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STEAM Brand Osmo Introduces 8 Exclusive Starter Kits to Walmart In Time for Back to School

Osmo

Award-winning STEAM brand Osmo introduces 8 exclusive starter kits for iPad to Walmart and Walmart.com, in time for back to school. Osmo’s product displays are located in the preschool aisle of the toy department at Walmart stores nationwide, and its 8 starter kits for iPad include: Detective Agency Starter Kit (includes base set) - Retail $39.97 Super Studio Disney Mickey Mouse & Friends Starter Kit (includes base set) - Retail $39.97 Super Studio Disney Princess Starter Kit (includes base set) - Retail $39.97 Numbers Starter Kit (includes base set) - Retail $49.44 Monster Starter Kit (includes base set) - Retail $49.44 Words Starter Kit (includes base set) - Retail $49.44 Sticks & Rings Starter Kit (includes base set) - Retail $49.44 Pizza Company Starter Kit (includes base set) - Retail $60 To see the entire collection of Osmo’s products, visit its Walmart store. Osmo’s award-winning products are currently used in over 2.5 million homes and 50,000 classrooms. About Osmo Osmo is an award-winning STEAM brand with more than 2.5 million learners worldwide. 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. Contact Details Carolyn Kamii PR Carolyn Kamii carolynkpr@gmail.com Company Website http://www.playosmo.com

August 04, 2021 04:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Cyvatar Launches First-Ever Cybersecurity Side Hustle

Cyvatar

Cyvatar today announced the release of the CydeHustle, a customer referral program that helps everyday people earn extra money on the side by referring organizations in their network to Cyvatar. The CydeHustle is easy work you can do in your spare time. In just a few minutes, you can not only bring in more money for yourself, but you can also enable people from all walks of life to help tip the cyber scales in favor of the good guys by stopping threat actors from breaching the brands and businesses we love. Organizations face more than 100,000 malicious websites and 10,000 malicious files every single day. Last year, malware increased by 358% and ransomware by 435% -- in fact, ransomware alone is now a multibillion-dollar industry staffed with expert researchers, strategists, technologists, and front-line hackers. Cyvatar’s ground-breaking cybersecurity as a service (CSaaS) levels the playing field so that any organization regardless of size or budget can combat threat actors. Joining the CydeHustle means you can enjoy the rewarding experience of keeping the businesses in your network safe... and get paid for it. "The Cyvatar CydeHustle program is a no-brainer, and the corresponding partner portal makes it easy to earn money on the side,” said CydeHustler Chris W. “Just as much as Cyvatar simplifies cybersecurity management for customers, it’s absolute simplicity to earn easy commissions with Cyvatar, even while juggling a full-time position and family responsibilities. Now anyone can be a deal-making machine!" Every CydeHustle referral that becomes a sale earns money for the person who introduces them: 20% of the sale price when the contract is signed, 10% of any upgrades purchased in the first year, and an additional 5% each year the referral renews. It’s easy money. Everybody needs better security, and Cyvatar’s CSaaS enables organizations to get better security outcomes fast. “The CydeHustle is so easy and so lucrative that we’ve already paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to CydeHustlers,” said Edward Preston, vice president of sales at Cyvatar. "Partners get paid for referring companies in their networks, those businesses get a game-changing cybersecurity program, and our world becomes safer from the onslaught of cyber threats.” Importantly, Cyvatar CSaaS is both accessible and affordable: For as little as $20 a month, customers receive out-of-the-box cybersecurity that includes products and services, a platform to manage them, and an expert team to support them -- all for one fixed monthly price. What’s more, Cyvatar sells itself -- it’s one of the 50 Most Trustworthy Companies recognized by the Silicon Review and has won 20 awards for cybersecurity innovation and excellence. CydeHustlers can keep their day jobs or Hustle between classes, after work, or from the far reaches of the world, because the Hustle is real -- and risk-free. Cyvatar keeps individual participation completely private unless participants explicitly choose to share their activity publicly. So what are you waiting for? Make a difference. Make an introduction. Make the world a safer place by keeping threat actors away from the businesses you know and love. All you have to do is sign up. Share the Cyvatar story. And get paid. Sign up and start earning today! About Cyvatar Cyvatar is committed to effortless cybersecurity for everyone. As the industry’s first subscription-based, cybersecurity-as-a-service (CSaaS) company, it’s our mission to transform the way the security industry builds, sells, and supports cyber solutions. We empower our members to achieve successful outcomes by providing expert advisors, proven technologies, and a strategic process roadmap to guarantee results that map to their business drivers. Our approach is rooted in proprietary ICARM (installation, configuration, assessment, remediation, maintenance) methodology that delivers smarter, measurable security solutions for superior compliance and cyber-attack protection faster and more efficiently, all at a fixed monthly price. And because we’re a subscription, members can cancel anytime. Cyvatar is headquartered in Irvine, California with locations around the world. Begin your journey to security confidence at cyvatar.ai and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Contact Details Cyvatar KC Higgins +1 303-434-8163 kc@cyvatar.ai Company Website https://cyvatar.ai/

