P23 Labs, a molecular laboratory specializing in preventative diagnostic testing, acknowledges World Mental Health Day with an awareness weekend on Oct. 8-9, aimed to foster early mental disorder detection and its efficient treatment. Both practitioners and individuals are encouraged to leverage the power of personalized medicine in mental health treatment, and the P23 team provides its input.
P23 contributes in the best viable way it can — by harnessing the Pharmacogenomics (PGx) perspective to the issue. Pharmacogenomics is the study of how people respond differently to drug therapy based on their genetic makeup or genes.
P23 Optimum PGx is a representative of DNA testing for medication optimization. It allows healthcare providers to choose the right drug and dose that are likely to work best for each individual patient. Tailoring a patient's medication to their unique genetic characteristics may one day replace the one-size-fits-all approach to drug selection and dosing that is commonly used today.
The goal of Mental Health Awareness Weekend is to create a supportive environment by connecting doctors, pharmacists, and individuals with appropriate resources and information, as well as to bring attention to mental health treatment within the principles of precision medicine.
P23's Mental Health Awareness Weekend encompasses:
Informational publications
AMA on Instagram with the Pharmacogenetics experts answering
Free consultation for those placing the order for P23 Optimum PGx during the campaign
"In recent years we, as a population, have become more aware of mental health issues and the need for better mental health treatment. This realization for many comes at a time when people suffered greatly because of pandemic lockdowns, alongside numerous other factors. As a result, millions of people in the U.S. are taking medication for mental illnesses, and for some, it isn't as effective as it could be. We feel that it is time for a qualitative leap to improve treatment outcomes. P23 Optimum PGx can be one of the instruments to lay a foundation for that," said Dr. Tiffany Montgomery, Founder and CEO of P23 Labs.
Individuals can order the P23 Optimum PGx test and have it delivered to their door. Healthcare providers get their tests to their facility or recommend patients take specific tests.
AquaTru, the water purification company that revolutionized at-home water purification, today announced AquaTru Carafe, their newest countertop reverse osmosis water purifier designed for individuals and smaller households. Designed with a smaller countertop footprint and an elegant half-gallon glass carafe for easy pouring and storage in the fridge, AquaTru Carafe also leverages AquaTru's proprietary and installation-free 4-Stage Ultra Reverse OsmosisⓇ purification technology, which is proven to remove dozens of the most harmful contaminants from tap water.
According to research conducted by the Environmental Working Group, over 270 harmful contaminants were found in U.S. drinking water across all 50 states that exceed safe health guidelines, including lead, the 'forever chemicals' known as PFAS, arsenic, nitrate and so many more. One of the gold standards in water filtration that significantly reduces many of these dangerous contaminants is reverse osmosis filtration, which removes contaminants by pushing them through ultrafine filters that remove particles larger than water molecules. In 2016, AquaTru invented the world's first installation-free, four-stage countertop reverse osmosis (RO) purifier that is independently tested to NSF standards to remove over 80 of the most harmful contaminants found in tap water. AquaTru's countertop RO purifiers use a four-stage purification process to remove the widest range of pollutants, and its no-installation countertop design made this advanced water filtration technology more accessible to more consumers than ever.
AquaTru Carafe combines many current AquaTru classic countertop features with new technologies to deliver a water purification solution that will fit the needs of even more consumers and households. Key features and benefits include:
Glass Carafe: Made from durable and strong borosilicate glass, users can pour water with ease or store in the fridge for chilled water on hand.
Compact and Portable: With a compact footprint, AquaTru can sit easily on any counter or under any standard kitchen cabinet. With no installation or plumbing required, AquaTru Carafe is a great option for renters, campers and travelers alike.
Patented 4-Stage Ultra Reverse OsmosisⓇ purification technology: Stage one contains the mechanical Pre-Filter, which removes sediment and cloudiness (turbidity) from water. In stage two, the activated Carbon Pre-Filter removes chlorine and chloramines. Stage three utilizes AquaTru's high-efficient Reverse Osmosis Filter, removing toxic inorganic contaminants including arsenic, fluoride and nitrate. Lastly, in stage four, the activated coconut shell Carbon VOC Filter removes toxic organic chemicals like PFOS and PFOA and polishes the water to ensure great taste.
Sustainable Cost-Savings: One set of AquaTru Carafe filters replaces 2,200 single-use plastic water bottles. By not buying bottled water and creating purified water at home, customers not only reduce single-use plastic waste in the environment, but AquaTru's long-lasting filters also add up to significant savings over the life of the product.
"AquaTru Carafe is the result of five years of research and development, customer feedback, and rigorous testing. We're proud that it's another step forward for AquaTru in the water purification space to provide even more households and families access to advanced water purification technology than ever before," said Peter Spiegel, inventor and co-CEO of AquaTru. "Unfortunately, drinking standards and regulations are extremely out of date, so the responsibility is put on individuals to ensure the safety of the water in their home is safe for them and their families to drink. AquaTru Carafe was designed to make it even easier for individuals or smaller households to transform their tap water into pure, deliciously healthy water they can trust."
