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VA-based The Wright Scoop – Sylvia Hoehns Wright, a nationally recognized eco-sustainability specialist, challenges all to give gifts of plow, not hearth.

For many, their gift focus is "hearth and home" not "plow," but from an eco-sustainable and environmental stewardship perspective, a focus of plow is more appropriate. Why? From the rainforests of southeast Alaska to the deciduous forests of the Mid-Atlantic region, climate shifts continue to wreak havoc on America's landscape.

To aide acquiring eco-sustainable gifts, The Wright Scoop – Sylvia Hoehns Wright has posted a series of blogs which suggest gifts of plow, not hearth. To follow, visit her blog at https://wrightscoop.blogspot.com or acquire copies of Wright’s newly released tips and strategies books available at https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/syhwright.

In the spirit of the holiday season, won't you join Wright in her quest to green lifestyles one scoop at a time, give gifts that reflect eco-sustainability, and choose to plow, not hearth.

As recipient of the "Turning America from Eco-Weak to Eco-Chic" award sponsored by Project EverGreen, Garden Center magazine, and Hines Horticulture, Wright is recognized as a person who encourages all to create landscapes from an eco-sustainable point of view, seek to reduce their carbon footprint as well as feed their families pesticide-free produce.

"The challenge," says Wright, "for present-day communities is to create landscapes from eco-sustainable points of view, a 'waste not and want not' ecological commitment: become caretakers for their environmental communities."

About The Wright Scoop

Featured by "Virginia Home Grown" on WCVE-TV (a PBS member television station in Richmond), State-by-State Gardening magazines, and Birds & Blooms magazine for her hands-on eco-activities, The Wright Scoop – Sylvia Hoehns Wrightcontributes to industry magazines and newspapers and blogs for Build Green TV. For details of her books and activities, visit web site www.thewrightscoop.com.

Narratize, the trusted generative AI coauthor for innovative enterprises, announced today that it has closed a $2 million seed round led by Kubera Venture Capital and HearstLab, with participation from Cintrifuse Capital, Keyhorse Capital, North Coast Ventures, and How Women Invest.

The funding will be used to accelerate the development of Narratize's AI platform, which helps enterprises in scientific, techical, and medical industries generate accurate, compelling content and communications to speed time to market for innovative products and initiatives. Narratize was founded in 2022 by Katie Trauth Taylor, Catherine O'Shea, and Kara Uchtman, who share expertise crossing data science, narrative science, and computer science and a decade of experience identifying narrative algorithms proven to be convincing and converting within innovative industries.

Narratize launched publicly in early 2023 after successful pilots with NASA and Boeing. Today, the platform has attracted Fortune 500 and global enterprise customers seeking productivity and revenue gains through trustworthy GenAI solutions designed to support effective ideation, research, and communication among teams in R&D, product, innovation, operations, and marketing. Custom content templates enable enterprise teams to embed Narratize’s coauthoring capabilities into their existing writing and documentation workflows—tackling unique and nuanced content types from pitches to white papers, problem statements to case studies. 73% percent of surveyed global innovation teams from the United Nations World Food Forum recently rated Narratize’s coauthored content more accurate than any existing generative AI solution. Teams using the platform to create pitches were more likely to receive funding for their discoveries and products.

"Our customers are proving that generative AI, when it's built in an evidence-based way, can help teams innovate faster through more effective storytelling—from communicating the seed of an idea through achieving message-market fit," says CEO Katie Trauth Taylor.

Narratize is built on a decade of peer-reviewed research on innovation storytelling, including studies conducted alongside 100 Fortune 500 chief innovation officers and chief technology officers, R&D, product, innovation, marketing and communications professionals across the most innovative industries in the U.S.

"Organizations innovate more, faster, and better when everyone at the enterprise is equipped with the right tools to communicate effectively," says Narratize customer, Tim Shinbara, CTO of the Association of Manufacturing Technology. "It's how we get buy-in and alignment for our best ideas."

Laurie Jennings, GM at Good Housekeeping Institute, shares her vision for Narratize’s potential to enhance productivity and grow revenue: "Generative artificial intelligence has sparked unprecedented opportunities to transform how we collect and synthesize data. With Narratize, our goal is to bring more commercial value to our product-testing business. We’re most excited about Narratize’s ability to extract insights from our diverse research streams and produce high-value reports at scale."

"We are excited to partner with Narratize as they continue to develop their AI platform," says Kubera Venture Capital Partner, Balaji Gopinath. "We believe that Narratize has the potential to revolutionize the way that enterprises communicate and innovate."

Narratize is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio with offices in New York City. The company plans to use the funding to expand its data science, engineering, and customer success teams and bring new use cases in the platform to serve the most innovative Fortune 1000 enterprises.

