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Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Joseph Lee Shows Print is Essential to Boosting Local Businesses in San Bernardino

Minuteman Press International Inc

Celebrating 5 years in business and overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic with 20% year-over-year sales growth to date in 2021, Joseph Lee has grown his Minuteman Press franchise in San Bernardino by providing essential printing and marketing services with a personal touch. “I always put myself in the customer’s shoes, and I am always sincere. I ask them, ‘What are you trying to accomplish?’ Then, I let them know how we can help them while also doing everything I can to save them time, stress, and money. I let them know how they can promote their business, and more importantly I listen and get to know them.” Joseph’s personal approach and empathy for his clients and community is especially refreshing at a time where local businesses need to work together as the local economy recovers from the pandemic. Joseph says, “Over the past year, whenever I reach out, our customers are very appreciative and glad we are still open and operating, and still growing. The reason I am growing and operating is because of them. No matter how many clients I have, I try to know them by their first names and what they do for a living. Providing a personal touch and showing you care, then proving it time and again, means everything.” “I get to know my clients as people, not just as customers. That has been the biggest key to our growth.” Joseph Lee, Owner, Minuteman Press in San Bernardino Print is Essential At the beginning of the pandemic, print was classified as an essential business, and with good reason. Joseph explains, “One of the first things I did was keep in contact with customers by letting them know I was operating. This included providing printing for other essential businesses like doctor’s offices, hospitals, and city organizations. I was following guidelines and told everyone I reached out to that we are open and I am here if there’s anything they needed. We printed everything from custom embroidered masks to help keep people safe to critical COVID-19 safety posters, and more.” Reflecting on the past year, Joseph continues, “During the pandemic, what I see is that paper materials and tangible items are here to stay. People might have missed the human connection this year, but print was and always will be there to keep us connected in a meaningful and powerful way.” Local Business Recovery Trending Upwards Today, Minuteman Press in San Bernardino is seeing more and more local businesses reopening and ordering more printing products and marketing services. Joseph says, “I think there was a point in time that printing might not have seemed like it was trending. However, the more you really look at it, printing is always trending and it’s not a passing fad. Today, I’m selling more business cards than before, more flyers than before (we are working on an order for 5,000 flyers that just came in), and more mailers than before (we are working on an order for 3,500 postcards that will be mailed out soon, which is actually seven versions of 500 postcards each).” He adds, “Our current growth has been a case of providing a little bit of everything that has worked together. For example, we have an envelope printer and envelope stuffer, with one client doing 10,000 mailers every quarter. We’ve enhanced our in-house wide format printing capabilities for banners. We’ve upgraded in all areas of printing, finishing, and bindery. This speeds up the process for us and meets our clients’ needs quicker. Ultimately, by investing in equipment, I am solidifying my base. My business has grown and is growing today. Even during the pandemic, we remained steady, and now we are already 20% ahead of last year.” “Our business has been servicing San Bernardino for 35 years and I have been the owner for 5 years. I know I can help by listening and seeing what our clients need. Whether it’s a fresh banner outside their shop or 10,000 mailers, I have positioned our business so that we never have to turn a client away for something we can’t do. I want to take care of everything no matter the industry. Local businesses, hospitals, engineers, we can do it all.” -Joseph Lee 3 Keys to Growth & Benefits of Franchising As part of the Minuteman Press franchise family, Joseph is able to utilize various resources to grow his business. He says, “The three keys for me have been following the Minuteman Press system, investing in Minuteman Press’ Internet marketing program, and simply talking to customers and generating word of mouth referrals. Nothing is more powerful or gratifying than gaining new business from customer recommendations. We’ve proven that the high quality and personal service we provide is what leaves the most lasting impression.” Another huge benefit of franchising with Minuteman Press is the support they provide to Joseph. He explains, “The reason I am with Minuteman Press is because I share their core values of what a business is supposed to be. I receive more than just support, instead I like to say I receive ‘kind’ support. Everyone is very honest and genuinely trying to help each other.” Joseph also attended the Minuteman Press International World Expo in 2019, where franchisees, vendors, corporate and regional teams all came together to share ideas, insights, and innovations. “I attended the World Expo and came back home to San Bernardino with so much knowledge and information. Two things that stuck with me were to become an expert on direct mail and to invest in areas such as large format printing, digital production, and digital bindery. I applied these concepts and it really helped me grow and better serve my clients.” “The corporate and regional support they provide and the relationships Minuteman Press International has built with me is huge. We all work together, from my Regional Vice President Dan Byers and the field team to the other owners I’ve had the pleasure of knowing over the past five years. What this all means is that I am in business for myself, but not by myself.” -Joseph Lee Entrepreneurship Runs in the Family For Joseph Lee, owning a business is a concept he learned from his family. He explains, “I grew up in Houston and was a pre-med student. My father owned a gas station business but he unfortunately passed away. My mother sold the business and then started a deli shop. Owning a business was something I was familiar with as was hard work.” He continues, “While I was still in Houston, I worked my up from part-time sales to VP Sales/Marketing for a cutlery company, where I even brought the business to South Korea. After I left that company, I bought and grew two copy centers in 1996 and 2000 before coming to San Bernardino.” “I sold the copy centers and moved to San Bernardino in 2005 when I landed the opportunity to work as COO & VP Sales/Marketing for another company. I have lived here for 16 years and bought my Minuteman Press franchise in 2016. I haven’t looked back since.” “Before I chose Minuteman Press, I looked at so many franchises: pizza parlors, nail salons, and other printing franchises. I looked at this opportunity and saw the greatest potential. I started turning the business around after two months and now it’s been five years of consistent growth.” As for the rewards of owning his franchise, Joseph says, “I don’t like people telling me what to do so the most rewarding thing is that I am the decision-maker. There are responsibilities but also the freedom to decide for yourself what you want to do. Also, I like to be proactive rather than reactive, and I have trained my employees to be the same way. I feel like we have been successful taking that approach to go above and beyond for our clients.” Advice for Others When asked what advice he would give to other aspiring business owners, Joseph answers, “For me, there are three keys to building a successful business: 1. Provide the highest quality; 2. Build rapport and develop personal relationships with clients while providing personal service; and 3. Have competitive pricing but don’t operate on price alone. Focus on those three things and that will really help spark long-term growth.” For more information about Minuteman Press in San Bernardino, visit https://www.sb.minutemanpress.com. 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 19, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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The big move: A third of UK households to move home as COVID-19 set to change where Britons live

