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Report: 50% of Amazon Sellers Will Expand to New E-Commerce Platforms and Global Markets in 2023

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Report: 50% of Amazon Sellers Will Expand to New E-Commerce Platforms and Global Markets in 2023
Jungle Scout's annual State of the Amazon Seller Report reveals insights from sellers on the state of their business, including their profits, pain points, and priorities for 2023.

Today, Jungle Scout, the leading all-in-one platform for e-commerce sellers, released its 2023 State of the Amazon Seller Report, a study of more than 2,000 Amazon sellers, from entrepreneurs to major brands, that reveals key trends, challenges and opportunities in e-commerce. The report finds that 89% of Amazon sellers are profitable to start 2023, and the majority plan to expand their global footprint and diversify their marketing strategies in the year ahead.  

Key insights from the report include:

89% of Amazon sellers are profitable, up from 85% a year ago, and despite concerns around inflation, 37% of sellers say their profits increased in 2022.  

Opportunistic Amazon sellers are diversifying and expanding their reach.

  • 61% of Amazon sellers already sell on at least one other e-commerce platform, leading with eBay, Shopify, and Walmart. Still, 52% say they will expand to additional platforms in 2023 — up from 25% who said the same a year ago.
  • 45% of Amazon sellers operating in the U.S. marketplace also operate in at least one other international marketplace. 
  • 50% of global Amazon sellers will explore selling in additional international markets in 2023 — up from 25% who said the same a year ago. Brazil, Turkey, and Japan are among the fastest-growing global Amazon marketplaces.

Social media marketing is key for Amazon sellers, with TikTok and YouTube ads trending up and Facebook and Instagram ads trending down.

  • 41% of Amazon sellers use social media marketing to promote their products, up 15% from those who did so a year ago.
  • While Amazon sellers still favor Facebook and Instagram advertising (respectively, 67% and 49% of sellers who market on social media use these platforms), their popularity is down from a year ago.
  • 31% of Amazon sellers using social media marketing use TikTok ads, up 65% year-over-year. These sellers' use of YouTube and Snapchat advertising also grew 86% and 41%, respectively, demonstrating growing demand for video content.
  • Nearly half of Amazon sellers (49%) plan to work with social media influencers to promote their products in 2023.

Amazon seller concerns center on the rising costs of goods, shipping, and advertising.

  • Although fewer Amazon sellers lost sales due to supply chain disruptions in the past year (46% did in 2022 compared to 74% in 2021), sellers still raise concerns over the fluctuating costs of shipping, storage, and goods from global suppliers.
  • 36% of Amazon sellers are also concerned about inflation impacting their business in 2023.

"Amazon is constantly evolving, and e-commerce is constantly optimizing. Still, Amazon sellers continue to prove that they know how to pivot in 2023," said Mike Scheschuk, President of Small & Medium Business at Jungle Scout. "This year, we expect to see Amazon sellers exploring new strategies to help them stay ahead of the curve, including expanding into international markets, bringing their brand to new e-commerce platforms like Shopify or Walmart, or promoting their brand on TikTok to drive awareness and sales."   

See the full report for trending insights on sales, profitability, popular product categories, and more, as well as the methodology. 

About Jungle Scout

Jungle Scout is the leading all-in-one platform for e-commerce sellers, supporting more than $50 billion in annual Amazon revenue. Founded in 2015 as the first Amazon product research tool, Jungle Scout today features a full suite of best-in-class business management solutions and powerful market intelligence resources to help entrepreneurs, up to the world's largest brands, manage their e-commerce businesses. Jungle Scout is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and supports 10 global Amazon marketplaces.

