Category: Lifestyle

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Art & Life Digital - AI & Apps Lifestyle

Mike Crispi unafraid joins Salem Podcast Network

IRVING, Texas — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Salem Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SALM) announced today that “Mike Crispi Unafraid” has officially joined the Salem Podcast Network beginning today, Jan. 9, 2023. The podcast, which launched in 2022, is hosted by Mike Crispi and will release one episode each weekday.

 

Crispi is an experienced television reporter, talk show host, and political operative throughout the Northeast. During the 2020 election, he provided live coverage of political rallies and grassroots conservative events on Right Side Broadcasting. In the last year, he has hosted one of the most popular live shows on Rumble. He has worked on multiple campaigns at both the state and federal levels, including his own Congressional campaign in New Jersey.

 

“It is a great honor to join forces with Salem Media,” Crispi said. “I have long admired their hosts, programming, and vision for the future of conservative media. This podcast has been a success since we started it last year, and I couldn’t think of a more genuine and authentic partner to help take it to the next level.”

 

“We’re excited to add Mike to our line-up,” said Marcus Brown, director of content strategy for the Salem Podcast Network. “He brings an enthusiasm and energy to our growing roster of young, conservative voices.”

 

The Salem Podcast network launched in January 2021 and is ranked as the 11th most listened to podcast network on the Triton Digital platform, with over 17 million average downloads per month.

 

ABOUT SALEM MEDIA GROUP:

Salem Media Group is America’s leading multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content, with media properties comprising radio, digital media and book and newsletter publishing. Each day Salem serves a loyal and dedicated audience of listeners and readers numbering in the millions nationally. With its unique programming focus, Salem provides compelling content, fresh commentary, and relevant information from some of the most respected figures across the Christian and conservative media landscape. Learn more about Salem Media Group, Inc. at www.salemmedia.com, Facebook and Twitter.

Contacts

Evan D. Masyr

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(805) 384-4512

evan@salemmedia.com

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Culture Lifestyle Local News Science

Bristol Myers-Squibb volunteers lead science program for kids

On a recent Saturday, County Executive Brian M. Hughes stopped by to say hello to Mercer County 4-H leaders and volunteers from Bristol Myers-Squibb, who since 2013, have partnered to engage more than 600 Trenton area youth in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities one Saturday per month throughout the school year.

The program, Tomorrow’s Innovators, builds awareness and interest in science and engineering while providing many opportunities for youth to develop and practice STEM skills alongside caring and supportive mentors.

Mercer County 4-H Program Associate, Rodrigo Sanchez Hernandez, is the day-to-day director of this initiative. He designs the curriculum and trains the BMS volunteers each month to prepare them for their role in working with the students.

The program is at the Mercer County Extension headquarters at 1440 Parkside Ave., Ewing. To get involved in Mercer County 4-H Club as a participant or a volunteer, or to learn more about 4-H’s exciting programs and services, visit https://mercer.njaes.rutgers.edu/4h/

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Business Lifestyle Technology

Brother International Corporation to showcase comprehensive retail solutions that power the front and back of store operation at NRF 2023

Solutions and hardware from the Brother ecosystem on display to bring visitors through an immersive retail front-of-house, warehouse, and back-office retail experience

 

NEW YORK — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #BarcodeLabel — Join Brother at NRF booth #3145, Jan. 14-17, at the Javits Center in New York City for demonstrations of labeling, printing, and customization technology built for how the retail space operates.

 

Brother Mobile Solutions and Brother International Corporation will feature customer-first technology that supports an automated workflow ecosystem throughout the retail environment. From gearmotors and warehouse, to back-office printing and solutions, to front store customization and personalization, Brother enables retail partners to provide an efficient process built to address each partner’s unique retail need and environment.


Presenting an immersive retail experience

Brother will take attendees through a fully immersive retail experience at NRF. Experts will showcase solutions that meet today’s needs with a full walkthrough of the omnichannel retail landscape. Real-time demonstrations of printer and labeling technology across various retail operations—in-store purchases, warehouse fulfillment, e-commerce and BOPIS orders, and back-office operations—will provide attendees the opportunity to explore the full spectrum of how Brother can help retail operations. Displaying for the first time at NRF, the Brother Home Appliance Division will showcase customized embroidery demonstrations in the retail ecosystem to create even more personalized experiences for customers as part of this immersive booth experience.

