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Hi-Tech Holiday Gift Guide for 2021

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/zjUnQ2hCLeM Despite supply chain issues, consumers are eager to shop and spend close to 135-billion dollars on gear and tech gadgets this holiday season. Tech Expert, Stephanie Humphrey has compiled a list of some of her favorite must-have hi-tech holiday gift picks in time for this year’s holiday shopping season. STAY CONNECTED: Families with children have been particularly challenged over the past two years with regards to staying connected with remote friends and family members. Humphrey says, “The families that talk and play together — stay together!” This year, one of her must-have technology gifts is the Amazon Glow. The new interactive projector and video calling device helps keep families close. The tech lover says, “Kids and remote family members are connected on a video call, while playing and interacting with the same fun games, books, drawing, and more. All that fun is projected from Glow for kids to interact with, and it shows up on a tablet for grownups.” The Glow makes it easy to get creative with lots of colors, stickers, pencils and brushes. Humphrey highlights “the awesome scanning feature.” She says kids can scan in toys or art and turn them into digital stickers to draw with — again, all done at the same time. Additionally, Glow comes with a wide selection of games, like a fun twist on charades, checkers, card games, tic tac toe, and more that are fun for all ages. There are also unique games, like Tangram Bits, that use physical pieces to solve puzzles, and it’s also a game kids can play side-by-side if they aren’t connected with someone on a video call. Humphrey added that the Amazon Glow can help children learn to read. “We know how much fun it is to read together, and friends and family members can join in the experience. “Remote grand parents can read with their grand kids. You can actually turn the pages together and put a digital spotlight on the page to help kids focus.” For more, search for “Amazon Glow” on amazon.com or via the Amazon app. https://www.amazon.com/Introducing-Amazon-Interactive-Projector-Togetherness/dp/B09DWNZQYM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amazonglow/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmazonGlow GIVE A BOOST: One trend that surfaced during the pandemic has been in transportation. The nation saw an increase in bike ridership, and Humphrey says there is a lot of excitement in the world of cycling tech. Over the past year-and-a-half people have been changing their daily routines and behaviors. Many have turned to bikes instead of mass transit. However, the tech expert points out that, “Many of us are also biking for leisure and exercise.” For that reason, e-bikes have made it onto Humphrey’s hi-tech holiday gift list. “Everyone has fond memories of their Huffy Bikes,” Humphrey said, noting how the brand expanded its product line to include e-bikes and e-scooters. Both offer a superior riding experience with an e-powered boost to ride further and easily climb inclines or hills. The Huffy Oslo e-bike has a compact, folding frame with a telescopic seatpost and handlebars. Ideal for the everyday rider, commuter and camping enthusiast looking for a convenient ride with a speed boost. The brand’s catalogue also includes The Everett+ E-cruiser bike and Transic+ E-mountain bike which offer traditional bicycle frames while also providing an electric boost for all levels of biking experience. E-bikes are not the only craze these days, Humphrey points out how e-scooters are also favorites this season, saying, “they’re perfect for that last leg of your journey.” The Huffy H350 and H300 scooters are both folding, ideal for storing in tight spaces and the H350 even comes with a seat for more support. For more, go to huffybikes.com. https://www.huffybikes.com/electric/ Instagram: @HuffyBicycles Facebook: @HuffyBicycles Twitter: @HuffyBicycles PRIORITIZE SECURITY: It’s important to keep safety top of mind during the hectic holiday season, especially during holiday festivities and visits from loved ones. Humphrey says home security should be a priority now and throughout the entire year. The tech and lifestyle expert says, “It’s a wonderful time of year to celebrate, but don’t let your guard down,” adding, “With family reunions to plan and stockings to be stuffed, the last thing you want to worry about this season is whether your home is properly protected.” Another technology gadget making her 2021 gifting list is from the brand SimpliSafe. The Essentials Kit and the Video Doorbell Pro protects homes and loved ones inside it with award-winning technology. SimpliSafe provides whole-home protection against everything from intruders to fires, water damage and more. Humphrey says the products’ DIY installation makes it easy to secure the home inside and out in under an hour, without the need of professionals or intimidating tools. The hi-tech gift item allows people to arm their homes, monitor gift deliveries, or say hello to carolers even while away via an easy-to-use app. Find out more at simplisafe.com. www.simplisafe.com Instagram: @SimpliSafe Facebook: @SimpliSafe Twitter: @SimpliSafe STAY SMART: The final brand making Humphrey’s hi-tech holiday gift list includes a device to make homes smarter. She highlights how homes are getting smarter, and it often begins with a smart garage.” The myQ Smart Garage Control lets people link an existing garage door opener to its app, allowing them to control, secure, and monitor their home’s busiest entryway from a smartphone. Humphrey urges shoppers to think about it, saying, “Friends and family will never have to worry if they left the garage door open. They can get alerts, and/or check the status of the door from anywhere with the app.” Additionally, it works with Amazon Key for convenient In-Garage Delivery of Amazon packages and groceries. The technology expert says the price point of $30 is great and makes the device a perfect stocking stuffer. You can find out more at myQ.com www.myQ.com Instagram: @ myqconnect Facebook: @ myqconnect Twitter: @ myqconnect Hashtags: #myQconnected #InGarageDelivery #AmazonKey About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

