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Dunes Properties, the Charleston-based real estate and vacation rental agency, together with ARW&CO today announced the launch of their joint venture: lifestyle apparel brand Hampton Hemingway.

In the early '90s, Dunes Properties trademarked its iconic Adirondack chairs logo to capture the essence of a relaxed, luxurious culture, enjoying vacation time with friends and family from the Cape to the Keys. With Hampton Hemingway, Dunes and ARW&CO are now expanding the brand's reach by featuring the logo for their apparel and accessories venture.

"We're thrilled to share our lifestyle symbol with Hampton Hemingway, a brand encapsulating the joy and serenity of vacations with loved ones, and we're excited our brand will be an integral feature for Hampton Hemingway's casual, easy-to-wear clothing and accessories," said Randolph Walker, CEO of Dunes Properties.

Looking ahead, Hampton Hemingway plans to expand the product line to offer a wide range of apparel and accessories that capture the spirit of coastal vacations. The brand will also collaborate with local artists and designers to create exclusive collections to celebrate the unique charm and beauty of the East Coast.

For more information about Hampton Hemingway and its collection of apparel and accessories, please visit https://hamptonhemingway.com or @HamptonHemingway on Instagram.

Media Contact

Lynn Cabrera
info@hamptonhemingway.com

Hearst Newspapers today announced the acquisition of Puzzmo, a new collaborative puzzle games platform. The announcement was made by Hearst Newspapers President Jeffrey Johnson. 

Developed over the last three years by founders Zach Gage and Orta Therox, Puzzmo.com is the new place for thoughtful puzzles. The site will be the home of web-based versions of Gage’s award-winning puzzle games catalog, including Apple Arcade mainstays like SpellTower and new and exclusive releases beginning with FlipArt and Wordbind. Puzzmo will connect each game and every player with a unified system of points, achievements, social connections and multi-player modes never before seen in the puzzle games category, creating a sense of community. Gage and Therox will lead game development and technology for the platform at Hearst.   

"Zach and Orta are truly innovators, and we are thrilled to partner with them on the launch of Puzzmo," said Johnson. "Puzzmo brings all the challenges of traditional newspaper puzzles to a new level of design, collaboration and interactivity, and we believe they will become a daily habit for our readers across the country."

"Puzzmo’s design was inspired by traditional newspaper games. As an icon in the newspaper industry, we’re proud to have Hearst as our long-term partner," said Gage.

 

"The power, flexibility and scalability of what we’ve built makes it a smart choice for publishers, and we’re excited to reach so many players across Hearst’s audience," added Therox. 

 

Fan interest has been unprecedented since Puzzmo opened its waitlist on October 19, with aspiring Puzzmo users competing for one of just 500 daily access 'keys' to unlock the site. In just over a month, 100,000 puzzlers made over a million attempts to gain access to the site prior to launch, and to be able to purchase one of the brand’s coveted 'lifetime' subscriptions.

Hearst has begun rolling out Puzzmo to readers of more than 50 of its iconic brands, from the San Francisco Chronicle to Popular Mechanics to Hearst Television’s suite of local news apps and sites. The platform includes zero-code tools for publishers outside of Hearst’s network to tailor Puzzmo’s look and feel, settings, games and paywall to their unique needs. In addition to Hearst’s own properties, premium publishers including Vox Media's Polygon, Digg, theSkimm and more than 120 of Postmedia’s news brands across Canada are launching games sites on the Puzzmo platform.

Players everywhere can access the puzzles at Puzzmo.com and on Hearst Newspapers sites.

For Puzzmo's media kit, click here. For publisher inquires, email partner@puzzmo.com.

 

Hearst Newspapers is the operating group responsible for Hearst’s newspapers, local digital marketing services businesses and directories. With approximately 2,600 employees nationwide, Hearst Newspapers publishes 24 dailies and 52 weeklies, including the Houston Chronicle, Times Union (Albany, New York) and San Antonio Express-News. It also operates digital marketing services and directories businesses under the LocalEdge brand. 

 

Media Contact

Paul Luthringer
paul@hearst.com
212-649-2540

BuySellAds, a leading digital advertising platform, has been selected as the exclusive partner for Mozilla Developer Network's (MDN) native advertising program to handle sales and ad serving infrastructure. MDN, a renowned open-source documentation repository for developers, receives over 80 million monthly page views and has been a trusted web development resource since 2005. Through this partnership, BuySellAds will connect marketers with MDN's vast community of 17 million developers, offering unique advertising opportunities in a non-intrusive manner.

As the exclusive partner of MDN's ad inventory, BuySellAds will provide native, non-intrusive ad placements that seamlessly integrate with the MDN user experience. Early results from the partnership have been highly promising, with marketers experiencing engagement rates that exceed their expectations.

David 'DJ' Johnson, Product Marketing Manager at Vultr, shared, "Reaching Vultr’s core developer audience on Mozilla Developer Network through BuySellAds was simple thanks to their innovative content offerings, tailored support, and uniquely visible ad units. By the end of our first month, double-digit conversion rates from MDN were yielding quality leads and content engagements at a CPA far lower than search or social ads."

"BSA has been working with dev-focused marketers for over 15 years, which gives us unique insights into how brands can effectively connect with developer audiences," said Matthew Kammerer, Vice President of Sales at BuySellAds. "We're excited to expand our partnership with Mozilla to grow MDN's advertising program and help marketers reach developers in a trusted and engaging environment."

In addition to this partnership, BuySellAds owns Carbon Ads, an extensive native ad network specifically tailored to reach developers across more than 600 high-quality websites in the web design and development niche. Since 2008, BuySellAds has excelled in contextual advertising and has helped scale user acquisition for marketing teams and notable brands such as Slack, MongoDB, and Mailchimp, ensuring strategic ad placements that resonate with their target audience.

