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Minuteman Press Franchise in Cherry Hill, NJ Celebrates 30 Years in Business

Minuteman Press International Inc

When Frank Bittner, Jr. first worked alongside his dad Frank, Sr., it was March of 1990. “I was 17, still in high school, and it was the summer before senior year,” reflects Frank, Jr. “I was working on bindery and making deliveries for our Trenton shop, which we owned for two years before opening our Minuteman Press franchise in Cherry Hill. It’s amazing to think that was 32 years ago.” In October 1992, Frank, Sr. opened Minuteman Press in Cherry Hill, and 30 years later, Frank, Jr. and his wife Kelly are still owning and operating the family business. Frank, Jr. says, “The chance to work side by side with my dad for all those years was incredibly special. I started managing the shop in 1997, and Kelly and I bought the shop from my dad 5 or 6 years ago. My Uncle Joe also came on board early on and runs our Hainesport shop today, so this truly is a family business all the way around.” Keys to Success Frank doesn’t hesitate when sharing the biggest key to success for Minuteman Press in Cherry Hill. He says, “We build relationships with our clients, and we simply do not give them a reason to leave us.” He continues, “We’ve had many clients for over 20 years, and some since Day 1. For example, we’ve been working with some of the local car dealerships since we opened. Once customers find you and know they can rely on you, cost is not a factor because there is real trust in that relationship.” “What it really comes down to is being personable, developing that trust, and forming a tight bond that leads to residual / repeat customers. Providing that personal service along with the products they need is how we’ve been successful.” -Frank Bittner, Jr., Owner, Minuteman Press, Cherry Hill, NJ Expanding Products & Services During the pandemic, Minuteman Press in Cherry Hill remained open and operating as an essential business. As a result, Frank saw a trend that continues to help his business today. He shares, “One thing we noticed during the pandemic was that a lot of local municipalities were spending, buying additional products from us we hadn’t done for them previously. We had a rise in sales from those municipal groups, townships, and county offices. As a result, we are now taking more orders from them today, such as plastic ID cards and plaques for their employees. We already had done some of their printing for retractable banners, carbonless forms, and envelopes, and now we are getting to do more.” Just by contacting other local businesses during the pandemic to see how they were doing has helped increase business today. Frank shares, “We wanted to simply show that we care and still available to help our clients. At that time, we put a strong focus on in-house Every Door Direct Mail, and our EDDM business really took off.” He adds, “In addition to mailings, clients are now coming back to us with orders for trade show supplies, wide format printing, promo products, apparel, items for community events and job fairs, raffles and tickets for local events, and more.” “I think people still want something in their hands. They might be used to their phones but having a tangible printed marketing piece that shows bullet-points is special. Print will always be a vital tool of information.” -Frank Bittner, Jr. Marketing the Business Cherry Hill, NJ is the largest suburb in New Jersey outside of Philadelphia. It is home to mostly small to mid-sized businesses, as well as local schools and organizations. To market his business in Cherry Hill, Frank has followed the Minuteman Press system for over 30 years. Frank says, “I am in the same two networking groups that my dad first joined, the Voorhees Business Association (VBA) and the Marlton Business Association (MBA). We are also members of the Burlington County Chamber of Commerce. It is important to get involved and have that personal relationship with members of your community. No matter what you are selling, it’s you that they buy into. I am not a faceless entity, I am Frank the owner, and that makes a huge difference.” In addition, Frank also participates in the Minuteman Press Internet Marketing Program. “It’s great to have that program in place to generate online leads as it’s another we to secure orders and then develop relationships with clients.” Support from Minuteman Press When it comes to being part of Minuteman Press, support comes in many ways. Frank says, “The support from Minuteman Press is always there when I need it, and this has always been the case. They have helped with employee training and staffing, provided great advice, and our Regional VP Rich Hornberger is a tremendous asset to us. Rich truly cares about the owners in his region, and I always appreciate his input.” Frank also appreciates the FLEX software as he has seen its evolution and enhancements over the years. “FLEX is so valuable and robust for pricing, marketing, and management. It’s great to see that some popular suggestions from owners are implemented. I love the integration with our vendors and the idea of getting deposits ahead of time is fantastic. Anything to make quotes easier and receiving payments easier is a huge benefit to our business.” During the first days and weeks of the pandemic, Frank credits the daily emails and communications he received from Minuteman Press World Headquarters and Nick Titus for reassuring him at a crucial time. “The emails we received from Nick were fantastic and I looked forward to them every day. They also helped us quickly pivot by implementing new marketing strategies and sell essential products. When everything first shut down, I couldn’t help but think about my family and my business. That lasted 3 days, and then we came back into the shop, the phones kept ringing, and we did not miss a beat.” He continues, “Without assistance from corporate, and without that morale boost at such a critical time, I don’t know if we would have been able to bounce back so quickly. It was also a huge asset to have the other franchise owners in our system to exchange ideas and share advice. All of that was extremely valuable.” “We were encouraged to keep plugging away, and that’s what we did. We printed masks using heat transfer. We printed new menus for restaurants, and we filled our community with graduation signs for the local schools we had relationships with. By remaining open, we helped one of our energy customers ramp up their mailings with EDDM and personalized mailings, and their sales have doubled since the pandemic. They are now one of our biggest clients.” -Frank Bittner, Jr. Rewards & Advice for Others As he reflects on 32 years, Frank shares, “Flexibility and quality of life are the two biggest rewards to being your own boss. I have been able to set my own schedule and be there for my kids. I’ve allowed my employees to have that same flexibility so we can all share that same mindset of caring about the business but being there for our families” When asked what advice he would give to others, Frank says, “I am a big believer in cross-training my employees. My advice is to have one or two key people who can do everything from front to back. Also, don’t expect to come in and not be present. You need to be present, and you need to be proactive.” Frank concludes, “Minuteman Press International is always moving forward. They fine-tune what is the next step and are on top of industry trends. Take advantage of their knowledge and experience and follow the system. That’s what we’ve done now for over 30 years and counting.” Minuteman Press in Cherry Hill is located at 2060 Springdale Rd., Suite 700, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003. For more information, call 856-817-8400 or visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/nj/cherry-hill/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and see Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com Contact Details Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

September 19, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Fortune and Great Place to Work® Name VTS One of the 2022 Best Workplaces in Real Estate™

