Category: Economics

Categories
Economics Lifestyle Perks Special/Sponsored Content Travel & Leisure

5 Things to elevate your festival experience

Festival season has arrived! Whether you are camping, day-tripping or staying in a hotel, this roundup of five products will have you the “pro” of your festival experience.

 

1. bearback Lotion Roller (or sunscreen!)

Price: Starting at $24.97 – getbearback.com

 

Affiliate: Amazon

 

  • Makes it easy to apply lotion, sunscreen, and prescriptions in hard to reach spots
  • Use on backs, legs–anywhere!
  • Built with a non-slip grip
  • Ergonomic curve provides the perfect amount of pressure
  • Foldable design is made for travel and easy storage
  • Extends to 17” from 9.5”
  • Comes with 2 washable and reusable foam rollers
  • 2,600+ reviews on Amazon!

 

 

2. Alicia Adams Alpaca Maui Wrap

Price: $295 – aliciaadamsalpaca.com

 

 

  • The Maui Wrap functions as a wrap, a scarf, a stole, or even a shawl
  • The feather-weight baby alpaca and silk blend makes it the perfect accessory for warmer months and years round
  • 70% baby alpaca
  • 30% silk

 

 

3. Blithe Cosmetics – Pressed Serum & Vital Treatment   

Price: Starting at $34 – blithecosmetic.com

Affiliate: Skimlinks & ShareASale (ID# 134544)

 

 

  • Multi-function skincare so you need less products to cover your entire routine!
  • 5 out of 7 steps to your skincare routine are covered with this product!
    • Takes care of everything except for cleanser and sunscreen!
  • All you’ll need is the Vital Treatment & Pressed Serum!
  • Vital Treatment:
    • Serves as your essence, toner, and serum
    • Incredibly hydrating
    • No sticky residue
    • Available in 4 formulations to fit your skin type
  • Pressed Serum:
    • Serves as a serum, eye cream, and moisturizer
    • Absorbs quickly & deeply
    • Helps fine lines & anti-aging
    • Controls pores
    • Available in four formulations to target your skin concerns
  • Available in travel sizes!

 

  

4. SpaLife Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches

Price: Starting at $10.99 – spalifebeauty.com

Affiliate: Amazon, Walmart

 

 

  • HEALS: Visibly absorbs impurities, Protects, results in 6-10 hours.
  • HOW TO USE: Apply to clean, dry clean. Make sure the patch covers the spot completely, Leave on overnight then remove the patch and discard.
  • WAKE UP FEELING CONFIDENT: Helps shrink the look of whiteheads & on-the-surface pimples.
  • FORMULA: Hydrocolloid formula visibly absorbs impurities—so you know it’s working!

 

 

5. TableTopics To-go Sets

Price: $9 – tabletopics.com

Affiliate: Available on Amazon (4.5 Stars, 10,000+ Reviews), Skimlinks, Barnes & Noble, Dillard’s

 

 

  • Travel: These fabulous travel-related questions are sure to entertain — whether in the air or on the water or at the beach — wherever your journeys take you. This set is loaded with great questions that will have you dreaming about traveling the world and excited about exploring things closer to home.
  • Not a Chance: This set of amusing questions will test limits, define boundaries, and get right to the heart of those things that make you and your friends say “Oh no! Not a chance!”
  • Dating: Break the ice or take things to a new level. Either way, these questions are designed to help take the stress out of those “getting to know you” conversations.
Categories
Business Economics Lifestyle Regulations & Security Technology

2023 Chargeback Field Report: Friendly fraud, first-party misuse skyrockets to pandemic levels, industry survey reveals

TAMPA, Fla. – Chargebacks911, the first company dedicated to providing chargeback remediation services to the world’s largest banks and businesses, released its 2023 Chargeback Field Report, giving retailers and financial institutions an understanding into the current state of friendly fraud, first-party misuse and chargeback management within eCommerce and card-not-present (CNP) transactions.

 

Presented in tandem with Digital Commerce 360, this year’s Field Report features for the first time insight from more than 4,000 consumers who were surveyed on their preferred transaction dispute processes and perception of chargebacks in general, giving banks and businesses indicators as to what may be fueling the steady rise in chargeback fraud.

 

After surveying more than 300 retailers—from small businesses to enterprise merchants—one of the most alarming statistics revealed in the 2023 Chargeback Field Report was the spike in increased chargeback fraud; nearly three quarters of surveyed respondents reported a 19 percent average increase in friendly fraud. More than half of respondents said that friendly fraud is a significant or moderate concern for their business.