"The role of BuySellAds went beyond the confines of traditional advertising. They played a key role in developing a comprehensive, long-term strategy that prioritizes the integrity of the developer experience while also establishing viable revenue streams. This effort was grounded in our mutual commitment to creating a space where developers can find genuinely helpful tools. The early results we have seen affirm the strength of this strategic alliance. We are enthusiastic about the immediate benefits and equally focused on nurturing a sustainable, developer-focused advertising ecosystem through our ongoing collaboration with BuySellAds," said Hermina Condei, Director at MDN.

Brands interested in advertising with MDN can visit this page or contact Matthew Kammerer for more information.

About BuySellAds

At the intersection of top-tier brands and premium publishers, BuySellAds is reshaping the contextual advertising arena. Their extensive toolkit empowers advertisers to access a plethora of opportunities, ensuring impactful audience engagement. Publishers, in turn, are equipped with efficient strategies to monetize their digital assets, from websites to newsletters and podcasts. Explore more at buysellads.com.

Media Contact

Matthew Kammerer

Today, The Dog Guide San Antonio, the city's premier resource for dog owners, proudly announces the debut of The Pup Pint Pass. Priced at $50, this passport-sized booklet unlocks exclusive discounts at over a dozen dog-friendly breweries, bars, and draft beer-serving restaurants throughout San Antonio. For a full year, dog owners can relish in over $1,500 worth of free beer and discounts at each partner establishment with every visit. Notably, 10% of each pass sold will contribute to supporting the local rescue organization, Footbridge Foundation.

The Pup Pint Pass is currently on presale, with a festive pickup party scheduled at Idle Beer Hall and Brewery on Tuesday, December 12, from 6–8 p.m.

This launch marks a pivotal moment for San Antonio dog owners, offering a unique opportunity to explore the city's vibrant dog-friendly scene. The pass not only indulges dog owners with exclusive discounts and complimentary beer but also champions the local community by contributing to the well-being of pets through the Footbridge Foundation.

Looking forward, The Dog Guide San Antonio envisions expanding their offerings and partnerships to provide even greater value to dog owners. Their commitment to enhancing the overall experience for dog owners in San Antonio remains unwavering, as they continue to offer comprehensive resources, exclusive deals, and opportunities to give back to the community.

For more information about The Pup Pint Pass and The Dog Guide San Antonio, please visit https://dogfriendlysanantonio.com/puppintpass.

About The Dog Guide San Antonio

The Dog Guide San Antonio serves as the ultimate resource for dog owners in the Alamo City. Providing comprehensive information on dog-friendly establishments, events, and services, their mission is to create a thriving and welcoming environment for dogs and their owners in San Antonio.

'Tis the season for festive cheer, and there’s no better way to spread joy than by giving the gift of pleasure, according to Dr. Deb Laino, board-certified clinical sexologist, relationship therapist, and life coach.

“As the holiday season approaches, more people have time off, which allows for increased opportunities to connect with partners in both intimate and playful ways," says Dr. Deb Laino. "From sensual card games to adventurous toys to meaningful conversation, there's an array of exciting options to turn up the heat this December."

Dr. Deb Laino shares the following tips for creating memorable moments during the holiday season:

Naughty Stocking Stuffers: Elevate the excitement with carefully chosen adult toys. My top recommendations include the Trojan Tandem Ring for couples and the Trojan Bullet for personal pleasure. Pair these with Trojan H₂O Sensitive Touch water-based lube, safe for use with condoms like Trojan Bareskin Raw and Bareskin Latex Free, as well as most adult toys.

Consensual Gifting: Ensure that both you and your partner are on the same page by having open communication about desires and boundaries. Pleasuring one another can be the greatest gift of all, but consent is the foundation for a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Explore Together: Dive into a world of shared fantasies and desires. Consider reading sensual literature together by the fire, exploring audio or visual content or attending a playful performance to ignite the spark between you and your partner.

Set the Mood: Dim the lights, take a bath together, massage each other, and relax into the holiday romance and excitement. This can really help to keep couples connected and present so they can explore together. Think of it as the "pre-game."

Plan Your Own After-Party: After the unwrapping, consider engaging in aftercare to ensure a positive and intimate experience. This may involve sharing a moment, enjoying a relaxing activity, or simply basking in the afterglow together.

"The holidays are a great time to re-connect with your partner, spend time having rich discussions about intimacy, and introducing some fun new ideas into your sexual exploration," added Dr. Laino. "After all, pleasure can be the best form of holiday stress relief!"

About Dr. Deb Laino

Dr. Deb Laino is a board-certified clinical sexologist, relationship therapist, life coach, and health advocate with over 20 years of experience. She is a professor at Jefferson University and Wilmington University and is a AASECT-certified sexuality educator and a board-certified clinical sexologist by the American College of Sexologists and the American Board of Sexology. Dr. Laino holds a doctorate degree in human sexuality, a master's degree in psychology, and a master's degree in education. She serves on the board of directors for BeBalanced Hormone Weight Loss Centers and Sweetlife Diabetes Health Centers.

For more information on Dr. Deb Laino, please visit https://www.yoursexdoc.com.

Media Contact

Jamie Rothfeld

Signal Partners, a nationwide search firm serving private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies, today announced that Loran Fredric has joined the firm as Partner and will lead the firm’s Austin office.  In this role, Loran will oversee the firm’s Digital Transformation practice, serving  private equity-backed digital transformation companies and overseeing digital transformation talent initiatives across sectors. 