About Narratize

Narratize combines the power of narrative science with cutting-edge generative AI technology to ensure that no great idea is left untold. From optimizing research & development processes to scaling product launch, Narratize empowers brands with transformative ideas to unleash their full potential.

Never Married Dating, a dating website for single and never-married people, has launched a new, free dating app, available on Amazon, offering singles a new way to find love online using their mobile phone.

"Never Married Dating understands the inundation of options in the dating app market can make it challenging for users to choose the right applications for their needs. We've designed Never Married Dating to be the go-to resource for single, never-married people to find love and happiness," said the company.

According to analysis by Pew Research Center, 25% of 40-year-olds in the United States have never been married, marking a significant increase from 20% in 2010 and 6% in 1980.

About Never Married Dating

Never Married Dating is the exclusive dating website for single, never-married people, helping them find love and happiness. For more information, visit https://www.nevermarrieddating.com.

The Media Mix, a leading online publication focused on the media and marketing ecosystem, today announced an exclusive partnership with EZ Newswire, a platform that makes it easy and affordable for businesses to create and publish their news on premium outlets. Available only on EZ Newswire, businesses will now be able to publish their news and announcements on The Media Mix and tap into its prestigious and growing audience of thousands of media and marketing executives. This partnership is EZ Newswire’s second Substack distribution deal and comes on the heels of its collaboration with Big Technology, which marked the industry’s first deal of its kind.

EZ Newswire is an AI-powered platform and integrated publisher network that enables businesses to seamlessly create and publish their news to exclusive media outlets. Since its launch in May, the company’s offering has attracted a wide range of customers, including Priceline, College of Charleston, and hundreds of businesses in over 800 cities and towns across the country. EZ Newswire added The Post and Courier, a Pulitzer Prize winner and South Carolina’s paper of record, to its exclusive publisher network in August and Alex Kantrowitz’s Big Technology in October. Also in October, EZ Newswire was selected out of 400 startups as the winner of HearstLab’s pitch competition.

Founded by Claire Atkinson, a veteran breaking news journalist for outlets such as Business Insider, NBC News, NY Post, and Ad Age, The Media Mix is a growing independent media company covering news and views about the power players in global media—and the technology and marketing companies that influence it.

The inclusion of The Media Mix in EZ Newswire's exclusive network enables customers to gain exposure with senior executives operating globally in the media industry and to amplify the voices and stories that are shaping its future. This collaboration complements EZ Newswire’s existing distribution channels and continues to extend the platform’s footprint in new and thriving forms of media.

"I'm delighted to be joining as a partner of the EZ Newswire publisher network and providing readers of The Media Mix with a source of relevant business news. I'm also proud to support female-led entrepreneurship, especially in media and AI. EZ Newswire is a great tool for those thinking beyond traditional distribution points to connect with smart audiences," said Claire Atkinson.

Added Caitlin Kelly, co-founder of EZ Newswire, "Adding The Media Mix to our distribution network is incredibly exciting for our customers in the media and marketing ecosystem. Not only are we creating avenues for content creators like Claire to engage better with her audience, but also building the bridge between our customers and niche independent media companies whose qualified audience matters."

About The Media Mix 

The Media Mix is an independent media company founded by Claire Atkinson in 2023. Since our debut, our audience has steadily grown and includes thousands of media and marketing decision makers. For more information on The Media Mix, please visit and subscribe at https://themediamix.substack.com.

About EZ Newswire

EZ Newswire is a platform that makes it easy and affordable for businesses of all sizes to create and publish their news. Our technology produces professional announcements in minutes with no writing or public relations experience required, while our exclusive publisher network guarantees placement to ensure the news reaches the right audience. From Main Street to Wall Street, find out why thousands of organizations trust us to power their headlines at www.eznewswire.com.

Lura's Kitchen, Inc., a multi-generational California benefit corporation founded on the principle of "doing business while doing good," is proud to announce the introduction of Madear's Purple Teacake. This special creation is aimed at enhancing the excitement surrounding the Our Authors Study Club, Inc. (OASC) scholarship fundraising event, which will feature an exclusive screening of the musical remake of the iconic film "The Color Purple." The event will take place on Monday, December 18 at 2:00 p.m. at Cinemark Baldwin Hills, located at 4020 Marlton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90008. Tickets can be purchased online at https://oascla.org/shop or by clicking the link here. Space is limited.

Lura's Kitchen recognizes the importance of supporting educational opportunities through initiatives like the OASC scholarship fundraising event. By introducing Madear's Purple Teacake, Lura's Kitchen aims to provide a delightful treat that not only satisfies taste buds but also contributes to a worthy cause. The introduction of this unique teacake flavor adds an extra layer of excitement and indulgence to the event, making it a truly memorable experience for attendees.

