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SugarMD is proud to announce a new partnership with St. Jude Children’s Hospital, reflecting a shared commitment to preventing and ultimately eradicating diabetes. This collaboration underscores SugarMD’s dedication to improving access to healthcare and addressing social determinants that impact health outcomes, particularly for the most vulnerable populations. Through this alliance, SugarMD seeks to empower communities with tools and resources to foster healthier lives and reduce the risk of diabetes from an early age.

Founded by Dr. Ahmet Ergin, SugarMD is driven by an understanding of the importance of empathy and accessibility in healthcare. Inspired by his own journey as an immigrant facing limited resources, Dr. Ergin designed SugarMD with a mission to give back. The company’s automated donation process integrates philanthropy into each customer purchase, seamlessly channeling a portion of every sale to critical healthcare organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Doctors Without Borders, and the American Red Cross. This feature ensures that customers are contributing to a greater cause while supporting their own health.

SugarMD’s partnership with St. Jude Children’s Hospital aims to address the root causes of chronic health issues, including diabetes. Childhood experiences and access to resources significantly impact lifelong wellness, and by investing in initiatives that promote healthy choices from a young age, SugarMD is working to lay a solid foundation for future generations. This approach extends beyond immediate health challenges, fostering environments where healthier habits and better healthcare access reduce the risk of chronic conditions and promote sustainable well-being.

At the core of this initiative is a belief in the importance of health equity. With each purchase, SugarMD customers are not only investing in their health but also contributing to a broader mission that champions accessible healthcare and improved quality of life for under-resourced communities. Through this partnership with St. Jude’s and other ongoing efforts, SugarMD is reinforcing its commitment to creating meaningful change in the fight against diabetes.

Next month, SugarMD will spotlight another charity as part of its broader philanthropic strategy, but the current focus remains on amplifying the vital work being accomplished in collaboration with St. Jude Children’s Hospital. SugarMD welcomes the opportunity to share this impactful story with communities nationwide, uniting efforts to make diabetes prevention and health equity a priority.

About SugarMD

SugarMD is dedicated to empowering individuals living with diabetes by offering a wide range of high-quality products and resources. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, SugarMD aims to transform diabetes care one step at a time. To learn more, visit https://sugarmds.com.

The National CIO Review has released its latest coverage, "Interest Rate Cuts and Economic Growth to Spark IT Leadership Opportunities in 2025." This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the economic drivers that are set to unlock significant opportunities for the expansion of technology leadership roles in the coming year.

The article discusses how anticipated interest rate cuts and projected economic growth are poised to reshape the IT environment in 2025, opening new avenues for the expansion of technology leadership roles, enabling leaders to drive innovation and support business growth. By taking advantage of these favorable conditions, CIOs and IT executives can align their strategies with emerging market opportunities, accelerating digital transformation and expanding their impact on business growth.

“We’re seeing businesses shift from survival mode to growth mode, and with that shift comes an increased need for strategic technology leaders, resulting in a surge of new technology leadership openings. Organizations that delayed key technology hires are now racing to bring in visionary CIOs and supporting leaders who can align digital transformation with business outcomes,” says Joe Gross, President and Managing Partner of CIO Partners.

As enterprises navigate a dynamic economic environment, the expansion of IT leadership hiring is more critical than ever, providing a unique opportunity for experienced technology professionals to step into influential positions. TNCR's latest curation offers valuable perspectives for technology executives looking to position their teams and organizations for success in 2025.

Read the full article to explore how economic growth and strategic financial decisions can empower IT leadership to spark a new wave of innovation and operational excellence.

Link to the full article: Interest Rate Cuts and Economic Growth to Spark IT Leadership Opportunities in 2025

About The National CIO Review

The National CIO Review (TNCR) is the leading voice for CIOs and IT leaders, championing insightful thought leadership and providing critical analysis on the latest trends in technology. TNCR aims to inform and inspire the technology executives who are shaping the future of business. To learn more, visit https://nationalcioreview.com.

Seeking to advance investment and leadership in the evolving business of women’s sports, Murphy Media Partners successfully launched a new platform called SIGHT Lines, the first in a series of planned global events designed to move investment dollars off the sidelines and into women’s sports.

The SIGHT Lines forum, “Elevating Brand, Media and Tech Conversations in Women’s Sports,” was held last week at The Core Club in New York City. The invitation-only event brought together a group of C-suite executives in sports, media, advertising, tech and finance to discuss market research, business opportunities and new ideas.

“SIGHT Lines is designed to turn the surging popularity of women’s sports into business opportunities and solid investments with compelling ROI,” said Kathleen Murphy, founder and CEO of Murphy Media Partners. “The diverse group of leaders brought together for this SIGHT Lines event has already sparked new conversations, investment opportunities and collaborations among businesses—exactly as intended. We plan to continue leveraging MMP’s global network and creating bespoke events with leaders around the world, to spur new investment in women’s sports and generate new businesses around the sector.”

Lingering resistance among brand leaders and lack of industry data were cited as key barriers to investment in women’s sports in new research by The Collective, Wasserman. The research strongly indicates that demonstrating the economic impact of women’s sports is vital to overcoming investment barriers, with proven returns cited as the primary motivating factor.

The New York City event featured expert panelists with decades of sports and media experience who shared specific and unique insights into the explosive growth of women's sports. Julie Haddon, NWSL Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer; Hillary Mandel, EVP & Head of Americas for Media, IMG; and Danielle Brown, SVP of Sports Brand Solutions, Disney Advertising, engaged in discussion with Senior Sports Reporter Rachel Bachman of The Wall Street Journal around news, issues, media deals, what we lose by marketing “women’s sports” as such, and more.

The Collective, Wasserman and EDO collaborated on a unique data presentation just for SIGHT Lines attendees, emphasizing the critical nature of data and outcomes measurement to prove positive business results and attract dollars from brands and investors. Data from Brand Decision Makers of Women’s Sports Investments from The Collective, and EDO’s Women’s Sports TV Outcomes Report combined for a powerful, concise view of the state of women’s sports and what is needed to propel it forward. For example:

• Advertisers invested $8.5 billion in live sports TV ads in 2024; yet women’s sports only accounted for $242 million, or about 3%
• 87% of brand decision-makers expect to increase their women’s sports brand spend over the next 5 years
• Women’s sports sponsorship shows the strongest positive impact on brand image at 57%
• Auto ads in the U.S. Open Women’s Final outperformed the primetime average by 218%
• One ad in the FIFA Women’s World Cup was 10x more impactful than the average prime time ad

Additional key speakers added:

Brian Lawlor, President of Scripps Sports, emphasized the company's ongoing commitment to women’s sports, saying, "Scripps Sports has invested heavily in elevating women’s sports programming because we believe in its potential not just to grow audiences, but to drive meaningful business outcomes. Our partnership with the WNBA and NWSL on ION and our investments in dedicated studio productions are just the start. The combination of entities that Kathleen Murphy and SIGHT Lines put in the room reinforced the fact that the business of women’s sports is no longer just a conversation; it’s an actionable movement, and we’re excited to be part of it."

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Thayer Lavielle, Managing Director, The Collective Wasserman: “Proving the impact of the women’s sports ecosystem is crucial to overcoming barriers to investment: 57% of surveyed brand-decision makers cited unproven business returns as the primary barrier to investing in women’s sports and 78% say industry data and insights would help overcome challenges and gain support for women’s sports partnerships. SIGHT Lines is a vibrant forum to provide the perspective and solutions from industry leaders to this challenge.”

