Newsroom

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. brother George Paasewe has published One Day, I Will Become an Alpha, a children's book about the fraternity to educate, inspire, and encourage youths of all ages to pursue membership when they get to college. Paasewe was initiated through the fraternity's Mu Alpha Lambda chapter in the fall of 2018 on the campus of Northern Illinois University (DeKalb, Illinois). One Day, I Will Become an Alpha is now available to consumers worldwide. Paasewe's children's book about Alpha Phi Alpha was approved by the fraternity's General President, Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III, in December of 2021.

‍

One Day, I Will Become an Alpha is about a boy named Eugene, who grows up admiring and emulating his father, a distinguished brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Eugene's father takes an active interest in enrooting Alpha's values, morals, and characteristics within his son. Throughout the book, Eugene's father gives him insights into what it takes to become an Alpha. Eugene explores his imagination and has a glimpse of his future as an Alpha man and joining the same fraternity as his father. By the end of Eugene's journey, he recognizes Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity's mission and the true meaning of brotherhood, scholarship, manly deeds, and love for all mankind.

‍

"This book is dedicated to stimulating the interest of the youth and giving them a glimpse of what the future holds for them as members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.," says Paasewe. "It is also dedicated to the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha themselves to reflect on their journey of becoming members of this distinguished fraternity."

‍

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., is the first intercollegiate Black Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men. Seven college men—known as the "Jewels" of the fraternity—founded Alpha Phi Alpha at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, on December 4, 1906. These seven founders recognized the need for a strong brotherhood that serves a social and intellectual purpose for men of African descent. The fraternity began as a study and support organization for minority students at Cornell who encountered academically and socially racial prejudice. Soon after its inception at Cornell, Alpha Phi Alpha chapters sprang up at other colleges and universities across the nation, emphasizing academic excellence, service, and advocacy among its members.

‍

"When I joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., I gained a robust brotherhood comprised of intelligent and like-minded Black men who are determined to debunk all prejudice and stereotypes associated with Black men by being distinguished leaders and advocates in society," says Paasewe. "This children's book is for the culture. It is for the communities and families of color to see themselves in a book because representation matters and this book is about changing the narrative of Black men."

‍

Click the following link to purchase your copy of the book: One Day, I Will Become an Alpha

Media Contact

EZ Newswire
hello@eznewswire.com

School is just around the corner, and in its wake, youth sports programs are firing up. Coaches are making plans, and teams are coming together. For many parents, this is a time of purchasing equipment from football pads to soccer balls, jerseys to water bottles. One item that is too often left off of the list, though, is a quality skincare product to prevent sports-related injuries.

‍

Dr. Doug's Balms offers a growing range of effective products that are made from organic ingredients and can naturally assuage many of the worst sports injuries. "Our products have a proven track record that comes from using simple, organic ingredients that get the job done," explains company co-founder "Dr. Doug" Strobel. Strobel is a neurologist, veteran, and committed weekend warrior who knows a thing or two about skincare. "Living an active lifestyle comes with its fair share of bumps and bruises. Our goal is to protect, heal, and restore skin that has come under strain — including those of young athletes learning to thrive in their respective sports."

‍

Dr. Doug's range of skincare products has a solution for everything, from sport-specific skin injuries, like thigh rashes from football pads, to everyday concerns, like bumps and scraped knees. For example, the brand's Miracle Balm + Clear Zinc is ideal for preventing blisters and chafing. The presence of zinc also makes it an ideal way to protect against the sun without resorting to harsh, chemical sunscreens.

‍

The company's Magnesium Balm is another proven sports winner, which can help with sore muscles and cramping after a game or a practice. Dr. Doug's Recovery Balm taps into the power of Arnica Montana to provide natural, topical pain relief for bruising or swelling — which is common in collision sports like football and even soccer.

‍

It's easy to overlook the potential for skincare needs on the playing field until they've become an active concern. Fortunately, Dr. Doug's skincare solutions provide an accessible option that can function as both a preventative and a healer. It's the ultimate injury weapon parents with athletically inclined kids want in their back pocket every time they pull up to the field.

Media Contact

EZ Newswire
hello@eznewswire.com

"The Backpack Years" is a rollicking tale spanning 13 countries and four continents, chronicling the youthful adventures of two people in love – both with each other and the world. Co-written, the memoir recounts the tale of a six-year adventure with travelers from two entirely different backgrounds – one ready to let loose and be free, the other escaping the pain and embarrassment of a complicated past.

‍

Narratively weaving in and out like two different colored threads from the same tapestry, "The Backpack Years" offers deeply rich character studies braided into a single tale. Can these two navigate their way through red-tape, relocation, miscommunication, and a last ditch, make-or-break trip to try to save their relationship – or will this be their last adventure as a couple?

‍

The Backpacking Protagonists

• Good-natured Stef leaves her straight-laced life in America to study abroad in Spain, letting loose and falling completely in love with two things: traveling and one handsome but dispirited man.
• Utterly exhausted and worn out in Australia, despite being young with a whole world ahead of him, James continues to flee his painful past in England – but unknowingly finds his future in an Irish pub in Sydney.

