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SIGMA Announces release of 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary and 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary for Fujifilm X Mount System

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA

SIGMA Corporation of America is pleased to announce the release of two lenses for the Fujifilm X Mount camera system. The addition of the 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary and 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary expands the line of SIGMA products for Fujifilm X Mount to six versatile lenses. The 100-400mm F5-6.3 is the second zoom lens for Fujifilm X Mount, joining the compact 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary lens; while the 23mm F1.4 joins the fast F1.4 prime lineup, which also includes the 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary, 30mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary and 56mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary lenses. The X Mount versions of these lenses join the Leica L and Sony E-mount versions which are currently available for purchase through authorized retailers. The SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary ($949 US) and SIGMA 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary ($549 US) will be available for Fujifilm X Mount cameras at Authorized US Dealers on September 21, 2023. Learn more about the SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary lens: https://www.sigmaphoto.com/100-400mm-f5-6-3-dg-dn-os-c Learn more about the SIGMA 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary lens: https://www.sigmaphoto.com/23mm-f1-4-dc-dn-c Launch schedule of SIGMA 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary in FUJIFILM X Mount SIGMA Corporation is pleased to announce the launch schedule of the SIGMA 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary in FUJIFILM X Mount. Supplied Accessories: LENS HOOD LH554-01, FRONT CAP LCF-52mm III, REAR CAP LCR II Available Mount: FUJIFILM X Mount Barcode: 0085126 348755 Available: September 21, 2023 * The appearance and specifications of the product are subject to change. #SIGMA #SIGMA23mmContemporary #SIGMAContemporary #SIGMADCDN #SIGMAXMount Long-awaited X Mount addition The SIGMA 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary ― a large-aperture wide-angle lens designed exclusively for APS-C mirrorless cameras ― will now be available for the Fujifilm X Mount. A control algorithm including AF drive and communication speed optimization has been developed specifically for X Mount interchangeable lenses. In addition to realizing high-speed AF, the lens also supports AF-C (Continuous AF) and in-camera aberration correction*. The mount is rubber-sealed to cater for use in a variety of environments. *Function available on supported cameras only. Functionality may vary depending on the camera model. Mount Conversion Service is available to convert other mounts of SIGMA 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary to FUJIFILM X Mount. https://www.sigma-global.com/en/support/purpose/mcs/ [ Key Features ] 1. Large aperture F1.4 brightness and excellent resolution from maximum aperture The SIGMA 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary has an easy-to-use angle of view equivalent to 35mm in 35mm format, as well as the brightness of a large F1.4 aperture and high descriptive power. The optics is composed of 13 elements in 10 groups, including 3 SLD glass elements and 2 aspherical lens elements, to achieve sharp, clear images. The lens delivers excellent resolving power from the maximum aperture. Furthermore, the large F1.4 aperture allows for large, beautiful bokeh effects. The compact, palm-size body allows you to enjoy the rich descriptive power of mirrorless cameras. Careful countermeasures against flare and ghosting enable clear shooting even in backlit environments. 2. Compact body optimized for APS-C mirrorless cameras To take advantage of the mobility of APS-C mirrorless cameras, the lens body is compact and lightweight, with a weight of 335g*, length of 79.2mm*, and filter diameter of 52mm. At the same time, the quality of the lens body itself has not been compromised. The high-precision machining technology of SIGMA's sole production facility in Aizu, Japan, has enabled the lens body to achieve the ideal balance between excellent optical performance based on the latest optical and mechanical design, and compactness. The AF drive system uses a quiet, high-speed stepping motor. The latest algorithm enables quick focusing for easy shooting. * The figures are for X Mount. * The length of a lens is measured from the filter surface to its mount. 3. Expands the variety of APS-C format F1.4 prime lenses The SIGMA Contemporary line offers a wide variety of APS-C format F1.4 prime lenses. All of them share the concept of combining superior resolution with compactness and light weight. By combining them according to your needs, you can build a compact photographic system without compromising image quality. * The figures are for X Mount. * The length of a lens is measured from the filter surface to its mount. [ Additional Features ] • Lens construction: 13 elements in 10 groups (3 SLD, 2 aspherical elements) • Inner focus system • Compatible with high-speed autofocus • Stepping Motor • Compatible with lens aberration correction *Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections or auto correction functionality may vary depending on the camera model. *On cameras where lens aberration correction is controlled with ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’ in the camera menu, please set all aberration correction functions to ‘ON'(AUTO). • Support DMF and AF+MF • Compatible with AF assist (Sony E-mount only) • Super Multi-Layer Coating • Mount with dust and splash resistant structure • Lens Hood LH554-01 • Designed to minimize flare and ghosting • Every single lens undergoes SIGMA’s proprietary MTF measuring system • 9-blade rounded diaphragm • High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount • "Made in Japan" craftsmanship [ Key Specifications ] The figures below are for the X Mount version. Lens Construction: 13 elements in 10 groups (3 SLD, 2 aspherical elements) Angle of View: 63.4° Number of Diaphragm Blades: 9 (rounded diaphragm) Minimum Aperture: F16 Minimum Focusing Distance: 25cm / 9.8 in. Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:7.3 Filter Size: 52mm Dimensions (Max. Diam. x Length*): 65.8mm x 79.2mm / 2.6in. x 3.1in. Weight: 335g / 11.8 oz. * The length of a lens is measured from the filter surface to its mount. Launch schedule of SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary in FUJIFILM X Mount SIGMA Corporation is pleased to announce the launch schedule of the SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary in FUJIFILM X Mount. Supplied Accessories: LENS HOOD LH770-05, FRONT CAP LCF-67mm III, REAR CAP LCR II, PROTECTIVE COVER PT-31 Available Mount: FUJIFILM X Mount Barcode: 0085126 750756 Available: September 21, 2023 * The appearance and specifications of the product are subject to change. #SIGMA #SIGMA100400mmContemporary #SIGMAContemporary #SIGMADGDN #SIGMAXMount Long-awaited X Mount addition The SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary, which was created in 2020 as the "Handy Tele Master", the DG DN version of the ultra-telephoto zoom dedicated for full-frame mirrorless cameras, will now be added for the Fujifilm X Mount. With the mirrorless large-aperture F1.4 APS-C size single focal length (16mm, 23mm, 30mm, 56mm), F2.8 zoom (18-50mm), and the addition of this super-telephoto zoom lens, SIGMA's X Mount lens lineup has expanded to six lenses. The new lineup covers a wide range of applications, from wide-angle to ultra-telephoto. A control algorithm including AF drive and communication speed optimization has been developed specifically for X Mount interchangeable lenses. In addition to realizing high-speed AF, the lens also supports AF-C (Continuous AF) and in-camera aberration correction*. The mount is rubber-sealed to cater for use in a variety of environments. *Function available on supported cameras only. Functionality may vary depending on the camera model. The switches have also been optimized for X Mount. The "AF Function Setting Switch" allows the user to select a function while the AF Function Button is pressed on the lens side. Mount Conversion Service is available to convert other mounts of SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary to FUJIFILM X Mount. About Mount Conversion Service: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/support/purpose/mcs/ [ Key Features ] 1. Compact ultra-telephoto zoom equivalent to 600mm in 35mm format The SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary for X Mount, the sixth lens to be converted to X Mount, is a ultra-telephoto zoom lens covering an angle of view equivalent to 150-600mm in 35mm format. Despite covering the 600mm equivalent ultra-telephoto range, the lens has a compact design with an length of 199.5mm, a maximum diameter of 86mm, and a weight of 1,135g. It enables ultra-telephoto photography utilizing the compact Fujifilm X Mount system. The SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary, designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras, can be used with an APS-C format X Mount body to deliver extremely high descriptive performance right up to the extreme periphery. 