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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

Media Contact

Emerge Rise
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

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

Media Contact

Pam Perry
pam@pamperrypr.com

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

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

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

Media Contact

Michelle Songy
michelle@presshook.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

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

Media Contact

Austin Walker
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

Media Contact

Paul Luthringer
paul@hearst.com

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

Media Contact

Todd Garland
todd@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.

Media Contact

Amy Lynn
amy@dogfriendlysanantonio.com

'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

Media Contact

Arianna Finger
arianna@gcw.agency

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

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

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

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

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

Media Contact

Kit Cooper

kit@signalpartners.com

Media Contact

Kit Cooper
kit@signalpartners.com

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

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

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

According to Diana Ciechorska, the General Manager of Park Slope Cleaning, "Achieving the M/WBE Certification is a significant milestone for our company. It reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence, diversity, and customer satisfaction. We are proud to be recognized as a certified minority and woman-owned business and will continue to deliver exceptional cleaning services to our valued clients."

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

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

About Park Slope Cleaning

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

Media Contact

Diana Ciechorska

info@parkslopecleaning.com

Media Contact

Diana Ciechorska
info@parkslopecleaning.com

Puzzmo Media Advisory

What is Puzzmo?

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

What are those yellow news racks popping up in front of NYC landmarks? 

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

How does it work?

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

Where are the news racks?

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

Can you tell me a bit more?

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

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

Click here to access Puzzmo's media kit.

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

Media Contact

Paul Luthringer
pluthringer@hearst.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Scope Zero

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

About HearstLab

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

Media Contact

Michael Maerlender
michael.maerlender@hearst.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About PairUp

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

About HearstLab

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

Media Contact

Michael Maerlender

michael.maerlender@hearst.com

Media Contact

Michael Maerlender
michael.maerlender@hearst.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Genii Earth

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

Because the Earth needs leaders who can change the game.

Media Contact

Elyse Knudsen: elyseknudsen@geniiearth.com

Laurie Brunner: lauriebrunner@geniiearth.com

Media Contact

Elyse Knudsen
elyseknudsen@geniiearth.com

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

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

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

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

"I've been in a place where not knowing how to get to the next level with a clear purpose held me back, and proved to be a lengthy uphill battle. Transition periods can be extremely stressful emotionally and financially, but when you cultivate a solid inner world and foundation to springboard from, you're able to strategically create real results—from organically attracting ideal clients to receiving earned media features and so much more," said Nolan. 

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

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

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

Media Contact

Tara Nolan

tara@taraknolan.com

Media Contact

Tara Nolan
tara@taraknolan.com

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

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

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

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

Taconic Innovations provides:

• Day habilitation without walls
• Site-based day habilitation
• Community habilitation
• Respite services
• Homecare / CDPAP
• Transportation support

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

Media Contact

Mathias Oni-Eseleh, Jr.

Director of Strategy and Innovations

info@taconicinnovations.com

Media Contact

Dr. Mathias Oni-Eseleh
info@taconicinnovations.com