Contact Information:
Cathryn Hurdle
Public Relations Strategist
[email protected]
(613) 639 9067


Original Source: Report: 50% of Amazon Sellers Will Expand to New E-Commerce Platforms and Global Markets in 2023

MetiStream and Carilion Clinic Partner to Identify High-Risk Patients for Colon Cancer Using AI and NLP

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MetiStream and Carilion Clinic Partner to Identify High-Risk Patients for Colon Cancer Using AI and NLP

MetiStream Incorporated, a leader in transforming unstructured health data into usable clinical insights, is expanding its relationship with Carilion Clinic, a Roanoke, VA-headquartered healthcare system, to identify high-risk colon cancer patients using MetiStream's Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled Ember Platform. Ember analyzes and transforms clinical notes and text at scale to more accurately pinpoint patients who should be screened based on various risk factors found in their medical records.  

Carilion will use MetiStream's solution to process over five years of patient information, specifically focusing on transforming unstructured clinical notes into a usable form to identify and correlate specific risk factors not found in discrete fields of the electronic medical record (EMR). Key attributes such as existing conditions, symptoms, family history, genetic markers, and social determinants of health will be used to identify which patients face the highest risk.

The objective is to proactively target patients who should be screened to significantly impact cancer prevention and improve outcomes.

"For many healthcare organizations, manually reviewing patient charts to identify those at risk is very costly and almost impossible given the volume of data and the ongoing changes in a patient's medical history," said Chiny Driscoll, CEO of MetiStream.   

Cancer screening is a critical and effective approach for reducing risk and improving outcomes. "We have shown through our work with MetiStream that utilizing their technology can augment our clinicians' ability to have data at the point of care to improve our capability to stratify and treat patients," said Carilion Chief Medical Information Officer Dr. Steve Morgan.

Carilion Chief of Gastroenterology Dr. Paul Yeaton said, "In this particular project, we're able to identify high-risk patients for colon cancer and ensure they are getting the appropriate and timely screening tests."

Carilion and MetiStream began their partnership in mid-2021 to support patient and population-centric use cases and improve overall care. They initially focused on analyzing care quality and physician performance using AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP). The cancer risk program will increase Carilion's ability to proactively monitor and conduct outreach to patients where they live to improve cancer prevention. 

About MetiStream

MetiStream solves the challenging unstructured data problem in the healthcare industry. Our mission is to help organizations access and gain value from all their assets to develop a deeper understanding of the patient population to improve quality and outcomes. Our Ember platform is a comprehensive healthcare analytics platform to transform unstructured data into clinical facts and evidence to deliver patient and population-level insights. Learn more at MetiStream.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

About Carilion Clinic

Carilion Clinic is a not-for-profit healthcare organization serving more than one million people in Virginia's Blue Ridge and Southwest Virginia regions. Headquartered in Roanoke, Carilion's comprehensive hospital network, primary and specialty physician practices, and other complementary services deliver high-quality, patient-centered care close to home. Carilion's enduring commitment to the health of our communities has advanced over the last decade but remains grounded in providing care to patients regardless of their ability to pay. Carilion advances care through education and research elements and continues to rely on the generous support of donors to advance its mission to improve the health of the communities we serve. Learn more at CarilionClinic.org, and follow us on FacebookTwitterInstagramLinkedIn and YouTube.

Contact Information:
Carolyn Schmid
[email protected]


Original Source: MetiStream and Carilion Clinic Partner to Identify High-Risk Patients for Colon Cancer Using AI and NLP

Marge Carson Resumes Manufacturing, Will Reenter Casegoods Market

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Marge Carson Resumes Manufacturing, Will Reenter Casegoods Market
Over 400 SKUs available through 'brand ambassadors' with a new quality assurance process

In just a short 60 days after acquiring high-end furniture brand Marge Carson, the new owner and chief executive Janet Linly announced that the company has resumed production and is taking orders under the new name of Marge Carson Global, Inc. 

Operating from a 68,000-square-foot production facility in Tijuana, Mexico, the company has re-hired many seasoned Marge Carson craftsmen to manufacture and service its luxury brand, Linly said. "It is a testimony to the energy and experience of the Marge Carson Global team and the excitement about our vision for the brand that we have been able to resume manufacturing in only 60 days," she said. She added that the resumption of production was anticipated to take up to 12 months after acquiring the brand that had ceased operations. Marge Carson also is poised to resume production of casegoods in Indonesia in the near future, including existing and new designs.