Romal Capital

Millions of us are set to move home permanently, as a consequence of the pandemic, citing remote working as the facilitator and quality of life as the ambition, according to new research by property developer Romal Capital. The national survey* of 2,000 households found that nearly a third (31%) are planning to change their living arrangements following successive lock-downs and remote-working experiences. This is a staggering increase as only between 4% to 5% of households, typically, move homes in any given year**. The need to move is slightly higher in the 25-34 years age category (32%) compared to slightly less in those over 60 (28%). One fifth (20%) will have aimed to move within the next three months. The ability to combine working from home and in the office in a hybrid working environment influenced more than a quarter of respondents (26%) to consider relocation. Remote working aside, over a quarter of those surveyed (26%) mentioned the need for suitable jobs in the local area. “We’re seeing a paradigm shift in how this country wants to live and work,” says Romal Capital’s CEO Greg Malouf. “Hybrid working options and lifestyle changes are two key elements driving this change in behaviour. Moreover, the temporary stamp duty holiday and the desire to cash-in on significant property price increases in 2021 have also empowered decision making. In fact, in the same period a 16% property price-hike in Liverpool alone, underlines this very bullish market. The current UK housing market simply does not match this new reality, and with these changing demands, there needs to be a country-wide rethink on meeting housing needs.” While still considering location, 29% said that a good standard of living will be the most important factor in deciding their future location. It seems however people do not want to go completely remote with almost a quarter of respondents (23%) citing road networks and connectivity as two important criteria, with areas perceived likely to increase in value (10%) and locations near hospitals (9%) closely following. People ranked Waterfront living, whether by the sea, lake or canal, as the top “X-factor” draw for their new living location followed by substantial green spaces and good community feel. Of these, over half (51%) of 35-44 year olds selected community feel in contrast to 41% of the over 60’s who opted for waterfront living (61%). Notes to the editor *Research findings based on a survey of 2,000 UK households carried out in April 2021 for Romal Capital by LMRMC (Market Research Society approved partner and ESOMAR corporate member). ** ONS, Families and households in the UK. About Romal Capital Romal Capital is an international award-winning property developer based in Liverpool. The team brings to the city over 60 years of combined property development experience from across Liverpool, and other major UK and international cities. Contact Details Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://www.romalcapital.co.uk/

April 16, 2021 04:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE LEADERS LAUNCH A GLOBAL PLEDGE TO TRUST SCIENCE

