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COMCAST PARTNERS WITH CITY OF TACOMA TO ADVANCE DIGITAL EQUITY EFFORTS ACROSS THE SOUTH PUGET SOUND REGION

Comcast Washington

Today, Comcast announced that it will invest $300,000 to support digital access and adoption across the South Puget Sound region. Expanding on the foundational work of Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards to establish regional partnerships that advance digital equity for all, Comcast will award $150,000 to the Thrive Tacoma Business Fund, $50,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the South Puget Sound, $50,000 to the Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region, and $50,000 in cash and donated laptop computers to TeamWrk. Comcast selected the recipient organizations based on their shared commitment to digital equity and programs that are specifically designed to provide residents in the South Puget Sound Region with internet access and skill-building services. Internet Essentials, the nation’s largest private sector broadband adoption program for low-income households, was introduced in Tacoma in 2011 in partnership with Comcast and the Tacoma Housing Authority. Since that time, Internet Essentials has connected more than 25,000 households in the South Puget Sound region to high-speed Internet at home, many for the first time. Also, as early as 2015, the Tacoma City Council identified having equitable access to computers and the internet as key to ensuring residents are well positioned to maximize opportunities in education, employment, business development, healthcare, and government services. The City of Tacoma’s Digital Equity Program was first established that same year. “Our Digital Equity Program work is ongoing and continues to evolve in response to the present level of need. What we are seeing in Tacoma is not unique, however. The needs that exist in Tacoma exist in other cities as well,” said Mayor Woodards. “Strong ties between our public, private and nonprofit sectors will continue to be critical as we all work collaboratively toward our shared goals. I thank Comcast for their partnership and continued efforts to support digital access and adoption for those in need, particularly across the South Puget Sound region.” “Accelerating digital adoption is a shared goal and responsibility. Getting members of the community online is critical for them to be able to access everything from important news and information to economic opportunities and vital local services,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, EVP and Chief Diversity Officer, Comcast Corporation and President, Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation. “Comcast is delighted to deepen our partnership with Mayor Woodards with this grant announcement and further ensure digital equity for all residents across the region.” Comcast’s contributions are part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion commitment to reach tens of millions of people over the next 10 years with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to succeed in a digital world. Here is how each recipient organization will use the funds to advance digital equity in the community: Thrive Tacoma Business Fund Led by the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, the mission of the Thrive Tacoma Business Fund is to provide direct financial support for small businesses owned by people of color, many of which are still struggling with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Comcast’s $150,000 contribution will be used to fund grants that will be awarded based on the business need in amounts of $2,500 to $5,000. Additional financial support will also go to non-profits with digital navigators, trusted community members that provide access and assistance to program participants. Recipients will receive direct finance, digital access, and other technical support specifically curated to their unique business challenges, thereby ensuring greater equitable economic development in Tacoma. Boys & Girls Clubs of the South Puget Sound Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound is a nonprofit organization that provides young people (ages 6-18) with safe spaces, caring mentors, and life-enhancing programs tailored to help them reach their full potential. The $50,000 grant will support the 'Power Hour' program and a back-to-school event focused on digital responsibility and education. The 'Power Hour’ is a daily program to promote academic success for members aged 6 to 18 through tutoring, homework support, and technology access. It's one of the many programs run by Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound that is available to kids at eight club locations in Pierce, Kitsap & Mason counties. Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region has made a commitment – through its Power Up initiative – to increase access to digital technology and skills training for people across its 15-county region. Comcast’s $50,000 grant will help ensure that the Goodwill’s free job-training program equips people with the most relevant and timely digital skills that are required for nearly all jobs in our economy. TeamWrk TeamWrk is e-gaming innovator Marcel Cunningham's foundation, which challenges youth to level up to their full potential, whose vision is to equip and empower everyone to elevate their game. Comcast’s $50,000 contribution will facilitate live streaming from the TeamWrk center and help to expand the foundation's reach to more youth in the City of Tacoma. The computers donated by Comcast will be distributed to teens participating in TeamWrk digital literacy education, which teaches them how to use Teams, Zoom, and PowerPoint; create and edit podcasts, graphics, and video content; and learn other digital skills supporting their school and career. “Comcast is deeply committed to Washington, where our thousands of employees live, work, and support our communities. We see firsthand that the digital divide is a significant challenge for our communities big and small throughout the state," said Rodrigo Lopez, region senior vice president of Comcast in Washington. "That is why we are working side by side with public, private, and nonprofit partners, like the City of Tacoma, to do our part to bridge that divide, advance digital equity and bring economic opportunity." “The U.S. Small Business Administration strongly supports digital capacity building for small businesses. We are pleased to be part of the national Small Business Digital Alliance with Comcast and many other technology companies across the country,” said SBA Pacific Northwest Regional Administrator Mike Fong. He added, “We are excited to partner with the City of Tacoma and the Tacoma/Pierce County Chamber of Commerce to advance an equitable recovery from the pandemic in our communities for small businesses owned by people of color.” A key part of Comcast’s commitment is Internet Essentials, which since 2011, has connected more than 25,000 low-income households in the South Sound to the internet, many for the first time. Now, Comcast is also proud to participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible households a credit of up to $30/month towards Internet and mobile services. About Project UP Project UP is Comcast's company-wide initiative to advance digital equity and build a future of unlimited possibilities by connecting people to the Internet, opening doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and storytellers, and creating new career pathways in the arts, media, and technology. Additionally, Comcast has launched nearly 100 Lift Zones in the Puget Sound Region over the past two years to assist citizens who, for various reasons, cannot connect to the Internet in their homes. Lift Zones provide free, robust WiFi hotspots in spaces designed to help students and families get online, participate in distance learning, do homework, search for jobs, and access healthcare information and public assistance. For more information about Project UP, Internet Essentials, Lift Zones, and Comcast’s commitment to education and digital equity, please visit https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up. To apply, visit www.internetessentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376 for English or 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish. 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 connectivity, 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. Contact Details Comcast Andy Colley Andy_Colley@Comcast.com Company Website https://washington.comcast.com/