Jenny Wall, CMO of VideoAmp, also reflected on the event’s significance and the value of critical measurement, stating, “Women’s sports are not just a good story—they’re good business. With 90% of media still geared toward male audiences, there’s a massive opportunity to shift that focus, and SIGHT Lines has shown that leaders are ready to make those moves. The insights shared at this event are proof that the time for substantial investment in women’s sports is now.”​

Laura Grover, SVP Client Solutions, EDO: "Women's sports account for just 3% of live sports TV ad investment in 2024, yet they offer one of the fastest-growing opportunities for ad performance, with an 8% increase in effectiveness over last year. Forward-thinking brands like Disney, Papa John's, SKIMS, and New Balance are seeing real results from their Women's Sports investments."

Stephanie Hughes, CEO Wiss Family Office: “Since 2019, we've sponsored women in sports and believe more female athletes lead to stronger boardrooms, as many C-suite women identify as athletes. We're excited to join SIGHT Lines, help the next generation of investors find undervalued and high-growth opportunities, and connect with the diverse executives Kathleen and Murphy Media Partners have assembled.”

Eden Lopez, Managing Director, Financial Advisor, The LSS Group, RBC Wealth Management: “The LSS Group is an all-female private wealth management team and we understand what it means to have to break through barriers. As longtime supporters of women’s sports and female athletes, we’re proud of the research RBC sponsors in this area. We’re thrilled to be part of SIGHT Lines and in the company of the eclectic group of executives that Kathleen and Murphy Media Partners have put together to shine a light on the many opportunities in women’s sports.”

About SIGHT Lines

SIGHT Lines, a platform developed by Murphy Media Partners, is focused on advancing investment and leadership in the evolving business of women’s sports. By convening top global leaders from sports, media, tech, finance, and business, SIGHT Lines sparks critical conversations that lead to meaningful business actions.

About Murphy Media Partners

Murphy Media Partners connects and inspires extraordinary people and transformational businesses to lead world-changing work. Our clients are leaders in business, sports, women’s sports, technology, entertainment and media who are seeking new ideas, new connections and new solutions to challenges that are met only through connection with other extraordinary leaders. Kathleen Murphy’s deep experience in national media, global markets, and as a senior strategic advisor to businesses makes her uniquely qualified to convene the right leaders at the right time and motivate them to create solutions and opportunities to business challenges.

To learn more, visit MurphyMediaPartners.com.

Symbicore, a full-service marketing agency specializing in Fractional CMO services and omnichannel marketing execution, is excited to announce its official partnership with Fye Labs, a leading IoT innovation firm based in Toronto. This strategic partnership not only positions Symbicore as Fye Labs’ dedicated marketing partner but also extends its services to Fye Labs’ client partners, ensuring that their innovative projects are effectively branded, launched, and positioned for long-term market success.

Fye Labs has established itself as a pioneer in IoT solutions, creating advanced sensor-based technologies that optimize real-time monitoring and operational efficiency for businesses across diverse industries. Through this partnership, Symbicore will drive Fye Labs’ marketing efforts and provide essential branding and market development services for all of Fye Labs’ client projects. This comprehensive approach ensures that each project is launched with strategic precision, generating maximum market traction and long-term growth.

“Symbicore’s expertise will be instrumental in amplifying not just our brand but the market presence of our entire ecosystem,” said Suvojit Ghosh, PhD, founder and CEO of Fye Labs. “We’re confident that with Symbicore’s guidance, both our internal projects and those of our partners will be marketed with the right strategic focus to achieve meaningful impact.”

Symbicore will provide a full suite of marketing services, including brand strategy, demand generation, digital marketing, and market positioning for Fye Labs and its client partners. The partnership is designed to help all parties involved realize their full market potential, ensuring that innovative IoT projects are delivered with the necessary momentum to succeed in competitive industries.

“This partnership represents a unique opportunity to not only strengthen Fye Labs’ market position but also to ensure that their client partners’ projects are successfully branded, launched, and scaled,” said Donovan Fowke, founder and president of Symbicore. “We are committed to helping Fye Labs and their partners execute strategic, results-driven marketing efforts that build strong brands and drive growth.”

Symbicore’s Director of Strategy, Sidney Evans, will play a crucial role in developing and overseeing the strategic direction of this partnership. Evans emphasized the importance of a tailored approach to each client project: “Every IoT solution Fye Labs delivers is unique, and our goal is to ensure that each project not only enters the market effectively but also gains traction and sustains growth over time. We’re thrilled to contribute to the success of these groundbreaking innovations.”

By working closely with Fye Labs and their client network, Symbicore will ensure that IoT projects are positioned for optimal visibility and success from the outset, further enhancing the impact of Fye Labs’ innovative solutions across industries.

About Symbicore

Symbicore is a full-service marketing agency offering Fractional CMO services, omnichannel marketing execution, and flat-rate design and development for growing B2B businesses. Symbicore’s action-driven strategies help companies scale, generate demand, and build strong brand identities. For more information, visit symbicore.com.

About Fye Labs

Fye Labs is a Toronto-based IoT innovation company that creates advanced sensor-based solutions, enhancing real-time monitoring, operational efficiency, and automation for businesses. Fye Labs is committed to delivering cutting-edge IoT technologies that drive performance and connectivity across industries. For more information, visit fyelabs.com.

Rainbow Labs, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Queer and Gender Nonconforming Youth (QGNC) through community engagement and mentorship, honored multi-talented artist VINCINT and activist journalist Ashlee Marie Preston at their inaugural Violet Visionary Awards on October 17, 2024.

Held at Serra on Vine, the ceremony guests were asked to wear violet attire, symbolizing the spirit of the LGBTQ+ community as represented in the Rainbow Flag. The event coincided with Spirit Day, a day dedicated to uplifting LGBTQ+ youth.

VINCINT received The Voice of Inspiration Award for their impactful artistry and dedication to representation within the LGBTQ+ community.

Ashlee Marie Preston was honored with The Heart of the Community Award, recognizing their unwavering commitment to activism and inspiring change for LGBTQ+ youth.

"This is a full circle moment because I literally used to sleep outside a few feet away from here when I was a young homeless youth. And it was programs and services such as the ones that Rainbow Labs offer that gave me tools to help me transmute that pain into power," said Preston. "At a time where there are so many young people who don't know who is in their corner, it's important for us to be able to remind them that we are going to continue to not only show up for their safety and survival but to actually invest in their ambitions, passions and the things that really makes them feel alive."

The Light of the Future Award celebrated the transformative power of mentorship. This year, it was awarded to mentee Allix Grace and mentor Gael Alegria.

The evening, hosted by the legendary Nina West, featured captivating performances from renowned house ballroom groups: House of Comme de Garçons, House of Xclusive Lanvin, and House of Balmain. DJ GoodBoy provided music.

At the event, Rainbow Labs announced the launch of The Dream Builder Lab, a monthly giving program that supports LGBTQ+ youth through mentorship and youth development programs throughout Los Angeles County. Members help fund safe, inclusive spaces for youth to explore their identities and gain leadership skills. Contributions provide resources for activities like LGBTQ+ sports, entrepreneurship, leadership development, and creative storytelling, ensuring access to life-changing opportunities. Donors receive insider updates, early access to programs, and recognition for their support. The program aims to foster a future where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive.

Rainbow Labs extends its thanks to generous sponsorships from Diageo, Alaska Airlines, The Godfrey Hotel, Kaiser Permanente, Cedars, Los Angeles Football Club, and Aesop. Pepsi, and Haus Labs by Lady Gaga and individual contributions. The Violet Visionary Awards will return on October 16, 2025, celebrating even more leaders in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Media inquiries: Email Jacob Toups and Joseph Harvey

Download hi-res assets: Click here

Photo credit: Mo Satarzadeh (event), Brennan Wright (red carpet)

About Rainbow Labs

Rainbow Labs is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization that uplifts and empowers LGBTQ+ youth through mentorship and transformative programming. Our mission is to embolden Queer and Gender Nonconforming Youth to discover, curate, and experiment with the elements of a fulfilled life through community building and the lived experiences of mentors. Through innovative initiatives like our Leadership Lab, Sports Lab, Storytelling Lab, and Accelerator Lab, Rainbow Labs inspires youth to dream big, celebrate their authentic selves, and become the leaders of tomorrow. Learn more at www.rainbowlabs.org.