As a science-based company, AquaTru conducts extensive independent testing of its products. AquaTru purifiers are independently tested by IAPMO to NSF standards to prove efficacy for the full life of its filters.
AquaTru Carafe is available nationwide through AquaTruWater.com and retails for $349.
ABOUT IDEAL LIVING AND AQUATRU
Ideal Living is a Los Angeles-based company that invents, markets and distributes innovative health, wellness and home environment products to significantly improve the quality of life of individuals and communities. AquaTru is one of the leading brands of Ideal Living and is on a mission to ensure that everyone, everywhere has access to clean, safe drinking water. AquaTru, which was launched in 2016, created the first and only countertop reverse osmosis water purifier certified to NSF standards to remove more than 80 harmful contaminants.
Aims to Provide One Million School Meals to Children in Need
Change the World with Onigiri (Rice Ball) 2022 Post a rice-ball-related photo with #OnigiriAction. For every onigiri photo posted, TABLE FOR TWO's partner organizations will donate five school meals to children in need.
TABLE FOR TWO USA (TFT) invites everyone to participate in their 8th Annual ONIGIRI ACTION campaign to provide 1 million school meals to children around the world from Thursday, Oct. 6 to Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022. During the campaign, through the generosity of partner organizations (see below), every rice ball-related post on the campaign website or social media with #OnigiriAction will provide five school meals to children in need. TFT will enhance school meals in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods in the U.S. by adding fresh vegetables and fruits as well as provide school meals to children in East Africa.
The ONIGIRI ACTION campaign commemorates the United Nations' World Food Day. As a NPO with roots in Japan, the campaign highlights onigiri (rice balls), which are a traditional Japanese comfort food made with love for someone special.
Since its launch in 2015, Onigiri Action has supported 6.8 million school meals. Recently the organization received two prestigious awards: one related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the other for Health and Culture from the Japanese government (https://bit.ly/3Kg0ZHY). Amid soaring food prices due to COVID-19, climate change and the invasion of Ukraine, there are concerns that "Zero Hunger," one of the goals of SDGs, will be delayed. The need for TFT to bring healthy meals to those in need is now more important than ever.
2022 USA Campaign Theme: Unite the States with Onigiri 2022! TFT and partners will continue to connect everyone through onigiri with many virtual and in-person events. Riding on the successes of last year's campaign, TFT will continue the "Unite the States with Onigiri" theme this year. TFT encourages all states to post "State-themed onigiri photos" such as a photo with onigiri using local ingredients or onigiri with any State symbol (sports team's cap, symbolic building like Capitol, state animals etc.). Additionally, we plan to bring together and feature as many onigiri shops as possible in the U.S. to post on the same day about Onigiri Action on their social media channels.
Partner Organizations in the U.S.: For every onigiri photo posted, five school meals will be donated through the generous support from our partners: J.C.C. Fund/Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New York, JFC International/Nishiki, JCAW Foundation, Zojirushi America, San-J, ITOCHU International, SMBC Global Foundation, Misuzu Corporation, MUFG Union Bank, N.A., Zensho Employees Association Network, Mishima Foods U.S.A. Onigiri partners: BentOn, Onigilly, Sunny Blue, Omusubee, Onigiri Kororin, Obon Shokudo
Green Ideas Building Science Consultants has provided industry-leading services to develop sustainable, high-performance building projects for two decades.
October 2022 marks Green Ideas Building Science Consultants' 20th year of helping businesses, universities and Architecture-Engineering-Construction professionals create resource-efficient projects with minimal environmental impact and maximum return on investment.
Charlie Popeck, President of Green Ideas and one of the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professionals in the United States, founded the Arizona Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in 2002, which was the second-ever chapter of the national non-profit organization. Charlie has personally trained more than 40,000 industry professionals to pass the LEED Professional Accreditation exams over the last 20 years.
After two decades of performing building science consultation, the company has completed over 150 high-performance building projects, including 110 LEED-certified projects throughout the country. From the iconic Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona (LEED Silver) to the BASF Near-Zero Energy Home in New Jersey (LEED Platinum), Green Ideas maintains its business approach to high-performance building design, construction, and operations. Other notable projects include the Intel Ocotillo Campus, one of the most complicated manufacturing facilities on earth, and the General Dynamics Roosevelt and Hayden facilities, the largest LEED-certified industrial projects in the U.S. at the time of its certification. A complete list of Green Ideas' projects can be found here.
Since its inception in 2002, Green Ideas has worked closely with many building owners and developers to save massive amounts of energy and water. Upon reaching the company's 20th-year milestone, Charlie stated, "We've had some challenges transforming the commercial real estate market over the years but I'm proud of the energy and water savings we have achieved, as well as creating healthy indoor environments for building occupants…all while saving clients operating and maintenance costs."