September 12, 2022 11:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

OOKLA® NAMES XFINITY THE FASTEST INTERNET PROVIDER IN OREGON

Comcast Oregon / SW Washington

Global network intelligence and connectivity insights leader, Ookla® has named Xfinity the fastest Internet provider in Oregon and in the Portland metro area specifically. The recently published Speedtest Global Index rankings, based upon consumer testing of Internet services in the United States in Q2 2022 through Ookla’s speed test website, showed Xfinity coming out on top in 12 states across the country, more than any other provider by a wide margin. Xfinity’s median consumer tested download speeds of 173 megabits per second (Mbps) across Oregon were faster than the median speeds tested by the next closest provider. And Xfinity customers in Portland received speeds 29% faster than CenturyLink. With more than 81,000 tests performed during the quarter in Oregon, Ookla’s report also provides a real-time view into the Internet speeds that consumers are actually experiencing based on the service tiers they select. “Consumers are using more connected devices in their homes than ever before,” said David Tashjian, Regional Senior Vice-President of Comcast Oregon/SW Washington. “We’ve invested billions into our network to deliver our fastest speeds throughout our region and across the country. We are committed to delivering the best possible connectivity experience and will continue to exceed our customers’ growing demand for fast, reliable, and secure Internet connections.” “I am so proud to work with an incredible local network team who work tirelessly to make sure that communities in Oregon have access to fast and reliable connections,” said Jacob Mitchell, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for Xfinity. “We have built a network that delivers our full range of speeds to everyone everywhere Comcast delivers service, providing more choices for our customers based on what they need to power their home.” Xfinity Internet provides an unbeatable connectivity experience with the fastest download speeds, advanced cybersecurity protection, and total control over all the devices connected over WiFi in the home. Recently, Comcast began rolling out its Supersonic Gateway, capable of delivering speeds faster than a Gig and three times more capacity to connect hundreds of devices simultaneously. The new Supersonic WiFi gateway is WiFi 6E capable and is now available to Xfinity Internet Gigabit and Ultrafast customers across the U.S. Faster speeds will be just one of the consumer benefits made possible through Comcast’s continued efforts to evolve its entire network to 10G. 10G is a next-generation technology platform supported by a global collaboration of companies in the Internet industry focused on building networks that stay ahead of consumer demand for connectivity. In addition to enabling multi-gig symmetrical connections, 10G efforts will provide even greater network reliability, lower latency, faster troubleshooting, and increased energy efficiency. More information about the industry’s efforts toward a 10G future can be found here. Visit www.xfinity.com for more information. Comcast also provides Internet to businesses with Comcast Business Internet. 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 over 56 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. Contact Details Comcast Oregon/SW Washington Amy Keiter +1 503-310-3879 amy_keiter@comcast.com Company Website https://corporate.comcast.com/

September 12, 2022 07:05 AM Pacific Daylight Time

38-Year Minuteman Press Franchise in East Northport, NY Emerges from Pandemic With Record Sales Growth

