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Voosh.ai, a data-driven restaurant analytics platform that reduces order issues, increases sales and boosts delivery margins, announced today it's offering a free 30-day trial for all its features. Its one-stop AI-powered solution enables restaurant operators to manage and grow their businesses on third-party delivery platforms. The trial gives operators real-time access to their data across all third-party marketplaces to immediately experience improved efficiencies and savings.

Voosh's rich restaurant data and analytics are gaining popularity in the industry. The company currently serves ten customers, representing over 300 restaurants that rely on the platform to make data-driven decisions and enhance operational efficiencies. Its fast-casual customers have reported an average return of $4,500 within the first 30 days, showcasing the platform's immediate impact on revenue and profitability.

Voosh does not follow the industry-expected percentage-based subscription fee; it charges a flat fee for subscribers based on their feature needs. Key features of Voosh are as follows: 

• Dispute Management: Disputes can account for up to 5% of a restaurant’s revenue. Voosh empowers restaurant operators to identify, track and dispute unwarranted chargebacks across all marketplaces, safeguarding revenue and ensuring payment for every order.
  
  
• Reviews and Response Management: The platform allows restaurant operators to efficiently monitor and respond to reviews instantaneously across all marketplaces in one centralized place, saving hours of time each week. Automated replies enhance customer engagement, helping maintain a positive brand image and fostering stronger customer connections.
  
  
• Real-time Analytics for Informed Decisions: Voosh provides real-time analytics to help restaurant operators understand sales trends, identify top-performing items and discover growth opportunities. The actionable insights empower businesses to make data-driven decisions that boost profitability and efficiency.
  
  
• Unified Financial View with Reconciliation Tool: Voosh’s reconciliation tool provides a unified view of financial data, simplifying the tracking of sales, fees, and payouts. The platform enables accuracy and allows restaurant operators to focus on what matters most – running their establishments.

"At Voosh, we’re striving to enhance relationships between restaurants and third-party marketplaces,” said Voosh Co-founder and CEO Priyam Saraswat. “Our commitment to our customers is reflected in our flat-fee subscription model, disruptive features and our customers' success stories. We are not just providing a service; we are pioneering a new standard for restaurant data and analysis.”

For more information, please visit voosh.ai.

About Voosh.ai

Established in 2020, Voosh is a revolutionary solution in the restaurant industry, empowering operators to maximize their potential on third-party marketplaces. Born from a need for a unified data platform, Voosh's Restaurant Marketplace Intelligence Platform enhances operational efficiency, customer experience, and profitability. Backed by reputable venture capital funds, including Y Combinator, Voosh has helped over 200 restaurant locations grow their third-party sales by 20%. With a mission to provide clear, actionable insights for data-driven decisions, Voosh is committed to revolutionizing restaurant technology and shaping the future of the industry. Visit voosh.ai to learn more.

Media Contact

Sara Schiffer
team@proof-pr.com

Bold Reuse, an industry leader in providing reusable solutions for food packaging, is thrilled to announce its official launch into the Seattle market. Bold Reuse launched with Seattle Public Schools & Seattle Public Utilities to support their efforts in implementing reusable foodware districtwide by providing an offsite washing solution.

Seattle Public Schools has embarked on a remarkable strategic initiative to transition much of their single-use food packaging to durable and reusable plates and bowls. This transformation aligns perfectly with Bold Reuse's mission to reduce single-use waste. With this partnership, Bold Reuse aims to play a pivotal role in supporting the district's commitment to environmental responsibility while addressing some of the challenges that individual schools face in this endeavor.

The results of the piloted program at Denny International Middle School have been impressive. The school achieved a 92% average return rate in the first month and had an 89% reduction in cafeteria landfill waste. “This program is making a significant impact at Denny. The results speak for themselves and our kids are fully embracing it and thriving,” said Doree Fazio-Young, Kitchen Manager at Denny International Middle School.

"We're thrilled to expand into the Seattle region, especially with a bold and visionary partner like Seattle Public Schools,” said CEO of Bold Reuse, Jocelyn Quarrell. 

“Supporting reuse within schools is helping teach the next generation how to be better stewards of our environment. This partnership will help drive positive change not just for today, but for generations to come.”

"Bold Reuse has helped us continue our journey to implement reusable foodware within Seattle Public Schools. Their commitment is not only to support the transition process but to make change easy for our staff and students,” said Rina Fa'amoe-Cross, Resource Conservation Specialist for Seattle Public Schools. "We look forward to more positive growth and getting closer to our vision for a waste-free future."

Bold Reuse's expansion into the Seattle market is a significant milestone, solidifying its commitment to fostering sustainable practices within the Pacific Northwest. This expansion builds upon previous successful engagements in Seattle, including collaborations with prominent names like Starbucks, Folklife Festival & NextCycle Washington.

“The response to Bold Reuse’s collaboration with events like Northwest Folklife and the NextCycle Washington Circular Accelerator Showcase was incredibly positive,” said Christy Chow of Cascadia Consulting Group and Reuse Seattle. “The reuse movement continues to gain tremendous momentum here in Seattle, and thanks to Seattle Public Schools’ partnership with Bold Reuse, reuse as a service is expanding beyond the entertainment sphere and reaching a critically important sector: K-12 education.”

“At Bold Reuse, we specialize in driving transformational business change for both consumers and enterprises alike. The Bold Reuse system is designed to ensure the success of reuse initiatives for our clients. Having engaged in conversations with many of the largest employers and prominent venues in the state, we're thrilled by the interest they've shown in partnering with us for large-scale implementations within the region,” said CRO of Bold Reuse, Heather Watkins.

Bold Reuse is at the forefront of creating innovative solutions for enterprises seeking to reduce waste and carbon emissions. Their expansion to Seattle is another step towards their mission of ending single-use waste by making reuse easy for all. 

About Bold Reuse

Bold Reuse supports companies incorporating reusable packaging into their business operations to reduce their waste footprint while expanding brand awareness and customer loyalty. Oregon Convention Center, Loop, Starbucks, Imperfect Foods, and the Portland Trail Blazers have partnered with Bold Reuse to help implement and scale reuse systems into their organizations. Recognized as a leader in the reuse industry, Bold Reuse received the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network 2022 Early Stage Entrepreneurs Award. Bold Reuse has helped customers divert nearly 3 million pounds of waste from the landfill. For more information, visit https://www.boldreuse.com

About Seattle Public Schools

Seattle Public Schools is the largest K-12 school system in Washington state, and has a deep commitment to every student’s journey—to ensure that each of our nearly 50,000 students will graduate ready for college, career, and life. We support student learning through collaborative inquiry, family engagement, building academic mindsets, recognizing and cultivating the strengths and gifts of every student, and anti-racist practices. For more information, visit https://www.seattleschools.org

Media Contact

Mya Manibusan
mya@boldreuse.com

India Gary-Martin, a former Wall Street managing director with two decades of experience as an expatriate in Europe and Asia, has launched Relucent Learning to revolutionize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and sustainability education. This innovative, self-funded, and fully accredited edtech-focused SaaS platform is poised to make a significant impact on DEI and sustainability e-learning for consumers, small businesses, and enterprise customers.

According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, chief diversity officers (CDO) have been more vulnerable to layoffs, experiencing 40% higher turnover with CDO searches down 75% in the past year. Despite the challenging climate of cutbacks on DEI funding and commitments, Gary-Martin recognized the importance of scaling and finding alternate solutions to in-person labor intensive DEI programs and took the initiative to create a solution.

“While the shape of DEI is changing, it isn’t going away. For example, by December 31 of each year, all operating companies listed on Nasdaq's U.S. exchange will need to disclose board-level diversity data. Given the hyper focus on the economy and the reduction in DEI roles, Relucent offers an alternative to continue engagement and learning despite reductions in DEI and ESG staff and program funding,” said Gary-Martin.

The name Relucent embodies the platform's vision, fusing "renew" and "lucent" to reflect Gary-Martin's goal of reinvigorating DEI and sustainability efforts, even in the face of prevailing headwinds.

Key features of Relucent Learning include:

• Cutting-edge technology developed in partnership with Qintess, a leading Brazilian tech and outsourcing outfit;
• Fully accredited content featuring interactive video content, high-quality animations, actor-based videos, and real-time polling to engage learners; and
• Expert content development team comprising business executives, educators, ESG, DEI, and sustainability practitioners.

Gary-Martin demonstrated her determination and dedication by bootstrapping the development of Relucent Learning as she encountered challenges in raising the seven-figure investment. This endeavor serves as a testament to the resilience and innovation of Black female founders, who have historically received a disproportionately low share of private equity and venture capital investment.

Relucent is pioneering a new era in DEI and sustainability engagement and is set to become the industry standard for accredited ESG centered e-learning at scale. With its immersive and interactive approach, the platform is a catalyst for employee engagement that remains crucial to fostering workplace inclusion and sustainability.