Our  Authors Study Club, Inc. has been promoting the study and preservation of Black history continuously since 1945 and remains the hosts of the annual citywide Black History Month Celebration—a partnership they have shared with every mayor since 1950. On December 18, OASC will celebrate the founder of Black history, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, with a birthday party that includes a "Best Dressed Purple" contest, prize drawings, a holiday popup shop of Black history memorabilia for purchase, and the feature presentation of "The Color Purple." As a special treat, all ticketholders will receive the Madear's Purple Teacake as they exit the theater.

Lura's Kitchen has always been committed to the values of family, tradition, and celebration. For over forty years, Lura's Kitchen has honored these values through their baking ministry, creating specialty-named cookie flavors for various milestones and events. In response to numerous requests, Lura's Kitchen expanded its offerings in 2021 by translating its signature original and traditional recipes into premium gourmet dry cookie mixes. These mixes are designed to cater to both novice and experienced bakers, allowing them to create decadent desserts in thirty minutes or less, with minimal mess. The three available varieties include Madear's Old Fashion Teacake (the only teacake mix on the market), Langston's No-Nonsense Chocolate Chip, and Tura Lura's Chocolate Chip with Pecan.

Looking ahead, Lura's Kitchen aims to continue expanding its range of delicious and convenient baking mixes, providing individuals with the means to create delectable desserts in their own homes. By staying true to their mission of "doing business while doing good," Lura's Kitchen will continue to support charitable causes and bring people together through the universal language of food.

For tickets to the event, log on to https://oascla.org/shop. Hurry, space is limited! For more information about Lura's Kitchen and its products, please visit https://www.luraskitchen.com.

Media Contact

Lura Daniels-Ball

lura@luraskitchen.com

To lighten the cost burden of uniform requirements for frontline workers, Gales®, a trailblazer in innovative footwear, proudly announces coverage and reimbursement eligibility through Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). This landmark initiative positions Gales® as the first-ever footwear brand recognized in HSA and FSA coverage, offering a crucial solution to those looking for protective work shoes. 

Over the past two years, Gales® has worked hard to finally make footwear a health benefit, as proper footwear has a significant physical impact on individuals working long shifts on their feet. After extensive lab testing, human trials, and ongoing studies with accredited healthcare institutions and health specialists, qualified individuals can purchase shoes directly through weargales.com by selecting HSA/FSA at checkout. For more information, click here.

Why you should take advantage of this benefit:

1. Use it or lose it: FSA funds must be spent by the end of the year. With three weeks left until the new year, now is a good time to utilize funds before they expire!
2. Save money: When choosing to purchase Gales® with an eligible HSA or FSA account, you are purchasing with pre-tax dollars. Reimbursements from these funds are also tax-free. 
3. Invest in your health: Gales® are the first footwear designed to do the opposite of athletic shoes––disperse energy and diffuse impact to decrease pressure on knees, backs, and joints. For the 1.8 billion working professionals on their feet for long shifts (healthcare, hospitality, education) Gales® are high-quality, protective footwear designed to meet their needs with comfort and safety. Additional advantages of Gales® include waterproof design, stain-resistance, lightweight feel, slip-resistance, arch supportive insoles, antimicrobial materials, fully bleachable + machine washable function, and made with partially recycled/eco-friendly materials.

About Gales®

When Founder and CEO, Rob Gregg, discovered in 2020 that footwear was the #1 unaddressed infection control and safety issue for healthcare workers, he set out to create a solution. Gales® not only protects against deadly bacteria and diseases that 80% of healthcare workers’ shoes absorb but also protects against knee, back, and joint pain as the first shoe built for standing. Learn more here.

Media Contact

Raquel Perez

raquel.perez@weargales.com

CEC Live, a company that specializes in limitless tech entertainment, is thrilled to announce CEC Live 2023: Elevating Native American Gaming & Tech Integration in Rancho Mirage, California. This highly anticipated event will take place at Agua Caliente Casinos from March 19–21, 2023. As the pioneering Native American event, CEC Live drives esports, technology, and revenue models, making it a must-attend industry moment.

CEC Live unites casinos, businesses, institutions, and innovators in embracing cutting-edge tech, including AI and VR. With limited space available, the urgency to engage in this pivotal event is mounting. Attendees will have the opportunity to discover the latest advancements in consumer electronics, cybersecurity, and gaming, from immersive VR experiences to AI-powered innovations. By participating in CEC Live, attendees can join us in empowering communities and embracing a boundless future, while also exploring ways to profit and engage in wagering opportunities.