November 23, 2021 05:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Give the Gift of Travel this Holiday Season

YourUpdateTV

As shoppers face anxiety around delivery delays and supply chain shortages across the country, memories might be proving more meaningful than materialistic gifts. Recently, Communications Lead for North America at Airbnb, Liz DeBold Fusco, teamed with YourUpdateTV on a satellite media tour to talk travel and how to skip the stress of holiday shopping. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/QpbgsaoIxCM After so much time spent apart from loved ones due to lockdowns and travel restrictions, people are excited to gather around the table with family again. As of the end of September, Airbnb recorded over 40% more nights booked for Thanksgiving week in the US than at the same time in 2019. Seasonal destinations known for spectacular holiday festivals and light shows, as well as college football towns, are trending with guests throughout the holiday season. Earlier this month, the US -- which historically is the largest inbound travel market in the world -- loosened its travel restrictions leading to sudden increases in interest among travelers. According to a 2021 Oracle Retail consumer research study of 5,728 global consumers, “when asked what gifts they plan to buy more of this year, gift cards emerged as the top contender with 34% planning to buy more gift cards (60% of Boomers and 44% of women said that gift cards is the gift they would also most like to receive)”. It’s no surprise that Airbnb guests are craving a variety of experiences to share with others over the holidays. Between October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021 over 510,000 Airbnb gift cards have been purchased. [1] With an Airbnb gift card, your audience doesn’t need to worry about delays in delivery or limited inventory. They’ll simply need to purchase a gift card via airbnb.com/giftcards and have it delivered instantly via text or email. Airbnb’s array of offerings allow for you to give a gift tailored for your loved ones, whether seeking IRL getaways or virtual adventures. Holiday shoppers can head to airbnb.com/giftcards -- and you can always check out airbnb.com to discover stays, Experience or learn how you can become a Host. About Liz DeBold Fusco: Liz DeBold Fusco is a Communications Lead for North America for Airbnb. Prior to that, she was a Vice President at SKDKnickerbocker, a national public affairs firm, where she provided strategic communications guidance to organizations ranging from the NAACP and Demos to The Rockefeller Foundation and AT&T. Liz has also worked for the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City and New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray as well as the New York State Attorney General. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. [1] Total number of gift card purchases. This refers to the total number of cards purchased at airbnb.com/giftcards or at a selected retailer online or in-store. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

November 23, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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100 Houstonians in Harris and Ft. Bend Counties Awarded a Total of $1 Million Through Comcast RISE, National Initiative to Support Small Business Owners

