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U.S. Sees Sharpest Rise in Independent Workforce in More Than 50 Years

MBO Partners

MBO Partners released its 11th Annual State of Independence in America report, the country’s longest-running end-to-end study of the American independent workforce. In the year of the Great Resignation, there was a record-breaking 34% surge in people choosing independent work. This segment jumped from 38.2 million in 2020 to a whopping 51.1 million in 2021. “This year may be remembered as the seminal moment when work forever changed,” said Miles Everson, CEO of MBO Partners. “An undercurrent that has been simmering reached a boiling point when people were forced out of the office and into alternative work arrangements. This is the largest shift we have seen in the workforce in decades.” Below are five trends revealed in this year’s data report. Workers cut the cord on fixed locations. Freed from the confines of working in a single onsite location, many took remote work on the road. The number of digital nomads rose from 10.9 million in 2020 to 15.5 million in 2021, a 42% increase. Most of the nomads were traditional workers, but the number of independent digital nomads rose 15%, from 4.6 million in 2020 to 5.3 million in 2021. Collaborators are the new colleagues. Independents refer work and share the load with other independents. Twenty-five percent find assignments through other independents. And in the past 12 months, 25% of full-time independents said they had teamed up with independent workers or microbusinesses in their work, up from 19% in 2020. Collaboration is even higher for independents in the creator economy with over half (55%) reporting that they are teaming up with other content creators on projects. Even independents are haunted by the 1%. The U.S. has long been seen as a two-tier economy, with those at the very top thriving while many at the bottom struggle. We see this effect replicated in the independent workforce with those having in-demand skills and credentials able to charge a premium for their work. Inflation drives moonlighting 2.0. The rising cost of living and the loss of payroll jobs is driving more people to supplement their income with independent work. Part-time and occasional independents are the fastest-growing portion of the independent workforce. For those who became part-time independents in the past year, 73% cited supplementing their income as the reason. Platforms become independent launching pad. As independent work has become more mainstream, we have seen a rise in businesses that facilitate this way of work. Online platforms and marketplaces are powerful facilitators that let independents find work, learn new skills, and explore new markets. The trajectory of these platforms has been one of the most powerful growth stories in this survey. In 2011, only 3% of independents reported using an online talent platform in the previous 12 months. But in 2021, an impressive 40% said they had done so in the past year. And an even higher number – 43% – said they planned to use an online talent platform in the coming 12 months. For more information or to obtain a copy of the 11th annual State of Independence report, please visit https://www.mbopartners.com/state-of-independence/. About MBO Partners® MBO Partners is a deep job platform that connects and enables independent professionals and microbusiness owners to do business safely and effectively with enterprise organizations. Its unmatched experience and industry leadership enable it to operate on the forefront of the independent economy and consistently advance the next way of working. For more information, visit mbopartners.com Contact Details Karen Swim +1 586-461-2103 karen@wordsforhirellc.com Company Website https://mbopartners.com

December 07, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Minuteman Press Highlights Year of Helping Independent Print Center Owners Sell Their Businesses