About Green Ideas® Building Science Consultants Green Ideas is a full-service building science consulting firm offering 3D energy and daylight modeling, building commissioning, and world-class LEED certification services. The firm is designated as a LEED Proven Provider by Green Business Certification Inc. and is a certified B Corporation. Its clients are building owners, architects, engineers, contractors, real estate developers, facility managers, and corporate entities wishing to establish business advantages through high-performance building practices. With a vision as bold as the results they achieve, Green Ideas is dedicated to transforming the market by promoting building science through a "triple bottom line" approach to business operations. Follow Green Ideas on Linkedin for more up-to-date information and latest projects.
Contact Information:
Charlie Popeck
Founder & President [email protected]
480-220-4330
Evolve Bank & Trust ("Evolve"), a leading financial technology solutions provider, is proud to be the presenting sponsor for "Art on Fire," benefitting the Dixon Gallery & Gardens ("Dixon"), in Memphis, TN.
Evolve has been a proud supporter of the Dixon for several years. Situated in East Memphis, the Dixon Gallery & Gardens provides art and horticulture educational opportunities for local children of all ages. It is also a world-class art gallery with stunning gardens. The "Art on Fire" event is the single largest fundraising event of the year for the Dixon.
"Being a good neighbor means being involved in the communities we serve. The Dixon is an incredible place to visit and serves the community through art education. Evolve is proud to be a small part in keeping art alive in the Mid-South," said Scott Stafford, CEO, Evolve Bank & Trust.
"Evolve Bank has been a generous supporter of the Dixon's education and outreach programs for many years. They are a committed partner, and they help make it possible for Art on Fire to deliver thousands of experiences in the arts and horticulture to people of all ages in our community," noted Kevin Sharp, Director of the Dixon Gallery and Gardens.
Art on Fire will also feature food from local restaurants, art to buy, and a roaring bonfire. The event supports the Dixon's art and horticulture programs which include dozens of community outreach programs for over 100,000 people each year. The event will be held Oct. 22, 2022.
Evolve Bank & Trust, a technology focused financial services organization and Banking-as-a-Service ("BaaS") provider, is a best-in-class financial institution offering specialized services in Open Banking, Personal and Business Banking, Mortgage, SBA Lending, Physicians Capital, Community Funding and Trust. Evolve is recognized as a global leader in the payments industry delivering ACH, Debit/Credit Sponsorship, Card Issuance and unique technology strategies to clients around the world. Evolve has been voted a Top Workplace USA and has been named in Inc. Magazine's 5000 List of the fastest-growing private companies.
Contact Information:
Thomas Holmes Jr
SVP, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer [email protected]
866.367.2611
Take charge of life and live with gratitude. Blue Sky, the #1 Dated Products brand in the U.S.*, is delighted to partner with Ivory Paper Co, one of the most in-demand Black-owned planner and stationery brands. The debut Ivory Paper Co for Blue Sky collection offers the perfect blend of intentional planning and daily gratitude in timeless, feminine designs and pastels for 2023.
Just three years ago, influencer Alitzah Stinson founded Ivory Paper Co to build the planner of her dreams — one that provided everything she needed to plan her busy life as a wife, mother, and entrepreneur, including room for reflection and gratitude. Since 2018, Ivory Paper Co has been a top choice for customers shopping for personalized planners, stationery, and matching stickers.
What makes the 22-piece Ivory Paper Co for Blue Sky collection of planners, wall calendars, and planning accessories so special is the dedicated gratitude page on the last page of every planner. In a personal message, Alitzah encourages users to reflect and be grateful in the good times and bad, encouraging them to keep track of what brings them joy throughout the year.
"Blue Sky helps everyone plan to do more of what they love. Wellness and gratitude are at the heart of every planner, so this partnership is a perfect match." - Warren Vidovich, Co-CEO of Blue Sky
"Gratitude has changed my whole outlook on life and made me view the world more positively. I'm so excited for you to meet the first Ivory Paper Co for Blue Sky collection." - Alitzah Stinson, CEO of Ivory Paper Co
The Ivory Paper Co for Blue Sky collection includes 17 planners, two wall calendars, a retractable pen set, and a sticker book adorned in romantic florals and timeless pastels. Each one prettier than the next, patterns include Nova Peach, Amelia Blue, Rosalyn Pink, and Tillie Lilac, which are complemented by versatile solids like Oliver Grey, Lianne Pink, and Dark Charcoal.
Planners are available in five sizes, including 8.5" x 11", 8" x 10", 5.875" x 8.625", 5" x 8", and 3.625" x 6.125". The collection includes daily, monthly, or weekly/monthly formats in twin-wire or bookbound styles. Standout features include soft touch covers and ample space for notes — the key to managing a busy life. Wall calendars are available in two sizes, 11" x 8.75" or 15" x 12", and in two patterns for $6.99 or $12.99. A trio of retractable pens and sticker books is available for $4.99 each.