Comcast Houston

Comcast today announced the 100 recipients of the Comcast Rise Investment Fund grants. Each small business will receive a one-time $10,000 grant from the fund. More than 100 businesses in the area will also receive technology and marketing resources. The recipients are among nearly 6,700 entrepreneurs nationwide who have been selected through the Comcast RISE program, which provides marketing, technology, and capital support to small business owners. “We are proud of all of our small businesses, the impact they have in Fort Bend County is invaluable. Many of our business owners, particularly our minority owned businesses, have faced unprecedented challenges over the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and require a wide range of support to help their businesses survive,” stated Fort Bend County Judge KP George. “The Comcast Rise Investment Fund Grant provides these business owners with the critical financial lifeline and the resources needed so they can sustain and grow their businesses.” Through Comcast RISE, the company also announced it is on track to support 13,000 small businesses by the end of the year with marketing or technology support such as a TV campaign, production of a TV commercial or consulting services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, or computer equipment, internet, voice or cybersecurity services from Comcast Business. “Since we launched Comcast RISE a year ago, we have assisted more than 200 small businesses throughout the Houston area with either marketing, technology, or monetary grants. This round of Comcast RISE grants will provide even more small business owners of color with the resources and tools they need to thrive,” said Ralph Martinez, senior vice president for Comcast’s Houston region. “We look forward to empowering their success.” To further build on the program’s success and provide support to even more small businesses, Comcast also announced today a major expansion to eligibility, enabling all women-owned small businesses nationwide to apply. This expansion recognizes and seeks to help address the persistent inequities women continue to face in accessing the resources and funding that are critical to success. Comcast RISE and the Comcast RISE Investment Fund, initially launched as a response to help small businesses owners of color hardest hit by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to focus on uplifting small businesses, ensuring they continue to prosper in an ever-shifting post-pandemic economy. “As we continue to rebuild and emerge from the effects of the pandemic, small businesses will continue to be the backbone of our economy – and we must take every opportunity to help them thrive,” said Dave Watson, President and CEO, Comcast Cable. “Looking forward, this expansion will enable Comcast RISE to further empower and strengthen even more small businesses that are the heart of our local communities across the country.” In the year since its inception, Comcast RISE has awarded more than $11 million in grants and $50 million in in-kind support for marketing and technology services, impacting more than 6,700 entrepreneurs of color in 432 cities across 34 states. By the end of 2022, 13,000 businesses across the country are expected to benefit from the Comcast RISE initiative, either through the grant program or from the resources provided through Effectv and Comcast Business. In addition to the financial and business support services provided, a key part of the program is ensuring the long-term sustainability of businesses. To help address this, Comcast invests in and partners with organizations such as Ureeka to provide ongoing mentorship and resources to help small businesses succeed over the long-term. Comcast RISE, which stands for Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment, is part of Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help provide underrepresented small business owners with access to the digital tools and funding they need to thrive. Over the next 10 years, Comcast has committed $1 billion to programs and partnerships that will reach an estimated 50 million people with the skills, opportunities, and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. The program will continue to be open to racially and ethnically diverse small business owners and the expanded Comcast RISE eligibility to all women-owned businesses will be effective on January 16, 2022. More information and the applications to apply for either the grant program or marketing and technology services are available at www.ComcastRISE.com. To help drive outreach and awareness about Comcast RISE and provide additional support, training and mentorship, Comcast has also awarded $50,000 in grants to local community partners – Houston Hispanic Chamber, Houston Black Chamber, Empresarios Latinos Foundation, Houston LGBT Chamber, Asian Chamber of Commerce, Greater Houston Women’s Foundation and East End Chamber of Commerce. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. About Comcast Business Comcast Business offers a suite of Connectivity, Communications, Networking, Cybersecurity, Wireless, and Managed Solutions to help organizations of different sizes prepare for what’s next. Powered by the nation’s largest Gig-speed broadband network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and one of the leading service providers to the Enterprise market. Comcast Business has been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services. For more information, call 866-429-3085. Follow on Twitter @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social. About Effectv Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, helps local, regional and national advertisers use the best of digital with the power of TV to grow their business. It provides multi-screen marketing solutions to make advertising campaigns more effective and easier to execute. Headquartered in New York with offices throughout the country, Effectv has a presence in 66 markets with nearly 35 million owned and represented subscribers. For more information, visit www.effectv.com. Contact Details Comcast Foti Kallergis +1 832-986-0196 Foti_Kallergis@comcast.com Comcast Misha McClure +1 832-547-6783 Misha_McClure@cable.comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

November 23, 2021 09:31 AM Central Standard Time

Ace Hardware Gifts that Keep on “Grilling”