Minuteman Press International Inc

Minuteman Press International, the world’s leading design, marketing, and printing franchise, is proud to announce additional successful conversions of independent print shops to Minuteman Press franchises in 2021. Through the Minuteman Press International Conversion Program, independent printers are able to sell their printing business at no cost to them. Minuteman Press Franchise Conversion Program – 2021 Highlights Through this program, Minuteman Press International helps sellers of qualified printing businesses find qualified buyers within a reasonable time frame. All of the businesses highlighted below were listed for sale in mid-2020 and sold through 2021. Minuteman Press, Red Bank, New Jersey (formerly All American Print & Copy Center) Jason Carris is the new owner of Minuteman Press in Red Bank, NJ, which is part of the Middletown Township. He purchased All American Print & Copy Center, which was in business for 40 years, and took over the business in September 2021. Jason says, “ The biggest advantage of buying this business was having an established clientele. We did our research and made sure the owners were respected by their clients. There was also 40 years of history and track record as well.” He continues, “Minuteman Press and our Regional Vice President Jim Galasso guided us through the purchase of the business step by step. Jim made the process easier to manage and I couldn’t have done this on my own without the help from the team at Minuteman Press International.” Prior to franchising, Jason worked in medical publishing and digital marketing. He also ran a number of small consulting businesses in his career. He says, “A combination of things – including the pandemic and economic forces – made me decide to go fully into business ownership. My wife Renee has an entrepreneurial spirt as well.” Why Minuteman Press? Jason answers, “We did a lot of research and Minuteman Press jumped out to us on a number of levels. They were on a lot of top franchise lists, they appealed to people who hadn’t owned a business, and the business seemed easy to learn. In addition to being a highly respected franchise, Minuteman Press had a reasonable cost of entry and I appreciate their cap on royalties.” He adds, “The support has been wonderful. Because there is a 40-year history of the independent print shop we purchased, we have been transitioning the business. It’s great to have the training and support especially since I had not run a business of this scope before.” What is it like for Jason to be a business owner? He says, “Once you make that leap, it’s a very exciting experience to own your own business. We have a vibrant community here and I see the long-term growth potential. I am looking forward to making Minuteman Press a real pillar and trusted business partner in Red Bank / Middletown Township.” Jason further explains, “I think we have a tremendous opportunity to expand our wide format printing business with banners, posters, and signage remaining in high demand for our clients. I am also looking forward to bolstering our in-house mailing and direct mail services to help other local businesses reach their target audiences.” “I think the two biggest keys to owning a business are to really make sure you feel 100% comfortable with the business model, and to believe in your products and services. Also, it is important to be proactive but also have patience after buying the business. Think about growth potential, and understand there is a learning curve. That’s normal for everyone.” -Jason Carris, owner, Minuteman Press franchise, Red Bank, NJ (formerly All American Print & Copy Center) For more information on Minuteman Press in Red Bank, visit https://minuteman.com/us/locations/nj/red-bank. Minuteman Press, Longmont, Colorado (formerly Ron’s Printing Center) Avi Kumar has been part of the Minuteman Press franchise family since May 2016 as the owner of Minuteman Press in Greeley, CO. In February 2021, Avi had the opportunity to buy Ron’s Printing Center located in Longmont, CO, which was in business for 40 years. Avi converted Ron’s Printing Center into his second Minuteman Press franchise location in February 2021. Avi says, “Our Regional Vice President Jack Panzer told us about this established business for sale in Longmont, which is 40 minutes from us. The main advantage was to extend profitability and expand our business in Northern Colorado.” He continues, “Another advantage was that we did not have to spend a lot of extra effort in marketing this as a new business because Ron’s Printing Center had been established for a long time. The employees were all very hands-on and diligent and we were able to retain them all. Within the second month, we added mailings, promotional products, and apparel to their product lines. In fact, we just wrapped up a 30K mailer for a local non-profit organization and secured a large apparel order as well.” Prior to franchising in 2016, Avi worked in retail as a convenience store manager of several locations. “I used to manage some stores in Illinois for a big outfit out of Wisconsin. I finally got tired of answering to my boss and decided I wanted to own my own business. I moved on to better pastures and we decided as a family that Colorado was our calling.” Avi is thankful for being able to work with Minuteman Press and Jack Panzer over the past five years in Greeley and on the conversion in Longmont in 2021. He says, “Working with Jack is amazing as he is very thorough and helpful. Since I started my business in Greeley in 2016, he has been a huge resource for us and very supportive. As we start to build in Longmont, we are also expanding in Greeley to a new 5,000 sq. ft. facility – remodeling is under way as we speak. We started small and grew the business, and now we are building on that success at the right, consistent pace.” For more information on Minuteman Press in Longmont and Greeley, visit https://minuteman.com/us/locations/co/longmont or https://minuteman.com/us/locations/co/greeley. Minuteman Press, Missoula, Montana (formerly Advertiser Montana Printing) Rebecca and Kirk Treece are the new owners of Minuteman Press in Missoula, Montana. They purchased Advertiser Montana Printing, which has a 40-year history