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Snapchat Releases New Teen Safety Measures

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/7Hv0EHNRJ_g The digital world can be a challenge to navigate, and helping keep teens safe online is not just a priority—it’s a necessity. Snapchat is working to make its app even safer—now expanding a range of features to help keep Snapchat a place where people can be comfortable expressing themselves with the friends they know in real life. These extra protections for young people are more than a tech upgrade—they’re part of Snapchat’s ongoing commitment to building tools to help users connect with friends in a safe, secure way. Rachel Hochhauser, Snap’s Head of Safety Operations Outreach, conducted a nationwide media tour on June 25th to discuss these new features. Topics and features she discussed included: · Expanded In-app Warnings Teens will now see a warning message if they receive a chat from someone who’s been blocked or reported by others or is from a region where the teen’s network isn't typically located – signs that the person may be a stranger. · Simplified Location-Sharing Expansion of reminders to make sure Snapchatters are always up to date on which friends they’re sharing their location with on the Snap Map. · Enhanced Friending Protections These protections prevent certain suspicious friend requests from getting to teens in the first place, further reducing teens’ ability to connect with people they may not know in real life. · Blocking Improvements Improvements aim to prevent bullying and repeated harassment by limiting outreach from any new accounts created by someone who’s been blocked. For more information, visit https://parents.snapchat.com/ Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

July 01, 2024 01:02 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Shedding Light on Cystic Fibrosis

YourUpdateTV

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare, progressive, and genetic disease that currently affects about 40,000 people in the United States. CF is the result of a defective gene, inherited from each parent, and the disease can impact people of all races and ethnicities. Recently, KC White, Board Chair of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the disease, her personal journey, and how the Foundation is helping progress care and treatment options. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/8wj8u0JEqLU CF is a life-shortening disease that prevents our bodies from clearing mucus. This can lead to lung infections, poor nutrition, lung disease, and a host of unique challenges that can impact every aspect of a person’s life. When it was first discovered, it was considered a fatal pediatric disease. But due to transformative advancements in treatments and high-quality care, the life-expectancy for someone born with CF today is 56. While that number is climbing there is still a long way to go and unfortunately, not all people with CF equally benefit from this progress. KC White was elected chair of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Board of Trustees in 2022 after serving on the Board since 2005. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age 3, White has been a committed volunteer and inspiring advocate for the Foundation since childhood and is the first person with CF to serve as board chair. When she was diagnosed, she wasn’t expected to live past high school age, but her family refused to accept that fate, which prompted their dedication to the Foundation’s work. Because of recent treatments known as modulators, about 90% of the CF population (including KC) experienced an incredible transformation in their health. With this though, comes navigating unplanned challenges including careers, finances, family, and more. In addition to fueling the research, particularly in genetic therapies, that will lead to transformative treatments for the entire CF population, the CF Foundation works to support the CF community in all aspects of their lives through support programs and fostering connection opportunities. The CF Foundation is committed to finding a cure and providing all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives. The Foundation is aggressively funding research and drug development, advancing high-quality, specialized care, and partnering with and advocating for the CF community. For more information, visit CFF.ORG About KC White KC White was elected chair of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Board of Trustees in 2022 after serving on the Board since 2005. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age 3, White has been a committed volunteer and inspiring advocate for the Foundation since childhood, speaking at her first Foundation event when she was only 9 years old. She is the first person with CF to serve as board chair. White received her Master of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in 2022 and currently serves as an assistant instructor in the program. She is also the Head Varsity Women’s Lacrosse coach for the Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Tigers. She and her husband, Justin, have one son, Mac. About the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a donor-supported nonprofit organization leading the relentless pursuit of a cure for cystic fibrosis. The Foundation is committed to providing all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives by funding research and drug development, advancing high-quality, specialized care, and partnering with and advocating for the CF community. The Foundation funds more CF research than any other organization, and nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of Foundation support. The organization supports and accredits a national network of over 130 CF care centers recognized by the National Institutes of Health as a model of care for a chronic disease. Also, the Foundation manages support programs and fosters connection opportunities for the CF community. Based in Bethesda, Md., the Foundation’s impact is made possible by the work of nearly 70 local chapters across the country. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 28, 2024 12:45 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Kampgrounds of America’s Summer Camping Guide and Trends