Loran brings unique experience as both a corporate entrepreneur and a talent service provider.  Prior to Signal, he served as a Partner and Director at BCG Digital Ventures and built a business from scratch over three years.  In addition to building out management teams for BCG clients, he also worked on digital transformation engagements.  

“Loran is a perfectionist when it comes to executing searches and talent initiatives for private equity firms and their companies.  He has that rare combination of commercial acumen and intense project management skills that keeps his clients coming back”, says Managing Partner, Kit Cooper. 

Before joining BCG, Loran led Executive Recruiting for Google’s Global Partnerships & Business Development organization, including for Area 120, Google’s internal accelerator and incubator, as well as extensive work hiring leadership team for Google Health and within YouTube.

Loran holds an MBA from UCLA and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Harvard University. He is also fully proficient in Mandarin Chinese.

Media Contact

Kit Cooper

Park Slope Cleaning, a leading provider of commercial cleaning and janitorial services for establishments in Brooklyn, Manhattan & Queens, proudly announces its recent achievement of the Minority and Woman-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Certification from the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS).

This prestigious certification validates Park Slope Cleaning's commitment to diversity and inclusion in the business community. The M/WBE Certification recognizes businesses owned and operated by minority and women entrepreneurs, promoting equal opportunities and economic growth. By obtaining this certification, Park Slope Cleaning demonstrates its dedication to providing exceptional services while also fostering diversity in the cleaning industry.

With the M/WBE Certification, Park Slope Cleaning solidifies its position as a trusted and reliable partner for commercial cleaning needs in Brooklyn, Manhattan & Queens. The company has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality cleaning services that meet the unique needs of various establishments, including offices, retail spaces, schools, and medical facilities. By combining industry expertise, state-of-the-art equipment, and eco-friendly practices, Park Slope Cleaning ensures a clean and healthy environment for its clients.

Looking ahead, Park Slope Cleaning aims to expand its operations and reach more establishments in the New York City area. The company plans to leverage its M/WBE Certification to forge partnerships with government agencies, educational institutions, and large corporations that prioritize diversity and inclusion in their procurement processes. By actively seeking new opportunities and collaborations, Park Slope Cleaning aims to contribute to the economic growth of the community while delivering top-notch cleaning services.

For more information about Park Slope Cleaning and its comprehensive range of commercial cleaning and janitorial services, please visit https://www.parkslopecleaning.com.

About Park Slope Cleaning

Park Slope Cleaning is a leading commercial cleaning company based in New York City. Renowned for its commitment to excellence and client satisfaction, Park Slope Cleaning provides a comprehensive range of cleaning services tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses in the New York City area.

Media Contact

Diana Ciechorska

Puzzmo Media Advisory

What is Puzzmo?

Puzzmo is the new place for thoughtful puzzles online created by Zach Gage and Orta Therox in partnership with Hearst.

They are part of a puzzle-based scavenger hunt in NYC put on by Puzzmo, Hearst, and renowned game designer Zach Gage. 

Puzzmo.com is currently locked, but for the past month puzzlers all over the world have been competing for a chance to play before it launches and purchase a coveted "lifetime" subscription. Anyone able to locate one of the news racks will find a "key" inside in the form of a one-of-a-kind printed puzzle. The solution to the puzzle is your unique code to get into Puzzmo early and—if you like what you see—purchase one of a limited number of the site’s “lifetime” subscriptions. 

In front of Hearst Tower, The New York Public Library, and The Metropolitan Museum … but they could move so stay tuned for updates from @puzzmotoday on X.

Puzzmo is the home of new, web-based versions of Zach Gage’s award-winning puzzle games catalogue as well as an ambitious pipeline of new and exclusive releases coming soon. A true gaming platform, Puzzmo connects games and players with a unified system of points, achievements, social connections and multiplayer modes never seen in the category. 

In the past month over 100,000 puzzlers have tried to get into Puzzmo by completing challenges and solving puzzles for a coveted "key."

Click here to access Puzzmo's media kit.

Hearst Newspapers is the operating group responsible for Hearst’s newspapers, local digital marketing services businesses and directories. With approximately 2,600 employees nationwide, Hearst Newspapers publishes 24 dailies and 52 weeklies, including the Houston Chronicle, Times Union (Albany, New York) and San Antonio Express-News. It also operates digital marketing services and directories businesses under the LocalEdge brand.

Paul Luthringer
paul@hearst.com
212-649-2540

Scope Zero, creators of the Carbon Savings Account™ for home technology and personal transportation upgrades, recently gained additional funding from HearstLab, an investment arm of Hearst Corporation focused exclusively on supporting and scaling women-led technology startups.

The Carbon Savings Account™ (CSA) increases the affordability and accessibility of home technology and personal transportation upgrades that reduce employees’ utility bills, fuel spend, and carbon footprint. The CSA lowers the upfront costs of upgrades with employer matches and referral discounts from vendors on CSA’s marketplace. For employers, the CSA measures, reports, and facilitates awareness and reduction of “Scope 3” work-from-home and commute emissions.

In the U.S., residential energy consumption and personal vehicle use emit a combined 2.3 billion tons of carbon each year. Scope Zero’s mission is to reduce US residential utility bills and personal fuel spend by $300 billion per year and remove the emissions equivalent of 150 million cars from the road.

Scope Zero previously won a $100,000 investment from HearstLab at their San Antonio pitch event for female founders, Pitch HearstLab Texas, as a part of San Antonio Startup Week in October. This second investment not only supplies Scope Zero with additional funding, but also unlocks more expansive access to support services from HearstLab and Hearst’s 360+ business divisions.