2. Uncompromising image quality The lens construction of the SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary comprises 16 groups and 22 elements, with one FLD and four SLDs used for the effective correction of aberrations and distortions. Built on the latest optical design technology and optimized for mirrorless systems, the lens ensures the same high-resolution image quality all the way to the edges. In addition, it constantly achieves high levels of optical performance and makes the most of its capabilities as a zoom lens in any condition, at every focal length from wide to telephoto, and from close-up shots to telephoto photography. 3. A full range of functionalities that enables smooth and easy ultra-telephoto shooting In addition to a high-speed and smooth AF enabled by the stepping motor optimized to the latest algorithm, the SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary incorporates powerful image stabilization (OS) of five steps* built into the lens. When combined with a camera body with image stabilization built in, the lens corrects for pitch and yaw axis rotations, providing even more powerful image stabilization. It also features the AF function setting switch to which the user may select AF lock/AF activation, and the focus limiter switch that allows optimizing the AF range according to the purpose of shooting, Zoom lock switch that fixes the zoom ring at the widest end, preventing it from rotating and causing the lens barrel to extend under its own weight during transportation, OS Switch which the user may switch between Mode 1 for general photography and Mode 2 for motor sports and other applications requiring panning. In addition, the SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary supports straight zoom, which allows photographers to zoom in and out by adjusting the hood, enabling intuitive and quick view angle adjustments. It features a “Dual action zoom” which supports both straight zoom and ring zoom. * Based on CIPA guidelines (Measured in 400mm with an APS-C size image sensor) 4. Lightweight & Compact lens body SIGMA designed a light and durable ultra-telephoto zoom lens addition to its Contemporary line. The SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary packs functionalities required for angles of view corresponding to focal lengths of 100-400mm in a compact, lightweight body. It is not merely about weight reduction, but the lens is durable, with careful selections to utilize the right materials in the right place. For instance, magnesium alloy is used for the part where a tripod socket is attached, which needs to be very strong. To allow for a pairing with camera bodies of different sizes, a tripod socket, TS-111 kit (sold separately) is available. As this helps reduce any strain on the camera body, photographers can shoot long hours without worrying about it. The tripod socket comes with a strap which also helps reduce strain on the mount when carrying the lens around or during transportation. [ Additional Features ] • Lens construction: 22 elements in 16 groups (1 FLD, 4 SLD) • OS (Optical Stabilizer) function • Inner focus system • Compatible with high-speed autofocus • Stepping motor • Compatible with Lens Aberration Correction *Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections or auto correction functionality may vary depending on the camera model. *On cameras where lens aberration correction is controlled with ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’ in the camera menu, please set all aberration correction functions to ‘ON'(AUTO). • Super Multi-Layer Coating • AF function button • Focus Limiter • AF function setting switch • OS switch • Zoom lock switch • Mount with dust and splash resistant structure • LENS HOOD LH770-05 • PROTECTIVE COVER PT-31 • Compatible with TRIPOD SOCKET TS-111 Kit • Designed to minimize flare and ghosting • Every single lens undergoes SIGMA's proprietary MTF measuring system • 9-blade rounded diaphragm • High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount • "Made in Japan" craftsmanship [ Key Specifications ] The figures below are for the X Mount version. Lens Construction: 22 elements in 16 groups (1 FLD, 4 SLD) Angle of View (APS-C): 16.2° (W) - 4.1° (T) Number of Diaphragm Blades: 9 (rounded diaphragm) Minimum Aperture: F22-29 Minimum Focusing Distance: 112cm (W) – 160cm (T) Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:4.1 (at 400mm focal length) Filter Size: 67mm Dimensions (Max. Diam. x Length*): 86mm x 199.5mm / 3.4 x 7.9 in Weight: 1,135g / 40.0 oz. * The length of a lens is measured from the filter surface to its mount. [Contact] For further information, please contact your local authorized SIGMA Service Station listed at the link below: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/world-network/ [Information] SIGMA Corporation: https://www.sigma-global.com/ SIGMA 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary product page: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/c023_23_14/ SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary product page： https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/c020_100_400_5_63/ SIGMA X Mount special page: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/magazine/m_series/others-lenses/fujifilm-x-mount/sigma_xmount_lenses/ ### About SIGMA Corporation Craftsmanship. Precision. Dedication. Since 1961, SIGMA has been devoted to the pursuit of advancing photographic technology. Unique to the industry, the family-owned business produces its high-quality, award-winning still photo and cinema camera lenses, DSLR and mirrorless cameras, flashes, filters and accessories from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Aizu, Japan. In 2012, the company introduced SIGMA Global Vision with three distinct lens lines: Art, Contemporary and Sports. Designed for industry camera mount systems including Canon, Fujifilm, Leica, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony and SIGMA, each lens is handcrafted and tested in Japan to ensure a high-performance, premium product that is purpose-built to last. In 2016, the SIGMA CINE lens lineup was launched, further cementing SIGMA as an innovator in imaging engineering. Embodying the core optical DNA that has defined the SIGMA benchmark of excellence, SIGMA CINE lenses meet the needs of advanced 6k and 8k cinema production. Forming the landmark L-Mount alliance alongside Leica and Panasonic in 2018, SIGMA continues its storied tradition of imaging excellence through groundbreaking innovations such as the native L-mount SIGMA fp and fp L full-frame mirrorless digital cameras, announced in July 2019 and March 2021 respectively. These products, along with over 35 award-winning SIGMA Global Vision lenses available in native L-Mount format, demonstrate SIGMA's continued commitment to the creative community through expanded product offerings. With the fp, fp L and these lenses, even more users can now leverage SIGMA's renowned optical formula to achieve their creative vision with ease. For information about SIGMA America, please visit sigmaphoto.com and SIGMA Blog for helpful information about our products, or follow SIGMA America on social media. SIGMA Photo: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram SIGMA CINE: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Contact Details SIGMA +1 631-585-1144 SIGMA.PR@Sigmaphoto.com Company Website https://www.sigma-global.com/en/