The National CIO Review has released its latest curation, identifying the rise of "Agentic AI", detailing the transformative potential of this next wave of artificial intelligence. With expert insights this captures the essence of how Agentic AI is reshaping the way businesses and technology leaders navigate the evolving landscape of AI.

The article, "The Rise of Agentic AI" provides readers an in-depth look into the key takeaways. Agentic AI, described as systems that can take more autonomous actions, represents a significant leap in the AI evolution, poised to elevate productivity and drive transformative change across industries. By expanding decision-making capabilities and offering enhanced responsiveness, Agentic AI is expected to revolutionize traditional business models and redefine efficiency across the board.

“The rise of Agentic AI co-workers is unlocking unprecedented levels of productivity. The magic happens, when you can not only enable massive gains in efficiency but also address key challenges like AI governance and compliance,” says Geraldine McBride, CEO of MyWave.ai.

As business and IT leaders grapple with the potential implications and opportunities that come with this technology, TNCR’s offers critical insights into the trends and considerations that are shaping the future of work, governance, and digital transformation.

Read the full article to understand how Agentic AI can become a powerful ally for your organization’s technology strategy. Find out how leading enterprises are already piloting these cutting-edge systems to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive and AI-driven marketplace.

Link to the full article: The Rise of Agentic AI

About The National CIO Review

The National CIO Review (TNCR) is the leading voice for CIOs and IT leaders, championing insightful thought leadership and providing critical analysis on the latest trends in technology. TNCR aims to inform and inspire the technology executives who are shaping the future of business. To learn more, visit https://nationalcioreview.com.

The Matchbox, a leader in B2B marketing & advertising solutions, proudly announces the launch of its Hybrid AI Media Production Services. This innovative service blends human creativity with advanced AI and ML technologies, enabling the production of customized marketing content at unparalleled speed and scale.

How It Works

Starting with human-driven design to capture a brand’s core message, Hybrid AI leverages generative AI to produce hundreds of creative variations, each tailored to diverse audience segments. This approach allows brands to deliver content that feels authentically human-crafted and resonates personally with viewers. While efficiency is significantly enhanced, the final product maintains the highest professional quality, with no compromise on design or any noticeable AI involvement.

“In an era where personalization is key, our Hybrid AI technology allows brands to resonate with their audience like never before,” said Erik Leavell, Director of Design at The Matchbox. “We’re using AI not to replace creativity but to supercharge it, giving our clients the ability to evolve their message dynamically and effectively."

Hybrid AI employs top AI tools like Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and Adobe Creative Suite to create visually stunning content across formats, from video to static imagery. By improving turnaround times and streamlining the creative process, The Matchbox’s Hybrid AI maximizes both creative quality and efficiency.

"A/B testing is a legacy approach. We like to use the full alphabet," added Ani Bisaria, CEO of The Matchbox

Join the Future of Advertising

With campaigns showing up to twice the engagement and significantly reduced costs per acquisition, The Matchbox’s Hybrid AI program has already proven its potential to transform marketing strategies for B2B brands.

The Matchbox invites companies to embrace the future of creative production—where AI and human expertise combine to create the most personalized, efficient, and engaging advertising possible.

For more information on Hybrid AI and how it can help your business grow, visit thematchbox.inc/hybrid-ai or book an informational call at thematchbox.inc/contact.

About The Matchbox

The Matchbox is a premier digital marketing and media agency with offices in Los Angeles and New York. We specialize in scaling mid-market and enterprise companies through a range of services, including paid media, programmatic advertising, media production, and sales/marketing operations. Leveraging both AI and human expertise, we are committed to reshaping work experiences and increasing productivity for our clients around the world. For more information, please visit www.thematchbox.inc.

Charleston Literary Festival has just announced writer Latria Graham and poet Dasia Moore as the Inaugural Charleston Literary Festival Cato Fellows.

Latria Graham is a magazine feature writer from Spartanburg, South Carolina. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, LA Times, The Guardian, espnW, Southern Living, and The Atlantic. She is the ethical travel columnist for Afar Magazine, as well as the writer behind Garden & Gun's “This Land” column, which uses time, place, and memory to document and investigate the lesser known or rapidly disappearing aspects of the natural world in the South. An Assistant Professor of Creative Writing in Augusta University’s English and World Languages department, she is also an instructor in the University of Georgia's Narrative Nonfiction MFA program housed in the Grady College of Mass Communication & Journalism.

“Being one of the inaugural fellows is a remarkable honor because I've used the written word as my means of expression, and I can trace my lineage back to the coast of South Carolina, a place where for generations my Black ancestors were forbidden by law from learning to read or write. So to be recognized in this way, for bringing vulnerability and my emotional truth to the page is no small thing. The talent that comes to this festival is exceptional and I'm excited to learn more about the craft and enhance the caliber of my creativity.” —Latria Graham

Dasia Moore is a poet, journalist, and queer child of the Black South. Her writing has appeared or is forthcoming in publications including The Offing, Fence, Hayden’s Ferry Review, and The Boston Globe, where she was a magazine staff writer. Dasia holds her MFA in creative writing from New York University, where she was a Lillian Vernon Fellow, and a BA from Yale University. She is honored to be one of two inaugural Cato Fellowship recipients. Raised in her family homes of Charleston, SC and Reidsville, NC, Dasia now lives and writes in Durham.

"To have my poetry recognized in the very city that made me a poet is a dream fulfilled. I write about loss across the Black Atlantic, including my own family’s loss of land and homes in Charleston. Thank you to the Charleston Literary Festival for believing in my work; it would be an understatement to say I am honored.” —Dasia Moore

The Charleston Literary Festival Cato Fellowship Prize is awarded to two highly-skilled writers of fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry who are resident in North or South Carolina. Writers receive a full residency in Charleston during the ten days of Charleston Literary Festival with full access to the Festival events, authors, and a writing desk in Dock Street Theatre as well as a cash prize of $7,500.

Marion Cato, philanthropist and author, expressed her insight into the importance of the Fellowship Prize:

“To be able to touch another person with your selection of words is a rare gift. It is a bold and brave endeavor, oftentimes revealing far more about the writer than of the subject matter. Very few are blessed with this gift, this willingness to expose oneself, to be judged. With the establishment of a fellow program as part of Charleston Literary Festival, we thrive to nurture the yearning of a few select individuals to continue to share their creativity with all of us in our lifelong adventure in learning about the world around us and, most importantly, ourselves in the process. It is my hope that in creating this program, I can honor my late husband Wayland H. Cato Jr., who was a passionate reader his entire life.”

The Catos believe that the world would be a better place if exceptional writers were nurtured and encouraged.

Sarah Moriarty, Executive Director of Charleston Literary Festival, echoed Mrs. Cato’s sentiments:

“Charleston Literary Festival is grateful and honored to establish this fellowship to support emerging writers in North Carolina and South Carolina. We were bowled over by the response to this fellowship with 140 extremely high quality submissions. The diversity of voices in the region, made evident by the exceptional work submitted, demonstrates the richness of the cultures of the Carolinas and the talent among us.”

Charleston Literary festival Releases names of the second annual Young Writers Awards winners

Charleston Literary Festival is also committed to supporting teen writers. The nine winners of the second annual Charleston Literary Festival Young Writers Awards have also been announced today.