 

Scope Zero’s Co-founder and CEO Lizzy Kolar holds a master’s degree in sustainable design engineering from Stanford University and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from West Virginia University. Lizzy developed her expertise in residential utility consumption as an engineer at Ameresco, where she designed cost-effective energy and water efficiency upgrades for military base housing across the U.S. Co-founder and COO Kaitlin Highstreet also holds a master’s degree in sustainable design engineering from Stanford University and a bachelor’s degree in business economics from UCLA. Kaitlin developed her expertise in employee benefits working in operations at Guideline, a 401(k) fintech startup.

“This collaboration with HearstLab is a significant step in advancing our mission of enhancing financial and environmental wellness for both individuals and corporations,” said Highstreet. “We’re thrilled to work with the HearstLab team, and we are grateful for their immense support.”

 

“Having worked with Lizzy and Scope Zero through both Pitch HearstLabU and Pitch HearstLab Texas, our conviction has only grown stronger that this is a brilliant team building a much-needed solution,” said Lisa Burton, VP of HearstLab. “Lizzy and Kaitlin are bridging environmental awareness and financial health in a way that's a win for employees, employers, and the planet.”

Scope Zero created the Carbon Savings Account™ (CSA). Think health savings account, but for home technology and personal transportation upgrades that foster employee financial wellness and corporate ESG. For employees, the CSA increases the affordability and accessibility of upgrades that reduce their utility bills, fuel spend, and carbon footprint. The CSA lowers the upfront costs of upgrades with employer matches and referral discounts from CSA marketplace vendors. For employers, the CSA measures, reports, and reduces scope 3 work-from-home and commute emissions. The CSA addresses the annual 2.3 billion tons of carbon emissions from U.S. residential energy consumption and personal vehicle use. Learn more at Scope-Zero.com.

HearstLab provides cash investments and services to early-stage, women-led startups innovating across fintech, data analytics, health, transportation, enterprise technology and media. Its mission is to close the gap in VC funding for women by helping founders build sustainable and highly scalable businesses. With access to Hearst resources across 360+ businesses, HearstLab’s breadth of services includes assistance with privacy and security, software development, legal services, financial analysis, and marketing and design support. To learn more about HearstLab, visit HearstLab.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.

PairUp, the AI-meets-human-powered workplace super-connector that accelerates knowledge sharing and collaboration recently gained funding from HearstLab, an investment arm of Hearst Corporation focused exclusively on supporting and scaling women-led technology startups.

The global shift toward remote and hybrid workforces has increased the barriers for employee interactions, making it more difficult for team members to build connections, acquire knowledge, and share new information. While many companies host their own repositories of institutional knowledge and best practices, these remain largely untapped due to the limitations of conventional documentation tools and the segregation of information across company divisions.

At the same time, advancements in AI have made mapping and connecting vast amounts of data possible, while Large Language Models (LLMS) allow everyday users to query AI-models in natural language.

PairUp’s B2B enterprise SaaS platform leverages the power of AI in conjunction with human expertise to facilitate knowledge exchange among employees, foster valuable connections, and enhance overall organizational efficiency. At its core, PairUp allows any employee to ask a question in a private chat and automatically get matched with the person within an organization best suited to solve their problem.

CEO Dr. Emily Harburg co-founded PairUp in 2022, inspired by research she did while completing her PhD at Northwestern at the intersection of Technology & Social Behavior. Emily’s background spans industry, startups, and academia. She has worked at Walt Disney Imagineering where she designed technology for the Disney theme parks, at Facebook (Meta) where she worked as a UX researcher, and at EF Education First where she led the Emerging Tech and Innovation team designing tech to support millions of students around the world. In 2015, Emily co-founded Brave Initiatives, an organization dedicated to helping women build tech skills and confidence in coding for social impact. In addition to her PhD, Emily has a B.A. in Psychology and Anthropology from Harvard.

Andy Garvin is the CTO and Co-Founder of PairUp. He has spent 10+ years working in startups in technical roles. Prior to joining PairUp, Andy worked at Kaizen Health, a healthcare transportation startup, as a senior software engineer. Prior to that, he spent four years at CareSignal, a recently exited remote patient monitoring startup, as a software engineer and product engineer. Andy attended Washington University in St. Louis before leaving to pursue building his own company and working at startups.

"The entrepreneurial journey is not meant to be done alone, and we feel grateful to have the opportunity to grow PairUp alongside the talented community at HearstLab,” said Harburg. “At PairUp, we are working to reimagine the way people collaborate and connect at work, and we feel honored to get to learn from the vast expertise, insight, and institutional knowledge available across the departments at Hearst. We look forward to helping shape the future beside this impactful community of doers, creators, and leaders.”

“A key part of HearstLab is our Scout network, a group of over 180 women executives and subject matter experts across Hearst,” said Lisa Burton, Vice President of HearstLab. “We are always iterating to improve how we match Scouts with founders and their business needs, so our team immediately saw the value of PairUp. We've since seen that this problem isn't unique to us and that the solution Emily and her team have built has broad applicability to increase connectivity and knowledge-sharing across many different types of organizations.”

 

Workplace knowledge sharing is difficult and costly – the average employee spends 8 hours a week looking for answers to questions. PairUp is a B2B SaaS platform that utilizes AI to accelerate workplace knowledge sharing by mapping employee knowledge and leveraging internal expert networks within each company. PairUp saves organizations thousands of hours by breaking down silos and increasing the cross-pollination of knowledge across teams. PairUp's suite of services integrate seamlessly within a team's current workflow. PairUp has had the opportunity to serve employees at corporations like CVS, Motorola, and beyond. Learn more at pairupapp.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.