August 31, 2023 09:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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BELLAMI Launches World's First Professional Grade Hair Extension Care Collection

BELLAMI

BELLAMI, the global leader in hair extensions’ billion-dollar industry, launches BELLAMI Professional Hair Care, the world’s first professional-grade hair extension care collection for in-salon and at-home use. In collaboration with its network of renowned hair stylists, who have close to a million hair extension installs under their belts, BELLAMI developed uniquely formulated, clinically proven extension-driven hair care solutions, designed to double the lifetime of hair extensions, protecting the investment of a growing customer base, while strengthening the health and integrity of natural hair. “There is beauty in innovation,” says John Costanza, Group Vice President of Beauty Industry Group leading the charge for BELLAMI. “We know hair better than any brand on the market. This isn’t just a hair care line that happens to work with extensions. We spent the last three years collaborating with industry professionals, chemists and BELLAMI educators, who work with hair every single day, to perfect the formulas and deliver a comprehensive solution-oriented approach to hair and extension treatment in-salon and at-home.” BELLAMI’s professional and at-home collections are infused with first of its kind H-2™ and proprietary Vita-Seal™ complexes. Unlike other bond-building technologies, the brand’s revolutionary H-2™ Complex contains both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties, rather than just one, which allows formulas to target different areas of damage and achieve maximum results. The Hydrophilic portion balances and reconstructs the hydrogen and ionic bonds fundamental to hair structure, creating a smooth and even surface. The hydrophobic component replenishes lipids stripped from the hair during coloring or heat styling. BELLAMI’s at-home formulas complement the brand’s professional line by offering salon-quality maintenance to protect hair from UV exposure and thermal damage. Each product is designed to seal in the professional H-2™Complex while BELLAMI’s proprietary vitamin-rich Vita-Seal™ Complex locks in nutrients to preserve the hair’s integrity and prevent future breakage, while improving the overall condition and appearance of hair with continued use. BELLAMI Professional Hair Care launches in Canada with ten professional products, available in-salon and at BELLAMI Professional, and eight at-home products which are now available at BELLAMIhair.com and at the BELLAMI Beauty Bar located at 1168 Robson St., Vancouver, BC V6E 1B5, Canada. The collections incorporate clarifying and moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, a scalp detox, treatment masks and a bond fusion system that reduces breakage by up to 63% and tangling by up to 89% (TRI Princeton). All products are paraben-free, sulfate-free, cruelty-free and inclusively formulated for all hair types and textures, and some of the products are vegan and gluten-free. Refill pouches are available for shampoos and conditioners and all aluminum and plastic components are recyclable. ABOUT BELLAMI Founded in 2012 by Nikki Eslami and Julius Salerno, BELLAMI is a global leader of high end, luxurious, ethically sourced and sustainably produced full-cuticle 100% Human Remy hair enhancement solutions for consumers and salon professionals. As the largest hair extensions brand in the world, collaborating with certified hair stylists, BELLAMI offers a full range of clip-in extensions and the four pro hair extension methods - Wefts, Tape-Ins, K-Tips, I-Tips. It is the only brand to have complete control over the sourcing and international manufacturing process, ensuring that all products are ethically sourced and sustainably produced. BELLAMIâs hair enhancement solutions and hair care are available via its e-commerce platform and company-owned stores, the BELLAMI Beauty Bars. BELLAMI is headquartered in Chatsworth, California. ABOUT BEAUTY INDUSTRY GROUP Established in 2004, Beauty Industry Group is an industry leader for professionally installed and DIY hair extensions and related beauty products. Beauty Industry Group's professional products are sold in more than 1,200 stores throughout North America and its collective brands service more than 30,000 salons across over 165 countries. Beauty Industry Group has offices in 6 countries and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT. Contact Details Linsey Tilbor Rubin +1 732-991-5294 ltilbor@rellmc.com Company Website https://www.bellamihair.com/