International Day of Light Steering Committee

Ahead of this year’s International Day of Light celebration on 16 May, the International Day of Light Steering Committee announces the launch of the Trust Science pledge, a worldwide campaign to promote support for the scientific process and to acknowledge the many benefits of science for society. Crises such as the coronavirus pandemic demonstrate the importance of scientific research and remind us how much we depend on dedicated professionals to find evidence-based solutions to global challenges. To recognize the central role played by science in society, the Trust Science pledge invites the general public to join leading scientists worldwide to affirm confidence in the process of scientific research and discovery. To date, the pledge has seen enthusiastic support worldwide with founding signatories including Nobel laureates, UNESCO L’Oréal For Women in Science prize winners, Presidents and CEOs of major scientific bodies, as well as scientists and students from more than 20 different countries. The pledge is now being shared widely to invite all interested individuals to take part. The Trust Science pledge states: “Trust in evidence-based, scientific facts is essential for providing sustainable solutions to today’s challenges. By adding my name to this declaration and pledge, I recognize the key role that scientific research and discovery plays in improving quality of life for all.” The Trust Science campaign is organized by the IEEE Photonics Society, SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, and The Optical Society (OSA), together with the International Day of Light Steering Committee. “The events of the past year have spotlighted science’s crucial role in solving critical global problems,” said Steering Committee Chair John Dudley from the Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté in France. “This campaign will allow people around the world to join us in affirming support for science and the scientific process. We encourage all to sign, and our hope is that this will stimulate valuable discussions within families, at the workplace and in educational settings.” In the context of the International Day of Light, the campaign will also highlight a number of Champions, research leaders in broad areas of light science and technology, including solar energy, the study of cultural heritage and healthcare. To sign the pledge and to learn more, please go to https://www.trust-science.org Contacts For questions about how you can engage with the campaign, please contact: info@trust-science.org For media enquiries, please contact: pr@trust-science.org Social media: please share using #TrustScience and #LightDay2021 Social media links: Facebook; Instagram; Twitter About the International Day of Light The International Day of Light (IDL) is a worldwide initiative that provides an annual focal point for the continued appreciation of light and the role it plays in science, culture and art, education and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications and energy. The International Day of Light is administered from the International Basic Science Programme (IBSP) of UNESCO by a Steering Committee that includes representatives from a broad range of international partners: the American Institute of Physics (AIP), the American Physical Society (APS), Bosca, the China International Optoelectronic Exhibition (CIOE), Chinese Optical Society (COS), the European Centres for Outreach in Photonics (ECOP), the European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC), the European Physical Society (EPS), the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), the IEEE Photonics Society (IPS), the International Commission on Illumination (CIE), lightsources.org - the international network of accelerator based light sources, Light: Science and Applications, The Optical Society (OSA), Tampere University, SPIE, the International Society for Optics and Photonics, SESAME, Signify, Tampere University, Transitions, the Université de Franche-Comté and Velux. For information about the International Day of Light, please visit www.lightday.org Contacts for IDL: John Dudley and Joseph Niemela 2021 Steering Committee Chairs Email: contact@lightday.org Bethany Downer 2021 Communications Coordinator Email: contact@lightday.org Media Contact for Trust Science: pr@trust-science.org About IEEE Photonics Society The IEEE Photonics Society is the professional home for a global network of scientists, engineers and allied professionals who advance laser, optoelectronics, and photonics technology. As a technical society representing the IEEE, it is a vital part of the world’s largest technical professional organization of more than 400,000 members dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, educational activities, and humanitarian initiatives, the IEEE Photonics Society provides its members in more than 160 countries the opportunity to grow professionally and stay on the forefront of transformational breakthroughs in photonics. PhotonicsSociety.org About SPIE SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, was founded in 1955 to advance light-based technologies. Serving more than 255,000 constituents from 183 countries, the not-for-profit society advances emerging technologies through interdisciplinary information exchange, continuing education, publications, patent precedent, and career and professional growth. SPIE annually organizes and sponsors approximately 25 major technical forums, exhibitions, and education programs in North America, Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific. In 2020, SPIE provided more than $5 million in support of education and outreach programs. www.spie.org About The Optical Society Founded in 1916, The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional organization for scientists, engineers, students and business leaders in light science and technology. The society serves over 432,000 customers and 22,000 members from more than 100 countries who fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate achievements in the field. OSA provides quality research, inspired interactions and dedicated resources for its extensive global network of optics and photonics experts through world-renowned publications. For more information, visit osa.org. Contact Details pr@trust-science.org +1 703-907-0010 pr@trust-science.org

April 15, 2021 10:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

IMPACT 2021: Navigating for the Future of Ethics & Compliance Together, Learning from Today's Events, including COVID-19, Social Justice Issues and More