 

HearstLab provides cash investments and services to early-stage, women-led startups innovating across fintech, data analytics, health, transportation, enterprise technology and media. Its mission is to close the gap in VC funding for women by helping founders build sustainable and highly scalable businesses. With access to Hearst resources across 360+ businesses, HearstLab’s breadth of services includes assistance with privacy and security, software development, legal services, financial analysis, and marketing and design support. To learn more about HearstLab, visit HearstLab.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Michael Maerlender
michael.maerlender@hearst.com

Genii Earth, a leader in transformational consulting for global enterprises, proudly announces the selection of its CEO and co-founder, Billy Afghan, as a presenter and panel moderator at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai, scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 12, 2023.

In the Blue Zone, Ms. Afghan will lead a presentation and moderate a discussion centered on the strategic utilization of capacity building and multilateral collaboration to strengthen National Adaptation Plans. This session emphasizes the urgent need to exchange innovative ideas, escalate impactful initiatives, and unify climate efforts on a national scale.

On a second panel, Ms. Afghan will facilitate an intergenerational dialogue on unlocking finance for a just and equitable energy transition. The goal of this session is to amplify the diversity of voices and experiences among young professionals from developed, developing, and least developed countries, identifying capacity-building gaps and needs, and proposing solutions for addressing those gaps.

Ms. Afghan emphasizes the urgency of these conversations, stating, "Our global leadership capacities are no longer a match for the challenges we face. We need new norms of working, where multigenerational collaborations bring ideas to the table and, together, we move with courage to bring them to life."

Addressing the leadership challenges of the energy transition, Will Hewett, Founding Partner of Genii Earth, will facilitate discussions at COP28 on developing new capacities, mindsets, and strategies for organizations committed to having every dimension of their work generate a net-positive impact on people and the planet.

Hewett notes, "This is one of the most exciting and daunting times to step up and lead. The leaders who will be most effective in the coming decades will be those who get real about the interwoven nature of work today and who are able to rapidly shift fundamental aspects of the way their work is done.”

About Genii Earth

Genii Earth offers coaching, convening, and capacity building for leaders and organizations that are pioneering a way to work where people and planet thrive.

Because the Earth needs leaders who can change the game.

Media Contact

Elyse Knudsen: elyseknudsen@geniiearth.com
Laurie Brunner: lauriebrunner@geniiearth.com

Tara Nolan, a NYC and Caribbean based founder and consultant specializing in sustainability marketing and conscious entrepreneurship, announced today that her signature online course—the Conscious Growth Academy—is offering a Giving Tuesday sale for conscious and creative entrepreneurs and executives. The sale includes one seat in the program, plus one seat which participants can also gift to a friend, a 60-minute 1:1 personal brand strategy workshop, and a $100 discount off the program—all for $897 (total value of $2,745). The Conscious Growth Academy pre-sale runs from November 20 to November 23, including extra perks for those that sign up. The official launch begins on November 28 and will run through December 1, 2023.

This special Giving Tuesday sale provides a unique opportunity for conscious and creative entrepreneurs and executives to access the valuable resources and guidance offered by the Conscious Growth Academy and its creator, Tara Nolan. Nolan, has single-handedly scaled upwards to half a million dollars worth of earned media, including speaking roles and features in outlets such as Forbes, Thrive, Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Inc., Business Insider, Sustainable Brands and more, while also growing a cross platform audience of 30,000. As a result of her exposure, she has been able to develop her dream business remotely, generating a healthy six figures from her "second home" in St. Barts. 

The Conscious Growth Academy is designed to help individuals get unstuck and embrace the flow of living an authentic, purpose-driven life in 30 days or less. Nolan reveals her tips and tricks throughout her 15-year career as an global PR and business development executive for the world's top media and advertising holding company agencies as well as strategies developed in her influencer era, working with brands including Belvedere Vodka, SAP, Amazon Studios, and more. Further, a mindfulness practice is woven throughout the curriculum to give students depth beyond business, based on Nolan's spiritual studies and certifications in both yoga and meditation.

By participating in the program, individuals can gain the knowledge and skills needed to lead their personal brands with deeper meaning and purpose, while creating a roadmap for the next professional phase of their life. The 1:1 coaching element adds a bespoke touch in addition to a gifting opportunity this season. Nolan's goal is to empower conscious entrepreneurs to make a positive impact in the world while achieving success in their businesses.

Tara Nolan and the Conscious Growth Academy are committed to promoting sustainability and fostering a conscious approach to business. With headquarters in NYC and St. Barts, the company strives to guide brands towards sustainable practices that align with their values and inspire positive change.

Looking towards the future, Nolan plans to expand the course offerings in 2024 with a module: How to Master AI as a Creative & Conscious Entrepreneur (a perk for those that book during the pre-sale). Further, Nolan's plans include business development given her presence in St. Barts moving into 2024, focused on sustainable luxury and building brands in niche markets with global appeal.

For more information on the Conscious Growth Academy and the Giving Tuesday sale, please visit Tara K. Nolan at https://taraknolan.com/cga and follow @taraknolan on Instagram or @taranolan on TikTok.

Media Contact

Tara Nolan
tara@taraknolan.com

Today, to make a positive impact and address the pressing needs of people living in shelters, the Taconic Innovations Day Habilitation Without Walls Program, on behalf of the Taconic Innovations Foundation, distributed warm clothes to a shelter located in Mount Vernon, NY.

Taconic Innovations recognizes the importance of community support, especially during challenging times. By organizing the Sweaters for Shelters Drive, we aim to contribute to the well-being of individuals in our community facing adversities.

We extend our deepest and sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in the Sweaters for Shelters initiative. Through collective efforts, we can create a positive impact and make a difference in the lives of those in our communities who are less fortunate.