YourUpdateTV

Everyone dreams of that one special gift under the tree tied with a giant red bow, the one saved to be opened last. So, if you have a grilling enthusiast in your life and you’re still overwhelmed by the array of grills and grilling tools out there, Ace’s BBQ expert Chef Jason Morse can help. Recently, Chef Jason teamed with YourUpdateTV on a satellite media tour to share the best grills, accessories, and trends in grilling. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/iGOW_E6EjBw Chef Jason picked the perfect grills and grilling accessories from Ace Hardware to make it easy for your audience to give the gift that keeps on "grilling" this holiday season. With all the best grill brands under one roof—including Weber, Big Green Egg and Traeger—Ace has the perfect gift for any griller—including charcoal, pellet, gas, and smoker models Grills at the Top of Ace's "Nice List": Weber Genesis E-325 Gas Grill in Indigo, exclusive to Ace Hardware, features three burners, a sear station and a 10-year warranty, $879 Weber Spirit II E-310 gas grill, an affordable classic with the grill space to feed the whole family, on sale for $489, Reg. $519 (Save $30 on select Weber Spirit Grills, November 15-December 6) Traeger Pro Series 34 Pellet Grill, available in Bronze, features easy to use pellets and precision temperature control, $699.99 Big Green Egg 24" XL Charcoal Kamado Grill and Smoker allows grillers to roast, smoke, sear and bake, $1,299.99 BBQ Gifts: Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub, a step-by-step grilling assistant that turns any grill into a smart grill, and any griller into a master. Its remote wifi access, flip & serve notifications, and readiness countdowns are the secret ingredients to grilling greatness, every time the flame is lit, $129.99 Weber Snapcheck Digital Meat Thermometer, $64.99 Traeger Stainless Steel Grill Spatula, $49.99 Grill Rescue Brush with Scraper, $39.99 Hoff & Pepper Hot Sauce, $25.99 New in 2021, Ace now offers personalized grilling gifts starting at $15.99 featuring your grill master's name or initials emblazoned on the tools of the trade, including: The Traeger BBQ Multi-Tool i ncludes four tools—a Portable Sized Spatula, Pig Tail, Basting Brush and Corkscrew—in one handy device; includes a magnet designed to stick to your grill's hopper and a laser engraved monogram. The Weber Pint Glass is a must for any grilling occasion and includes the iconic Weber kettle logo with your sand-etched monogram underneath. $17.99 The Walnut Butcher Block is made from handcrafted walnut and includes personalized laser engraving on the front edge. This beautiful cutting board is perfect for day to day or as the centerpiece for any gathering, $99.99. Black Friday Sizzlin' Grill Deals: (November 17-30, 2021): Purchase a Traeger Pro 780 Wood Pellet Grill ( $999) or a Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill ($1,499), receive a FREE Traeger accessories package valued at more than $164. This offer also applies to the Pro 575 ($899.99) and the Ironwood 650 ($1,299.99) Purchase a Traeger Stainless Steel Spatula or Traeger Digital Meat Thermometer and receive a free silicone grill basting brush. Create your own gift box with mix-and-match sauces, seasonings, and rubs; 20 percent off. Ace makes shopping easy with free store or curbside pickup, and free delivery on qualifying purchases for Ace Rewards members. For more details and for a complete list of Ace's featured holiday gifts, visit https://www.acehardware.com/holiday-gifts About Chef Jason Morse: Chef Jason has spent a lifetime behind the grills and smokers and is now able to interact with consumers daily to help them cook better with some of the best grilling and smoking tools on the market. As the Ace Hardware National Spokesperson and BBQ Expert, Chef Jason is proud to call Ace his culinary home. Jason is a Certified Executive Chef and member of the American Culinary Federation. Jason has been featured on the Food Network, Local Media for both English and Hispanic segments, was a morning show chef for a Denver Radio station and currently produces the Colorado Department of Agriculture monthly recipes for local Colorado media. Jason has been published in the Colorado Classique Junior League of Denver Cookbook, and various local publications. Jason works with and supports groups like the Ace Foundation, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and The Colorado FFA Foundation. About Ace Hardware: Ace Hardware is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world with more than 5,400 locally owned and operated hardware stores in approximately 70 countries. Headquartered in Oak Brook, IL, Ace and its subsidiaries operate an expansive network of distribution centers in the U.S. and have distribution capabilities in Ningbo, China; Colon, Panama; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Since 1924, Ace has become a part of local communities around the world and known as the place with the helpful hardware folks. For more information, visit acehardware.com or newsroom.acehardware.com. * The Ace survey was conducted by 545 responders from Ace Rewards active members between the ages of 25 – 54 from a sample of 50K members. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