VTS

VTS, the commercial real estate industry’s leading technology platform that transforms how strategic decisions are made as well as executed across the asset lifecycle, today announced that Great Place to Work® and Fortune have honored the company as one of the 2022 Best Workplaces in Real Estate™. It’s VTS’ first time being named to the prestigious list, landing at number 25. Earning a spot means that VTS’ one of the best real estate companies to work for in the country. The Best Workplaces in Real Estate award is highly competitive. Great Place to Work, the global authority on workplace culture, selected this year’s list using rigorous analytics and confidential employee feedback. The analysis consisted of survey responses from over 23,000 employees from Great Place to Work-Certified™ companies in the real estate industry. In that survey, 92% of VTS’ employees said VTS is a great place to work, 35% higher than the average U.S. company. Companies were only considered if they had been a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organization. “We are honored to be recognized by Fortune as one of the Best Workplaces in Real Estate,” said Nick Romito, CEO of VTS. “Since inception, our mission has been to provide innovative tech-enabled solutions that increase efficiency within the industry, powered by an incredible workplace culture that we are extremely proud of — a true testament to each and every remarkable team member.” Great Place to Work is the only company culture award in America that selects winners based on how fairly employees are treated. Companies are assessed on how well they create a great employee experience that cuts across race, gender, age, disability status, or any aspect of who employees are or what their role is. “These companies have adapted to the challenges of an ever-changing workplace by their commitment to inclusive, high-trust cultures where employees are treated as human beings first and foremost,” says Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work. “Congratulations to the Best Workplaces in Real Estate.” In addition to being honored as a Best Workplace in Real Estate, VTS has also been recognized by Fortune’s Best Workplaces in New York in 2022 and Fortune’s Best Workplaces for Millennials in 2021, and was named to Built In’s Best Places to Work 2021, Forbes Cloud 100 2021, as well as Glassdoor’s Highest Rated Cloud Companies List 2022. VTS continues to experience strategic rapid growth, and is actively hiring throughout the firm. Visit vts.com/careers to learn more. About VTS VTS is the commercial real estate industry’s leading technology platform that transforms how strategic decisions are made and executed across the asset lifecycle. In 2013, VTS revolutionized the commercial real estate industry’s leasing operations with what is now VTS Lease. Today, the VTS Platform is the largest first-party data source in the industry and delivers data insights and solutions for everyone in commercial real estate to fuel their investment and asset strategy, leasing and marketing automation, property operations, and tenant experience. With the VTS Platform, consisting of VTS Data, VTS Market, VTS Rise, and VTS Lease, every business stakeholder in commercial real estate is given the real-time market information and executional capabilities to do their job with unparalleled speed and intelligence. VTS is the global leader with more than 60% of Class A office space in the U.S., and 12 billion square feet of office, retail, and industrial space is managed through our platform globally. VTS’ user base includes over 45,000 CRE professionals and industry-leading customers such as Blackstone, Brookfield Properties, LaSalle Investment Management, Hines, Boston Properties, Oxford Properties, JLL, and CBRE. To learn more about VTS, and see our open roles, visit www.vts.com. About the Best Workplaces in Real Estate™ Great Place to Work selected the Best Workplaces in Real Estate by gathering and analyzing confidential survey responses from over 23,000 employees from Great Place to Work-Certified™ companies in the real estate industry. Company rankings are derived from 60 employee experience questions within the Great Place to Work® Trust Index™ survey. Great Place to Work determines its lists using its proprietary For All™ methodology to evaluate and certify thousands of organizations in America’s largest ongoing annual workforce study, based on over 1 million survey responses and data from companies representing more than 6.1 million employees, this year alone. Read the full methodology. To get on this list next year, start here. About Great Place to Work® Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Their employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting and insights they need to make data-driven people decisions. Everything they do is driven by the mission to build a better world by helping every organization become a great place to work For All™. Learn more at greatplacetowork.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Contact Details Marino PR Elise Szwajkowski +1 212-402-3495 eszwajkowski@marinopr.com Company Website https://www.vts.com/

September 19, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Catalis Expands Suite of Technology Solutions with Axiomatic Acquisition

Catalis

Catalis, one of North America’s leading government Software as a Service (SaaS) and integrated payments providers, is growing. Today Catalis announced it has acquired New Hampshire-based Axiomatic, a leading software provider that offers an array of web-based solutions and services throughout the United States for state property tax oversight and administration. Catalis is a trusted technology partner for thousands of US and Canadian government entities. Its acquisition of Axiomatic is part of its commitment to continue offering clients innovative technology and a growing suite of solutions, including building its Computer Aided Mass Appraisal (CAMA) subject matter expertise and offering a state-focused solution. “Catalis is thrilled to integrate Axiomatic’s solutions to automate the state property tax oversight process and to expand the valuation tools and workflow solutions we offer for end-users,” says John Kristel, CEO of Catalis. “Axiomatic’s state-level-focused tax oversight and administration solutions are a fantastic complement to Catalis’ existing product capabilities.” Founded in 2013, Axiomatic is the industry leader in modernizing property tax oversight agencies, from processes to software and policy. Its flagship product, PropTax, automates property tax oversight for state agencies across all stages of the property tax cycle through its fully configurable suite of web applications. Its easy-to-use interfaces provide state property tax administrators with the tools, automated workflows, geospatial integrations, and analysis needed to increase both efficiency and accuracy. “Catalis presented the perfect fit to the business and culture we have built over the past nine years,” says David Salzer, Co-Founder of Axiomatic. “Catalis shares Axiomatic’s traditions of excellent service, subject matter expertise, and a corporate ethos our clients and associates want to be a part of.” In 2021, a recapitalization co-led by growth equity firm PSG and leading global alternative asset firm TPG boosted Catalis’ valuation to more than $1 billion. Catalis’ latest acquisition aligns with its ambitions for expansion as the premier software and digital payments provider for North American governments. Late last month, Catalis announced a rebrand as part of the company’s natural progression. Catalis’ existing CAMA providers will directly benefit from this acquisition by gaining a deeper understanding of state reporting needs and requirements. In turn, Catalis will be able to help its county and municipal-level customers streamline their data reporting to state oversight agencies. “When we announced our rebrand, we assured our customers we would continue to provide incredible customer service and an expanded range of resources and solutions,” continues Kristel. “This acquisition is just the beginning.” About Catalis Catalis is the transformational SaaS and integrated payments partner powering all levels and sizes of government – municipal, county, state, and federal. With deep expertise, a proven track record, and innovative digital solutions, Catalis has empowered public servants across the US and Canada to modernize government and engage citizens. Catalis Tax and CAMA solutions are best-in-class and designed to meet the evolving needs of local governments. Catalis offers solutions that streamline processes and empower staff from billing and collections, escrow payment management, and property and tourist tax solutions, to CAMA software and mass appraisal services. For more information, visit www.catalisgov.com. About Axiomatic Axiomatic was founded in 2013 to serve the unique needs of state property tax oversight agencies. It develops purpose-built solutions to meet the unique challenges faced by state property tax administrators and their constituents. Axiomatic’s industry-leading suite of web apps delivers efficiencies, improves analytics, and allows users to access their information anytime, anywhere. For more information, visit www.axiomnh.com. Contact Details Eric Johnson EVP Government & Legal Affairs +1 612-309-7111 ericjohnson@catalisgov.com