"CEC Live 2023 will be a game-changer for the Native American gaming and tech integration landscape. We are excited to bring together industry leaders, local businesses, and educational institutions to showcase the limitless potential of cutting-edge technology in the gaming industry," said Ben Fox, cofounder of CEC.

Looking towards the future, CEC Live remains committed to pushing the boundaries of tech entertainment. With a shared vision of uniting various sectors under one roof, CEC Live aims to continue empowering communities, fostering innovation, and embracing a boundless future.

For more information about CEC Live and to stay updated on the latest news and announcements, please visit https://ceclive.com.

About CEC Live

CEC Live is the ultimate destination for limitless tech entertainment. By uniting casinos, local businesses, educational institutions, government agencies, and tech innovators under a shared vision, CEC Live creates an immersive experience that showcases cutting-edge consumer electronics, cybersecurity, and gaming. From immersive VR to AI-powered experiences, CEC Live empowers communities and embraces a boundless future. Explore ways to profit and engage in wagering opportunities at CEC Live.

Media Contact

Ben Fox

info@casinoesportconf.com

The Ibu Movement, a pioneering force in poverty disruption and cultural preservation, recently concluded their "Colombiana!" event on November 15, 2023. This distinctive fundraising experience celebrated the rich cultural heritage, craftsmanship and cuisine of Colombia across 10 different homes in Charleston’s historic South of Broad neighborhood, presenting an unforgettable evening for all attendees.

Colombiana! immersed guests in the rich and diverse tapestry of Colombian traditions, offering a unique opportunity to explore the country's heritage and culinary excellence. Artisans and luminaries from Colombia came to the heart of Charleston to share their cultural history, traditions and craft over a panel in the Charleston Library Society, followed by an intimate progressive dinner. This event exemplified Ibu Movement's ongoing mission to foster understanding and appreciation of cultures from around the world.

"I have met these luminaries in the artisanal world of Colombia, crafting not only beauty but change. It is an honor to listen to the remarkable stories of the First Nations indigenous artisans the week before we celebrate our own Thanksgiving, and to learn how their culture and craft carry ancient wisdom, how their food carries rich history, how their hearts carry such light," shared Susan Hull Walker, Founder and CEO of the Ibu Movement. 

Colombian Luminaries featured in Ibu Movement’s Colombiana!:

• Juan Sebastian Rivera, El Dorado Edit: Founder and Art Collector and Ibu Global Ambassador 
• Juan Pablo Gomez, El Dorado Edit: Operational Director and Collector and Ibu Global Ambassador 
• Mercedes Salazar, Mercedes Salazar Designs: Jeweler
• Mariana Velasquez, Colombiana! Cookbook: Chef & Food Stylist
• Magno Caterino, Finatur Design: Craftsman & Jeweler
• Sandra Henao Caterino, Finatur Design: Artist & Jeweler
• Juliana Ramirez, Bosque: Architect
• Josefa Antonio Barliza Ipuana, Wayuu Cooperative: Leader
• Amelicia Santacruz Alvarez, Gunadule Community: Representative and Politician
• Catalina Camilo, Alma Joyeria: Craftsman & Jeweler
• Yasmin Sabet, Mola Sasa: Founder and Designer

Guests enjoyed authentic Colombian meals with a personalized menu by Mariana Velasquez, award-winning food stylist and author of the celebrated cookbook, "Colombiana: A Rediscovery of Recipes and Rituals from the Soul of Colombia." The evening culminated with a stroll to a private Lamboll Street residence for a grand finale of desserts prepared by Charleston’s renowned FIG, dramatically styled by Mariana.

Following dessert, attendees browsed treasures crafted by Ibu artisans at their Colombian pop up boutique curated by Ibu Movement’s partners at El Dorado Edit. The entire evening was a tribute to culture and craft, and the ancient inherited wisdom of Colombia’s indigenous artists.

Although Colombiana! may be over, the celebration lives on. For a limited time, Ibu Movement is featuring an exclusive holiday drop of artisanal Colombian products, never before seen in Ibu's repertoire, curated by their partners at El Dorado Edit. From leather apparel to hand-crafted luxury jewelry, mola bags and ornaments, and serving pieces carved from native Amazonian woods, there is a wide array of styles and price points for everyone on your list. The sale ends December 31, 2023; shop now online or in store at the Ibu Showroom in downtown Charleston.

For more information about Ibu Movement and their initiatives, please visit their website at www.ibumovement.org.

About Ibu Movement

The word Ibu means “a woman of respect” in the Malay language of Indonesia. Ibu is a global movement of women rising into self-sufficiency through the art of their hands and hearts. A 501(c)(3), offering a marketplace for the made goods of our global artisan partners in over 50 countries, and grants for operational growth. Ibu organizes events and global travel to connect allies with artisans around the world. For more information, visit ibumovement.org.