August 03, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Singer-Songwriter Charlie Marie Lyons’ Latest Music Video “Change” Released to Support Dikembe Mutombo Foundation Humanitarian Work in Congo

Dikembe Mutombo Foundation

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Charlie Marie Lyons’ new music video “Change”, based on her new single inspired by the humanitarian work of NBA Global Ambassador Dikembe Mutombo, was released today on YouTube as Mutombo builds support for construction of a new school in his impoverished home country of Congo. The NBA Hall of Famer and board member at UNICEF USA has worked tirelessly since 1997 to improve primary health care, disease prevention and education in his native land. His latest project is construction of a modern pre-K to sixth grade school in a region where 240,000 children have no access to modern education. Seeing Dikembe’s passion for bringing equal educational opportunities to boys and girls outside the city of Mbuji-Mayi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Charlie was inspired to write “Change”. “The only way to change the world is to contribute selflessly,” said Lyons.“ I wanted to identify a story of hope that will encourage restoration and prove that focus and unity can go a long way to achieving constructive change.” “Your song is a gift of life that you’re giving to the young Congolese people so they can have a better education, and I want to thank you for doing that, and for being who you are,” said Mutombo after seeing the video. Lyons has committed all streaming revenue from the single and music video to support the work of the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation. Named after Dikembe’s late father, a teacher and school superintendent, the future Samuel Mutombo Institute of Science & Entrepreneurship broke ground in July 2020 with opening slated for this October. In its first phase, the school will welcome 440 girls and boys to its classrooms. The school will include a “Change” classroom devoted to music and art. Lyons and the Mutombo Foundation plan a long-term relationship to support the school, and Lyons will help build the curriculum that’s taught in the classroom. In addition to the supplies and equipment necessary for teaching music and art, the classroom will host an artists’ wall of signatures to commemorate all the students who pass through the music and art program. Mutombo eschewed becoming a doctor in favor of a bigger paycheck in the NBA so he could do more for his homeland. “Whether it’s my work as NBA Global Ambassador, as a board member at UNICEF USA or through the initiatives of the foundation that bears my name, I see myself first as a humanitarian,” said Mutombo. “I can’t do it alone, which is why I’m touched knowing that Charlie’s new single and music video are inspired by my work and will earmark all their revenue to supporting the foundation.” A Music Video for the Greater Good The “Change” music video takes a fresh approach to its production, employing the music and lyrics to inform and inspire support for a man and his work for the greater good. And unlike the majority of music videos with their polished, fictional material, content in the “Change” music video is real – drawn from archives and other factual sources. About the Foundation The Dikembe Mutombo foundation was launched in 1997 and in 1999 its first project along with several international and local partners vaccinated 8.2 million children in the DRC, resulting in a virtually polio-free country for four years. That was followed by construction of the Biamba Marie Mutombo hospital in the capital city of Kinshasa. It was the first hospital of its kind built in the DRC in 45 years. Opened in 2007 with 170 beds, the hospital is named after Dikembe’s mother and, to date, has treated almost 600,000 people. The foundation also worked with the U.S.-based Starkey Hearing Foundation to provide free hearing aids to almost 10,000 people. To donate, go to the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation web site at dmf.org. Computer animation of the completed school is available on YouTube. See the “Change” music video on YouTube. “Change” is available on Apple Music, Spotify, iHeart Radio or wherever you stream music. For more on the artist, visit charliemarielyons.com. The Dikembe Mutombo Foundation is dedicated to improving the health, education and quality of life for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Foundation strives to accomplish this goal through an emphasis on primary health care and disease prevention, the promotion of health policy, health research and increased access to health care education for the people of the Congo. Contact Details SilversJacobson, LLC Paul Jacobson +1 303-548-6684 paul@silversjacobson.com Company Website https://dmf.org