 

Technology for today’s challenges:

  • Agile pricing strategies: Updating prices on the sales floor is a key component of competitive pricing but one that takes up valuable associate time, especially in a tight labor market. See how the RuggedJet 3200, winner of the silver CStore Decisions Hot New Product of the Year Technology award, helps address this challenge with mobile printing on-demand.
  • Frictionless shopping experience: Clear, reliable barcode labels give retail customers a better shopping experience, especially with the rise of self-checkout technology. The Brother mobile and desktop printers create reliable labels to fit retailers’ needs.
  • Moving goods through the supply chain: Whether it’s goods moving from the warehouse to the store or reverse logistics to return product back to the manufacturer, high-quality shipping labels and reliable gearmotors for warehouse robots are critical to retailers. Brother offers a line of industrial and desktop printers that have solutions that fit retailers of any size, as well as gearmotors, a vital building block powering retail applications ranging from conveyors to warehouse robotics.
  • Fastest and Boldest Laser Output for Efficiency and Cost Saving: The recently announced Brother Workhorse MFC-L9670CDN multifunction printer provides the optimal performance and output, with a smaller footprint, made for the back office and corporate retail applications. This new series of economical Enterprise Color Laser printers can support any retail or business environment.
  • Customization and customer experience: Brother specialists will show solutions for a multitude of business needs with custom partnerships and integrations ensuring retailers give their customers a unique and seamless shopping experience, with a touch of personalization.

 

The right technology at the right time

Straight-forward labeling solutions are necessary across the retail front-of-house, back office and warehouse. “Giving employees the tools they need to be as efficient and productive as possible is a must in today’s shifting retail landscape,” said Ravi Panjwani, Vice President at Brother Mobile Solutions. “Brothers’ solutions support a seamless, omnichannel approach, and work to meet fast-paced demand through the automation of key tasks.”

 

“The Brother ecosystem for retail solutions and hardware continues to expand to fit the needs of and enhance our partners experiences both in-store and behind-the-scenes,” states Don Cummins, President, Brother International Corporation. “The way customers shop has evolved and we pride ourselves at Brother for being able to address the changing needs of our customers and partners. From customization with our embroidery machines, to the gears in our partner products enabling a smoother workflow, Brother is at your side to improve process efficiency in the fast-paced retail environment.”

 

For more information about the complete Brother retail ecosystem of solutions and hardware, visit Brother International Corporation and Brother Mobile Solutions.

 

About Brother Mobile Solutions

Brother Mobile Solutions, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brother International Corporation, provides innovative mobile and desktop printing and industrial labeling solutions to field workforces and mobile enterprises. Brother International Corporation and its subsidiaries employ over 1,100 people in the Americas. For more information about Brother Mobile Solutions and its products, call (800) 543-6144, or visit www.brothermobilesolutions.com.

 

About Brother International Corporation

Brother International Corporation has earned its reputation as a premier provider of home office and business products, home appliances for the sewing and crafting enthusiast as well as industrial solutions that revolutionize the way we live and work. Brother International Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Brother Industries Ltd. With worldwide sales exceeding $6 billion, this global manufacturer was started more than 100 years ago. Bridgewater, New Jersey is the corporate headquarters for Brother in the Americas. It has fully integrated sales, marketing services, manufacturing, research and development capabilities located in the U.S. In addition to its headquarters, Brother has facilities in California, Illinois and Tennessee, as well as subsidiaries in Canada, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Peru and Mexico. For more information, visit www.brother.com.

Contacts

Molly Walsh

molly@outlookmarketingsrv.com

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Culture Lifestyle Local News Travel & Leisure Weather & Environment

Community Based Deer Management provides additional county benefits beyond NJ state standards

The Mercer County Park Commission has been issued a Community Based Deer Management permit from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.

The Community Based Deer Management (CBDM) permit allows for additional opportunities to improve forest habitat and the ecological condition of County-owned natural areas through deer reductions beyond standard state hunting regulations. Reducing deer overpopulation also improves public safety by reducing deer-vehicle collisions.

No CBDM hunting will occur in areas that participate in the County’s traditional deer management hunting program until after the regular season concludes. The additional measures permitted in the CBDM program will allow a professional culling firm to perform management activities during an extended season through March 31 at Baldpate Mountain, Howell Farm, County-owned golf courses including Mountain View, Hopewell Valley, Mercer Oaks East and West, and select regions of Mercer Meadows in Hopewell Township.

Management activities approved in the Park Commission’s permit include: deer harvest by crossbow and firearm, culling during evening hours, and periodic park closures for culling outside of the traditional State hunting season through March 31, 2023. As with the Park Commission’s traditional deer management program, there will be no culling permitted on Sundays under the CBDM permit.

At Mercer Meadows, CBDM deer management will be limited to the Curlis Woods region. Beginning February 20, these areas will allow for bow culling Monday through Saturday until 9 p.m. each day until March 31. These regions will remain open to the public during bow hunting. Park users are advised to remain on trails and wear bright colored clothing. All culling activity will take place from an elevated tree stand with a 75-foot safety buffer in place on either side of all County-recognized trails.