For more information about Relucent Learning, visit https://relucentlearning.com. For Mrs. Gary-Martin’s media kit click here.

About India Gary-Martin

India Gary-Martin is a former Wall Street technology and operations managing director. A public and private portfolio board director, she is the Chair of the Board for Travalyst, an organization that focuses on sustainability in travel. She is the founder of Relucent, an advisor to global CEOs, and a passionate advocate for DEI and sustainability. She is a multi-award winning (U.S. and UK) leader in technology, leadership, DEI, and entrepreneurship.

Media Contact

Chi Hinson

chi.hinson@leadershipforexecs.com

202-602-6111

Media Contact

India Martin
india@leadershipforexecs.com

Mixpanel, a leader in event analytics*, has released a new native connector for cloud data warehouse BigQuery, making it easier for users to quickly explore and gain insights from trusted data.

Syncing a cloud data warehouse with Mixpanel is significant because it allows different types of data like product, support, marketing or revenue, and the connections between those business domains, to be easily explored. Ultimately, this means companies can now measure the impact of the decisions they take right through to the bottom line impact.

For example, a user might ask 'which marketing campaigns have driven the most revenue?’ or ‘what’s our win rate against competitors in the following key markets? Answers are returned in seconds and displayed as visual Mixpanel charts that help teams collaborate around the same trusted view.

Adam Kinney, VP of Analytics at Mixpanel, said: “This is about breaking down barriers between teams. We’re not trying to replace data scientists or the strategic analysis they perform with BI tools, but we want to empower non-technical users to ask questions of their data without knowing how to code. This relieves pressure from the data team, increases data accessibility and improves collaborative decision making.”

"BigQuery creates extensive business value by helping customers connect their data to better optimize their performance,” said Rodrigo Rocha, Director of Global Partnerships at Google Cloud. By syncing data to Mixpanel via cloud data warehouses, customers can now explore trusted and consolidated data in seconds to improve business outcomes."

Dubbed ‘Warehouse Connectors', the new native integration is available to all Mixpanel customers that consolidate data with BigQuery. Synchronization is achieved without writing a single line of code and is already being trialed by select Mixpanel customers. This update follows the recent release of ‘Spark’, which integrated OpenAI’s Large Language Model so anyone can ask questions of their data in Mixpanel with generative AI.

“Warehouse Connectors allows us to seamlessly integrate Mixpanel with enriched data from BigQuery. This helps us unlock new insights without adding technical overhead transporting data between two systems,” said Pasha Putra, Data Science Lead at Zalora.

* About Event analytics

Event analytics captures every action (or event) that each user performs within a digital product, like an e-Commerce site or a ride hailing app. This very granular view helps companies understand how different groups of users behave at various points during their experience, to answer questions like: which cohorts of users drop off during sign-up? Using Mixpanel, it’s now also possible to understand the knock-on revenue impact of such customer experience issues. 

This approach is faster and easier than traditional Business Intelligence (BI) tools that require data to be prepared and tabulated, with BI queries coded in SQL. While BI analysis is valuable for specialized analytics teams, it is not as easily accessible for cross functional teams to help themselves to data explorations. That’s why event analytics is so crucial for teams that seek to democratize data access and collaborate on building the most effective digital experiences.    

About Mixpanel

Mixpanel is an event analytics platform that allows anyone to get answers from their customer and revenue data in seconds. It offers powerful real-time charts and visualizations of how users interact with digital products. Regardless of technical expertise, anyone can focus on what’s working, and spend more time on their best ideas with Mixpanel. To learn more visit: www.mixpanel.com

Media Contact

Niveen Saleh
nsaleh@fireoth.com

The community of Unity of Walnut Creek is committed to helping people grow spiritually. Their updated website, www.unityofwalnutcreek.com, is a resource providing information about the community, its events, and its services. The website also provides resources for spiritual growth and development.

"Unity's intent with this new, updated website is to provide ease in finding the information that meets people's needs—whether they be long-established members, searching for a spiritual home, or simply wanting to attend an event. I am especially thrilled with the expanded calendar capabilities and the featured aspects of the community that are growing in importance such as the EarthCare Alliance and inclusivity. Our team loved working with Lorene at loreneandersondesign.com," stated Rev. Kristin Powell.

The website has been designed to be more user-friendly and intuitive. You'll find what you're looking for more easily and quickly. And, we've added some great new features too!

Here are some of the highlights:

• A completely new look and feel
• An expanded and improved calendar of events
• New ways to connect with and learn about Unity
• A focus on the growing importance of EarthCare and inclusivity

We hope you enjoy the new website. To learn more and provide feedback, please visit www.unityofwalnutcreek.com.

Media Contact

Rev. Arabella Marie
arabella@unityofwalnutcreek.org

Charleston Literary Festival is proud to announce an exceptional lineup of leading contemporary Irish literary voices at this year's event, demonstrating the Festival's commitment to bringing international literary excellence to the stage each year. Internationally acclaimed Irish authors Claire Keegan, Fintan O'Toole, and Paul Muldoon will be in conversation, offering festival-goers captivating insights into Irish culture and literature. The Festival is also honored to confirm the attendance of Geraldine Byrne Nason, the Irish Ambassador to the United States, who will attend the sold-out session featuring Claire Keegan and Fintan O'Toole on the Opening Day of the Festival on November 3.

“I am delighted to attend the wonderful Charleston Literary Festival showcasing some of Ireland’s most talented authors. Ireland has always had a rich literary tradition, but even in a country of storytellers, poets, and writers, rarely has Irish literature been as prolific as it currently is. I look forward to experiencing Charleston’s southern hospitality as we share new ideas and experience the transformative power of great literature,” says Ambassador Byrne Nason about the upcoming visit. 

With ‘Embrace the Conversation’ as the theme for this year’s Festival, attendees can expect a thoughtful exploration of the connection between poetry and music from Muldoon and stimulating discussions from Keegan and O'Toole on themes of community, secrecy, and power. In this boutique setting, festivalgoers can expect to connect, converse, and immerse in the communal spirit of literary exchange and exploration.

"As a Dubliner now living in Charleston, it’s an honor to showcase the best of Irish writing here in the Lowcountry and to welcome Ambassador Byrne Nason. In many ways, Charleston Literary Festival is a confluence of great international and national literature and this year, the Irish component is stronger and richer than ever before," added Sarah Moriarty, Charleston Literary Festival's Executive Director.

With its deep Irish roots, the city of Charleston presents an ideal backdrop for the sessions. Charleston Literary Festival is grateful for the support from the Irish Consulate based in Atlanta, run by Caoimhe Ní Chonchúir. The partnership with the Irish Consulate highlights the strong cultural ties between Ireland and the United States. It reinforces the Festival's commitment to showcasing world-class Irish writers in the Southeast U.S.

Consul General Caoimhe Ní Chonchúir remarked, "Ireland is a country that loves a good book and wholly embraces the importance of storytelling, conversation, culture, books, and the joy of reading. Local themes have universal resonances, and we are thrilled that world-class Irish writers will be at Charleston Literary Festival to share their work and, in turn, contribute to the striking up of cross-cultural conversations."

Irish Authors in Conversation

On November 3, Festival attendees are in for a thrilling dialogue as esteemed Irish writer Claire Keegan, renowned for her short story collection "Antarctica" and acclaimed story "Foster," joins Fintan O'Toole, a distinguished literary critic and columnist for The New York Review of Books and The Irish Times. Keegan grew up on a farm in Ireland and has continued captivating global readers since her literary debut in 1999. She is set to do so again with her new story collection, "So Late in the Day," to be released this November. The November 3 session is sponsored by Culture Ireland, which operates various funding programs to support and promote the presentation of Irish arts internationally.

• During this sold-out session on the opening day, the authors will delve into a vibrant discussion on Keegan's Orwell Prize-winning novel, "Small Things Like These." This compelling novel, shortlisted for the Rathbones Folio Prize and the Booker Prize in 2022, explores themes of community, secrecy, and abuses of power.
  
  
• Award-winning writer and social critic Fintan O'Toole will be the interlocutor for the Keegan session. O'Toole, a renowned literary critic and esteemed columnist for The Irish Times and The New York Review, has built a distinguished career on excavating social, political, and cultural issues.
  
  
• "Small Things Like These" is currently being adapted into a film, produced by and starring Cillian Murphy, recently seen in the leading roles of the film "Oppenheimer" and television series "Peaky Blinders."

On November 10, renowned Northern Irish poet Paul Muldoon, a contemporary of Séamus Heaney and a celebrated member of their generation, brings his distinguished career to the stage. In conversation at the Festival, he will read from his work with Paul McCartney and delve into the relationship between poetry and song while examining the impact of these genres on his creative process and that of other artists. Festival-goers can anticipate an enthralling conversation that uncovers the meeting of two distinct artistic realms.