Charleston Literary Festival’s Young Writers Awards recognizes nine emerging young high school writers from Charleston County School District with exceptional talent while promoting the power of literature and encouraging creative growth. The awards are open to all 9th-12th graders currently enrolled in a public high school in Charleston, South Carolina.

The nine winners receive a small cash prize, certificate, gift bag, and be invited to attend a special session to connect with the Charleston Literary Festival Inaugural Fellows—thereby building mentorship into the program and connecting the upcoming generation of writers with exciting more established emerging writers.

The top three winners will have the opportunity to read their work onstage at the Charleston Literary Festival at Dock Street Theatre—as an opener for key Festival author sessions. This gives these young writers a platform to present their work alongside some of the best authors and thinkers in the country.

Student works are submitted by teachers and adjudicated by a dedicated panel of literary professionals. The works selected for distinction are based on three criteria: originality, skill, and emergence of personal voice.

The 2024 winners are as follows:

Poetry

• First place: A Poem for the Fellow Vultures by Arden Johnson, freshman at Charleston School of the Arts (Danielle DeTiberus, supporting teacher)
• Second place: Roadside Crypts by Willard Hurley, senior at Lucy Beckham High School (Sarah Hoover, supporting teacher)
• Third place: Brisbane Drive by Harper Hayes, freshman at Charleston School of the Arts (Danielle DeTiberus, supporting teacher)

Short story

• First place: Walking with My Shadow by Lucille Harper, freshman at Charleston School of the Arts, (Danielle DeTiberus, supporting teacher)
• Second place: Tabernacle by Adam Leon, junior at Academic Academy (Monique Collins, supporting teacher)
• Third place: The Echoes of Aeloria by Tyquan Singleton, Senior at Military Magnet High School (Kirk Zaro, Supporting Teacher)

Personal essay

• First place: How To Exhale by Chloe Crilley, sophomore at Wando High School (Jeannie Fox, supporting teacher)
• Second place: Through Our Eyes by Madeline Leluc, Junior at Charleston School of the Arts (Danielle DeTiberus, supporting teacher)
• Third place: Last First Day by Tucker McManus, sophomore at Academic Magnet Academy (Monique Collins, supporting teacher)

“The Young Writers Awards is a valuable endeavor for teens whether or not they consider themselves “writers,” said Jen Comer, Director of the Charleston Literary Festival Young Writers Awards. “At a time in a teen’s life when they are trying to figure out their own path, creative writing provides a safe place to experiment with thoughts, identity, and finding one’s place in society—writing is where we find the freedom to be our authentic selves.”

“The Young Writers Awards continue to inspire my students to not only push themselves creatively, but to engage more in their local writing community. What incredible opportunities and resources you have provided these young writers with!" added Danielle DeTiberus, Creative Writing Faculty at Charleston School of the Arts. 

Charleston Literary Festival Young Writers Awards are generously sponsored by Patti Manigault. Charleston Literary Festival runs in downtown Charleston from November 1–10, 2024.

Tickets to Charleston Literary Festival are available online now.

• Tickets for Charleston Literary Festival are on sale now at https://www.citypapertickets.com/events/154102345/early-bird-all-session-access-pass
• For more information about the Festival schedule, please visit www.charlestonliteraryfestival.com
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About Charleston Literary Festival 

Charleston Literary Festival is a boutique literary festival with an international edge to its programming held in Charleston, South Carolina, every November. Over ten days, world-renowned writers and readers come together to discuss and explore. By connecting readers and thinkers with a wide range of quality speakers, the Festival promotes the power of excellent writing, ideas, and champions the free exchange of ideas. An independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, now in its eighth year, previous attendees include Claire Keegan, Hernan Diaz, Patrick Radden Keefe, Deborah Lipstadt, Yaa Gyasi, George Saunders, Madeline Miller, Margo Jefferson, Imani Perry, Walter Isaacson, Eddie S Glaude, JR, Tiya Miles, Stephen Greenblatt, André Aciman, Colm Tóibín, Yiyun Li, Lisa Taddeo, Lauren Groff, Rebecca Makkai, Lorrie Moore, Jenny Offill, Jia Tolentino, Deborah Eisenberg, Joyce Carol Oates, Jeanette Winterson, Ben Okri, Louis Menand, David Blight, Adam Gopnik, A.O. Scott, and many more.

For more information, visit https://www.charlestonliteraryfestival.com.

LeadIQ, the trusted and accurate sales prospecting and data enrichment SaaS platform that empowers revenue teams to drive demand creation and sales efficiency with accurate account and contact data, effortless integrations and AI-driven tools, today announced the launch of two new integrated solutions to transform how sales teams manage prospecting and data integrity: LeadIQ Prospecting Hub and LeadIQ Data Hub. These innovative tools will streamline sales processes, improve data accuracy and empower teams to connect with high-value prospects efficiently.

“In today’s sales environment, data accuracy and streamlined workflows are essential for success,” said Mei Siauw, CEO of LeadIQ. “With the Prospecting Hub and Data Hub, we are providing revenue teams with everything they need to prospect smarter, optimize their workflows, and keep their CRM data reliable — all while reducing manual effort.”

LeadIQ Prospecting Hub: Smarter Prospecting, Simplified

The LeadIQ Prospecting Hub is an all-in-one platform that combines real-time data capture, AI-driven messaging and easy integration with sales engagement tools. Sales teams can effortlessly find, capture and sync contact data, enabling them to reach out to the right prospects at the perfect time. The platform’s integrated workflows reduce time spent on manual tasks, allowing teams to focus on high-value interactions.

Key Features

• Accurate Data Capture: Find, capture and sync verified contact details, effortlessly.
• AI-Driven Messaging: Create personalized, AI-generated prospecting emails in seconds.
• Actionable Signals: Leverage buying signals to engage with prospects at the right time.
• Seamless Integration: Sync data across popular tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, LinkedIn and more.

“At Nextiva, maintaining accurate and up-to-date prospect data is critical for our sales teams to operate efficiently,” said Allie Kaiser, Senior Director of XDR & Automation at Nextiva. “LeadIQ’s new Prospecting Hub has streamlined our ability to capture, sync, and engage with prospects, allowing our team to focus on what matters most—building relationships and closing deals. The integration across our existing tools has made a significant impact on our sales workflow, saving us valuable time and effort.”

LeadIQ Data Hub: Elevate Your CRM’s Potential

LeadIQ’s Data Hub is a comprehensive solution that enhances CRM data integrity through real-time enrichment. Sales teams can now rely on always up-to-date, accurate data that simplifies decision-making and engagement. The Data Hub integrates smoothly with Salesforce and other tools, ensuring sales teams work with reliable, actionable insights.

Key Features

• Real-Time CRM Enrichment: Automatically update records with accurate B2B data.
• Job Change Tracking: Receive notifications when key contacts change roles, ensuring timely engagement.
• Seamless Integration: Effortlessly map data to CRM fields, enhancing existing workflows.
• Reliable Data: Keep CRM systems fresh with continuous data updates, reducing manual input.

“LeadIQ’s Data Hub has been a game changer for our customers, ensuring strategic generation of pipeline based on actionable buying signals,” said Nathan Creswell, Head of Product, LeadIQ. “With real-time data enrichment and integrated functionality, they no longer worry about outdated information or manual data entry. This level of automation and precision has enabled our customers’ sales teams to engage prospects more strategically, driving better results across the board.”

For more information about LeadIQ’s Prospecting Hub and Data Hub, visit leadiq.com.

About LeadIQ

LeadIQ empowers revenue teams with the most accurate and comprehensive contact data. Seamlessly integrating with tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator, CRM systems, and outreach platforms, LeadIQ enhances demand creation and sales efficiency. Used by over 20,000 sales professionals, LeadIQ’s AI-driven email assistance, superior data quality, and global reach allow sales teams to focus on strategic selling rather than manual data entry, saving the average sales rep up to six hours a week. Its powerful data enrichment capabilities enable RevOps professionals to capture key marketing signals, convert them into actionable insights, and maintain a CRM as the reliable source of truth for driving sustainable revenue growth. To learn more, visit leadiq.com.