Taconic Innovations is committed to fostering community inclusion and compassion. Please join us in our mission to bridge the gap to independence for those who come to us for services and support and those facing challenging circumstances in our communities. We will continue our efforts to build a community where everyone feels loved and cared for because everyone deserves the opportunity to realize their dreams.

Taconic Innovations provides:

For more information about Taconic Innovations, visit: https://www.taconicinnovations.com

Media Contact

Mathias Oni-Eseleh, Jr.
Director of Strategy and Innovations

Leap Years, a trailblazer in NAD+ supplements for dogs, is excited to announce the #TakeTheLeap campaign which urges people to open their hearts and homes to aging dogs over 5 years old in honor of Senior Pet Adoption Month. For those who #TakeTheLeap (and provide proof of adoption), Leap Years will send a free month of their innovative, clinically proven daily chewable supplement which works at the cellular level to slow down aging in dogs, enhancing vitality, activity, and cognitive function.

“Senior dogs only have a 25% adoption rate as compared to 60% for younger dogs and are at greater risk of health issues or euthanasia,” says Dr. Ginny Rentko, Chief Veterinary Medical Officer at Leap Years. “Leap Years is committed to ensuring dogs lead healthier, happier lives. That is why we are encouraging people to take the leap and adopt a senior dog as a part of our mission to redefine the way we care for aging dogs.”

To further support pet owners in their commitment to their dogs' well-being, Leap Years is offering a 50% discount on the first month of the subscription using the code TRYLY50 at checkout. This limited-time promotion allows more pet parents to experience the transformative benefits of Leap Years' NAD+ supplement.

 

“The human-animal bond runs deep, especially as dogs age. Our goal with #TakeTheLeap is to celebrate these connections and encourage second chances,” says Dr. Rentko.

 

Leap Years invites everyone to visit leapyears.com for more information on the #TakeTheLeap campaign, how to get your free bottle and the innovative ways the brand is changing the aging game for dogs.

 

For more information, visit: https://leapyears.com.

 

About Leap Years

Leap Years is dedicated to enhancing the lives of dogs through its innovative Daily Chewable Supplement System. Clinically tested and proven, Leap Years' formula works at the cellular level to slow the physical and cognitive signs of aging in dogs, bringing more engagement, vitality, and mental fitness to our beloved pets.

Media Contact

Arianna Finger
arianna@gcw.agency

Today, an alliance of industry leaders, scientists, academics, and advocates formally announced the formation of The Kratom Coalition (TKC), a nonprofit organization to advance kratom science and global regulations to ensure that consumers worldwide have access to safe kratom and kratom products. TKC aims to advance regulatory policy and advocate for the industry’s business interests as well as consumer interests on a global scale.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, where its leaves have long been used as a mood booster, energy enhancer, and mild pain reliever. Indonesia supplies approximately 95% of kratom consumed globally and its cultivation supports the livelihoods of more than 250,000 Indonesian farmers.

Although kratom has a long history of safe use in Southeast Asia, and millions of people around the world—including veterans, pain patients, and those with mental health needs—say that kratom helps relieve stress, pain, and symptoms of opioid withdrawal (among other uses), there is still much that is not known about kratom from scientific and consumer perspectives. Many misconceptions, based on myth and outdated science, have held back regulatory reform that would allow consumers to access safe and responsibly manufactured kratom products.

In 2021, when the World Health Organization considered making kratom a controlled substance at the international level, the WHO's Expert Committee on Drug Dependence concluded that there was “insufficient evidence to recommend a critical review of kratom” or its main psychoactive alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.

"It is our goal to enhance knowledge and understanding of kratom, a botanical that millions of Americans, and millions more globally, consume to maintain their general wellness and live better lives," said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director, The Kratom Coalition. "Using reliable facts and research, responsible industry players and other experts will make clear kratom’s benefits and common-sense regulations for sourcing, manufacturing, labeling, and dosing."

That is why education and supporting the development of kratom science is central to TKC’s mission, which is to empower individuals worldwide with access to safe and responsibly sourced kratom products by advancing scientific research and sensible regulation.

TKC operates on five key values:

To learn more about The Kratom Coalition, visit https://www.thekratomcoalition.org or follow on Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter).

Media Contact

Matthew Lowe

+27 76 424 6177

United Children's Music Project (UCMP) is thrilled to announce Brenda Feliciano and Paquito D'Rivera as its distinguished honorees for "A Night on the Hudson," on Wednesday, November 29 at 7 p.m. at Weehawken’s Chart House (1700 Harbor Boulevard).

"This year, we are so proud to honor multiple GRAMMY Award winners Brenda Feliciano and Paquito D'Rivera, two extraordinary artists whose commitment to music has made a profound impact around the world," said Melina Garcia, Founder and Executive Director of UCMP.

"Brenda Feliciano, a prominent figure in the music industry and two-time Grammy award winner, is a great inspiration to our young musicians," said UCMP founder Garcia. 

Born in Puerto Rico, Ms. Feliciano is a gifted singer/actress who has performed in theater and classical and jazz music. Along with husband Paquito D’Rivera, Feliciano received GRAMMY Awards for Best Latin Jazz Album ("Song for Maura" and "Panamericana Suite"). Feliciano performed and was associate/executive producer on many of D'Rivera recordings. She is the Vice President of Greenbug Productions and has managed D'Rivera’s career for decades. Feliciano is also on the Board of Trustees of WBGO Radio.

"World-renowned saxophonist/clarinetist and composer Paquito D'Rivera is not only a distinguished artist uniquely mixing Latin jazz and classical music," said Garcia, "but also an advocate for the transformative power of music in young lives."