As an accomplished poet and academic, Pulitzer Prize-winning Paul Muldoon has made significant contributions from his tenure at Oxford University to his current role as Professor of Humanities at Princeton University. His collaboration with Paul McCartney on two volumes of the former Beatles' lyrics (2021) highlights his deep understanding of the intricacies of language. Widely regarded as one of the most captivating poets of our time, Muldoon writes and performs rock music with Princeton-based bands. 

Charleston Literary Festival 2023 runs November 3–12 at various historic venues with stories of their own featuring a blend of today’s leading contemporary writers alongside emerging writers, including young writers. See here for more information about this year's event. Each year, the Festival welcomes the community to gather for intimate conversations around the ideas from great literature while also being exposed to new voices and topics from around the world.

Event Details

Claire Keegan with Fintan O’Toole: "Small Things Like These" Book Discussion

Date: November 3, 2023

Time: 2–3 p.m.

Venue: Circular Congregational Church

Tickets: Sold Out

Paul Muldoon: Ways With Words

Date: November 10, 2023

Time: 4–5 p.m.

Venue: Dock Street Theatre

Tickets: Available here

About Charleston Literary Festival

Charleston Literary Festival is a boutique literary festival that runs every November for ten days in Charleston, South Carolina. With roots in the Charleston House in the UK—home of the radical writers, artists, and thinkers of the Bloomsbury Group—Charleston Literary Festival is committed to maintaining an international perspective while building up and giving back to the local community on which it is built. Founded in 2017, we specialize in high-quality Festival events that create perspective-altering conversations with world-renowned authors and thinkers. Charleston Literary Festival’s distinctive international ethos allows attendees to engage with renowned authors in unique settings and contribute to conversations around outstanding books and ideas.

The Festival’s programming is carefully curated based on literary and artistic excellence, originality, and critical acclaim. The Festival has established a reputation for presenting exceptional speakers from diverse backgrounds in intimate venues. Pulitzer, Booker, and Nobel Prize-winners take the stage for unscripted conversations—then meet and sign books for the audience immediately after the sessions. Speakers and attendees return year after year to experience the Festival’s unrivaled hospitality and social events. Charleston Literary Festival is committed to offering a diverse program of events regarding speakers and topics, reaching out to all communities, and initiatives that widen access to its programs.

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

About Culture Ireland

Culture Ireland promotes Irish arts worldwide. We create and support opportunities for Irish artists and companies to present and promote their work at strategic international festivals and venues. We develop platforms to present outstanding Irish work to international audiences through showcases at key global arts events, including the Edinburgh Festivals and the Venice Biennales. For more information, visit https://www.cultureireland.ie or @CultureIreland.

About the Consulate General of Ireland

The Consulate General of Ireland is responsible for Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. We are honored to work for Ireland, to serve our citizens, to engage with the Irish community and those of Irish heritage, to build relationships, and to promote Irish interests and values in the Southeast. This is an incredibly diverse and dynamic region, bursting with economic potential, rich culture, and deep links to Ireland going back centuries. For more information, visit https://www.dfa.ie/irish-consulate/atlanta/ or @IrelandAtlanta.

Media Contact

Sterling Eason, Eason Creative Studio

sterling@easoncreative.com

843-300-8879

Media Contact

Sterling Eason
sterling@easoncreative.com

Sinecure.ai, a pioneering SaaS software company dedicated to revolutionizing talent discovery through AI and Large Language Model (LLM) innovation, announced today the appointment of Wenda Harris Millard to Chairman of the Board of Directors. A distinguished and accomplished industry veteran, Millard brings an exceptional track record of leadership and innovation in technology, advertising and media to the Sinecure.ai team.

"We are honored to welcome Wenda as our Chairman of Sinecure.ai," said Joel Wright, Co-Founder and CEO of the AI-powered talent discovery platform. "Wenda has an impressive history of growing businesses with her strong guidance and innate ability to empower teams to realize their fullest potential. Her unparalleled experience will be invaluable as we redefine talent discovery through cutting-edge AI solutions."

The recruiting industry today demands products and services that make the process of talent acquisition more efficient and effective. Sinecure.ai is at the forefront of developing AI-powered products to meet those demands while matching prospects to job specs with precision, speed and predictability.

Commenting on her appointment, Millard said, “I look forward to partnering with Joel and the Sinecure.ai board on this exciting next stage of growth for the company. The ongoing advancements in AI that power the Sinecure.ai platform offer a new vision of the future for the entire recruiting industry. They represent an unprecedented business opportunity for Sinecure.ai to deliver impressive hiring outcomes for our customers and candidates alike.”

Millard is a seasoned professional whose career spans over four decades. She started in the traditional publishing industry and then pivoted to digital media during the early days of the internet revolution—first as a founding member of the executive team at DoubleClick and later as chief sales officer at Yahoo!, where she built the #1 sales organization in media and is widely credited as establishing brand advertising on the web. After Yahoo!, Millard was co-CEO of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and was more recently vice chairman of the prominent strategic advisory and business development firm, MediaLink.

Millard is the past chairman of the Interactive Advertising Bureau, former president of the Advertising Club of New York, and served on the boards of the Ad Council and the American Advertising Federation (AAF). She is the recipient of numerous industry awards in advertising, including being named as one of Ad Age’s “100 Most Influential Women in Advertising in the Last 100 Years” and as an inductee into AAF’s Advertising Hall of Fame, the industry’s highest honor. More information about Millard’s past accomplishments and current contributions can be found on the About page on the Sinecure.ai website.

Millard’s appointment to Chairman is effective immediately.

Media Contact

John Zeman
john@sinecure.ai

There’s an auto dealer stereotype. Almost everyone’s experienced it. No one likes it. And yet, that stereotype continues to persist: Asking women when their husbands are coming. Dealers judging people’s credit worthiness by their wardrobe. Salespeople misrepresenting details easily found online. The classic “let me go talk with my manager.” It’s all so much dumb, unnecessary behavior. 

“As a second generation auto dealer, the last thing I want to be associated with is that tired old stereotype,” said Chris Gulbrandson, President of Apple Autos, headquartered in Apple Valley, Minnesota. “And yet, when we surveyed prospects and customers recently, we couldn’t believe the horror stories still existed—which inspired us to try and stand apart from that status quo.”

“Don’t Get Screwed” is Apple Autos’ promise to ensure everyone gets treated with dignity and respect. Because if the company, which has over 600 employees, has learned anything in 30 years selling and servicing tens of thousands of Lincolns, Fords, Jeeps, Chevys, Rams, Dodges, and Chryslers, it’s that people don’t like getting screwed. So the employees at Apple Autos don’t do that. Just read their Google and Yelp reviews.

The team at Apple Autos knows that people like being seen and respected. Auto shoppers like fixed pricing, not haggling. And cash for trade-ins. People like how Apple Autos delivers all the benefits of online car buying but are in the neighborhood if their clients ever need help. Customers especially love Apple Auto’s unique 7-day money back guarantee. Y les gusta trabajar con un representante que habla español cuando es necesario. And they appreciate that Apple Autos gives generously to local charities every year to support their communities.

That’s what “Don’t Get Screwed” means. “It’s also a potent reminder to ourselves that we have a high standard to uphold,” notes Gulbrandson.

The campaign launched Monday, October 16, 2023 across the Twin Cities market utilizing a mix of television, radio, out of home billboards, and social media.

Campaign elements can be viewed and downloaded here: https://bit.ly/AppleAutosDGS

About Apple Autos

Founded in 1993, Apple Autos is a family-owned automotive dealership in the Twin Cities representing seven U.S. brands and six (soon-to-be seven) locations in the South Metro. Built on the belief that people come before profit, Apple Autos’ best-price dealerships uphold a people-first culture, empowering them to provide extraordinary customer experiences. Apple Autos has ranked among the StarTribune’s Top Workplaces from 2018–2023. Their combined Ford dealerships have won the coveted President’s Award 32 times. In 2022, Apple Ford Apple Valley won the Ford One Hundred Club and Ford Triple Crown, recognizing the most elite dealers in the nation. The Apple Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram store won the Chrysler Pentastar Club award after ranking in the top 30 for sales as well as Mopar Masters Club recognition for being a Top 100 parts purchaser. Apple Chevrolet Northfield has won the Chevrolet Mark of Excellence seven times since 2012. The company strongly believes in supporting local communities and is honored to have dedicated employees and customers who make it possible for them to give back.

Media Contact

Tim Brunelle

tim@timbrunelle.com

612-670-9091

Media Contact

Tim Brunelle
tim@timbrunelle.com

Maker's Post, a shop that offers a delightful blend of artistry and island charm through its unique haven of artisanal treasures on Sullivan's Island, today announced the upcoming Nathan McClements Art Show.