‍

Before They Meet – A World Apart

"For as responsible as I was, I'd also craved adventure for as long as I could remember" … "We never went abroad, and I knew few people who had…" –Stef

‍

"I leaned against the bar, empty pint glass slipping through my fingers" … "I tried to yell, 'Get me out of here!' but my voice broke, and the words caught in my throat. No one could hear me. No one was listening." –James

‍

Finding Each Other – Falling Down Under

"We approached the guys – 'Y'alright? I'm James.' James put his pint down to shake my hand. His English accent differed from Sam's, and he looked at me with eyes bluer than any sky in Britain." –Stef

‍

"Every time I was out, Stef was there, and we'd always end up together. I'd be drunk and rambling, and she had an uncanny way of finishing my sentences as though inside my head..." –James

‍

A Sink-or-Swim Relationship – Across the Pond

"As I watched the sky, the horizon lightened, and a scarlet sliver of sunlight traced the curve of the Earth. The plane continued east toward a new day." –Stef

‍

"Then there she was, the best souvenir from my trip" … "Months before, I'd imagined a life in sunny Sydney outside the train window. Now it was dreary London. In my Sydney life, I had a surfboard, but in my London life, I had Stef." –James

‍

Healing the Cracks – The Way Home

"I didn't know that no matter how happy our life would be, there would always be a void. An emptiness that nothing but travel would fill. On short vacations, we'd catch glimpses of our former, adventurous selves and long for the days of quitting jobs, booking one-way tickets, and not knowing what was about to happen…" –James

‍

"For two people with a history of running away from problems, we knew that even through the worst of times, we'd never, ever, run away from each other." –Stef

‍

Dozens of Rave Reviews on Goodreads

"I found myself easily drawn into the stories of their travels, much as I would a novel, rooting for them as people as well as enjoying the view of the world they shared." –Rachel Deeming, Reedsy Discovery

‍

"I absolutely loved this memoir and even if you're not normally a fan of memoirs or non-fiction, I would still recommend this book. I think the authors did a beautiful job sharing their story…" –Kendall Mead

‍

"It's been a while since I read a memoir. And this one didn't disappoint. It's the perfect time to read this because this specific memoir is part travel and part romance; a superb read for the summer…" –Breathing Pages

‍

"This memoir reads like a great fiction book written by the likes of Liane Moriarty where the chapters alternate narrators. The escapades and adventures of James and Stef are funny and their quirky personalities come across well…" –Karen Pierce

‍

Published by Tucky Buddy Books, the volume is now available via Amazon. And for information on interviews and book signings, or to read extended bios and audience reviews, please visit: www.TheBackpackYears.com.

Media Contact

EZ Newswire
hello@eznewswire.com

Shield Compliance (https://www.shieldbanking.com/), a BSA/AML compliance and risk management solution for cannabis banking, announced the appointment of Noah Carey, Founder and CEO of Shield Compliance, to the role of Executive Chairman of the Board, and the promotion of Tony Repanich to President and CEO. Repanich was also appointed to the Shield Compliance Board of Directors.

‍

Carey founded Shield Compliance in 2015 with a vision to extend financial services to the emerging legal cannabis industry. Today, Shield has grown to support over 50 financial institution partners on its platform serving nearly 4,000 cannabis-related businesses in 35 states. Since January 2019, Shield has monitored 3.5 million transactions including $17.5 billion in deposits.

‍

"Since our inception, we have strived to be the platform of choice for banks and credit unions seeking to improve compliance outcomes, better manage risk, and drive down the operational costs associated with serving cannabis-related businesses," said Carey. "We are extremely pleased by the rapid and steady growth of financial institutions selecting Shield Compliance as their technology provider because it indicates that they see a clear differentiation in the quality and functionality of our platform and services."

‍

Growing Economic Opportunity
The last few years have seen tremendous growth in the cannabis industry as more states recognize the benefits of legalization. The legal cannabis industry in the U.S. is projected to continue to grow from approximately $27 billion in retail revenue in 2021 to over $50 billion by 2026, and the economic impact of legal cannabis goes beyond sales. According to the MJBiz Factbook, every $10 spent at a legal cannabis retailer adds $18 to the economy, with the economic impact expected to reach $99 billion this year and $155 billion by 2026.

‍

"While the legal cannabis market is growing rapidly, demand for cannabis banking services outstrips supply in many parts of the country. As a result, there's a significant first-mover advantage for financial institutions willing to serve legal cannabis businesses today," said Repanich. "I am very excited to lead Shield Compliance forward as we bring the company's industry-leading BSA/AML compliance tools to a growing number of financial institutions ready to gain the financial rewards of this line of business."

‍

A Playbook for Cannabis Banking
Financial institutions that invest in technology to improve efficiencies and lower costs will have a competitive advantage when the economics of the industry change over time and new banks and credit unions enter the market. Informed by the experiences of pioneering cannabis bankers in states with legal medical and adult-use programs, Shield's Cannabis Banking Playbook outlines the risks, operational impacts, and go-to-market solutions available to financial institutions serving the legal cannabis industry.

Media Contact

EZ Newswire
hello@eznewswire.com

Board certified plastic surgeon Christa Clark, MD, FACS announces the addition of plastic surgeon Marc Orlando, MD to Granite Bay Cosmetic Surgery, which she founded in 2016.

‍

"We searched far and wide for a talented, skilled plastic surgeon with the sophisticated aesthetic and approachable personality that our patients are looking for. Dr. Orlando fit the bill perfectly. He is a meticulous plastic surgeon with an unwavering commitment to high standards," says Dr. Clark. "His aesthetic outcomes are fantastic, and he comes to us with numerous glowing patient testimonials. The team and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Orlando."

‍

Dr. Marc Orlando completed residency training in both general surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery. He went on to specialize in cosmetic medicine with an aesthetic surgery fellowship at University of Southern California, Marina Plastic Surgery, and Rox Center in Beverly Hills and Newport Beach. The fellowship was endorsed by The Aesthetic Society, a leading international organization of skilled aesthetic plastic surgeons.

‍

"Fellowship training provided the mentorship and time needed to refine my skills and focus my practice entirely on cosmetic surgery," says Dr. Orlando. "I offer my patients the most modern thinking in the use of cosmetic medical procedures. The goal is to deliver incredibly natural looking results by tailoring procedures to each patient: everything rests on individualization of the surgical plan. Integration of non-surgical methodologies can bring another level of nuance. Whichever methods may be used, I want my patients to feel simply wonderful and completely rejuvenated."

‍

Dr. Orlando has exclusively performed aesthetic procedures now for over 6 years. At Granite Bay Cosmetic Surgery, he continues to offer a range of procedures for the breast and body.