November 22, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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How Slickdeals Can Help You Social Shop Your Way to the Best Holiday Gifts and Products

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/9PNd2Dm2gss Before you start spending on your holiday gifts it’s a good idea to create a holiday shopping strategy. Are you always on the lookout for deals? Do you do loads of research and crowdsourcing to find deals and recommendations on the products you want to buy? You are not alone. So where can you turn for insights on the best deals? Social shopping and deal hunting websites are increasingly becoming a go to destination for savvy shoppers at the holiday season. Pete King, Deal Expert and host of the Slickdeals YouTube channel, partnered with YourUpdate TV on a nationwide media tour to discuss Slickdeals and the trend of social shopping. Slickdeals is the the only shopping platform powered by millions of real people - it’s shoppers helping shoppers. Doing your own research can get overwhelming so tapping into a community like the one at Slickdeals is a great way to know you’re always getting the best value for your money. There are 12-million savvy shoppers vetting and voting on the best deals on the internet — so you can use it to discover the best products at the best prices from all the top retailers. Plus —Slickdeals Rewards lets you get cashback for shopping at your favorite stores - you earn points for every purchase through Slickdeals, that you can redeem for cash back or gift cards. Visit Slickdeals.net to find the best of the best deals, download the app for your mobile devices and visit Slickdeals YouTube channe l for more great content. And please SUBSCRIBE! About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

November 22, 2021 05:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

Video

Unbox Real Happiness: Don't Let Counterfeit Goods Ruin Your Holidays

YourUpdateTV

Click to download Top 10 Tips to #shopsmart: https://bit.ly/324p9TS Counterfeit goods are a problem all year long, but demand for gifts, household products, virtual learning items, and even health products, mean that the holiday season is an especially busy time for crooks. Counterfeit products cost the global economy over $500 billion dollars a year. Ahead of the holiday shopping season, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, businesses, and law enforcement are raising awareness among consumers about the dangers of counterfeit goods and how to avoid falling for scams, and instead “unbox real happiness” This year, due to the global pandemic, supply chain crisis, and shifting shopping habits, millions of consumers are purchasing their holiday gifts and other necessities online. With the ease and convenience of direct-to-consumer purchasing, consumers must also remain vigilant to be sure they receive authentic products. Business can’t do it alone. That’s why business is also partnering with U.S. Customs and Border protection to raise awareness across the nation to educate Americans about the dangers of counterfeits. On November 19 in conjunction with YourUpdate TV, Frank Cullen, the Vice President of U.S. Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Global Innovation Policy Center; AnnMarie Highsmith, Executive Assistant Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; John Leonard, Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Mary Beth Westmoreland, VP, Technology, Amazon; all provided their insights for consumers during local TV interviews across the country. For more information about what you can do you can do to can do to shop smart this holiday season, make sure to visit www.USChamber.com/shopsmart Click to download Top 10 Tips to #shopsmart: https://bit.ly/324p9TS About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

November 22, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Osmo Kicks Off Black Friday With Up to 60% Off Exclusive Kits & Bundles at PlayOsmo.com (11/25 - 11/29), and Cyber Monday Deals of Up to 40% Off at Amazon