The event will take place at Maker's Post located at 2019 B. Middle Street, Sullivan's Island, on October 26 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Following the art show, an after party will be held at Home Team BBQ on Middle Street from 8:30 to 11:00 p.m., featuring live music by The Reckoning. All proceeds from the event will be donated to The Center for Literacy Excellence.

The Nathan McClements Art Show at Maker's Post is an important event as it showcases the talent and craftsmanship of local artists. By hosting this art show, Maker's Post aims to support the local art community and provide a platform for artists to showcase their work in a unique and enchanting environment.

Maker's Post is known for its curated selection of handmade crafts and locally sourced goods. With their dedication to showcasing the artistry and talent of local artisans, Maker's Post has become a haven for those seeking one-of-a-kind treasures on Sullivan's Island. The Nathan McClements Art Show is a testament to their commitment to promoting local artists and contributing to the cultural richness of the community.

Looking ahead, Maker's Post plans to continue hosting art shows and events that celebrate the artistic spirit of Sullivan's Island. They are committed to providing a platform for local artists to showcase their work and creating a vibrant cultural scene on the island.

For more information about Maker's Post and the Nathan McClements Art Show, please visit Maker's Post at https://www.makers-post.com.

Media Contact

Vaughn Connolly
vaughn@makers-post.com

Charleston Literary Festival proudly announces the premiere of its documentary film "From the Bloomsbury Group to the Lowcountry: Charleston Literary Festival" at 7:30 p.m. ET on November 2 on South Carolina ETV (SCETV). The hour-long film, made possible thanks to Atomic Focus Entertainment, SC Humanities, and the Fiederowicz Family Fund, provides an insider perspective on the standout 2022 Festival and paves the way for the eagerly awaited 2023 Festival, scheduled from November 3–12. 

Featured in the film are lively discussions featuring preeminent authors who are globally recognized and at the pinnacle of their careers, such as Geraldine Brooks, Imani Perry, Tim Bouverie, Tina Brown, Eddie Glaude Jr., and Patrick Radden Keefe, alongside esteemed individuals such as Charleston’s Mayor John Tecklenburg, as well as a glimpse into the community bonds between the writers, readers, and lovers of ideas.

The documentary showcases Charleston Literary Festival's impact, emphasizing the importance of humanities-focused events featuring speakers alongside emerging literary voices while engaging conversations with readers that inspire intergenerational learning and widen the reach of impactful authors and cultural exchanges throughout the community. 

Sarah Moriarty, Executive Director of Charleston Literary Festival, stated, "The Festival is a unique platform for literary discussions each year. With the film, we aim to extend this stage to an even larger audience, preserving the unforgettable moments from our past festival and allowing viewers to see what we do. We hope to see viewers turn into attendees as they are inspired by the level of dialogue we bring.”

Since its inception in 2017, Charleston Literary Festival has embraced conversations around books and ideas with leading and emerging authors and the readers who follow them. The Festival is a curated boutique-sized festival whose roots began at Charleston House in the UK—home of the radical writers, artists, and thinkers of the Bloomsbury Group. With this sentiment at heart, Charleston Literary Festival is committed to maintaining an international perspective while building up and giving back to the local community on which it is built.

T.J. Wallace, Assistant Director at SC Humanities, echoes, "The documentary is an embodiment of SC Humanities' commitment to enriching the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. We believe that 'From the Bloomsbury Group to the Lowcountry: Charleston Literary Festival' will draw more people to the Festival's literary programs."

Atomic Focus Entertainment, the production partner to Charleston Literary Festival, documented this remarkable literary journey over ten days. The documentary, directed by Tom Wiggins and produced by Jenn Dumas Wiggin, embodies the frenetic energy, spontaneous connections, meaningful content, and poignant moments as the reader community and authors embraced the Festival. 

Watch the premiere of "From the Bloomsbury Group to the Lowcountry: Charleston Literary Festival"at 7:30 p.m. ET on SCETV on November 2 to relive the exceptional 2022 Festival and prepare for the 2023 event running November 3–12, 2023 at historic venues around Charleston.

Program details and ticket information can be found at Charleston Literary Festival.

About Charleston Literary Festival

Charleston Literary Festival is a boutique literary festival that runs every November for ten days in Charleston, South Carolina. With roots in the Charleston House in the UK—home of the radical writers, artists, and thinkers of the Bloomsbury Group—Charleston Literary Festival is committed to maintaining an international perspective while building up and giving back to the local community on which it is built. Founded in 2017, we specialize in high-quality Festival events that create perspective-altering conversations with world-renowned authors and thinkers. Charleston Literary Festival’s distinctive international ethos allows attendees to engage with renowned authors in unique settings and contribute to conversations around outstanding books and ideas.

The Festival’s programming is carefully curated based on literary and artistic excellence, originality, and critical acclaim. The Festival has established a reputation for presenting exceptional speakers from diverse backgrounds in intimate venues. Pulitzer, Booker, and Nobel Prize-winners take the stage for unscripted conversations—then meet and sign books for the audience immediately after the sessions. Speakers and attendees return year after year to experience the Festival’s unrivaled hospitality and social events. Charleston Literary Festival is committed to offering a diverse program of events regarding speakers and topics, reaching out to all communities, and initiatives that widen access to its programs.

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

About Atomic Focus Entertainment

Atomic Focus Entertainment develops and produces exceptional content for TV, film, livestream, and podcasts. AFE is filming a feature-length documentary about the ongoing fight for intellectual freedom, to be released in 2024. A female-owned company based in Charleston, SC, Atomic Focus is in its fourth year as the film production partner for Charleston Literary Festival. For more information, visit https://www.atomic-focus.com.

About SC Humanities

The mission of SC Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. Established in 1973, this 501(c)(3) organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state. It presents and supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos, and other humanities-based experiences that directly or indirectly reach more than 250,000 citizens annually. South Carolina Humanities receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities as well as corporate, foundation and individual donors. The National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom. For more information, visit https://schumanities.org.

Photo credits: Valerie and Ed Photography, MCG Photography

Media Contact

Sterling Eason
sterling@easoncreative.com

Voosh.ai, a data-driven restaurant analytics platform that reduces order issues, increases sales and boosts delivery margins, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Munz as the Vice President of Growth. He’s led a distinguished career spanning more than two decades in technology leadership across hospitality and e-commerce industries. As VP of Growth at Voosh, Munz will play a pivotal role in steering the company's strategic initiatives and expanding its footprint in the rapidly evolving restaurant technology landscape.

Voosh.ai is a cutting-edge platform that provides powerful tools that empower restaurant owners to make data-driven decisions, ultimately enhancing their operational efficiency and increasing their bottom line.

“Chris has a wealth of expertise and a passion for propelling hospitality and restaurant brands into the digital age,” said Voosh Co-founder and CEO Priyam Saraswat. “As a growth-oriented technologist, he has a proven track record of optimizing innovation to meet client’s unique needs.”

“It’s an honor to join the Voosh team and its much-needed mission to help restaurant operators maximize the potential from third-party marketplaces.,” said Munz. “Voosh is leading the charge in providing the data needed to understand market share, improve processes and increase revenue and profit margins, while bridging relationships between restaurants and third parties.”

Throughout his career, Munz has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to leveraging technology to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive overall business growth. His extensive background in leading technology businesses makes him a visionary leader ready to propel Voosh.ai to new heights in the dynamic restaurant technology sector.

For more information, please visit voosh.ai.

About Voosh.ai

Established in 2020, Voosh is a revolutionary solution in the restaurant industry, empowering operators to maximize their potential on third-party marketplaces. Born from a need for a unified data platform, Voosh's Restaurant Marketplace Intelligence Platform enhances operational efficiency, customer experience, and profitability. Backed by reputable venture capital funds, including Y Combinator, Voosh has helped over 200 restaurant locations grow their third-party sales by 20%. With a mission to provide clear, actionable insights for data-driven decisions, Voosh is committed to revolutionizing restaurant technology and shaping the future of the industry. Visit voosh.ai to learn more.

Media Contact

Sara Schiffer

Proof PR

sara@proof-pr.com

773-420-7920

Media Contact

Sara Schiffer
team@proof-pr.com

Astoria Lighting Co., Central Texas' premier outdoor lighting specialist, is proud to announce its role as the official outdoor lighting sponsor for the Austin Landscape Artistry Showcase & Residential Garden Tour, taking place September 7, 2024.

Nathan Roberts, Astoria Lighting Co. proprietor, is excited about the transformative power of lighting in outdoor spaces. "Our participation allows us to demonstrate to homeowners and professionals alike that landscape beauty isn't limited to daylight. We will be offering an exclusive to attendees this year: A self-guided nocturnal tour for ticket holders will highlight the mesmerizing potential of our landscape and architectural lighting solutions," he added.