‍

"I derive genuine satisfaction from understanding a patient's vision, helping them see it through, and watching them as they live their lives with greater energy supported by a newfound confidence. Joining Granite Bay Cosmetic Surgery will afford me the opportunity to change many lives for the better while performing the procedures I enjoy most."

‍

Dr. Orlando specializes in procedures for the breast and body and has gained a reputation for performing a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) procedure with subtle, natural-looking outcomes. Made famous by Hollywood celebrities, the BBL is a fat transfer procedure that involves liposuction of the waist, hips, or thighs, followed by transfer of that fat into the buttocks for an increase in projection and volume. While the procedure is famously used to create exaggerated buttocks in contrast with a very small waistline, Dr. Orlando said that a Brazilian butt lift can also be employed to achieve more moderate yet curvaceous body contouring results.

‍

"Most patients who schedule a BBL consultation are not looking for an unnaturally round, projected buttock appearance," Dr. Orlando comments. "Many women simply lack a proportionate buttock projection thanks to genetics, aging, or the effects of childbearing. I perform many BBLs to correct lost volume and create a feminine, healthy appearance."

‍

Patients seeking a cosmetic procedure with Dr. Orlando are encouraged to schedule a consultation. During this initial meeting, Dr. Orlando is able to learn about a patient's goals and discuss procedure options in depth. Granite Bay Cosmetic Surgery can be reached by calling (916) 242-2662 or filling out the practice's online contact form.

Media Contact

EZ Newswire
hello@eznewswire.com

For Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements, and Hydration Drink brands, the New Year is the make-or-break moment for sales velocity, with go-to-market strategies launching now to drive acquisition. In a recent study of 5,567 consumers, Vesta, the leader in Community Powered Marketing, identified category purchase drivers that will help boost sales.

‍

The study found considerable appeal for the category, with 60% saying they are particularly interested in Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements and one in three consumers interested in Hydration Drinks. A substantial 58% are "very interested" in personalized Supplements, with Gen Z being most interested (71%). These consumers have big goals for wellness products, with two-thirds (66%) seeking help in seven or more areas of health. Across the board, online product reviews (89%) play a key role in wellness purchase decisions, as well as online communities of like-minded consumers (68%).

‍

For more information & results: https://www.vesta-go.com/consumer-insights/consumers-seek-personalized-wellness-research

‍

"Becoming healthier during the pandemic was not a flash-in-the-pan, but a shift in priorities, and many are turning to digital neighbors for recommendations," says Susan Frech, CEO of Vesta. "Whether you're a legacy or challenger brand, now is the time to offer personalized products and experiences that secure strong relationships and create a pipeline of advocacy that lasts beyond the 'New Year, New You' season of 2023."

‍

Other findings from the study include:

• Millennials want Supplements with real food sources (72%) and superfood ingredients (69%)
  
  
• 86% of consumers say family/friend recommendations are important in Hydration Drink purchases, while athletes and celebrity influencers ranked last at 38% and 28%, respectively
  
  
• Women are more likely than men to use Hydration Drinks as a midday pick-me-up (61% vs. 53%)
  
  
• Transparency and conscientious are important with Gen Z, as 54% want to know the science behind their Supplements, and 57% consider sustainability, community, and giving back important

‍

Methodology:

Research was conducted via a 45-question online survey issued to the peer influencer community, Smiley360, by 5,567 U.S. respondents between April 13-May 26, 2022.

Media Contact

EZ Newswire
hello@eznewswire.com

R.J. Brunelli & Co., LLC today announced that it recently completed 15 leases and one property sale for retail sites in northern, central, and southern New Jersey, and in Hampton, Va.

‍

In its role as exclusive statewide leasing representative for Dollar Tree and sister chain Family Dollar, the Old Bridge-based retail real estate brokerage signed the national retailer for two of its first combination locations in New Jersey.

‍

The two brands are expected to open under one roof later this summer in a 21,642-square-foot inline space at Baywick Plaza on Route 9 in Bayville, where the company already operated a Dollar Tree store. To pave the way for the combo concept's Ocean County debut, the company leased the shopping center's former 10,582-square-foot Rite Aid store, which adjoined Dollar Tree, and is demolishing the wall between the two spaces. The combo will co-anchor the 156,000-square-foot center with Retro Fitness and Goodwill. R.J. Brunelli President/Principal Danielle Brunelli represented the retailer on the transaction, while Shane Wierks of Jeffrey Realty represented the landlord.

‍

In central New Jersey, the two brands will occupy a 19,482-square-foot freestanding building at 1620 Park Ave. in South Plainfield that previously housed an Aldi supermarket. The combo is expected to open later this year at the Levin Management property. Ms. Brunelli and Senior Sales Associate Pete Nicholson represented Dollar Tree/Family Dollar on the lease, working with Levin's Vanessa Fernandez-Kelty.

‍

Elsewhere in central New Jersey, Mr. Nicholson signed Asian Food Market to a 27,000-square-foot lease at The Miracle Mall, 275 Route 18 in East Brunswick. The store is projected to open in the fourth quarter of 2023 at the 100,000-square-foot center, where it will join co-anchors Big Lots and Dollar Tree. Asian Food Market will occupy the former Hong Kong Grocery space at the property. R.J. Brunelli is exclusive broker for the chain, which currently operates five stores in New Jersey and is scheduled to open a location in Staten Island later this year. Ryan Starkman of Pierson Commercial represented the landlord on the East Brunswick lease.

‍

Meanwhile, in its new role as excusive statewide leasing representative for Gregory's Coffee, R.J. Brunelli signed the New York-based chain to its first central New Jersey location at 3091 Rte. 35 North in Hazlet.

‍

Gregory's will occupy a 1,500-square-foot endcap space with a drive-thru in a new 3,000-square-foot pad building at the existing retail property, which is located at the intersection of Poole Ave. The chain expects to open in the first quarter of 2023. Hazlet's land use board approved the new retail  building in June. Ms. Brunelli represented Gregory's on the lease, while Jonathan Greenberg of Katz Retail represented the landlord.