Ethics & Compliance Initiative

The ultimate benchmarking event for ethics and compliance, IMPACT 2021 offers tools that allow practitioners to evaluate their programs against others and outline a path toward stronger programs in the future. The Ethics & Compliance Initiative (ECI), a global non-profit organization that empowers organizations to build and sustain cultures of integrity, is hosting its Annual IMPACT conference virtually from April 21-23, 2021. IMPACT 2021 (#IMPACT21) is the ultimate benchmarking event for Ethics & Compliance (E&C) programs. During the conference E&C practitioners learn best practices and can benchmark their program efforts against industry peers. This year, the program also offers insight into emerging issues like the new EU whistleblowing directive, how to COVID-proof E&C programs and how to leverage digital technologies to shape an ethical culture and manage risk. “Our goal for IMPACT is to deliver thought-provoking discussions on the most pressing topics of the day and to deliver tools that can help organizations create better E&C programs,” said ECI's CEO, Patricia J. Harned, Ph.D. “This year, we have an exciting line-up of speakers, including two who were in the trenches of the fight to develop a COVID-19 vaccine and another who will outline the new EU Whistleblowing Directive. We also will hear from experts who will help attendees determine if their E&C programs meet Department of Justice [DOJ] guidance." “We will continue to support IMPACT attendees in benchmarking their E&C programs for the third year,” Harned continued. “To that end, our ethics experts will highlight the five principles of a high-quality E&C program and share how attendees can incorporate best practices in each area into their programs.” Every #IMPACT21 attendee receives complimentary access to ECI’s High-Quality Program (HQP) Assessment Tool. The HQP is a systematic way for practitioners to demonstrate E&C program success, define areas for improvement and provide evidence of continued program advancement. During the conference, sessions will be dedicated to each of the five HQP Principles: Strategy, Risk Management, Culture, Speaking Up and Accountability. Several sessions will focus on revealing and discussing HQP benchmarks. During these, attendees will find out how their companies compare to others and learn the strategies that successful businesses use to improve or sustain E&C program success. Other conference highlights include keynote speakers from Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, who will give an inside view of the epicenter of the war on COVID. A session with Debo Adegbile, U.S. Commission for Civil Rights, will focus on how social justice trends relate to E&C. During #IMPACT21, Harned will have a fireside chat with Ethics Research Center (ERC) Board Chair Larry Thompson. Over the course of his career, Thompson has had the opportunity to view corporate ethics & compliance from several perspectives: U.S. Attorney, Independent Counsel, Deputy Attorney General, Independent Monitor and as General Counsel in a major multi-national corporation. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from his valuable insights about the evolution of E&C, best practice in the current environment, and preparing for the road ahead. IMPACT is Sponsored by NAVEX Global (Platinum Sponsor), Convercent (Keynote Sponsor), and Gold Sponsors: Center for Audit Quality (CAQ), LRN and True Office Learning. Exhibiting at this year’s conference is Affiliated Monitors, ComplianceLine, Speeki, Vault Platform, and Whistleblower Security. The leading E&C conference is attended by Chief Ethics & Compliance Officers, Chief Compliance Officers, compliance practitioners, ethics leaders and anyone who holds a stake in the continued success of E&C in their organization. About IMPACT 2021 Virtual Conference IMPACT 2021 is the ultimate benchmarking event, hosted by the Ethics & Compliance Initiative (ECI). Join colleagues in the ethics & compliance community as we focus on the impact of current events on our organizations, compare best practices in roundtable conversations, and benchmark the results of our organizational assessments. Participants are provided ECI's High-Quality Program (HQP) Assessment prior to the event. For more information about ECI, please visit www.ethics.org/impact About the Ethics & Compliance Initiative The Ethics & Compliance Initiative is a non-profit organization based in Vienna, Va. that empowers organizations to build and sustain cultures of integrity. Established in 1922, ECI is the leading provider of independent research and resources that help leaders build and sustain high-quality programs that foster respectful and safe workplaces. For more information about ECI, please visit www.ethics.org Contact Details ECI Florence Sumaray +1 301-717-9063 florence@ethics.org Company Website https://www.ethics.org