The Curlis Woods region will BE CLOSED to the public for shotgun culling on:

  • Tuesdays and Thursdays from February 21 through March 30

At Baldpate Mountain, including Fiddler’s Creek Preserve, the permit allows for extended evening culling (until 9 p.m.)  February 20 through March 31, once the regular state hunting season ends. Beginning on Monday, February 20, bow culling may take place Monday through Saturday, from sunrise to 9 p.m. until March 31. These areas will remain open to the public on days when only bow is in use. The parks will be closed to the public during shotgun culling.

Baldpate Mountain, and Fiddler’s Creek Preserve will BE CLOSED to the public for shotgun culling on:

  • Wednesdays from February 22 through March 29

At Belle Mountain, the permit allows for extended evening culling (until 9 p.m.), Beginning on Monday, February 20, bow culling may take place Monday through Saturday, from sunrise to 9 p.m. until March 31. The park will be closed to the public during shotgun culling.

Belle Mountain will BE CLOSED to the public for shotgun culling on:

  • Mondays and Tuesdays from February 20 through March 31

At County golf courses including Mountain View, Hopewell Valley, the permit allows for evening culling (until 9 p.m.) January 1 through March 31. Beginning in January, bow culling may take place Monday through Saturday, from sunrise to 9 p.m. until March 31. At the Mercer Oaks East and West golf courses, culling with a bow may occur starting February 19 through March 31. The golf courses will be closed to the public during shotgun culling.

Golf courses will BE CLOSED to the public for shotgun culling during the courses’ routine closure to the public. See below:

  • Mountain View and Hopewell Valley closed January 1 through January 31
  • Mercer Oaks East closed February 20 through February 28

At Howell Farm, the permit allows for extended evening culling (sunset through 9 p.m.) January 30 through March 31. Beginning in January, bow culling may take place Monday through Friday, from sunrise to 9 p.m. until March 31. Shotgun culling may occur after daily operations cease at Howell Farm at 4 p.m. on weekdays.

Howell Farm will BE CLOSED to the public for shotgun culling:

  • Mondays January 30 through March 31
  • Tuesday through Friday from 4 p.m. through 9 p.m. January 30 through March 31

The above dates do not include closures as part of the Park Commission’s existing deer management program. Please visit https://www.mercercounty.org/departments/park-commission for details on all closures for deer management.

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Healthcare Lifestyle

Pinnacle Treatment Centers expands Ohio substance abuse treatment network with opening of Niles location

NILES, Ohio — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Pinnacle Treatment Centers, one of the largest methadone providers in the U.S. announced the opening of a new treatment center in Niles. The center will be Pinnacle’s 20th location in the Buckeye State.

 

Dedicated to helping adults struggling with substance use and addiction recovery, Niles Treatment Services will provide medication-assisted treatment through medications methadone and buprenorphine (Suboxone) as part of a thorough treatment program which includes individual, group, and family counseling. Patients will have access to other wrap around services like peer support and targeted case management.

 

“We understand that addiction affects multiple facets of a person’s life. While the physical stabilization through medication is key, that is just one weapon in our arsenal. While the medication takes care of the physical piece by helping with cravings, we can work in parallel to help restore the other areas affected by the disease through counseling, peer support, and case management” said Angelica Brewer, Niles’ Executive Director.

 

Peer support will provide patients with the encouragement to continue their personal development to develop the skills they need for long-term recovery. “Peer support is just one aspect of the wrap-around services we provide our patients. They have a unique ability to connect with, advocate for, and share experiences with people entering recovery. An often-overlooked aspect of successful recovery is a network of experts equipped with tools to support someone on their journey,” said Jennifer Morgenstern, Pinnacle Treatment Services Regional Director.

 

Trumbull County, where Niles is located, has one of the highest drug overdose death rates in the state. With Fentanyl on the rise, 2020 saw a death rate increase of 32% according to the Ohio Department of Health.

 

Multifaceted support and connection to community resources like housing, employment, education, and healthcare is at the forefront of case management efforts. “We have been reaching Ohioans through our network of treatment centers across every level of care, and we hope that those in need of services know that help is available.” said Brian Thorn, COO of Pinnacle Treatment Centers.

 

Niles Treatment Services accepts Medicaid, commercial insurance, and offers reasonable self-pay rates. The center is open Mondays through Fridays, 5:30 a.m. – 7p.m., and on Saturdays, 5:00 a.m.- 10 a.m. Individuals can call 234-544-3322 for a free, confidential assessment.