‍

In two additional Monmouth County transactions, Ms. Brunelli brokered a land sale and new lease in Manalapan. She represented Summit Assets NY, LLC in its acquisition of an approximate 0.7-acre parcel at 360 Rte. 9 North that was formerly occupied by Lukoil. "The site was delivered to the buyer free of any building structures and with a clean bill of environmental health," Ms. Brunelli said. "Summit is in the process of obtaining approval for its planned development of the site." Greg Sobol of Tri State Commercial represented the owner of the site, which is just north of Willow Grove Way.

‍

Just down the road at the Manalapan EpiCentre, Crumbl Cookies signed for a 1,585-square-foot inline space formerly occupied by Ameritrade. The fast-growing chain is expected to open this summer at the 471,543-square foot center, which is anchored by Wegman's, Target, Marshall's and Homesense. Ms. Brunelli is exclusive broker for the landlord as well as the local Crumbl franchisee, which has also opened shops in Ocean Township and Cherry Hill.

‍

In Mercer County, the firm inked two more tenants for Dover Park Plaza at 3 Sunnybrea Blvd. in Yardville. Dover Park Liquors is expected to open this November in a 4,700-square-foot space that formerly housed a Hallmark Cards shop, while a Wargamers Guild hobby store recently debuted in a 1,520-square-foot space previously occupied by a Kumon Learning Center.

‍

R.J. Brunelli is excusive leasing agent for the 54,000-square-foot center, which is anchored by CVS and Performance Strength Academy. Sales Associate Peter Miller represented both the landlord and tenant on the Wargamers lease, and the landlord on Dover Park Liquors. The liquor store, which also operates Glen Rock Liquors in nearby Ewing, was represented by Vinny Chawla of Ridolfi & Associates. "In particular, The Wargamers Guild is a perfect match for co-tenant Video Express & Game Exchange, one of the last remaining video stores in New Jersey," said Miller. "The synergy will be fantastic."

‍

In another deal co-brokered with Mr. Chawla, Mr. Miller represented the landlord on a lease that will bring a 4,000-square-foot medical cannabis dispensary and doctor's office operated by GLCPC, LLP to S4 Plaza, 3059 Rte. 27 in Franklin Park. The dispensary is projected to open in November 2022. R.J. Brunelli is exclusive leasing agent for the new 16,000-square-foot building.

‍

As exclusive broker for a new two-building development on the site of the former Bud's Hut restaurant at 906 Rte. 1 in the Avenel section of Woodbridge, the firm completed three leases for all 5,223 square feet of space. Bubbakoo's Burrittos and Smoothie King have already opened at the site, while Indian-Arabian fast-food chain ChicKing is expected to unveil its first U.S. location this November. The Kochi, India-based franchise chain, which currently has over 230 locations in 30-plus countries, plans on expanding throughout the U.S.

‍

The freestanding Smoothie King occupies a 2,223-square-foot building with a drive-thru, while the 1,500-square-foot Bubbakoo's will be joined by the 1,500-square-foot ChicKing in the parcel's second building. R.J. Brunelli Senior Sales Associate John Lenaz brokered all three deals for the landlord (and previously brokered the sale of the site for Bud's Hut). Smoothie King was represented by Kelly Bayer of NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co., Bubbakoo's was represented by Gary Krauss of Pierson Commercial Real Estate, and ChicKing was represented by Clare Golz of Ripco Real Estate.

‍

In nearby Edison, Mr. Lenaz leased the last remaining space at Edison Commons to The Perfume Club, which recently opened its first New Jersey location in 2,347 square feet. The fragrance discounter, which also operates five stores in California, took over the former Entenmann's space at the 15,365-square-foot center at 2120 Rte. 27 and Talmadge Rd. R.J. Brunelli is exclusive broker for the center and is also a preferred broker for The Perfume Club in New Jersey.

‍

Elsewhere in Middlesex County, Mr. Lenaz completed a 2,000-square-foot endcap lease for United Poles Federal Credit Union at 111 Main St. in East Brunswick. The financial institution is projected to open in January 2023 at the 13,500-square-foot center, which is anchored by 7-Eleven. R.J. Brunelli is exclusive leasing agent for the site; the tenant was represented by Dana Grau of Cushman & Wakefield.

‍

In southern New Jersey, the firm signed Salad House for a 1,917-square-foot inline space at 1882 Hooper Ave. in Toms River. R.J. Brunelli is exclusive broker for the new 12,600-square-foot retail center being developed by March Construction in the municipality's Silverton section. An October 2022 opening is anticipated for the franchise chain's first Ocean County location, where it will join Pizza Hut and AT&T—both expected to open this summer. Mario Brunelli, R.J. Brunelli VP/ Principal, represented the landlord on the lease, while franchisee Salad House of Toms River LLC was represented by Dina Santarelli of Sabre Life. The casual dining chain currently has nine locations, most in northern New Jersey.

‍

Finally, in Hampton, Va., R.J. Brunelli CEO/Principal Ron DeLuca signed medical cannabis dispensary Columbia Care for a 6,100-square-foot Cannabist retail store at The Coliseum Specialty Shops. The location is expected to open this November in the former VA ABC Liquors and Wines space at the 15,026-square-foot strip center located just off I-64 at 2400 Cunningham Way. In its role as Virginia project exclusive for Columbia Care, R.J. Brunelli currently has letters of intent out for two additional locations for the national chain, which currently operates approximately 100 retail locations under the Columbia Care and Cannabist names, as well as 32 cultivation and manufacturing facilities. Bradford Brown of Robert Brown & Associates represented the landlord on the Hampton lease.

Media Contact

EZ Newswire
hello@eznewswire.com

Chronic Cellars, known for its award-winning wines, standout attitude, and disruptive label characters, encourages enthusiasts to get their 'game on' with the debut of an interactive, gamified augmented reality (AR) experience. Available now, adventure seekers and wine enthusiasts alike can purchase a bottle of Chronic Cellars Purple Paradise, scan the QR code with your phone from the Chronic Cellars' website (https://www.chroniccellars.com/ar/) or from the bottle, and then scan the label on the bottle to watch good 'ol Purple come to life with augmented reality.