 

With this statistic rivaling 2020 quarantine levels, transaction dispute experts at Chargebacks911 say this is a cause for concern for online retailers.

 

“When we saw in 2021 that 76 percent of surveyed merchants reported an increase in friendly fraud, we were concerned, but not shocked, given that many storefronts were closed in 2020 and everyone was forced to do their shopping online where fraud is rampant,” said Monica Eaton, CEO of Chargebacks911.

 

“But now that we are well past the confines of the pandemic and that number remains the same, more action is needed to quell the ongoing rise in chargeback abuse.”

 

The 2023 Chargeback Field Report showed that friendly fraud was a much larger concern than criminal fraud. When asked to estimate the percentage of chargebacks that were the result of friendly fraud, merchants reported an average of 44 percent—with retailers making more than $100 million in annual revenue being more likely to identify disputes as friendly fraud.

 

Responses from the Field Report’s consumer survey revealed a strong disconnect between shoppers and the inner workings of the chargeback process. When cardholders were asked how many transactions they had disputed with their bank in the previous 12 months, the average number was six, with more than half of cardholders admitting to filing a chargeback with their bank without ever trying to contact the merchant.

 

Additionally, 72 percent of cardholders considered filing a chargeback with their bank a valid alternative to requesting a refund from the merchant and 75 percent of respondents considered the two dispute methods to be equivalent. Chargebacks911 Chief Growth Officer Pel Faquiryan says this misunderstanding is fueling the chargeback crisis and costing retailers billions in lost revenue.

 

“Most customers are unaware of what goes on behind the scenes when a chargeback is filed and I’m sure they would be surprised to know that merchants pay on average around $3.60 for every dollar lost to a fraudulent or illegitimate chargeback,” said Faquiryan. “Sometimes, retailers will raise the prices of goods and services to make up for lost revenue, passing along the cost of chargeback fraud and misuse to the customer.”

 

With chargebacks now easier than ever to file with an issuing bank, Mastercard reports that money lost to chargebacks will cost merchants an estimated $117.47 billion in 2023.

 

The main motivation for cardholders to seek resolution with their bank rather than the merchant was a matter of convenience, according to the Field Report, with nearly half of respondents claiming that the speed of resolution was the primary factor for filing a chargeback. Retailers must now compete with cardholders’ banks as to which can be more accommodating.

 

The experts at Chargebacks911 say the best response for merchants to address this trend is two-pronged: prevent and confront.

 

Just 32 percent of surveyed merchants said they currently use an alert system to resolve disputes and prevent chargebacks from being filed, but those merchants reported a 27 percent average reduction in chargebacks. Available alert solutions include Verifi Order Insight by Visa, Ethoca Consumer Clarity by Mastercard, and Rapid Dispute Resolution.

 

Merchants of all sizes are encouraged to challenge any chargeback they receive that shows signs of friendly fraud or first-party misuse, according to Chargebacks911. The majority of surveyed retailers say they have an internal team dedicated to managing chargebacks, but when comparing the numbers reported by merchants, the report found that companies who leverage representment software and services through a platform provider saw a net recovery rate more than 55 percent higher than merchants that managed the process internally.

 

About Chargebacks911

Chargebacks911® drives profitability for online merchants by decreasing payment disputes and recovering revenue lost to chargeback fraud. Through a proprietary suite of software and service offerings, the company delivers transparent, end-to-end chargeback management solutions backed by the industry’s only performance-based ROI guarantee.

 

To view the 2023 Chargeback Field Report in its entirety, visit https://chargebacks911.com/chargeback-field-report

 

For more information on how to best combat fraudulent or illegitimate chargebacks, or to view available solutions, visit https://chargebacks911.com or email info@chargebacks911.com.

Categories
Culture Economics Lifestyle Local News Regulations & Security

Most County offices to close for Juneteenth observance

TRENTON, N.J. — Most Mercer County government offices, including all branches of the Mercer County Library System, will be closed Friday, June 16, 2023, in observance of Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans.

The following County offices and facilities will remain open: Trenton-Mercer Airport (except for administrative offices), Correction Center, Sheriff’s Office and the Emergency Services Communication Center.

The following Mercer County Park Commission facilities will be open on Friday, June 16: Tennis Center, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; all five County golf courses, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Mercer County Stables, open for visitors from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Wildlife Center, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only.