in Missoula, in January 2021. Rebecca says, “It is a real honor to become part of Missoula’s thriving business community. The Palmers (former owners) had a 40-year long relationship with this community and their loyal customers have welcomed us and trusted us with their service, which has given us a great start here in Missoula.” Prior to Minuteman Press, Rebecca and Kirk had varying careers. Rebecca shares, “Before owning my own business, I was utilizing my teaching degree as a vision therapist at an optometry office in Missoula, working with children and adults to improve their visual skills. My husband Kirk was previously a financial and operational manager for a large company. He and I also own a franchise of Fish Window Cleaning and Sunbelt Business Brokerage. We are familiar with business and the franchise concept, but were really drawn to the Minuteman Press structure, training, support and record of success.” While Rebecca and Kirk have experience owning a business, they had never been involved in the printing industry before. Rebecca says, “Advertiser Montana Printing was an independent print shop that had been in business for 40 years and they had a very loyal base of long-standing customers. An established customer base was the opportunity we were looking for when buying a new business. Our goal is 100% retention and we have worked diligently to meet and develop relationships with each customer. We hit the ground running and it gave us an opportunity to get experience across the board. Our local Minuteman Press field representatives were able to train us on every aspect of the business, which gave us the confidence to meet the demands of our customers.” Rebecca continues, “The support from Minuteman Press has been exceptional. The training was very comprehensive, and we felt like we were well-prepared for starting up and getting straight to work. We also know exactly who to call when we have a question or issue to manage. The network of Minuteman Press is amazing in the way that everyone is there for you at any time and in any capacity that you need. The expertise of the training and the continual mentoring are the powerful tools we need to succeed.” One of the ways Rebecca is looking to stand out as a new business owner is by expanding on the products and services offered by Minuteman Press and educating clients on what is in high demand right now. She explains, “Our high-demand products are business cards, menus, point of sale products like invoices and forms, and medical facility materials. As businesses open up, the demand for envelopes, letterhead, and other consumables has grown. Being part of Minuteman Press family has given us a huge opportunity to share with customers our expanded line of products like mailing, signage, apparel, promotional items. It has really given us the ability to help people promote their business.” As for Minuteman Press in Missoula, Rebecca and Kirk know exactly where they want to go. She says, “Our goal is to become the premier printing and advertising design company in Missoula and the Greater Northwestern Montana area. We want to develop the reputation for supplying the highest quality products and having superior customer service. We strive to make Minuteman Press in Missoula the place to go for all advice and services. The main lesson Minuteman Press impressed upon me is that if you do not like the current state of your business, change it! Get up, get out there, market, make connections, and grow your business. We have been given the tools and the support to create something great and that is extremely exciting for us.” For more information on Minuteman Press in Missoula, visit https://minuteman.com/us/locations/mt/missoula. Minuteman Press, Hove, England (formerly TJ’s Branding Solutions) Romi and Russell Pinsent are the new owners of Minuteman Press in Hove, England. They purchased TJ’s Branding Solutions, which operated for 30 years, in June 2021. Romi says, We are so excited to carry the legacy of TJ’s Branding Solutions and expand our products and services through Minuteman Press to benefit our local business clients and community.” TJ’s Branding Solutions laid a solid foundation for Romi and Russell as they look forward to continuing to build the business that was started by original owner Tony Jenner. Romi says, “The store that we have bought has predominantly been a sign writing store that already supports existing businesses and has a good customer base. The work done within the store already supports local businesses by assisting them to promote their own business by way of designing logos, shop fronts and vehicle livery.” On selling the printing and sign business through Minuteman Press, Tony Jenner says, “Minuteman Press Regional Vice President Mark Jones approached me at a good time and asked me if I was interested in selling my business. I have been running TJ’s Branding Solutions for over 30 years and was looking at a change of direction. I was looking to retire and enjoy what I have achieved and spend more time with family. This was a great opportunity to sell at a good price with no broker fees. What was there not to like? It was a smooth exchange and transfer that was done – I would recommend it.” Prior to franchising with Minuteman Press, Romi and Russell were no strangers to running their own business. Romi shares, “Before franchising, our background was and still is running care homes. It is an enjoyable business to run, supporting the more vulnerable people within society but it is riddled with legislation and we wanted to explore a new venture that was more creative and had an opportunity for growth. We wanted a change for us and a new business venture seemed the way forward.” Why Minuteman Press? Romi answers, “We have over 40 years of business experience between us however we were cautious about moving into a new industry as our experience is only in our other business. We visited a franchise show with the intention of looking at a hospitality franchise but quickly realized that this wasn’t something we wanted to explore due to having to work evenings and weekends.” Romi adds, “The intention at the start was to purchase a new store and grow it from the ground up however once we had decided on the franchise, [Regional