‍

"Our characters and labels are so beloved by consumers, we thought this would be a win/win to engage with them," says Patrick Cramb, Director of Marketing for Chronic Cellars, WX Brands. "We hope that all wine lovers learn a bit more about our wines and characters through this experience."

‍

The AR experience allows users to establish a greater connection to Chronic Cellars motto, 'wines with character' through a unique gamification.

‍

"We were delighted to work with the Chronic Cellars' team to create this memorable AR experience and bring Purple Paradise to life," said Patrick Johnson, CEO of Rock Paper Reality, and agency behind the activation. "Purple's illustrated design begged to jump out of the bottle and into the real world--so that's what we did. The playful tongue-in-cheek nature of the Chronic Cellars brand provided the foundation of Purple's performance, mannerisms, voice, and the over-under dice game challenge, and allowed Purple Paradise to be as engaging of a character as the wine he represents."

‍

Chronic Cellars of Paso Robles continues to provide unpretentious, delicious wines with a rebel spirit for all. The game is the brand's most recent example of connecting with wine lovers through fun and approachable activation. Everyone is invited to try their luck with Purple Paradise.

Media Contact

EZ Newswire
hello@eznewswire.com

The Andrews family, an esteemed farming family in Washington State and proprietors of Trothe, a luxury wine brand, announced the opening of the new Trothe winery in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. The new production facility is designed to enable world-class winemaking in a region that has historically been known for its grape growing, but not for local wine production.

‍

The facility is one of the first of its kind located in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, built for the production of Trothe wines and for custom crush at the highest level of quality. Trothe was created to showcase the vast potential of high-end winemaking in the region that bears excellent fruit and is particularly known for its Cabernet Sauvignon.

‍

"Those of us who call the Horse Heaven Hills AVA home know the true potential of this land," says Trothe winemaker Ray McKee. "Our goal with this new facility is to harness that quality and help reveal it to the world by making outstanding Washington wines, right where they're grown. Our philosophy for custom crush echoes the ethos of Trothe: uncompromising small-lot winemaking and intensive attention to detail."

‍

The Trothe winery has been thoughtfully outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment to process some of the finest fruit in Washington State into equally fine wines. The crush pad equipment allows for precise control of the destemming, sorting, and pressing processes, including Pellenc destemming technology, a WECO optical sorter, a Pellenc Smartpress, as well as Pellenc Smartpumps and Ragazzini peristaltic must pumps; the winery houses concrete tanks for fermentation and maturation.

‍

"Our family's investment in this sophisticated winery is also an investment in the future of winemaking in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA and in the greater State of Washington," says Trothe proprietor Jeff Andrews. "We're excited to open our doors to vintners who share our vision for crafting luxury wines that are emblematic of their Washington roots."

Media Contact

EZ Newswire
hello@eznewswire.com

The New Flat Rate, the No. 1 price generating software for home service contractors, has announced a partnership with OPTIMUS Financing by EGIA, the all-in-one financing and leasing platform for the home service industry, that will empower contractors with the ability to offer multiple financing options to their customers.

‍

As part of the dealer-financing program, the program will enable participating dealers to select from multiple financing options that best align with their organizational structure and sales process.

‍

"Funding projects can be burdensome for both the contractor and the customers, and it shouldn't be" said Danielle Putnam, president of The New Flat Rate. "For the contractors helping their customers, it can be time consuming. For the customers, finding the money to complete the project can be stressful. With this partnership with OPTIMUS Financing, we are helping contractors by offering them a tool that will give them the ability to finance their customers right on the spot."

‍

The New Flat Rate's software provides a variety of menus that instantly give prices for repairs and supplies the customer with multiple options to choose from. These menus help decrease the stress of selling services while also increasing profits for the contractor.

‍

OPTIMUS Financing is the comfort industry's most comprehensive dealer-driven financing program, facilitating financing of over $750 million per year. Dedicated to matching the right finance program for a diverse customer base, OPTIMUS uses soft pull technology to quickly help a customer find the right lending or leasing options.

‍

"OPTIMUS Financing provides pathways that cover a wide range of credit profiles through a single platform," said Matthew Bratsis, vice president of contractor services for EGIA and creator of the OPTIMUS Financing Program. "Through this partnership, EGIA is gaining access to a plethora of contractors who can utilize our program to help their customers with funding for future projects. We share a common goal with The New Flat Rate, and together we can make the lives of the contractors easier by providing their customers with an easier path toward financial options that best suit them."

‍

For more information about The New Flat Rate, please visit https://thenewflatrate.com/.

For more information about the OPTIMUS Financing program, please visit https://optimusfinancing.com/.

Media Contact

EZ Newswire
hello@eznewswire.com

PetScreening, a first-of-its-kind screening platform that empowers property managers to outsource their pet risk assessment and assistance animal validation processes at no charge, today announced it has integrated with ResMan, a leading property management platform that helps conventional multifamily and affordable housing managers operate more efficiently and deliver higher rates of return to investors.

‍

With the integration, the innovative PetScreening platform will be available to all ResMan customers. ResMan enables property teams to manage all aspects of property marketing, leasing, operations—and now, pet processes.

‍

"As apartment operators become increasingly pet-passionate, it is more important than ever to efficiently manage pet processes onsite," said Elizabeth Francisco, chief engagement officer for Inhabit IQ, parent company of ResMan. "From accurately tracking pet populations to managing accommodation animal requests, these tasks can be burdensome and time-consuming for onsite associates. We're excited for our customers to have access to PetScreening's wide range of services because the solution offers the most pet-friendly, pet-responsible environment on the market and alleviates the load for property teams."

‍

PetScreening is a free service for owners/operators and will continue to be throughout the integration. The integration will help ResMan customers maximize applicant and resident accountability and further enhance compliance.