August 30, 2023 08:54 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Kulfi Beauty Experiences Significant Retail and Category Growth

Kulfi Beauty

Starting September 1st, Kulfi Beauty is launching exclusively into Sephora brick-and-mortar locations, approximately 281 in the United States and 59 in Canada, marking the first time the brand has physical retail presence. With a blockbuster launch online at the beauty specialty retailer only a year ago, and the first South Asian inspired makeup brand to be carried at Sephora, Kulfi will officially be introduced in-stores via "The Next Big Thing" section, an end cap display in the store that highlights today’s most promising up-and-coming indie brands. Since its February 2021 debut, Kulfi Beauty has experienced exponential growth, with sales increasing fourfold last year. The brand’s growth can be attributed to its partnership with Sephora in tandem with the introduction of key new product categories that serve the brand’s customers. But it’s Kulfi’s continued ability to foster a community of brand loyalists eager to weigh in and contribute to the brand that has propelled their success. The new in-store launch serves to bring all these factors together allowing fans of the brand and new customers to experience Kulfi Beauty first-hand and interact by way of real life activations. “From our inception, we have always looked to Sephora as a strong brand partner - from the earlier stages as a graduate of Sephora Accelerate 2021 program to our intentional expansion fueled by an enthusiastic customer community. Our community has been demanding us to be present in-store and we’re excited to meet them in real life with this launch. ” - Priyanka Ganjoo, Founder of Kulfi Beauty. The in-store Sephora display will carry a selection of best-selling shades that represent the brand’s offerings including all 5 core colors of the award-winning Underlined Kajal Eyeliner; 3 shades of Mehndi Moment Blush, including Lucky Lotus, a purple hue that went viral on TikTok; 3 shades of Zari Eyes Eyeshadow, including a bronze, rose gold, and Chammak Challo, their bright chartreuse; 10 of 21 shades of their award-winning Main Match Concealer, one to represent every shade family starting from rich deep to very light; and 4 shades of Heirloom Satin Lipstick. In August 2023, Heirloom Satin Lipsticks debuted as the brand’s newest launch. These hydrating lipsticks, boasting a balm-like texture and infused with Vitamin E, present a range of neutral colors designed to suit a variety of skin tones and undertones. Recognizing that not every shade is universal, Kulfi’s goal is to provide a diverse selection that caters to different individuals. The brand worked closely with their community through focus groups to develop custom shades that can become your everyday go-to neutral lip color. Kulfi is especially attentive to the needs of people with olive undertones & brown skin tones, significantly underrepresented groups when it comes to shade research in product development. In the same vein and also in response to the feedback of their community, last month Kulfi expanded the shade range of their cult-favorite Main Match Concealer, introducing 9 new shades and bringing the total to 21. This expansion further underscores the brand's commitment to providing options for everyone. Priding itself on its community-driven movement, Kulfi looks to engage Gen Z and Millennial consumers who value self-expression and culturally rooted conversations to actively participate in building the brand through shared experiences. Presently the brand is going "on the road" through their “Color Me Kulfi” campaign, with community pop-up experiences in multiple cities across the nation celebrating its launch in Sephora stores with activations in key cities: New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Miami. The events kick off September 20th and amongst which will include an action packed flagship event on September 30th in partnership with the iconic NYC Meatpacking District featuring a vibrant pop-up right in the heart of Gansevoort Plaza, and will extend through the months of September and October. Throughout the tour Kulfi will offer up a variety of activities to engage their community, including meeting expert make-up artists, indulging in the delightful flavors of kulfi ice cream, providing aura readings, mingling with fellow beauty enthusiasts, and experiencing the magic of Kulfi Beauty firsthand. “It’s been a dream of mine to bring forward a brand that centers joy through playful colors and innovative textures, making beauty more approachable and inclusive. I look forward to personally meeting our Kulfi community IRL over the next few months at Sephora and sharing our newest innovations.” - Ganjoo About Kulfi Beauty: Kulfi Beauty is a celebration of culture and beauty with makeup that’s vegan, clean, and cruelty-free. Creating space for joy and self-expression, Kulfi offers the highest quality of product innovation using boldly pigmented formulas that were designed as a medium for inspiring creativity. Kulfi is inspired by South Asian culture and is a platform for empowering the community through representation and support for mental health. As a forward-thinking brand, Kulfi champions diversity, representation, and empowerment. By offering inclusive beauty solutions and engaging with its community, Kulfi seeks to redefine beauty standards and inspire individuals to express themselves. Named after the iconic ice cream, Kulfi is a reflection of the brand’s South Asian heritage and a tribute to the unique experiences and memories we cherish. For More Information on Kulfi Beauty: Website: kulfibeauty.com Instagram: @kulfi.beauty TikTok: @kulfi.beauty Contact Details Amanda Smeal amanda@amandasmeal.com

August 30, 2023 08:11 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Better Trucks Surges to 32 Markets Adding Texas and GLS Partnership in the West