 

Pinnacle’s 20 addiction treatment centers in Ohio include:

  1. Akron Treatment Services
  2. Athens Treatment Services
  3. Brilliant Treatment Services
  4. Chillicothe Treatment Services
  5. Covedale Treatment Services
  6. Dayton Treatment Services
  7. Elyria Treatment Services
  8. Findlay Treatment Services
  9. Georgetown Treatment Services
  10. Hamilton Treatment Services
  11. Marion Treatment Services
  12. Milford Treatment Services
  13. Niles Treatment Services
  14. Recovery Works Columbus
  15. Recovery Works Portage
  16. Sandusky Treatment Services
  17. Springfield Treatment Services
  18. Toledo Treatment Services
  19. Youngstown Treatment Services
  20. Zanesville Treatment Services

 

About Pinnacle Treatment Centers

Headquartered in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, Pinnacle Treatment Centers is a recognized leader in comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment serving more than 35,000 patients daily in California, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. With more than 135 community-based locations, Pinnacle provides a full continuum of quality care including medically-monitored detoxification/withdrawal management, Acute psychiatric stabilization for individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health (dual diagnosis) treatment., residential treatment, partial hospitalization, recovery residences, intensive and general outpatient programming, and outpatient medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. For more information, visit pinnacletreatment.com.

Contacts

Media:
Jules Czukor

Director of Marketing | Pinnacle Treatment Centers

215-630-5006 | jules.czukor@pinnacletreatment.com

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Business Lifestyle

New Qi2 standard for wireless devices ensures enhanced consumer convenience and efficiency

Qi2 will lead to faster wireless charging and universal compatibility of handheld and mobile devices

LAS VEGAS — (BUSINESS WIRE) — The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) will introduce a new wireless charging standard to unify the industry under one global standard and provide enhanced convenience and efficiency for mobile devices and wearables.

 

The Qi2 standard will be introduced later this year by the global consortium and will offer millions of consumers who rely on wireless charging a better user experience. The WPC is a global body dedicated to the creation of standards to ensure safe, efficient, and interoperable wireless charging and wireless power.

 

“Consumers and retailers have been telling us they’re confused concerning what devices are Qi Certified and those that claim to work with Qi but are not Qi Certified. This confusion can lead to a poor user experience and even safety issues,” says Paul Struhsaker, executive director of the Wireless Power Consortium. “Our standard assures consumers that their devices are safe, efficient, and interoperable with other brands. Qi2 will be the global standard for wireless charging and provide consumers and retailers with that assurance.”

 

WPC member, Apple®, provided the basis for the new Qi2 standard building on its MagSafe® technology. Apple® and other WPC members developed the new Magnetic Power Profile, which is at the core of Qi2. Qi2’s Magnetic Power Profile will ensure that phones or other rechargeable battery-powered mobile products are perfectly aligned with charging devices, thus providing improved energy efficiency and faster charging.

 

The Qi2 (pronounced ‘chee two’) standard will replace its predecessor, Qi, in a rapidly expanding market where about one billion devices – transmitters and receivers – will be sold worldwide in 2023. The launch of the Qi2 standard will further expand the wireless charging market by opening the market to new accessories that wouldn’t be chargeable using current flat surface-to-flat surface devices.

 

Because of its improved efficiency and interoperability, Qi2 will enable faster charging for some devices, furthermore, it will pave the way for significant future increases in wireless charging speeds that are safe, and energy-efficient and won’t shorten battery life or damage a user’s phone.

 

“Energy efficiency and sustainability are on everyone’s minds these days,” says Struhsaker. “Qi2’s perfect alignment improves energy efficiency by reducing the energy loss that can happen when the phone or the charger is not aligned. Just as important, Qi2 will greatly reduce the landfill waste associated with wired charger replacement due to plugs breaking and the stress placed on cords from daily connecting and disconnecting.”

 

Qi2 Certified mobile phones and chargers are expected to be available for the 2023 holiday season.

 

At CES

Learn more about Qi2 at the Wireless Power Consortium’s CES booth number 53529 on Level 2 of the Venetian Expo Center.

 

About the Wireless Power Consortium

The Wireless Power Consortium leads the world in ensuring consumers, retailers and manufacturers that they can rely on universal, interoperable standards and certifications for wireless devices. Through rigorous testing and certifications, the global body is dedicated to ensuring safe, efficient, and interoperable wireless charging and wireless power. The WPC’s nearly 400 member organizations established and support the current Qi standard and are developing standards for innovative new wireless power applications, including the Ki Cordless Kitchen.

Contacts

Paul Golden

paul.golden@wirelesspowerconsortium.com
+1 972-854-2616

Categories
Art & Life Business Culture Lifestyle

American Girl’s 2023 Girl of the Year™— Kavi Sharma™— steps into the spotlight!

Kavi joins American Girl’s line of popular character dolls that inspire kids with courage, confidence, and strength of character

To support Kavi’s love of performing, company partners with Camp Broadway®—an award-winning theater arts program that helps children develop their characters on and off the stage

 

MIDDLETON, Wis. — (BUSINESS WIRE) —  American Girl, a cornerstone in the Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT) portfolio of purposeful brands, on Saturday unveils its 2023 Girl of the Year, Kavi Sharma.