Founded 75 years ago by interior designer Marjorie Carson and known for its plush, generously scaled, and trendsetting upholstery with exclusive fabrics and trims, Marge Carson expanded into casegoods 25 years ago under its previous owner Jim LaBarge. However, the company exited the category it imported from Indonesia and the Philippines in 2021 to centralize production in North America.

Over 400 SKUs Available Through 'Brand Ambassadors' With a New Quality Assurance Process

The luxury line of upholstery, bedroom and occasional pieces will be distributed and serviced nationally to retailers and designers through a team of "brand ambassadors," Linly said, adding that she has implemented an elevated product quality assurance process and applied new higher standards to packaging. "Commodities are sold by salespeople, but a luxury brand like Marge Carson should be represented by brand ambassadors," Linly said. She added that she has hired a new quality assurance team utilizing multiple inspection steps and is implementing new packaging to "ensure that our line is at the highest possible level of quality." 

Other updates planned include a comprehensive new website and a "reintroduction and restyling of the brand" at the High Point Market at a soon-to-be-announced date, Linly said. Going forward, the Marge Carson look will be "sophisticated and classic. While we will retain the more casual bestselling collections like the Bentley and Santa Barbara upholstery lines, our focus is on elegance." Fabric selection will be collaborative, with contributions from select new designers as well as designers who have overseen textiles at Marge Carson in the past in order to achieve consistency of style but also elevate the offerings, she said. 

To activate an account with Marge Carson Global, Inc., place orders or make inquiries, designers and retailers may email [email protected] or call 1.630.686.2686.

Founded in 1947 in California, Marge Carson is an iconic resource for luxury residential upholstery, bedroom, and occasional furniture available internationally through high-end furniture retailers, design center showrooms, and interior designers. In 2022, Chicagoland interior design firm and retailer Linly Designs acquired the custom furniture brand from longtime owner Jim LaBarge. For more information, visit www.MargeCarson.com or www.LinlyDesigns.com

Contact Information:
Jennifer Sterna
General Manager
[email protected]
1.630.686.2686


Original Source: Marge Carson Resumes Manufacturing, Will Reenter Casegoods Market

Passport Technology Partners With Olympic Park Casino Estonia to Provide First Quasi-Cash Service in the Baltics

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Passport Technology Partners With Olympic Park Casino Estonia to Provide First Quasi-Cash Service in the Baltics
Estonia will be the first Baltic nation to introduce a quasi-cash service within the entertainment industry


Passport Technology Logo

Passport Technology Logo

Passport Technology Inc. (Passport), a leading provider of payment technology solutions for the gaming industry, announced the launch of its CashValet® cash access service at Olympic Entertainment Group's flagship casino Olympic Park Casino. This represents a significant advancement for the Baltic region, as Olympic Park Casino will now offer the first quasi-cash service of its kind. 

"We are always looking for new and innovative solutions to provide our Olympic Casino customers with the highest standard of service across all channels. With the ever-evolving landscape, there is a greater need to integrate online and land-based operations," said Peeter Tamla, IT Director of Olympic Entertainment Group. "The quasi-cash solution is ideal for showing our expertise in this field, making our customers' experience comfortable and convenient and their financial transactions secure while adhering to the highest standards of security and compliance." As stated by Tamla, many companies offer various services in the payment technology field; however, Passport has established itself as a leading provider for large businesses. 

Passport's CashValet is a premier quasi-cash solution that offers casinos a comprehensive and efficient means of facilitating immediate transactions with maximum approval amounts for patrons and VIP guests. Its level of security, privacy, and regulatory compliance ensures that both employees and patrons of Olympic Park Casino can experience the latest innovative technology. 

