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Cruising Provides the Best Value to Experience Europe this Summer

YourUpdateTV

Last year, demand for travel to Europe hit an all-time high, following the long-waited lifting of travel restrictions. Today, the desire to travel to this highly sought-out destination remains strong, with companies reporting that searches for European travel are 77% higher than last year. Cruise vacations offer fantastic value for travelers looking to see and experience more during their vacation, this is especially true amidst rising travel costs for airfare and hotels. Recently, the Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic, Colleen McDaniel, teamed up with Norwegian Cruise Line on a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss why travelers are finding so much value in cruise vacations and what you need to know before your next voyage to Europe. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/3r9DRG6BYFo In a recent survey, Cruise Critic readers ranked unpacking once and seeing multiple destinations, ease of travel and cost effectiveness as their top three reasons why they enjoy cruising in Europe. In fact, one in four Cruise Critic readers indicated that they plan to cruise in Europe this summer. With port-intensive itineraries visiting multiple countries and endless activities for everyone from couples, to solo travelers and families alike, cruising takes the stress out of summer Europe vacation planning. Norwegian Cruise Line has something for all travelers to enjoy with more than 100 distinct voyages in Europe from now (June) through the end of the year, with voyages visiting more than 150 destinations throughout Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Greek Isles. Cruising in Europe offers great value for the vacation dollar, with fares including nearly everything needed for a fantastic trip: world-class dining, well-appointed accommodations, around-the-clock entertainment, and transportation between destinations without the time and hassle of traveling by train or plane. NCL’s Free At Sea promotion offers guests free open bar, free specialty dining, free excursions, free WiFi, and more. This summer, travelers will also have the opportunity to discover the wonders of Europe aboard the brand’s newest ships, Cruise Critic’s Editor’s Pick for Best New Ship, Norwegian Prima, and her sister-ship, Norwegian Viva, which is set to debut this August. Go to www.ncl.com to learn more about available itineraries and to start planning your long-awaited vacation at sea. About Colleen McDaniel Colleen McDaniel is Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic, the world’s largest online cruise resource. She considers cruising to be a true passion, having traveled the world by water – from Alaska, the Caribbean and Hawaii, to Europe’s rivers, Antarctica and Africa – on ships of all ships and sizes. She’s regularly quoted as a cruise expert in media outlets across the country, including outlets like The Associated Press, Good Morning America, CNN, FOX Business, CNBC, The New York Times, Travel + Leisure and Skift. Cruise Critic is the world’s largest cruise reviews and information site, offering a comprehensive resource for cruise travelers -- from first-time cruisers to avid cruise enthusiasts. The site features more than 50M+ opinions, reviews & photos and hosts the world's largest online cruise community. Cruise Critic is a subsidiary of TripAdvisor, Inc. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 14, 2023 10:12 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Vinexpo Asia, Leather Show and Four New Trade Fairs Line Up to Put on a Great Show in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Tourism Board