The outdoor education area will be open free of charge for self-guided tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Howell Living History Farm will be closed on June 16 but will have a Juneteenth program on Saturday, June 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Farm open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) will be closed on June 16.

Hopewell Valley Pool, Mercer County Park Marina and Spray Park, Tulpehaking Nature Center and Park Commission administrative offices will be closed on June 16.

The Juneteenth Celebration Finale with music, food and vendors will be held Saturday, June 17, from noon to 8 p.m. at Mercer County Park. For more information on Park Commission facilities, visit www.mercercounty.org/parks.

Categories
Culture Economics Lifestyle Local News Programs & Events

Expanded Rt. 130 Connection bus service recently takes effect

More local residents will be able to reach more job sites beginning Monday, June 12, under an expanded Route 130 Connection bus service provided by Mercer County and the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association, County Executive Brian M. Hughes announced.

 

Mercer County has designated $710,000 from its American Rescue Plan Act allocation to fund this two-year expansion of the Route 130 Connection, which provides bus service between the Trenton Transit Center and the N.J. Turnpike Exit 8A warehouse area in Monroe and South Brunswick, with stops in Hamilton, East Windsor and Hightstown, and at Mercer County Community College’s West Windsor campus. The fare is $1 each way per passenger. The Route 130 Connection is funded primarily through an annual NJ Transit grant and Mercer County funds, and administered by the Greater Mercer TMA.

Mr. Hughes noted that many new entry-level jobs are located in suburban areas, and that low-income individuals may have difficulty accessing these jobs.

 

“We’re pleased to be able to connect more people to employment opportunities by adding bus stops to the Route 130 Connection and providing additional service times to accommodate more people, such as those working evening or late-night shifts,” he said.

“I thank the Greater Mercer TMA for its support of this initiative and the important work it does every day to improve mobility for our residents and assist our business community.”

“Removing barriers to employment is critical,” said Cheryl Kastrenakes, Executive Director of the Greater Mercer TMA.

“One barrier is the lack of transportation to jobs at suburban sites and warehouse locations. Mercer County has been helping to address this transportation barrier with the Route 130 Connection bus and has stepped up again to meet a growing need for more service with this latest expansion. We applaud the County for making transportation access a priority.”

This expansion will serve the existing warehouse bus route, while adding stops at UPS, Wakefern and those employers located on Hightstown-Cranbury Station Road and Station Road, such as Wayfair and Amazon Cranbury.  The drive time is expected to take a maximum of one hour from the Trenton Transit Center to Wakefern in Monroe at the end of the route, but could take less time based on the number of stops on that particular run and time of day.

For more information on the Route 130 Connection, as well as other county and community bus services, visit https://gmtma.org/mercer-county-bus-service/

Categories
Business Economics Lifestyle Local News

CoreLogic: Home price growth continues annual single-digit slowdown in April

  • April’s 2% year-over-year home price growth was the lowest recorded since March 2012
  • CoreLogic’s forecast suggests that all states will again show positive annual home price gains by April 2024

 

IRVINE, Calif. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #HPI — CoreLogic®, a leading global property information, analytics and data-enabled solutions provider, on Tuesday released the CoreLogic Home Price Index (HPI™) and HPI Forecast™ for April 2023.


Nationwide, single-family home price growth rose by 2% year over year in April. This marked the 135th consecutive month of annual growth but the sixth straight month of single-digit gains, which have slowed from an all-time high of nearly 20% annual appreciation in the spring of 2022.

 

Numerous economic concerns are contributing to buyer reluctance, including mortgage rate volatility and the related uncertainty surrounding the recent debt-ceiling debate. That said, a continued shortage of homes for sale could keep pressure on housing prices over the next 12 months. CoreLogic projects that home price growth will slow a bit more in 2023 before regaining steam to about 5% annual appreciation by April 2024.

 

“While mortgage rate volatility continues to cause buyer hesitation, the lack of for-sale homes is putting firm pressure on prices this spring, leading to above-average seasonal monthly gains and a rebound in home prices in most markets,” said CoreLogic Chief Economist Selma Hepp.

 

“Nevertheless, the recent surge in mortgage rates and continued inflation issues suggest that rates may remain elevated, leading home price appreciation to possibly relax this summer and return to average seasonal gains later in 2023.”