 

Kavi joins the company’s long line of contemporary characters, introduced more than 20 years ago, that represent a wide range of backgrounds to reflect what it means to be an American girl today.

 

Whether it’s singing show tunes or learning new dance moves, Kavi loves performing. And, growing up with her close-knit Indian American family in New Jersey, she’s only a short train ride from her two favorite places in the world: New York City and Broadway! While Kavi shines onstage, keeping up with her offstage priorities like schoolwork, friendships, and family responsibilities can be a challenge—just like it is for so many kids today. Through Kavi, young readers will learn the importance of finding a healthy rhythm in life and feel inspired to pursue their own unique talents and reach for their dreams.


“As we ring in a new year, we’re excited to have Kavi Sharma take center stage in our popular Girl of the Year lineup,” says Jamie Cygielman, General Manager of American Girl. “Just like all our beloved characters, Kavi’s culturally relevant and aspirational stories help inspire kids to shine bright in their own way and be proud of who they are.”

 

To create Kavi’s story, American Girl worked with New York Times bestselling author Varsha Bajaj (Thirst and Count Me In). Kavi’s story is shared in both an illustrated paperback journal that comes with the doll and a hardcover novel, It’s Showtime, Kavi, debuting later in 2023. According to Bajaj, “Kavi’s story is important to all the young readers who will see parts of their lives represented. I took immense delight in showcasing slivers of Indian culture, including dance, yoga traditions, food, clothing, and magical festivals like Diwali and Holi.” In addition to Bajaj, a team of advisers also helped with Kavi’s development, providing real-world insights and weighing in on key product and story themes to ensure authenticity and accuracy.

 

Kavi’s character comes to life in a beautiful 18-inch Kavi™ doll, featuring brown eyes, medium skin tone, and layered dark-brown hair styled in a half ponytail. Kavi’s product collection is filled with fun, showstopping outfits and accessories that reflect her passion for performing, including her signature outfit complete with a multicolored cropped mesh top, silver joggers, and pink tennis shoes, plus an accessory set that includes a faux-fur bucket hat, quilted purse, charm, and journal. Other items include: Kavi’s Songwriting Accessories, featuring a mini keyboard that plays six different tones; Backstage Set with folding stage, rolling wardrobe, and a vanity with working lights that plays five songs; Kavi’s vibrant Bollywood Dance Costume; and, a plush of her lovable dog, Scamper.

 

To support young performers like Kavi, American Girl is partnering with the Broadway Education Alliance’s Camp Broadway, a cultural enrichment program that makes theater arts accessible and relevant for kids, helping them discover their unique talents and boost their confidence. American Girl is donating $25,000 to fund full and partial scholarships for kids participating in the camp’s 2023 summer program in New York City. To learn more about Camp Broadway and how to apply for a scholarship, visit American Girl’s blog.

 

To further celebrate Kavi’s debut, fans can participate in the following activities:

  • Visit American Girl retail stores between 12/29/22 – 1/1/23 to explore Kavi’s world, enter to win Kavi product and receive a free giveaway (while supplies last), plus enjoy Kavi-inspired activities and experiences throughout the month of January and beyond.
  • Tune in to Kavi-inspired videos on both American Girl’s popular YouTube and YouTube Kids Channel, including a six-episode Kavi animated series, plus a music video, and other Kavi-inspired digital and social content throughout the year.
  • Tour Kavi’s room, play games, and learn more about each American Girl character via the brand’s free Virtual Museum experience.
  • Read about Why Kavi Matters, including a Q&A with author Varsha Bajaj.

 

The Kavi product collection is available December 29, 2022, at americangirl.com and at all American Girl retail locations nationwide and, starting January 1, 2023, at American Girl specialty boutiques at select Indigo™ and Chapters™ locations in Canada and online at Indigo.ca. The hardcover book, It’s Showtime, Kavi, will be available at American Girl and other retail and online booksellers later in 2023.