The Ivory Paper Co for Blue Sky collection launched at a major retailer in-store and online on Sept. 25, 2022. Pricing ranges from $4.99-$29.99.
About Blue Sky: The #1 selling Dated Products brand in the U.S.*, Blue Sky represents more than just a pretty planner. Recognized for its extensive array of dated planners, calendars, notebooks, and more, Blue Sky products help the millions who dream of achieving organization reach their goals, in style (hello, form and function). Blue Sky has solidified its role as a force in the lifestyle category through partnerships with top brands like The Home Edit, cupcakes and cashmere, Ashley G, and now Ivory Paper Co, who have trusted Blue Sky with bringing their unique visions to life. And the world has taken notice. Blue Sky products have been featured by media including Better Homes & Gardens, Good Housekeeping, Marie Claire, Business Insider, New York Magazine, Essence, and more. Plan to do more of what you love®. www.bluesky.com
*Source: The NPD Group/Weekly Retail Tracking Service, U.S. Dollar Sales, 52 weeks ending Feb. 5, 2022, combined.
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Contact Information:
ACPR for Blue Sky [email protected]
303.876.0300
Spike Lee, Venus Williams, Tracee Ellis Ross, Shaquille O'Neal, Killer Mike, Big Sean, and More to Headline; 'NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant' Submissions Are Now Open — Awarding $150,000+ in Black Business Grants
Daymond John, the founder and CEO of FUBU and co-star of ABC's four-time Emmy Award-winning show Shark Tank has announced the third annual Black Entrepreneurs Day presented by Chase.In conjunction with Medium Rare and The Shark Group,Black Entrepreneurs Day presented by Chase is an annual celebration of Black business, aiming to empower and celebrate entrepreneurs everywhere. Focused at the intersection of Business & Entertainment, Black Entrepreneurs Day presented by Chase has quickly become one of the largest and most awarded Diversity & Inclusion events in America. Last year's event attracted over 6.5 million viewers and won its third and fourth Webby Awards as the Best Remote Business & Finance event on the internet. This year's free global live-stream will air on Thursday, Oct. 27, beginning at 7 p.m. ET across the Black Entrepreneurs Day website, Facebook, and more.
Black Entrepreneurs Day presented by Chase will feature Game Changer Conversations presented by The General Insurance®. The thoughtfully curated segment includes one-on-one discussions with Black businesses leaders and cultural icons including Shaquille O'Neal, Tracee Ellis Ross, Spike Lee, Venus Williams, and Killer Mike, moderated by Daymond John. Musical superstar Big Sean will cap off the evening with a live performance. All new for 2022, The Build Black with Shopify's Pitch Competition will be a highlight of the program as budding entrepreneurs pitch their businesses live.
Since its inception, Black Entrepreneurs Day has provided guidance and inspiration to the next generation of rising entrepreneurs as well as over $500,000 in business grants via the "NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant," created by Daymond John. Black entrepreneurs and small business owners across the country can apply now for a $25,000 NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant on the event website through Oct. 12, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
"Being in year three accomplishes one of my original goals of making Black Entrepreneurs Day one of the most fun D&I events of the year that brings icons of the Black community to participate in important conversations and moments. I want to thank Chase for sharing my vision to make this possible and help bring in an incredible lineup. Black Entrepreneurs Day will once again inspire, educate, learn from, and celebrate those that are hustling, pushing forward, pursuing their dreams and, in many cases, thriving. It is truly my honor to return to Harlem's iconic Apollo Theater and bring BED to a place near and dear to my heart while ensuring audiences throughout the world can stream the show for free," said Daymond John.
Black Entrepreneurs Day is excited to welcome its A-list guests and business leaders to the world famous Apollo Theater in Harlem in front of a live studio audience. The legendary Apollo Theater plays a vital role in cultivating emerging artists and launching legends. Since its founding in 1934, the Apollo has served as a center of innovation and a creative catalyst for Harlem, the city of New York, and the world.
"Black Entrepreneurs Day provides an invaluable resource to a community that is historically overlooked when it comes to resources and funding. It is truly economic inclusion for us, by us. As we work to improve every aspect of the Black community — from education and health to building generational wealth — we know Black entrepreneurs and an inclusive, thriving economy are key. The NAACP will continue to ensure economic growth and sustainability for Black people. For the third year, we're looking forward to seeing the ways that Black businesses are changing the landscape in industries like tech, beauty, travel and retail, and helping them scale through the NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant," said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO, NAACP.