July 29, 2021 01:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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RALLY VENTURES WELCOMES JAY BORENSTEIN AS VENTURE PARTNER

Rally Ventures

Rally Ventures, a leading venture capital firm focused on early-stage business technology, today announced that Jay Borenstein has joined the firm as a venture partner. He brings 25+ years of experience as a founder, operator and investor to Rally Ventures. Borenstein is a lecturer of computer science at Stanford University with a focus on virtual reality, software engineering and entrepreneurship. He also runs the Education Modernization (EdMod) Group at Facebook. In this role, he focuses on leveraging modern technologies to improve education and create more equity in education. Borenstein founded IntApp Inc., a Palo Alto-based business management software company, in 2000 and served as the company’s CEO through 2007. IntApp raised $273 million in its initial public offering (Nasdaq: INTA) in June of 2021. Borenstein previously served as the managing director at Chmod Ventures, which was a satellite fund of Lightspeed Venture Partners. In his role as venture partner, Borenstein will be responsible for driving new investments, supporting existing portfolio companies and deepening Rally’s expertise in edtech and extended reality (XR). “Jay’s ability to relate to founders and understand the intricacies of their technologies and businesses will make him a fantastic addition to our team,” said Charles Beeler, co-founder and managing director, Rally Ventures. “His background as a founder and an educator working with students at the formative stage gives him a unique understanding of what it takes to make early-stage founders successful.” Rally Ventures is investing from its latest fund, Rally Ventures IV (2020 vintage), a $250 million fund that brings their total committed capital raised since inception to over $600 million. The firm remains committed to its strategy of backing early-stage technology companies building innovative solutions for the fast-changing B2B landscape, focusing largely on Seed and Series A financing. Since its inception in 2012, Rally Ventures has invested in 59 companies and has had 15 successful exits, including 3 initial public offerings. Borenstein joins a team of three managing directors, four venture partners and 100+ technology partners — executives, technologists and luminaries — who act as an extension to the Rally Ventures team and provide operating leverage for portfolio companies to help broaden the firm's capabilities. “Rally Ventures has a terrific track record of supporting early-stage entrepreneurs. I look forward to augmenting that and supporting great people to achieve great outcomes,” said Borenstein. About Rally Ventures Rally Ventures invests exclusively in early-stage business technology companies, focusing on entrepreneurs creating major new markets or bringing transformative approaches to existing ones. Since 1997, Rally Ventures' partners and venture capital industry veterans have invested in or run early stage enterprise business-to-business technology companies with a proven ability to deliver superior returns regardless of the overall market environment. For more information visit rallyventures.com. Contact Details Rally Ventures Rachel Stone +1 952-270-2648 rachel@rallyventures.com Company Website https://www.rallyventures.com/

July 28, 2021 08:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Singer-Songwriter Charlie Marie Lyons and Dikembe Mutombo Foundation Ally to Support School Construction in Congo