"Passport Technology continues to set the standard for product innovation and market expansion," said Helen Bowditch, Vice President of Business Development at Passport. "We are honored to have the opportunity to partner with Olympic Entertainment Group and are thrilled to introduce the Baltic region to the industry's most advanced quasi-cash service for brick-and-mortar casinos." The partnership with Olympic Entertainment Group will allow Passport Technology to expand its reach in the market and offer its cutting-edge payment technology solutions to a broader audience.

CashValet offers a range of features such as real-time reporting, dynamic fee structures, free play credits, responsible gambling features, self-exclusion options, and enhanced privacy protocols. As the premier provider of payment technology solutions, Passport's CashValet is the only PCI-DSS Level 1, P2PE-certified, cloud-based solution available. It is also available in multiple form factors, including the new wireless device, enabling a wide range of use cases in accordance with jurisdiction and operator requirements.

About Olympic Entertainment Group

Olympic Entertainment Group (OEG) is the leading provider of casino and gaming services in the Baltic region. The company was founded in 1993 in Estonia and has since expanded to operate in the Baltic States and also operates casinos in Croatia, Malta and Slovakia, with a total of 147 venues in six jurisdictions and its headquarters in Tallinn. OEG offers a diverse range of gaming options, including traditional casinos, slot halls, and sports betting shops, as well as online gaming services through its OlyBet brand. The company places a strong emphasis on providing its customers with a high-quality and safe gaming experience and has invested in state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure to support this goal.

About Passport Technology Inc.

Passport Technology is a globally recognized provider of technology-based solutions and services for the highly regulated payments, gaming, and financial services markets. Passport's pursuit of excellence is driven through diversity, inclusion, and collaboration as we strive to create opportunities for all stakeholders to thrive. Passport's product portfolio is extensive and includes redemption kiosks, quasi-cash, check warranty, ATM, digital payments, cash and cashless integrations, casino automation, etc. Passport's CashValet is Canada's leading quasi-cash solution for casinos. The company holds privileged gaming licenses and payment sponsorships and, to date, has safely and responsibly settled over $45 billion in funds to casino floors worldwide. Passport's expertise and reputation in the industry have made it a leader in the field of payment technology solutions for the gaming industry. 

Contact Information:
Tayla Polia
Director, Communication
[email protected]
747-273-7469


Original Source: Passport Technology Partners With Olympic Park Casino Estonia to Provide First Quasi-Cash Service in the Baltics

SIS Earns Eighth Consecutive #1 Client Rating in Ambulatory Surgical Center IT User Satisfaction, Black Book Survey

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SIS Earns Eighth Consecutive #1 Client Rating in Ambulatory Surgical Center IT User Satisfaction, Black Book Survey

 Client experience survey results from 3,167 physicians, clinicians, and administrative staff rate Surgical Information Systems (SIS) first among Ambulatory Surgical Center technology vendors for an eighth consecutive year. Surgical Information Systems achieved top ratings in 11 of the 18 key performance indicators focused on vendors delivering outpatient perioperative software solutions.

Black Book Research announced the highest user satisfaction approval scores across four integrated functionalities in 2023: electronic health records, analytics, revenue cycle and practice management, and interoperability and communications.  

Black Book Market Research LLC measures customer satisfaction across ASC-centric, key performance indicators: Strategic Alignment of Client Goals including Value-based Care and MACRA; Innovation & Optimization; Training; Client Relationships and Cultural Fit; Trust, Accountability, Transparency, and Ethics; Breadth of Offerings, Client Types, Delivery Excellence; Deployment and Outsourcing Implementation; Customization; Integration and Interfaces; Scalability, Client Adaptability, Flexible Pricing; Compensation and Employee Performance; Reliability; Brand Image and Marketing Communications; Marginal Value Adds and Modules; Financial Viability and Managerial Stability Cybersecurity; Support and Customer Care; and Best-of-Breed Process Improvement.