April 14, 2021 03:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time

THE GREEN ROOM WITH JIMMY VIVINO PREMIERES 04/20

W And W Digital, LLC

Executive Producer Steve Gaçonnier at W And W Digital, LLC, discussed the announcement during a live broadcast from Dallas, Texas on Friday, April 9th, 4:20 pm 2021. “We are fortunate to have American guitar legend Jimmy Vivino as our host for this series. Who better to talk to musicians and industry titans then than someone that eats, breathes, sleeps and of course… plays music.”, Gaçonnier shared with a smile. Jimmy Vivino leads the BASIC CABLE BAND, the house band on the CONAN O’BRIEN SHOW and has played with everyone from Levon Helm to Ringo Starr. Tune in to Jimmy and company as he shares stories from The Green Room launching April 20, 2021 on WeedAndWhiskeyNews.com and on The Green Room’s You Tube channel April 21, 2021. Followed by a rebroadcast-on April 28th, 2021 as part of Willie Nelson’s Luck Summit benefiting High Holiday, which seeks to destigmatize, educate and promote cannabis culture in an informative and entertaining way. Jimmy explained his take on the talk show and why it’s called The Green Room, “The green room has a special place in my heart. I met a lot of people through the green room, I had a lot of great conversations… from BB King to Ringo Starr to Al Green to Bonnie Rait t to Gore Vidal, politicians, musicians, writers…" “In my experience of 28 years in television, more happens in the green room than happens on the air. When you work in television, people have 5 minutes… but in the green room more time is spent talking. We’d like to bring that atmosphere of the green room to this show. Where we’re not looking at a clock or a commercial coming up or anything, we’re just talking. We could be talking about anything. I could have Slash on there and we could talk about horror films for the whole time, so be ready." Executive Producer Steve Gaçonnier is producing the series along with Executive Producer Jerry Joyner of Weed And Whiskey News. A sneak peek at the first 3 guests include: DAVID FISHOF - MUSIC PRODUCER | FOUNDER OF ROCK & ROLL FANTASY CAMP Jimmy discusses with Fishof how he started in the business and his first gig. Fast forward to the impetus behind his Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp, American Gladiator, Ringo Starr and a few stories including Sammy Hagar and Roger Daltrey. SHEP GORDON - SUPER MENSCH Jimmy chats with Shep Gordon. Affectionately known as “SuperMensch”, Anthony Bordain said “Shep is the man who's done everything, been everywhere, and was at seemingly every important moment in musical and culinary history. Shep Gordon is a legend.” Gordon has been instrumental in bolstering the careers and brands for The Red Rocker, Sammy Hagar, Chef Emeril Lagasse, shock rocker, Alice Cooper. Involved in promoting Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Teddy Pendergrass, Ridley Scott, Mike Meyers, Helen Hunt, Michael Douglas, Mick Fleetwood and so many more. Shep is now a father with the birth of his son, Benjamin. We’ll learn how Shep has provided over 3 million meals to Maui’s hungry and his philosophy for success. DANNY ZELISKO – CONCERT PROMOTOR | FOUNDER OF EVENING STAR PRODUCTIONS | FORMER PRESIDENT & CHAIRMAN OF LIVE NATION SOUTHWEST Jimmy talks to Danny Zelisko about his focus on putting the right acts in the right places at the right time with the right ticket prices in order to maintain fun and excitement for audiences with artists like The Police, Cheap Trick, Pat Benatar, Talking Heads, KISS, Bon Jovi, No Doubt, Nirvana and Pink Floyd. Interviews with Elliot Easton of The Cars, Billy Gibbon s of ZZ Top, Slash and Lukas Nelson are currently in discussions. The weekly broadcast is free and will sustain the content through a non-traditional advertising and product placement model. “We are developing relationships with brands in the alcohol and cannabis space. Including spirits brands like Alcanna, Constellation Brands, Great Northern Distributors, Heineken & Molson Coors Brewing and cannabis brands like Apothecanna, Caviar Gold, Marley Natural and Willie’s Reserve. These brands are congruent with the lifestyle of our audience.”, shared Joyner. Weed And Whiskey News is a content distribution studio focusing on Cannabis, Whiskey, Music and the culture within. Their website, live streaming portal and social channels have developed series content including: Infused Kitchen, Miracles of Marijuana, Sips and Quips and The Green Room with Jimmy Vivino. Weed And Whiskey TV is an On-Demand TV Network, featuring original, highly-entertaining cannabis and spirit friendly programming. The vast majority of their original programming is only four minutes and 20 seconds in length and can be viewed on virtually any mobile device. Weed and Whiskey TV also streams curated music concerts, feature films, shows and Holiday specials. Twist one up, pour a whiskey...sit back, relax and enjoy Weed And Whiskey TV. It's TV with a Twist! W And W Digital, LLC is an entertainment and media holding concern headquartered in Dallas, Texas. W And W Digital owns and operates the streaming TV Network, Weed And Whiskey TV. In addition to licensed feature films and episodic series, W And W Digital created and produces the following episodic series. “DI High”, “Higher Than Space”, “History Written in Stoned,” “In Luck” (filmed at Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion that coincides with SXSW), “Paper Bartender”, “Trailer Talks”, “Tequila Shots” and recently launched Weed And Whiskey News.com. Contact Details Jerry Joyner +1 214-762-7101 info@weedandwhiskeynews.com Company Website https://www.weedandwhiskeynews.com

April 13, 2021 12:30 PM Central Daylight Time

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Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Barry Landowski Sparks Local Business Growth in Germantown, Wisconsin During COVID-19 Pandemic