Dikembe Mutombo Foundation

Los Angeles, July 26, 2021 – The philanthropic work of NBA Global Ambassador Dikembe Mutombo is the inspiration for Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Charlie Marie Lyons’ new single “Change”, and she will donate all streaming revenue from the single to support the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation’s work to build a new school in his home country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). “Not only did I literally look up to Dikembe Mutombo, but I also saw his heart and what he wants to achieve in this world,” said Lyons, whose compositions and performances share unfiltered stories of pain and hope and intimacy. “He inspired me to use my voice as a tool for change.” The new single was released today and is available on Apple Music, Spotify, iHeart Radio and other streaming platforms. “This is not a story about tragedy, in fact, this is a story about overcoming. It’s a story about hope, and Dikembe Mutombo really inspires the people around him to have hope with a presence that encourages selflessness, self-reflection and self-improvement,” added Lyons. Located in a rural area outside the Mbuji-Mayi district, the ancestral home of the former NBA superstar’s parents, the modern pre-K through 6 school broke ground in July 2020 and is scheduled to open this October. In its first phase, the school will welcome 440 girls and boys to its classrooms. Named after Dikembe’s late father, a teacher and school principal, the future Samuel Mutombo Institute of Science & Entrepreneurship will serve a region where 240,000 children have no access to modern education. The DRC spends 1.5 percent of its gross domestic product on education, 166 th in the world. By comparison, the United States spends 5 percent. France spends 5.5 percent. As part of the planned long-term relationship between Lyons and the foundation, the school will include a “Change” classroom devoted to music and art. Lyons will help build the classroom’s curriculum, and the room will include an artists’ wall of signatures to commemorate the student-artists who pass through the program. “This project will build a modern high school in the Congo emphasizing science, technology, engineering, mathematics and the arts,” said Mutombo, who after 18 seasons in the NBA became the league’s first global ambassador. He has devoted his post-basketball career to improving primary health care, disease prevention and education in his native land. “I don’t see myself as a basketball player; I see myself as a humanitarian – someone who wants to see the world get better. I want to create the great leaders of tomorrow, but I cannot do it by myself,” he added. The school is not Mutombo’s first humanitarian project in his homeland. After its launch in 1997, the foundation’s first initiative, along with several international and local partners, was leading a 1999 campaign to stop the spread of polio. In three days 8.2 million children were vaccinated resulting in a near polio free DRC for four years. Next, the foundation spearheaded construction of the Biamba Marie Mutombo hospital in the capital city of Kinshasa. Named after Dikembe’s mother, the 170-bed facility opened in 2007 as the first new hospital of Its kind constructed in the DRC in 45 years and, to date, has treated almost 600,000 people. In addition, the hospital collaborated with the U.S.-based Starkey Hearing Foundation to provide almost 10,000 hearing-impaired people with new hearing aids at no cost. To donate, go to the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation web site at dmf.org. Computer animation of the completed school is available on YouTube. “Change” is available on Apple Music, Spotify, iHeart Radio or wherever you stream music. For more on the artist, visit charliemarielyons.com. The Dikembe Mutombo Foundation is dedicated to improving the health, education and quality of life for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Foundation strives to accomplish this goal through an emphasis on primary health care and disease prevention, the promotion of health policy, health research and increased access to health care education for the people of the Congo. Contact Details SilversJacobson Paul Jacobson +1 303-548-6684 paul@silversjacobson.com Company Website https://dmf.org

July 26, 2021 06:55 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Rebecca and Kirk Treece Open Minuteman Press Franchise in Missoula, Montana