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/gNNon_3zhbI According to Kampgrounds of America’s 10th annual Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report, travelers are looking for ways to slow down, recharge, and reconnect. There is no better way to do this than to make lifelong memories spending time outdoors with loved ones, roasting marshmallows over a fire, and exploring beautiful landscapes in iconic destinations at a KOA campground. Here are some interesting findings: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, 4.4 million new campers have embraced the camping lifestyle each year. Among the 51% of campers who have taken a road trip in the past year, most (76%) include camping during their trips. Campers are prioritizing wellness and embracing a slower pace of life with 79% of travelers planning to use forest immersion, meditation, yoga and/or mindful strolls during their trips. In the past year alone, 58% of campers have tried glamping, with 36% of guests planning to try glamping for the first time this year. “Over the last decade, we’ve observed a significant increase in active camping households,” said Diane Eichler, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Kampgrounds of America, Inc. “Our research shows that in the past ten years, over 40 million North Americans tried camping for the first time. Camping has evolved from a cherished outdoor pastime to an established leisure travel segment, reflecting a growing desire among travelers to connect with nature and loved ones.” With more than 500 locations in iconic destinations throughout North America, KOA provides unparalleled access to nature's beauty and outdoor adventures for campers of all ages. With a diverse array of accommodations, KOA caters to all experience levels. Options range from traditional tent camping and RV pull-through sites to deluxe cabins and unique glamping accommodations such as safari tents. KOA campgrounds are also equipped with a variety of amenities, including swimming pools, playgrounds, organized recreational activities, and even puppy playgrounds, ensuring a memorable experience for both relaxation and adventure-seeking campers. On June 5th, live from Kampgrounds of America’s first and oldest campground in Billings, Montana, Diane Eichler, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Kampgrounds of America, conducted a nationwide media tour. Topics that were discussed included: Unique findings from KOA’s Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report. Top trends and preferences of campers. Ways campers prioritize health and wellness and seek outdoor therapy to relax and recharge in nature. Insider tips, insights and recommended destinations and campgrounds to check out this camping season. SURVEY METHODOLOGY The results of the 10th North American Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report are based on a total of 4,100 surveys completed among a random sample of U.S. (n=2,900) and Canadian (n=1,200) households. Within the U.S. sample of households, results are stratified by Census Region: Northeast (n=725), Midwest (n=725), South (n=725), and West (n=725). Overall, a sample of n=2,900 U.S. households is associated with a margin of error of +/- 1.82 percentage points, while a sample of n=1,200 Canadian households is associated with a margin of error of 2.83 percentage points. All surveys were completed only via an outbound solicitation sent to a randomly selected cross-section of U.S. and Canadian households. In order to calculate overall incidence, the sample of respondents was statistically balanced to ensure that the results are in line with overall population figures for age, gender, and ethnicity. Some results may not add to 100 percent due to rounding. ABOUT KAMPGROUNDS OF AMERICA Kampgrounds of America, Inc. has been the definitive leader in outdoor hospitality for more than 60 years. United under the mission of “connecting people to the outdoors and each other,” the company consists of two unique brands: KOA and Terramor Outdoor Resorts. KOA, the world’s largest system of privately-owned, open-to-the-public campgrounds, consists of more than 500 franchised and owned campgrounds. With unrivaled brand visibility, KOA also offers campground owners and operators unparalleled support in campground education, design, recruitment, marketing and technology. For more information, visit KOA.com Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 27, 2024 12:20 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Flash Appoints Chris Donus as President