Minuteman Press International Inc

When Cathie Loudon purchased her Minuteman Press franchise in East Northport, Long Island in 1984, her son Dave was 15 years-old. “I fondly remember working in the shop during my high school years, and then I started full-time in the family business in 1988,” says Dave. While the printing industry has certainly changed in the 38 years since the Loudon family first joined the Minuteman Press family, there are a few common threads that remain today. Dave says, “I have always believed in providing a personal touch and outstanding customer service. If we can deliver high quality products on time and make sure we are there for are clients whenever they need us, we have seen for nearly 40 years how that will generate positive referrals for our business.” This customer-facing approach and proactive outreach helped Minuteman Press in East Northport hold steady during the height of the pandemic in 2020 as they remained open and operating as an essential business. Then, as more businesses ramped up their production and promotion of goods and services, Dave and his team were able to achieve 66% sales growth in 2021 over 2020. And today, Minuteman Press in East Northport is on pace for another record sales year in 2022, including record monthly sales in April of 2022. Dave says, “There were clients that we reached out to who asked us to fulfill orders for essential items during the pandemic. Some of these clients are now asking us to fulfill bigger orders for even more items they need now that business is picking up.” Dave continues, “For many years, we’ve had a relationship with one of our startup clients. Suddenly, during the pandemic, they entered a boom period and have been growing ever since. What used to be smaller orders are now larger, more high volume orders that we are able to fulfill.” “Because we were open as an essential business, we remained there for our clients. We have seen an uptick in orders for wide format printing, as signage is in high demand. I also listen to my clients and suggest items that I know can help them grow, such as mailings with QR codes, apparel, and promotional items.” -Dave Loudon, Owner, Minuteman Press, East Northport, NY In addition to the usual outreach and customer service, Dave also invests in the Minuteman Press Internet Marketing Program. “Just sticking with the Minuteman Press system is really what has worked best for us and kept us going all of these years.” When asked about the evolution of the printing industry over the past 38 years, Dave says, “Digital printing, wide format, and the internet are the three biggest differences. We can do so much with in-house digital and wide format printing, which is a huge benefit for our turnaround times.” As for online competition, Dave says, “We get a good amount of people who come in asking us to clean up incorrect projects that someone else did online. When we fix orders like these, it helps us keep our reputation as the go-to local printer, and it leads many of them to use us from the first step the next time around. This helps us build and maintain our reputation, and generates more good will and referrals.” Dave has two pieces of advice for other business owners. “First, remember that customer service is one of your most powerful forms of relationship-building, and, in its own way, marketing.” “Secondly, it’s important to remind people about the tangibility and viability of print. Simply put, print makes an impact. Whether it’s signage, restaurant menus, or postcards with QR codes, print has the ability to draw people to your business, both in person and online.” Minuteman Press in East Northport is located at 281 Larkfield Rd., East Northport, NY 11731. For more information, visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/ny/east-northport/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and see Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

September 12, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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VERMILLION'S FASTEST, MOST AFFORDABLE INTERNET OPTION IS BLUEPEAK

Bluepeak

Bluepeak announced it has completed the vast majority of its fiber-to-the-home network expansion in Vermillion, S.D., and now offers higher speeds at better prices than any internet service provider ever has here. By the numbers: Vermillion residents can choose from three internet speed and price tiers: 1 gigabit-per-second (Gbps) for $50/month. 2 Gbps for $65/month. 5 Gbps for $100/month. Businesses can get higher speeds at greater value too, with up to 10 Gbps and customized solutions for different business needs. [Prices include AutoPay and paperless billing.] Why it matters for Vermillion: That’s more speed than any other service provider in town can offer. More than enough data for learning and working remotely or streaming the big Coyotes game! And with Bluepeak, there’s no temporary promotional rate and no hidden fees for equipment. Where can Vermillionaires get this service? As depicted in the service area map, Bluepeak’s fiber network now covers most of the Vermillion city limits, almost all between South Dakota Highway 50 and the Vermillion River. The network also covers areas around the University of South Dakota campus, Vermillion Middle and High Schools, and Jolley Elementary. The final stage of construction is ongoing in the area of Vermillion along West Broadway and East Broadway streets, south of West 8th and West Chestnut streets, and north of Cotton Park. That part of town is on track to have access to Bluepeak service by the end of September. Those interested can confirm service availability at their address on mybluepeak.com. Why Vermillion? Bluepeak believes the size of the town shouldn’t determine the quality of the technology, and the good folks of Vermillion have waited too long for more, better options. In fact, according to broadbandnow.com, 12 percent of consumers in Vermillion only have access to 1 or fewer wired internet providers at their address. Vermillion also ranks in the bottom half of connected cities in South Dakota behind Jefferson, Elk Point, and Beresford. That’s why Bluepeak chose Vermillion as the place to build out their first-ever all-fiber network expansion. That means when you get Bluepeak service in Vermillion, it’s always cutting-edge, fiber broadband technology built to meet users’ needs well into the future. For more information and to sign up for the latest Bluepeak updates in Vermillion, visit mybluepeak.com. About Bluepeak Bluepeak is building a faster, more reliable internet without the things that get in the way of great service - like red tape, hidden fees, and slow response times. Offering up to 5 gigabits of speed for residential customers and 10 gigabits for businesses, Bluepeak is a whole new ballgame - from internet to TV, to connecting every device in a home, to powering a business, Bluepeak not only provides the best fiber connections in the communities it serves, but also meets the growing needs for how its customers live. Contact Details Jesse Granger +1 720-703-4315 mediaqueries@mybluepeak.com Company Website https://www.mybluepeak.com