"Consistently, SIS has been rated the premier ASC technology by all users including clinicians, physicians, nursing, support staff, and administrators. This validates SIS's focus and commitment to serve the comprehensive system demands of ambulatory surgical centers," said Doug Brown, Managing Partner of Black Book Research.

Ninety-eight percent of ASC staff and physician practices reported significant overall industry improvements in ASC data interoperability and system usability since they were first surveyed in 2016. Ninety-five percent of providers noted operational efficiencies with improved clinician workflows utilizing ASC technologies in outpatient settings attributable to technology implementations and updates.

The survey methodology and full listing of ambulatory surgical center solutions vendor rankings in each category can be found at Black Book's website www.blackbookmarketresearch.com.

About Black Book

Black Book Market Research LLC, its founder, management, and staff do not own or hold any financial interest in any of the ASC solutions vendors covered and encompassed in the surveys it conducts. Black Book reports the results of the collected satisfaction and client experience rankings in publication and to media before firm notification of rating results and does not solicit survey participation fees, review fees, inclusion or briefing charges, subscriptions, or involve consultant firm collaboration with Black Book before the announcement of the polling outcomes. For Black Book vendor satisfaction rating methodology, auditing, resources, comprehensive research, and ranking data, contact [email protected].

Contact Information:
Press Office
[email protected]
8008637590


Original Source: SIS Earns Eighth Consecutive #1 Client Rating in Ambulatory Surgical Center IT User Satisfaction, Black Book Survey

U.S. Polo Assn. Supports Collegiate Polo Teams for the 2023 Polo Season

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U.S. Polo Assn. Supports Collegiate Polo Teams for the 2023 Polo Season
Global, Sport-Inspired Lifestyle Brand Reaches Five Years of Collegiate Partnership Program


U.S. Polo Assn.

U.S. Polo Assn.

U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), will outfit competitive collegiate polo players for the fifth consecutive year through its nationwide Collegiate Partnership Program (CPP) for the 2023 Collegiate Polo Season. 

A total of 29 colleges have signed up to participate in U.S. Polo Assn.'s annual CPP, representing 47 collegiate teams with 28 women's and 19 men's teams. Enrollment for the sports enrichment program is open to all colleges and universities with a USPA-sanctioned polo team and lasts for one academic year. Teams in the program range from East Coast to West Coast and include small private and large public institutions, as well as Ivy Leagues and Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs). New schools joining the program this year include Grossmont College and Middle Tennessee State University. 

Participating Schools Include:

Cal Poly State University  Oregon State University University of California Davis University of South Carolina Aiken
Colorado State University Skidmore College University of California Santa Barbara University of Virginia
Grossmont College St. Edwards University University of Colorado University of Wisconsin- Madison
Michigan State University Stanford University University of Idaho Virginia Tech University
Middle Tennessee State University Texas A&M University University of Kentucky Yale University
Montana State University Texas Christian University University of Massachusetts  
Morehouse College Texas Tech University University of Michigan
 
 
Oklahoma State University Trinity University University of North Texas  

Through this program, U.S. Polo Assn. will provide student-athletes with complete game attire that includes customized performance team jerseys, white performance pants, polo shirts, caps and equipment gear bags. A monetary donation is also given to the teams, which can be used for travel or other expenses. 

For the first time, a USPA Pro item will be donated to all student-athletes. The USPA Pro performance products are designed in collaboration with professional polo players. There will also be a "Collegiate Social Media Contest" where teams will have the opportunity to win additional prizes for their creative social media posts.

Sanctioned by the USPA, collegiate polo teams compete in the Fall and Spring with the official season beginning September 2022 and running through April 2023. This season will conclude with the National Intercollegiate Championship (NIC) hosted at the Virginia Polo Center in Charlottesville, VA, from April 10-15, 2023. The Men's and Women's NIC Finals will air on ESPNU on April 15, 2023. Check your local listings for game times.