Media Contact

Eve Boggs

eve@wawnerstrategies.com

Colombiana! image captions (photo credit: MCG Photography):

1. Colombian luminaries were the guest of honor at Ibu's celebrations. From left to right: Mariana Velásquez, Magno Caterino, Sandra Henao Caterino, Mercedes Salazar, Juan Sebastián Rivera, Yasmin Sabet, Juan Pablo Gomez, Josefa Barliza Ipuana, Juliana Ramirez, Amelicia Santacruz Alvarez, Catalina Camilo.
2. Colombian luminary Catalina Camilo of Alma Joyeria, with dinner guests Jill Esterman, Alessandra Zamora, Capucine Gooding, Ibu Founder and CEO Susan Hull Walker, and Wenda Millard.
3. Designer Mercedes Salazar in conversation over a Colombian meal with Ibu allies, benefitting the Ibu Foundation.
4. Chef and stylist Mariana Velásquez with the dessert tablescape she designed for the Colombiana dinner parties. Colombian delicacies prepared by FIG and floral decor donated by Geoflora.
5. Guests enjoy a traditional Colombian meal, designed by chef, cookbook author, and stylist Mariana Velásquez.

Emerge and Rise, Inc., a leading non-profit business incubator in San Antonio, TX, is thrilled to announce a significant donation of $2,500 from Sunflower Bank. This generous contribution elevates Sunflower Bank to the status of a Seedling Partner in support of Emerge and Rise’s mission to empower underserved communities in starting and growing their small businesses.

Gloria Sanderson, Community Development Officer for Sunflower Bank in Texas, expressed the bank's commitment to fostering community growth: "Sunflower Bank is passionate about supporting difference-making organizations within our communities. We are proud to collaborate with Emerge and Rise and excited to support and partner with them to help emerging entrepreneurs reach their goals."

This partnership marks a substantial step forward for Emerge and Rise in its ongoing efforts to provide crucial support to local entrepreneurs. The donation from Sunflower Bank will significantly contribute to the development and expansion of programs aimed at nurturing small businesses in San Antonio.

Lina Rugova, founder and president of Emerge and Rise, expressed her gratitude, stating, "We are immensely thankful to Sunflower Bank for their belief in our vision and mission. This contribution not only supports our initiatives but also reinforces our commitment to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in our community."

Emerge and Rise remains dedicated to its goal of creating opportunities for budding entrepreneurs, with a special focus on brick-and-mortar establishments. The organization’s work includes a range of services from strategic planning to digital transformation, all tailored to the unique needs of small and medium-sized businesses.

For more information about Emerge and Rise and their partnership with Sunflower Bank, please contact Lina Rugova at lina@emergeandrise.org.

About Emerge and Rise

Emerge and Rise, Inc. is a San Antonio-based non-profit business incubator focused on assisting underserved communities in establishing and growing their small businesses. Through a combination of expert consulting, strategic planning, and hands-on support, Emerge and Rise aims to foster innovation, creativity, and success for local entrepreneurs. To learn more visit EmergeAndRise.org.

About Sunflower Bank

Operating as Sunflower Bank, First National 1870 and Guardian Mortgage, Sunflower Bank, N.A. provides financial solutions to the individual communities it serves. With $7.7 billion in assets as of September 30, 2023, headquarters in Dallas, bank locations in five states, and mortgage capabilities in more than 40 states, Sunflower Bank, N.A. provides a full range of relationship-focused services to meet personal, business and wealth management financial objectives. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. First National 1870 and Guardian Mortgage are divisions of Sunflower Bank, N.A. To learn more visit SunflowerBank.com, FirstNational1870.com or GuardianMortgageOnline.com.

Media Contact

Lina Rugova

info@emergeandrise.org

Mushrooms Inc. (OTC: MSRM) is a publicly traded company listed on the OTC Markets with the stock symbol MSRM. They are the first industrial mushroom company to be listed on a public exchange and are deeply involved in the world of mycology. Their primary mission is to harness the potential of Mycelium for innovative applications in the healthcare sector.

One of their recent developments is the MYCO Thread, a nutrient-delivery textile innovation made from mycelium. This technology has several unique features, including the ability to detect bacteria in real-time. The mycelium used in MYCO Thread is composed of biopolymers, and when combined with reactive enzyme substrates, it can detect bacteria and deliver nutrients. These biopolymers are sustainable and biodegradable, making them environmentally friendly.