This collaboration unites Astoria Lighting Co.'s outdoor lighting prowess with Leaf Landscape Supply's commitment to honoring the exceptional work of local landscape architects and designers. Together, they're set to amplify the charm and atmosphere of residential landscapes after dusk.

"Partnering with Astoria Lighting Co. for the 2024 Austin Landscape Artistry Showcase & Garden Tour was a perfect fit for Leaf," says Brad Seever, owner of Leaf Landscape Supply. "They perfectly complement our goal of featuring Central Texas' finest landscape designs and creating a complete experience for attendees."

For further details on The 2024 Austin Landscape Artistry Showcase & Garden Tour, presented by Leaf Landscape, visit https://austinlandscapetour.com/.

About Astoria Lighting Co.

An Austin original, Astoria Lighting Co. leads in delivering top-tier permanent holiday and architectural lighting, from Gemstone Lights to Kichler's landscape illumination. They're synonymous with unparalleled quality, whether it's seasonal, architectural, or traditional outdoor lighting solutions. For more information, please visit https://astorialightingco.com/.

About Leaf Landscape Supply

Since 2014, Leaf Landscape Supply has been a cornerstone in Central Texas' landscaping sector. Renowned for its extensive selection of over 1,200 plant and tree varieties, it stands as an invaluable resource for industry professionals, offering unique products, expert insights, and an unwavering commitment to community enhancement and service. For more information, please visit https://www.leaflandscapesupply.com/.

Media Contact

IPG Media

IPG Media, LLC | Austin Luxury Homeowner | The Home Syndicate

media@internetpublishinggroup.com

Media Contact

James Smith
james@internetpublishinggroup.com

TechGirl, a company that aims to increase the pool of female founders in tech by supporting them early on in their entrepreneurial journey, today announced the official launch of the TechGirl Foundation (TGF), a non-profit dedicated to leveling the playing field for female founders in the tech industry. With a mission to support women early in their entrepreneurial journeys, TGF is set to provide scholarships, guidance, and access to underrepresented and underserved communities.

In recent years, the technology sector has shown significant growth, becoming one of the most influential sectors globally. However, this expansion has not been evenly distributed. Women, particularly those from underrepresented and underserved communities, are significantly underrepresented in the tech industry. TGF aims to change this through a series of initiatives designed to empower and inspire women to pursue and launch their tech startups.

The TechGirl Foundation’s aim is to increase the pool of female founders in tech by supporting them early on in their entrepreneurial journey. TGF will grant scholarships and provide access and guidance to underrepresented founders and underserved communities through workshops, virtual speaker series, and networking events. By doing so, they hope to empower women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and contribute to the growth and innovation of the tech industry.

"We believe that diversity and inclusion are key to innovation. By supporting female founders from the very beginning of their entrepreneurial journey, we can help create a more balanced and diverse tech landscape," says Lynn Fernando, President at TechGirl Foundation and Co-Founder.

As part of its launch, TGF is excited to announce its participation at NY Tech Week. The foundation will be attending various events and panels throughout the week, including the InvestHER Roundtables, offering attendees the opportunity to learn more about their mission and how they can support it. They will be joined by other female investors and leaders in VC in the impact space, DEI, AI, and more. This includes A16Z, IFundWomen, Advaita Cap, Alternative Wealth Partners, Emmeline Ventures, iHeartMedia Ventures.  Gritty in Pink and Live Nation lead the discussion to speak on a variety of topics including impact investing, AI, climate tech, marketplaces, and the future of work.

"We invite all philanthropists, donors, and technology entrepreneurs to join us at NY Tech Week. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of these female tech entrepreneurs and the future of the tech industry," adds Rajul Kadakia, Co-Founder of TechGirl.

To learn more about the TechGirl Foundation and how you can support their mission, visit techgirlfoundation.org. Your support can help shape a more diverse and inclusive tech industry.

About TechGirl Foundation

TechGirl Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the number of female founders in the tech industry. By offering scholarships, guidance, and access to underrepresented and underserved communities, TGF aims to create a more balanced and diverse tech landscape. For more information about the TechGirl Foundation and its initiatives, please visit https://techgirlfoundation.org.

Media Contact

Lynn Mulv
lynn@techgirl.co

Three startups were named winners at Pitch HearstLab Texas, HearstLab’s pitch event for early stage, women-led startups. Out of hundreds of applications from across the country, six companies were selected as finalists to present in-person at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday of San Antonio Startup Week.

The finalists represented industry verticals ranging from clinical trial logistics to fleet transportation safety, and featured two winners from HearstLab’s previous pitch event for university women. Each founder pitched to a live audience and a panel of expert judges, including Hearst EVP & HearstLab Chairwoman Eve Burton and San Antonio Express-News Publisher & CEO Mark Medici.

The event’s winners were as follows: EZ Newswire, a platform that makes it easy and affordable for businesses of all sizes to create and publish their news; Meili Technologies, an AI-based driver incapacitation detection system for fleet and passenger vehicles; and Scope Zero, creator of the Carbon Savings Account™ for home technology and personal transportation upgrades that fosters employee financial wellness and enables corporate ESG strategy.

In addition to a $100,000 investment from HearstLab, each winning company will also receive hands-on support from HearstLab. Previous Pitch HearstLab winners include Clutch, Ema, Givers Health, Junum and Narratize.

"Fundraising is incredibly hard. Today's recognition combined with the relationship I am building with HearstLab is really unique," said Caitlin Kelly, Founder & Co-CEO of EZ Newswire. "The fundraising process can become a one-and-done, in-and-out, very transaction-based experience. This has been completely different."

"I'm super excited to have the opportunity to work with HearstLab for their breadth of industry knowledge and the Hearst business transportation opportunities," said Samantha Lee, Co-Founder & CEO of Meili Technologies.

"We're thrilled to be one of the finalists ... well, one of the winners now!" said Lizzy Kolar, Founder & CEO of Scope Zero. "Partnering with HearstLab can help us continue to build momentum by growing our brand awareness and developing partnerships with corporations across the US and the world."

Pitch HearstLab is the biggest competition for women-led startups in the world. The event series is aimed at finding and funding the best high-growth B2B(2C) women-led startups in the US and select international markets. Texas is the sixth event in the series, and the second iteration in San Antonio. 

With prior competitions in Los Angeles, Amsterdam, and Madrid, and multiple winners at each event, HearstLab has invested over $1 million in early-stage women-led startups through the pitch series alone. To date, HearstLab has invested in over 60 women-led startups, currently valued at over $2 billion collectively. Its mission is to help closing the funding gap in venture capital funding for women. Current data shows that women-led businesses still receive just 2% of all venture funding, despite the growing number of female entrepreneurs.

"How many of you are familiar with Shark Tank?" asked MC CJ Kettler, who also serves as President of King Features. "Well, this is not like Shark Tank," she continued. "We're here to highlight the heart and soul of entrepreneurial spirit, and hopefully fund sustainable businesses that are solving real world problems."

"The women we met today who pitched introduced to the world many next generation products," said Eve Burton, "and with the right support, they will make large profitable companies that have tremendous impact. I am proud of the six founders that were selected out of over 400 that applied to pitch here today. They are all going to achieve exceptional things."

"It's really a joy and a dream to be here in my home city of San Antonio again. This is where Pitch HearstLab all started," said HearstLab VP Lisa Burton. "So much of the venture ecosystem is focused around the east and west coast, but as we all know, there are brilliant ideas and people to be found everywhere. Being able to work with the Express-News and have their support in highlighting all that San Antonio has to offer is critical in helping these businesses grow."

Pitch HearstLab Texas was produced in partnership with the San Antonio Express-News as a part of San Antonio Startup Week. Ulta Beauty was the premier national sponsor and shared a special message of mission-alignment with Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. Additional local sponsors & partners included Bridgethead IT, CodeUp, Microsoft, Geekdom, as well as in kind sponsors Supergoop!, heywell, and TÖST Beverages. 

Pitch HearstLab will head next to New York City in Spring 2024, with additional US-based and international competitions on the horizon. Beyond pitch events, female founders can apply for HearstLab investment anytime (up to $1 million) throughout the year. 

For more information, visit the HearstLab website and follow HearstLab on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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 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.

About Meili Technologies

Using existing car sensors, like a driver-facing camera, Meili detects health emergencies like heart attacks, seizures, and diabetic emergencies. Meili then communicates with existing ADAS features for the car to proactively prevent crashes and contacts first responders to reduce time to life saving care. While many are building drowsy and distracted driving detection, we're the first to take this more critical angle and the first to collect the necessary data en masse. This data is very difficult to collect and our focus is what allows us to beat the market to building health emergency detection and enhance other driver monitoring systems.