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 14 June 2023 - Hong Kong, the international trade fair capital of Asia, is going from strength to strength. Further to the completion of several successful shows, including Global Sources Hong Kong, which packed out all ten halls with over 100,000 buyers at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), and HOFEX, Asia’s Leading Food and Hospitality Tradeshow which brought over 30,000 buyers from around the world to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), Hong Kong is continuing to boost the exhibition forward momentum by booking yet more events. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced the city is welcoming back two more premier global trade fairs, Vinexpo Asia 2024 and APLF Leather, Materials + & Fashion Access 2024, while securing four new trade shows for this year. APLF and Vinexpo Asia set to return to Hong Kong in 2024 Next year, APLF Leather, Materials + & Fashion Access 2024, one of the world’s most important leather and fashion tradeshows and Vinexpo Asia, the most highly regarded international show in the wine and spirits industry in Asia-Pacific, are set to return to Hong Kong in March and May respectively. Kenneth Wong, General Manager, MICE & Cruise of HKTB, said: “The return of the world's leading trade shows highlights Hong Kong’s attractiveness, its friendly trading policies, and solid fundamentals; Hong Kong also enjoys promising growth potential with the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and comprehensive government support for the industry. We are highly delighted to see organisers of both old and new shows choosing Hong Kong.” David Bondi, Senior Vice President, Informa Markets Asia said, “We’re delighted to bring APLF events back to Asia’s World City next year. The enthusiasm is palpable as the city has long been our home base, connecting the global markets with Chinese suppliers and buyers.” Launched in Asia a quarter-century ago, Vinexpo Asia is one of the world’s largest events for wine and spirits professionals. Rodolphe Lameyse, Chief Executive Officer of Vinexposium Group said, “Hong Kong is the strategic gateway to the market in mainland China, and 2024 will mark Vinexpo Asia 's triumphant return to the city with hundreds of producers presenting the very best wines from all around the world.” Four new shows cement Hong Kong as GBA’s MICE hub and Asia’s aviation and logistics centre This June and July, four new exhibitions are being staged in Hong Kong for the first time: DMP Greater Bay Area Industrial Expo; the three-in-one expo BioCHINA 2023; Greater Bay Area ESG & Sustainability Exhibition; and the 13th JCtrans Global Freight Forwarders Expo 2023. The exciting line-up is a strong testament to Hong Kong's thriving exhibition scene in the light of the city’s unique position as the MICE hub of the GBA and a global aviation and logistics centre. Check out more upcoming events on MICE event calendar: https://mehongkong.com/eng/home/planning/events.html Global Sources Hong Kong Show in April 2023 occupied all ten halls at AWE HOFEX 2023 attracted over 30,000 buyers at HKCEC Contact Details Hong Kong Tourism Board Ms Ivy Chung +852 2807 6255 ivy.chung@hktb.com Hong Kong Tourism Board Ms Candice Leung +852 2807 6578 candice.leung@hktb.com

June 14, 2023 04:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Save the Redwoods League Urges State Legislators to Deliver Urgent Funding for California State Parks via a Climate Bond in 2024

Save the Redwoods League

Save the Redwoods League today released a new report, daylighting critical funding needs across the California State Parks system. It urges state legislators to make necessary investments statewide through a 2024 climate bond measure or the annual budget process. Recent wildfire and storm damage add to more than $1 billion in deferred park maintenance and more than a decade without an active land acquisition program. Together, these accumulating costs demonstrate that California State Parks does not have the sufficient funding and resources it needs to continue providing equitable outdoor access for all, preserving the state’s biodiversity and bolstering the state’s climate resilience. “California’s unrivaled state park system was built on a backbone of old-growth redwood parks. In fact, California State Parks is the largest public redwood forest manager, which means the health of the redwood forests depends on a healthy California State Parks system,” said Sam Hodder, president and CEO of Save the Redwoods League. “Our longtime park partners are doing an amazing job in light of significant resource challenges, growing visitation and climate impacts. To continue providing unique and inspirational park experiences for millions of visitors every year and investing in our climate resilience, state legislators need to uphold California’s legacy of conservation leadership and deliver adequate funding for California State Parks.” Save the Redwoods League calls on legislators to make investments in land acquisition and deferred maintenance and to provide at least $500 million for park improvement projects and $200 million for natural resources management in a 2024 climate bond. Report highlights: Why California State Parks needs increased and sustained support With 280 park units, the California State Parks System protects the largest and most diverse recreational, natural and cultural heritage holdings of any state agency. This includes 140,000 acres of coast redwood forests (40% of the world’s protected redwoods), 340 miles of coastline, 5,200 miles of trails and 15,000 campsites. Across all park units, there is a $1.2 billion deferred maintenance backlog. There are 49 coast redwood and giant sequoia state parks (17.5% of California’s state parks), and they carry $324 million (27%) of the deferred maintenance projects. Recent storms wreaked havoc throughout the state, causing an additional $72 million in damage in December 2022 and January 2023. Of that, $10 million (13.9%) in damage occurred in redwood and sequoia parks. This damage, along with that from recent fires and other emergencies, are identified as projects to be only partially funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency by as much as 75% of the costs. More than 68 million visitors from around the world travel to California’s 280 park units every year with 14 million (20.6%) visiting the redwood and sequoia parks annually. Without an active and robust land acquisition program for the last 14 years and with inconsistent funding for facilities maintenance, park improvements, staffing and more, California State Parks cannot keep pace with growing visitation while continuing to provide equitable outdoor recreation experiences. The success of California State Parks is vital to several high-priority state initiatives. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Outdoors for All initiative promises access to California’s prized landscapes for everyone, regardless of background or location. The state’s bold plan for climate leadership through California’s 30x30 Initiative and the California Climate Adaptation Strategy call for accelerating land conservation and for investing in nature-based solutions to climate change. California’s state parks serve as the ideal foundation for climate leadership, offering climate-resilient landscapes, carbon sinks, equitable park access and a restoration and stewardship economy. California State Parks’ budget must reflect its leadership role in advancing the state’s climate plans, and State Parks must be recognized as a vital partner in ensuring a resilient future for California. The unpredictable pattern of funding over the last few decades is unsustainable and is taking a toll on this world-class state park system. *** To schedule an interview, contact Liza Batallones at 415-766-0846 or redwoods@landispr.com. Save the Redwoods League One of the nation’s longest-running conservation organizations, Save the Redwoods League has been protecting and restoring redwood forests since 1918. The League has connected generations of visitors with the beauty and serenity of the redwood forests. Our 400,000 supporters have enabled the League to protect more than 220,000 acres of irreplaceable forests in 66 state, national, and local parks and reserves. For information, please visit SaveTheRedwoods.org. ### Contact Details Landis Communications Inc. Liza Batallones +1 415-766-0846 redwoods@landispr.com Company Website https://www.savetheredwoods.org/