 

“Still, while slim inventory is pushing prices up once again and constraining affordability,” Hepp continued, “recent trends suggest that home price growth in 2023 will fall in line with the historical 4% annual average.“

 

Top Takeaways:

  • U.S. home prices (including distressed sales) increased by 2% year over year in April 2023 compared with April 2022. On a month-over-month basis, home prices increased by 1.2% compared with March 2023.
  • In April, the annual appreciation of attached properties (3.6%) was 2.1 percentage points higher than that of detached properties (1.5%).
  • CoreLogic forecasts show annual U.S. home price gains increasing to 4.6% by April 2024.
  • Miami posted the highest year-over-year home price increase of the country’s 20 tracked metro areas in April, at 13.2%, while Atlanta ranked second at 4.8%.
  • Among states, Indiana and New Jersey recorded the highest annual home price gains, 7.3% and 7.1%, respectively. Missouri, South Carolina and Vermont posted the third-highest growth rates, with all showing a 6.9% year-over-year increase. Ten states recorded annual losses: Washington (-7.7%), Idaho (-5.9%), Utah (-4.9%), Nevada (-4.5%), California (-3.6%), Arizona (-2.6%), Oregon (-2.6%), Colorado (-2.1%), Montana (-1.1%) and New York (-1.1%).

 

The next CoreLogic HPI press release, featuring May 2023 data, will be issued on July 11, 2023, at 8 a.m. EST.

 

Methodology

The CoreLogic HPI™ is built on industry-leading public record, servicing and securities real-estate databases and incorporates more than 45 years of repeat-sales transactions for analyzing home price trends. Generally released on the first Tuesday of each month with an average five-week lag, the CoreLogic HPI is designed to provide an early indication of home price trends by market segment and for the Single-Family Combined tier, representing the most comprehensive set of properties, including all sales for single-family attached and single-family detached properties. The indices are fully revised with each release and employ techniques to signal turning points sooner. The CoreLogic HPI provides measures for multiple market segments, referred to as tiers, based on property type, price, time between sales, loan type (conforming vs. non-conforming) and distressed sales. Broad national coverage is available from the national level down to ZIP Code, including non-disclosure states.

 

CoreLogic HPI Forecasts™ are based on a two-stage, error-correction econometric model that combines the equilibrium home price—as a function of real disposable income per capita—with short-run fluctuations caused by market momentum, mean-reversion, and exogenous economic shocks like changes in the unemployment rate. With a 30-year forecast horizon, CoreLogic HPI Forecasts project CoreLogic HPI levels for two tiers — Single-Family Combined (both attached and detached) and Single-Family Combined Excluding Distressed Sales. As a companion to the CoreLogic HPI Forecasts, Stress-Testing Scenarios align with Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (CCAR) national scenarios to project five years of home prices under baseline, adverse and severely adverse scenarios at state, metropolitan areas and ZIP Code levels. The forecast accuracy represents a 95% statistical confidence interval with a +/- 2% margin of error for the index.

 

About Market Risk Indicators

Market Risk Indicators are a subscription-based analytics solution that provide monthly updates on the overall health of housing markets across the country. CoreLogic data scientists combine world-class analytics with detailed economic and housing data to help determine the likelihood of a housing bubble burst in 392 major metros and all 50 states. Market Risk Indicators is a multi-phase regression model that provides a probability score (from 1 to 100) on the likelihood of two scenarios per metro: a >10% price reduction and a ≤ 10% price reduction. The higher the score, the higher the risk of a price reduction.

 

About the Market Condition Indicators

As part of the CoreLogic HPI and HPI Forecasts offerings, Market Condition Indicators are available for all metropolitan areas and identify individual markets as overvalued, at value or undervalued. These indicators are derived from the long-term fundamental values, which are a function of real disposable income per capita. Markets are labeled as overvalued if the current home price indexes exceed their long-term values by greater than 10% and undervalued where the long-term values exceed the index levels by greater than 10%.

 

Source: CoreLogic

The data provided are for use only by the primary recipient or the primary recipient’s publication or broadcast. This data may not be resold, republished or licensed to any other source, including publications and sources owned by the primary recipient’s parent company without prior written permission from CoreLogic. Any CoreLogic data used for publication or broadcast, in whole or in part, must be sourced as coming from CoreLogic, a data and analytics company. For use with broadcast or web content, the citation must directly accompany first reference of the data. If the data are illustrated with maps, charts, graphs or other visual elements, the CoreLogic logo must be included on screen or website. For questions, analysis or interpretation of the data, contact Robin Wachner at newsmedia@corelogic.com. For sales inquiries, visit https://www.corelogic.com/support/sales-contact/. Data provided may not be modified without the prior written permission of CoreLogic. Do not use the data in any unlawful manner. The data are compiled from public records, contributory databases and proprietary analytics, and its accuracy is dependent upon these sources.