Osmo

Osmo announces an exciting holiday sale that encourages kids ages 3 to 10+ to explore reading, writing, math, coding, drawing, creative problem-solving, and more. From 11/21 through 12/4, get 30% off bestselling kits and games at PlayOsmo.com, Amazon, Target, Best Buy, Meijer, PC Richard’s, Kohl’s, and select InMotion airport locations. To kick off Black Friday, Osmo offers up to 60% off select kits and bundles at PlayOsmo.com from 11/25 to 11/29; and on Cyber Monday, Osmo offers special deals of up to 40% off select products through its Amazon store. From 11/21 to 11/27, Target offers a Black Friday deal on an Osmo bestseller, while Walmart offers holiday rollbacks on eight Osmo exclusives through 1/15/22. Bestselling kits and games at 30% off through 12/4 at PlayOsmo.com, Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other retailers include: Genius Starter Kit (base included) Little Genius Starter Kit (base included) Coding Starter Kit (base included) Creative Starter Kit (base included) Pizza Co. (base required) Detective Agency (base required) Super Studio Disney Mickey Mouse & Friends (base required) Super Studio Disney Princess (base required) Super Studio Disney Frozen 2 (base required) Math Wizard and the Magical Workshop (base required) Math Wizard and the Secrets of the Dragons (base required) Exclusive Black Friday / Cyber Monday Deals at PlayOsmo.com From 11/25 to 11/29, Osmo offers exclusive deals of up to 60% off specific kits and bundles at PlayOsmo.com, which include: Essential Math Bundle (60% off) Early Literacy Bundle (60% off) Ultimate Expansion Bundle (60% off) Kindergarten Starter Kit (60% off) Super Osmonaut Starter Kit (40% off) Preschool Starter Kit (40% off) Genius Family Starter Kit (40% off) Explorer Starter Kit (40% off) Math Wizard Bundle (up to 30% off) Pretend Play Bundle (30% off) The full list of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals at PlayOsmo.com can be viewed here. Exclusive Cyber Monday Deals at Amazon Osmo’s Amazon Deal of the Day runs on Cyber Monday (one day only)--starting at 12:01 AM Pacific Time--and features 30% off several items, including the bestselling Genius Starter Kit for iPad (includes base set), in addition to 40% off Genius Starter Kit + Family Game Night for Fire Tablet (includes base set). The full list of Black Cyber and Monday deals at Amazon can be viewed at Osmo’s Amazon store. Exclusive Black Friday Deals at Target Target offers a Black Friday deal of 40% off the Little Genius Starter Kit for iPad from 11/21 to 11/27. The full list of Osmo‘s Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals at Target can be viewed here. Exclusive Holiday Deals at Walmart Through 1/15/22, Walmart offers holiday rollbacks of 13-20% on these items: Super Studio Disney Princess Starter Kit for iPad Super Studio Disney Mickey Mouse & Friends Starter Kit for iPad Sticks & Rings Starter Kit for iPad Monster Starter Kit for iPad Words Starter Kit for iPad Numbers Starter Kit for iPad Pizza Co. Starter Kit for iPad Detective Agency Starter Kit for iPad The full list of Osmo’s holiday specials at Walmart can be viewed here. About Osmo Osmo is an award-winning STEAM brand whose products are used in over 50,000 classrooms and 2.5 million homes. It is building a universe of hands-on play experiences that nourish the minds of children by unleashing the power of imagination. The company brings physical tools into the digital world through augmented reality and its proprietary reflective artificial intelligence. Osmo is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, and is part of BYJU’S, a global leader in online learning. Learn more at PlayOsmo.com. For information about its educational division, Osmo for Schools, visit schools.playosmo.com. Contact Details Carolyn Kamii +1 310-251-0550 carolynkpr@gmail.com Company Website http://www.playosmo.com

November 22, 2021 03:00 AM Pacific Standard Time

Nofar Energy enters Poland’s renewable energy market with significant initiative

Nofar Energy Ltd.