Black Entrepreneurs Day presented by Chase Show Program:
● Game Changer Conversations presented by The General Insurance featuring Shaquille O'Neal, Tracee Ellis Ross, Spike Lee, Venus Williams, and Killer Mike
● Building Generational Wealth Featuring Tiki Barber presented by J.P. Morgan Wealth Management
● Fulfill Your Dreams: A Small Business Roundtable Featuring Metta Sandiford-Artest presented by Alibaba.com
● Elevating Access presented by Lowe's Featuring Lowe's Chairman and CEO Marvin Ellison
● Historically Better powered by Pepsi Stronger Together
● Empowering Entrepreneurs presented by Chase
● Innovating for Health Equity Roundtable presented by Johnson & Johnson
● Magenta Edge Roundtable presented by T-Mobile for Business
● #FundBlackFounders presented by Google
● The Breakdown presented by The General Insurance
● Build Black with Shopify Roundtable
For the third year in a row, Daymond is honored to partner with JPMorgan Chase to power the Black Entrepreneurs Day broadcast. Through Chase resources, the firm offers financial tools and guidance to support business owners who want to start, run and grow their businesses. Through its Advancing Black Pathways (ABP) initiative, JPMorgan Chase is striving to strengthen the economic foundation of the Black community globally. In 2020, ABP partnered with Chase for Business to launch Advancing Black Entrepreneurs (ABE), an educational program that offers practical advice and resources to help business owners navigate challenges and prepare for long-term success. Brian Lamb, Northeast Segment Head of Middle Market Banking & Specialized Industries for JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking, will discuss ABE during the Black Entrepreneurs Day program and will be joined by Earl "Butch" Graves Jr., President and CEO, Black Enterprise, and Mindelyn Anderson, founder of Mirror Group LLC. Additionally, during Building Generational Wealth presented by J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, Tiki Barber and Daymond will speak about how clients can become financially savvy and Barber's career from a famed athlete to successful entrepreneur. "The journey of Black entrepreneurs can be a mosaic of highs and lows, but that journey can serve as an inspiration to generations. As a firm, we're committed to helping Black entrepreneurs get access to the critical resources they need to be successful, and we are proud to be a part of Black Entrepreneurs Day, which seeks to support and celebrate this inspiring community," said Byna Elliott,global head of Advancing Black Pathways at JPMorgan Chase.
For the third year in a row, The General Insurance will power the event's "Game Changer Conversations" featuring Daymond in inspirational one-on-one conversations with Black business leaders and cultural icons. Prepare for game-changing conversations featuring Shaquille O'Neal, Tracee Ellis Ross, Spike Lee, Venus Williams, and Killer Mike. In addition to this year's Game Changer Conversations, The General Insurance will also present a conversation entitled "The Breakdown," featuring Morgan DeBaun, founder and CEO of Blavity, Inc., Ryan Wilson, CEO and co-founder of The Gathering Spot, and EJ Reed, co-founder of Slim & Husky's Pizza Beeria, alongside Daymond John, focused on the importance of overcoming adversity and scaling Black-owned businesses.
PepsiCo is committed to addressing inequity and creating opportunities for Black communities and consumers through its various teams, programs, and initiatives including Historically Better powered by Pepsi Stronger Together.Historically Better is a platform that celebrates HBCU talent and culture, elevates and engages HBCU students, alumni and fans, and inspires the next generation of Black leaders. From highlighting industry trailblazers to awarding scholarships and internships, Historically Better utilizes the power of PepsiCo's diverse brand portfolio to address inequity and level the playing field for HBCU students with an end-to-end experience celebrating Black excellence in all its forms. This year, Historically Better will host an exclusive conversation between Daymond John and Kenny Thompson, Jr., Vice President of External Affairs for North America at PepsiCo, on the importance of inspiring the next generation of Black leaders, live from Howard University amongst a select group of undergraduate and graduate students. "Historically Better powered by Pepsi Stronger Together celebrates the Black excellence that lives and thrives at our nation's HBCUs. I'm proud to bring this program to Black Entrepreneurs Day and to highlight PepsiCo's work to confront inequity and empower Black communities and businesses. By nurturing the next generation of cultural changemakers and supporting Black business owners as they grow and lift up their communities, PepsiCo can help drive change," said Kenny Thompson, Jr., PepsiCo.
The future is now with Shopify.Through initiatives such as Build Black and its support of the 1MBB movement, Shopify has continued to reshape the ways in which minorities are supported and businesses, especially Black-owned businesses, are given a platform to be seen. Together with Daymond John and Black Entrepreneurs Day, Shopify will introduce an exciting new component of the show — Build Black with Shopify's Pitch Competition. A live pitch competition taking place at the Apollo in front of a panel of judges, this year's Pitch Competition will feature three Shopify merchants from their Build Black Community who are looking to win $25,000 and exclusive mentorship from Daymond John to further their business journey. In addition to the Pitch Competition. Shopify will also present a Build Black Roundtable featuring the three Black women who are actively working towards supporting and amplifying the thousands of Black businesses that come into the Build Black program, custom content and Daymond John's BED Picks — a hand-selected list of Black-owned Shopify brands from the Build Black Community that we can't get enough of.