Vice President] Mark Jones undertook some market research and found an existing independent print shop in TJ’s Branding Solutions where the owner wanted to retire. As a result, we began the process of purchasing the store.” “Throughout the whole process, Mark Jones supported us in liaising with the seller, solicitors, and accountants to make the process as easy as possible. There was never a question that couldn’t be answered! We secured the store on the 3 rd June 2021. Russell and I are both excited to work with the Minuteman Press franchise support team and to grow the business in the local area. Russ has lived in the city since he was 5-years-old and I have lived here all my life. We are proud to call Brighton and Hove our home, we love where we live and want to offer the best service to all local businesses here!” -Romi Pinsent, co-owner, Minuteman Press, Hove, England (formerly TJ’s Branding Solutions) Romi concludes, “Overall, As a local business ourselves, Minuteman Press in Hove is excited to work with other local businesses. We look forward to seeing where this incredible journey takes us as we build and grow together.” For more information on Minuteman Press in Hove, England, visit https://hove.minutemanpress.co.uk. International Minute Press, Nampa, Idaho (formerly Custom Printing) Sheryl and James Wisler are the new owners if International Minute Press in Nampa, Idaho. They purchased Custom Printing from Mike Cutler, who operated the independent printing business for 25 years. Seller’s Perspective from Mike Cutler, Retired Owner of Custom Printing Mike Cutler built up Custom Printing from a print shop out of his garage in 1996 to a successful printing business that averaged over $1 million in gross sales over the past 5 years. He tried to sell his printing business for six to eight months before realizing it was going to be harder than he thought. That is when he turned to Minuteman Press. Mike says, “I tried to sell the business that I worked so hard to build for six to eight months on my own. I was also preparing to let it go at a very undervalued price as I couldn’t find the right people to buy the business and I found many of them were time-wasters and tire-kickers. On top of that, when I consulted with a business broker, they were asking me for 10% off the top of the sale, and they also wanted a percentage of my lease agreement.” After experiencing these challenges on his own, Mike turned to Minuteman Press International to help sell his printing business. “One of the franchisees I knew locally in Idaho referred me to Chris Jutt, Minuteman Press International Regional Vice President. After our first phone call, I felt confident that Chris had the ability, drive and connections to make this dream a reality for me. Our meetings were always super easygoing and comfortable. Chris took all the pressure off of me and said to focus on my successful business and he would do the rest. That is just what he did.” “We set a price for my independent printing business that was significantly higher than I anticipated, and Chris Jutt recommended some terms. Within one week, I had several very interested parties. Chris found the perfect people to purchase my business – James and Sheryl Wisler – that will continue what I started some 25 years ago. Minuteman Press International knew that the most important things to me were my long-term employees, my clients, and the reputation I had worked so hard to build. Chris found buyers that valued the same things. He and the entire team at Minuteman Press International delivered on all of my expectations and exceeded in most of them. Looking back, if I knew this was going to be this easy, I would have contacted him years ago.” -Mike Cutler, retired owner, Custom Printing (now International Minute Press, Nampa, Idaho) After the sale of his business, Mike quickly realized how beneficial it was to have the team at Minuteman Press International assist with all aspects of the transition to the new owners. He shares, “At first, I was apprehensive about how the transition would go. I was immediately relieved when I saw how Minuteman Press International took the reins to teach and train James and Sheryl. We are only two and a half weeks into the transition phase, and already I feel like I am not needed as much as I thought I would be. My employees are in great hands, my clients are being taken care of, and James and Sheryl are doing a fantastic job.” He adds, “The entire team both here locally and at their corporate headquarters has been phenomenal. No matter who I’ve talked to or worked with during this entire process, everyone has been professional as well as instrumental in making this happen. It’s a win-win situation all around.” “The smooth transition has reassured me that it was the right move to sell my business with Minuteman Press International. They have the right plan, the right experience, and everyone has been incredible to the very last detail. In my acquisition experience, nothing has ever been as easy as this. I had everything to gain and nothing to lose, and there were absolutely no hiccups along the way. I would easily rate my experience as 10/10.” -Mike Cutler Advice to Other Sellers When asked what advice he would give to other print and sign shop owners looking to sell, Mike answers, “Don’t even waste your time trying to do this yourself. When you try to sell on your own, there are so many bottleneck issues and you will likely undervalue your business. I couldn’t find the right buyers on my own and I had to spend too much time to meet with people repeatedly while still running my own business.” Mike concludes, “Minuteman Press International alleviated the bottlenecks and came forward with qualified buyers who were ready to write the check for the right price. I am 100% satisfied beyond my expectations. This was a total team effort by everyone, and they all came through for me.” For more information on International Minute Press in Nampa, Idaho, visit https://minuteman.com/us/locations/id/nampa. For more information on how to sell your printing business or sign business through Minuteman Press International’s Conversion Program, visit https://bit.ly/minutemanpressconversions Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

