arts organizations with more than $100 million in grants, and provided valuable leadership and advocacy. Learn more at www.artsfund.org About Paul G. Allen Family Foundation Founded in 1988 by philanthropists Jody Allen and the late Paul G. Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, the foundation invests in communities across the Pacific Northwest to enhance the human experience of arts & culture, center under-served populations, and mobilize young people to make impact. In addition, the foundation supports a global portfolio of nonprofit partners working across science and technology solutions to protect wildlife, preserve ocean health, and create lasting change. The foundation also funds the Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group, which works to advance cutting-edge research in all areas of bioscience. Learn more at www.pgafamilyfoundation.org. Contact Details Calandra Childers, VP of Strategic Initiatives & Communications ArtsFund +1 206-788-3051 calandrachilders@artsfund.org Company Website http://www.artsfund.org/accelerator

April 04, 2023 07:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Ultrack Enters Acquisition Agreement with Successful Medical and Wellness Company

Ultrack Systems, Inc.

McapMediaWire --Ultrack Systems Inc. (OTC: MJLB ), a total fleet-management GPS tracking and monitoring solution provider, is pleased to announce that Ultrack has entered into a formal contractual agreement with Supreme Products to both acquire and market their "Pet Tracker" product which is a wearable GPS device for pets. Notably, Carl Lamonte from Supreme Products will join Ultrack as an Officer of Brand Development Officer Earlier this year Ultrack noted in a release that the Company is actively seeking joint-venture relationships and/or acquisitions within recession proof sectors. Today's announcement is the initial fulfillment of that goal with more planned to come. With years of experience, resources, and relationships within the GPS industry, it makes sense for Ultrack to expand to the developing vertical market of pet tracking hardware and software. Currently, the global pet market is worth roughly $261 billion with the sub "pet care" market coming in at around $79 billion as of 2021. Current forecasters project that the U.S. pet market alone is projected to grow to $325 billion by 2028 with a projected sustained growth of pet ownership up to 14% by 2030. (Source: https://www.hepper.com/pet-industry-statistics-us / ) Ultrack CEO Michael Marsbergen commented: “Pets are big business and Millennials and Gen Z are leading the way for the foreseeable future. We believe that pet ownership and pet care is a recession-proof industry because people are simply not going to give up the things that they truly love, no matter how hard the economy gets hit. I'm delighted that Mr. Carl Lamonte will be joining Ultrack and helping the Company to establish sure footing as a new face and voice for our “Pet Tracker” product." Some of the ways the Company intends to provide a superior device include potential features like: 1. Health monitoring: Monitor a pet's health by tracking their activity levels, heart rate, and other biometric data. This information could be shared with veterinarians or pet owners to identify potential health problems early on. 2. Behavior modification: Modify a pet's behavior by providing real-time feedback on their location and activity level. For example, a device could be set up to alert a pet owner if their dog has strayed too far from home, or if their cat is spending too much time in a certain area. 3. Predictive analytics: Collect data on a pet's behavior and use machine learning algorithms to predict future behavior. This could help pet owners anticipate potential problems and take preventive action. 4. Social media integration: Integration with social media platforms, allowing pet owners to share their pet's location and activity level with friends and family. This could create a community of pet owners who share information and support each other. 5. Virtual fences: Create virtual fences around a pet's home or yard, alerting the pet owner if their pet strays beyond a certain boundary. This could be especially useful for pet owners who live in areas with high levels of traffic or other hazards. Ultrack and Supreme Products are planning a full-orbed marketing plan through multiple strategies including: As technology and AI evolves, the Company will seek for new ways to add more benefits to its line of pet care products. Investors can anticipate updates moving forward regarding details of the development and deployment of the new "Pet Tracker" product. Furthermore, the details of the contract with Supreme Products involves a marketing partnership to bring appropriate exposure to the new Pet Tracker product. These initiatives include but are not limited to: 1. Social media advertising: Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram offer targeted advertising options that allow businesses to reach pet owners directly, especially young pet owners. 2. Influencer marketing: Partnering with influencers in the pet industry can be an effective way to reach a wider audience. 3. Pet store partnerships: Starting with pet stores in Canada and established relationship, the Company believes this strategy will be well-received and well-rewarded. 4. Trade shows and events: The Company is looking ahead to three of the largest North American pet-focused trade shows in which to have a meaningful presence. The Company invites current and future shareholders to check back regularly at our website http://ultrack.ca, Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/UltrackSolutions and Twitter page: https://twitter.com/ultracki About MJLB: Located in Concord, Ontario, Ultrack Systems Inc., ( www.ultrack.ca ) is a publicly traded company listed on the OTCMARKETS under the MJLB trading symbol. Ultrack Systems Inc., is a provider of GPS tracking solutions. We develop, implement, and distribute electronic monitoring and tracking systems for companies in leasing, transportation, construction, disposal, and many other services driven industries. Our platform includes live tracking, reports, and alerts on a web-based platform. Our mission is to provide the best fleet tracking, reporting systems and our commitment to service. The Company plans to launch a new ELD product in 2023 in partnership with major corporations that will take the trucking industry by storm. Safe Harbor Statement: This Press Release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company has tried, whenever possible, to identify these forward-looking statements using words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "plans," "intends," "potential" and similar expressions. These statements reflect the Company's current beliefs and are based upon information currently available to it. Accordingly, such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or advise in the event of any change, addition or alteration to the information catered in this Press Release, including such forward-looking statements. Michael Stephen Marsbergen Ultrack Sytems Inc. +1 800-893-9506 sales@ultrack.ca Visit us on social media: Facebook Twitter Contact Details Ultrack Sytems Inc. sales@ultrack.ca Company Website http://ultrack.ca/

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