Oxford Medical Products is pleased to announce positive topline results from the first randomised controlled trial (RCT) of Sirona, its innovative, non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical weight loss technology.

Sirona is an inert dual-polymer hydrogel pill that rapidly expands in the stomach to occupy space and mechanically suppress appetite. Once deployed in the stomach, Sirona's size allows it to remain there for several days and provide continuous appetite suppression, a crucial component in achieving effective weight loss. Sirona’s mechanical mode of action is non-invasive, safe, well tolerated, and comes at a fraction of the cost of existing treatments. 

Overweight and obesity affects over 2 billion people worldwide and costs the NHS £18 billion per year. JP Morgan analysts have predicted the obesity treatment market will be worth $100 billion by 2030, driven largely by the advent of the GLP-1 pharmacotherapies.

OMP views Sirona as a highly differentiated technology that complements the GLP-1 pharmacotherapies but can also access several market segments these therapies cannot. Sirona’s safety and tolerability profile makes it uniquely positioned to enter the overweight treatment market and the rapidly growing weight maintenance market, to help patients transitioning off GLP-1s avoid weight re-gain and maintain a healthy weight long-term. 

The randomised double-blinded controlled trial (ISRCTN14083641) was designed to assess the safety, feasibility, and tolerability of Sirona. Approximately forty adults with a BMI between 30-41 were split into two groups, with participants receiving either Sirona or a placebo in a 3:1 ratio respectively. Weight loss was measured as an exploratory endpoint, over the 12 weeks. There were no serious adverse events (SAEs) reported over the 12 weeks, with the vast majority of reported adverse events being graded mild. No participants withdrew from the study due to product-related adverse events, highlighting Sirona’s excellent safety and tolerability profile. Participants in the Sirona treatment group lost up to 10% of their total body weight.

Interestingly, in this small trial looking at early exploratory weight loss analysis, those with class I obesity (BMI of 30-34.9) lost a greater percentage of TBW than those with class II obesity (BMI ≥35). This finding warrants further investigation, as it contrasts with existing literature on GLP-1 receptor agonists, which typically demonstrate greater efficacy in individuals with higher BMIs. 

Commenting on the results, Oxford Medical Products’ CEO, Dr. Camilla Easter, said: “Data like these prove our initial belief—that Sirona represents a safe approach to weight loss. We are extremely pleased that the participants in our study responded well to Sirona, and we have now delivered over 8,000 doses, with our fantastic safety profile and non-pharmacological approach we are uniquely positioned to disrupt the overweight and obesity treatment market.”  

Continuing, she said: “Sirona’s effect in the BMI category 30-34.9 may also indicate its potential as an effective treatment option for people with an overweight BMI (25-30) who currently have very few treatment options available. Due to the scale and complexity of the obesity crisis, there is an urgent need for a broader range of treatment options to address the needs of individuals living with excess weight and obesity. Sirona offers a totally novel solution, which can be used stand alone or in conjunction with other medical weight loss treatments. Oxford Medical Products are both proud and excited to offer an alternative and complimentary solution for people living with overweight and obesity.  

Off the back of these results, Oxford Medical Products now plans to commence the pivotal trial of Sirona in Q2 2025. OMP is also advancing the technology as a gastroretentive drug delivery system, in addition to a standalone obesity treatment. The initial focus will be on delivering oral anti-obesity and other metabolic drugs, with the goal of enhancing their pharmacokinetic profiles and, ultimately, improving their oral bioavailability. 

Oxford Medical Products partnered with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (Southampton BRC) and the NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (Bristol BRC) for the clinical trial. BRCs focus on early phase translational research and experimental medicine to bridge the gap between early discovery science and studies involving large numbers of people.

This study also received support from the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility. 

Professor James Byrne, Chief Investigator of the study from the NIHR Southampton BRC, added: “This first-in-human study of Sirona is a really exciting collaboration between the team at the NIHR Southampton BRC and Oxford Medical Products. Working with clinical research colleagues at the Bristol BRC and Milton Keynes, we have delivered a randomised study confirming safety, feasibility and tolerability of this completely new and first in class product as a tool to support those living with overweight and obesity. I am delighted that our results clearly also demonstrate the potential of Sirona as an entirely new approach to weight loss and weight management. Our team is looking forward now to the pivotal study planned for 2025 as the next step that will further assess the effectiveness of Sirona in a larger multinational randomised trial.” 

For more information, or to discuss the news directly with Oxford Medical Products’ CEO, Camilla Easter, visit https://www.oxfordmedicalproducts.com.

About Oxford Medical Products

Oxford Medical Products (OMP) is a UK-based, clinical stage, VC-backed biotechnology start-up that has developed an affordable and accessible weight-loss treatment for the world's population. to learn more, visit  https://www.oxfordmedicalproducts.com.

Clue, a leading menstrual and reproductive health tracking app, today announced the results of the largest study to date, examining the relationship between gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, mood, and the menstrual cycle. Led by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, the new study provides important insights into the complex link between GI and mood symptoms across the menstrual cycle, particularly for individuals with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

The study analyzed data from more than 33,000 menstrual cycles over a four year period, across more than 32,000 participants, making it the most comprehensive study of its kind. Participants used Clue’s menstrual tracking app to identify and track their symptoms and opted-in to share their data anonymously for research.

Key findings:

• GI symptoms such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea were more frequently tracked in the days leading up to menstruation as compared to the days following it, with a stronger effect observed in those with PMS.
• A strong positive association was found between mood symptoms and GI symptoms across all phases of the menstrual cycle, for both PMS and non-PMS groups, indicating that these symptoms often occur together.
• Participants with self-reported PMS tracked more GI symptoms throughout their entire menstrual cycle compared to those without PMS.

"At Clue, we're committed to advancing society’s understanding of menstrual health through data-driven research. These findings not only validate the experiences of millions of women and people with cycles, but also pave the way for more effective support and treatment during especially difficult times of their menstrual cycles,” said Amanda Shea, Fractional Chief Science Officer at Clue. 

With the Clue app, members can track when they feel bloated or gassy, monitor constipation or diarrhea, and log mood fluctuations throughout their cycle.  By customizing additional tags, members can capture their unique experiences, and get a clear overview of how gastrointestinal symptoms and mood changes interact during their cycles. 

"Reporting your experiences and discomforts to your healthcare provider from memory alone often doesn't reflect the true condition of your health and might not be the most reliable. We recommend tracking both your digestion and feelings daily, and over a longer period, to help you and your healthcare provider analyze cycle-related patterns,” said Shea.

"This study was exciting because it drew from such a large dataset of menstrual cycles, to give a representative look at GI symptoms and mood across the cycle. We were able to see a clear relationship between GI symptoms and mood at multiple points in the menstrual cycle. Previous studies have found links between GI symptoms and mood in people with major depression, but this had not been assessed in the context of the menstrual cycle or premenstrual mood symptoms. We hope this study leads to more research on the gut-brain axis in the context of menstrual health," said Liisa Hantsoo, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Director of Research in the Johns Hopkins Reproductive Mental Health Center.

The full study can be found here. 

About Clue

Clue is the top women-led menstrual and reproductive health app, loved by over 10 million users around the world. With a science-driven approach, Clue enables members to create a powerful personal health record that uses each cycle as a tool to uncover insight into their overall health. From general cycle health education to fertility, pregnancy, menopausal stages, and all changes and choices in between, the Clue app is CE-marked as a Class 1 medical-grade device. Clue regularly partners with researchers from top institutions and universities to help close the data gap and move female health forward. Based in Berlin, Germany, Clue data is protected by the world's strictest data laws (the EU's GDPR) and by Clue's absolute commitment to standing up for the privacy of its users, no matter where they are. For more, visit helloclue.com.