September 19, 2022 06:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

News Release

7 Best Personal Statement Writing Services for Colleges and Grad Schools

Writing Solutions

When you are in college, you have to write a lot of papers and essays. And it doesn't get any better when you graduate. You must submit applications for internships, scholarships, and jobs — all of which require writing an essay in some form. And even if there isn't a formal writing requirement, many people prefer to send their resume with a cover letter rather than just sending their resume by itself. Everyone knows that what matters in your college admission process is your GPA and SAT/ACT scores. But it's not the only thing that matters - your personal statement matters so much! It's important for you to stand out from other students and show why you're the top candidate for that university. That's where a good personal statement help will get you the results you want. This is an important tool that students, particularly at the high school level, need in order to be admitted to a university or college of their choice. The entire process of writing one needs help, especially if you haven't had experience before or if English is your first language. But what if you are not a good writer, or don’t have any idea how to write a personal statement? There are TOP 7 professional writing services that can help you craft one that will impress the administration and boost your chance of getting into your chosen school. 99Papers - #1 personal statement service for colleges PaperHelp - The best personal statement service in the USA EssayFactory - UK-based company for law school papers EssayBox - Highest Quality Paper Writing for grad school Ivory Research - Professional UK writers Studdit - Medical school personal statement writing company Expert-Editing - The best statement editing provider Here are reviews of the best personal statement writing/editing services to help you get started on your path to the college or grad school you choose. #1. 99Papers 99Papers is a personal statement writing service that helps students write outstanding college application essays. With their high-quality writers, you will be able to write an essay that will help you get into the school of your dreams or improve your grade average. They offer additional services, such as resume writing, proofreading and editing, personal statement editing, recommendation letter writing, and much more. All of their efforts are geared toward helping you succeed. Since 2008, they have helped many students improve their writing with quality academic assistance. They are a team of professional writers with years of experience helping students like you write their college application papers. Because they've been in the business for so long, they know exactly what colleges are looking for in an essay and how to tailor your writing style to match their expectations. Your essay will stand out from the rest by working with a professional writer and you'll be accepted to your dream college! Their process is very easy and streamlined for efficiency. You can speak with a 99Papers customer service agent by phone or chat to discuss your needs and how they can help you. Your information is never shared with any outside parties, so you can rest assured your personal data is safe. Pricing varies by task and the number of pages ordered. You will be paired with a writer who is knowledgeable about the topic of your paper and knows what needs to be included for you to get passing scores. Advantages: Top-quality writing; 100% error-free; Unlimited revisions; Reputable company - rated 9.9; Great customer service; Professional services; Affordable pricing starts at $9.95 per page; Discounts for repeat orders. Disadvantages: A plagiarism report is available, but for an additional cost. #2. PaperHelp PaperHelp is a professional personal statement and SOP writing service with over 10 years of experience helping students to succeed in their studies. They take pride in the fact that they help more than 20,000 students every year. Some of the students who came to them for assistance were able to get into some of the most prestigious universities in the world, including Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge. Its mission is to work with clients to ensure they get the best writing services at affordable prices. The writers are experts in their fields and their know exactly how to help you succeed academically. No matter what your academic goal is, PaperHelp can help you reach it! The process is easy. Just fill out their order form and then upload your materials or give them an outline for your paper topic. They will provide a free quote for your project so that you know exactly what their writers charge for their work before placing an order. Once you place an order, they will assign one of their professional writers to your project and they will begin working on it immediately after receiving all of your requirements. You are able to communicate with them via email at any time during this process if needed. Prices vary by the level of writer skill & experience (intermediate or industry expert) and the number of pages needed. The type of content will also determine the level of skill necessary to accomplish your task. Advantages: High-quality content; Affordable pricing; Editing/proofreading; 100% error-free; Budget-friendly at $9.95 per page; Discounts are promo codes. Disadvantages: Plagiarism reports are included for an additional fee; Source materials are available, for an additional fee. #3. EssayFactory EssayFactory is your one-stop shop for all of your academic writing needs. Their company provides professional writers from UK to compose your essays, term papers, personal statements, SOP, research papers, and more. With hundreds of writers in their network, you can be sure to find a writer that meets your needs. They have been around since 2002 and have worked with thousands of students from all over the world. Their clients come from all walks of life and from various countries, such as Australia, Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and many others. Working in this industry for so many years, they understand how stressful it is when you have an important essay or term paper coming up while still having to juggle other commitments like projects and assignments. EssayFactory is staffed by professional writers who have earned degrees from some of the most prestigious universities in the world. They know exactly how to put together a winning application package that will impress admissions officers. Their website is easy to navigate, so you can find answers to your questions immediately. They also have customer support via chat available 24/7 for questions or last-minute orders. If you need resume writing help or editing for a different project, they can help you with that too. You are always in control of your project. They offer unlimited revisions if you are unhappy with any part of your delivery. They have a good reputation for delivering quality material, which is probably due to the fact that they employ expert writers and offer revisions at no extra cost. Advantages: Unlimited edits/revisions; 24/7 customer support; Professional UK writers; Slightly higher pricing for services (starts at $11 per page); 100% error-free; Discounts available. Disadvantages: Lacks some of the personalized aspects of previous services #4. EssayBox EssayBox is another professional writing company that offers personal statement writing help for students of all academic levels. They offer professional writers and editors to help you with all your academic assignments. Top-notch writers are ready to take on any assignment, whether it's a research paper, an essay, or even a dissertation. Due to their experience working with students, they know how important it is to meet deadlines. Therefore, they offer 24/7 services year-round! Whatever subject you're studying or whatever assignment you need help with, they will do their best to assist you. The company has been operating since 2005 and they have helped thousands of students achieve their goals by providing them with high-quality, custom-written papers and other types of academic content. Their team consists of experienced writers who know how to meet even the most challenging requirements in their field of study. Quality and plagiarism checks are done using anti-plagiarism software before delivery to the client. They are competitively priced to be affordable so that every student can afford them - especially those who are struggling financially because they are not sure whether they will be able to complete their coursework on time or not. The goal of their service is to make sure your application stands out and gets you accepted into the college or university of your choice. EssayBox is staffed by a team of professional writers who will help you craft a perfect personal statement that will grab the attention of admissions officers at the schools of your choice. Advantages: Expert writers & editors; Professional writing; Error-free; Plagiarism-free; Knowledgeable on any topic; Unlimited revisions. Disadvantages: Pricing is higher at $12 per page, but you do get free ad-ons. #5. Ivory Research Ivory Research is a company similar to the ones above that offers professional writing for students applying to colleges, graduate programs, and high schools in the United Kingdom. They work with clients from all over the world on projects ranging from personal statements to supplemental essays to admission tests like the SAT or GRE. They also offer editing services for papers written by students in high grad school or college as well as professionals in various fields such as medicine or law. Ivory Research offers editing services as well as editing proofreading services for those who wish to improve their existing work or just want a second opinion on their paper before submitting it. What’s unique about this service is that they don’t just cater to students, they provide a whole list of services for people outside of the academic world as well. If you’ve been given the task of writing a business plan for an upcoming meeting but are struggling with writer’s block, this will definitely give you the break you need to refocus your thoughts and efforts. Advantages: Many years of experience (in business since 2005); Quality and plagiarism checks prior to delivery; 24/7 live support via chat & email; Many of their writers hold bachelor’s or master’s degrees. Disadvantages: Pricing is not stated clearly on the website, you have to start an order to find out the amount; You are required to put down a deposit; The pricing structure is much higher than other services at $100 for a 1,000-word essay. Shorter text is $60 for 250 words. #6. Studdit Studdit is a newest medical school personal statement editing and writing company for college and grad school students. They provide high-quality editing and proofreading services for students who need help with their essays, personal statements, applications, CVs, and cover letters. As part of the process, they'll ask you questions about yourself, your academic history, and why you want to study at a university in the USA or in the UK. Then they'll help you express yourself in the best possible way by editing and proofreading your statement until it sounds just right. After submitting your requirements, you’ll be assigned a professional writer who will work on your paper until it is ready to be submitted. Once the final payment has been received, you will receive a draft copy of your essay so that you may review it before making any changes if necessary. After receiving confirmation from you that the draft sent to you has been accepted, the final draft will be completed. The application process for college can be very stressful, which is they offer services at an affordable price. This company was founded by college students who wanted to help others through this process, and are passionate about helping you succeed! Advantages: Many options to choose from; Certified writers; 24/7 customer support; Email & text alerts; 3 free revisions included. Disadvantages: Pricing is higher than others at $13 per page, with higher pricing for certain types of high-level writing. #7. Expert-Editing Expert-Editing is a personal statement writing/editing provider that offers affordable, high-quality, and expertly written personal statements. They have helped thousands of students secure their dream university placement. Their professional writers have written over 10,000 personal statements for students from around the world. Many are highly qualified and experienced professionals with degrees in English Literature, Linguistics, or other related subjects. They