Better Trucks

Better Trucks and GLS partnership unlocks nationwide markets to customers of both companies Better Trucks, a technology-driven logistics firm focused on rapid parcel delivery, has expanded its coverage area to 32 markets across 20 states, delivering to 126 million people and 40% of U.S. households. Better Trucks’ expansion includes the launch of its own operations in major metro areas in Texas including Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. Additional expansion is realized through a partnership with GLS, a premier full-network carrier with operations across the Rocky Mountain region and West Coast. The bilateral partnership opens the combined footprint to customers of each company, unlocking markets from New York City to San Diego. “Shippers want a carrier with national reach that can integrate both technology and physical delivery in two days or less,” said Steven Bergan, GLS U.S. President. “Our partnership with Better Trucks unlocks not just one, but every region our customers have been asking for beyond our coverage in the West. Our clients can now deliver to the midwest, southeast, Texas and up to New York without any change to their process, and our markets are open to Better Trucks customers.” “Technology is a key focus of our partnership with GLS to create a seamless handoff between our operations to expand coverage for our respective customers,” said Andy Whiting, Better Trucks co-founder and CEO. “It is vital to both of us to uphold our high service standards. Customers can still print labels, initiate pickups and track packages as they always have, but now from coast to coast.” Better Trucks’ operational roadmap includes additional expansion plans during the remainder of 2023 and through 2024. ### About Better Trucks Better Trucks is a technology-driven, last-mile delivery carrier built for digital commerce. Founded in 2019, it delivers a better experience for retailers, e-commerce firms, and fulfillment centers to ship parcels faster with better communication and better value. Specializing in next-day and two-day deliveries, Better Trucks sorts and labels packages within its strategically-placed warehouses and delivers them through its extensive driver network. Visit bettertrucks.com for more information. About GLS US GLS is a full service parcel carrier providing first, middle, and last mile parcel shipping and delivery services across the western US from Denver to the Coast. They drive lower costs and faster time-in-transits through technology, customer engagement, and flexible pick-up options that help shippers lower their total landed cost of delivery. To learn more visit www.gls-us.com. Contact Details John Hall +1 303-223-6965 john@hallwaycommunications.com Company Website https://www.bettertrucks.com/

August 28, 2023 08:01 AM Central Daylight Time

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Uncorking Opportunities: Vint’s Innovative Approach To Fine Wine Investment Accessibility

Vint

By James Wells, Benzinga Stay up to date with the latest on Vint here As the lines between the physical and digital worlds blur, barriers to investment accessibility are crumbling. This shift is democratizing the investment landscape, making both mainstream and niche industries accessible not just to the elite but to the average investor as well. With the advent of new investing technology, platforms like Vint are leading a revolution in investment accessibility. By unlocking doors to lucrative alternative assets such as fine wine, they're transforming the way retail consumers perceive and approach investments. This shift goes beyond mere trends; it enables the common investor to manage a portfolio that's hedged, diversified and optimized for growth – just like an institutional investor. A fine wine index called Liv-ex Fine Wine 1000 GREW in value during the Great Recession. Premium liquor has been moving to the beat of its own drum. Click here to invest in curated casks/collections. The New Horizon: Investment Accessibility In A Digital Age In the traditional investment arena, certain asset classes like real estate, private equity and fine wine have historically largely been reserved for the wealthy and institutional investors due to significant capital requirements. This exclusivity not only limited lucrative opportunities but also marginalized a large segment of the population. As a result, the prospect of wealth diversification and strong financial growth remained inaccessible to many, reinforcing a system that favored the financially privileged and restricted broader participation in alternative investment classes. Accessibility in investment is essential for several reasons: Wealth & Retirement: Wise and consistent investing enables wealth-building and financially sustainable retirement. Opportunities: Increased accessibility provides more opportunities for average consumers. Profitability: More participation drives economic growth, benefiting both financial institutions and individual investors. The digital age has heralded a new era of investment accessibility, dismantling traditional barriers through innovations like fractional ownership. This groundbreaking approach allows investors to own a portion of an asset, transforming previously unattainable investments into opportunities accessible to a wider audience. Vint's Revolution: Democratizing Fine Wine Investment Wine enthusiasts may dream of owning a 1900 Chateau Margaux or a Glenfiddich 50-year-old scotch, priced at $25,000 and $30,000 respectively. However, these treasures are often beyond the reach of the typical wine enjoyer and investor. Vint, an investment platform enabling fractional ownership, solves this problem by making rare collections accessible. By offering shares priced as low as $100, Vint opens the wine and spirits market to a broader audience. Investors can sign up with Vint in minutes to access a curated list of collections. The process is user-friendly. Investors browse selections crafted based on market trends and appreciation potential. Vint manages all investment management aspects, from temperature-controlled storage to buying and selling logistics. With fractional ownership, average investors can now tap into the unique advantages of fine wine exposure: Historically Consistent Returns: Fine wine has yielded a 13.6% annualized return over the past 15 years, offering the potential to double an investment in roughly six to seven years. Low Correlation With Traditional Markets: Fine wine and spirits provide a low correlation with traditional assets, making them an excellent addition to a diversified portfolio. Low Volatility: The value of wine typically increases as bottles become rarer over time, reducing price volatility. This supply and demand imbalance makes wine and spirits an attractive option for risk-averse investors. A Taste Of Success: The Impact Of Lower Capital Requirements Vint operates at the crossroads of technology and fine wine investing. Lower capital requirements in the fine wine market, as facilitated by Vint's platform, have a multifaceted impact that extends beyond just financial accessibility. Here's how: Diversification And Risk Management: Vint's fractional ownership model allows diversification across various wines and spirits, with capital requirements as low as $100 per share, enhancing potential returns and spreading risk exposure. Liquidity And Accessibility: Vint's approach infuses the traditionally illiquid fine wine market with liquidity, democratizing access to premium products like Japanese whiskey from Karuizawa or the 288-bottle collection of Haut Brion and La Mission. Market Growth And Education: Vint's lowered barriers stimulate demand in the fine wine market, fostering growth and expanding the customer base, boosting exclusivity and encouraging a new segment of wine enthusiasts to engage with the market. However, while democratizing access, investors must remain aware of risks such as market volatility, provenance issues and storage costs. A Vintage Opportunity: Vint Finance's Pioneering Pathway Vint's platform pioneers a blend of innovation and tradition, transforming engagement with the traditionally exclusive fine wine asset class. By lowering capital requirements, Vint not only broadens investment opportunities but also fosters inclusivity, diversification and potential portfolio growth. Read Next: Making Money With Whiskey And Wine? Fractional Ownership Player Democratizes Wine And Spirits Investing Young, Rich Americans Don't Trust the Stock Market, So They're Turning to Alternative Assets to Amplify Their Wealth Founded in 2019, Vint set out to financialize fine wine and spirits and create a new asset class. Vint received SEC qualification in 2021, thereby creating the first fully-transparent, efficient platform for wine, spirits, and futures collection investing. Vint offers expert-curated, thematic collections of fine wine & spirits to institutional, accredited, and non-accredited investors. Since launching, Vint has securitized and offered over $6M worth of assets. Through Q3 2022, Vint has generated returns of 28.3% for asset exits on a net annualized basis since inception. Vint is backed by leading investors Montage Ventures, MS&AD Ventures, Goat Rodeo Capital, Fintech Ventures & Slow Ventures. To learn more about Vint, visit Vint.co. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Brady Weller Brady@vint.co Company Website https://vint.co/