December 06, 2021 09:10 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Family Gift Guide for the 2021 Holiday Season

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/HDSa4Jb_slc A new survey finds holiday shoppers are planning to spend upwards to $250 per family member this season. Lifestyle Expert, Bethany Braun-Silva has compiled a few family-focused gift ideas sure to satisfy those loved ones who’ve been on the good list this past year. GO BACK TO THE MOVIES: Reports indicate retailers are facing empty shelves this holiday season. Braun-Silva says there are ways around this problem for the average consumer, adding, “There is good news and the outlook for the holiday season is bright. First, families are looking to reunite and connect for the holidays. Second, they’re looking for fun things to do — together.” The lifestyle expert points to giving the gift of experiences as her first tip. “Who hasn’t missed going to the movies,” she asks while reflecting on the immersive, cinematic experience theatres provide with their big screens, booming surround sound and warm, irresistible movie theatre popcorn. “I recommend giving the gift of Cinemark Movie Club, a monthly in-theatre membership program that gets you free tickets, exclusive discounts, and more at all Cinemark theatres across the U.S.,” says Braun-Silva. She adds that holiday shoppers can easily buy a stress-free 12-month gift membership for $99 which comes with 12 movie tickets, 20% off concessions, waived online fees, and additional discounts! The average Movie Club member saves over $100 per year with a Movie Club membership. Braun-Silva says it’s the perfect gift for families because the whole family can benefit from the membership. As monthly ticket credits roll over to the next month if unused, members can save them up to take the whole family, waive the online ticketing fee when booking their tickets in advance and save 20% on everyone’s concessions. Moviegoers can experience all the fun with great family films coming to theatres, including Encanto, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Sing 2 and others. For more, go to cinemark.com/movieclubgift. Social media handles: @Cinemark FUN IN THE SUN: Braun-Silva says don’t be afraid to gift big, saying, “Just imagine the faces of your loved ones when they find out you’ve gifted them a trip to Florida.” VISIT FLORIDA is inviting travelers to gift a heartwarming trip to the Sunshine State — from relaxing beach getaways, family fun at iconic theme parks, to outdoor adventure and unique wildlife encounters. Giving a Florida vacation experience removes the stress of holiday shopping, and to make this even easier, Braun-Silver says VISIT FLORIDA has partnered with Expedia to offer up to 20% off overnight bookings at select hotels throughout the state. This includes the Melia Orlando Celebration - 30% off Family Suite, The Southernmost Beach Resort in Key West - 20% off all rooms, Legacy Hotel at IMG Academy in Bradenton, where the Golf Club features an 18-hole championship golf course, and many others. To give the ultimate Florida vacation experience this holiday season, head to Expedia.com/GiveFlorida. https://www.Expedia.com/GiveFlorida Social media handles: @VISITFLORIDA HOP ON THE WAGON: Families are planning to get out and about this holiday season and into the New Year. As a mom of two boys, Braun-Silva admits that she knows the ins and outs of traveling with children. Enjoying the journey as a family starts with the right transportation. The lifestyle expert recommends the Wonderfold W4 Elite, adding, “It’s the perfect carrier for kids. Babies and toddlers love strolling around in the WONDERFOLD Multi-Function Wagon. They’re secured in a 5-point harness and covered by a UV protected canopy. With high face to face seats with footrests, this stroller wagon makes it easy to take the entire family to the park, beach, campsite, and more!” The wagon’s user-friendly design is easily foldable with minimal assembly required. The one-step folding design allows you to fold and store it in seconds. Its adjustable push handle can be customized to accommodate different heights and needs. Another aspect that Braun-Silva loves is that it’s multifunctional, pointing out that after the kids have outgrown the stroller, the seats can be removed to transform it into a utility wagon — perfect for sports equipment, camping gear, luggage, and so much more! This brand is available on Wonderfoldwagon.com, Amazon, and other retailers. https://www.wonderfoldwagon.com/ Facebook: @ wonderfoldfam Instagram: @ wonderfoldwagon TikTok: @ wonderfoldwagon 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

December 03, 2021 03:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Holiday Hosting Made Simple

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/HPGLegjpG08 This year more than 53-million people are expected to head out and spend time with friends and family. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Mia Syn shares her tips for those taking on the hosting gig and setting the scene for all the fun, food, and festivities. PLAN THE MENU AHEAD OF TIME: As restrictions continue to lift, many Americans are catching up in person with extended family and friends. Syn admits hosting can feel stressful at times, especially after close to two years off, saying, “That’s why I recommend planning the menu ahead of time, including main dishes, drinks, desserts, and the overall presentation.” The Registered Dietician Nutritionist suggests kicking things off with an overflowing charcuterie board filled with a mixture of colors, textures, and flavors, including a variety of cheeses, meats, and lots of veggies. Syn says to make sure to include almonds, adding, “One of my favorites is Blue Diamond’s Wasabi & Soy Sauce Almonds. They have a kick and a salty, sweet finish. I also like the Honey Roasted Almonds for a sweet flavor with a hint of salt.” She also points to one holiday staple that helps make every gathering a success — eggnog. One brand she turns to is Almond Breeze Almondmilk Nog, calling it the perfect dairy-free version of the classic holiday beverage with the same creamy taste of traditional eggnog. “Having a few cartons of Almond Breeze Almondmilk Nog on hand will make holiday entertaining a breeze,” says Syn. These products are available at grocery stores nationwide. Consumers can also use Blue Diamond’s product locator tool to find a nearby store. https://www.bluediamond.com/ Facebook: @BlueDiamondAlmonds / @AlmondBreeze Instagram: @bluediamond / @almondbreeze Twitter: @bluediamond / @almondbreeze KEEP DESSERTS TOP OF MIND: A menu would not be complete without dessert. It may be a surprise, but Syn is a self-proclaimed “desserts girl,” saying, “They might show up last on the menu, but they’re always top of my mind.” Pies are synonymous with the holiday season, whether apple, pecan, or pumpkin, and she turns to one brand to top them with added flavor. “Reddi-wip is a delicious whipped topping to have on hand for all of your favorite desserts. What you might not know is that there are a variety of options for various tastes and dietary preferences, all with creamy, tasty flavor,” adds Syn. As a dietitian, she really likes Reddi-wip Zero Sugar. It’s a great option for anyone hosting keto-friendly guests or those wanting to cut back on added sugar. It’s made with real cream and has 0 grams of sugar per-serving. Syn also turns to the brands vegan or dairy-free options. Reddi-wip offers two non-dairy varieties in coconut and almond. Both have the creaminess without the added dairy. Shoppers can find Reddi-wip at retailers nationwide. https://www.reddiwip.com/ Facebook: @ReddiWip Instagram: @Reddiwip Twitter: @RealReddiWip STOP DOING DISHES: The Registered Dietician Nutritionist, says that planning the food, fun and festivities can be exciting, but the cleanup is often taxing and requires a lot of time. She says her final holiday hosting tip is sure to shock. “Stop doing dishes! No one likes it, and it takes time away from being with your family and friends. Instead enjoy the holiday experience,” she adds. This time of year is often busy and should be spent on special traditions, making new memories, and being with the ones you love. Syn says The Chinet® brand can help make cleanup easier so partygoers can spend more time with your family. The Chinet Classic® products are made for what’s on your menu — whether main dishes, like a roast turkey, prime rib roast, or an old-fashioned ham with brown sugar and mustard glaze, or the Chinet Crystal® products, that add a fancy touch to meals, perfect for a pork tenderloin, seared duck or scallops, or lamb with garlic and rosemary. The best part, adds Syn, “The Chinet brand helps remove all the hassle of cleanup. When you’re done eating dinner or dessert, you throw everything away and have all that extra time for family fun.” For more information, go to mychinet.com. Facebook: Facebook.com/mychinet Instagram: Instagram.com/mychinet Twitter: Twitter.com/mychinet 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