will ensure that your essay is well written in accordance with Harvard, Yale, and Stanford standards. The company has worked with many schools over the past few years to understand what makes a good personal statement and has even created an entire section on their website to help people write their own personal statements. After the writer has finished the first draft, you will receive a copy of your essay to review. If there are any changes that need to be made, those changes will be made and you will receive another proofread version of the paper. Upon your approval of the final draft, we will send your electronic copy as well as a hard copy to the email provided. Advantages: Professional services; Intuitive website; Quick deadlines; Plagiarism and quality checks. Disadvantages: Pricing is the highest of the services mentioned at $13 per page, although that is for quick delivery. If you have a flexible timeline, two weeks is much less expensive. FAQ What is a personal statement? A personal statement is a short description of your background, interests, and goals. It is usually required as part of the application process for university, college, graduate school or postgraduate. The purpose of this essay is to give admissions officers an insight into who you are as a person and why you would make an excellent student at their school. This essay allows you to show off your personality through your writing style and provide concrete examples of how you will excel in your program. In addition to an academic transcript and test scores, your personal statement can make or break your chances of being accepted into a university or college program. While grades and test scores are important pieces of information that allow admissions officers to make informed decisions about whether or not they want to admit you, it's up to them whether or not they really want to spend time getting to know you better by reading your personal statement. By reading these essays, they get a glimpse into your personality and character as well as your interests outside of academics. These essays also allow them to identify students who have overcome significant challenges or obstacles during high school, which can be very impressive! What is a personal financial statement? A personal financial statement is a document that describes your financial situation. Your personal financial statement can be an important tool if you are applying for credit cards, loans, or insurance policies. You may need to provide a copy of your personal financial statement when applying for certain types of services or loans. Why is it required for colleges? A personal financial statement is used by government agencies and nonprofit organizations to determine eligibility for certain programs, including student loans and grants. By submitting a personal financial statement with your application, you can demonstrate your ability to pay tuition fees or other expenses associated with attending college. Some colleges also require applicants to supply parents' income information as part of their financial aid packages. In addition to being required by banks and other lenders, your personal financial statement can also be used by insurance companies and employers when deciding whether or not they want to hire someone or offer them employment benefits such as health care coverage and retirement plans. Depending on your income for the previous year, you may be eligible for additional grants that you might not otherwise know about. What is a personal mission statement? A personal mission statement is a short statement that describes who you are, what your values are, and what you want to accomplish in life. It’s a great tool for developing a sense of purpose and direction, especially during times of transition such as college applications. Your personal mission statement should be written in the first person and be concise. It’s also important to keep in mind that your personal mission statement should not be limited to academics or college admissions; it can be used throughout your life to guide decisions about jobs, relationships, and other major life events. A well-crafted personal mission statement can help you stand out from other applicants by giving the reader insight into who you are beyond grades, test scores, and activities. It allows them to see your passions, strengths, and weaknesses from your own point of view instead of an outside source like a teacher or counselor. The most effective statements are those that are honest, specific, and concrete so they can be read with ease by anyone who reads them (whether they be admissions officers or future employers). What is a law school personal statement? The personal statement as it applies to law school is your chance to let the admissions committee know who you are. You may write about any aspect of your background, including your professional experience, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or any other information that you believe will help the committee decide whether or not they should admit you into their program. Many top-tier law schools receive thousands of applications each year, and cannot review every single one individually; instead, they rely on standardized tests like the LSAT and GPA as well as their application essays in order to determine which applicants are best suited for their programs. A strong application essay can be the deciding factor between admission and rejection because it gives an insight into who you are as a person rather than just an academic score or LSAT score alone could ever provide. What is a medical school personal statement? A medical school personal statement is an essay that describes your reasons for applying to medical school, your preparation for and commitment to this career path, your strengths as a future physician, and any other information that may be relevant to the admissions committee. Medical schools ask for this essay because they want to get to know the “real” you before making a decision about whether or not they want you in their program. In addition, because there are so many applicants for each spot at medical school (the average student applies to 8-10 programs), it helps them sort through all the applications quickly and easily. These essays are very helpful in assessing your personality and ability to communicate effectively. Since they only have one chance at getting into medical school (unlike undergraduates who can take multiple tests), it’s very important that students show themselves off in their best light with this essay. What is a personal vision statement? A personal vision statement is a 2-3 sentence statement that describes what you want to do with your life and how you're going to get there. It's a way to tell the admissions office what excites you and what you want to accomplish. Colleges are looking for students who have specific goals, who know what they want out of their education and beyond, and who have the drive and focus needed to achieve those goals. Your personal vision statement can help them identify those qualities in you. Your statement should be honest, but it doesn't need to be long or complicated. Think about what your top priorities are in life right now, and how college fits into those priorities. What do you want to pursue after graduation? What kind of impact do you hope to have on the world? How will attending this particular school help advance your goals? Your goal is not only to demonstrate your strengths as an applicant but also to show that you're someone who's thoughtful enough about his/her own life goals to articulate them clearly in writing). What is a residency personal statement? A residency personal statement is a written piece of writing that describes the reasons for pursuing residency. It is usually written by medical school applicants and can vary from one medical school to another. The residency personal statement is meant to show your enthusiasm for medicine and express why you are interested in becoming a doctor. Your residency personal statement should be honest about your motivations for applying for medical school, but it should also be specific enough to convey the unique aspects of your personality that will make you an excellent physician. Writing a residency personal statement can be difficult because there are so many ways to approach the task. The most effective way is to write down everything that comes to mind and then organize those ideas into a coherent narrative based on your own experience with medicine or healthcare. Is it legit to use a personal statement writing services? It is indeed a very common thing to do these days. A lot of students are opting for the help of professional writers to write their personal statements. The reason is obvious; they want a high-quality personal statement that can get them into their dream college. But there are a lot of people who think that this is plagiarism, which is against the rules. It is not however if you use the paper as research for writing the copy in your own words. Plagiarism is submitting someone else’s work as your own. These services do not intend for you to hand in these papers as your submission. They expect you to take inspiration from their writing and understand how it is to be formatted when writing your own. That is what makes them a legal business. The truth is that most college students have no idea how to write a personal statement, let alone the first thing about what to include in it. This is one of the reasons why many students struggle when it comes to writing their college essays. However, there are many personal statements writing services that you can use if you don't have any idea how to write your own personal statement. How to hire the best personal statement writer? When you are looking for a personal statement writer, you should look for someone who has a good understanding of the college application process. The personal statement is the most important part of your application, so it needs to be written by someone who can understand your situation and help you craft an effective essay. The first step in hiring a personal statement writer is to find out what kind of experience they have. You need to make sure that they have written college admissions essays before. If they haven't, then they probably won't be able to provide you with the help that you need, which means that it would be better to hire someone else instead. You should also look at their previous work when deciding whether or not someone is right for your needs. It's important that you ask for samples of their work before hiring them so that you can see what kind of quality they offer their customers. If their samples don't impress you, then it might be best if you continue looking elsewhere for help with your personal statement. Going with one of the top-rated writing services, like 99Papers, will ensure that you find a writer who meets your needs at the right price. They have done all the work for you. What is the best personal statement writing services in USA and UK? The most important thing in a personal statement is that it should be authentic and not exaggerated. You should be able to show your own personality in it without trying to sound like someone else. You must be able to convince the reader that your desire for higher education is genuine and sincere. The best personal statement writing/editing companies in USA and UK will give you an idea about how to write such kinds of essays effectively so that they impress the readers easily. They will help you write an inspiring statement that will convince them that you are really interested in pursuing higher studies at their institution of choice. When choosing the best personal writing services in the US or UK, you should opt for PaperHelp or EssayFactory. If you are a first-time student, they can help point you in the right direction and give you the help you need to get the placement you want. In the end... While some students may be deterred by the idea of paying for an online service to write their personal statement, it is essential to remember that this is one very important document that could make or break your application. The fact that you don't know how to begin properly shows fear, and fear never managed to get anyone into a great university. If you want nothing but the best for yourself and want a worry-free process, then hire a professional service to help you write your essays and personal statements. You’ll get 100% unique content written for you by industry experts that will inspire you to create a stunning application that is sure to get you into Harvard. Contact Details Writing Solutions Will Collins contact@legitwritingservice.com Company Website https://legitwritingservice.com