August 25, 2023 09:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Trailblazing DFS Platform GameBlazers Launches for 2023 Football Season

GameBlazers

GameBlazers, a brand new fantasy game empowering sports fans to create and manage their own experience, today announced that its groundbreaking platform is live for the 2023 football season. Users can start playing now at GameBlazers.com. Instead of picking players in a traditional draft, users build their rosters by purchasing digitally-based Athlete Items in Item Packs or individually on the built-in marketplace. Users can then enter them in different season-long or weekly gaming structures for prizes and rewards. To further set itself apart from traditional fantasy, there isn’t just one of each Athlete Item available in the GameBlazers’ ecosystem. Player Items have a Multiplier assigned to them, so every point an Item earns is then multiplied by 1.0 through 1.5, increasing in.1 increments. This unique feature allows Athletes that might be lower on the Top 100 to become more valuable, which makes for a deeper and expanded player pool. “The way we enjoy video games, music and other forms of entertainment along with how we collect, trade and manage assets have all adapted to the modern age, but fantasy sports has seen little advancement in two decades,” said Rourke Sturthers, CEO of GameBlazers. “Our goal with GameBlazers is to create a platform that truly bridges the gap between the modern and future worlds of fantasy sports into a first-of-its-kind user experience. GameBlazers looks to modernize fantasy sports entirely. Our innovative gameplay mechanics gives players the opportunity to be the Owner, GM and Coach of their fantasy franchise.” Once an Item Pack is opened, Items can be used in lineups and other gaming structures, or sold in the GameBlazers marketplace. While not NFTs, Users will have a wallet, or Roster, where Items will live, enabling them to grow their collection without constraints on Roster size. Another gameplay mechanic where GameBlazers differentiates itself is the lifetime of Player Items. Some of the items have an “unlimited” lifetime, expiring only after the Athlete retires and can be used from season to season. Others will have a lifetime duration of 12-months from the Pack open date. GameBlazers has also taken concepts from the video game world and added battle pass-like mechanics to the ecosystem, rewarding Users over time for regular participation. Recently, GameBlazers signed agreements with Full Moon Sports Solutions and Raging Moose to help with partnerships, licensing, and product development of the platform. Full Moon Sports Solutions is a strategy consulting firm specializing in business and product development for the fantasy, gaming and sports betting industry and has aided in developing strategic partnerships and licensing opportunities with professional sports leagues and associations. Raging Moose is a technology consulting group specializing in game design and gameplay mechanics. Having worked on FIFA Ultimate Team, the group is assisting GameBlazers in developing a proprietary Item Distribution Framework that assigns the Athletes, Multipliers, Rarities and other forms of metadata to the in-game Items. Sign up to play and read more about the platform on GameBlazers.com. About GameBlazers GameBlazers is a new sports gaming platform bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds into a first-of-its-kind user experience. GameBlazers blends the best elements of fantasy sports, sports gaming, and collectible in-game items to create a more sustainable and more engaging gameplay. GameBlazers enables innovative gameplay mechanics that give Players the opportunity to be the Owner, GM and Coach of their Fantasy Franchise. For more information or to join the beta, please visit: https://www.gameblazers.com/ Contact Details Sterling Randle srandle@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://www.gameblazers.com/

August 25, 2023 09:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Shareholders Called Upon to Nix Mark Parker, Tim Cook as Top-Level Directors for Nike