About Scope Zero

Scope Zero created the Carbon Savings Account™ for home technology and personal transportation upgrades that fosters employee financial wellness and enables corporate ESG strategy. 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 2.3B tons of carbon emissions from U.S. residential energy consumption and personal vehicle use.

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

Igniting a literary revolution among teens sounds like a fantastic idea to the team at Charleston Literary Festival, and they are turning this dream into a reality by launching the Charleston Literary Festival Young Writers Awards. The initiative encourages and amplifies creative growth and expression among high school students across Charleston, SC, through prose and writing.

The Charleston Literary Festival Young Writers Awards serve as a stepping stone for young writers toward careers in the literary arts and those looking to hone their craft while finding new ways to express themselves through the written word. It aims to demonstrate to these talented individuals that their voices are valuable and their unique perspectives can contribute to the broader literary community. In alignment with the Festival's core mission to foster emerging voices, all public high school students in grades 10 to 12 are/were invited to participate.

Jennifer Chestnut Comer, the architect and director of the Charleston Literary Festival Young Writers Awards, is an experienced advocate and creator of youth initiatives that have proven essential to the health and resiliency of the arts and culture sector. She shares her enthusiasm for the program:

"We believe in the power of storytelling and literature to shape lives. By providing a platform for young writers to express themselves, we are nurturing their creative potential and celebrating the transformative power of the written word. In honoring their voices, we contribute to the longevity of the Charleston literary scene by seeding the next generation of bibliophiles while empowering these talented individuals."

Research has shown that writing fosters critical thinking skills, enhances communication abilities, and nurtures emotional intelligence in young individuals. The Charleston Literary Festival Young Writers Awards aims to instill a love for literature while providing a supportive environment for teenagers to explore writing skills. The awards aim to spark curiosity and drive creative growth by encouraging students to explore their personal voices at a time when many are grappling with their place in the world. 

As a collective effort to give back to the community, The Charleston Literary Festival Young Writers Awards also aims to establish a comprehensive support system for Charleston teachers and students. Future plans include providing professional development opportunities featuring festival authors, scholarships, and fellowships for young writers, hosting teen writing workshops, and providing educational resources. By investing in the next generation of wordsmiths, the Festival hopes to cultivate an enduring literary community that supports and nurtures aspiring writers throughout their journey.

“This young writer's initiative is important to students for the opportunity to flex. Engaging with those highly experienced and expert in the fields of writing and interpreting stories reinforces their developing constructs of knowledge, conviction, and trust in the context of their own lives. Their stories center the nature of the human experience today and will do so a hundred years from now,” added Cassie Keene, English Teacher at Burke High School. 

The awards' inaugural year has seen enthusiastic participation from local public high schools, with over 60% signing on over 400 students, with 51 students gaining the opportunity to have their work scored by a panel of literary professionals in a blind review process. Award winners will be notified by the third week of October and receive cash prizes and recognition for their achievements. Winners also have their work showcased online, offering them added exposure and networking opportunities with acclaimed authors. Additionally, thanks to the generous contribution from Buxton Books, winners will have the opportunity to continue to build their personal libraries.

"I am truly so excited to be a part of the Charleston Literary Festival's Young Writers Awards! This kind of initiative is so invaluable to young people like the ones I teach. This chance for kids to be able to show off and be celebrated is huge. I cannot tell you all how excited some of these kids were at the chance to be published," said N. Aubrey Moore, English Department at Wando High School.

The 2023 Adjudication Panel for the Charleston Literary Festival includes esteemed individuals such as Dr. Tamara Butler, Executive Director of the Avery Research Center and Associate Dean at the College of Charleston Libraries; Harlan Greene, Award-winning Writer, Historian, and Outreach Archivist at the College of Charleston; Victor Young, Director of ALL4SC at the University of South Carolina and board member of multiple organizations; Natalie C. Hauff, Deputy Director of the Charleston County Public Library, Board Chair of My Sister's House, and former Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist; and Asiah Mae, Poet Laureate of Charleston and accomplished writer, producer, performing poet, community curator, and organizer.

The Charleston Literary Festival Young Writers Awards aims to enable all students to become proficient writers, readers, and critical thinkers by igniting a 'Writing Revolution,' fostering the voices of emerging writers, and encouraging dialogues stirred up by literature. The awards clearly reflect the Festival's commitment to amplifying the voices and viewpoints of our local youth through writing.

Charleston Literary Festival runs November 3–12, 2023, in Charleston, SC.

Program details and tickets are available at https://www.charlestonliteraryfestival.com/program-2023.

About Charleston Literary Festival

Charleston Literary Festival is a boutique literary festival that runs every November for ten days in Charleston, South Carolina. With roots in the Charleston House in the UK—home of the radical writers, artists, and thinkers of the Bloomsbury Group—Charleston Literary Festival is committed to maintaining an international perspective while building up and giving back to the local community on which it is built. Founded in 2017, we specialize in high-quality Festival events that create perspective-altering conversations with world-renowned authors and thinkers. Charleston Literary Festival’s distinctive international ethos allows attendees to engage with renowned authors in unique settings and contribute to conversations around outstanding books and ideas.

The Festival’s programming is carefully curated based on literary and artistic excellence, originality, and critical acclaim. The Festival has established a reputation for presenting exceptional speakers from diverse backgrounds in intimate venues. Pulitzer, Booker, and Nobel Prize-winners take the stage for unscripted conversations—then meet and sign books for the audience immediately after the sessions. Speakers and attendees return year after year to experience the Festival’s unrivaled hospitality and social events. Charleston Literary Festival is committed to offering a diverse program of events regarding speakers and topics, reaching out to all communities, and initiatives that widen access to its programs.

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

Media Contact

Sterling Eason, Eason Creative Studio

sterling@easoncreative.com

843-300-8879

Media Contact

Sterling Eason
sterling@easoncreative.com

Chptr, the vanguard platform for digital video-centric community memorials, is thrilled to announce an unparalleled collaboration with IrishCentral, the leading platform for Irish-interest news and culture. This groundbreaking alliance will launch a sensational new feature on IrishCentral’s website: Interactive Digital Memorials, a transformative evolution in the way we remember, honor, and celebrate lives.

Interactive Digital Memorials & Exclusive Packages

Forget what you knew about mourning and celebrating the lives of loved ones. With IrishCentral and Chptr's revolutionary new collaboration, Interactive Digital Memorials, the experience of remembrance has been reborn for the digital age. These memorials are far from the outdated, static obituaries that populate dusty corners of newspapers and websites. Instead, they provide a living, breathing digital canvas that perpetually evolves and richly captures the essence of a life well-lived.

By intertwining IrishCentral's masterful storytelling abilities with Chptr's technologies, we've created a platform that redefines how we commemorate our dearly departed. Each memorial is a vibrant, multimedia journey that deeply incorporates the legacy of your loved ones into the Irish and Irish-American narrative.

Utilizing embedded videos, rich timelines, interactive photo galleries, and even audio memories, these memorials become living testaments to the people they honor. Imagine a digital space where families can upload that cherished video of grandpa playing the fiddle at a family gathering, or where friends can contribute stories and photos that captured a person's humor, kindness, and spirit. Every memorial will be posted on irishcentral.com as well as the Chptr app, where the community memorializing a particular person can participate and contribute. These are not just online repositories but sacred digital spaces where communities can converge, share, and contribute in real-time.

Remember and celebrate your loved one alongside your community with these exclusive packages by IrishCentral and Chptr:

• Standard Digital Memorial - $49: This foundational package invites an unlimited number of contributors to build a digital monument filled with memories, photos, and sentiments. Complete with a personalized link, your memorial becomes an evergreen haven to visit and revisit, keeping the legacy alive for future generations.
  
  
• Standard Video Package - $249: Elevate the experience with an orchestrated Memory Party session. Up to six participants can join a professionally guided remembrance, led by an award-winning journalist. This package not only gives you all the features of the Standard Digital Memorial, but it also enriches it with a 60-second video or slideshow, seamlessly integrated to capture the quintessence of your shared memories.
  
  
• Premium Video Package - $849: For those who want to leave no stone unturned, the Premium Video Package provides an Extended Memory Party for up to 12 participants and a comprehensive 3-minute video that delves into the deeper stories, significant moments, and emotional arcs that shaped a life. This is the ultimate package for larger families or groups wanting a more in-depth tribute.
  
  
• Memory Party: Each of the one-of-a-kind video packages includes the ability to host a Memory Party—a dedicated time for your group to gather on a private video call and talk through a set of memories with a Chptr storytelling expert. These clips are uploaded to a Chptr so others can interact with them. These sessions provide an opportunity for a community to come together and share memories, stories, and sentiments in a guided setting.

From the varied textures of individual stories to the broad strokes of a life's major milestones, these packages are your tools for crafting a digital tapestry that is both deeply personal and widely communal. They are more than just memorial options; they're heartfelt invitations to contribute to the shared history and collective memory of the Irish experience.