June 14, 2023 12:24 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Navidar Advises Sincere Corporation in Its Acquisition of Timehop®

Navidar

Navidar is pleased to announce that our client, Sincere Corporation ( www.sincere.com ), the new parent company behind Punchbowl® and Memento®, has acquired Timehop®, the iconic brand that lets you relive your best memories every day. Sincere and its family of brands are run by the team that founded Punchbowl.com over 17 years ago and launched Memento.com in 2021. Timehop is the first acquisition under the new parent company entity. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. With the addition of Timehop, Sincere has solidified its position as the leading platform for family milestones, celebrations, and memories. Consumers can plan and invite loved ones to an unforgettable celebration on Punchbowl, collect and preserve memories from that occasion with Memento, and relive those moments for years to come with Timehop. “Navidar contributed valuable counsel at every step of this transaction—from strategy to execution—which makes them a unique, trusted advisor,” said Matt Douglas, Founder & CEO, Sincere Corporation. “Navidar’s guidance and seasoned advice were critical, and the successful outcome furthers our vision for the Company. We look forward to an ongoing relationship with Navidar as we continue to grow Sincere.” “We are delighted to have advised Sincere on this strategic acquisition. Sincere continues to strengthen its position as the leading platform for family milestones, celebrations, and memories with the acquisition of Timehop®. Navidar is excited to have contributed to a successful outcome for an innovative, growth-oriented company like Sincere,” said Mark Weisman, Managing Director of Navidar. About Navidar Navidar Holdco LLC (“Holdco”), with a presence in Austin, Atlanta, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Indianapolis, Minneapolis and San Antonio, is an investment banking firm that provides strategic merger and acquisition advice, capital raising solutions, and corporate advisory services to businesses and investors in dynamic industries. The firm focuses on SaaS software, eCommerce & Internet, information technology services, specialty manufacturing, and health care information technology companies. Navidar principals have completed more than 400 transactions representing nearly $110 billion in M&A and capital raising, for both private and public companies, over the past 20 years. Navidar Group LLC, an affiliate of Holdco, is a broker-dealer that is registered with FINRA and SIPC. About Sincere Corporation Sincere is a family of consumer internet brands with heart. The Company is home to Punchbowl®, Timehop®, and Memento®, and builds technology that brings you closer and helps show you care to the people who matter the most. More than 275 million online invitations and digital greeting cards have been sent on Punchbowl, 125 million memories are relived on Timehop every day, and more than 9 million memories have been collected on Memento. Sincere Foundation supports organizations that address basic needs, and envisions a future where everyone has the opportunity to celebrate, recognize milestones, and honor memories. The Company was founded by entrepreneur Matt Douglas. To learn more, visit www.sincere.com Contact Details Navidar Chelsey Gonzales +1 512-765-6976