‍

Through the PetScreening platform, rental applicants enter information about their pets and the platform weighs various pet-related factors, including a community's specific restrictions, such as breed, weight and age. This provides property owners with a streamlined process to comprehensively assess a specific pet and pet owner who want to live at a rental property. Evaluating pets on an individual basis greatly assists properties that are considering eschewing standard restrictions in favor of more forward-thinking policies favored by today's residents.

‍

"Pet and assistance animal management now has become simpler than ever for property managers on the ResMan platform," said David Stunja, chief operating officer at PetScreening. "We're eager to integrate with such a trusted, innovative leader in the property management software space, and this will even further streamline pet and assistance animal management for mutual clients. Our team is genuinely excited to work with ResMan's sizable contingent of property management teams."

Media Contact

EZ Newswire
hello@eznewswire.com

Born Free USA, working in partnership with comic artist Brian Ahearn of ZooDraws, has today launched a series of compelling comic strips that tell the stories of individual animals sold into the wildlife trade. While Ahearn's work is known for its tongue-in-cheek humor, there is little to laugh about in the stories told by his most recent creations.

‍

Ahearn said: "Millions of wild animals are sold into the U.S. pet trade every year, and the impact is significant. Not only do the individual animals suffer compromised welfare, but they pose a very real risk to public safety, and the trade causes lasting damage to wild populations. Overall, the trade in wildlife is a disaster for animals, for humans, and for the environment. This is what we hope these powerful comics will help to portray."

‍

The five comics are drawn in Ahearn's distinctive style and capture the viewer's attention immediately. The hope is that they will reach new audiences for the non-profit, whose work centers on the protection of wild animals in captivity and in their natural habitat.

‍

Vervet monkey: An estimated 15,000 individual primates are currently suffering as pets in the United States. Denied the ability to meet their physical, social, and emotional needs, many "pet" monkeys develop stereotypic stress behaviors. Others, like Alex the vervet monkey in this comic, become aggressive as they reach adolescence and attack their owners. A few very lucky ones are rehomed to sanctuaries, but even they struggle to overcome their past trauma. The introduction of the Captive Primate Safety Act, which would prohibit the private keeping of, and interstate trade in, non-human primates would end this cruel trade if successfully passed by Congress.

‍

Tiger: There are estimated to be more tigers kept privately in Texas (5,000) than exist in the wild. Tigers do not make good pets. Not only does the tiger suffer immensely as none of their welfare needs are fully met, but they pose serious risk to their owner and, in the event of escape, the wider public. If a pet big cat escapes, the fallout often falls to first responders, who are not trained to deal with a tiger or lion on the loose. The introduction of the Big Cat Public Safety Act, which bans the private keeping of, and interstate trade in, big cats, would end this cruel trade and protect the public and first responders from harm. The bill passed out of committee in June 2022.

‍

African Gray Parrot: Parrots are one of the animals most regularly trafficked to the United States. After enduring long journeys, often stuffed in tiny spaces to avoid detection, or crammed into crates with no room to move, those who survive are sold into the pet trade. Caging a bird is one of the cruelest things with can do – as doing so denies them practically every natural instinct and need that they have. Parrots live surprisingly long lives – sometimes living into their sixties – so many of them kept as pets will be passed from home to home as their owners grow tired of them, or even pass away. All of this adds up to a miserable life in which stressed birds suffer. Many captive parrots pluck their own feathers – sometimes until they are completely bald.

‍

Chameleon: Stuffed inside a box and sent through the mail: this is how many thousands of animals, and reptiles in particular, are transported each year to be sold into the pet trade. Some are transported from within the United States and others from other countries. Animal deaths in transit are so common that many sellers have replacement policies if the animal arrives dead, or they offer insurance policies to cover the monetary loss to the buyer if their animal dies in the mail. Considered disposable and replaceable, reptiles struggle to adapt to life in tanks and reported mortality rates are high. While stress behaviors (stereotypies), such as pacing, are largely attributed to mammals in captivity, reptiles suffer the same outcomes. One prevalent stereotypy in reptiles as Interaction with Transparent Boundaries (ITB), behavior in which reptiles appear to repeatedly try to "climb" the glass of their tank, before circling away, then returning over and over again.

‍

Asian Giant Softshell Turtle: While many exotic pets in the United States are bred for sale by breeders in-country, some animals are transported long distances from the wild. The demand for the global pet trade can have devastating impacts on both the individuals themselves, and the survival of the species to which they belong. Species such as the Asian giant softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii) are endangered in their natural habitat yet still traded as pets.

‍

Said Born Free USA CEO Angela Grimes: "These comics communicate vital messages about the protection of wild animals in a way that is accessible to all. We often think of wildlife trade as something that happens in far-flung places, but the United States is one of the largest importers and sellers of wild animals in the world. We have work to do, and that starts with being properly informed. We hope that these comics will reach far beyond our usual audience and encourage people to think in new ways about the protection – and exploitation of – wild animals."

‍

The comics are available for view at https://www.bornfreeusa.org/zoodraws and readers are encouraged to share them widely.

Media Contact

EZ Newswire
hello@eznewswire.com

Consumers have yet another reason to choose the Pink Lady® brand when shopping for apples. For the first time in the global brand's history, the beloved fruit was named Best Apple in the 2022 Healthy Snack Awards from Good Housekeeping in the Powerhouse Produce category. The awards are based on a lengthy testing process in which the registered dieticians and culinary pros at the Good Housekeeping Nutrition Lab pore over the nutrition facts, ingredient lists and flavor profiles of hundreds of snacks. All products must meet specific criteria to qualify and are subject to additional consumer testing and real-life analysis. The result is this article of 2022 winners, where Good Housekeeping notes that testers found the flavor of Pink Lady® "superior to that of other apples, saying it was 'crisp, refreshing and incredibly tasty."

‍

Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN CDN and Deputy Nutrition Director for Good Housekeeping said, "The incredible flavor profile and impressive nutrition of Pink Lady® apples were some of the many reasons why the fruit stood out to our testers and judges. They make for an easy, nutrient dense snack at any time of day that provides a family-friendly snacking solution too."