National Legal & Policy Center

Ahead of the company’s annual meeting next month, National Legal and Policy Center is asking its fellow investors to vote against the re-elections of Mark Parker, the executive chairman, and Tim Cook, the lead independent director, as members of the board at Nike, Inc. The nonprofit shareholder, in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, argues that both Parker and Cook have never been held accountable for human rights and sexual harassment scandals on their watches, and are also overcommitted with major responsibilities as top executives at other corporations. Parker is also executive chairman for The Walt Disney Company, and Cook is chief executive officer for Apple Inc. “Mark Parker is now double-dipping on ‘woke’ as the top dog at two Left Coast-based, extremist companies – Nike and Disney,” said Paul Chesser, director of the Corporate Integrity Project for NLPC. “And Tim Cook was caught with his pants down in China late last year during its Zero COVID phase, costing Apple millions of dollars in sales due to production shutdowns. Both Mr. Parker and Mr. Cook should not have such significant roles at Nike when they have major responsibilities elsewhere.” As executive chairman of both Nike and Disney, Parker is tasked with leading both boards of directors to set the companies’ priorities and goals, while holding executive staff accountable. As Nike’s lead independent director, Cook is responsible to guide the board in Parker’s absence, to serve as his top outside advisor, and to act as an intermediary between the chairman, the board, and management. Parker’s track record of late is anything but stellar – both Nike and Disney have underperformed the S&P 500 index in recent years. Disney is embroiled in several controversies, conflicts and business challenges, including: a failed CEO succession; media, streaming and entertainment industry headwinds; foolish forays into divisive political issues; off-putting, anti-family social stances; and a host of other problems that Parker is expected to help resolve. Meanwhile Nike has been challenged about its alleged use of forced labor in China, and widespread sexual harassment allegations which led to the departure of several executives – all on Parker’s watch when he was CEO. Cook leads the largest corporation in the world, Apple, which has an estimated $3 trillion-plus market capitalization. The tech giant has had its own accusations regarding coerced labor in its China-dependent supply chain, as well as sexual harassment allegations. Does he really have time to keep an eye on the performance and decision-making at the global athleticwear leader? “Mr. Parker and Mr. Cook bear material responsibility for Nike’s lagging stock price,” said Luke Perlot, associate director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project. “Nike shareholders should expect underperformance when management alienates a large portion of its customer base with ‘woke’ policies, allows a culture of sexual harassment, and lends brand credibility to a genocidal regime.” ### For more information or to schedule an interview with the Corporate Integrity Project’s Luke Perlot or Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education, and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

August 24, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Leaders from Skilled Trades Industries Unite to Combat Labor Crisis in U.S. and Canada

NEST

NEST, the pioneers of integrated facilities management, has teamed up with leaders across the construction, retail, and skilled trades industries to create the Skilled Trades Advisory Council (STAC). Aimed to combat the crisis facing skilled labor in the U.S. and Canada, STAC’s founding advisors will leverage their resources, knowledge, and network to elevate the skilled trades as high-paying, honorable, and often heroic career paths, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, janitorial, construction, and other essential jobs that require a rejuvenated workforce. Founding STAC advisors include: Rob Almond, CEO of NEST Sara Angus, Director of Construction, Starbucks Julie Starzynski, Director of Construction & Design, Floor & Decor Andrew Brown, Founder and CEO of Toolfetch Sarah Hammond, Owner and President of Atlas and Treasurer of Women in HVAC Kam Washington, Owner of PMA Construction Kate Cinnamo, Executive Director of Explore the Trades Mónica Muñoz, Senior Director of Capital Programs at DaVita Kidney Care Mary Gaffney, President of NAWIC Philadelphia Foundation and GEM Mechanical Services “I’m encouraged that so many others share my passion for growing the trades and ending the stigma that surrounds jobs in the industry,” said Almond, who spearheaded the initiative. “STAC is a way for many of us to work together and find ways to encourage youth to consider a career in the skilled trades. There are many viable, lucrative, and creative opportunities to explore.” According to online recruiting platform Handshake, the application rate for young people seeking technical jobs dropped by 49% in 2022 compared to 2020 ( source ). Staffing firm PeopleReady estimate 40% of the 12 million people in the skilled trades workforce are over the age of 45, with nearly half of those workers over the age of 55 ( source ). Associated Builders and Contractors reported that the construction industry will need to attract an estimated 546,000 additional workers on top of the normal pace of hiring in 2023 to meet the demand for labor ( source ). “The U.S. and Canadian workforces are struggling to fill a massive gap in the skilled trades, and we need to unite as an industry to reverse the trend,” added Almond. “This group of founding advisors shares that passion across many sectors that make up the industry.” To learn more about the Skilled Trades Advisory Council, follow STAC on LinkedIn or the platform formerly known as Twitter. About NEST NEST is the pioneer of the Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) industry in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1994, NEST delivers day-to-day tactical management of facilities, financial consulting, analytics, project management, and construction for major multi-site brands across North America. NEST provides 360° support 24 hours a day through one comprehensive facilities management solution that drives cost savings while maintaining an exceptional customer experience. To learn more about NEST, visit enterNEST.com or follow NEST on LinkedIn. Contact Details Eric Nemeth nemeth@ericpr.com Company Website https://skilledtradesadvisorycouncil.com/

August 23, 2023 07:50 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Minuteman Press Franchise Review: Jim Sweeney ‘Talks Shop’ on Growing Sales With Booming Apparel Business in Houston, Texas

Minuteman Press International Inc.