June 13, 2023 01:00 PM Central Daylight Time

JAMES PAUL CHEUNG LIGHTWEIGHT CASHMERE SCARVES NOW FEATURE WORKS OF ART

James Paul Cheung

Following a successful career, James Paul Cheung made the audacious decision to leave finance for fashion in 2017. For nearly a decade, he has continued the legacy begun by his mother who ran a small cashmere shop in La Jolla, California. A driving force in the industry, Cheung has created a strong following in the Hamptons, where the business is based, as well as throughout the country and the world. He is a creative thinker who is always searching for ways to elevate simple luxuries and take them to the next level. Forever a fan of the arts, Cheung got the idea to collaborate with a capsule of artists and create their work as luxurious wearable art. The idea is to celebrate art in a unique way. "Perhaps a client is an art lover who wishes to share their passion with those they meet, now they can by owning a piece of art as a wearable, inspiring lightweight, luxury cashmere scarf," says Cheung. For the 2023 spring/summer season Cheung has collaborated with two talented female artists, Carolyn Marks Blackwood and Angela Maritz. Marks Blackwood is a photographer who has spent her life looking at paintings. Her work is part of a movement known as Pictorialists, a group of photographers who created a style of photography based on painting rather than on documentation. Inspired by Color Field painters, and artists like Rothko and Newman, Blackwood focuses on images that have strong verticals or horizontals and which tend to fill the whole optical field. For Angela Maritz, her paintings are about the moments when she felt free to unleash her raw emotions through paint. These moments silenced her mind and from this state, a deeper connection to herself and her inner joy was born. Angela's intention is that her art does the same for you. Quietens your thoughts, conjures up your memories, emboldens you, inspiring purpose-filled living. Thus creating positive change in the world through art. James Paul Cheung Cashmere began as a pop-up in the Southampton salon of Kevin Maple. The demand for his light-weight cashmere was overwhelming and in 2018 he opened his own shop in Bridgehampton. Following the pandemic, Cheung joined Curated by Thuyen in East Hampton, where his designs are currently available. The luxury brand stands by ethical, sourcing and partners with suppliers that share those beliefs. Cheung embraces design, and sustainability principles that result in high-quality products that use traceable, renewable, and recycled materials, and are resilient and long-lasting. All of his scarves are 100% pure cashmere – seasonless, lightweight like a summer breeze and easy to wear. James Paul Cheung is available at 94 Newtown Lane in East Hampton and jamespaulcheung.com Contact Details James Paul Cheung Cashmere James Paul Cheung James@jamespaulcheung.com

June 13, 2023 09:37 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Dishing Out the Latest Food, Beverage & Restaurant Trends Taking Over the Culinary World