"U.S. Polo Assn. is proud to continue our support of student-athletes across the country through our Collegiate Partnership Program because these athletes are the future of the game," said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. "As the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), we want to continue growing and building our authentic connection to the sport of polo, and the Collegiate Partnership Program, now in its fifth year, is one of our most rewarding programs." 

An exciting new addition for student-athletes this season was the implementation of the College Polo Tour. This exchange program between America and Argentina supported 21 collegiate polo players on a seven-day trip to Argentina for the opportunity to compete in both grass polo and arena polo, tour the renowned Ellerstina Polo Club, attend one of the heart-stopping Argentine Polo Open Semi-Finals and more. Players from Yale University, Harvard University, Cornell University, and Georgetown University, alongside other Argentinean polo players, had the opportunity to experience this program in November 2022.

"We are excited to continue our partnership with U.S. Polo Assn. and all of the amazing opportunities available to our student-athletes," said Liz Brayboy, Chair of the USPA's Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Committee. "We look forward to an exciting 2022/2023 Collegiate Polo Season and are grateful to have the support of the official brand of the United States Polo Association for these important polo programs across the United States."

About U.S. Polo Assn. 

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the non-profit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through some 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores and thousands of department stores as well as sporting goods channels, independent retailers and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women, and children, as well as accessories and footwear in more than 190 countries worldwide. U.S. Polo Assn. was named in the top five sports licensors in 2022, according to License Global. Visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn.

About the United States Polo Association® (USPA)

The United States Polo Association was organized and exists for the purposes of promoting the game of polo, coordinating the activities of its Member Clubs and Registered Players, arranging and supervising polo tournaments, competitions and games, and providing rules, handicaps, and conditions for those tournaments, competitions, and games including the safety and welfare of participants and mounts. Founded in 1890, the USPA is the national governing body for the sport of polo. The USPA is currently comprised of almost 200 member clubs with thousands of individual members and oversees 40 national tournaments. For more information, please visit uspolo.org.

Contact Information:
Shannon Stilson
VP, Sports Marketing & Media
[email protected]
+001.561.227.6994

Stacey Kovalsky
Senior Director, Global Communications
[email protected]
+001.561.790.8036


Original Source: U.S. Polo Assn. Supports Collegiate Polo Teams for the 2023 Polo Season

Jennifer Lopez Gives Exclusive Interview on Gossip Stone TV

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Jennifer Lopez Gives Exclusive Interview on Gossip Stone TV
Jennifer Lopez Gives Exclusive Interview on Gossip Stone TV

Does the world know everything about the notorious Jennifer Lopez? It turns out there are still a few stories left to tell! The beloved entertainer recently gave an exclusive interview to Ari Global, which is now available on Gossip Stone TV. This celebrity reality channel broadcasts on Amazon Fire TV, Roku TV, and Apple TV—and it’s completely free for everyone to enjoy. Keep reading to find out what you can expect from this must-watch interview!

Fans of JLo will be delighted with this exclusive interview. It offers an inside look at the life of one of the world’s most well-known celebrities, as told by Jennifer herself. She shares her thoughts on everything from her career to her personal life. You may be surprised by some of the stories she has to tell!

In addition to hearing directly from Jennifer, viewers will also get an insight into her journey as a performer and businesswoman. This includes behind-the-scenes details that only an insider could provide—from how she transitioned from acting to music stardom, all the way up to today’s multi-hyphenate celebrity status. Of course, no JLo interview would be complete without hearing about her iconic fashion choices over the years. Get ready for plenty of style talk!

Jennifer Lopez interview reality tv Ari Global Gossip Stone TV
Jennifer Lopez interview with Ari Global at Gossip Stone TV

The team at Ari Global was thrilled when Jennifer agreed to do this exclusive interview; after all, she is one of their favorite celebrities too! As such, they handled it with care and respect throughout every step of the process. They took time to get comfortable with each other before jumping into questions about her life and career. That comfort level clearly shows in the finished product—the interview feels natural and organic between two old friends catching up after many years apart.