September 18, 2022 10:49 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Comcast RISE Awards 14 Small Businesses in Oregon/SW Washington with Technology Upgrades and Marketing Resources

Comcast Oregon / SW Washington

Comcast Business today announced that an additional 14 small businesses owned by women and people of color in Oregon/SW Washington are recipients of a Comcast RISE award. The awards will allow these businesses to receive customized technology upgrades from Comcast Business based on their specific needs, or consulting, media and creative production services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable. More than 50 small businesses in Oregon/SW Washington have already received Comcast RISE awards. Comcast RISE, which stands for “Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment,” is a multi-year, multi-faceted initiative launched in 2020 to help small businesses owned by women and people of color which were hard hit by COVID-19. Applications for the next round of awards closes on October 16, 2022. Apply at www.ComcastRISE.com. “Receiving this Comcast RISE award is a huge help for me,” says Natasha Busse, owner of Dogville Playcare, a doggy daycare business with two sites in SW Portland. Busse will be receiving a technology makeover and is eagerly awaiting the new computers and tablets and other Comcast Business services. “You can’t keep track of almost 100 dogs a day without technology to track information like vaccine records, and of course, I use the internet for my clients’ humans to make reservations to come play here.” Busse explains that while the doggy daycare market grew during the pandemic because many people got pets, keeping her employees has been a challenge. “I needed to change my growth strategy so that I could compete for staff with wages.” “Fueling the success of small businesses is what drives us,” said Rikki Wright, director of Sales and Marketing for Comcast Business Oregon/SW Washington. “We partner with businesses like Dogville to understand their needs and how we can help them grow. Their success is our success.” She added, “It’s also the right thing to do.” Comcast RISE recipients in this round of awards are: Physical Therapy and Hand Clinic, Hillsboro Photos by Orion, Salem Pacific Northwest Glass & Mirror, Vancouver Ragan’s Boutique, Portland Professional Interpreters, Inc., Salem Capitol Bar, Portland LondonDRN PC, Oregon City The Headstrong, Portland Elliott & Murrey Coffee Roasters, Hillsboro Empire Body Works LLC, Hillsboro Blue River Group LLC, Eugene Flowers Tommy Luke, Portland Northwest Threads and Embroidery LLC, Portland Dogville Playcare LLC, Portland Small business owners may apply at www.ComcastRISE.com. Comcast RISE provides the opportunity for small businesses owned by people of color and women in Oregon/SW Washington state to apply for one or more of the following support focus areas with the opportunity to receive one. Marketing Services Grant: The following services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, and its creative agency, Mnemonic, are designed to help recipients with their marketing and media campaigns, including: Media: A linear TV media campaign to run over a 90-day period. Creative Production: Turnkey:30 TV commercial production, plus a media strategy consultation and 90-day media placement schedule. Consult: Digital audits by Ureeka in the form of Website Repair Reports and SEO Keyword reports to target website mechanics and effective organic marketing. Or Technology Makeover Grants: The state-of-the-art equipment and technology upgrade from Comcast Business includes computer equipment as well as Internet, Voice, and Cybersecurity services for up to a 12-month period. (Taxes and other fees may still apply for technology makeover services. Comcast RISE is part of Comcast’s ongoing efforts to advance digital equity and help provide underrepresented small business owners with access to the digital tools and funding they need to thrive. Over the next 10 years, Comcast has committed $1 billion to programs and partnerships that will reach tens of millions of people with the skills, opportunities, and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. Visit www.ComcastRISE.com to apply, for more information and the latest updates. ABOUT COMCAST CORPORATION: Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. ABOUT COMCAST BUSINESS: Comcast Business offers Ethernet, Internet, Wi-Fi, Voice, TV and Managed Enterprise Solutions to help organizations of all sizes transform their business. Powered by an advanced network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is one of the largest contributors to the growth of Comcast Cable. Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and has emerged as a force in the Enterprise market; recognized over the last two years by leading industry associations as one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services. For more information, call 866- 429-3085. Follow on Twitter @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social. ABOUT EFFECTV: Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, helps local, regional and national advertisers use the best of digital with the power of TV to grow their business. It provides multi-screen marketing solutions to make advertising campaigns more effective and easier to execute. Headquartered in New York with offices throughout the country, Effectv has a presence in 66 markets with nearly 35 million owned and represented subscribers. For more information, visit www.effectv.com. Contact Details Amy Keiter +1 503-407-9109 amy_keiter@comcast.com Company Website https://corporate.comcast.com/