YourUpdateTV

Whether you're exploring new dining options or sticking to your tried-and-true local favorites, get ready to learn more about the hottest trends and latest innovations that are shaping your dining experience. Restaurant industry experts Christine Johnson and Caitlin Rodgers conducted a satellite media tour live from Chicago at this year’s National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show® to share a behind-the-scenes look at the newest food trends and most innovative culinary products that are making waves in the industry and enhancing your dining experience. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/hqw7Sw_neFQ The National Restaurant Association Show welcomed nearly 55,000 foodservice professionals to Chicago’s McCormick Place for the world’s most influential showcase of foodservice innovation and inspiration. From May 20-23, the Show brought together more buyers, suppliers and manufacturers than any other industry event to explore and celebrate everything that’s happening in the industry—from the latest equipment, technology, and trends in food and beverage to creative solutions for today’s challenges from industry thought leaders. “Each year, the National Restaurant Association Show becomes the epicenter of the foodservice world, attracting the brightest minds and boldest ideas," said Tom Cindric, President of Winsight Exhibitions. Serving as the ultimate sourcing destination for restaurant and hospitality buyers, the National Restaurant Association Show provided unparalleled opportunities to explore the latest trends and establish invaluable business relationships. With more than 11 football fields (661,000+ sq. ft.) worth of exhibit space, the Show floor serves as the ultimate sourcing destination for restaurant and hospitality buyers looking for cutting-edge products across 900+ categories, including food and beverage, equipment, technology, tableware, sanitation and more. This year, the Show featured more than 2,100 manufacturers and suppliers as they showcase their products and services at the 2023 event. Of those companies, over 800 made their Show debut—a 61% increase over 2022’s first-time exhibitor total—and over 1,300 returned. Plans are already underway for the highly anticipated 2024 event, which is set to take place from May 18-21. Connect with the Show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for event updates. For more information about the Show, visit nationalrestaurantshow.com. The National Restaurant Association Show is owned and operated by Winsight LLC in equity partnership with the National Restaurant Association. About Winsight LLC Winsight LLC is a business-to-business information, event and market intelligence company serving the restaurant and noncommercial foodservice, convenience and petroleum retailing and grocery industries. Winsight provides research and analytics, branding solutions, face-to-face opportunities, lead generation initiatives, and content marketing services through products including subscription data products, reports, research tools, research programs, fully custom studies, conferences, custom marketing services, meetings, print, digital trade media and tradeshows, including the National Restaurant Association Show. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 13, 2023 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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THE AMERICAN CONTENDER TOURNAMENT RETURNS WITH NATIONWIDE SCHEDULE OF QUALIFYING EVENTS, THE OPPORTUNITY TO WIN BIG ON THE ROAD TO THE AMERICAN RODEO $1 MILLION BONUS

Teton Ridge

Teton Ridge, a multi-platform western lifestyle and entertainment company, announced that The American Contender Tournament will return for a second year, visiting cities nationwide throughout 2023 and hosting January 2024 Regional Semi-Finals and Finals in Las Vegas (Nevada), Oklahoma City (Oklahoma) and Lexington (Kentucky). The American Contender Tournament West, Central and East Regional Semi-Finals attract qualifiers from both coasts as well as the Central United States to compete in the re-imagined tournament style format in hopes of making it all the way to The Crown Jewel of Rodeo™ - The American Rodeo 2024. In 2023, more than 2,500 rodeo athletes competed across the country to vie for a chance at the $1 million bonus on the line if they made it to The American Rodeo, earning impressive money along the way. Guaranteed prize money is upwards of $540,000 for the Regional Semi-Finals and Finals. Further enhancing competitive opportunities for rodeo athletes, three lucrative American Contender Tournament Open Team Ropings will run concurrent with each of the American Contender Tournament Regional Semi-Finals events in January 2024. “Winning at the West Regional Finals earlier this year helped me tremendously in my rodeo career and life,” said Bailey Bates, a Native American Breakaway athlete, who won in Heber City, Utah. “A lot of finances add up while on the road competing. Winning a big check goes a long way to help with finances while chasing dreams.” Acquired by Teton Ridge in late 2021, The American Rodeo, celebrating its 11 th year in 2024, features competitors in all eight traditional rodeo disciplines - barrel racing, breakaway roping, steer wrestling, team roping, tie down roping, bareback riding, saddle bronc and bull riding. The only major western sports event where professional athletes compete against the “joes and janes” - fans can follow along throughout The American Contender Tournament by rooting for the underdog “Contenders” chasing big winnings along the way and visiting the Teton Ridge Plus website for updates. Chiropractor and horse trainer by day, single mother Idaho barrel racer Tamara Barnhart (Athol, Idaho) was one of those that threw her hat in the ring last year. Barnhart competed in the West Region Finals after qualifying on a whim courtesy of a first-place finish at the 2023 All-In Barrel Race qualifying event in Las Vegas. “The amount of recognition I received after competing amongst the best, within a first class production, was amazing,” said Barnhart. “Getting as far as I did in the tournament really boosted my horse’s popularity and I’ve had many people tell me how inspirational my experience and success has been. I was able to live a dream of mine, which was priceless.” Just under 100 Event Qualifiers lead to automatic qualifications or points toward the Regional Semi-Finals in January 2024: WEST - January 11-13 in Las Vegas, Nevada at South Point Arena & Equestrian Center CENTRAL– January 18-20 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at Jim Norick Arena EAST– January 25-27 in Lexington, Kentucky at AllTech Arena For more information on The American Contender Tournament, schedule of qualifying events and how to register as an athlete, please visit www.americanrodeo.com. ### About The American Rodeo: The American, is an annual Western sports and entertainment experience that occurs each year and represents the richest single-day event in all of western sports. Over the course of qualifier events across the country, competitors will all battle for what could be the biggest single-day paycheck of their careers. Owned by Teton Ridge, The American is a true open competition in format, the iconic event brings together top professional rodeo athletes and honest, hardworking cowboys and cowgirls in a winner-take-all showdown, meant to crown the finest talent the world has to offer. About Teton Ridge: Teton Ridge is a multi-platform, wholly American-owned western lifestyle and entertainment company devoted to the iconic American western way of life. Teton Ridge’s Sports division was created with the singular focus of elevating classic Western sports and America’s western culture on the world stage, while broadening audiences around the globe as well as at home. In 2021, Teton Ridge acquired The American, the iconic event of the rodeo circuit, to continue to expand the audiences for rodeo sports and make it the world’s premier Western culture event. For more information about Teton Ridge, please visit tetonridge.com or @tetonridge on Instagram @tetonridgeusa on Facebook. Contact Details Teton Ridge Kerri Holt +1 347-952-5367 kerri.holt@tetonridge.com Company Website https://www.americanrodeo.com/