‍

To celebrate earning this impressive accolade, Pink Lady® apples are serving up new snack-spiration this month with recipes developed in partnership with lifestyle experts. The recipes will be shared with the growing community of Pink Lady® apple fans that are connected to the brand through its digital platforms.

‍

"As a marketer and a shopper, it's incredible to know that over 5,300 product samples and nearly 50,000 data points were analyzed for the Good Housekeeping Nutrition Lab to choose the Healthy Snack Award winners," said Kathryn Grandy, Chief Marketing Officer of Pink Lady® America. "With so many options available, this annual roundup is hugely valuable for consumers looking for brands they can trust," she added. "We are ecstatic that Pink Lady® apples are a 2022 winner and are honored to see our brand next to the market's most innovative and delicious snacks."

Media Contact

EZ Newswire
hello@eznewswire.com

HEIGHT Magazine, a premier publication for women, today announced that it will resume its ready-to-wear show in January 2023 during New York Fashion Week, one of the world's premier fashion events. HEIGHT Magazine has partnered with leading cosmetics retailer Glamazon Beauty for the event, which will feature a line-up of online and small boutiques offering clothing, accessories, and footwear for men and women.

"We're excited to be returning to the runway during the fashion industry's premier global event. We're spotlighting some very incredible boutiques and online shops for our return and hope to serve customers with a wide array of options," said Height Magazine's CEO Rae Ashe.

For more information, visit: www.heightmag.com.

‍

Media Contact

‍

EZ Newswire

hello@eznewswire.com

Media Contact

EZ Newswire
hello@eznewswire.com

Luna of Willow Haven launches as a metaphysical health and wellness resource and online store to support women's metaphysical health and wellness through education and high quality, ethically sourced products.

‍

“A few years ago I stumbled upon a routine that helped me find my way back to myself. As I researched and investigated the different parts of this routine, I found myself drawn to the broader ranges of total self-health,” said Linda Conner, the founder of Luna of Willow Haven.

‍

Aimed at helping individuals find their total mind, body, and spirit wellness, Luna of Willow Haven will offer a range of crystals, ritual oils, candles, wands, and other gifts for self-care. For more information, please visit: www.LunaofWillowHaven.com.

‍

Media Contact

‍

EZ Newswire

hello@eznewswire.com

Media Contact

EZ Newswire
hello@eznewswire.com

Join thousands of others ready to get into the Halloween spirit with Colorado's WitchFest. The event will be taking place October 21-22nd at Elitch Gardens. Tickets are available now for purchase.

‍

WitchFest is the largest event of its kind featuring live on-stage rituals, a Mystical Market, Reader's Alley, and real Magic. Performances by Nordic Daughter and DJ Howl on the main stage both nights.

‍

The Mystical Market features Magic-makers from far and wide. They will offer their wares, including metaphysical stores, handcrafted wands, apothecaries, brooms, custom jewelry, runes, and any magical tool you desire. You can find it all in the Mystical Market.

‍

Reader's Alley will feature tarot and oracle readers as conduits to your soul's calling.

‍

Sacred rituals to honor the dead will be held live on stage each evening with High Priests & High Priestesses from across the country. At a time when the veil is thinning, we will take you between the worlds on a journey unlike you've seen or felt before. This is Magic in its purest form.

‍

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in rituals to honor ancestors. All lineages and paths are welcome.

‍

Included in your ticket are all the activities of Fright Fest at Elitch Gardens (haunted houses, roller coasters, mayhem, and more).

‍

Click here to purchase tickets and learn more about Moon Temple Mystery School and www.MoonTempleSchool.com.

Media Contact

EZ Newswire
hello@eznewswire.com

When heading out on family vacations, many think of the big-ticket destinations such as sprawling amusement parks and the bright lights of Broadway, but what about those unique small-town sites? The United States has much to offer in the way of unexpected, adventurous places to discover! There are a vast array of destinations that offer the same exciting attractions as larger cities but with that small-town feel.

‍

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9065651-bushs-visitor-center-museum-unique-fun-small-town-destinations/

‍

Travel Filmmaker and Host Juliana Broste shares some of her top 'off the beaten path' domestic destinations that should not be missed. Some of her out-of-the ordinary experiences include the Chattanooga Choo-Choo, Lookout Mountain and the newly re-opened Bush's Visitor Center Museum in Tennessee.

‍

• Chattanooga Choo-Choo – Opened in 1909 as Terminal Station, the train depot welcomed thousands of travelers during the golden age of railroads. Today, Terminal Station stands as part of the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel with a complex that boasts on-site dining, retail shops, tranquil rose gardens and more.
• Lookout Mountain – Home to three top-rated attractions that each showcase the natural and historic beauty of the area with breathtaking views of the Tennessee Valley. Discover the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States at Ruby Falls, trek through Rock City's wonders and "See Seven States" views. Ride the Incline Railway, one of the world's steepest passenger railways
• Bush's Visitor Center Museum - Did you know there's an entire museum dedicated to beans? The revitalized Bush's Visitor Center Museum is nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, where travelers can easily take a break from the sights to enjoy a bean-tastic experience, at the museum which features free admission, the general store for shopping and a café filled with southern comfort food, including their famous Pinto Bean Pie, which is actually delicious.

‍

For more information please visit: www.bushbeans.com

Media Contact

EZ Newswire
hello@eznewswire.com

"At The Bellevue Collection, we believe fashion should be an inspirational reflection of individual style," said VP of Marketing for The Bellevue Collection, Jennifer Leavitt. "Our hope is that through our workshops and events, guests feel empowered to embrace their unique selves and develop their own one-of-kind look."

For 16 years, The Bellevue Collection has donated over $1M to community partners by gifting 100% of every Fashion Week ticket sale. And this year is no exception, as ticket sales from the Posh Party Trend Show will benefit Treehouse and The Collective Runway Show will benefit Dress For Success Seattle.