Dr. Martin S. Karp, a distinguished and award-winning educator, is once again running for a seat on the Miami-Dade County School Board. As the only educator in the race, Karp’s commitment to students and his extensive experience in education make him a uniquely qualified candidate for this important role.

With early voting already underway and Election Day set for November 5th, Karp is eager to continue his advocacy for students, teachers, and families throughout the district. His tenure on the school board has been marked by a number of key achievements, including his leadership in initiating programs that emphasize student success and teacher support.

During his previous term on the board, Karp spearheaded several agenda items designed to enhance the educational experience for all students. He has championed policies that prioritize the needs of vulnerable student populations, worked to increase mental health services in schools, and pushed for innovative educational programs that prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.

“I am running to ensure that every student in Miami-Dade has access to a high-quality education,” said Karp. “As an educator, I know firsthand what it takes to help students succeed. I believe that my experience, both inside and outside of the classroom, positions me to make a real difference for the families in our community.”

Karp’s agenda remains focused on key priorities, including:

• Student achievement: Ensuring that all students have access to resources that allow them to excel academically
• Teacher support: Advocating for better compensation, professional development, and working conditions for teachers
• Mental health and safety: Expanding mental health services and ensuring that students feel safe in their learning environments

Martin Karp’s long-standing commitment to Miami-Dade’s students and educators has earned him the support of parents, teachers, and community leaders alike. His dedication to education and his deep understanding of the challenges faced by students and educators make him the clear choice for the Miami-Dade School Board.

Make Your Voice Heard

Vote for Martin Karp by November 5th. Early voting has already begun, and absentee ballots are available for those unable to vote in person. Visit martinkarp.com for more information on Karp’s campaign and how to vote.

About Martin Karp

Dr. Martin S. Karp has dedicated his career to improving education in Miami-Dade County. A former Miami-Dade County Public Schools teacher, Karp has served multiple terms on the School Board, advocating for policies that improve student outcomes and support teachers. He holds a doctorate in education and is widely recognized for his innovative contributions to the district’s educational landscape. For more information, visit martinkarp.com.

Razvan Oprea, Romanian film and theatre actor, director, and PhD candidate at the Faculty of Theatre and Film, Babeș-Bolyai University, under the guidance of Associate Professor Dr. Habil Diana Cozma, has launched a pioneering research project in the field of theatre, continuing the work of J. Grotowski and E. Barba. The study, titled "Quantum Momentum in Actor's Performance," explores the direct and measurable connection between the principles of quantum mechanics and the actor's stage presence.

This innovative research aims to demonstrate that there is a link between the actor's stage presence and the principles of quantum mechanics, such as the "quantum uncertainty principle" and the "quantum entanglement principle." The study seeks to show how these principles can be applied in the training and development of actors, enabling them to achieve a Quantum Momentum—a moment of all potentialities.

The research involves a series of innovative experiments where actors and observers are used instead of photons and electrons. The experiments will be conducted in a theatrical laboratory, adhering to scientific methodologies adapted to demonstrate the principles of quantum mechanics.

As part of this research, Răzvan Oprea will conduct two free workshops for actors in November and December. These workshops will provide participants with the opportunity to directly experience the principles of the research and contribute to its development. The research results will be published next year.

Commented Răzvan Oprea, "This research has the potential to fundamentally change the way we understand and train actors. By demonstrating that the principles of quantum mechanics also apply to the performing arts, the study opens new horizons in theatre studies and physics. Supporting this project offers significant benefits, including association with innovation and progress, increased visibility and legitimacy, and contribution to the development of artistic knowledge and practices."

About Răzvan Oprea

Răzvan Oprea is a Romanian film and theatre actor, born in 1979 in Bucharest. He graduated from National University of Theatrical Arts and Cinematography in 2003. His first role was in the movie "Examen" and is known for films that include "Return of the Living Dead: Necropolis", "Blood Creek", and "Live". To learn more, visit his IMDb page at https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1855157.

The First C.C.Tan Foundation - China Feihe Brain Development Science Global Summit was convened to focus on human brain development in early life, explore relevant new researches and achievements, and encourage public awareness on brain development and scientific nutrition. It brought together the experts and scholars from prestigious institutions and universities, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Harvard Medical School, Yale University, Peking University and Capital Medical University.

In the 21st century, brain science has emerged as a cutting-edge field in global scientific research. With profound significance, brain science and brain-like research have been included in the 14th Five-Year Plan and Long-Range Objectives through the Year 2035 by the Chinese government, with research on brain development in children and adolescents being a major focus. At the summit, Lu Lin, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a participant and promoter of the China Brain Project, said, “there are still many mysteries in our researches of human brain, which requires interdisciplinary and cross-border collaboration and  exploration.”

According to the World Health Organization, the first 1,000 days after birth offer a window of opportunity for individual growth and intellectual development, strongly underpinning lifelong health and cognitive abilities. Dr. Takao Hensch, professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School at Boston Children's Hospital, thought, “Early in life, the infant brain is particularly sensitive to the environment and can absorb very easily all kinds of information and skills and shape the way we behave into adulthood.”

As a leading infant formula enterprise in China, Feihe has been committed to brain development and nutrition research, announcing several collaborations and research outcomes at this summit. Moreover, by virtue of major research platforms of Peking University Health Science Center, Jiangnan University and Harvard Medical School Teaching Hospital-Boston Children’s Hospital, Feihe will build up a global R&D platform across Asia, the U.S. and Europe in collaboration with professional nutrition partners. 

By partnership with Capital Medical University, Feihe also furthers the research on functional nutrition and brain health throughout the life cycle. Ji Xunming, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Vice President of Capital Medical University, expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with Feihe to facilitate “the last mile” transformation of research findings and put more such findings into practical applications. 

Feihe has successfully applied many research findings to meet the nutritional demands for brain development during the critical first 1,000 days after birth. Discovering the optimal ratio of 1:1.7 between DHA and ARA in Chinese breast milk, it conducted clinical feeding experiments together with professional institutions. The results show the infants fed with formula containing this specific ratio of DHA to ARA along with five essential phospholipids, exhibit superior neurodevelopment in their first year, almost on a par with that of breastfed infants. Nowadays, this research outcome has been widely integrated into all of Feihe infant formula products.

In recent years, Chinese companies have been playing an increasingly significant role in advancing global scientific research and international collaboration. Looking ahead, the joint efforts of head enterprises like Feihe and the global research community will push more groundbreaking progress in brain development and nutrition research, contributing to the health and well-being of humanity.

About Feihe

Feihe is the largest and most highly recognized infant milk formula company in China, with a premium market positioning among domestic and foreign competing brands. The company utilizes the flagship Astrobaby lineup to promote its "more suitable for Chinese babies" proposition. It has a nationwide distributor network covering maternity stores, supermarkets and traditional retailers, as well as a direct sales network in e-commerce. For more information, visit https://www.feihe.com. 

Chalice AI today announced that it has been recognized as a Programmatic Solutions “One to Watch” in the Modern Marketing Data Stack 2025: How Leading Marketers Are Thriving In a World Redefined By AI, Privacy and Data Gravity executed and launched by Snowflake, the AI Data Cloud company. 

The third annual edition of Snowflake’s Modern Marketing Data Stack report identifies the technologies, tools, and platforms used by Snowflake customers to show how marketers and advertisers can leverage the Snowflake AI Data Cloud with accompanying partner solutions to serve existing customers and convert valuable prospects. Snowflake analyzed usage patterns from a pool of approximately 9,800 customers as of April 2024, and identified 10 technology categories that organizations consider when building their marketing data stacks to capitalize on AI. The extensive report highlights three core factors throughout the industry that mark a significant departure from the martech ecosystem highlighted in the inaugural report in 2022, creating a new normal where AI, data gravity, and privacy are intertwined. 