Minuteman Press International Inc

As Barry Landowski begins his 30th year in business this month, the long-time owner of Minuteman Press in Germantown, WI has spent the past year leading the charge to support local businesses in his community. “The pandemic has created a close bond between all small business owners around here. We’re all in this together and we need to stick together. That’s the feeling I get. No one wants to see anyone fail.” Print is Essential Barry’s Minuteman Press franchise is an essential business providing critical printing, marketing, and direct mail services. “Because I’ve been a leader in the community for so long, I’ve had several owners asking how we are doing and telling me they need us. I’ve tried to be very compassionate with them and I tell them not to give up.” Because of his empathy as well as his ability to offer high-demand products and services, Minuteman Press in Germantown has continued to remain open and stay strong throughout the pandemic. “One of the smartest things I’ve done was triple our investment in Minuteman Press International’s internet marketing program. This year, we have received more requests and orders from companies I hadn’t heard of before. This was really helpful while everyone has been on lockdown, as buyers have found us online. We then work to turn them into satisfied clients who want to continue to do business with us.” To be in business for nearly 30 years, Barry has successfully adapted his business to meet the needs of his clients. “I listen, learn, and change with the times. My Minuteman Press franchise of 2021 is a different business from my shop in 1992. Based on Minuteman Press’ recommendations, I have diversified my products and services. We added a large format printer to produce signs and banners in-house as well as a dye sublimation system and an embroidery machine for custom apparel orders.” Barry continues, “We are now a certified USPS mailing center fulfilling bulk mailing and Every Door Direct Mail orders several times per week. These services are in high demand right now from our clients looking to reach out to their target customers, and we can do the entire project from custom design and printing to mailing.” He adds, “For several years, we have also been selling many different types of custom promotional products. There are so many different ways companies can benefit from branded items, and customers always like receiving a little something extra for free.” Barry also credits Minuteman Press International for supporting him all the years he has been in business including during the pandemic. “Minuteman Press is always there for me. This past year, we have had constant communications and additional resources to help us market our business. We have amazing vendor relationships with suppliers. Every time I attend the Minuteman Press World Expo, I come back with new ideas and ways to grow. Just when I think I know everything Minuteman Press gives me incredible advice or rolls out a new product and shows me why it’s important to always keep learning.” Owning a Business vs. Having a Job Barry reflects on his journey to entrepreneurship and his life before owning his own business. “In my prior life, I was on the corporate ladder. My last position was Corporate Director of Procurement for a billion dollar corporation. I was responsible for about $250 million in annual purchases. I simply got sick and tired of the toxic corporate culture so I decided that I’d rather work hard for myself and be my own boss.” He continues, “I had a pre-law degree but had no desire to go to law. I also had a real estate license but didn’t have the time to build an empire on my own. A friend and I went to a franchise show in Milwaukee in 1991. I didn’t like much of what I saw until I met with Minuteman Press. The wheels started turning and I liked the idea of printing. It’s simple to follow and everyone is a potential customer. I knew nothing about printing or running a business, and yet here I am 29 years later thanks to Minuteman Press.” “Barry Landowski has done a fantastic job with his Minuteman Press franchise in Germantown. He truly cares about his clients and today he continues to be a community leader and an inspiration to other local businesses,” says Steve Szymanski, Minuteman Press International Midwest Regional Vice President. Rewards & Advice to Others When asked about the rewards of owning his own business, Barry answers, “I’ve had some really good times and made some mistakes, but they were my mistakes and I got smarter and tougher when learning from them. My biggest reward has been the opportunity to work with my daughter for 2 years, my son for the past 15 years, and my brother for 25 years. I probably should have retired 7 years ago, but I love to come to work.” Barry adds, “As I’ve tried to illustrate, the support from Minuteman Press is the only way that I could have started up and continued to operate for the past 29 years. They have laid the foundation and provided ongoing support, programs, and advice on products, equipment, marketing and staffing. This has all been essential to my existence.” For people who ask Barry what it’s like to get started in business, he says, “Starting your own business is like cliff diving. You stand on the cliff looking down at all of the rocks below and it can seem scary. However, once you jump, never look back, and focus on what’s ahead of you.” He concludes, “Minuteman Press will give you everything you need to operate a successful business with the exception of one thing – work ethic. You’ve got to get that yourself.” For more information on Minuteman Press Germantown, Wisconsin, visit https://www.germantown.minutemanpress.com. Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

April 12, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Comcast RISE Awards An Additional 19 BIPOC-Owned, Small Businesses in Twin Cities with Marketing and Technology Resources and Makeovers