The Cuban-born bandleader and resident of North Bergen, NJ is a 15-time GRAMMY winner and founding member of the legendary GRAMMY-winning Cuban ensemble, Irakere. Seeking asylum from Cuba while on tour with Irakere in Spain, D'Rivera came to the U.S., Dizzy Gillespie invited him to perform with his United Nations Orchestra—and the rest is history. Throughout his career, D'Rivera has recorded and performed with a who’s who of jazz, Latin, and classical greats, including Gloria Estéfan, Yo-Yo Ma, Lalo Schifrin, Herbie Mann, Tito Puente, McCoy Tyner, Nancy Wilson, and many others. D'Rivera is the recipient of countless awards including the 2005 National Medal of the Arts, a Jazz Masters Award from the National Endowment for the Arts, and a 2022 Latin Grammy Trustees Award.

"Recognizing Brenda Feliciano and Paquito D'Rivera is a perfect match for UCMP," said Garcia. "They are both New Jersey treasures and their presence will serve as a source of inspiration for the children and families we serve."

Since 2012, UCMP has provided Hudson County children and youth with access to low-cost orchestral and choral music education, free instruments, and invaluable performance opportunities in the NJ/NY metropolitan area.

"A Night on the Hudson" will celebrate UCMP's 11-year journey and its profound impact on the lives of countless urban Hudson County kids. During an evening featuring live music, a breathtaking view of Manhattan's sparkling skyline, delectable hors d'oeuvres, and drinks, attendees will also enjoy performances by UCMP's Chamber Orchestra and surprise musical guests. UCMP thanks Ponce Bank for being a generous Bronze Sponsor of this annual fundraiser.

To buy tickets and for event details, please visit www.ucmusicproject.org.

About United Children's Music Project (UCMP)

United Children’s Music Project (UCMP) is a nonprofit organization that has been instrumental in transforming the lives of underserved children and youth in Hudson County through the power of music.  For more information about UCMP, please visit www.ucmusicproject.org.

Media Contact

Judith Bro

201-228-0341

The National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association (NHCAA) has announced that Robert Mays, Staff Vice President for the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) at Elevance Health, has been elected chair of the NHCAA Board of Directors for 2024. The election took place during the Annual Business Meeting of NHCAA’s Membership Forum on November 6, 2023. Mays will succeed Jonnie Massey, Senior Director of the Special Investigations Unit at Blue Shield of California as Board Chair on January 1, 2024.

Commenting on the election of Mays, NHCAA Chief Executive Officer Louis Saccoccio said, “Bob has been a determined and tireless champion of NHCAA for many years. His enthusiasm for anti-fraud work is infectious and seemingly boundless. He shares his knowledge and expertise freely, benefiting a generation of our field’s newest anti-fraud professionals. His work as a faculty member for both NHCAA’s Annual Boot Camp program and the AHFI Prep Course is essential to those programs’ success. The Association will be in very good hands as we enter the year ahead.”

Bob Mays joined the NHCAA Board of Directors in September 2016, assuming a vacated Board seat. In the interceding seven years he has demonstrated proven leadership on the Board. His participation in NHCAA’s strategic planning  process in 2017 and again in 2020, was vital. Mays knows NHCAA well, and his lens toward innovation helped to clearly envision NHCAA’s future. 

Mays has served as a speaker at dozens of NHCAA programs and events, beginning in 2006.  His passion for anti-fraud education and the advancement of the profession is undeniable. He has also served on many NHCAA committees, often as Chair. Examples include the Anti-Fraud Management Survey Committee, the Accreditation Committee, the AHFI Practice Analysis Advisory Committee, the Education & Training Committee, and the Annual Training Conference Planning Committee.

In his role with Elevance, Mays leads more than 550 associates investigating medical and pharmacy fraud, waste, and abuse (FWA) in support of the company’s Commercial, Medicaid, and Medicare business. With three decades of management experience, he advances excellence in operational execution with a range of innovative strategies that leverage data mining and analytic capabilities in the detection and prevention of health care fraud.

The Elevance SIU, led by Mays, conducts thousands of investigations annually, protecting company assets, its membership of affiliate health plans, and federal, state, and commercial clients. Under his leadership, multiple fraud investigative teams were consolidated, resulting in a 470% increase in savings for the company.

Before joining Elevance Health, Bob was a consultant to health care payers on fraud operations, advising how to lead multi-site operations, run large teams, and manage multi-million-dollar budgets. Prior to his work in the health care arena, Mays spent 20 years in law enforcement and retired as the Deputy Chief of Police for the Dover, Delaware Police Department. During his tenure there, he oversaw all aspects of the department including coordination of joint operations with the DEA, FBI, IRS, ATF, and U.S. Secret Service.

In addition to serving on the NHCAA Board of Directors, Mays sits on the National Antifraud Association Board (NAAB), as well as on the Executive Board of the Healthcare Fraud Prevention Partnership (HFPP).
 
Mays received his Master of Science in Public Administration from Wilmington University and earned his bachelor’s degree from Delaware State University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and is active with its non-profit organization—the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA). He has earned his Accredited Healthcare Fraud Investigator (AHFI) designation from NHCAA, is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and a recipient of the FBI Directors Award for distinguished public service in health care fraud.

The election of Bob Mays as NHCAA Board Chair was announced in conjunction with NHCAA’s Annual Training Conference in Dallas, Texas, held November 6-9, 2023. The Annual Training Conference is the premier event recognized as the nation's leading health care anti-fraud forum for more than 1,200 public- and private-sector health care anti-fraud professionals.

About the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association

Founded in 1985, the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association is the leading national organization focused exclusively on the fight against health care fraud and abuse. NHCAA’s members comprise more than 90 private health insurers and more than 250 public-sector law enforcement and regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over health care fraud.