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is proud to partner with Black Entrepreneurs Day for the second year, as part of its Our Race to Health Equity initiative, a bold aspiration to help eradicate racial and social injustice within public health by eliminating health inequities for people of color. One of the ways the company is working to change the culture of healthcare is by investing in and supporting care models and solutions that drive healthier outcomes. During the Johnson & Johnson Innovating for Health Equity Roundtable, Daymond will host a dialogue with Vanessa Broadhurst, Executive Vice President, Global Corporate Affairs, Johnson & Johnson, Dr. Uché Blackstock, founder and CEO of Advancing Health Equity, and Barbara Rhoden, PhD, Head of Marketing, Primasun and Johnson & Johnson Innovation Board Fellow, to discuss how Black entrepreneurs are aligning business acumen and purpose-driven passion to address racial health inequities. The conversation will also cover some of the tools and resources that the company has put in place through Johnson & Johnson Innovation and Johnson & Johnson Impact Ventures, a fund within the Johnson & Johnson Foundation, to empower early-stage innovators to drive more inclusive healthcare solutions created for the community by the community.
Lowe's has remained committed to supporting Black entrepreneurs through various programming and initiatives. Live from the Apollo Theater, Daymond John will sit down with Marvin Ellison,Lowe's chairman and CEO, to discuss the unique ways Lowe's has supported diverse communities and minority-owned businesses.
Alibaba.com,one of the world's largest B2B e-commerce marketplaces and a business unit of Alibaba Group, is proud to partner with Black Entrepreneurs Day to present a groundbreaking conversation entitled Fulfill Your Dreams: A Small Business Roundtable centered on Alibaba.com's innovative initiatives to support small businesses. Featuring past Alibaba.com Grants Program winners Eva Jane Bunkley and Matt Jones, as well as Alibaba.com's Alex Tsai and renowned Metta Sandiford-Artest (formerly Metta World Peace), this conversation will further inspire entrepreneurs globally. Alibaba.com recently launched the Alibaba.com "Manifest" Grants Program, which aims to celebrate the innovativeness of U.S. small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and enhance the competitive edge of their products. Entrepreneurs can now apply for the Alibaba.com Manifest Grants Program HERE, which will provide monetary funds and procurement resources to small businesses that have innovative product ideas and go-to-market strategies. In addition, one lucky winner will receive one-on-one mentorship from Daymond John.
Google'sdedication to supporting Black communities and entrepreneurs is unmatched through various initiatives such as the Google for Startups for Black Founders Fund and so much more. During this year's Black Entrepreneurs Day, Daymond John and Melonie Parker, Google's Chief Diversity Officer, will host a conversation entitled #FundBlackFounders, focused on the Black startup founders who are building great companies yet are locked out of access to the funding that is critical to their success. At its core, Google is on a mission to support diverse startup communities globally — and that's precisely what Melonie and Daymond will dive into in this impactful discussion.
As a returning partner, T-Mobile for Business and its small business content destination Magenta Edge have joined forces with Daymond John for year three to present an exclusive Magenta Edge roundtable. Featuring three savvy, successful small business owners, this year's Magenta Edge Roundtable unpacks how Black entrepreneurs can raise the odds of running a thriving business over the long run. They discuss the value of strong connections, how to better access capital, and the role the community plays in the staying power of a business. Magenta Edge is an initiative created by T-Mobile for Business on a mission to help American small business owners navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. With a foundational focus on minority-owned small businesses, Magenta Edge has a growing library of original content, educational programming, real stories, and insights to help teach and inspire all entrepreneurs.
An avid supporter of Black-owned businesses and organizations as well as a returning partner of Black Entrepreneurs Day, Facebook will be the preferred streaming partner of this year's event. Tune in to Daymond John's Facebook page on Oct. 27 to watch for free.
The one-of-a-kind historic live-stream will take place on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022, at 7 p.m. ET, live fromHarlem's World Famous Apollo Theater. The studio audience will be made up of NAACP groups, HBCU students, and those lucky enough to get a free ticket to the event taping on BlackEntrepreneursDay.com — Apply Now. For the millions of viewers watching at home, Black Entrepreneurs Day will be completely free and available worldwide beginning at 7 p.m. ET on the Black Entrepreneurs Day website, Facebook via Daymond John's page and across all other social media channels.
Daymond John is CEO and founder of FUBU, a much-celebrated global lifestyle brand, and a pioneer in the fashion industry with over $6 billion in product sales. John's marketing strategies and ability to build successful brands has made him a highly influential consultant and motivational speaker today. John is also an author of four best-selling books, including his New York Times best-selling books The Power of Broke (2016) and Rise and Grind (2018). A Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship under the Obama Administration, John is celebrating his 14th season on ABC's four-time Emmy Award-winning show Shark Tank where, as one of the original Sharks, he demonstrates his marketing prowess and entrepreneurial insights.