Mushrooms Inc. envisions a wide range of industries benefiting from this technology. These include healthcare, where MYCO Thread can help prevent bacterial infections and be used in medical bandages. Additionally, it has applications in clothing, sports and athletic industries, military, and aerospace engineering, where protective fabrics and materials can be enhanced with mycelium for added protection.

Kimberly Carlson, the CEO of Mushrooms Inc., mentioned that their immediate focus is on funding, with plans to launch a bacterial detection bandage as part of Phase 1. They are actively engaging with investors to bring this concept to fruition. Simultaneously, they are working with leading scientists to develop functional nutraceutical products that will be utilized for their nutrient delivery through transdermal textiles.

In terms of revenue generation, Mushrooms Inc. plans to introduce marketing strategies for their mycelium technologies. They aim to grow within multiple industries and continue their innovative work in mycology.

If you are interested to learn more about Mushrooms Inc. or are interested in information about how you can invest directly into the company, please visit their website at https://www.mushroomsinc.com or call them at 1-877-379-5400.

Media Contact

Kimberly Carlson

info@mushroomsinc.com

PamPerryPR, a company that helps established experts and entrepreneurs stand out with their buzz-worthy story, today announced the P.A.M. Masterclass. This virtual masterclass, via Zoom, aims to empower individuals to effectively promote their unique message, amplify their voice, and master marketing strategies that ensure their brand stands out.

In today's crowded marketplace, it is crucial for visionaries to build a strong and recognizable brand. PamPerryPR understands the importance of securing speaking engagements and standing out from the competition. That is why they have developed this masterclass to provide individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.

Master Publicist, Dr. Pam Perry, is renowned for her expertise in helping established experts and entrepreneurs stand out with their buzz-worthy story.

With her guidance, participants of the masterclass will gain valuable insights and practical strategies to promote their message to the right audience, amplify their voice in a crowded marketplace, and master marketing techniques that ensure their brand stands out.

Looking ahead, PamPerryPR plans to expand its offerings and continue providing individuals with the tools and resources to succeed in their respective industries. With a focus on innovation and staying ahead of industry trends, they aim to remain a trusted partner for those seeking to stand out and make a difference.

For more information about the P.A.M. Masterclass and PamPerryPR, please visit https://www.pamperrypr.com.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckc-ytrTMsHNTgKID5jWoX2JnXNmyaY9uv

Entertainment and talent executives have launched SonderCo, a new agency dedicated to innovating and deepening the way brands partner with talent, intellectual property, and other brands to create mutual long-term business value.

Building on his experience helping make MasterClass a global brand through talent partnerships, Sean Akaks, former Head of Business Affairs at MasterClass, is CEO, leading the vision, strategy and day-to-day operations of SonderCo. Akaks will run SonderCo with Partner and Chief Business Officer Jessie Mash, an Emmy Award-winning producer and former Head of Partnerships at clothing company Monica + Andy.

SonderCo aims to transform existing talent-partnership models from often transactional to a more long-term, holistic, 360-degree approach that reimagines how brands develop partnerships with celebrities, artists, athletes, actors, influencers, and creators. It will also manage brand-to-brand and licensing collaborations.

Understanding the diverse needs and economic climate for both emerging and established brands, SonderCo will offer bespoke deal structures, including equity stakes, revenue shares, leadership roles, and other forms of compensation tailored to each brand's unique situation and goals. SonderCo secures a range of partnership types for brands, spanning from Super Bowl ads and seasonal campaigns to spokesperson deals to brand ambassador relationships to co-founder roles, the latter of which is a growing trend as brands seek long-term solutions to maximize growth.

"It's getting harder for brands to reach customers and cut through the noise in a crowded market. We believe celebrity and influencer-affiliated companies will define the next decade of brand success," said Akaks. "SonderCo navigates this new world for brands by uniquely structuring partnerships, working hand in hand with talent, agents and managers to bring creative, long-term results and growth for everyone involved."

During his tenure at MasterClass, Akaks led the team that was instrumental in negotiating deals with talent—deals that ultimately made MasterClass a household name through its trove of online courses taught by sought-after celebrities and experts. He managed more than 100 talent deals, including ones for U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush; filmmakers Martin Scorsese, David Lynch, and Spike Lee; business leaders Anna Wintour, Bob Iger, and Sara Blakely; actors and producers Issa Rae and Shonda Rhimes; musicians Mariah Carey, John Legend, and Metallica; athletes Serena Williams and Tony Hawk; and artists Jeff Koons and Amanda Gorman.