 

About CoreLogic

CoreLogic is a leading global property information, analytics and data-enabled solutions provider. The company’s combined data from public, contributory and proprietary sources includes over 4.5 billion records spanning more than 50 years, providing detailed coverage of property, mortgages and other encumbrances, consumer credit, tenancy, location, hazard risk and related performance information. The markets CoreLogic serves include real estate and mortgage finance, insurance, capital markets, and the public sector. CoreLogic delivers value to clients through unique data, analytics, workflow technology, advisory and managed services. Clients rely on CoreLogic to help identify and manage growth opportunities, improve performance and mitigate risk. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., CoreLogic operates in North America, Western Europe and Asia Pacific. For more information, please visit www.corelogic.com.

 

CORELOGIC, the CoreLogic logo, CoreLogic HPI and CoreLogic HPI Forecast are trademarks of CoreLogic, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Contacts

Media Contact:
Robin Wachner

newsmedia@corelogic.com

Sales Contact:
https://www.corelogic.com/support/sales-contact/

Categories
Business Digital - AI & Apps Economics Lifestyle Perks Regulations & Security Technology

Google updates focus on the role of CRO in achieving impressive ROI

Google continuously modifies its algorithms to provide searchers with the most relevant content. In March 2023, Google rolled out its Core Update, which is one of the most significant updates in recent years. It continually adjusts its search engine ranking system and user interface, averaging 12 changes per day, keeping digital marketers on their toes.

 

This algorithm update by Google focuses on user experience and penalizes inadequate websites, meaning websites with low-quality duplicated, and irrelevant content, poor user experience, and slow navigation will have lower rankings. Moreover, with the increasing use of mobile devices for internet browsing, the update has strongly emphasized mobile optimization, resulting in penalization for websites that are not mobile-friendly. Experts say Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) is a powerful strategy that not only supports but also amplifies all marketing efforts.

 

“Marketing opportunities live in Conversion Rate Optimization more than uncasing an algorithm. Companies should constantly be working to improve the customer experience; this will never change, no matter what Google does. Digital marketing strategies that focus on the fundamentals of driving website traffic, improving conversion rate optimization, and delivering an outstanding customer experience will see steady market gains regardless of what changes Google makes to their algorithm,” says Derek Chew, CEO of Fullmoon Digital Marketing.

 

Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) is about employing strategies that steadily and systematically boost customer engagement with a website, such as clicking a banner ad, filling out a form, or subscribing to a newsletter, to increase the likelihood of repeat visits or business.

 

It helps businesses analyze and segment their users to direct them toward purchasing the products or services that would best cater to their requirements. This leads to an increase in repeat customers and a greater overall value per customer across the entire product experience.

 

While about 67% of companies globally don’t have a properly structured CRO strategy, it is important to note that businesses implementing CRO get an average ROI of 223%.

 

“In the wake of Google’s core updates, which prioritize user experience and relevance in search results, CRO has become even more important for digital marketing strategies. By improving the user experience and increasing conversions, businesses can improve their search engine rankings and increase their revenue and ROI,” notes Chew.

 

About Fullmoon Digital

Fullmoon Digital, founded by Derek Chew, a former early Yahoo! employee, is one of the few 100% independent digital marketing agencies in the United States. The firm is cross-functional, with deep experience in media planning and buying, digital consultancy, SEO, digital strategy, programmatic, analytics, performance marketing, paid media, social advertising, and creative. They push the envelope of what is possible in terms of marketing and technology, all the while providing best-in-class digital marketing service to their “pack” of clients. For more information, please visit www.fullmoondigital.com.

Categories
Business Economics Entertainment News Lifestyle Programs & Events Sports & Gaming

AJGA unveils renamed Liberty National ACE Grant following donation by Paul & Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation

12-year agreement announced ahead of inaugural Mizuho Americas Open hosted by Michelle Wie West at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, NJ

Donation is latest milestone in Fireman family’s continued support for junior golf initiatives totaling more than $12 million

 

 

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — The American Junior Golf Association today announced its Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant has been formally rebranded as the Liberty National ACE Grant as part of a 12-year agreement between the organization and the prestigious Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, NJ.