Minuteman Press International Inc

Rebecca and Kirk Treece are the new owners of Minuteman Press in Missoula located at 2100 South Avenue West. They bought the long-running independent printing business Advertiser Montana Printing, which has a 40-year history in Missoula, and are now operating as a Minuteman Press franchise. 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.” She continues, “We are enjoying the opportunity to help others promote and grow their business. Getting the word out to the community that we are so much more than just a copy center has been key! We have been out meeting new people, marketing, and making connections through the Missoula Chamber of Commerce and BNI groups. Over the course of these six months, people have been welcoming and genuinely happy for us when we tell them about our new venture. Many have stopped by for a tour and have been responsive to learning more about the services we provide.” 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, and promotional items. It has really given us the ability to help people promote their business.” “Missoula is a growing, vibrant, and diverse community that includes the University of Montana. We are sitting on the confluence of three beautiful rivers, between two amazing national parks. Owning a business for me is all about making connections. My goal is to help people market their business so they can use their unique skills to serve their clients. These growing businesses make our community stronger and I am proud to be part of that.” -Rebecca Treece, owner, Minuteman Press Missoula (formerly Advertiser Montana Printing) Career Transition 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. Minuteman Press really helped them fill those knowledge gaps and was crucial in finding the right business for them to buy through their special conversion program that connects sellers of independent print shops with qualified buyers. 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.” “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.” Owning a Business vs. Having a Job Reflecting on her experiences as an employee and as a business owner, Rebecca shares her insights on the key differences between the two. “As an employee, you work hard and serve the customer. However, you have very little control over the direction of the business. As business owners, we have the power to create the type of business we want and control its presence in the community.” 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.” When asked about the rewards of owning her own business, Rebecca answers, “We are truly fortunate to have a highly skilled and dedicated staff and I love coming in every day to work side-by-side with these incredible people. It is personally rewarding to create a workplace that fosters teamwork and allows employees to create and take pride in their work. It is also very satisfying to develop quality relationships with customers and members of the community.” She continues, “Professionally, our goals are to grow this business significantly over the next year and become more involved members of the community. Business ownership has many challenges but the rewards are well worth it. Owning our own business allows us to balance our work and home lives and gives us the power to make the right decisions for our future.” Minuteman Press in Missoula is located at 2100 South Avenue West, Missoula, MT 59801. For more information, call (406) 728-5200 or visit their website: https://missoula-mt.minutemanpress.com. Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Independent printers looking to sell their printing business can learn more about Minuteman Press International's conversion program at http://bit.ly/minutemanpressconversions. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

July 26, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Akshaya Patra Partners with the Elanco Foundation to Receive $100,000 for COVID-19 Food Relief Efforts across India.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation USA

Akshaya Patra recently announced a new partnership with the Elanco Foundation, which has pledged $100,000 to help increase the impact of COVID-19 related food security efforts across India. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and Indian government lockdown, over 1.3 billion individuals and thousands of vulnerable communities were significantly burdened and impacted by the crisis. In particular, the lockdown forced school closures limiting Akshaya Patra’s mid-day meal program with millions of students not receiving meals resulting in a spike in food insecurity and malnutrition. “This is a significant moment for us at Akshaya Patra, as we work alongside the Elanco Foundation--under a unified mission--to alleviate hunger,” Jyothi Sathyan, Finance Director of Akshaya Patra, stated. “We believe that food assistance has a crucial role in humanitarian disaster relief efforts. Together with our supporters, we have been able to serve over 151 million meals to individuals and families in need since March 2020.” The partnership with the Elanco Foundation will help provide thousands of packaged meals, kitchen supplies, groceries, and hygiene kits to the tens of thousands of vulnerable individuals and communities affected by the pandemic. “As an organization committed to advancing the health and well-being of people in need, we are proud to work with the Akshaya Patra Foundation to help alleviate pressure on vulnerable communities,” said Jared Skok, Executive Director of the Elanco Foundation and Head of CSR and Sustainability at Elanco Animal Health. “The Elanco Foundation’s mission aligns well with Akshaya Patra’s efforts to promote food security for disadvantaged children and their families. Collaborating with our community partners on the ground, we are able to improve the livelihoods of those who would otherwise not have food on the table in these difficult times of the pandemic.” About Elanco Foundation The Elanco Foundation is driven by the power of animals, the promise of health, and the potential for change. Established in 2019 by Elanco Animal Health, the Foundation is committed to improving the well-being of people and animals around the world through philanthropic investments and strategic partnerships focused on enhancing food security and promoting the human-animal bond. To learn more about the Elanco Foundation, visit https://www.elanco.com/en-us/sustainability/the-foundation. About Akshaya Patra Established in 2000, Akshaya Patra is the world’s largest NGO school meal program, providing hot, nutritious school lunches to over 1.8 million children in over 19,257 schools through 57 kitchens in 12 states and two Union Territories in India. It costs only $20 to feed a child for an entire school year. Since the COVID-19 lockdown began on March 24th, Akshaya Patra has served more than 136 million meals to migrant workers and our beneficiaries and their families. Visit us at https://www.akshayapatrausa.org. Contact Details Akshaya Patra Foundation USA Ankita Narula +1 781-438-3090 ankita@apusa.org Elanco Foundation Jared Skok jared.skok@elancoah.com Company Website https://www.akshayapatrausa.org/