September 16, 2022 06:02 AM Pacific Daylight Time

OPPO Celebrates 18th Anniversary, Building the Future of Intelligent Living with Inspiration Ahead

OPPO

To mark its 18th anniversary, OPPO will launch the OPPO Global Community and OPPO Inspiring Service Week to deepen its connection with its global userbase OPPO will release a documentary series telling the stories of OPPO employees and the inspiration behind their work OPPO will continue investing in sustainable development initiatives as it seeks to bring the benefits of technology to more people SHENZHEN, CHINA - Media OutReach - 16 September 2022 - Tomorrow, on September 17, global technology company OPPO will celebrate its 18-year anniversary. Since its founding in 2004, OPPO has remained committed to its user-centric approach to technology while continuing to push the boundaries of technological innovation. From its origins as a consumer electronics company, OPPO has evolved into a full-service technology company that serves global users with integrated software, hardware, and service solutions, leading the development of smart devices and services in markets worldwide. Whether innovating in quality on its early audio players and feature phones, delivering breakthroughs in flash charge technology and new smartphone form factors, or developing cutting-edge innovations with the MariSilicon X NPU, OPPO has always sought to discover the Inspiration Ahead as it looks to elevate the technology industry and create a better future through its ongoing innovation. Today, OPPO is the world’s fourth-largest smartphone brand, serving customers in over 60 countries and regions in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa, and maintaining strategic partnerships with over 80 telecoms operators worldwide. To celebrate its 18th anniversary, OPPO has launched a series of new online and offline services and activities to enhance its connection with users and improve their user experience: OPPO Global Community The OPPO Global Community (community.oppo.com) will officially launch tomorrow. The Community has been created to provide an inclusive and open ecosystem for all OPPO users to engage, interact, and share with OPPO and with each other over the long term. The Community will also act as a hub for a number of different programs. These include the OPPO Product Ambassadors Program, which will provide users with opportunities to experience OPPO’s latest products and innovations before anyone else; the O-Chat open forum, where users around the world can discuss OPPO products and technologies freely; and OPPO Lifesetter, which invites users to share their own life stories to help inspire others. Through the OPPO Global Community, OPPO users and tech enthusiasts will be given more intuitive and convenient access to information and updates about OPPO and OPPO activities, as well a channel for in-depth communications with OPPO technical experts about their experiences with, and insights into, OPPO products and services. The Community will also provide OPPO a more effective channel through which to communicate with users directly, receive practical feedback on products and services, and further understand the needs of users worldwide. OPPO Inspiring Service Week The OPPO Service Center operates more than 2,500 service sites around the world, each of which is committed to providing high-quality expertise and trusted services to customers so that every OPPO user can enjoy the full benefits of OPPO technologies and products. From the 10th to the 12th of each month, OPPO offers exclusive benefits as part of OPPO Service Day at over 900 Service Centers in 24 countries and regions. Offers include discounts on repair services, free disinfection services, and more. From the 10th to 17th of September this year, OPPO Service Day will be upgraded to OPPO Inspiring Service Week in over 320 Service Centers across 21 countries and regions in Asia, the Middle East Africa. During OPPO Inspiring Service Week, those visiting OPPO Service Centers will be able to enjoy discounts on smartphone repair products and accessories, as well as free labor costs, free protective films, free software upgrades and free maintenance. The service hours of the Centers will also be extended, and selected centers will even offer specialty local drinks for customers, providing more convenient, comprehensive and thoughtful services. In addition to the OPPO Global Community and OPPO Inspiring Service Week, OPPO has also released a series of documentaries telling the story of employees together with OPPO’s growth from their own perspectives. In one documentary, Saritha Bandaru, Principle Engineer of Camera Innovation in OPPO India R&D, discusses how she identified local user needs from Indian culture and customers and led her team to develop an image algorithm that provides beautification without removing the Bindi worn by Hindu women. Li Hong, a Senior Sound Designer at OPPO, talks of being inspired by his daily life experiences to create the Sounds of Cities feature in O-Relax and help people relax through the beauty of sound. Cheng Sheng, Senior Product Manager for Advanced Technology at OPPO Research Institute, shares details of how she explored cutting-edge technologies while working on a robotic dog project with her team. Dan Amariei, Head of Retail for OPPO AED Romania, discusses leading his team through the difficulties of the covid pandemic and successfully bringing OPPO to Romania. Despite their different backgrounds and origins, all OPPO employees share the same passion for discovering unmet user needs and searching for new ways to deliver innovation. Through their shared belief in OPPO’s brand proposition “Inspiration Ahead”, they have shown the strength of character to face all challenges with a calm and optimistic mindset. By constantly optimizing every detail of OPPO products and services, they have brought the benefits of technology to more global users. In addition to providing great products and services over the past eighteen years, OPPO has also played an active role in undertaking its corporate social responsibility. Guided by the mission of “Technology for mankind, Kindness for the world”, OPPO is making long-term investment in four key areas, including environment protection, youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and health and wellbeing: Environmental Protection: OPPO has been committed to integrate the concept of sustainability into the entire lifecycle of its products. Apart from reducing the plastics used in the packaging, OPPO also strives to improve the lifespan and durability of its products. Among these initiatives, OPPO’s self-developed Battery Health Engine (BHE) helps smartphone batteries maintain more than 80% of their original capacity after as many as 1,600 charge-discharge cycles, which is twice the industry average. Youth Empowerment: OPPO Renovators Emerging Artists Program has been launched for the four consecutive years to encourage young creators to unleash their creativity and imagine the future of technology through art. Digital Inclusion: OPPO believes in the virtue of technology and is committed to improve the product design for accessibility and the elders, to cater to the diverse needs of different groups. OPPO was one of the first to identify those with Color Vision Deficiency, and introduce the Color Vision Enhancement feature, which offers up to 766 display profiles to help them enjoy a more precise color display. Health and Wellbeing: Launched by OPPO Health Lab, OPPO Health Research Kit includes a full suite of tools to help healthcare professionals collect and analyze data, making health research easier. OPPO also cares about the mental health of our users and introduces the O Relax application, which includes a series of relaxation sounds and games to help users relax in a fun way. Earlier this year, OPPO also launched the OPPO Research Institute Innovation Accelerator to empower technology professionals and entrepreneurs to bring their innovations to life. With the theme of ‘Virtuous Innovation’, the program sought proposals related to the two subjects of Accessible Technology and Digital Health. This year, OPPO has received 536 proposals from 39 countries and regions, and the top 10 winning proposals were awarded grants of around USD $46,000 each, as well as further opportunities for investment, technological support, research, commercial partnerships, and global promotion from OPPO and its partners. Looking to the future with “Inspiration Ahead”, OPPO will continue to evolve its brand and business to deliver more value for both consumers and society. On the business side, OPPO will focus on the four key future directions of smart learning, smart productivity, smart entertainment, and smart healthcare, as it continues to develop user-centric innovations and create more intelligent living for its users worldwide. At the same time, OPPO will continue to invest in its sustainable development, empowering global users with greater confidence and optimism while working to build a better future for all. About OPPO OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - "Smiley Face" - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find X and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services such as OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO has footprints in more than 60 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world. Contact Details OPPO Media Contact press@oppo.com