In line with its strategic plan and following the launch of operations in the USA, Spain, Romania, and Italy over the past few months, Nofar Energy continued to expand its global traction by entering Poland’s renewable energy market. Today, the company reported that Nofar Europe (90%) executed an agreement with Electrum S.P. Z O.O on the joint holding of a corporation that will initiate, develop, manage, and maintain photo-voltaic and wind energy projects with a capacity of up to 1,250 megawatts. The two companies will co-manage the joint venture, including identifying opportunities for renewable energy in Poland, initiation, development, and acquisition of greenfield and RTB renewable energy projects, and project maintenance. Nofar Europe will own 80% of the joint corporation and Electrum the remaining 20%. Electrum is a leading consulting, engineering, and technology company in the Polish market. As an independent power producer (IPP), it specializes in preparing, implementing, launching, operating, and maintaining investment projects in the Renewable Energy Sources (RES) sector, information, and industry. It also engages in the comprehensive management of energy assets, such as wind and photo-voltaic farms, cogeneration systems, energy storage, hydrogen facilities, SMRs, and WTE). Dr Miroslaw Poplawski, CEO of Electrum, said, “the joint venture with Nofar Energy perfectly fits into the implementation of our long-term strategy based on IPP energy & information business formula and focused on co-creating an alternative energy system. I’m really impressed by Nofar’s vision, innovative thinking and its extraordinary business success way. For sure partnership with Nofar Energy shall generate a very strong positive impact on the RES market in Poland and create exceptionally attractive results for both companies including speed-up of our business development and high profits. What’s more, this agreement makes Electrum much more global and builds an additional value for our brand. No doubt there is a synergy effect between us. Congratulations and all the best for our partners from Nofar Energy!” Nadav Tenne, CEO of Nofar Energy, said, “as part of implementing our strategic plan for expanding our global traction, we devoted the past few months to in-depth studying of the Polish market, and careful assessment of several alternatives for starting operations there. As a result, we chose to establish a joint venture with Electrum because of its extensive renewable energy experience, proven capabilities in developing and setting up complex infrastructure projects, and the high level of its executives and workers. Moreover, Electrum features strong synergy with Nofar’s operations which we believe would yield significant growth and successful implementation of hundreds of megawatts with a robust return on investment. I am excited by the new partnership and congratulate our new partners in Electrum, wishing us success in the new venture.” Poland’s renewable energy market In February 2021, the Polish government adopted the Polish Energy Policy for 2040 (PEP2040). The policy stipulates that by 2030, coal-based electricity will be reduced from 66% to 56%, CO 2 emissions will be reduced by 30%, and the rate of renewable energies in power generation will increase from 13% to at least 23%. These milestones will be implemented concurrently with constructing marine power generation facilities and increased power generation from nuclear energy. Furthermore, the Polish government has also undertaken to shut down all the coal mines in the country by 2049. Poland’s renewable energy market is projected to grow substantially over the next few years, among others, to comply with the policy objectives. An independent consulting company estimated that 11.3 gigawatts of new power generation projects from renewable sources (solar and wind) will be built by 2025. By 2030, the capacity would increase by 25.7 gigawatts compared with today’s power. Of this capacity, 10.3 gigawatts will be generated from solar plants, 9.4 from land-based wind energy facilities, and the balance from wind energy facilities located in the sea. Thus, by 2025, electricity from renewable sources is expected to account for 21% and 42% by 2030, compared with 13% in 2021. Contact Details Dikla Ivry Pardnoy +972 52-380-4085 dikla@ivripr.com Company Website https://www.nofar-energy.com/

November 22, 2021 01:25 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Velocity Global’s 2022 Work In Progress Report: Businesses and talent benefit from distributed work