Flash Parking

Flash, the leading end-to-end parking technology platform, today announced that Chris Donus, the current CFO, has been appointed president of the organization. In the newly established role, Donus will expand his focus on day-to-day operations, working closely with the leadership team to execute transformative strategies that include the expansion of Flash’s burgeoning digital demand network, EV charging and parking platform scale, and driving the company’s regionalized branch organization to deliver unmatched partner experiences. Dan Sharplin will continue in his role as Chairman and CEO, focusing on international growth, strategic transactions, and ecosystem partnerships. “This promotion reflects Chris’s exceptional leadership and expertise at this time of tremendous momentum for Flash as we rapidly scale our industry-leading parking and EV charging digital ecosystem," said Flash CEO Dan Sharplin. “In the next 24 months, we anticipate more transformation in the parking industry than we’ve seen in several decades prior. Chris has the relevant experience to ensure we execute on our priorities that allow us to drive this industry transformation.” “We are building a parking and EV charging ecosystem where a seamless driver experience benefits everyone,” said Donus. “There is an incredible amount of innovation and hard work being done across Flash to build the platform and partnerships that further our position as the leader in parking and EV Charging technology. I look forward to ensuring the value we create is incomparable in my role as President of Flash.” Before Flash, Donus served as COO and CFO at Wheel Health, a venture-backed telehealth platform developer designed to connect companies and clinicians to deliver virtual care. He also served in senior leadership roles at Lyft as VP and Business Unit leader of Express Drive, the customer-facing fleet line of business, generating over $400 million in rental revenue and over $2 billion in Lyft rides. Prior to that, he was president of Silvercar from 2015 to 2018 alongside roles as COO, from 2017 to 2018, and CFO from 2012 to 2015. He has also served in leadership roles at Freescale Semiconductor, Hertz Global Holding, and Lucent Technologies. About Flash Flash is a pioneering technology company bringing seamless parking and EV charging experiences to drivers through a first-of-its-kind digital ecosystem. Flash’s platform connects reservable parking and charging in the apps drivers use every day with garage, surface lot, event, and valet parking locations—connected and controlled via a cloud-based operating system with unrivaled intelligence. Customer-obsessed brands partner with Flash to deliver digital, easy-to-use, reliable, and increasingly frictionless experiences to drivers eager to pay for a solution that eliminates wasted time, excess emissions, and stress. The solution has arrived. Contact Details Razor Sharp PR Ray Young +1 512-694-6097 ray@razorsharppr.com Company Website https://www.flashparking.com/

June 27, 2024 10:00 AM Central Daylight Time

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What's Trending Now - Summer Must-Haves

News Media Group, Inc.

Contact Details News Media Group, Inc. Karl Wayne +1 334-440-6397 karl@newsmg.com Company Website https://newsmg.com/

June 27, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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FeedSpot Recognizes Take Pride in Retirement Podcast as a Leading LGBTQ+ Voice for Pride Month 2024

Retirement.Radio

Retirement.Radio, a premier network dedicated to providing essential retirement planning information, announced today that its Take Pride in Retirement podcast has been recognized as a must-follow Pride-related podcast by FeedSpot, one of the web’s foremost aggregators of the “best of” across the internet. This recognition not only underscores the podcast’s commitment to sharing diverse voices and stories from the LGBTQ+ community but also highlights the importance of empowering and representing this community as it navigates its unique challenges during the golden years of retirement. “I am humbled and honored to receive this recognition,” said Matt McClure, founder and host of Take Pride in Retirement. “I started Take Pride in Retirement because I saw a need in my community for retirement planning, education, and assistance. Knowing that the podcast is reaching its intended audience and making a difference in their lives is extremely fulfilling.” The Take Pride in Retirement Podcast, a one-of-a-kind platform, focuses on financial issues relevant to the LGBTQ+ community. It has had the privilege of hosting distinguished guests such as Gabrielle Claiborne, Co-Founder and CEO of Transformation Journeys Worldwide, who has shared invaluable insights on the unique challenges the trans community faces in retirement planning. The podcast has also featured Katie Leikam, a licensed therapist, who has underscored the importance of living wills and estate plans for the LGBTQ+ community. These unique and insightful perspectives testify to the podcast's importance and relevance. Matt reiterates in every episode that the Take Pride in Retirement Podcast remains steadfast in its mission that everyone, regardless of their background, identity, or who they love, deserves a retirement they can be proud of. This commitment to diversity and inclusivity is at the heart of our podcast. It is a testament to our dedication to ensuring that all voices are heard, and all needs are met, making our audience feel valued and included. “The Retirement.Radio team is deeply committed to amplifying these crucial conversations on our radio shows and affiliated podcasts,” said Sam Davis, executive producer for Retirement.Radio. “Our unwavering mission is to provide essential information, ensuring that every senior citizen and retiree, regardless of their background or identity, has the information they need to navigate retirement confidently and clearly. This recognition by FeedSpot is a testament to our dedication to inclusivity and our ongoing efforts to serve all communities.” FeedSpot’s ranking of the Best Pride Podcasts results from a rigorous evaluation considering podcast popularity, content quality, update frequency, and audience engagement. This recognition places the Take Pride in Retirement podcast in an exclusive league of content creators leading the way in celebrating and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and stories. Other podcasts are available through the Retirement.Radio Network, including the Peak Financial Freedom Hour, Retirement Results, Guaranteeing Your Retirement, and the Federal Retirement Show. For more information, visit TakePrideInRetirement.com and subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcast. ### About Take Pride in Retirement Take Pride in Retirement is Retirement.Radio podcast dedicated to retirement planning solutions for the LGBTQ community. During uncertain economic times, the safety of your principal is critical to planning a successful retirement. Our goal is to help educate you about ways to protect your hard-earned money while experiencing market-like growth at the same time. LGBTQ people face unique challenges when planning for their retirement future. Everyone's situation differs from legal barriers to a potential lack of family support. Tune in each week as we explore these obstacles and give you tips on overcoming them so you can get on the road to success. For more information, visit TakePrideInRetirement.com and subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. About Retirement.Radio Retirement.Radio is dedicated to providing essential retirement planning information to listeners across the United States. Our licensed financial professionals and insurance agents host weekly radio shows and podcasts, offering expert advice on various topics, including smart tax planning, retirement income strategies, and health care planning. Retirement.Radio is powered by national insurance distribution and marketing leader AmeriLife and features wide-reaching and impactful broadcasts. Our commitment is to help listeners invest wisely, plan effectively, and achieve successful retirement outcomes. Contact Details Retirement.Radio Sam Davis sdavis@amerilife.com Company Website https://retirement.radio/