September 10, 2022 07:00 AM Central Daylight Time

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT JEWELRY INSURANCE

Benzinga

How Does Jewelry Insurance Work? A policy for jewelry insurance should include coverage for replacing your jewelry in the event of damage, loss, theft or what is known as “mysterious disappearance.” To purchase a jewelry policy, you will be required to give a few details about the piece as well as have a certified jewelry appraisal. You can learn more about how jewelry coverage operates by reading this in-depth explanation. Is Jewelry Insurance Worth it? Yes. When it comes to protecting the most valuable possessions you own, jewelry coverage is surprisingly affordable and offers complete and total protection. Check for monthly pricing as low as $5. How Much Does Jewelry Insurance Cost? Depending on the value of your jewelry, you can expect the cost of jewelry insurance to range from 0.5 percent to 1.5 percent of the item’s appraised value each year. An engagement ring that costs $10,000, for example, would cost you between $4 and $12 every month. Learn more details about the costs of jewelry coverage here. Do I Need an Appraisal to Apply for Jewelry Insurance? Yes, you’ll need an appraisal when applying for a jewelry policy. To obtain an accurate valuation of a jewelry item, you will need to have the engagement ring or other fine jewelry appraised first. You can get a better understanding of the reasons behind jewelry appraisals as well as the benefits they offer here. Do I Need Jewelry Insurance? A valuable piece of jewelry should be covered by insurance because of the costly expense to replace or repair it. Read this guide to choosing the right policy to make certain that you have the top-notch coverage that best fits your needs. Will Insurance Cover Lost Jewelry? A policy for jewelry should provide coverage in the event that an item is lost, stolen or mysteriously disappears. Unsurprisingly, “mysterious disappearance” is the most typical type of loss. Check out this post that provides a detailed explanation of the jewelry insurance process to acquire a greater understanding of how jewelry coverage functions. How Do I Ship Jewelry and Have it Insured? The United States Postal Service (USPS) provides options for insuring mail, which provides protection against loss or damage to jewelry valued at up to $5,000 while it is being shipped. As long as your jewelry is shipped under receipt, it will be covered by a jewelry policy that is bought separately. Learn more about insurance that covers jewelry as a standalone item here. Is a Watch Considered Jewelry for Insurance? Watches are typically categorized as jewelry. Insurance companies that specialize in jewelry will usually offer protection for timepieces. Watches are considered personal objects and are usually covered by homeowners insurance. However, there are often coverage restrictions, limits and deductibles associated with a typical homeowners’ insurance policy. What is a Deductible for Jewelry Insurance? A deductible is the amount of money that must come out of your own wallet before an insurance company will pay its share of the bill. The standard jewelry insurance policy that BriteCo provides has no deductible, so you won’t ever have to worry about the cost of replacing your lost or stolen piece. Get a quote right now for jewelry insurance with no deductible. Is it Worth it to Insure an Engagement Ring? Yes, especially if you are unable to replace it if it is lost, stolen or damaged. The cost of engagement ring insurance should be between 50 cents to $1.50 for every $100 in ring value, making it an affordable investment to receive protection in most cases. Check how affordable it is for your ring. Will Insurance Cover a Lost Ring? Quality insurance should cover the loss of wedding rings, engagement rings and other jewelry for the most common form of a claim, mysterious disappearance. In general, specialty jewelry insurance is your best bet for coverage of your ring. Beware of homeowners insurance policies that have low coverage limits or a high deductible. Does the Value of My Ring Change Over Time? Yes! It is possible that the price of your ring will change over time as a result of fluctuations in the cost of the metal or the diamonds it contains. Historical evidence suggests that the value of your ring will most likely increase over time. BriteCo automatically updates the value once per year to make sure that you are always