June 13, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Celebrate National Candy Month This June

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/Gc1iiGIgv-U June is National Candy Month, and there is no better way to kick off the summer than by embracing this month-long celebration that is gaining momentum with retailers and consumers nationwide. Chocolate and candy enhance summertime traditions and experiences, like going to the beach, embarking on a road trip, going camping, or enjoying an outdoor concert. These activities are all a fun part of the summer season, and – according to the National Confectioners Association – 81% of consumers say that chocolate and candy are a fun part of life. NCA recently polled consumers nationwide, asking them for their favorite flavors and types of summer treats. Here are the results: TOP 3 TREATS 1. Chocolate ( S’mores anyone?) 2. Gummy candy 3. Salt water taffy TOP 3 FLAVORS 1. Watermelon 2. Cherry 3. Strawberry In conjunction with National Candy Month, a nationwide media tour was conducted on Thursday, June 1, featuring Carly Schildhaus – Spokesperson, National Confectioners Association Topics that Carly Schildhaus discussed included: · Americans’ favorite summer treats and flavors · Top trends coming out of the Sweets & Snacks Expo · How chocolate and candy can enhance emotional well-being To learn more about National Candy Month, visit NationalCandyMonth.com for fun facts, tips for managing sugar intake and plenty of ideas and inspiration for how to celebrate this June and all summer long. Get in on the summer fun and follow NCA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and join the conversation on social media by using #NationalCandyMonth. About the National Confectioners Association (NCA): The National Confectioners Association is the leading trade organization for the U.S. confectionery industry, which generates $42 billion in retail sales each year. NCA advocates for an environment that enables candy makers to thrive and works to ensure that chocolate, candy, gum and mints are celebrated for their contributions to culture, society, the economy and everyday moments of joy. The industry employs nearly 58,000 workers in more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities across all 50 states and supports an additional 635,000 jobs in related fields. The U.S. confectionery industry has made a commitment to increasing transparency, providing more portion guidance options and educating consumers about the role of confectionery in a happy, balanced lifestyle. Learn more at CandyUSA.com or follow NCA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 12, 2023 11:23 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Minuteman Press in Nashville, TN Completes Exterior Full-Wrap Rebranding of the Iconic Grand Ole Opry House Music Venue