Comcast West Division

Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA) today announced the second round of Comcast RISE award recipients in the Twin Cities—19 businesses will receive consulting, media and creative production services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, or technology upgrades from Comcast Business, based on the specific needs. To date, the Twin Cities has announced 32 recipients including a diverse roster of small business, from Duck Donuts in Woodbury, The Zen Bin in Minneapolis, and The Creative Studio in St. Paul. The new Comcast RISE recipients in the Twin Cities include: AG on the Cut, St. Paul Alma Flor Ada Spanish Immersion Early Learning Academy, Woodbury Atrebla Early Learning Center, Minneapolis Big Cutz Barbershop, Columbia Heights Center for Communication & Development – KMOJ-FM, Minneapolis Cilantro Restaurant, Woodbury Cravings Wine Bar & Grille, Woodbury DFS Consultants LLC, St. Paul H & S Booking LLC, New Hope HercLÃ©on, St. Paul K & M Construction of MN LLC, Lake Elmo Lions Gym and Wellness Center, Robbinsdale Morris Services LLC, Minneapolis Premiere Staffing Group, St. Paul Queen Anna House of Fashion, Minneapolis The Black Threadist, Brooklyn Park The Pole Barn Studio LLC, Stillwater Urban Mass Media Group/BMA, Minneapolis Work of Art Barbershop & Shave, Robbinsdale Comcast RISE, which stands for “Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment,” focuses on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned, small businesses in the U.S., those hit hardest by the pandemic according to a recent study from the National Bureau of Economic Research. New applications are now open to eligible BIPOC-owned, small businesses through May 7, 2021 at www.ComcastRISE.com. “At a time when so many in our small business communities are struggling, it’s incredibly humbling to be able to give back and share our knowledge and resources with those hit hardest by the pandemic. We want to help our partners and communities rise,” said J.D. Keller, regional senior vice president, Comcast Twin Cities. “I could not be more pleased to be supporting the BIPOC community and continue this positive momentum.” “The past year has seen unprecedented challenges for our business community, especially for those small-to-medium size operations owned by BIPOC entrepreneurs,” said B Kyle, president and CEO, St. Paul Area Chamber. “That’s why we’re so pleased that Comcast is offering valuable support through Comcast RISE with marketing, advertising and technical expertise. We stand behind their efforts and encourage our local businesses to apply for this important program.” Comcast RISE provides the opportunity for BIPOC-owned, small businesses nationwide to apply for one or more of the following support focus areas: Marketing Services: The following services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, and its creative agency, Mnemonic, are designed to help recipients with their marketing and media campaigns, including: Media: A linear TV media campaign to run over a 90-day period. Creative Production: Turnkey:30 TV commercial production, plus a media strategy consultation and 90-day media placement schedule. Consulting: Advertising and marketing consultations with local Effectv marketing, research and creative teams to gain insights on how to drive business. Technology Makeovers: The state-of-the-art equipment and technology upgrade from Comcast Business includes computer equipment as well as Internet, Voice and Cybersecurity services for up to a 12-month period. (Taxes and other fees may still apply for technology makeover services.) Comcast RISE is part of a larger $100 million Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative that Comcast launched in 2020. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. About Comcast Business Comcast Business offers Ethernet, Internet, Wi-Fi, Voice, TV and Managed Enterprise Solutions to help organizations of all sizes transform their business. Powered by an advanced network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is one of the largest contributors to the growth of Comcast Cable. Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and has emerged as a force in the Enterprise market; recognized over the last two years by leading industry associations as one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services. For more information, call 866-429-3085. Follow on Twitter @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social. About Effectv Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, helps local, regional and national advertisers use the best of digital with the power of TV to grow their business. It provides multi-screen marketing solutions to make advertising campaigns more effective and easier to execute. Headquartered in New York with offices throughout the country, Effectv has a presence in 66 markets with nearly 35 million owned and represented subscribers. For more information, visit www.effectv.com. Contact Details Comcast Jill Hornbacher +1 651-425-1695 Jill_Hornbacher@comcast.com Comcast Dave Nyberg 651-341-6401 Dave_Nyberg@comcast.com Company Website https://twincities.comcast.com

April 08, 2021 10:00 AM Central Daylight Time

How Much Would Your Home Be Worth on Airbnb?

YourUpdateTV

As people are yearning to get out of the house and connect after months of pandemic-caused isolation, more prospective Airbnb Hosts are looking to benefit from this travel rebound. And now, those looking to join other new Airbnb Hosts can easily see their estimated monthly income from hosting. Recently, Christopher Nulty, Head of Global Public Affairs at Airbnb, teamed with YourUpdateTV on a satellite media tour to discuss the new tool and other travel trends. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/JYPG2N9GA90 According to recent consumer polling, there is pent-up demand for travel as people yearn to get out of the house and connect after months of pandemic-caused isolation, especially in light of new CDC guidance indicating that it is safe to travel once vaccinated. And travelers are seeking the kind of travel experiences Hosts can provide: Airbnb listings are better equipped to handle group travel than hotels, and visiting with family and friends is the type of travel people have missed the most. The ‘What's My Place Worth’ interactive tool computes the estimated income through inputs for geography, type of listing and space and factors in prior Airbnb booking data in the area. As demand for travelling increases, for those considering becoming a Host, the time to take advantage of this economic opportunity is now. For more information, visit Airbnb.com/host About Christopher Nulty: Christopher Nulty is Airbnb's Head of Global Public Affairs. Prior to joining Airbnb in 2015, Christopher led public relations for Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer. Christopher started his career in Washington, D.C., where he worked on Immigration and Healthcare Policy at the 2.2 million member Service Employees International Union (SEIU). A proud native of upstate New York, Christopher is a graduate of Colgate University where he currently serves as a director on the Alumni Council Board of Directors. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

April 06, 2021 04:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Velocity Global acquires iWorkGlobal to accelerate remote work and global expansion platform; receives $100M growth investment from FFL Partners