Mash is longtime partnership and business-development executive. She saw the power of talent as a producer with ABC in Chicago, where she produced lifestyle segments with artists including Sarah Jessica Parker, Zendaya, Nate Berkus, Jason Wu and Martha Stewart, ultimately earning her three Emmy awards. She most recently served as Head of Partnerships at children’s apparel brand Monica + Andy, where she developed partnerships with brands and talent including Channing Tatum, Disney, Hello Bello and Lovevery to form unique product collaborations, events and content.

Investing in and backing SonderCo is Matthew Rutler, former colleague of Akaks and current EVP of Talent at MasterClass. Rutler, who has personally invested in more than 100 companies, including Lyft, DraftKings, Pinterest and Discord, was an early investor in MasterClass through MX Investments, the firm he owns with fiancee Christina Aguilera. Rutler then joined MasterClass in its infancy as its first executive, and recruited Akaks to help him build the talent-partnership team and lead deal-making efforts. Through these deals, the team grew the vast content offering into a global educational content platform.

"Sean is a builder with an incredible strategic mind," says Rutler. "He created tremendous value for MasterClass and understands how to create partnerships that lead to long-term growth for both talent and brands."

The leadership team will have a group of advisors, including award-winning entertainment marketing leader and former Showtime executive Dani Calogera, as well as experts from globally recognized companies such as Nike, Airbnb, Snapchat, Google, Everlane, and more.

Launch clients include Nasdaq-listed digital medicine leader Akili, Inc. As the company looked to launch EndeavorOTC, a first-of-its-kind digital product aimed at helping treat ADHD and attention issues in adults, it teamed up with SonderCo to identify influencer partnerships that excel at building awareness among the target audience.

"As we forged into a new target market and business model with EndeavorOTC, we enlisted SonderCo to help us raise awareness via product trials from influential personalities with ADHD symptoms," said Eddie Martucci, founder and chairman of Akili. "By year’s end, our work together will have resulted in multiple talent partnerships—an important component of our growth that helps to both generate awareness and gain user feedback to shape our roadmap."

Media Contact

Jessie Mash

jessie@sonderco.com

Today, Flume Health announced that the company has undergone a System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 examination resulting in a CPA’s report stating that management of Flume Health maintained effective controls over the security, availability, processing integrity, and confidentiality of Flume Relay. The engagement was performed by BARR Advisory, P.A.

A SOC 2 report is designed to meet the needs of existing or potential customers who need assurance about the effectiveness of controls used by the service organization to process customers’ information.

"I'm thrilled we can announce our successful attainment of SOC 2 Type II compliance," said Casey Hancock, Flume’s Chief Technology Officer. "This milestone not only underscores our unwavering commitment to robust security, availability, confidentiality, and processing integrity, but it also demonstrates our adherence to HIPAA compliance. In a sector where data privacy and reliability are paramount, this achievement stands as a testament to our dedication to maintaining the highest standards in healthcare infrastructure. Our clients can remain confident in our innovative solutions, knowing they are supported by industry-leading practices that safeguard their critical information."

The following principles and related criteria have been developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) for use by practitioners in the performance of trust services engagements:

• Security: The system is protected against unauthorized access (both physical and logical).
• Availability: The system is available for operation and use as committed or agreed.
• Processing Integrity: System processing is complete, valid, accurate, timely, and authorized to meet the entity’s objectives.
• Confidentiality: Information designated as confidential is protected as committed or agreed.

A SOC 2 report is an internal control report on the services provided by a service organization to its customers and provides valuable information that existing and potential customers of the service organization need to assess and address the risks associated with an outsourced service.

Current and prospective customers interested in a copy of our SOC 2 report may contact molly.gallagher@flumehealth.com.

About Flume Health

Flume Health is a software company that connects the fragmented healthcare data ecosystem for more efficient health plan administration. As a single, cloud-native integration platform, Flume’s Relay platform allows companies to easily connect various systems and vendors for efficient data exchange that’s increasingly demanded of the modern health plan. Payers, third-party administrators, prescription benefits managers, and health solutions are provided the simplicity, speed, and security they need to automate data integration and movement between relevant stakeholders. Relay supports multiple data transmission protocols, data types, and file types. By streamlining data flows between payers and solutions, a world of opportunity exists to improve access to healthcare.

About Barr Advisory

BARR Advisory is a cloud-based security and compliance solutions provider specializing in cybersecurity consulting and compliance for companies with high-value information in cloud environments like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. A trusted advisor to some of the fastest growing cloud-based organizations around the globe, BARR simplifies compliance across multiple regulatory and customer requirements in highly regulated industries including technology, financial services, healthcare, and government.

Media Contact

Molly Gallagher

molly.gallagher@flumehealth.com

Brutus Bone Broth, the premium dog bone broth aiming to provide dogs with health and longevity benefits, is now available in over 3,500 new stores nationwide, including Walmart, CVS, PetSmart, Menards, and Publix bringing the brand’s total footprint to over 10,000 doors.