 

The renaming follows a donation to the AJGA by the Paul & Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation, which has made a comprehensive effort to support transformational change in communities across the country in its mission to grow and make the sport more accessible, totaling more than $12 million in contributions to youth golf initiatives over many years.

The ACE Grant provides financial assistance to young men and women who aspire to earn a college golf scholarship through competitive golf. It was founded in 2003 by the AJGA to help provide opportunities to players who have the skills but not the means to play a national junior golf schedule. Since its inception, the program has reimbursed over $6 million to junior golfers who have gone on to earn over $15 million in college scholarships.

 

This rebrand will provide the AJGA the resources to create additional opportunities for junior golfers, growing the game and making it even more impactful for years to come.

 

The announcement comes the week of the inaugural Mizuho Americas Open, hosted by golf icon Michelle Wie West, adding the LPGA Tour to the list of world-class tournaments which have taken place at Liberty National. The club will concurrently host an AJGA Invitational which will provide the opportunity for 24 female junior golfers on the American Junior Golf Association Tour to compete for an individual title in front of the iconic Manhattan skyline adjacent to the course. Following the conclusion of the tournament, the inaugural Liberty National ACE Grant Cup fundraising event will take place at the course on Monday, June 5.

 

“We are extremely proud and honored to support future generations of golfers through the AJGA and this reimagined Liberty National ACE Grant,” said Paul Fireman, former CEO of Reebok and co-founder of Liberty National Golf Club.

 

“The impact of the ACE Grant cannot be understated, as some of golf’s biggest stars were able to achieve their dreams because of the program, and we look forward to its evolution and upward trajectory beginning with this week’s Mizuho Americas Open at Liberty National,” said Dan Fireman, co-Founder and President, Liberty National Golf Club.

 

“We are honored to partner with the Fireman family to create the Liberty National ACE Grant which provides financial aid to juniors who have the talent to compete at a national level, but not the financial resources,” AJGA Executive Director Stephen Hamblin said. “The Fireman family continues to be a leading benefactor in their support of golf at every level. We couldn’t be more thrilled to become part of the giving legacy of the Fireman family.”

 

“Like so many of the sport’s biggest stars, the ACE Grant has empowered me to pursue my dreams of becoming a professional player,” said Rose Zhang, the most decorated player in amateur women’s golf history who will be making her professional debut at the Mizuho Americas Open. “The AJGA and Paul & Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation have done so much to support generations of young golfers and I’m excited to see the impact the Liberty National ACE Grant will have in the future, as well as the inaugural Liberty National ACE Grant Cup event on June 5.”

 

The Paul & Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation brings entrepreneurial vision and resources to support transformational change in communities where the family lives and works. Among the number of key partnerships the organization has includes Liberty Science Center, SciTech Scity, One Family, Inc., Team Walker, The Hurley Family Foundation, Team Impact and Ron Burton Training Village.

 

About American Junior Golf Association

The American Junior Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf.

 

The AJGA provides valuable exposure for college golf scholarships, and has an annual junior membership (boys and girls, ages 12-19) of more than 7,900 members from 50 states and 51 foreign countries. Through initiatives like the Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant, a financial assistance program, and Leadership Links, a service-oriented platform that teaches juniors charitable-giving skills, the AJGA fosters the growth of golf’s next generation.

 

TaylorMade and adidas are the AJGA’s National Sponsors, supporting the AJGA for more than 25 years. TaylorMade has served as the Official Ball of the AJGA since 2016. adidas has been the Official Apparel and Footwear of the AJGA since 2017. Rolex, in its fourth decade of AJGA sponsorship, became the inaugural AJGA Premier Partner in 2004.

 

AJGA alumni have risen to the top of amateur, collegiate and professional golf. Former AJGA juniors have compiled more than 1,000 victories on the PGA and LPGA Tours. AJGA alumni include Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, Collin Morikawa, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Tiger Woods, Paula Creamer, Jessica Korda, Nelly Korda, Cristie Kerr, Stacy Lewis, Inbee Park and Lexi Thompson.

 

About Liberty National Golf Club

One of the world’s most iconic golf locales, Liberty National Golf Club is located along the Hudson River in Jersey City, NJ, with striking views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Manhattan skyline. Liberty National fittingly opened on July 4, 2006, and is guided by the vision and leadership of former Reebok Founder, Chairman & CEO Paul Fireman and his son Dan Fireman, managing partner of Fireman Capital Partners. Designed by US Open Champion Tom Kite and esteemed golf course mastermind Bob Cupp, Liberty National is kept in tournament ready playing condition. Liberty National hosted The Presidents Cup in 2017 as well as multiple PGA TOUR FedExCup Playoff events.