June 26, 2024 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Dive into Summer Travel Bliss: St. Kitts Could be Your Ultimate Vacation Destination!

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/5C_u2YNtlTA With its captivating blend of rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture, St. Kitts offers a remarkable experience for travelers seeking an authentic and unforgettable getaway. With an abundance of opportunities to explore the island's rich heritage, the “Summer of Fun” offers a chance to experience the very best of what makes St. Kitts stand out from other Caribbean destinations. From music and adventure to culture and cuisine, visitors can delight in the myriads of ways to soak up all St. Kitts has to offer. The “Summer of Fun” events include the St. Kitts Music Festival (June 22-30), St. Kitts and Nevis Restaurant Week (July 11-21), and CPL 20 Cricket (August 21-September 8). Traveler’s who visit St. Kitts during the Summer of Fun will no doubt feel the rich heritage and culture of the Federation. Beautiful views, friendly locals, delicious food, and a rich history are all waiting to be experienced. There is something for everyone, from history buffs who can view UNESCO-recognized sites to adventure lovers who can find scuba diving, extreme hiking, and ziplining. A country this thrilling has to be seen to be believed. “The essence of our Summer of Fun extends beyond the exceptional events. It encapsulates the Kittitian spirit that defines the culture and shares it with incoming travelers,” said Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “We're eager to welcome visitors from across the globe into our vibrant community, where they can immerse themselves in an array of enriching experiences.” “We are thrilled with the ongoing success that St. Kitts has received over the past year,” said Honorable Marsha Henderson, Minister of Tourism, International Transport, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Employment, and Labor. “Our new campaigns and promotions will help keep the momentum going throughout 2024 and beyond. We look forward to increasing awareness, sharing the beauty of the island, and providing a memorable travel experience to those visiting St. Kitts.” Visitors are reminded to regularly check the St. Kitts Tourism Authority website ( www.visitstkitts.com ) for updates and information Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 26, 2024 10:32 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Rack Room Shoes Announces Dr. Heinz-Horst Deichmann Scholarship Program Winners

Rack Room Shoes

Rack Room Shoes recently held its annual Dr. Heinz-Horst Deichmann Scholarship Program in partnership with Scholarship America. This program is exclusively for Rack Room Shoes associates, selecting five students who receive a $2,000 renewable scholarship to support their educational goals. The scholarship recipients for the 2024-2025 academic year are: Marwan Abdelgawad – Sr. Sales Associate – Store #618, Morrisville, N.C. Bessie Brown – Sales Associate – Store #376, Ashland, Ky. Diego Martinez – Assistant Store Manager 2nd – Store #3069, Murfreesboro, Tenn. Kayla Rickman – Assistant Store Manager Lead – Store #499, Concord, N.C. Tara Shivji – Sr. Sales Associate – Store #73, Knoxville, Tenn. The exceptional individuals have demonstrated their dedication, commitment and leadership in both their academic studies and their communities. By investing in these young scholars' education, Rack Room Shoes aims to empower and support their valued associates’ personal and professional development. "Investing in the next generation of talent is essential," said Mark Lardie, president and chief executive officer of Rack Room Shoes. "Congratulations to our scholarship winners and their commitment to furthering their education, we're excited to see what the future holds for these bright minds.” Additionally, scholarship winners from the previous year were renewed for another year of scholarship support, bringing the total to 10 scholarship recipients awarded for the 2024-2025 school year. Through initiatives like the Dr. Heinz-Horst Deichmann Scholarship Program, Rack Room Shoes remains committed to fostering a positive work environment and providing opportunities for the growth and success of its associates. About Rack Room Shoes Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Rack Room Shoes is known as an innovator in the shoe industry for over 100 years. Rack Room Shoes operates more than 520 locations nationwide under the Rack Room Shoes and Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse brands. Both brands offer a great variety of on-trend styles for women, men and children in athletic, comfort and dress categories, while providing a delightful and trusted shopping experience for our valued customers. Through Rack Room Shoes Gives, our ongoing philanthropic program, we provide ways in which customers and employees can seek support for charitable organizations, instilling trust and inspiration in the communities we serve. Contact Details Rack Room Shoes Dejah Gilliam +1 704-501-4567 dejah.gilliam@rackroom.com Brenda Christmon +1 704-491-1850 brenda.christmon@rackroom.com