covered for the full worth of your ring and that you are insured for up to 125% of the value of your appraisal. Check out its insurance coverage page to view complete details. How Do You File an Insurance Claim for Lost Jewelry? Insurance from a company like BriteCo will replace lost or stolen jewelry. Customers can follow on-screen instructions after clicking on this link. Most claims take fewer than five minutes to make online. The company follows up immediately so that you have a replacement as soon as possible. How Long Will it Take for a Claim to Be Settled? The process of filing a claim only takes a few minutes of your time. BriteCo will get back to you as quickly as possible to start the process of obtaining your repair or replacement. The total amount of time will vary depending on the circumstances of your situation. What Jewelry Does a Homeowners Insurance Policy Typically Cover? The majority of homeowners insurance plans provide coverage for jewelry loss or theft as personal possessions; however, the value of this coverage is often restricted to between $1,000 and $2,000. In most cases, it will not cover your significant other, requires you to pay a deductible, increases the subsequent cost of your policy if you submit a claim and doesn’t offer you the option to decide how your item will be replaced. Find out more about the coverage provided by your homeowners insurance, as well as the reasons why jewelry-specific coverage could be a better choice for you. Is Lost or Stolen Jewelry Covered by Homeowners Insurance? A significant number of conventional insurance plans include coverage for jewelry as a personal item in the event that it is stolen. Additionally, the majority of homeowners insurance policies contain claim limitations, which could mean that more expensive things aren’t always covered. Check with your insurance provider or you consider purchasing stand-alone coverage instead. Learn more about the differences between homeowners coverage and a stand-alone jewelry policy. How Do You Insure an Engagement Ring Without Homeowners Insurance? You can insure your engagement ring with a separate policy through an independent specialty jewelry insurance company. Specialty jewelry insurance should offer better coverage with no deductible compared to most homeowners or renters insurance policies. To learn about insuring your jewelry with a specialty policy versus as an add-on for homeowners, read this evaluation. What is the Difference Between Homeowners Insurance and Specialty Jewelry Coverage? When seeking to buy a jewelry policy, you can add a jewelry item to your homeowners policy through a floater — a supplemental policy purchased along with homeowners or renters insurance (also called an insurance rider). People use a homeowners rider for more expensive jewelry items since most basic homeowners insurance coverage will limit the amount of coverage (under $1,000 to $2,000) and will cover limited perils such as theft. Adding a floater will extend limits to your whole collection and add covered perils specific to your jewelry. A specialty jewelry policy offers alternative coverage that is specifically designed for jewelry items such as engagement rings, necklaces and high-value watches. There are several advantages to specialty jewelry insurance including worldwide coverage for loss, theft, damage and mysterious disappearance. Certain specialty providers such as BriteCo offer enhanced coverage up to 125% of replacement value and no deductibles on its standard policies. It’s also affordable, averaging 0.5% to 1.5% of the appraised value of a jewelry item in annual cost. You could pay as little as $5 a month for an $8,000 engagement ring. Why Choose BriteCo Jewelry Insurance? BriteCo Jewelry Insurance offers you coverage with low-cost premiums for insuring wedding rings, engagement rings and other fine jewelry. Backed by an AM Best A+ rated insurer, BriteCo has coverage for the full value of your ring in the event of loss, theft, damage or disappearance. When making a claim, you avoid out-of-pocket costs with its zero deductible policies while assuring you get up to 125% of appraisal value in a replacement ring. There’s no need to add a personal jewelry insurance rider to your homeowner’s policy to protect your valuables when you can get specialty jewelry insurance coverage from BriteCo that’s fast, easy and affordable. Get a quote at https://brite.co. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