Jim and Jane Sweeney are the owners of the Minuteman Press franchise in Houston, Texas for the last 29 years; they first joined Minuteman Press in June of 1994. Jim and Jane have done a tremendous job building their business over the years. Most recently, they have truly excelled in growing their apparel sales. Jim summarizes: “ The past 2 years have certainly been interesting. We are currently (as of July of 2023) running 30.5% ahead of 2022 sales, which was up 35% over 2021. It seems like the world (or our world anyway) came out of its 2-year long malaise in 2022.” In the below interview, Jim shares more specific details about his center’s booming apparel business and how he and Jane’s Minuteman Press franchise in Houston have accomplished such strong growth in their apparel sales. Their center is located at 1040 Hercules Ave (Clear Lake City); Houston - Clear Lake City, TX 77058. How have you grown your business in general over the past two years? Jim Sweeney: “During the early pandemic we pivoted to personal protection products, which naturally led to custom face masks. While Jane was busy actually sewing 1000 face masks, I was providing custom logo cloth masks to hospitals, medical offices, service providers, and schools. We sold about 40,000 custom masks during that time, and we either heat pressed them or sent them to a local screen print vendor. We also donated a lot of masks to schools, non-profits, etc. Finally, in 2022, our traditional printing was finally starting to climb back to pre-pandemic levels. Promotional products also grew as trade shows and marketing calls became more the norm. We also had a big spurt of large format work, but that actually slowed down a bit after that initial spurt. EDDM printing has also become a larger portion of our print sales. Once we registered as EDDM providers on the USPS website, we definitely saw a very large increase in direct mail in general. Business Card printing has always been big for us, and the addition of the Graphic Whizard slitter, cutter, creaser has made it even more profitable. Our marketing efforts consists of: heavy community involvement; direct mail postcards, especially this year with the Deal of the Month art provided by MMP corporate; SEO/SEM on the Minuteman.com website, and social media, specifically as it relates to Direct to Film Transfer sales.” How have you grown your apparel business? What have you done to get your apparel sales going? Jim Sweeney: “We really started getting serious about apparel about 8 years ago when we purchased a commercial embroidery machine. Then, about 5 years ago, Jane put together a great lobby presentation. This area features apparel, large format, and promotional items of interest. We added dye sublimation capabilities with the Epson F570, and then we added DTG printing for one- offs (we eventually sold the DTG printer). During this time, we were using a lot of screen printed transfers, mostly from 613 originals or FM expressions. The issue became turnaround time. It would take up to 2 weeks to receive those transfers, and then of course we had to press them. We purchased a second, and then a third Stahls’ heat press during this time. That is when we decided to move in to the Direct to Film (DTF) printing business. After going through several desktop converted printers to try to print our own transfers, about 2.5 years ago we purchased our first large format, dual printhead DTF printer and finisher. In addition to producing transfers for our in-house use, we have enough capacity that we sell transfers to other printers, screen printers, sign shops and Facebook Group/Etsy owners. We added additional capacity with a 4 head DTF printer in January of this year (we will most likely be adding a third printer in the third quarter this year).” Jim continues: “Wholesale Transfer printing is now approximately 20% of our monthly sales; we ship all over the country, with a daily capacity for printing thousands of transfers. Adding embroidery and our in-house t-shirt sales makes apparel approximately 30% of our monthly revenue.” “Concurrently with this growth in transfer sales, the embroidery business was taking off. We regularly receive orders for 10-50 polos or button-down shirts for embroidery. We landed a grocery store chain and 2 local hospitals, and the orders became 150-200 shirts at a time. This past fall we completed a $24,000 jacket embroidery order, and we just delivered $32,000 jacket order to that same client, a hospital. Of course, we use a trusted local vendor for larger quantities of jackets.” Jim adds: “Our apparel business continues to grow weekly with more, and larger, in-house turn-key t-shirt sales really ramping up.” What are 3 tips for other owners on growing their apparel business? Jim Sweeney: “1. We feel that the #1 thing that is continuing to drive our apparel sales, in addition to the wholesale transfer sales, is our lobby display. Several years ago, we put this display of apparel samples, promotional items, and some of our large format samples in our shop. Whenever a new, or even an existing customer comes into the shop, invariably they are drawn to this display. About 1 in 5 people who walk into the shop asks about something that they see on that display. We turn about 85% of those inquiries into sales. 2. It also helps that our CSR is very knowledgeable about all aspects of apparel, as she is about all of our products and services. Our CSR/production manager, our daughter Allison, was the store manager at our Galveston location (which we sold in August of 2022), and has worked in every aspect of our business over the years. I realize that not everyone can be this lucky, however, that does not stop you from training and providing your staff with the tools that they need to do their jobs well. SanMar has great apparel catalogs with swatch samples, and you can put together a simple apparel website using their marketing tools. Of course, it also goes without saying that everyone on your staff should be wearing logo shirts, to further showcase your capabilities. 3. If you have the opportunity, attend a local apparel industry trade show, an ASI show, and most especially the MMP International World Expo. Educate yourself, request samples, purchase a good heat press, start small, with your own shirts, then visit your current clients to show them your new capabilities. Apparel is a perfect tie in to all of the other services that our shops provide to our clients. Apparel sales spur printing sales, just like printing sales should spur apparel sales.” At least once or twice a year, this hospital does a bulk purchase of 430 t-shirts for all the staff members. The purchase might include jackets, rain jackets, backpacks, other specialty items, or t-shirts. We’ve provided $200,000 or more in just apparel and high-end promo items to the hospital in the last 3 years. This hospital then referred us to the hospital Can you provide an example of a client who has used you for apparel? Jim Sweeney: “One of our regular ordering apparel clients is a local specialty hospital. In addition to their hospital facility, they also own or partner with 15 other physical therapy centers in the Houston region. We started out providing them with the usual printing and large format products, then contracted with them to provide new building signage for each of the outlying offices, and then grew into apparel with them. We have them set up on 2 Stahl’s Spirit Sale websites. One of them is for employees to purchase branded apparel, and the other is for the hospital to purchase apparel for new employees. In addition to standard corporate apparel, each department has their own branded t-shirt. Is there anything else you’d like to share? Jim Sweeney: “Apparel is an easy sell. Wear your logo. Talk it up. Ask for referrals. Don’t be afraid of it just because you haven’t done it before.” For more information on Jim and Jane Sweeney’s Minuteman Press franchise in Houston/Clear Lake, visit https://minuteman.com/us/locations/tx/houston27/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

August 22, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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