July 21, 2021 06:04 AM Mountain Daylight Time

7 in 10 Parents Say Children’s Post-Pandemic Social Skills Are at Risk, Per Osmo Study

Osmo

According to a new study of 2,000 U.S. parents of school aged-children (5-14 years), parents have tried a myriad ways to keep their kids active and social during the pandemic, however, 7 in 10 perceive their child’s post-pandemic social skills to be at risk, even as things return to normal. The majority of parents (71%) are also worried about potential learning loss that may have resulted by not being in school, and are pursuing a variety of means to keep up their child’s studies at home this summer. The study was commissioned by STEAM brand Osmo and conducted by OnePoll. Osmo’s study reveals that 77% of parents encouraged their child to be social and active from afar, while at home. For example, they allowed their child to: play video games or online games with others (52%); call and text friends often (49%); make neighborhood friends (45%); engage in outdoor activities like walking and bike riding (46%); attend virtual get togethers (35%); and new friends online (23%). Despite trying their hardest, two in three parents are worried that their child has gotten more socially awkward around others, and 62% do not think their kid will be able to pick up where they left off upon returning to class this fall. Specifically, parents worry that their child will have trouble in these areas: making conversation with friends (41%); meeting new people (40%); sharing (35%); staying quiet for long periods (34%); waiting their turn (31%); or remembering to say “please” and “thank you” (37%). The survey also revealed that parents value socializing, with 85% believing it is a necessary skill to use in school. Forty-four percent of respondents place academic learning and socializing on the same level of importance, and four in five (81%) think schools should implement more activities that encourage and teach social skills. “We understand how difficult the pandemic was for both kids and their parents – many of us at Osmo experienced these challenges ourselves,” says Pramod Sharma, CEO of award-winning Osmo, known for its bestselling Coding Starter Kit, Creative Starter Kit, Genius Starter Kit, and Little Genius Starter Kit. “This past year has taught all of us that learning is about so much more than academics. As a brand, Osmo is committed to applying these insights toward multi-player experiences that promote the social-emotional learning parents look for and kids need.” The study also reveals four in five parents made sure their children succeeded academically even through tough times and emphasized that school was as important as ever before. Over half of parents (52%) stuck by their child’s side when they struggled with an assignment, 47% encouraged their child to study more, 43% tried to make learning fun through games or educational activities, while 42% percent took the time to create extra homework to ensure their child understood the material they were learning during homeschooling. However, three in four parents believe their child lost a year of proper education due to COVID, and the majority (71%) are concerned that it will be difficult for their kids to catch up on learning they may have missed. With this in mind, four in five (81%) believe that certain technology or entertainment tools may be the solution to improving both their child’s social and educational skills. When asked what subject they think their kids are most likely to struggle with, parents said math (41%) followed by science (37%) and language arts (34%). Additional parental concerns about children’s re-entry to class include: not remembering their school supplies and books (42%); focusing in class (41%); or using a full keyboard not attached to a tablet (36%) again; opening their locker (32%); and doing their homework every day (32%). About Osmo Osmo is an award-winning STEAM brand with more than 2.5 million learners worldwide. 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. Learn more at playosmo.com. Contact Details Carolyn Kamii PR Carolyn Kamii +1 310-251-0550 carolynkpr@gmail.com Osmo Karen O'Dell karen@playosmo.com Company Website http://www.playosmo.com

July 20, 2021 03:30 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Minuteman Press Syosset, NY Employee Todd Brown Hits 50 Years in Printing