Why IrishCentral & Chptr: A Match Made in Heritage Heaven

When it comes to delivering impactful, Irish-centric news, features, and human stories, IrishCentral reigns supreme. With more than 5 million monthly page views and a network that spans across continents, IrishCentral’s reach is both deeply rooted and expansively global.

Chptr, on the other hand, is the undisputed industry leader in digital video memorials, reshaping the way we commemorate lives in an increasingly digital world. Their pioneering technology brings human connection to the digital sphere, ensuring that every life is remembered in the most extraordinary way.

This monumental collaboration is more than a merging of technologies; it's a synthesis of culture, heritage, and community. It captures the essence of what it means to be Irish—in the past, present, and future.

Community Impact & Engagement

"We are incredibly excited to offer this groundbreaking service to our audience. Not only does it give a platform for the Irish and Irish-Americans to celebrate the lives of their loved ones, but it also serves as a rich tapestry that adds new dimensions to our community's shared history," said Kate Hickey, CEO of IrishCentral.

"Rehan Choudhry of Chptr added, "This collaboration will forever change how we engage with memories and legacies. It is a significant milestone in our mission to enrich lives by providing a holistic, interactive experience that stands as a testament to human resilience and the beauty of storytelling. It's an honor to play a part in ensuring every person in the Irish and Irish-American community can now be remembered forever."

The Interactive Digital Memorials will be accessible through IrishCentral's website, optimized for a diverse range of devices, including mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers.

Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this groundbreaking initiative that redefines the way we honor our heroes and loved ones.

About IrishCentral

IrishCentral’s mission is to be the trusted source for information related to Ireland and the Irish - be it news, history, travel, opinion, or cultural information. IrishCentral’s focus is on connecting the Irish and friends of the Irish across the globe and working to keep them informed and inspired. IrishCentral caters to 39 million Irish Americans and 70 million Irish diaspora. For more information about IrishCentral, visit www.irishcentral.com.

About Chptr

Chptr is a mobile-first memorialization platform to gather, share, and hold memories of lives well lived for generations to come. For more information about Chptr, visit www.chptr.com.

Media Contact

Kate Hickey

kate@irishcentral.com

Nick Kuzma

nick@chptr.com

Media Contact

Rehan Choudhry
rehan@chptr.com

Flume Health, a health technology company focused on modernizing payer operations, has announced a strategic shift to deliver greater value to the U.S. healthcare industry. The company will be focused on advancing its Relay software, a data exchange platform purpose-built for payer-related information. Given this strategic focus, Flume Health is poised to reduce administrative burden and costs associated with data integrations between payers and the plethora of systems, vendors, and health solutions in the industry.

The focus on Relay accentuates Flume Health's evolution from technology-enabled services to software, further solidified by its recent decision to sell its third-party administration division to Vitori Health. The sale will enable Flume Health to further invest in R&D and strategic partnerships with payers and third-party administrators.

"Today's announcement marks an exciting step towards a more interoperable ecosystem, addressing a foundational problem challenging payers, TPAs, plan sponsors, vendors, and innovative digital health companies," said Cédric Kovacs-Johnson, founder and CEO of Flume Health. "The TPA division was a strong, digital-first service that I'm confident will continue to flourish. We had wonderful clients who inspired us to create what is now called Relay: an automated, modern solution to integrate with the vendors they needed for their membership."

Looking ahead, Flume Health will continue to shape the future of payer operations—eliminating friction in the exchange of data between all parties that need to administer care. The company's focus on its software business is a testament to its commitment to administrative data interoperability in U.S. healthcare.

About Flume Health

Flume Health builds tools to help payers efficiently exchange data. Flume's Relay platform is software designed specifically for health payers to connect various systems, vendors, and point solutions. A single platform for scalable integrations, Relay automates key elements of data operations, serving as a universal translation layer. Flume enables Payers and TPAs to bring modern health plans to market faster, deliver commitments with ease, and set the foundation for personalized access to healthcare.

Media Contact

Molly Gallagher

molly.gallagher@flumehealth.com

Media Contact

Molly Gallagher
molly.gallagher@flumehealth.com

Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW) Marketing Cloud’s PRophet, the first and only generative and predictive AI SaaS platform built by and for PR professionals, today announced a new partnership with EZ Newswire, a platform that makes it easy and affordable for businesses of all sizes to create and publish their company announcements to media outlets.

This collaboration brings together two leaders in the comms tech space and enables PRophet customers to benefit from EZ Newswire’s AI-powered platform and integrated publisher network to draft and publish press releases. Through this partnership, PRophet will integrate EZ Newswire as its preferred newswire for both its free and professional accounts. By leveraging EZ Newswire's technology, PRophet users can expect AI-generated press releases, seamless distribution and transparent pricing, enhancing visibility and reach across key national, local and trade outlets at an affordable price point.

PRophet uses a combination of AI, language processing and machine learning to generate, analyze and test new content that predicts earned media interest and sentiment. PRophet’s Taylor, the industry’s first generative AI writing tool, enables brands and agencies to create compelling content more quickly than ever before and provides insights into which types of content are most effective. PRophet also provides a multi-pitch tool, which can generate up to 25 personalized pitches in under three minutes, as well as biography and blog generators, empowering communications pros to be more performative, predictive and productive.

Aaron Kwittken, founder and CEO of PRophet, said, “Our mission has always been to empower the PR community with cutting-edge AI solutions to create more compelling content and reach key audiences effectively. Partnering with EZ Newswire allows us to drive even more value for our trial and PRO customers using our platform by helping to reduce time, cut costs, and simplify PR efforts.”

Added Neel Shah, founder of EZ Newswire, “We are thrilled to partner with Aaron and PRophet on this commercial collaboration. It is a win-win-win for EZ Newswire, PRophet, and our respective customers.”

About PRophet

PRophet is the first-ever generative and predictive AI SaaS platform designed by and for the PR community. The platform uses AI to help modern PR professionals become more performative, productive and predictive by generating, analyzing and testing content that predicts earned media interest and sentiment. PRophet was founded in 2020 by PR and marketing industry thought leader and entrepreneur Aaron Kwittken and is part of the Stagwell Marketing Cloud, a suite of SaaS solutions that powers research, communications, and media activation for in-house marketers. To learn more, visit prprophet.ai.

About Stagwell Marketing Cloud

Stagwell Marketing Cloud (SMC) is a suite of data-driven SaaS solutions built for the modern in-house marketer. Born out of Stagwell's (NASDAQ: STGW) network of award-winning marketing agencies, SMC's technology empowers marketers to drive business impact by giving them intuitive tools equipped with proprietary, actionable data. SMC's portfolio of solutions powers strategic customer research, communications, and media activation for brands worldwide by leveraging technology such as generative artificial intelligence, shared augmented reality, and more. Get your head in the cloud at www.stagwellmarketingcloud.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 publisher network guarantees placement to ensure the news reaches the right audience. Find out why thousands of organizations, big and small, trust us to power their headlines at www.eznewswire.com.

Media Contacts

Alex Birmingham

KWT Global

abirmingham@kwtgloblal.com

Media Contact

Ally O'Hara
aohara@kwtglobal.com

The Female Quotient (The FQ), a woman-owned business creating experiences, media, and research for women and companies committed to advancing equality, today announced the full lineup for its highly anticipated signature Equality Lounge® @ Advertising Week New York 2023.

The FQ’s programming will include 34 panel conversations featuring 150 speakers across two days of programming. Speakers at this year’s Equality Lounge® @ Advertising Week New York include Sherri Shepherd, Host of The Sherri Show; Haley Sacks, Zillennial Finance Expert and founder of Mrs. Dow Jones and Finance Is Cool; Linda Bethea, Chief Marketing Officer, Danone North America; Carla Hassan, Chief Marketing Officer, JPMorgan Chase; Zach Greenberger, Chief Business Officer, Lyft; and many others. Each panel conversation will focus on critical issues related to advancing workplace equality ranging from the gender-based skills gap in AI and the future of the sheconomy to securing women’s financial futures and supporting women’s health in the workplace. 

The FQ’s signature Equality Lounge® will also challenge the bias of AI with an immersive installation celebrating more than 100 notable women as part of The FQ’s new #RAISEHERPROFILE campaign. 

“Join us for the transformational conversations leading to intentional action,” said Shelley Zalis, founder and CEO of The Female Quotient. “Stay to drive visibility and connections for women on a global scale. Together, we can unmask the bias of AI and make the invisible visible.”

The FQ’s Equality Lounge® will take place October 16 and 17, 2023 at the PENN District located at 100 W. 33 St., New York, NY. The FQ is intentionally inclusive. The Equality Lounge® was built by women for everyone, and is open to all. To access the full agenda and RSVP for a free pass, click here. 