June 26, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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FIRST AND LAST PR SUPPORTS BEAUTY, LIFESTYLE & WELLNESS BRANDS INTRODUCING NEW PR SERVICES AT BEAUTY INDEPENDENT’S UPLINK EXPO CONFERENCE

First and Last PR

First and Last PR, a communications agency that specializes in public relations, influencer campaigns and social media marketing, renowned for an unparalleled delivery in serving communication solutions to legacy brands announces its two new public relations offerings, tailored specifically to meet the needs of indie and emerging beauty, wellness and lifestyle brands: PR Powerboost for emerging brands and Seasonal Spotlights that will focus on inclusion during key holiday times of the year. “With over 25 years of industry experience, the one thing that remains consistent is that emerging brands need support and should not have to choose between a great communications team and packaging,” said Stephanie Scott-Bradshaw, First and Last PR ’s CEO & Communicator-in-Chief. “When it comes to media relations and digital marketing, we are here to serve. We look forward to seeing more indie and emerging brands grow with our newest service offerings. Whether you're a direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand with hopes of being in store or have recently landed at retail, we know that it's not enough to have shelf space. What you really need, is an experienced team with a strategic plan that will help push your brand’s visibility and awareness so that you remain on shelf. That's why we designed these programs for you.” First and Last PR has developed a proprietary communications formula for success that has been proven with a track record of long standing client relations and a range of case studies highlighting brands within beauty, wellness and lifestyle space and more. Recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities within the industry as of late, First and Last PR is leveraging their years of experience and deep understanding of the market by offering even more comprehensive solutions to new clients with two new offerings designed to cater to the distinct needs of brands: PR Powerboost Program: The new service tailors exclusively indie beauty, lifestyle and wellness brands looking to increase brand visibility and establish a strong presence in this saturated market. The PR Powerboost Program includes representation from First and Last PR’s experienced specialists who will actively craft press releases and media pitches, form media relations, create strategic PR plans including development into industry awards and more. With a focus on amplifying brand narratives and generating impactful media coverage, First and Last PR is committed to becoming a partner and empowering your brands to thrive in a competitive landscape. Seasonal Spotlights Pitch Program: As the holiday season quickly approaches, First and Last PR understands the importance of securing placements in top-tier gift guides, maximizing brand exposure and driving sales during the most important time of year. This exclusive new service offering is available to indie clients only, allowing them to stand out during three key holiday gifting times of the year. Each comprehensive four-month public relations campaign is available throughout key moments of the year such as Holiday season; Black History Month and Women’s History Month; Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Graduation time. This unique program will be highly focused and solely be dedicated to pitching beauty, lifestyle and wellness brands to the most top-tier holiday gift guides. With a strategic approach crafted from our seasoned publicists, this targeted outreach ensures your brands’ products will stand out as must-have gifts during the season. For more information on First and Last PR’s new and existing services, please visit FirstAndLastPR.com/Services. First and Last PR is looking forward to learning more about how they can partner with your brand to drive growth, build brand awareness and receive overall success together. About First and Last PR First and Last PR connects your company to the right people. Founded in 2012 by a frustrated beauty editor that wanted to change how brands were being represented in the market and the client experience, this highly regarded and influential public relations agency specializes in creating exceptional experiences and delivering unparalleled solutions to renowned public relations, social media marketing clients. The award-winning, results-focused and skilled at executing unique and purposeful messaging that leverages the power of connections, collaborations and conversations. Contact Details First and Last PR Camille Gordon hello@firstandlastpr.com Company Website https://firstandlastpr.com/

June 26, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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