Media Contact

Leigh McKenna

The Kratom Coalition, along with the Indonesian Kratom Farmers Association and the American Kratom Association, commends Indonesian President Joko Widodo for meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday, November 14th, where President Widodo made an appeal to President Biden to maintain the free trade of kratom shipped from Indonesia to the United States as a part of the trade discussions between the two countries.

The meeting comes on the heels of General TNI (Ret.) Dr. Moeldoko formally asking the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to lift Import Alert 54-15, which broadly restricts the shipment of kratom from Indonesia to the United States. The alert constitutes a proxy ban on the substance, harming not just U.S. consumers but Indonesian farmers, their families, and the environment.

Kratom and its harvesting support the livelihood of more than 250,000 Indonesian farmers, most of whom live in remote areas in the Borneo rainforest where there are no other options for earning a living. An examination of economic alternatives to replace kratom farming (prompted by persistent threats like the FDA’s alert) revealed that converting the land area to palm oil production is the only viable option—requiring widespread deforestation that carries with it negative environmental impacts (increased temperatures, flooding, and forest fires, as well as reduced rainfall) and subsequent health consequences.

“Because 97% of U.S. kratom imports originate from Indonesia, the FDA’s alert will have an enormously harmful impact on Indonesian farmers who rely on kratom production for their livelihoods. It will also impact American consumers, who rely on kratom to relieve anxiety, manage pain, and treat symptoms of opioid withdrawal,” said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director, The Kratom Coalition. “In light of these considerations and the potential consequences to growers and their environment, we hope the Administration takes President Widodo’s appeal seriously and reverses this decision. A more productive and prudent approach would be to create a set of federal guidelines regulating the industry.”

The Kratom Coalition endorses the call to action put forward by Dr. Moeldoko, Chief of Staff of President Widodo. In a letter to the FDA issued on September 29, Dr. Moeldoko requested the lifting of the import alert, while proposing measures that would ensure the safety and quality of kratom products, and align with FDA standards. Such measures include the implementation of gamma radiation sterilization on raw materials, and independent laboratory testing to verify compliance with minimum standards for microbiological and heavy metal contamination.

While it has not been determined exactly how many people in the U.S. consume kratom products, a 2021 study identified approximately 2 million users, while the American Kratom Association, using Indonesian growers’ reports on exports, claims that 11 to 15 million Americans consume kratom. According to the Botanical Education Alliance, the industry contributes $1.13 billion to the U.S. economy.

The Kratom Coalition’s mission is to empower individuals worldwide with access to safe and responsibly sourced kratom products while pushing forward scientific research and understanding surrounding the plant. Education is central to that mission, along with advocating for responsible regulation and funding research to advance the world’s knowledge about the potential benefits and risks associated with kratom.

To learn more about The Kratom Coalition, visit https://www.thekratomcoalition.org or follow on Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter).

Media Contact

Matthew Lowe

+27 76 424 6177

As the official prelude to the Art With Me festival, MOOON.PARTY is set to redefine Miami Art Week. This inaugural event, scheduled for December 6, 2023 at the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel in South Beach, represents a groundbreaking fusion of art, music, fashion, and space exploration, realized in collaboration with NRVLD.

Musical Odyssey

The event's heartbeat is its extraordinary music program, featuring a lineup of house DJs. Anticipated highlights include the global premiere of Brayden Pierce's "Capture the Moon (MOOON.PARTY Mix)" and performances by renowned DJs such as Knoll Doll, Matt Caines, Dude Skywalker, and DJ UZO.

Artistic Vanguard

The art showcase at MOOON.PARTY transcends boundaries, collaborating with Space Blue and the historic Lunaprise Moon Museum, and bringing them to Miami with the vision of Miami territory partner BitBasel. These exhibits are poised to embark on a celestial journey as part of the lunar missions in 2024.

A Canvas Beyond the Stars

A highlight of the event includes all participants in a "live art installation documentary," destined for the Lunaprise Moon Museum aboard a SpaceX mission aligned with NASA’s 2024 schedule.

Visionaries at the Helm

Co-founders Kelly Max and Brayden Pierce share their insights:

Kelly Max remarks,

Brayden Pierce adds,

A Coalition of Creative Powerhouses

A New Epoch in Cultural Celebrations

Under the leadership of Kelly Max and Brayden Pierce, MOOON.PARTY combines elite talent, diverse partnerships, and innovative marketing strategies, setting a new standard in cultural events.

Join Us in This Celestial Celebration

MOOON.PARTY invites you to be part of this historic event, marking a new era of cultural expression and artistic exploration.

Tickets can be purchased at https://link.dice.fm/MOOONPARTY1

About MOOON.PARTY

MOOON.PARTY is an innovative festival at the convergence of music, art, and space exploration, uniquely positioned to influence major global events like Art Week Miami, Coachella, F1, and the World Cup. For more information, please visit https://www.mooon.party.

Media Contact

Sylvie Barnett
hello@mooon.party

404 Media, known for their commitment to groundbreaking journalism, has teamed up with BuySellAds in a strategic partnership to fuel 404 Media’s growth through a robust ad sales program. With a shared vision of enhancing the digital advertising experience, the collaboration aims to deliver value to advertisers and publishers alike. 

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In the month since its launch, 404 Media has broken numerous national news stories and has been leading the conversation with human-centric storytelling about artificial intelligence, consumer rights, hacking and privacy, and surveillance.

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404 Media is a journalist-owned digital media company exploring the way technology is shaping—and is shaped by—our world. We bring you unparalleled access to hidden worlds both online and IRL through investigative reporting, blogging, and breaking news. At 404 Media you’ll read stories you can’t find anywhere else written by journalists who are leading experts on their beat. Learn more and subscribe at www.404media.co.

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