The report offers details on how this paradigm shift is giving rise to new trends in the marketing landscape, from truly data-empowered marketers to innovative measurement techniques for marketing effectiveness. The categories include: 

Marketing and Advertising Tools & Platforms 

• Analytics & Data Capture 
• Enrichment & Hygiene 
• Identity & Onboarding 
• Customer Data Platforms 
• Marketing & Customer Engagement 
• Programmatic Solutions 
• Measurement & Optimization 

Data Tools & Platforms 

• Integration & Modeling 
• Consent Management 
• Business Intelligence 

The report explores each of these categories that comprise the Modern Marketing Data Stack, highlighting AI Data Cloud Product Partners and their solutions as “leaders” or “ones to watch” within each category. The report also details how current Snowflake customers leverage a number of these partner technologies to enable data-driven marketing strategies and informed business decisions. Snowflake’s report provides a concrete overview of the partner technology providers and data providers marketers choose to create their data stacks. 

“Chalice’s strong performance and innovative approach with Snowflake qualified them as one to watch in the Programmatic Solutions category due to their demonstrated customer success and innovative approach to serving marketer’s evolving needs,” said Denise Persson, Chief Marketing Officer at Snowflake. “We look forward to observing their continued momentum in empowering our joint customers to mobilize the world’s data and capitalize on the AI opportunity to drive real-world outcomes and shape the future of the martech arena.” 

Chalice was identified in Snowflake’s report as a “One to Watch” in the Programmatic Solutions category for automating weekly allocation of digital advertising impressions to maximize brick-and-mortar sales. 

“Being recognized as a company to watch in Snowflake’s 2025 Modern Marketing Data Stack report is a testament to Chalice’s dedication to joint customers,” said Chalice AI CEO Adam Heimlich. “We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Snowflake at a critical time in the data revolution to create new avenues that empower our customers to data-driven marketing decisions that advance their business and serve their users.”

Click here to read The Modern Marketing Data Stack 2025: How Leading Marketers Are Thriving In a World Redefined By AI, Privacy and Data Gravity.

About Chalice AI

Chalice AI is the leading custom AI software in advertising technology. Chalice AI’s products are configured to make advertising directly impact the business outcomes that matter to advertisers, using the most advanced applications of generative and predictive AI. To learn more, visit www.chalice.ai.

About Snowflake

Snowflake makes enterprise AI easy, efficient and trusted. Thousands of companies around the globe, including hundreds of the world’s largest, use Snowflake’s AI Data Cloud to share data, build applications, and power their business with AI. The era of enterprise AI is here. Learn more at snowflake.com (NYSE: SNOW).

As the holiday season approaches, Cultivate, a premier B2B online gifting solution, has announced its list of the most popular gifts redeemed in 2024. The latest insights showcase trends that will guide companies in selecting the perfect gifts to express appreciation to clients, employees, and partners.

“What sets Cultivate apart is its commitment to consistently refreshing its gift offerings, ensuring that businesses can always provide unique, on-trend products that delight recipients,” said Tom Romine, founder and CEO. “As Cultivate highlights in its playbook, the team scours the world for the best brands and frequently updates collections based on trends and redemption data ensuring our platform remains a step above the rest.”

According to Cultivate’s data, the following gifts emerged as the top choices across different price categories in 2024:

Top Gifts of 2024

$100 Collection

• 4 Cup Espresso & Cappuccino Machine
• JBL Tune Buds True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
• Magic Bullet Kitchen Express Blender
• Blue Diamond 6pc 3-Ply Cookware Set
• Elite 5.2qt Oil-Free Digital Air Fryer
• JBL Clip 4 Ultra-Portable Waterproof Speaker

$200 Collection

• Citizens Eco Drive Watch
• JBL Charge 5 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
• Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2
• DeWalt Drill Driver Kit
• Tru Vu Trainer Hitting Net
• Sevylor 2-Person Kayak with Pump and Oars

Gifting Trends for 2024

Cultivate has observed several key trends that shaped gifting preferences this year:

1. Tech and Practicality: Gifts that combine technology with everyday practicality, such as smart mugs and wireless earbuds, were highly favored.
2. Outdoor and Active Lifestyle: Items supporting outdoor activities, like kayaks and sports equipment, highlighted a growing interest in experiences and active living.
3. Kitchen Essentials: Appliances and cookware continued to dominate, with versatile items like air fryers and espresso machines topping the list.

“Cultivate is redefining corporate gifting by offering a selection that is not only high-quality but also constantly refreshed to keep up with evolving tastes,” said Molly McGowan, Director of Sourcing & Merchandising. “Our employees can choose what they genuinely want, which helps us foster stronger, more meaningful connections. By continuously updating their collections, every gift feels fresh, thoughtful, and perfectly suited for any occasion.”

Cultivate’s Unique Approach to Corporate Gifting

Cultivate’s innovative online platform is designed to eliminate common corporate gifting headaches, with features that include:

• Choice: Instead of guessing what people might like, we invite them to select a gift that’s personal to them. With Cultivate’s platform, recipients can browse a handpicked selection of high-quality items across categories such as tech, home, and lifestyle, ensuring they receive something that resonates with their interests and needs. This flexibility makes the gifting experience feel personal and thoughtful.
  
  
• Premium: We scour the world to find the hottest products from the world’s best brands, curating collections that offer something for everyone. From stylish kitchen gadgets to the latest tech accessories, Cultivate’s gifts are carefully selected to be both desirable and memorable, elevating the gifting experience beyond the ordinary. Our team constantly refreshes the collection to ensure that every item is on-trend and of the highest quality.
  
  
• Simple: Our gifting solutions are designed to make appreciation a breeze. Whether sending gifts to a few key clients or managing bulk orders for a large team, Cultivate’s streamlined platform simplifies the process. Businesses can easily schedule deliveries, customize collections, and add personalized touches, all while knowing recipients will receive gifts they truly value.

To learn more about how Cultivate can enhance your holiday gifting experience or to connect with a gifting expert, visit www.cultivatepcg.com.

About Cultivate

Cultivate is a leading B2B online gifting solution dedicated to simplifying corporate gifting. By offering a curated selection of high-quality, constantly refreshed products and allowing recipients to choose what they love, Cultivate helps businesses build stronger connections with clients, partners, and employees. From effortless appreciation to personalized gifting experiences, Cultivate is redefining how companies express gratitude. For more information, visit www.cultivatepcg.com.

FXORO Global, a well–known licensed securities dealer, known for its innovative approach and long commitment to customer excellence, is thrilled to announce its partnership with international cricket star Robin Uthappa. This collaboration marks an exciting milestone for FXORO Global, bringing together two powerhouses that share core values of proficiency, discipline, and strategic thinking—qualities that define success.

Robin Uthappa, revered for his extraordinary cricketing career, is a symbol of resilience, precision, and the ability to excel under pressure—attributes that align perfectly with FXORO Global’s mission of delivering a cutting-edge user’s experience. The partnership aims to inspire people across the globe, highlighting the importance of strategy, discipline, and continuous learning, all of which are pivotal to achieving long-term success in all aspects.

"At FXORO Global, we are committed to creating the best possible trading environment for our clients by providing innovative technology, unparalleled support, and a strong focus on security and education," said a representative from FXORO Global. "Robin Uthappa’s career is an inspiring demonstration of what can be achieved through hard work, strategy, and unwavering commitment—values we stand for. We are excited to partner with someone who personifies the excellence we strive to deliver to our clients every day."