 

ABOUT AMERICAN GIRL

American Girl is a premium brand for girls and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT, www.mattel.com), a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. Headquartered in Middleton, WI, American Girl offers an inspiring world of dolls, content, and experiences that nourish a girl’s spirit and help develop her strength of character. Best-selling lines include Truly Me™, Girl of the Year™, Bitty Baby®, WellieWishers™, Create Your Own™, and American Girl’s classic historical characters. The company sells products through its award-winning catalogue, on americangirl.com, in its proprietary U.S. experiential retail stores, as well as at specialty retailers nationwide. By inspiring girls to be their best, American Girl has earned the loyalty of millions and the praise and trust of parents and educators. Connect with American Girl on:

Facebook: @americangirl
Twitter: @American_Girl
Instagram: @americangirlbrand
Pinterest: agofficial

MAT-AG

Contacts

Susan Jevens, American Girl: susan.jevens@americangirl.com
Julie Parks, American Girl: julie.parks@americangirl.com
Hannah Jones, Weber Shandwick: hjones@webershandwick.com

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Business Culture Lifestyle

Cross River Bank spreads holiday cheer and warmth to children in need

Company’s compassion shines bright with continued commitment to giving back to the local community

Employees spearhead initiatives to pay it forward with organizations like Hindi’s Libraries and students at Chancellor Avenue School

 

FORT LEE, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Cross River Bank “(Cross River),” a technology infrastructure provider that offers embedded financial solutions, spent the month of December spreading holiday cheer—specifically to children in need—through employee-driven volunteer opportunities and impactful philanthropy. The New Jersey-based technology company continues to focus on investing deeply in initiatives that help communities drive positive change for a better future.

 

Since inception, Cross River’s focus has been on giving back, and throughout the pandemic the Company has been at the forefront of helping businesses survive and saving jobs. Through the team’s herculean efforts, Cross River was able to save more than 1.4 million jobs through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). This holiday season, Cross River is helping the New Jersey community through a series of donations and drives that will make the season a bit brighter for families still recovering from the financial impacts of recent years.

 

“The winter holiday season is, understandably, a tough time for many—especially those experiencing financial hardships,” said Phil Goldfeder, SVP Global Public Affairs at Cross River. “At Cross River, we have always, and will always, be committed to our community and doing whatever good we can to bring some joy and basic necessities to those in need. We’re proud of our employee culture, which is filled with like-minded individuals who gave both sweat equity and equity to help others.”

 

Year-round, Cross River provides financial literacy trainings through community partners, so this holiday season, the Company decided to help to spread a love of general literacy by providing increased reading options for local communities through a book drive. Cross River employees also packed and donated the children’s and young adult books to Hindi’s Libraries, an organization which collects and donates new and gently used children’s books to families in need across the globe through their network of over 750 nonprofit partners. The books from Cross River’s drive went to Bergen HEARTS, an organization that provides services for Bergen County families facing homelessness.

 

The team wrapped up the Company’s community giving efforts with the 4th annual “Sharing the Warmth”, an initiative spearheaded by Cross River employees, focused on providing winter essentials for students at the Chancellor Avenue Elementary School in Newark, NJ. Employees from teams across Cross River packaged and delivered over 1,500 gloves, hats and scarves with smiles to the students on December 19th.

 

“Chancellor Avenue School and its Falcons are eternally grateful for Cross River’s generosity and philanthropy,” enthused Kashon Lopes, Principal at Chancellor Avenue School. “This year is particularly special because the hats, scarves, and gloves will keep our students warm this holiday season. Thank you for paying it forward to our Falcon family! We appreciate you all.”

 

A leading financial technology company reshaping global finance and financial inclusion, Cross River has been committed to social responsibility since inception. The Company’s impact spans philanthropic giving and social responsibility initiatives. Cross River is especially proud of its significant employee engagement, which includes charitable giving and stepping up in times of need—whether through impactful philanthropy or rising to support small businesses during times of crisis.

 

About Cross River

Cross River provides technology infrastructure powering the future of financial services. Leveraging its proprietary real-time banking core, Cross River delivers innovative and scalable embedded payments, cards, lending and crypto solutions to millions of consumers and businesses. Cross River is backed by leading investors and serves the world’s most essential fintech and technology companies. Together with its partners, Cross River is reshaping global finance and financial inclusion. Member FDIC. Find out more at www.crossriver.com.

Contacts

Mackenzie DeLuca

Mdeluca@crossriver.com
(201) 808-7000 x 778

Categories
Art & Life Culture Lifestyle Travel & Leisure

Celebrating 20 years of Rose Parade participation, the 2023 Donate Life Rose Parade® float, ‘Lifting Each Other Up’ will honor 59 organ, eye and tissue donors and recipients

The float will be featured on the 2023 Rose Parade® on New Year’s Day

 

LOS ANGELES — (BUSINESS WIRE) — The Donate Life community is celebrating 20 years of participation in the traditional Rose Parade in Pasadena. The 2023 Donate Life Rose Parade® float, “Lifting Each Other Up,” will feature 59 honorees representing 24 states in the United States. With ages ranging from 17 to 78 years old for riders and walkers, and from 3 1/2 months old to 68 years old for floragraph honorees, these participants and their families will travel to Pasadena to be part of America’s Donate Life celebration on New Year’s Day’s traditional Rose Parade®.