 

For more information about Liberty National Golf Club, visit www.libertynationalgc.com

Contacts

Matthew_Jordan@dkcnews.com

Categories
Economics Healthcare Regulations & Security

Hagens Berman: Settlement worth in excess of $500 million reached in insulin pricing class-action lawsuit

Attorneys representing individuals living with diabetes announce class-action settlement bringing four years of insulin at a reduced price to those who pay out-of-pocket, among other benefits

 

NEWARK, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — $LLY #T1 — Attorneys at Hagens Berman and Carella Byrne Cecchi Olstein Brody & Agnello today announced a settlement with insulin-maker Eli Lilly worth more than $500 million, culminating a class-action lawsuit on behalf of insulin purchasers alleging systematic overpricing of insulin.

 

“This settlement will bring immense, forward-looking relief, especially for those who are underinsured or paying with co-insurance – those most in need of assistance paying for the medications they need to live,” said Steve Berman, managing partner and co-founder of Hagens Berman and court-appointed co-lead counsel representing insulin purchasers in the lawsuit. “Those paying out-of-pocket for insulin will receive four years of insulin at a reduced price under the settlement.”

 

“Our experts calculate this will save these consumers $500 million in payments for their insulin over the four-year period,” Berman added.

 

Hagens Berman and Carella Byrne filed the first-of-its-kind lawsuit in 2017 in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The class action details several accounts from patients resorting to extreme measures to survive rising insulin prices, including starving themselves to control their blood sugar levels, intentionally slipping into diabetic ketoacidosis to receive insulin samples from hospital emergency rooms, under-dosing insulin, and taking expired insulin.

 

“We are incredibly pleased to culminate this important case and over six years of hard-fought litigation on behalf of millions of individuals who rely on insulin every day,” said James Cecchi of Carella Byne, co-lead counsel representing the class. “We believe this settlement will have a positive impact on the daily lives of millions of Americans living with diabetes.”

 

Benefits Under the Insulin Pricing Settlement

The settlement for insulin purchasers includes immense benefits for those most harmed by prohibitively high prices – cash payers, as well as the underinsured and those paying through co-insurance.

 

  • Forward-Looking Benefits: Eli Lilly will provide comprehensive affordability solutions to insulin purchasers through a four-year plan that stipulates no one will pay more than $35 out-of-pocket monthly for insulin.
  • Settlement Funds: For those not eligible for the first tier of relief, a $13.5 million settlement fund will be established for the class. If any amount remains unclaimed, remaining funds will be redistributed to claimants, so that funds are rightfully delivered to the class, for up to three times their claimed losses.According to settlement documents, “Eligible Settlement Claimants can receive cash payments based on their purchases of Lilly Insulin Products during the Settlement Class Period to be calculated based on a formula set by Plaintiffs and the approved plan of allocation.”

 

The process for submitting a settlement claim is designed to be as simple and convenient as possible, and the settlement claim form will be available on the settlement website and can be submitted electronically once the settlement has been approved by the court.

 

Immediately following preliminary approval of the settlement agreement, plaintiffs plan to serve subpoenas on the six largest pharmacy benefit manufacturers and seven largest national retail pharmacy chains in the United States to obtain transactional data. Settlement documents state that most settlement claims will be verifiable through this transactional data without requiring class members to submit documentation.

 

Class members will also be notified directly based on this available information, and additional targeted ads will be used to ensure all eligible are aware and notified of their benefits.

 

The class includes anyone in the U.S. who paid any portion of the purchase price for any Lilly Insulin Product, for themselves or on behalf of any family member or dependent, no matter how they paid for it, since Jan. 1, 2009, to the date of entry of the final approval order of the settlement. The settlement references a list price, Average Wholesale Price, and Wholesale Acquisition Cost or Price. Insulin purchased exclusively through Medicaid is excluded.

 

During the lawsuit’s six years, the parties saw multiple rounds of motion to dismiss briefing, three amended complaints and extensive discovery, including more than 60 depositions of plaintiffs and defendants’ employees.

 

Read more about the law firm’s class-action lawsuit against insulin makers.