Velocity Global

1,000 surveyed tech leaders say distributed work increases productivity and diversity Most remote talent to remain untethered to an office post-pandemic Tech leaders desire to increase remote work for themselves 72% utilize a distributed workforce but face hurdles to expand it Remote and distributed workforces are here to stay due to the mutual benefits to both businesses and talent according to a new study from Velocity Global, the leading provider of global employment solutions. The 2022 Work In Progress — The State of Distributed Work: Tech Sector published today touts multiple benefits of distributed work, shows optimism for growth in the tech sector, but also names challenges for businesses to increase their global workforce. More than 1,000 U.S. and UK tech company decision-makers participated in the study and 72% say their business utilizes a substantial distributed workforce; 59% say more than half of their workforce is remote, and 61% of U.S. tech leaders report more than half of their remote workers will remain that way for the foreseeable future. “The world of work is forever changed. The global pandemic accelerated the desire to work from anywhere, and it lit a fire for employers to embrace a truly distributed workforce,” said Velocity Global founder and CEO Ben Wright. “The untethered nature of work was on the rise before COVID-19, but the tailwinds accelerated this new way of work as businesses tapped into new talent pools and workers themselves embraced a new freedom. Neither is going back - this change is here to stay.” Despite the growth of distributed and remote work, businesses cite several challenges to embrace the change even further. “This dramatic shift accelerated faster than the legacy ecosystem built to support the employment infrastructure was capable of handling,” added Wright. “We remove the roadblocks to grow businesses and connect employers and talent to simply get work done anywhere and anyhow.” Organizational and personal benefits of remote and distributed work Remote work refers to talent working at a location other than a company-owned office. Related to the concept of remote work is distributed work, in which companies employ talent that is located in multiple locations domestically or internationally. The majority of companies (72%) employ a distributed workforce and 79% of these organizations’ talent also works remotely. Respondents who utilize a distributed workforce report clear advantages: 95% say a distributed workforce model benefits their company by increasing productivity (54%), securing top talent (40%), and building a more diverse team (37%). Respondents indicate talent prefers remote work for similar reasons, reinforcing the mutual benefits. Interestingly, 3 in 4 of the tech leaders themselves work remotely at least one day per week and desire to increase the amount of time they work remotely. “Business leaders are people too, and they see the benefits in their personal life as well to their broader organization,” said Wright. “Flexibility and mobility are now must-haves for workers fresh out of school or in upper management, and lead to greater productivity and long-term talent retention. It’s a win-win.” Optimism for growth with an untethered workforce The increase in remote and distributed work drove unprecedented demand in the tech sector and organizations feel optimistic about expansion. The survey reports 96% are very or somewhat confident about their company’s financial growth over the next year, and 83% believe their industry will grow as well. That growth is realized by a remote and distributed workforce that mostly will not return to an office. More than half (54%) of respondents say 51-75% of their remote workforce will remain remote over the next year. Roadblocks create disconnect between employers and talent The data indicates a brewing dilemma regarding remote work. Talent and businesses both recognize significant benefits, but logistical challenges drive businesses to initiate a return to the office for some. The implications for this disconnect are great, considering the difficulties of finding skilled talent and employees’ desired flexibility. One factor contributing to that discord is the lack of involvement of talent in the decision to return to the office. Eighty-seven percent of organization leaders say their company decides whether remote talent transitions back to working at a company-owned office, as opposed to it being a joint decision. Only 12% report that both the company and talent make that determination. Tech leaders point to a pivotal moment for distributed work as both businesses and talent desire the benefits. The pandemic increased distributed work for most tech businesses, and 43% will maintain their current distributed workforce. However, the next stage is in question: 21% say they will expand their distributed workforce, 26% plan to reduce it. These decision-makers cite several forces that challenge their ability to grow their distributed workforce domestically and internationally, particularly among U.S. companies. Ninety-three percent of U.S. tech leaders say they do not have plans to expand their domestic distributed workforce. They point to recruiting, legal registrations in other states, and managing multiple vendors among other challenges. The growth of international distributed work faces similar roadblocks. Again, 93% of U.S. and UK tech leaders say they do not plan to expand their worldwide distributed workforce, adding foreign entity set-up, global payroll and immigration challenges to a similar list of difficulties. “The same friction comes up over and over again. Finding the right talent tops both lists and businesses want to tap larger talent pools across the country and the world,” said Wright. “Add in the bureaucracy of global regulation and the multiple vendors to navigate it on disparate platforms, and businesses get skittish. We built an end-to-end platform that removes all of this friction because the data is clear: employers and talent just want to work with anyone, anywhere, and anyhow.” Click here to download the full report: 2022 Work in Progress — The State of Distributed Work: Tech Sector. Methodology To gather the data in this report, Velocity Global surveyed 506 U.S. and 505 UK business leaders in the technology industry (e.g., software, hardware, and IT) who are employed at companies with 50–1,000 employees. The respondents work in a wide range of technology subsectors, including technology, media, and telecom; biotech; mortgage technology, property technology, and real estate technology; insurance technology; cryptocurrency; cybersecurity; and more. Respondents are in director-level and higher positions, including C-suite officers and business owners. Their job functions include human resources, finance, legal, IT/ technology, and operations. About Velocity Global Velocity Global accelerates the future of work beyond borders. Its global work platform simplifies the employer and employee experience to employ any talent anywhere with just a click through its proprietary cloud-based workforce management technology, backed by personalized expertise and unmatched global scale. As the largest global Employer of Record (also known as International PEO) in 185 countries and all 50 United States, more than 1,000 brands rely on Velocity Global to build global teams without the cost or complexity of setting up foreign legal entities or state registrations. The company offers additional services including Independent Contractor Compliance to assess a workforce, and Agent of Record (AoR) to streamline payments to contractors. Velocity Global was named a “Leader” in Global Employer of Record services by prominent analyst firm NelsonHall. Founded in 2014, the company has hundreds of employees across six continents. For more information visit velocityglobal.com. Contact Details Velocity Global John Hall +1 720-650-4348 news@velocityglobal.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

November 19, 2021 07:02 AM Mountain Standard Time

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