Minuteman Press International Inc

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Grand Ole Opry House, owned by Ryman Hospitality Partners, is one of the most legendary music venues in the USA. Thanks to Minuteman Press franchise owner John Taylor and his team at Minuteman Press in Nashville, the face of the Grand Ole Opry House now looks as good on the outside as the music sounds on the inside. What started out as a sales call and business cards order ten years ago has evolved into a trusted branding partnership between Minuteman Press in Nashville and Ryman Hospitality, and the result of that partnership includes incredible projects like this one – the full-wrap exterior rebranding of the Grand Ole Opry House. Minuteman Press in Nashville is located at 415 Spence Lane, Nashville, TN 37210. John Taylor has owned the business since January of 2014 and is a member of the President’s Club for top performers across the Minuteman Press franchise system. John shares key details on working to complete this huge project on such an iconic venue. How did the project with the Grand Ole Opry come about? John Taylor: “We acquired them as a client about ten years ago. It originated with a sales call at the original The Ryman Auditorium, in downtown Nashville. The first order was a few sets of business cards. Their parent company is Ryman Hospitality. Working inward through the marketing department at Ryman Hospitality, a relationship developed. They have a lot of printers, but we stayed in touch, cross-selling where possible. Ultimately, we set them up on an online portal ordering system for their printed collateral and admin items for their various brands. We make it a habit to deliver all prospects our "Portfolio Thumb-drive". It is branded Minuteman Press and goes to them pre-loaded with our most impressive projects in categorized folders. That led to us becoming one of their trusted branding partners, I would like to say their preferred branding partner. We've done projects from Nashville to New York City for them as they open new venues.” What specifically did you do for this project? John Taylor: “We have done multiple projects at the Grand Ole Opry House. Regarding this project: It is an extraordinary surface, in that it is stamped concrete. It is made to look like a ‘rough-cut cedar’ wooden surface, with deep woodgrain and over a half-inch depth difference between the faux planks. There are two installation processes in this type of project. One is to install and register the panels together (58" wide panels). The second process is to heat and press the vinyl into the grain and contours with a heat gun/torch and foam hand roller, roughly 4" at a time. We measured, scaled and templated the whole project. We printed the vinyl on an HP 360 Latex printer, then laminated the vinyl on a GBC roll laminator (3M IJ-480 Vinyl with 3M 8520 Matte Overlaminate). We used our 55' boom truck and a rented 45' boom lift to install. The first team and truck would hang and register the vinyl. The second lift would have a heat gun, a torch, and roller to get into the grain, and a single installer with very tired arms. We blocked off an area to work every morning so tours could still safely operate every 30-60 minutes. We installed in close coordination with the security team every day and evening to avoid periodic live shows in the evenings altogether." What was the timetable / what did it take to complete the project? John Taylor: “The exterior, as all large branding projects do, began with an intense set of measurements and a write-up of all inclusions and challenges with the surface(s). We then created an Illustrator template for their art department, advising best practices and highlighting any areas to which they should pay special attention during design. The timetable was roughly 7 weeks, synopsized below: We surveyed the first week and provided them a template for artwork technicals and construction. It took them 2-3 weeks to develop art, get the individual artists' approvals, and the necessary internal management approvals. We removed the old banners and aluminum hardware, as well as prepped/cleaned the building during that period. I asked for 7-10 days to produce the vinyl. It took about a week to print, laminate and cut. We should have been able to install it in roughly one week with a crew of three. It ended up taking two weeks since the Grand Ole Opry has shows every couple of days, which limited our time (we had to be packed up and out of the way by 3 pm). The weather was also a factor." TIME LAPSE VIDEO: Full-wrap rebranding of the face of the Grand Ole Opry House – Spring 2023 – Minuteman Press, Nashville: How happy are you with the completed project? What has been the feedback you’ve received? John Taylor: “I'm extremely happy with it. I really am humbled and honored to be given the opportunity. Now, for the less-than-humble perspective; it was an intense scope of work... and we got the job done! We've had only positive feedback about this installation and people are loving the new face of the Grand Ole Opry House. My favorite reaction was from a security guard that said, ‘I haven't seen this many people stop and have their pictures taken in front of the building in years and years!’. He's been there over 15 years, so that was so gratifying to hear him say that.” John concludes, “To have our hard work appreciated, especially on such a large-scale project, it’s just a great feeling of accomplishment.” For Minuteman Press products and services and to find your local Minuteman Press, visit https://minuteman.com. Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

June 12, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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