Brutus Bone Broth is now available across the U.S  in approximately 958 Walmart stores, 2,000 CVS stores, over 500 PetSmart locations, over 600 Publix stores across the southeast, all 351 Menards locations, and at petsmart.com for nationwide shipping. Beyond these new retailers, Brutus Broth is also available at Target, Petco, Meijer, HEB, Wegmans, ShopRite, Jewel Osco, Fresh Thyme, Harris Teeter, Amazon, Chewy, and more.

"When my sister and I started Brutus Broth, we wanted to ensure that pet parents everywhere had access to bone broth and the multitude of benefits it provides for dogs," says Sue Delegan, co-founder and CEO of Brutus Bone Broth. "Each time we start a relationship with a new retailer, especially in a new part of the country, we know that we're reaching new pet parents and hopefully helping dogs to live happier and healthier lives."

Brutus Bone Broth is a masterfully crafted bone broth specifically designed for dogs and made with human grade ingredients. Many bone broths for humans contain ingredients that can be harmful for dogs, such as onions and garlic—a risk you won't find with Brutus Bone Broth. It’s fortified with chondroitin and glucosamine to support dogs' joint health, as well as turmeric to combat inflammation. Brutus Broth also undergoes two strict rounds of quality assurance that are governed by the USDA, so pet parents can trust in the product they’re feeding their pups.

Brutus Bone Broth can be enjoyed warm or cold, on its own as a nutritious drink or snack, or as a supplement to your dog's dry food. Serve approximately 1/4 cup of broth per 25 pounds of body weight per meal and adjust the amount per pet's individual needs. Each broth is non-GMO, dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

As the company’s distribution has grown, it has added several new key hires to its team, including Barbara Pachavis (Chief Financial Officer), Julia Lauria (Chief Marketing Officer), Jaime Kaufman (VP, Brand & Strategic Initiatives), and Stephen Carey (Chief Operations Officer). 

About Brutus Bone Broth

Brutus Bone Broth is a premium dog bone broth aiming to provide health and longevity benefits to dogs by offering a tasty and nutritious bone broth product. Brutus Broth is masterfully crafted specifically for dogs using the highest quality standards possible and human grade ingredients.

The story of Brutus Bone Broth began on Thanksgiving Day 2016, when co-founder and CEO Sue Delegan was asked what she attributed to Brutus' remarkable longevity—a 135-lb pup who lived 13.5 happy-and-healthy years. The answer: "Love and Grandma’s bone broth." Sue found that adding bone broth to Brutus' diet not only provided him with tastier and more nutritional meals, but also made his dry food easier to digest.

Kim and Sue Delegan, founders of Brutus Bone Broth, spent thousands of hours researching the pet market, speaking to experts in the industry, testing and tweaking recipes, designing packaging prototypes, and more in order to bring Brutus Bone Broth to the market. Today, they are proud that Brutus Bone Broth is now available to consumers and pets nationwide.

Media Contact

Julia Lauria

julia@brutusbroth.com

Away Together, a premier mobile application for hotels, took second place in a global competition for sustainable communication for travelers while away. This prestigious award represents years of hard work and relationship building. The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association announced the award at their conference in Miami at the end of November.

This recognition highlights the exceptional qualities of Away Together as a SaaS, mobile application that allows for secure and sustainable communication for travelers on vacation.

With its advanced features and user-friendly interface, Away Together ensures travelers can communicate securely and conveniently during their vacation. The application prioritizes sustainability and allows users to reduce their carbon footprint by minimizing paper usage and promoting digital communication.

"We are honored to be recognized as a leader in sustainable communication for travelers. This award is a testament to our dedication to providing secure and eco-friendly solutions for the modern traveler," said Melanie Brewer, CEO of Away Together.

Looking ahead, Away Together aims to further enhance its features and expand its reach to more hotels and travelers worldwide. The company is committed to continuous innovation and providing the best communication platform for vacationers.

For more information about Away Together and its sustainable communication solutions, please email mel@myawaytogether.com or visit www.myawaytogether.com.

Media Contact

Melanie Brewer

mel@myawaytogether.com

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

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

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

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

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

Media Contact

Lynn Cabrera

info@hamptonhemingway.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Hearst Newspapers 

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

Media Contact

Paul Luthringer

paul@hearst.com

212-649-2540

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About BuySellAds

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

Media Contact

Matthew Kammerer

matthew@buysellads.com

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

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

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

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

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

About The Dog Guide San Antonio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Dr. Deb Laino

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

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

Media Contact

Jamie Rothfeld

jamie@gcw.agency