ABOUT MEDIUM RARE
Focused at the intersection of Sports & Entertainment, Medium Rare partners with athletes, celebrities, and brands to build iconic media properties. Medium Rare is the creator and producer of Webby Award-winning brands including Shaq's Fun House, Daymond John's Black Entrepreneurs Day, Guy Fieri's Restaurant Reboot, The Sports Illustrated Awards, Rob Gronkowski's Gronk Beach, SHAQ vs GRONK, and more. Medium Rare was founded by Joe Silberzweig and Adam Richman, who were recently honored with 4X Webby Awards, Forbes 30 Under 30, and Pollstar's Next Gen Impact. Learn more at www.Medium-Rare.com.
ABOUT SHARK GROUP
The Shark Group's team of expert communicators, strategic analysts, and creative heavyweights excels in propelling brands into the fabric of pop culture. Founded by award-winning entrepreneur Daymond John, the agency's culture is deeply rooted in thinking like entrepreneurs to create value for its partners and clients. Some of its clients include Chase, Shopify, T-Mobile, AARP, Daymond John, Carlos Santana, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and many others. Learn more at www.TheSharkGroup.com.
Contact Information:
Zachary Rosenfield
CEO, Rosenfield Media Group [email protected]
310.429.5555
Amanda Brocato
EVP, Corporate Strategies & Events, Rosenfield Media Group [email protected]
512.743.3941 Related Images
New forms of cheap credit enticed many consumers to overextend their finances. Now as the bills come due, many are left asking, "Is instant gratification worth the price?"
Carrot, the leading shopping app for visual product bookmarking with a mission to bring joy to online shopping, issued a response to recent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau warnings about the significant risks to consumers posed by "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) services.
"The current cycle of spendthrift behavior is coming to an end," says Nick Kuzma, head of growth at Carrot. "Not only are consumers missing payments, but our data also shows shop browsing—a key intent signal for purchases—is down ~15% in recent months, with actual purchases lagging even further. For consumers to delay or defer a purchase is one thing. For them to avoid browsing altogether is a clear reflection of a change in consumer psychology and sentiment toward spending."
BNPL companies rose to prominence during the coronavirus pandemic, fueling a glut of online spending, particularly for high-cost items like home furnishings and home gyms. Over 40% of Americans were at some point persuaded by marketing that promised an antidote to the pitfalls of traditional credit cards. But now 18% of Americans, nearly one in five, have missed a payment, incurring late fees and, for many, damaging their FICO credit scores. Missed payments and reduced spending are natural parts of the long-term debt cycle in every economy, but the recent entry of BNPL services into the market has exaggerated consumers' ability to borrow against future earnings in a way not previously seen.
"The bulk of e-commerce has become fast food, designed to trigger cravings and feel good in the moment, but ultimately leaves you with regret," says Bobby Ghoshal, serial startup founder and CEO of Carrot. "It's a symptom of a greater malady—the inability to stay top of mind, connecting authentically with customers and building relationships. Instead of addressing the root cause, brands have understandably focused on removing friction; optimizing for FOMO, cheap credit, one-click checkout, discounts, and 'buy-right-this-second' messages; because they know that if a prospective customer leaves their website without converting, they're unlikely to ever see them again. BNPL takes this to an extreme, giving folks the ability to supersize their purchases, ultimately leaving them in worse shape and with even greater regret."
Now, as the economy tilts towards a recession, consumers have responded by directing a greater share of spending to big box retailers like Amazon, which in September commanded a 16% greater share of transaction volume in online spending compared with the same month last year, according to Carrot data. The bulk of this growth is the result of a reduction in spend across other retailers, especially smaller independent merchants, more so than growth of Amazon directly. These smaller merchants now have to make spend reduction decisions of their own, a contributing factor towards a wider economic contraction.
Against this backdrop, Carrot's internal research shows that what consumers desire most is not "instant gratification" but "increased gratification," reports Bobby Ghoshal. The same research suggests that consumers who consider their purchases for longer and evaluate a range of options report higher degrees of satisfaction than those who purchased items on impulse using buy now, pay later services.
"Carrot was designed to let consumers enjoy being power shoppers without the pressure of being immediatepower buyers," says Louis Kearns, Head of Product at Carrot. "Users get the dopamine rush of adding products to cart, with the benefit of the time and space they need to feel good about a product they might want to buy. The peace of mind knowing they can always find all those products inside their Carrot is a natural extension of the shopping experience consumers now expect. Carrot lets consumers shop with confidence, on their own terms."
Consumers have responded enthusiastically to this alternative focus on intentionality, making Carrot a top mobile Safari extension in the Apple App Store. Items saved by users are added to their accounts where they can be easily accessed across devices, organized into collections, and shared with others.