September 08, 2022 11:57 AM Eastern Daylight Time

HOW TO INVEST IN JEWELRY

Benzinga

When it comes to investing in jewelry, you need to keep a few things in mind. First, it's important to get started as early as possible. The sooner you start investing, the better. Make sure you're investing in quality jewelry. Look for pieces that are well made and have a good resale value. Insure and properly store your jewelry. This step will protect your investment in case of loss or damage. By following these tips, your jewelry investment is more likely to be a wise one. What Factors Should You Consider When Investing in Jewelry? Several factors come into play when investing in jewelry. 1. The quality of the piece: Is it well-crafted? What is it made of? You should look for hand-fabricated, custom-made pieces. Machine-fabricated jewelry is not usually of the highest quality. Vintage jewelry pieces are often a good investment along with pieces from recognized brands such as Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chanel and Cartier. If considering a ring, look inside the band for a stamp that signifies its origin. 2. The style: Is it classic or trendy? Will it still be in fashion next season? Style is a matter of personal taste as well as what the market values. Investing your time and your money in getting to know what’s hot and what’s not in jewelry should be fun and interesting. Online jewelry industry publications such as National Jeweler and the International Gem Society can help educate you. You can also see what’s selling on jewelry auction sites such as HiBid. 3. The stone: Is the stone rare or common? What about color and clarity? For jewelry with diamonds, assess the large stone or stones first. Understand the 4 “C’s” in terms of quality. Focus on earth-mined diamonds and avoid lab-grown or synthetic diamonds and gemstones since these do not typically hold value over time. Assess a piece with original purchase receipts, Gemological Institute of America (GIA) certificates or other documentation, and obtain a detailed appraisal from a reputable jeweler. 4. The price: How does the price compare to similar pieces? Investing in jewelry, like any other investment, is about building value over time. You will want to invest in a piece that is priced at less than the current market value if possible. That typically means a seller that really wants to or must sell a piece. One strategy would be to work with a trusted jeweler who can provide expertise, advice and assistance in buying an investment piece. Each of these factors will affect the value of the jewelry, so it’s helpful to take them all into consideration when making an investment. With a little education and research, you can find the perfect piece of jewelry that will be beautiful and valuable for years to come. How to Find the Right Jewelry for You As you search for the right jewelry to invest in ask yourself a few questions. What type of jewelry are you interested in? Rings? Bracelets? Watches? Is it something that you would like to wear daily or only wear on special occasions? If you plan on wearing the jewelry on an everyday basis, then you will need to make sure that it is made from high-quality materials that can withstand regular wear and tear. On the other hand, if you only plan on wearing the jewelry on special occasions, then you may be able to get away with investing in more delicate pieces that may be of lesser value. In addition to knowing the type of jewelry you want to invest in, you also need to think about your budget. How much money are you willing to spend on a piece of jewelry? If you are working with a limited budget, then you may want to focus your search on pieces made from less expensive materials such as sterling silver or costume jewelry. However, if money is less of an object, then you can indulge in more luxurious pieces made from gold or platinum featuring high-quality diamonds. Regardless of your budget, investing in quality jewelry can be a wise decision that pays off over time. What Type of Jewelry is Best Suited for Investment? Certain categories of jewelry tend to be good investments. One example is natural or earth-mined diamonds whose value usually goes up over time. Diamonds also have a wide range of price points, so they can be a good investment for people with different budgets. Just be aware that lab-grown or synthetic diamond prices have been coming down dramatically in price over the last few years and are likely not a strong investment option. Certain categories of jewelry tend to be good investments. One example is natural or earth-mined diamonds whose value usually goes up over time. Diamonds also have a wide range of price points, so they can be a good investment for people with different budgets. Just be aware that lab-grown or synthetic diamond prices have been coming down dramatically in price over the last few years and are likely not a strong investment option. Another type of jewelry that can be a good investment is watches. Watches can be rare, and their value can increase over time. Watches also tend to have a high resale value, so they can be a good choice if you're looking to sell your jewelry in the future. Gold is another option that can be a good investment. Gold tends to hold its value well, and it's relatively easy to buy and sell gold jewelry. However, the price of gold can fluctuate quite a bit, so do your research before investing in this precious metal. Is Investing in Jewelry a Hedge Against Inflation? For some investors, gold and silver as precious metals represent a hedge against inflation. In times of volatility in the stock and bond markets, they seek an asset that holds its value as currencies and equities fluctuate. However, investing in gold or silver jewelry is not a particularly liquid asset. It’s about investing in something you enjoy and still building value over time. How to Care for Your Jewelry So That it Retains its Value Over Time Your jewelry is an investment. Whether it was handed down to you or it's something you bought for yourself, you need to take care of it so that it retains its value. First, you should get insurance for your jewelry in case something happens such as loss, theft or damage. You should make sure you're keeping your jewelry in a safe place. A jewelry box or a safe deposit box are good options. Clean your jewelry regularly. You can either take it to a professional or clean it at home using mild soap and water. By taking these steps, you'll help ensure that your jewelry retains its value over time. The Risks and Rewards of Investing in Jewelry Deciding whether or not to invest in jewelry can be a tricky proposition. Jewelry can be a beautiful and luxurious addition to any wardrobe, but it is also a significant financial investment. Before making investment decisions, it’s always good to consult your financial advisor to weigh the risks and rewards. Jewelry is often seen as a safe investment since it can be easily insured and stored. However, the value of jewelry can fluctuate widely, making it a riskier proposition than some other investments. If you do decide to invest in jewelry, do so with caution and insure your pieces against loss or damage. With careful planning and research, investing in jewelry can be a lifelong rewarding experience. Examples of Pieces That Have Increased in Value Over Time Some jewelry pieces never go out of style. Tiffany rings and Cartier necklaces, for example, continue to be highly coveted by fashionistas around the world. Similarly, Rolex watches are renowned for their timeless elegance and are often passed down from generation to generation. Even more traditional pieces like gold jewelry and diamonds have increased in value over time as supply has failed to keep up with demand. For those with an eye for history, art deco pieces have become increasingly popular in recent years. Thanks to their unique design and craftsmanship, these items are now seen as collector's items, fetching high prices at auction. A gem-set, diamond-and-enamel tutti frutti bracelet by Cartier, for example, recently sold for $1.3 million at Sotheby’s, the highest price for any jewel sold in an online auction. Several jewelry pieces for women are considered classic and typically gain value over time, including diamond studs, tennis bracelets, earring hoops and statement rings. You can give them as gifts — or purchase them for yourself — showcasing your good taste while enjoying the value of a solid investment. Whether it's Cartier, Tiffany or Rolex; gold or diamonds; art deco; or something else entirely, you can find plenty of examples of pieces that have become more valuable with time. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

September 08, 2022 11:56 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Making Homes Safer Through Technology Is Becoming A Reality

SKYX Platforms Corp.