 

About Hagens Berman

Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs’ rights complex litigation law firm with a tenacious drive for achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. Since its founding in 1993, the firm’s determination has earned it numerous national accolades, awards and titles of “Most Feared Plaintiff’s Firm,” MVPs and Trailblazers of class-action law. More about the law firm and its successes can be found at www.hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.

 

About Carella Byne

Carella Byrne is one of the leading law firms in the New Jersey – New York metropolitan area, serving a diverse clientele ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 corporations. Carella Byrne has led – or been part of the leadership team – in many of the nation’s most complex and important consumer class actions affecting consumer rights. More about the law firm and its successes can be found at www.carellabyrne.com.

Contacts

Ash Klann

pr@hbsslaw.com
206-268-9363

Categories
Business Economics Government Healthcare Lifestyle Local News Science

CDC launches new funding for outbreak response

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) through the Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics (CFA) to establish an outbreak response network for disease forecasting to support decision makers during public health emergencies.

 

The NOFO establishes a new program via cooperative agreement that is intended to support state and local decision-makers in developing and implementing new analytical tools that are best suited for their jurisdictions, based on the best available information. The program supports building and scaling needed capabilities, working with the private sector, academic, and jurisdiction partners, to use data effectively before and during public health emergencies. With these additional capabilities, our communities will be able to use data more effectively to detect, respond, and mitigate public health emergencies. Much like our ability to forecast the severity and landfall of hurricanes, this network will enable us to better predict the trajectory of future outbreaks, empowering response leaders with data and information when they need it most.

 

“Infectious disease outbreaks have and will continue to threaten our communities, friends and families,” said Dylan George, Director of CDC’s Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics. “This network will increase our national capacity to use disease models, analytics, and forecasts to support public health action, prevent infections, protect people, and safeguard economies. The network will also provide desperately needed tools to fight outbreaks quickly and effectively in our communities, where critical response decisions are made.”

 

The new program will support advanced development of modeling, forecasting tools, and outbreak analytics through three critical operations: innovation, integration, and implementation. Funding recipients will work alongside CFA to establish a national network to support jurisdiction decision makers before and during future public health emergencies. Additionally, the cooperative agreement will fund recipients to plan, prepare, and respond to future infectious disease outbreaks.

 

The innovation component will support the development of a pipeline of new analytical methods, tools, or platforms for modeling efforts and will ultimately be used to provide information to public health decision makers.

 

The integration component will take the most promising approaches from the innovation pipeline and pilot test one or two approaches at the state, local, tribal, or territorial level to gauge the success of the technique in practical application by public health decision makers.

 

The third component, implementation, will take pilot projects that have proven successful and scale them for use across jurisdictions. The goal is to have new, effective analytical tools and approaches to deploy at the local level where critical public health action takes place.

 

Prospective funding recipients can apply here to one of the three components and may also apply to serve as coordinator between recipients for each of the three operational components.

 

The network is the next step for CFA to improving decision support at the jurisdictional level, where many key public health decisions are made during an infectious disease outbreak. This funding opportunity will amplify CFA’s mission to support decision makers during public health emergencies using advanced modeling, forecasts, and outbreak analytics.

 

For more information about these funding opportunities, visit CFA’s website before the July 14, 2023, application deadline.

Categories
Business Culture Economics Foodies/Tastylicious Lifestyle Local News Regulations & Security Science

LiDestri Foods recalls 24-ounce jars of Wegman’s Italian Classics Diavolo pasta sauce

LiDestri Foods has been recalling 24-ounce jars of Wegman’s Italian Classics Diavolo pasta sauce, because it may contain undeclared fish (anchovy).

 

 

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to anchovy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

 

 

The Diavolo pasta sauce was sold at Wegman’s grocery stores in Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia between April 3, 2023 and May 16, 2023.

 

 

The recall was initiated after it was discovered via consumer complaint that the Wegman’s Italian Classics Diavolo Pasta Sauce containing anchovies was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of anchovies. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in LiDestri Foods’ packaging processes.

 

Consumers who have purchased Wegmans Italian Classics Diavolo pasta sauce with a March 31, 2025 expiration date and code F0589 are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

 

The product can be identified as a mason jar with red pasta sauce, called Diavolo. The only expiration date affected is March 31, 2025, with the code F0589: UPC 077890222409; Jar Code BEST BY 03/31/25 F0589

 

 

Consumers with questions may contact Wegmans Food Markets at 1-855-934-3663, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. EST, or Saturday and Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST

 

No illnesses have been reported to date.