Highlights from this one-of-a-kind experience include the following panel conversation topics: 

#RAISEHERPROFILE: Elevating Women to Overcome Biased AI

Why do women only account for 19% of Wikipedia entries? Why does AI portray Advertising’s Most Influential Person of the Year as a white man? Across industries, women are the driving force behind groundbreaking medical discoveries, transformative contributions to film and music, and thriving businesses. So, how can we ensure women are as discoverable by AI as men? Join us as we discuss specific strategies to elevate women’s visibility in all industries, allowing them to shine, own their achievements, and gain global recognition.

AI’s Future is Female: Why a Responsible, AI-Powered World Depends on Women and Girls

Women hold just 26% of data and AI-centered jobs, with a significant gender gap at the executive level. This is an increasingly troubling statistic considering the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, its pervasiveness, and the threat of data bias. The solution lies in hiring, promoting and retaining more women leaders, changing company culture, and especially in elevating women’s stories in order to inspire the next generation of young women and girls to enter the field. Join us as we convene Google’s visionary women leaders who are driving change in the sector.

Fun, Joy, and Laughter with Sherri Shepherd: How to Use Entertainment & Inclusion to Elevate Your Brand

Join Emmy and NAACP award-winning host and comedian Sherri Shepherd in a sit down with BigCommerce’s Tom Bourdon to discuss how she reinvigorated daytime TV while living her dream and leading by example on her hit talk show Sherri. Joined by her Executive Producer Jawn Murray and SVP of Brand Partnerships Karen Bonck, Shepherd and her team will provide insight on bringing their winning feel-good formula to TV every day and how that creates a rich environment for brands to thrive.

How Female Creators Are Fueling the Sheconomy

The financial industry has long been male dominated—until now. With the rise of social media, and platforms like Instagram and TikTok democratizing idea sharing, #womeninfinance finally have a share of voice. These creators are making financial advice accessible to all by pulling back the curtain to help women earn—and spend—what they deserve. Join us for a conversation with Haley Sacks, the Zillenial Finance Expert behind @MrsDowJones, to learn how she has built a business by helping millions of women thrive.

The Power of the Woman Consumer: Meet the CMOs Who Are Meeting This Moment

Join us as we look at the power shift in marketing spends and campaign creative due to the impact of Barbie. We’ll discuss what’s on the minds of marketers as they leverage trends including women as economic powerhouses and the power of multigenerational audiences coming together.

Meet The Men Who Are All In on the Sheconomy

Join us as we meet with top Marketing Execs who are proudly Swifty Dads, Barbie’s Kens, Beyoncé’s Boys and World Cup Fans. We’ll discuss the trend of women powering the trillion dollar economy, what it means for men, for marketers and why they personally are fans of the icons leading the Sheconomy.

About The Female Quotient

The Female Quotient (The FQ) is a woman-owned business creating experiences, media and research for conscious leaders and companies committed to advancing women in the workplace. As an engine of equality, The FQ offers visibility and connections for women at a global scale. The FQ’s signature Equality Lounge® has changed the business agenda at tentpole business conferences including CES, Davos, Cannes Lions and more. As the Business of Equality®, The FQ’s mission is to change the equation and close the gender gap. For more information on the Business of Equality®, visit thefemalequotient.com and join the equality conversation on social @femalequotient on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Media Contact

Kirby Allison
kirby@thefq.com

Brooklyn Community Foundation today announced that it has adopted a new name, Brooklyn Org, and is launching a new platform at brooklyn.org designed to mobilize the people and resources required to achieve its vision for a fair and just Brooklyn. Brooklyn Org (BKO) reimagines the community foundation model to become a more inclusive and engaging partner for all Brooklynites and backers of social change.

“We are working to evolve local philanthropy to create an organization that is accessible, inviting, and driven by the community, and Brooklyn Org reflects those ambitions,” said Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, President and CEO of Brooklyn Org. “Brooklyn Org demystifies the work of our community foundation and conveys our focus on rallying resources for Brooklyn, from Brooklyn, in order to exponentially build the strength and capacity of the nonprofits that serve our communities to make Brooklyn a beacon of possibility.”

Inspired by the organization’s new online home at Brooklyn.org, and designed to target a new generation of emerging Brooklyn givers and a new wave of Brooklyn residents, the Brooklyn Org name signals that it is a gateway for learning about the vast, innovative, and deeply underfunded Brooklyn nonprofit sector. Despite being home to 30% of the City’s population and 30% of the City’s nonprofits, Brooklyn organizations receive just 7.6 percent of charitable funding.

Brooklyn Org was founded in 2009 as Brooklyn Community Foundation, to be the first public foundation dedicated to New York City’s largest borough, leveraging increased development and a growing population to encourage greater investment in the borough’s nonprofit community. Since then, Brooklyn Org has moved $100M+ to nonprofits through strategic grantmaking and donor-advised funds. Brooklyn Org has also built a reputation among community foundations globally for advancing new models for participatory grantmaking and community engagement, and organizing community action for racial justice, COVID-19, and immigrant rights.

Acknowledging that the fundamental challenge it was established to address remains, Brooklyn Org relaunches with a new strategic plan and a call to action for every Brooklynite to join this new and growing movement of champions for Brooklyn—to exponentially increase its ability to address inequity and injustice across the borough. By mobilizing an untapped base of new champions for Brooklyn, Brooklyn Org aims to rapidly expand the funding and resources it provides to the Brooklyn nonprofit community aimed at urgent needs and systemic challenges.

“Brooklyn Community Foundation has grown tremendously over the past 15 years and been an important institution for our borough, but we know that for a community of our size, we should be doing much more—and that starts with getting far more Brooklynites engaged,” said Harsha Marti, Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of Brooklyn Org. “Our new identity helps people connect instantly with our mission. Brooklyn Org is the place where those who live in and love Brooklyn can come together to support Brooklyn.”

“Freeing ourselves from the old, outdated expectations of philanthropy allows Brooklyn Org to distinguish itself as an organization working with Brooklyn for Brooklyn, centered on helping the borough’s residents to support each other,” said Nicole Gueron, Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of Brooklyn Org. “Brooklyn Org aims to democratize philanthropy and give every Brooklynite a seat at the table.”

Brooklyn Org’s website at Brooklyn.org is a hub for understanding the challenges communities are facing and pooling resources to support vital local nonprofits. The website tells the stories of nonprofits changemakers working in the borough and offers visitors an opportunity to make an impact by supporting those organizations through Brooklyn Org memberships, merchandise, and more. Brooklyn.org will also offer nonprofits one simplified entry point to apply for funding, and allows nonprofits to apply for funding at any time.

Brooklyn Org also expands opportunities for Brooklynites to create Donor Advised Funds and to consult with the Brooklyn Org team to understand how they can use their tax advantageous funds to support nonprofits across Brooklyn and beyond, while their fund fees directly support Brooklyn Org’s mission.

The Brooklyn Org brand was created pro bono by Brooklyn-based creative agency Mother and design studio Mother Design. Images of how the new Brooklyn Org brand will appear in social media and other settings are available here. Mother is also creating an advertising campaign, based on the call to action, “For the Love of Brooklyn,” to introduce Brooklynites to Brooklyn Org. The campaign, which will debut this fall, will highlight how easy it is to support local philanthropy on brooklyn.org.

"This organization has been influential in empowering social justice initiatives that benefit the local communities. Being based in Brooklyn ourselves, we're honored to have worked with the now Brooklyn.org for the rebrand of its next chapter,” said Danielle Horanieh, Managing Director, Mother Design. “Our designs capture the spirit of Brooklyn and provide the organization with a fresh visual identity that matches their dynamism and all the impactful work they do day in and day out.”

Brooklyn Org will be publicly unveiled this evening at the Brooklyn Changemakers Ball at Weylin in Williamsburg, which aims to raise over $1 million to propel the organization’s expanded grantmaking to Brooklyn nonprofits. Hosted by comedians Ana Gasteyer and Phoebe Robinson, the Ball is both a celebration and a powerful call to action highlighting Brooklyn Org’s mission for Brooklyn. The 2023 Changemakers Ball honorees are Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and Gabriel Schwartz and Jolie Curtsinger Schwartz.

About Brooklyn Org

Brooklyn Org is a champion for Brooklyn. We celebrate Brooklyn’s brilliance and resilience, its incomparable culture and uncompromising grit—and we demand more for our communities. We are a new model for community philanthropy. Building on the “big idea” born 15 years ago as Brooklyn Community Foundation, we are bringing together Brooklynites, Brooklyn backers, businesses, and broader believers in equity and justice to make Brooklyn a beacon for the world. We are a platform for galvanizing giving. We are here to ensure that ideas are met with resources, challenges are met with solutions, and inequality is met with justice. Learn more at brooklyn.org.

Media Contact

Linnea Mumma
linnea@anatgerstein.com