"The most remarkable thing has been seeing how users apply the tools we've built to their shopping journeys," says Ramin Bozorgzadeh, co-founder and CTO at Carrot. "The more consideration involved in the purchase—whether that's because it's an expensive purchase, one with many comparable options, or a very visible purchase like a gift—the more they turn to Carrot to visualize their options and make the decisions with confidence."
Carrot plans to continue expanding its consumer offerings, bringing greater intention and satisfaction to online shopping. "The purchase journey doesn't have to end in regret—we can address the root cause of the current issues in e-commerce and, in doing so, support consumers and merchants, especially smaller independent brands who don't possess Amazon-sized marketing budgets. Our number one focus will continue to be bringing increased gratification to our users—that joy you feel when you buy a product you love from a brand you believe in," says Bobby Ghoshal. "We're excited to bring several new products to market in the coming months, the likes of which have never been seen before, helping consumers to find inspiring products from the best brands, and empowering brands to connect with their most loyal shoppers."
Contact Information:
Nick Kuzma
Head of Growth, Carrot [email protected]
(503) 327-6957
Avatar Platform Transforms Engagement Between Brands and Content Creators
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - October 6, 2022 - (Newswire.com)
Spree3D, a technology company specializing in hyperreal avatar experiences, debuts the MyDubble app in beta on the Apple App Store. MyDubble is a video studio powered by Spree3D's photoreal avatar platform — enabling digital storytelling for personalized fashion experiences. Create MyDubble videos starring the user's digital twin walking an exotic runway at a music festival, posting in Paris or Tokyo, and much more.
MyDubble offers fashion brands a fun creator platform targeted at digital natives, where anyone can instantly model virtualized apparel and share with friends as glamorous fashion videos. Integrating photoreal fashion Dubbles into a video studio, MyDubble offers partners a "phygital" fashion opportunity that rises above the noise, allowing users to explore digital fashion in their social content and purchase physical items.
How MyDubble Works:
Creating a MyDubble video is as easy as 1-2-3.
Create the Dubble from a quick phone scan.
Pick the Dubble's outfit out of a growing catalog of original designs.
Pick Dubble's setting from a selection of lifestyle scenes.
That's all it takes to create a fantastical fashion video starring the custom Dubble.
MyDubble turbocharges community building. Creators pick fashion apparel in the app to feature in MyDubble posts. Partners can launch metaverse fandoms populated with photoreal fan avatars. A "dubbled" fan base offers new engagement, merchandise, and analytic opportunities.
"Our vision starts with allowing anyone to be on the inside of beautiful fashion experiences. By taking a photorealistic approach, we can automate a key category of social content promotions, expanding the reach of brands to a much larger creator audience," says Bob Davidson, CEO at Spree3D. "Photorealistic Dubbles are game changers that create new promotional, revenue, and partner opportunities."
Founded in 2020, Spree3D is the brainchild of Bob Davidson — a pioneer in digital entertainment (who founded Blizzard Entertainment and launched World of Warcraft), and Lisa Park — a global fashion entrepreneur. Our vision is to allow anyone to be in fabulous fashion experiences. Spree3D has delivered the first Hyperreal Avatar Studio — virtualizing humans and apparel for avatar adventure videos. The MyDubble app provides a new way to socialize digital fashion, enabling instant avatar communities that create and share fantasy fashion videos. With MyDubble, users can Be In It — with a few clicks, fans can be in a fashion post and personalize it to make it their own.
Whittier Street Health Center, a community health center with a mission to serve as a center of excellence that provides high quality and accessible health care and social services that achieve health equity, social justice, and the economic well-being of a diverse patient population, has launched a Day Engagement Center in partnership with the office of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Health Commission to provide health care, social services, and support to unhoused and vulnerable residents of Boston.
The Day Engagement Center is located at 1290 Tremont Street, in Roxbury. The new daytime center is partial funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Boston Public Health Commission and through generous donors.
"We're thrilled to be partnering with the City of Boston and the Boston Public Health Commission on this important initiative to improve the well-being of the unsheltered throughout Boston neighborhoods," said Frederica M. Williams, president and CEO of Whittier Street Health Center. "This effort aligns directly with our mission, and this unique partnership between our community-based organization, governmental agencies, and private donors has the potential to address the disparities and inequities among our most vulnerable populations."
"I'm optimistic to see the outcomes of these collaborations, and I am also proud to be part of these efforts to improve and enhance the lives of vulnerable populations in our communities," added Diana Sencion, Day Engagement Center manager.
The Day Engagement Center, open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., offers harm reduction services, medical care, substance abuse services, mental health services, nutrition counseling, health and social support groups, and wellness activities for the homeless and other underserved populations. In addition, clients will have access to clothing, food, beverages, case management and linkage to social services.
About Whittier Street Health Center
Whittier Street Health Center is an independently licensed community health care center with a mission of providing high quality, reliable and accessible primary healthcare for diverse populations while promoting wellness and eliminating health and social disparities.