Did you remember to test and change your smoke alarm battery this month? How about last month? Last quarter? Have a problem with your home's security camera connecting to WiFI? We all have such safety-oriented technologies spread throughout our homes and properties, but what if these products were all concentrated in one smart sensor conveniently and centrally located in your house at the optimum location in the center of the room on the ceiling? That’s the aim of home-tech companies like Florida-based SKYX Platforms Corp. (NASDAQ: SKYX), which is on a mission to make homes and properties as safe as possible using advanced technology. Just as electricity is standard in many homes, SKYX Platforms will make our homes and buildings become safe and smart – with its advanced second-generation safety products equally standard in residences and other properties like hotels. One Step At A Time SKYX Platforms is launching its first-generation Plug & Play Smart Home Automation product where light fixtures, ceiling fans, and plugs can be concentrated in one simple ceiling fixture. The Plug & Play Smart product, based on its safety aspects, was accepted into the United States National Electric Code (NEC), as a standard for home safety. The company reports that the addition of its smart product into the NEC is the most significant update made to the NEC code in 40 years after the organization changed the definition of the receptacle in its Code Book to include the company’s Sky Receptacle product. Mark Earley, the former head of the NEC, has joined the company as the Chairman of its code team after his retirement after 35 years at the helm of the NEC. While advanced technology is key to ensuring greater conveniences with smart home safety products, the primary focus is increased safety in homes and buildings. On average, over 32,000 home fires in the U.S. are caused annually by lighting products, causing 430 deaths a year, according to data from the National Fire Protection Association. "We believe that our patented smart-safe platform technologies will revolutionize the smart home and lighting industries by saving lives, time and cost.” SKYX Platforms Founder Rani Kohen said. “Our platform technology will significantly enhance all-around home safety as well as smart home capabilities while fulfilling our mission to make homes and buildings become smart and safe as the new standard.” SKYX Platforms, which has over 60 patents issued and pending globally and more than 10 trademarks granted, has entered into agreements with General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE) for GE to allow the use of its name and logo on some of SKYX Platforms products and for GE to license SKYX Platforms products and intellectual property to other manufacturers. Other major smart home product companies include Universal Electronics Inc. (NASDAQ: UEIC), Orion Energy Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: OESX) (Orion Lighting), and Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) As electricity is a standard in every home and building, our mission is to make homes and buildings become safe-advanced and smart as the standard. SKYX Platforms Corp. (NASDAQ:SKYX) has a series of highly disruptive advanced-safe-smart platform technologies, with over 60 U.S. and global patents and patent pending applications. Our technologies place an emphasis on high quality and ease of use, while significantly enhancing both safety and lifestyle in homes and buildings. We believe that our products are a necessity in every room in both homes and other buildings in the U.S. and globally. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details TraDigital IR- Camille Baptiste camille@tradigitalir.com Company Website http://www.skyplug.com/

September 08, 2022 08:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Gregorys Coffee Engages Trust Relations for Timely Communications Campaign

Trust Relations

Trust Relations, the fast-growing, strategic communications and integrated marketing agency, announced that it has partnered with Gregorys Coffee, a family-run specialty coffee company with 38 retail stores across the Mid-Atlantic, to launch a strategic communications campaign. Gregorys Coffee enlisted Trust Relations to revamp the company’s messaging and marketing materials, as well as execute on several brand activations as part of a targeted regional media outreach campaign to announce new brand offerings. The agency, which has a strong foothold in the New York media market, will also deploy a thought leadership campaign for Gregorys Coffee and its Founder, Gregory Zamfotis. “As our team and brick and mortar locations have expanded, we also have a lot of exciting plans in store for the remainder of the year,” said Gregorys Coffee Founder and CEO, Gregory Zamfotis. “I feel confident that April and the Trust Relations team can help us make the biggest splash and bring to life some of the creative ideas they shared.” Gregory grew up in the NYC food industry thanks in part to his immigrant, serial entrepreneur father who owned several casual, counter-service food establishments. His childhood was spent alongside his father operating the family businesses—and although he took a detour from the food sector to pursue an undergraduate business degree and enlist in law school—Gregory found himself drawn back to his entrepreneurial roots and passions for coffee and healthy food. With the help and guidance of his father, Gregory set out to create a specialty coffee shop that would provide amazing coffee and baked goods without sacrificing the guest’s precious time. Gregorys matches New York’s hustle-and-bustle culture––without compromising quality. All limited-edition coffees served at Gregorys Coffee are ethically sourced from small-operation coffee growers around the world, while the in-house baked goods are made from scratch by Gregorys. They also have an expansive vegan + plant-based offering that is second to none in the coffee industry. “We’re so excited to be working with Gregory and his rockstar marketing team on deploying some creative brand activations for Gregorys Coffee,” said Trust Relations President and Founder, April White. “The brand has witnessed more consumers seeking healthier food and beverage options without compromising taste, quality, or experience. We look forward to announcing Gregorys Coffee’s new products and developments in the months ahead and are honored to work with such a well-respected brand in the F&B industry.” For more information about Gregorys Coffee, go to www.gregoryscoffee.com/. About Trust Relations Founded in 2019, Trust Relations is a fully remote strategic communications firm that creates nimble and proactive “dream teams” for clients through a national network of the industry’s best and brightest practitioners. "Trust Relations" is a term coined by President and Founder April (Margulies) White to describe a new approach to strategic communications focused on communicating clients' authentic actions, values, and goodwill. In technology, trust relationships are an administration and communication link between two domains. In communications, they are a bond of mutual respect between a brand and the people it serves. The firm excels at identifying inspiring ways for clients to show their brand value by identifying supportive proof points and ideating creative activations that demonstrate their unique story and value proposition. For more information, visit https://www.trustrelations.agency. About Gregorys Coffee Founded in 2006 in Manhattan, New York, Gregorys Coffee is a coffee company offering a selection of premium coffee roasted locally in New York City paired with a health-first menu of homemade baked goods, sandwiches, and bowls served in their contemporary and chic cafes. As a family-owned-and-operated business, personal relationships are at the core of their company, making their customers—the “Gregulars”— their first priority. The brand's mobile app makes it easy to order ahead and pick up at the location of your choice as well as an incentive customer rewards program that offers exclusive perks, experiences, and products. With the belief that you shouldn’t have to choose between your time and your standards, Gregorys Coffee delivers quality, innovation, and service at their 38 locations across New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and DC. From limited-edition single origin coffees to one of a kind cold brew concoctions, they take their coffee program seriously! Their drink menu also includes a diverse selection of teas, matcha, and iced and hot beverages that can be served in-house or to-go—offering convenience and quality with every cup. For more information, visit https://www.gregoryscoffee.com. Contact Details April White +1 323-216-8589 gregoryscoffee@trustrelations.agency