Velocity Global

Velocity Global, the leading provider of global expansion solutions, today announced its acquisition of iWorkGlobal, a wholly owned subsidiary of Gary D. Nelson and Associates, and a $100 million growth investment from private equity firm FFL Partners. The combined company, under the Velocity Global name, creates the largest U.S. domestic and global Employer of Record (EoR) and accelerates the future of remote work for companies around the world. The investment from FFL Partners, a firm focused on growth investments in middle market companies, will also be deployed by Velocity Global to support additional strategic acquisitions, technology development, and to further expand the company’s global footprint. “This strategic acquisition combines scale and expertise in a single platform for companies to employ top talent in another state or another country, quickly and compliantly,” said Ben Wright, Velocity Global founder and CEO. “We welcome the iWorkGlobal team, its clients, supported employees, and partners to the Velocity Global family at an inflection point for companies as we exit a pandemic that fundamentally removed the worker from the workplace.” “At iWorkGlobal, we viewed ourselves as a strategic partner to our clients and this outlook aligns with the ‘People First’ brand of Velocity Global,” said Jeff Phelps, iWorkGlobal co-founder and CEO. “Combining our strengths allows us to deliver complementary expertise, capabilities, and new geographies to clients and their supported employees in the U.S. and around the globe.” “As workforces have become more distributed, iWorkGlobal positioned itself as a leader in talent engagement solutions,” said Craig Nelson, Board Chairman of Gary D. Nelson and Associates. “It’s a testament to Jeff's leadership and the hard work and dedication of the iWorkGlobal team that Velocity Global proactively sought out this combination of market leaders." Expanded Services in Domestic U.S. and Globally Brands rely on Velocity Global’s expertise and global infrastructure to hire compliantly without the cost or complexity of setting up their own foreign legal entities or state registrations. As the Employer of Record, Velocity Global manages in-country and in-state compliance, payroll, and benefits for its clients’ supported employees. As a result of this transaction, Velocity Global expands its offering to include EoR services in all 50 United States in addition to its industry-leading EoR capabilities in more than 185 countries. The combined company also offers Independent Contractor Compliance to assess a workforce and Agent of Record (AoR) to streamline payments to contractors globally. Velocity Global’s platform combines these elements with a personalized customer experience, best-in-breed technology, and increased scale for companies to grow their remote workforce. Velocity Global now guides, counsels, and serves more than 700 brands and their 4,000 supported employees. Clients include small start-ups to enterprise businesses. The combined company has supported remote teams for hundreds of public companies with an aggregated market capitalization of more than $2 trillion, and private companies funded by more than $60 billion. “We serve as a single partner for a business to scale its remote workforce from one employee to multinational teams,” said Wright. “We have a global footprint that will grow to nearly 50 wholly-owned foreign legal entities in the most desired international markets by year’s end, and now in all 50 states, to enable companies to compliantly employ top remote talent across a state line or country border.” Market Growth The rapidly maturing global EoR and AoR industries are key drivers of the “future of work” or gig economy worth $4.5 trillion according to a 2020 report from Staffing Industry Analysts. The investment from FFL Partners will help ensure Velocity Global is able to not just meet demand, but extend its market leadership position. “We have all seen the nature of work evolve drastically over the past 12 months, and we are very excited to make this investment in Velocity Global, a pioneer in this space fast-tracking the future of work,” said Cas Schneller, FFL Managing Partner. “Velocity Global achieved a 400% organic growth rate over the past three years while maintaining disciplined financials and delivering an exceptional customer experience. We are confident FFL’s deep business services experience can help accelerate this remarkable success.” Combined Company Velocity Global welcomes 40 iWorkGlobal employees as part of the transaction, growing its team to approximately 300 employees worldwide. Ben Wright leads the company headquartered in Denver with regional headquarters in Amsterdam, Bogotá, and Singapore. The combined company operates additional regional offices in Bangalore, Dubai, London, Mexico City, São Paulo, and Toronto. Local Velocity Global employees in 16 countries contribute cultural and market knowledge for clients and a personalized supported employee experience. Maria Goyer joins the Velocity Global executive team as Chief Innovation Officer, reporting to Wright, after serving as senior vice president of Strategy for iWorkGlobal. She will drive strategic initiatives and innovative best practices across the organization to serve the growing global customer base. Goyer applies more than 20 years of industry and strategic expertise in the development of all aspects of Business Process Outsourcing, including pioneering work in the Managed Service Providers (MSP), Vendor Management Systems (VMS), payroll, and compliance industries through Software as a service (SaaS) applications for global contingent workforce programs. View Velocity Global leadership here. ABOUT VELOCITY GLOBAL Velocity Global accelerates the future of work beyond borders. Its platform enables businesses to employ remote teams and expand internationally through global expertise, best-in-breed technology, and scale. More than 700 brands rely on its Employer of Record model and infrastructure in 185 countries and all 50 United States to compliantly employ thousands of supported employees, access global talent, and grow revenue. Named a “Leader” in Global Employer of Record services by prominent analyst firm NelsonHall, Velocity Global is a strategic partner to its clients through additional comprehensive services including Immigration, Independent Contractor Compliance to assess a workforce, and Agent of Record (AoR) to streamline payments to contractors globally. Founded in 2014, the company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with regional headquarters in Amsterdam, Bogotá, and Singapore, with local employees in 16 countries. ABOUT FFL PARTNERS Founded in 1997, FFL Partners is a San Francisco-based private equity firm with over $4.5 billion under management. FFL pursues thematic investments in business services and healthcare services partnering with exceptional management teams where the firm's high engagement operating model and extensive network can help accelerate growth and unlock value. Growing our businesses has provided over 75% of the value created by FFL for its investors. For additional information please visit  www.fflpartners.com. Contact Details Velocity Global John Hall +1 720-650-4348 johnhall@velocityglobal.com For FFL Partners Kelly Holman +1 (646) 502-3509 KHolman@Stantonprm.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

April 06, 2021 05:30 AM Mountain Daylight Time

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