December 03, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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How to Figure Out Medicare and Choose the Right Plan

YourUpdateTV

Choosing a Medicare plan can feel overwhelming. Ten thousand baby boomers age into Medicare everyday with questions about getting the right, affordable healthcare coverage and finding a Medicare plan that fits their needs. Recently, Keira Krausz, the Chief Marketing Officer at ClearMatch™ Medicare, part of HealthPlanOne, teamed with YourUpdateTV on a satellite media tour to share tips on how to make this year’s Medicare enrollment less confusing. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/58vAvLAhVyIQ For nearly 63 million Medicare beneficiaries or individuals turning 65 who need affordable health plan coverage, Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period is here, and it will end in December 7 th. Choosing a Medicare plan can feel overwhelming. According to a recent survey, 58 percent of Medicare members say they don’t look forward to reviewing their Medicare plan, with 23 percent of people sharing that reviewing their plan is as delightful as having a colonoscopy. In 2019, 71 percent of Medicare beneficiaries said they didn’t compare plans during the open enrollment period, according to a Kaiser study published last month. Not comparing plans is a missed opportunity – because each year plans and benefits change – it’s important for individuals to compare their options, and a broker like ClearMatch™ Medicare can easily provide you a simple comparison of best plans. ClearMatch™ Medicare is committed to “de-complexify” Medicare for customers across the country. They match each customer with the right plan at the right place to deliver better health and peace of mind. The company can support customers throughout their Medicare journey, with a focus on the long-term. ClearMatch agents guide customers at every step of the way, from identifying and enrolling in a plan to reviewing coverage each year to make sure customers get all the benefits they deserve. To learn more about this year’s Medicare’s Annual Enrollment period and ClearMatch™ Medicare, go to: clearmatchmedicare.com About Keira Krausz: An award-winning Direct-to-Consumer marketer, Krausz has spent her career focused on the melding of data-driven analytics and compelling creative. Krausz led the launch of the ClearMatch™ Medicare brand. The brand’s purpose is to match each customer with a Medicare plan that delivers the benefits the customer is entitled to, to support better health and deliver peace of mind. The company expects potential customers will benefit from its digital content and then leverage a hybrid approach – an ecommerce platform plus a licensed ClearMatch™ Medicare insurance agent – to gain a solid understanding of options and enroll in a plan. ClearMatch™ Medicare agents, supported by the company, then will build a long-term relationship with each customer to ensure satisfaction. From 2013-2018 Krausz was the CMO and EVP of Nutrisystem, Inc., where her team reversed a seven-year decline and returned the company to sustained growth, to nearly double revenue and quadruple EBITDA. Prior to Nutrisystem, Krausz held leadership positions at Time Inc. and the Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. Krausz attended Cornell University as an undergraduate and has an MBA from the Tuck School at Dartmouth College. 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

December 03, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Oprah’s Favorite Things with Gayle King and Adam Glassman