September 15, 2022 10:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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DOES HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COVER LOST JEWELRY?

Benzinga

Homeowners insurance helps protect homeowners from life’s uncertainties. This insurance policy covers your property, liabilities for injuries, and other parts of your home. It’s no surprise people pay homeowners insurance. Lenders can force borrowers to have insurance, and it’s a helpful safeguard. Most homeowners want to protect other valuables, such as their jewelry. Below, Benzinga discusses whether insuring jewelry works for homeowners. How is Jewelry Covered by Home Insurance? Home insurance policies cover your jewelry but only up to a certain amount. If your jewelry gets stolen, your insurer will assess the jewelry’s value. Then, the insurer will replace the jewelry up to its value or your insurance policy’s limit, whichever is lower. Some insurers have lower limits for stolen jewelry than damaged jewelry. When Is Jewelry Covered By Homeowners Insurance? Homeowners insurance provides jewelry coverage under various scenarios. You can qualify for a replacement under these circumstances: Jewelry theft A natural disaster destroys jewelry and other items in your home Vandalism Damages How Much Jewelry Does a Home Insurance Policy Cover? Home insurance providers can cover expensive jewelry, ranging between $1,000 and $2,000. These caps represent the maximum an insurer will pay to give you a replacement. You will have to cover every dollar that exceeds this cap which can be a substantial out of pocket expense for items worth more than a couple of thousand dollars. You can usually get coverage for more expensive jewelry through a floater to a homeowners policy, but this additional coverage will result in higher premiums. 3 Ways to Increase Your Coverage on Jewelry Homeowners insurance is a starting point for jewelry insurance, but it may not sufficiently cover your collection. Jewelry owners can get more coverage for their prized possessions with these strategies. Raise the Sublimits in Your Policy Sublimits are separate limits in an insurance policy. Insurers may have lower limits for jewelry theft than damaged jewelry. Some homeowners insurance companies will let you raise these limits. However, you may have to pay higher premiums because insurers incur more risk when raising sublimits. Coverage Endorsements Coverage endorsements expand the scope of your homeowners insurance policy. You can add one of these endorsements to your policy to cover additional jewelry insurance. You can get endorsements for other scenarios, but each endorsement will increase your monthly premiums. A coverage endorsement can provide enough protection to compensate for lost or stolen jewelry. Specialty Jewelry Insurance Some homeowners insurance policies do not have enough coverage for your jewelry collection. Some people seek a standalone or specialty jewelry insurance policy to cover any gaps in their home insurance. Specialty jewelry insurance can provide additional protections and may not require a deductible. If you do not want to pay a deductible, you will likely have to pay higher premiums than a plan with a deductible. Why Home Insurance Might Not Be the Best Choice To Cover Your Fine Jewelry Home insurance can help you protect basic jewelry, but it will fall short for more expensive items. Home insurance policies don’t typically offer high enough caps or broad enough protections for fine jewelry and high-end engagement rings. Some people may not have enough money to replenish their collection if something happens. These people would benefit the most from jewelry insurance because it offers extra safeguards. The insurer will replace your jewelry instead of you footing the bill. Specialty jewelry insurance should cover loss, theft, damage, and what’s known as “mysterious disappearance.”. Homeowners insurance may not cover all these situations nor their associated costs. You also may not get a suitable replacement stone if you’re required to replace it from a preferred network specified by your homeowners insurance company. Home Insurance Rates and Deductibles Keep Going Up As home insurance policy premiums keep increasing, especially in areas where hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires happen, many homeowners are also facing higher deductibles just to keep premiums down. Unbundling fine jewelry insurance from a homeowners policy can make jewelry coverage more affordable, minimize or eliminate deductibles and reduce the risk of getting a home insurance policy canceled if a claim is made. Get a Quote for Your Jewelry Insurance You can continue using homeowners insurance for some jewelry coverage, but it probably won’t be enough for your fine jewelry. BriteCo offers specialty jewelry insurance policies that match your needs and concerns with replacement coverage up to 125% of the appraised value and no deductibles. You can get a free custom quote online in 60 seconds to see how much coverage for your fine jewelry will cost. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

September 15, 2022 01:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time

HOW MUCH DOES ENGAGEMENT RING INSURANCE COST?