September 07, 2022 11:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Secure Like Swiss? The Data Privacy Company That Reports Globalizing Its Currency Options

Sekur Private Data Ltd

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more people than ever are choosing to stay home, according to a new Pew Study. This may raise additional concerns around cybersecurity if more and more aspects of life go virtual. In 2021 the cybersecurity industry saw over $50 billion in spending worldwide, and this number is forecasted to increase as more work is done from home and more measures are needed to protect both company and private data. Individuals and businesses around the globe may need solutions that work locally for them. Sekur Private Data Ltd. (OTCQX: SWISF) is one company that reports trying to find innovative solutions to these data protection problems. Companies that are dependent on U.S.-based cloud servers such as Google Cloud, offered by Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOGL), are also subject to a subpoena under the 2019 Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data (CLOUD) Act. Sekur is hosted in Switzerland to take advantage of the strict Swiss data privacy laws. It harnesses what its website describes as “proprietary military-grade encryption security” to protect its private, International Standards Organization (ISO)-certified data centers. Sekur says its platform provides secure messaging and email services as well as data storage, document management, and password management service — and that it also partners with companies like PartnerStack and Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE: IM) to host a Sekur Business Suite platform. It has recently expanded its operations, hoping to make its platform an appealing international option. Currencies And Chats Both Part Of A Global Push Sekur entered the American market in July 2021 and in July 2022 launched its multicurrency, multilingual platform. This was part of Sekur’s global mass market launch to make it available for both private and business use internationally. Sekur’s multicurrency platform enables customers to avoid paying the often-expensive bank and credit card fees on currency exchange. It also creates a more seamless experience, ensuring users can use the platform in their own language. Since Sekur launched the multicurrency platform, it has expanded to include eight currencies from over 30 countries. These are USD, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD, CHF, EUR and GBP. This gives customers in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, any Eurozone country and the United Kingdom the ability to pay for the platform with their local money. Customers from outside these regions are still able to access the platform and will be charged in U.S. dollars. Sekur also plans to make its platform available in Japanese and accept JPY. Sekur saw a sales increase of 5,600% in the first quarter of 2022 when compared with the first quarter of 2021, while subscriber signups for the platform jumped by over 1,900%. This growth seems to be an indication that the multicurrency offering should foster even more growth Internationally, as Sekur is growing its global footprint.. Another component of Sekur’s platform, Chat-By-Invite, has as of August, enabled chats in 61 countries. Chat-By-Invite allows Sekur users to communicate securely via SekurMessenger by sending an SMS or email invitation to non-Sekur users. After hosting the conversation, the user who initiated the chat can delete the conversation from all users and at the server source. This initiative has been used by Sekur customers to communicate with people in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Csech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Vatican City. This list suggests that Sekur may see future growth in South and Central America, where it already has seen some success, and Europe, Asia, Australasia and the Middle East. Sekur Private Data Ltd. is a Cybersecurity and Internet privacy provider of Swiss hosted solutions for secure communications and secure data management. The Company distributes a suite of secure cloud-based storage, disaster recovery, document management, encrypted e-mails, and secure communication tools. Sekur Private Data Ltd. sells its products through its websites www.sekur.com and www.sekursuite.com, and approved distributors, and telecommunications companies worldwide. Sekur Private Data Ltd. serves consumers, businesses and governments worldwide. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Corporate Department corporate@sekurprivatedata.com Company Website https://sekur.com/en/about

September 07, 2022 09:21 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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