Minuteman Press International Inc

In 1971, Todd Brown began his career in printing through a special program that gave him paid work at the school district print shop. 50 years later, Todd shares his incredible story of longevity in the industry, which includes over 40 years as an integral employee of Minuteman Press in Syosset, N.Y. The Syosset franchise is one of the original ten Minuteman Press locations. Todd says, “I started with Minuteman Press in September 1977. It was an entirely different business back then, and I was hired by Mike Jutt (Executive VP & Director of Training) as a press operator for the Syosset location. We had the original husband and wife owners and myself. I did whatever needed to be done and I already had six years of experience doing the kind of printing that we did during those early years.” Speaking on his printing background before Minuteman Press, Todd shares, “The school district print shop is where I was first hired while I was in high school. I was able to learn how to run a printing press and it’s where I cut my teeth in the industry and learned how to deal with paper and ink. After graduation, I worked for several print shops. One of my jobs was with Hills Supermarkets doing their printing. I was laid off and that’s when I replied to an ad for Minuteman Press.” Todd’s original run with Minuteman Press in Syosset lasted eight years. “I left for three or four years to learn more and take other positions. The owners reached out to me to come back and I agreed it was the best fit. I was now married, I had a house, and I agreed to come back to run the back of the shop and become Shop Manager.” “I simply know printing and I love what I do. I always took the attitude of treating the shop and customers like it was my own. You can’t work in this business and say ‘that’s not my job.’ It’ll get you and the business nowhere.” -Todd Brown Evolution of Printing Todd reflects on how the printing industry has changed over the years as well as how he has been able to keep up with the changes. “The entire industry has evolved. Digital printing is constantly changing as is technology.” He further explains how he was able to adapt to new technology over the years: “When computers became more prevalent, I made it a point to learn graphic design on my own with whatever programs were available. I’ve been a musician my entire life so I would use different programs like Adobe PageMaker, Photoshop, and Print Shop Deluxe for passion projects but also to learn more about graphics from a printing standpoint.” He adds, “As the business changed, I was able to pretty seamlessly move into that side of the business. When I created flyers for my band, I knew what I needed to do in terms of matching the design to the plates.” “The main thing about the printing side of this business that most people don’t realize is that it’s still about paper. Paper is the one thing that has remained consistent no matter what else has changed. Paper has certain characteristics and when you do a job, even digitally, you have to know the intricacies of the process. As a professional printer, you know what’s required in order to print, cut, bind, and assemble a job. If you want a button pusher, go to Staples.” -Todd Brown Team Effort & Todd’s Role Today For Minuteman Press in Syosse t, their success and longevity all comes down to a team effort. Owner Mitch Parker has been running the business since February 2008, and Todd works hand-in-hand with graphic designer Denise to make sure jobs are fit to print. Todd explains, “I am responsible for printing virtually any job that requires printing on digital machines. Denise does a fantastic job. She sets up the files, I double-check them, and then we go to print. We work together to make sure things are set up properly and I help fine-tune the printing end of everything. She has also taught me about the software and design aspects as well, which is really helpful.” One of the biggest differences between printing for clients 40 years ago vs. today is how the artwork is provided. Todd explains, “Back when I first started, you essentially made the artwork for clients. They would bring something in such as a sketch and you then created the specifications required for printing. Today, you are given the artwork and a lot of the job is educating customers on print specifications. It goes back to the fact that paper is different than a smartphone or computer screen. A little knowledge can be dangerous when you need the bigger picture to really get the job done right. So that’s where we come in.” Todd continues, “For example, we open up files from phones that are low resolution. We go back to the customer as early as we can in the process to make sure they are informed and to make sure the job goes out correctly. The quality of the finished product justifies the extra time in educating them and reaching out so it’s important to stay on top of customer-supplied artwork. It comes with experience.” “Customers have changed dramatically. The 80-year-old lady that comes in probably knows more than the younger customers about printing. It’s important to educate all of our clients with the knowledge we have so we can produce the best finished products for them. Most of the time, they do come back and say how much they appreciate our work. Once they see the high-quality work we have done for them, they are thankful.” -Todd Brown Outside of the business, Todd has taken up a new passion as his days as a musician have faded. “I am now 67-years-old so I am no longer doing as much music. Today, I am really into slot cars. I build tracks, I detail them, and I even create signage for the ‘town’ I’ve put together. I am on Facebook groups where people share their slot car photos. People have even asked me to make slot car signs for their towns after seeing my photos and the details I add. It’s a fun community.” Secrets for Success What are the key lessons that Todd has learned during his 50 years in printing? He answers, “Care, that’s the most important thing. Also, stay one step ahead of the customer and lead them in the right direction. You’re the professional, so use that experience to help them.” For more information on Minuteman Press in Syosset, visit https://www.syosset.minutemanpress.com. Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

July 19, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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