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/5zdxoXdJxYg 2021 marks the 25 th anniversary of Oprah’s Favorite Things and Gayle King, co-host of " CBS Mornings " and editor-at-large of Oprah Daily and Adam Glassman, creative director of Oprah Daily conducted a nationwide media tour to discuss highlights from this year’s list. Spotlighting small businesses and the inspiring stories of the owners behind the products has been part of the mission of Oprah’s Favorite Things from the very start. This is the biggest list ever with 110 items and most of the items selected are from small businesses, women-owned brands or companies owned by people of color. Some of the highlights include: Rebel Girls Books, Crayon Case Notepad iShadow Palettes, Fab Fête White Corn & Truffle Cheese Soufflé, Henry Masks and Oprah’s The Life You Want Planner. Part weekly planner, part intention journal, this beautiful book created by the Oprah Daily editors and Oprah will inspire you to make self-reflection and setting intentions a daily practice—and help you answer the ultimate question, “How do I become more of me?” Starting in January 2022, Oprah will host monthly livestream events exclusively for Oprah Daily Insiders to guide us through each of these topics. We’ll have surrounding content and conversation on OprahDaily.com every single day to support your journey. Oprah Daily Insiders receive unlimited access to OprahDaily.com, as well as special deals and discounts on Oprah-related events, access to their favorite stories and interviews from the magazine archives of O, The Oprah Magazine, and the chance to connect with other readers. Access to the membership program is $50, which also includes a subscription to the new O Quarterly. We have more fun surprises planned in the coming months so head to OprahDaily.com to join now or become an Oprah Daily Insider here. You can pick up the Winter Issue of O Quarterly featuring Oprah’s Favorite Things on newsstands now or head to OprahDaily.com to sign up to be an Oprah Daily Insider or shop the list on Oprah Daily and Amazon. To see the full list of items please visit https://www.oprahdaily.com/oprah-favorite-things-2021. For more information, visit oprahdaily.com/oprah-favorite-things-2021 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. About Oprah Daily: Building on the mission and legacy of O, The Oprah Magazine — which for two decades guided its loyal audience toward living their best lives — Oprah Winfrey and Hearst Magazines introduced Oprah Daily, which includes OprahDaily.com, a new destination with thoughtful digital storytelling; O Quarterly, a new print edition that will publish four times a year; and Oprah Daily Insider, a special membership-only community, where readers can connect live with Oprah other O personalities, including Editor-at-Large Gayle King, Creative Director Adam Glassman and more. Follow Oprah Daily on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

December 01, 2021 05:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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DonorsTrust Celebrates Record-Breaking Donations On Giving Tuesday

Donors Trust

The team at DonorsTrust, a donor-advised fund (DAF) committed to encouraging philanthropic giving and protecting donor intent, is celebrating “Giving Tuesday” amid a record-breaking pace of donations. Giving Tuesday, the first Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, is a global celebration of generosity. All are encouraged to help others and consider giving their time and resources. “DAFs remain positioned right now to serve the public good, especially in these continued uncertain times,” explained Lawson Bader, CEO of DonorsTrust. “Charitable contributions from DAFs met the challenge of 2020 for a multitude of charities and kept the pace going throughout 2021.” DonorsTrust is on pace to set a new record in 2021, already distributing grants totaling more than $140 million through mid-October. In 2020, DonorsTrust paid out more than $186 million to charitable causes. With an expected surge in additional giving around the holidays, the amount in 2021 is on track to be significantly higher. In 2019, DonorsTrust accountholders recommended $163 million in grants to 751 charities in nearly every U.S. state, representing an increase of 12% from 2018. DAFs are like a charitable savings account that provides donors more time to think about which charities to contribute to over time, all while their money is growing in the fund, increasing the impact of giving from both a timing perspective and amount, too. “Giving from DAFs is increasing as philanthropists look to give more, and more strategically – on Giving Tuesday and beyond - making up for the unanticipated needs and demands many non-profits are currently experiencing,” Bader continued. “Despite these fears and uncertainty from the pandemic and economic uncertainty, giving expectations were surpassed as donors continue to step up and support non-profit organizations.” DAFs provide a key source of income for charities. The charitable vehicle is growing in popularity, with nearly 1 million Americans utilizing DAFs to centralize and simplify giving. Low new account minimums make them the great democratizers of philanthropy – available to all, not just the privileged few. To learn more about how DAFs and DonorsTrust are making a difference, please visit http://www.donorstrust.org. ### Established in 1999 as a 501(c)(3) public charity, DonorsTrust is a community of donors devoted to creating a better future. Our donors support charities they believe protect our Nation’s constitutional liberties and strengthen civil society through private institutions rather than government programs. Our boutique size lets us offer our donors personal attention and advice that helps them achieve their philanthropic goals. We ensure that our donors’ intentions are protected and offer simple, effective, and tax-advantaged, ways to give. Since its inception, DonorsTrust granted over $1.6 billion to more than 4,000 charities that protect our constitutional liberties and strengthen civil society without government funding. Contact Details Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 daniel.rene@kglobal.com Company Website https://www.donorstrust.org/