If you’re a fan of Jennifer Lopez or just interested in hearing stories from one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, then make sure you check out this exclusive interview in Ari Global Show on Gossip Stone TV. Not only will you learn more about her journey over the last few decades, but you’ll also gain insight into what drives JLo both professionally and personally —all while getting a glimpse into why she remains such a beloved figure around the world today! Don’t miss it—it’s streaming now on Amazon Fire TV, Roku TV and Apple TV for free!

The post Jennifer Lopez Gives Exclusive Interview on Gossip Stone TV first appeared on TREND MAG.

Maximize Your Employee Benefits With These Three Tips

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Maximize Your Employee Benefits With These Three Tips

iQuanti: While most professionals may change jobs for better salaries and professional growth opportunities, a job transition can also bring a new benefits package. Professionals are sometimes so focused on the salary and role that they may miss out opportunities to get the best of the benefits being offered to them. It's important to take the time to evaluate the options provided - even more so if you haven't yet taken the job or are considering multiple job offers. Here are some tips that can help you maximize your employee benefits.

Find out what you're being offered

If you've already accepted the offer, this is an important step to take soon after you've joined the company. Review the full benefits package and get acquainted with exactly what's on the table. Some companies will offer a full breakdown of the benefits package during onboarding. If not, you can always reach out to someone from human resources and ask them to explain exactly what you're eligible for.

If you are weighing more than one offer, you may want to spend some time comparing the benefits packages and evaluating which one makes the most sense for you. Benefits packages may include health insurance, life insurance, retirement savings plans, flexible time off, and flexible working hours, among others. Different professionals may have varying priorities depending on their needs and lifestyle. 

Take advantage of employer matches

Most employers offer some type of tax-advantaged retirement savings plan, such as a 401(k). In some cases, your employer will match contributions up to a certain percentage or up to a dollar amount. If this option is available, it can be a good idea to make at least the minimum contribution required to secure the employer's matching contribution. For instance, if your annual salary is $40,000 and your employer will match contributions up to 4%, it makes sense for you to contribute $1,600 per year knowing that your account will receive another $1,600 from the company. 

Pay close attention to deadlines

Some employee benefits may come with different deadlines. In addition to open enrollment — where you must elect benefits within a set period or risk having to wait a year before you can enroll again - some benefits are elected outside of this period. This is sometimes true for reimbursements. Some companies offer reimbursements for gym memberships, upskilling or even meals and entertainment. Employees may need to submit bills by a certain date to be eligible for reimbursement. If you're not sure how this works, it can help to read any documents detailing the benefits policy closely or ask human resources about deadlines. 

Good benefits make for happy employees, but this is only true if you make use of the benefits offered. It's worth taking the time to explore the benefits package you're getting from your company and take advantage of the company's investment in you. 

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125


Original Source: Maximize Your Employee Benefits With These Three Tips

The 2022 Greatest Baker Competition Raises Over $1.3 Million for B+ Foundation

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The 2022 Greatest Baker Competition Raises Over .3 Million for B+ Foundation
Ginger Gaddi, a self-taught cake master from Sacramento, CA, takes the baking crown


The Greatest Baker

Colossal raises over $1.3M for B+ Foundation

Colossal Management, LLC, a nationally registered professional fundraiser, recently announced that more than $1.3 million was raised from the Greatest Baker Competition in support of the Andrew McDonough Be Positive (B+) Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity. The B+ Foundation is the largest provider of financial assistance to families of kids with cancer in the United States. The money raised from the Greatest Baker Competition will help fund research to find cures for childhood cancers and advancements in treatment protocols. 

The 2022 Greatest Baker is Ginger Gaddi, a self-taught cake master from Sacramento, CA. Gaddi's prize includes $10,000 as well as a photoshoot and exclusive interview to be featured in Bake From Scratch Magazine. This win affords Gaddi the opportunity to open a home-baking business and share her creations on a larger scale. Gaddi was selected by the public through an online voting process.