FXORO Global remains loyal to its values and continues for years to cater to the needs of its clients, prioritizing their interests by creating a sentiment of firm belief and trust. long commitment to customer excellence is well embedded throughout the firm’s operations and daily dealings.

"It is evident that with FXORO Global, we share a common thread—strategic thinking and constant learning," said Robin Uthappa.

About FXORO Global

FXORO Global is an online trading broker with a broad range of CFD offerings, including assets such as forex, stocks, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and ETFs. It is a brand operated by ORO Fintech Limited, a financial company incorporated and registered under the laws of the Republic of Seychelles with company number 8425077-1. The company is authorised by the Financial Services Authority of Seychelles (FSA) with Securities Dealer’s License Number SD046, for the provision of the investment services as permitted under the Seychelles Securities Act 2007. To learn more, visit https://global.fxoro.com.

Lawrina, an innovative legaltech platform, is revolutionizing access to legal resources with the recent launch of a wide range of new legal forms designed to meet diverse personal, real estate, and business needs. This major update, announced in early October, expands the platform’s already extensive library of templates, helping not only legal professionals but also individuals manage everyday legal challenges.

Users will have the ability to download free legal document forms and fill them out with their own information using the tool for PDF forms. This feature includes options to add graphics and images, as well as the ability to create electronic signatures, enhancing the customization and functionality of each document.

The signature feature integrated into the PDF tool is also available through Lawrina Sign, the platform’s dedicated e-signature solution. Users can sign both documents created on the platform and those uploaded from other sources. This powerful tool significantly accelerates the paperwork process, allowing users to complete their documents five times faster.

For individuals needing additional information related to these forms, Lawrina also offers a growing collection of systematically updated guides and articles. Additionally, the platform provides a comprehensive lawyer directory, enabling access to expert assistance when necessary.

“At Lawrina, our mission is to bridge the gap between legal solutions and people who need them. By expanding access to legal information and legal aid, we are getting closer to our number one goal—improving human rights,” says Yehor Melnykov, CEO and co-founder of Lawrina.

According to recent data, 66% of Americans have faced at least one legal issue in the past few years. From property disputes to employment matters, legal issues are more common than many realize. However, access to affordable and easy-to-use legal solutions remains limited, creating a significant challenge for individuals seeking assistance. Lawrina addresses this gap by simplifying complex legal processes and making essential legal resources available to everyone.

The release of new legal forms and the enhanced features bring the Lawrina legaltech ecosystem one step closer to transforming how legal matters are handled, making the law more accessible and easier for everyone.

About Lawrina

Lawrina is an all-in-one legaltech platform offering a comprehensive suite of tools and resources to simplify the legal process. The platform includes legal templates, a directory of lawyers, an e-sign tool, and easy-to-understand legal guides. With a commitment to accessibility and ease of use, Lawrina bridges the gap between complex legal processes and the people who need them, all while adhering to U.S. laws and regulations. For more information and legal insights, visit https://lawrina.org.

Community leaders across South Carolina have come together to announce the launch of the Palmetto Public Deposits Coalition, a statewide initiative focused on empowering communities with the financial freedom they deserve. Currently, local governments do not have a choice on where to deposit taxpayer dollars. The Palmetto Public Deposits Coalition will challenge existing regulations that prevent public entities from depositing taxpayer funds into financial institutions like local credit unions, which can provide higher rates of return on deposits, lower interest rates on loans, and keep more taxpayer money in local communities.

“It is 2024, and public entities in South Carolina deserve to have a choice on where public money is deposited,” said Rick Osbon, former mayor of Aiken, South Carolina, and chairman of the Palmetto Public Deposits Coalition.

Public deposits are the funds government entities hold in financial institutions, including tax revenues, fees paid for government services, and grants from federal or state government programs. Public deposits monetarily support various public services, including infrastructure projects, social programs, operations, and emergency reserves.

Currently, South Carolina law permits only traditional banks to house these public funds.   

How government entities safeguard public deposits has become increasingly important as banks depart South Carolina. Local banks have been acquired by national banking institutions, consolidating much of the Palmetto State’s financial assets in out-of-state institutions and leaving communities underserved. A recent analysis of the share of all deposits found that as much as 78% of all deposits in South Carolina’ were held in out-of-state banks in 2023.

In response, local credit unions have stepped in to bridge the gap, offering crucial services such as small business loans, agricultural financing, and home mortgages, helping to support these areas' economic growth and stability. In a ten-year timeframe spanning from 2013 to 2024, there was a net decrease of 233 bank branches across the state compared to a net increase of 24 credit union branches.

Osbon added, "We believe South Carolina local governments and other public entities deserve the ability to choose the type of financial institution where taxpayer dollars are deposited. By creating competition and allowing credit unions to receive public deposits, South Carolina can improve access to essential financial services, drive better returns on taxpayer dollars, and benefit the residents of our state—especially in rural areas of South Carolina where credit unions are a lifeline."

Credit unions typically offer more personalized services, lower fees, and better interest rates on loans and savings. Through the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), credit unions offer up to $250,000 in deposit insurance per individual per financial institution, the same level traditional banks offer through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Public entities have an obligation to handle taxpayer funds wisely, and creating competition for public deposits would help drive better interest rates, improve services, and strengthen accountability.

Increased competition for public deposits also leads to better results for taxpayers. For every $1,000,000 of public funds deposited in a credit union, the return is $17,113 in total state and local government interest and tax revenue. In contrast, the same amount deposited in a bank yields just $8,750—a difference of $8,363, or a 96% greater net benefit from credit unions.

Recent surveys show that more than 65% of South Carolinians support allowing local governments to deposit funds into credit unions, particularly because these institutions provide the same deposit insurance protections as banks and the added benefit of higher interest rates on taxpayer deposits.

Local governments are at the forefront of their communities and are best suited to identify and address their residents' needs, especially when managing public funds. The Palmetto Public Deposits Coalition is committed to championing the right to free-market choices and ensuring public entities' financial resilience and prosperity across South Carolina.

About Palmetto Public Deposits Coalition

The Palmetto Public Deposits Coalition is an alliance of community leaders, credit unions, and local government associations advocating a more competitive environment for returns on taxpayer dollars to empower South Carolina communities. The coalition is committed to ensuring that public funds are managed responsibly, with the best interests of South Carolina’s communities in mind. To learn more, visit https://www.palmettopublicdeposits.com.

Tobin's Market, a neighborhood bar located in downtown Charleston, SC, is dedicated to showcasing live music and supporting the local Charleston music scene. This hidden gem is a must-visit spot for great music in a beautiful outdoor patio setting and is quickly becoming a go-to destination for music lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

Located in one of the Freedman's Cottages on Jackson Street in Charleston, Tobin's Market is playing a vital role in bringing the community together through their events and live music. By providing a platform for local artists and musicians to showcase their talents, Tobin's Market is fostering a vibrant music scene in the heart of Charleston.

According to owner Kenneth Skidmore, "We are thrilled to be a part of the Charleston music scene and to provide a space where both artists and audiences can come together to enjoy live music. Our goal is to continue supporting local talent and create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels at home.”

For booking inquiries and more information on Tobin's Market and its private event space, visit https://events.jacksonstreetcottages.com.

About Tobin's Market

Located at 197 Jackson Street in Charleston, Tobin’s Market is the first food purveyor at The Jackson Street Cottages, one of the 2020 Carolopolis Award winners. The venue offers a unique blend of live music, specials, and events, all while providing a welcoming space for the community to come together. Additionally, the space can be rented out for private events and gatherings, adding to its appeal as a versatile and vibrant location in Charleston.

For more information on Tobin's Market and our upcoming events, follow us on social media @tobins_market or visit us at https://tobins.jacksonstreetcottages.com.