November 30, 2021 08:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

Nintendo Holiday Gift Guide 2021: Gifts the Whole Family Can Share And Enjoy

YourUpdateTV

The holidays are almost here and that means spending more time with family and loved ones. With a vast library of games, there is something for everyone on the Nintendo Switch family of systems this holiday season. This includes multiplayer titles that the whole family can play together*, in addition to fun games and experiences you can enjoy on your own. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/S7FY8Dfrjj8 With the Nintendo Switch family of systems, everyone has the choice of a system that best fits their needs and play styles. Nintendo Switch can be played on the TV or taken on the go for portable play, while Nintendo Switch Lite is a dedicated gaming handheld system great for those who love playing in handheld mode. Nintendo Switch – OLED Model has a similar overall size to the Nintendo Switch system, but with a larger, vibrant 7-inch OLED screen with vivid colors and crisp contrast. Here are some of the Nintendo Switch games people are talking about this year: In Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain, you’ll go brain-to-brain with others in a series of fun, family-friendly activities that are sure to test your mental mettle. Everyone can play together at varying difficulties, so a kid can hold their own against an adult in this battle of the brains. The full game launches on Dec. 3, but if you want to try your hand at some mind-tickling challenges today, a free demo is available right now in Nintendo eShop or download directly to your Nintendo Switch from the official website. In Mario Party Superstars, available now, roll your dice and race to get the most stars (and sabotage your opponents) on five different game boards and take on 100 classic minigames fit for the whole family. You’ll have a blast in this all-star funfest filled with some of your favorite characters from the Super Mario series. Want to play with far-off friends and family? All modes can be played locally* and online**. If you’re looking to wind down from holiday travel or get-togethers, take a look at the Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl games. Experience the nostalgic story from the Pokémon Diamond Version and Pokémon Pearl Version games in an adventure reborn on the Nintendo Switch system, available now. Or escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game, out now. In the new paid downloadable content Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise *** you’ll travel to a chain of charming islands in an archipelago where you can design the dream vacation homes of your clients, decorate island facilities – like a school and a restaurant – and discover new ways to create and personalize. This Black Friday, Nintendo is offering a great value with a Nintendo Switch bundle with the digital version of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game and a three-month individual membership to Nintendo Switch Online ****. For a suggested retail price of $299.99, that’s the price of a Nintendo Switch system, with a game and a 3-month Nintendo Switch Online membership at no extra cost. Additionally, several Nintendo Switch games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, Splatoon 2, Super Mario Maker 2, Paper Mario: The Origami King, Kirby Star Allies, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, ASTRAL CHAIN and Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition will be available for $20 off their suggested retail price. There will also be deals on the Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit and Ring Fit Adventure games. Starting on Nov. 21,, while supplies last, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit will be available at a suggested retail price of $59.99 (a savings of $40*****) and Ring Fit Adventure will be available at a suggested retail price of $54.99 (a savings of $25*****). For more information, visit Nintendo.com/holiday. *Additional games, systems and/or accessories may be required for multiplayer mode. Games, systems and some accessories sold separately. **Any Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. nintendo.com/switch-online ***Full version of game required to use DLC. Sold separately. ****Offer valid 11/27/2021, while supplies last. Included Nintendo Switch Online membership auto-renews at the end of three months. Terms apply. nintendo.com/switch-online *****Savings based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Actual discount may vary. About Lilliana Vasquez: Lilliana is a trailblazing interviewer, style expert, and author. The enterprising star has curated a career that began from a small blog, to being seen by millions daily on numerous platforms including TODAY, Access Hollywood, The Wendy Williams Show and most recently as the first and only Latinx host of "Steve Harvey." Lilliana has always been passionate about giving back and actively advocates on issues such as education, health, immigration, and economic empowerment. She also embraces and welcomes her responsibility as a role model for others in the Latinx community who aspire to work in television. About Nintendo: Nintendo Co., Ltd., headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, has created franchises that have become household names worldwide, including Mario ™, Donkey Kong ™, The Legend of Zelda ™, Metroid ™, Pokémon ™, Animal Crossing ™, Pikmin ™ and Splatoon ™, through its integrated hardware and software products. Nintendo aims to deliver unique, intuitive entertainment experiences for everyone, manufacturing and marketing video game devices such as the Nintendo Switch ™ family of systems, developing and operating applications for smart devices, and collaborating with partners on a range of other entertainment initiatives like visual content and theme parks. Nintendo has sold more than 5.1 billion video games and over 800 million hardware units globally. From the launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System ™ more than 30 years ago, through today and into the future, Nintendo’s continuing mission is to create unique entertainment that puts smiles on the faces of people all over the world. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Americas. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at https://www.nintendo.com/. 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 29, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Actor and Comedian Kevin Hart Is Osmo’s Chief Kindness Officer for the Holidays

Osmo

Award-winning STEAM brand Osmo announces that actor and comedian Kevin Hart is Osmo’s Chief Kindness Officer for the holidays. As Chief Kindness Officer, Hart brings joy to children and parents across the country, bringing them smiles, holiday cheer, in addition to a very big surprise. Hart, using all his “heart,” recently delivered holiday cheer to three household heroes via an unexpected video call, telling them they won a complete collection of STEAM starter kits and games by Osmo, in addition to a tablet. The three lucky parents, who entered into Osmo’s holiday giveaway in November but had not received any notification of final result, were incredibly surprised and overwhelmed by the actor’s call telling them “ you won!” As a father of four including two toddlers, Hart loves to see his children engaged in STEAM technology, which helps them learn core subjects, while they play. 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 Carolyn Kamii PR +1 310-251-0550 carolynkpr@gmail.com Company Website http://www.playosmo.com

November 29, 2021 09:00 AM Pacific Standard Time

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