The 2023 Donate Life Float will feature:

  • 4 walkers, including living donors, as well as organ recipients
  • 16 riders who are organ and tissue recipients
  • 39 floragraphs (floral portraits) representing organ, eye and tissue donors who gave the gift of life to others

 

Float Walkers
Four honorees whose lives were connected to organ donation will walk alongside the 2023 Donate Life float. The 2023 Donate Life float walkers include Keith Gooch, a 63-year-old living kidney donor from Fresno, Calif. who helped start a kidney chain that saved nine lives, including the life of his late brother.

 

Additional walkers include:

  • Thomas Dougall, a 67-year-old living kidney donor from Columbia, SC, who will be accompanied by his wife and his neighbor and kidney recipient, Jo Byrd
  • Wendy Dougall from Columbia, SC, a 63-year-old tissue recipient who is an advocate for donation, and who will walk next to her husband, Thomas, who is a living donor
  • Yadira Ortega, a 37-year-old from Anaheim, Calif., who donated one of her kidneys, as well as stem cells to her brother Ricardo, as part of a groundbreaking medical study conducted by UCLA and funded by OneLegacy that will hopefully eliminate the need for anti-rejection medications on organ transplant patients in the future.

 

Bios to all four 2023 Donate Life float walkers are available here:

https://donatelifefloat.org/si/participants/2023/walkers.html

 

Float Riders

The 2023 Donate Life float will feature 16 riders including Dr. Martha Gonzalez de Vidal, a 67-year-old Mexican American obstetrician from Hermosa Beach, Calif. who, after the COVID-19 virus destroyed her lungs, received a lifesaving double lung transplant in 2022.

 

Additional float riders include:

  • Bree Majsiak, a 28-year-old nerve allograft tissue recipient from Los Angeles, Calif.
  • Caitlin Pendzinski, a 24-year-old kidney recipient from Monroe City, MO
  • David Wheelis, a 36-year-old liver recipient from Oklahoma City, OK
  • Goldie Williams, a 38-year-old liver recipient from Oakland, Calif.
  • Harleen (Leena) Sandhu, a 51-year-old kidney recipient from East Windsor, NJ
  • Hayden Schiller, a 20-year-old bone tissue recipient from Vancouver, WA
  • Jo Byrd, a 78-year-old kidney recipient from Columbia, SC, whose living donor will also be honored on the float
  • Dr. Larry Yokoyama, a 68-year-old kidney recipient from Bakersfield, Calif. whose kidney donor will also be honored with a floragraph on the float
  • Lavender McKillip, a 17-year-old liver recipient from Sparks, NV
  • Marcus Roberts, a 43-year-old heart and kidney recipient from Long Beach, Calif.
  • Mary Louis, a 50-year-old skin tissue recipient from Baytown, TX
  • Megan Mehta, a 19-year-old heart recipient from Pleasanton, Calif.
  • Olga Gomez, a 59-year-old liver and kidney recipient who is currently waiting for a kidney transplant from Ontario, Calif.
  • Ricardo Ortega, a 33-year-old kidney recipient from Bellflower, Calif., whose sister and kidney donor will also be honored on the float
  • Xavier McLeod, an 18-year-old kidney recipient from Lemon Grove, Calif.

 

Bios to the 2023 Donate Life float riders are available here:

https://donatelifefloat.org/si/participants/2023/riders.html

 

Floragraph Honorees

39 deceased donors will be memorialized with floral portraits or floragraphs placed on the body of the legendary Asian dragon which serves as the centerpiece of the 2023 Donate Life float. These donors gave the ultimate gift of life to save and heal others through the power of organ, eye and tissue donation. The floragraphs were made using organic materials like rice, farina, coffee, yellow millet, and cinnamon.

 

Among the 2023 floragraph honorees is James Parsons, a 57-year-old avid handyman from New Market, AL, who was part of a groundbreaking study. Upon his being declared brain dead, and while on a respirator, he was the first human selected to successfully receive a genetically modified pig kidney. The kidneys produced urine throughout the 77-hour study, now called “The Parsons Model.” Doctors will conduct more testing with hopes of implanting pig kidneys into living humans.