Benzinga

Let’s face it. Getting engaged, finding the right engagement ring, and arranging just the right setting for your proposal are all big challenges. Probably the last thing on your mind is getting insurance for the engagement ring. When you picked up the ring at your local jeweler, it may have crossed your mind, “What if I lose this before the proposal?” In one recent research study, more than 40% of engaged couples indicated they did not get insurance coverage for their engagement rings. Why? The biggest reason given was they thought it was too expensive. A close second was that people didn’t know where or how to get insurance. About one out of ten just put it off and neglected to get coverage. How Expensive is Engagement Ring Insurance? You might be surprised at how affordable it is to insure your engagement ring, especially because it’s probably one of the biggest purchases of your life to date outside of buying a car or a house. The average spend on a diamond engagement ring in 2021 was around $7,000. The annual cost to insure that $7,000 ranges from about 0.5% to 3% of its value (only $73 to $175 per year) if you go with an insurance company that specializes in jewelry insurance. Specialty jewelry insurance is primarily replacement or repair of a jewelry item, not a cash reimbursement. Getting an agreed-value insurance policy to receive cash for a claim will almost certainly cost you more to insure. The same research study of engaged couples mentioned above rated the relative cost of jewelry insurance compared to other major purchases or ownership. Respondents revealed that health insurance is the insurance type they consider most expensive, followed by homeowners insurance and auto insurance. Jewelry insurance falls towards the lower half of the list, ranking as one of the most affordable insurance types among those who currently have it. Doesn’t Homeowners or Renters Insurance Cover an Engagement Ring? Depends. If you rely on your homeowners or renters insurance to cover personal property, you may not have full coverage for loss or damage to a ring or necklace since those insurers typically cap coverage at $1,000 up to $2,000, along with a deductible. If you file a claim for a lost $5,000 engagement ring, expect to pay between $3,000 to $4,000 out of your own pocket to replace it. Making a claim for a lost or damaged piece of jewelry also risks a future increase in your homeowners premium and in some cases can contribute to a policy cancellation. While some people can add a floater for separate coverage on their existing homeowners or renters policy, these riders are typically subject to deductibles and can be more expensive than specialty jewelry insurers. And, should you make a claim, you may be forced to get a replacement stone from the insurance company’s preferred network rather than working with your local jeweler. Does a Jewelry Warranty Cover a Lost or Damaged Engagement Ring? No. A jewelry warranty is not intended to cover the kinds of situations that specialty jewelry insurance offers. Warranties do not protect your ring for any types of loss, theft, disappearance or damage that are standard coverage with specialty jewelry insurance. How Much Does it Cost to Insure Wedding Rings? With the average cost of a woman’s wedding ring in the low thousands, it still makes sense to consider getting it insured with specialty jewelry insurance. Besides avoiding impact on making a claim through your homeowners policy, your cost could be as low as four dollars a month. One study in England found that one out of seven men lost their wedding ring in the past five years. So your odds of needing to make a claim might be higher than you initially thought. Don’t take the risk as the cost to replace your valuable jewerly is significantly higher, get an insurance quote right away to make sure you are protected. Where Can I Find Affordable Jewelry Insurance? A number of specialty jewelry insurance companies sell coverage and you have different insurance options. BriteCo jewelry and watch insurance has been evaluated by Benzinga and rated best overall value for specialty jewelry insurance with costs on the lower end ranging from 0.5% to 1.5%. And affordable doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice coverage. BriteCo policies cover up to 125% of appraised value of a jewelry item and no deductibles for standard policies. Its website lists insuring a $8,500 engagement ring in Chicago for only $4.68 a month. As an added bonus, your appraisal value for each insured item is updated every year to make sure your coverage stays current, and you don’t have to get a piece reappraised as required by some jewelry policies. The good news is you can get a no-obligation custom quote to insure engagement rings and specialty jewelry through BriteCo from your smartphone in 60 seconds or less. If you like your quote, you answer a few standard questions and can get full coverage in a matter of minutes. You will be asked to upload a photo of the insured piece from your phone and provide documentation such as an appraisal, a detailed sales receipt or a gemology lab report. That’s it. No hassle. No excuses. No worries if something happens. And total peace of mind. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

September 15, 2022 01:13 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Connect Direct Launches ASL Now Mobile App – the world’s first mobile app that directly connects Deaf Consumers with Deaf Call Center Agents, no interpreters or captions needed.

Communication Service for the Deaf

ASL Now, powered by Connect Direct, has launched its new ASL Now app today, the first-of-its-kind, free mobile app that connects American Sign Language (ASL) users with trained customer service agents who are fluent in ASL – no interpreters or captions required. ASL Now redefines customer service, providing equitable communications experiences for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, hard-of-hearing, and late-deafened people whose daily lives are impacted by barriers to accessible communications options. ASL Now gives consumers the freedom to seek out information and support from businesses without wasting hours on randomized interpreting relay services or frustrating captioning services. ASL Now provides users with a directory of companies offering customer support directly in American Sign Language. A user scrolls through the list of companies, finds the one they need to call, and clicks to connect with a trained Deaf customer service agent over video. Companies included in the directory now include Google, Xfinity Comcast, the Minnesota Health Department, Cox Communications, and the State of California. “With just a tap of a finger, ASL users can contact their favorite companies and talk to someone in their native language. This communication access attracts new customers and builds loyalty,” said Pat Myers, President of CSD’s Emerging Markets division. “Businesses that use ASL Now show that they are allies to the Deaf community by creating jobs for Deaf people and providing accessible communications.” ASL Now is a mobile communication app for consumers and a business service. The ASL Now service partners with globally recognized companies to hire and train teams of Deaf and hard-of-hearing customer service agents, establishing dedicated customer service solutions for their customers who are part of the Deaf community. Businesses establishing an ASL Now team are automatically included in the ASL Now directory, introducing their products and services to new audiences. By partnering with ASL Now, businesses increase customer satisfaction and save money. They can save up to 35% compared to the cost of using traditional third-party interpreters. Customers also get more one-call solutions and have call lengths reduced by up to 33%. ASL Now is supported by nearly 50 years of experience serving and supporting the Deaf community. The service is engineered by Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD), the world’s largest social impact organization dedicated to the Deaf community. Hence, consumers and businesses alike benefit from the knowledge and experience of the teams behind the scenes at ASL Now. “CSD has always sought to create equitable communication and employment opportunities for the Deaf community. This app does that,” said CSD CEO Chris Soukup. “ASL Now makes it easy for Deaf consumers to get the same customer service that a hearing person would get, with no third parties or added communication barriers in their daily lives.” With the ASL Now App, equal communication is at your fingertips. Download the free ASL Now App, available on Apple iOS and Google Play for Android About ASL Now Since 2017, ASL Now powered by Connect Direct has been the leading provider of innovative call center solutions for communicating directly with Deaf customers in American Sign Language. Offering cutting-edge customer service through ASL Now decreases customer frustration and opens the door to a new market of loyal clients. This expertise provides an invaluable, time-saving solution for businesses, customers, and representatives. To learn more, visit ASL Now, explore our media kit, and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn. About Communication Service for the Deaf Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) is the world's largest Deaf-led social impact organization. For more than four decades, CSD has been a leader in creating and providing accessible and innovative solutions for the Deaf community. Today, CSD continues its work to create opportunities for personal and economic growth within the Deaf community, explicitly addressing leadership and employment. For more information, please visit CSD and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. About Communication Service for the Deaf Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) is the largest Deaf-led social impact organization in the world. For more than four decades, CSD has been a leader in creating and providing accessible and innovative solutions for the Deaf community. Today, CSD continues its work to create opportunities for personal and economic growth within the Deaf community, specifically addressing leadership and employment. For more information, please visit CSD and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Contact Details Communication Service for the Deaf Katie Murch media@csd.org Company Website https://www.GetConnectDirect.com

September 15, 2022 11:00 AM Central Daylight Time

Video