The premier runway shows include:

• Posh Party Trend Show (Friday, Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m. at Hyatt Regency Bellevue)
  An evening of must-have runway trends and a night out for celebrating all the best in fall fashion and beauty for 2022! Watch The Bellevue Collection's Fall Look Book come alive on the runway and try beauty touch ups, fun photo booths, hors d'oeuvres, drinks and desserts. The night includes a fashionable gift and a $20 Bellevue Collection promo card. Premier tickets are $125 and General Admission tickets are $100 with 100% of ticket sales benefitting Treehouse.
  
• The Collective Runway Show (Saturday, Oct. 8, 6:30 p.m. at Hyatt Regency Bellevue)
  Inspired by Fashion Week runway shows around the world, see the latest looks presented with a PNW twist at The Collective Runway Show. Watch premier brands showcasing their fall looks on the runway. Dress up and raise a glass to a stylish night. Be treated to hors d'oeuvres and desserts and leave with a premium gift along with a Bellevue Collection promo card. Premier tickets are $175 (include a $50 promo card) and General Admission tickets are $125 (include a $25 promo card) with 100% of ticket sales benefitting Dress For Success Seattle.

About the Beneficiaries:

Treehouse
Treehouse's mission is to give kids in foster care a childhood and a future. They provide a combination of programs that meet basic material needs, fund extracurricular and school activities, and provide support for academic success and the transition to adult independence.

Dress For Success Seattle
Dress For Success Seattle is the Washington affiliate of the global nonprofit empowering women to achieve financial independence by providing a network of support, development tools, and professional attire to thrive in work and in life. These funds support expanding their always FREE workforce development programs.

For more Fashion Week programming details and to purchase tickets, visit fashionweekbellevue.com or follow The Bellevue Collection on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

‍

Media Contact

EZ Newswire
hello@eznewswire.com

RxSpark, a technology company focused on revolutionizing the online health space, is excited to announce its partnership with Marley Drug, integrating mail order pharmacy into the RxSpark pharmacy discounts platform.

‍

Marley Drug, a subsidiary of the pharmaceutical company, Medicure Inc., is a full-service pharmacy based in North Carolina licensed to dispense and ship medications to all 50 states. Once a small local pharmacy, Marley Drug has evolved into a sophisticated online platform.

‍

Through this strategic partnership with Marley Drug, RxSpark enables users to check medication prices online alongside those at their local pharmacies, and order online for delivery straight to their door.

‍

In addition to standard refills, Marley Drug offers extended supply fills for 6-12 months and includes over 100 chronic care medications on its Wholesale Price List, priced at $37 for a 6-month supply, or $70 for 12 months, with free delivery anywhere in the United States and to most U.S. territories.

‍

Marley Drug's competitive pricing, expansive range of low-cost generic medication, and unique Wholesale Price List concept fits perfectly with RxSpark's commitment to helping Americans reduce the cost of their medication and bringing more transparency to prescription prices.

‍

"In light of seismic changes to the health arena and the shift to online services, we are excited to partner with Marley Drug, offering mail order to our members" commented RxSpark Founder, John Casson. "Our goal is always to improve access to affordable prescription medications, encouraging adherence to treatment plans to achieve a healthier America. The Marley Drug partnership adds an affordable mail order option to our prescription savings program."

‍

"Marley Drug is pleased to partner with RxSpark and to serve as the sole mail order pharmacy on their platform. Many Americans don't realize that prescription pricing can significantly vary between pharmacies, and even from day to day. However, having Marley Drug as a consistent option on the RxSpark platform for affordable medication accessible by all Americans, regardless of where they live, will provide a reasonable option for medication disparities," says Albert D. Friesen, PhD, CEO of Medicure and Chair of its Board of Directors.

‍

This exciting partnership marks the latest phase in RxSpark's growth strategy, leveraging the technology behind its pharmacy discounts program with further platform developments and integrations. The disruptive new unified health platform will feature health products, lab testing, and various health services.

Media Contact

EZ Newswire
hello@eznewswire.com

Kleiner Device Labs today announced that its new KG™2 Surge™ flow-thru interbody system was used in its first surgical procedure. Dr. Anders Cohen performed a single-level TLIF, fusing L5-S1 at The Brooklyn Hospital Center on July 19, 2022. Utilizing the new device, bone graft delivered through the KG 2 conduit was more than three times the volume of the void of the collapsed disk space.

‍

Noted Dr. Cohen post-surgery, "I was honored to perform the inaugural KG 2 Surge spinal fusion procedure. The system worked flawlessly, allowing precision placement of the interbody cage and fusion graft in a seamless sequential manner. The integrated fusion delivery system enabled a quick, maximum delivery of the graft material to the re-expanded disc space. The system is intuitive and reduces the number of steps usually needed to perform this procedure. There is minimal learning curve for the physician and our team."

‍

The KG2 Surge flow-thru interbody system is a single-patient-use bone graft delivery tool coupled with a 3D-printed titanium I-Beam fusion implant. The implant has no lateral walls and serves as a conduit for unimpeded flow of a broad spectrum of bone graft materials through the pre-attached, rectangular insertion tool. The rectangular cannula maximizes the cross-sectional area available for graft material flow and eliminates the challenge of trying to apply bone graft after cage insertion. Since the system comes pre-assembled and sterilized in a single use tray, there is minimal scrub tech training and no implant tray re-processing/sterilization -- an ideal system for an ASC or hospital. Also, the implant is directly inserted—it is not touched or pre-packed. The KG2 system allows for a single insertion process to take the place of the multi-step, multi-instrument pass practice that is typical of current spinal fusion procedures. The surgical procedure with KG2 Surge spares contusion of delicate nerve tissue and reduces the risk of surgical site infection. Because the system comes pre-sterilized and pre-assembled, it also eliminates the back table "fiddle factor."

‍

For KG2 videos, technical specifications, instructions for use, or clinical efficacy information, please go to the company's web site.

Media Contact

EZ Newswire
hello@eznewswire.com