 

The 2023 Donate Life float floragraph honorees include:

  • Tammy McKeown, a 47-year-old travel enthusiast from Bakersfield who saved three lives as an organ donor, and whose kidney recipient will also be honored on the float
  • Amanda Wilken, a 23-year-old gifted student from Norwalk, IA, who wanted to become a pharmacist and help veterans
  • Anthony Galvan, a 23-year-old outdoors enthusiast and tissue donor from Ontario, Calif.
  • Asante Contreras, a 20-year-old EMT and tissue and cornea donor from Del Rio, TX
  • Barbara Schmit, a 65-year-old outgoing woman from Tustin, Calif. who became an organ, eye and tissue donor in 2021
  • Brittany Hoover, a 32-year-old hard working woman and organ, eye and tissue donor from Virginia Beach, VA
  • Dalton Rashad Criss, an 18-year-old musician, athlete and prolific student from Peru, NY who became an organ, eye and tissue donor
  • Ivan Sandoval, a 5-year-old superhero enthusiast from Anaheim, Calif. who became an organ and tissue donor
  • Joseph Peter Keenan, a 48-year-old hairstylist from Pawtucket, RI who saved 3 lives as an organ donor
  • Kaylea Curry, a quirky and creative 10-year-old girl who donated her organs, corneas and tissue

 

Bios to all 39 floragraph honorees for the 2022 Donate Life float are available here:

https://donatelifefloat.org/si/participants/2023/floragraphs.html

The Donate Life Rose Parade float is produced by OneLegacy, designed by Charles Meier, built by Fiesta Parade Floats and made possible thanks to more than 50 sponsors, including: American Association of Tissue Banks, Artivion, AxoGen Corporation, Bridge to Life, Cedars-Sinai, We Are Sharing Hope SC, Center For Donation and Transplant, Community Tissue Services, David’s Final Flight, Ryan’s Legacy, Dignity Memorial Providers of Las Vegas, New Jersey and Seattle, Donate Life California, Donate Life Indiana, Donate Life South Carolina, Donor Alliance, Donor Network West, Global Transplant Solutions, Indiana Donor Network, Iowa Donor Network, JJ’s Legacy, Kamden’s Group Hug, Inc., Legacy Donor Services Foundation, Legacy of Hope, UAB Medicine, LifeCenter Northwest, LifeLink Foundation, LifeNet Health, LifeShare of OK, Lifesharing, Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency, Midwest Transplant Network, MTF Biologics, Nevada Donor Network, New England Donor Services, OneLegacy, RTI Donor Services, Sharing Network Foundation, Student Organ Donation Advocates, Thermo Fisher Scientific, UAB Medicine, Union County Community Foundation, We are Sharing Hope, SC, Xtant Medical, Mark Wesley Pinckard – Renaissance Scholarship Fund, CPMC, Stanford Children’s Hospital, UCSF Health, CompuMed, First Republic Bank and Specialist Direct.

 

As the world’s most visible campaign to inspire organ, eye and tissue donation, the Donate Life Rose Parade® float inspires viewers to help the more than one million people in need of organ, eye or tissue transplants each year. Register today to become an organ, eye or tissue donor by visiting http://registerme.org/campaign/float.

 

About Donate Life America

Donate Life America is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit alliance of national organizations and state teams across the United States committed to increasing organ, eye and tissue donation. Donate Life America manages and promotes the national brand for donation, Donate Life, and assists Donate Life State Teams and national partners in facilitating high-performing donor registries; developing and executing effective multi-media donor education programs; and motivating the American public to register now as organ, eye and tissue donors.

Contacts

Tania Llavaneras

213/229-5654

Tllavaneras@onelegacy.org

Ross Goldberg

818/597-8453

ross@kevinross.net

Categories
Business Lifestyle

AM Best assigns Issue Credit Rating to Knighthead Annuity & Life Assurance Company’s newly issued surplus notes

OLDWICK, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #insurance — AM Best has assigned a Long-Term Issue Credit Rating of “bbb” (Good) to the newly issued $50 million 9.375% surplus notes due 2042 issued by Knighthead Annuity & Life Assurance Company (Knighthead Annuity) (Cayman Islands). The outlook assigned to the Credit Rating (rating) is stable.

The proceeds from this debt issuance are expected to be used for general corporate purposes, including assumption of additional reinsurance and merger & acquisition activity. AM Best notes that Knighthead Annuity’s financial leverage will increase modestly, remaining well within AM Best’s guidelines for its current rating. AM Best views Knighthead Annuity’s debt-servicing capabilities favorably, with sufficient liquidity to service its debt and access to additional capital through its holding company.

 

AM Best notes that these surplus notes are to be issued by a Cayman-domiciled life insurance company. The notes have similar characteristics as traditional notes issued in the United States and repayment of interest, principal and any redemption related to the notes may be made only with the prior approval from the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority. The notes are subordinate to the claims of the policyholders, claimants and beneficiaries, as well as all other Knighthead Annuity creditors. The company has the option to redeem all or a portion of the note after 10 years, in 2032.

 

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.

 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

 

Copyright © 2022 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts

Brian Keleher

Financial Analyst

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5586

brian.keleher@ambest.com

Michael Adams

Associate Director

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5133

michael.adams@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey

Manager, Public Relations

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159

christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Al Slavin

Senior Public Relations Specialist

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5098

al.slavin@ambest.com