Donations were raised by Colossal on behalf of DTCare, a United States 501(c)(3) public charity organization that will be issuing the final donation grant, minus Competition fees and costs, to the B+ Foundation. 

This year's Competition was sponsored by Silpat, a range of non-stick mats and molds that allow bakers to make any kind of pastries or savory dishes; Bob's Red Mill, a producer of natural, certified organic, and gluten-free milled grain products; and Twinkle Baker Décor, a manufacturer and designer of high-quality baking décor.

Learn more at greatestbaker.com.

About Colossal:

Colossal is the global leader in online competitions and one of the most effective fundraising solutions available for charities that lack the bandwidth to operate large-scale campaigns. While offering extraordinary opportunities to men and women around the world, each competition operated by Colossal is designed to raise money for a unique and important cause. To learn more, visit colossal.org.  

Contact Information:
Megan Wahl
LAVIDGE
[email protected]


Original Source: The 2022 Greatest Baker Competition Raises Over $1.3 Million for B+ Foundation

Considering a Career Change?

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Considering a Career Change?

iQuanti: Changing careers or transitioning into a new role can be challenging — especially if you don't know where to begin. Before you start applying to jobs and editing your resume, here are ten things to think about:

1. Will you have to start at entry level? Depending on the job and industry, you may have to start at the bottom of the ladder. Starting from scratch can be intimidating, but it can be worth it if the job pays off in the long run or brings you closer to your goals. 

2. What is the pay difference? Do some research to figure out what this new role would pay and compare it to your current salary. Maybe it's more than you're making now. If not, consider how long it would take for you to make up the difference; it may help to weigh this against other potential rewards, such as job satisfaction and career fulfillment. 

3. What about benefits? How will a career change affect your benefits package? Research what kind of benefits and perks are available in this new industry. If you have to go freelance at first, will you need to get your own health insurance, dental, or life insurance? If this is the case, you may want to see what options are available and how they'll factor into your budget — will you need to get a health insurance policy from the marketplace? Is this the time to consider whole life insurance?

4. Do you need to learn any additional skills? The skillset required for your new career may differ slightly from your current role. Consider what your skill gap might be and how you can learn these new skills. Do you have to go back to school full- or part-time? Are there online courses and qualifications that can help you? 

5. How can you translate your existing skills into this new role? What skills have you learned throughout your career? Chances are, they don't just apply to one industry. Think about the transferable skills that could help bring value to your new career and highlight these on applications, resumes, cover letters, and during interviews.

6. Will you have to relocate? Depending on the job, this may be a requirement — particularly if the industry is concentrated in one place. Before making any decisions, consider how relocation will impact your lifestyle, finances, and personal circumstances. 

7. Work-life balance and flexibility. What is the work culture like in this new industry? Is it relaxed or do employees tend to work long hours? Research the working hours, holidays, overtime, and flexible options available in this industry. Think about how this will affect the amount of free time you have outside of work, and whether it works for your lifestyle. 

8. Job security. Consider the stability of the job market in your new prospective career — is there a lot of competition or is it a fast-growing industry? Do layoffs happen often? Is the industry stable overall?

9. Opportunities for advancement. How easy is it to climb the career ladder in your new industry? It can help to think a few steps ahead — are there any training opportunities that can help you progress into higher positions? 

10. Networking and contacts in the industry. If you're switching careers, it's worth connecting with people who already work in the industry to get advice and insights into their own experiences. You can reach out to your current network, find connections online, or attend networking events. Getting individual perspectives can be incredibly valuable when making a decision as big as this one.  

These are just some of the considerations when looking at a career change. If you're serious about making the switch, make sure to do your research, think carefully, and weigh all options before making your decision. 

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125


Original Source: Considering a Career Change?