Awards and Honors, Business, Free News Articles

HousingWire honors Sales Boomerang VP of Sales Taylor Castranova as a Women of Influence

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Sales Boomerang, the industry's top-rated automated borrower intelligence and retention system, today announced Vice President of Sales, Taylor Castranova is an honoree of HousingWire's 2021 Women of Influence Award program.

As the vice president of both the customer success and sales departments, Castranova has proven a valuable asset, exceeding expectations in Sales Boomerang customer growth, as well as helping Sales Boomerang customers achieve unprecedented growth. In the last year, Castranova has assisted Sales Boomerang in tripling its revenue and increasing existing customers' growth rates by 400%. Sales Boomerang customers have recorded an average 20-40% lift to loan volume and generated more than $30 billion in additional loan volume industrywide.

"Taylor is a cherished member of the team," said Sales Boomerang CEO Alex Kutsishin. "She has a knack for taking charge of seemingly small initiatives and yielding impressive results. Taylor is beyond deserving of this recognition and we are extremely proud of her."

"Another way to describe our Women of Influence honorees this year would be the women who are making an impact, which is something we saw woven into each of these amazing award winners," Brena Nath, HW+ managing editor, said. "Congratulations to these women who are cultivating a new path forward for the housing industry and reimagining a better, more collaborative future."

The HousingWire Women of Influence Awards program seeks to highlight the outstanding efforts of women in shaping and driving the U.S. mortgage, real estate and fintech industries forward. The full list of 2021 Women of Influence winners can be reviewed at https://www.housingwire.com.

About Sales Boomerang:

Sales Boomerang transformed the relationship between mortgage lenders and borrowers with the introduction of the first automated borrower intelligence system in 2017. The company's intelligent alerts notify lenders as soon as a past customer or prospect is ready and credit-qualified for a loan. As the mortgage industry's #1 borrower retention tool, Sales Boomerang is trusted by more than 125 lenders - including brokers, independent mortgage companies, credit unions and banks - to help build lasting borrower relationships that maximize lifetime customer value. To date, Sales Boomerang alerts have enabled lenders to close more than $30 billion in additional loan volume that would have otherwise been overlooked and achieve customer retention rates that outperform industry norms by an average of 3-5X. To learn more about Sales Boomerang and its No Borrower Left Behind(tm) ethos, visit https://www.salesboomerang.com.

@SalesBoomerang @HousingWire #WomenOfInfluence

About HousingWire:

HousingWire is the most influential source of news and information for the U.S. mortgage and housing markets. Built on a foundation of independent and original journalism, HousingWire reaches over 60,000 newsletter subscribers daily and over 1.0 million unique visitors each month. Our audience of mortgage, real estate and fintech professionals rely on us to Move Markets Forward. Visit www.housingwire.com or www.solutions.housingwire.com to learn more.

Related link: https://www.salesboomerang.com/

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Books and Publishing, Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Product Launches

Cancer survivor and preemie mom release new book ‘Living The Mango-licious Life: Sips & Tips On Surviving & Thriving Beyond Seasons Of Adversity’

MIAMI, Fla. -- According to the American Cancer Society, about 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women. Of that number of new cases, it is estimated that about 43,600 women will die. It is said that 1 in 10 babies are born before being considered full-term. Amidst those grim statistics, get ready for a powerful story about one woman, author Tanya Wilson, who beat the odds. Not only a cancer survivor, but also a preemie mother. Hear the story of how to take life's sour and bitter moments and turn them into an experience of sweetness, joy and succulence.

"The mango-licious mindset is to set clear goals that are not abandoned or abolished despite our seasons of adversity. We relish the sweetness in life and plan for a future that is bright, fulfilling, and prosperous," said Tanya Wilson. No matter what adversity you have faced or are currently facing, in each chapter of this book you will discover how God equips us with indescribable peace, strength and hope that propels us from desperate disappointment to daring determination.

The title, "The Mango-licious Life," pays homage to Tanya's favorite fruit, the mango, which serves as a metaphor of life's unpredictable and oftentimes bitter-sweet encounters. This metaphor serves as a foundation for her blog "Tanya The Mango Lady Blog" where for years she has shared faith and inspiration around resilience and adversity, for over 4000 readers. This book is an extension of her platform to encourage those currently experiencing a difficult life season.

Join Author Tanya Wilson for a Meet & Greet Book Signing at North Miami Public Library, Wednesday August 4, 2021 at 6 p.m. This is your chance to enjoy a serving of inspiration during these difficult times.

"The Mango-licous Life: Sips & Tips On Surviving & Thriving Beyond Seasons of Adversity" by Tanya Wilson | Kingdomboss Publishing | Paperback | $16 | ISBN:978-1-7357616-2-6

Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735761621

Learn more at: https://tanyathemangolady.com/

Follow on Social:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tanyamangolady

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tanyathemangolady/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanyamangoladyblog/

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Business, Free News Articles, Real Estate

McWhirter Promotes Tanya Shubert to Vice President of Management and Operations, Mid-South

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Today, McWhirter (www.mcwrealty.com), a leading commercial services firm in the southeast, announced the promotion of Tanya Shubert to Vice President of Management and Operations, Mid-South. Shubert joined McWhirter in 2018 and has been instrumental in growing the medical office property management portfolio to 11 buildings across Alabama and Mississippi.

"Tanya's 25 years of experience in healthcare facility management and maintenance ensures our clients receive the highest level of advice and service while she oversees the management of their investments," said Barry McWhirter, President and CEO of McWhirter. "We look forward to her continued commitment to make McWhirter the leading healthcare management service provider in the southeast."

In addition to Ms. Shubert's healthcare management experience, she has specialized expertise in life safety, emergency management, environment of care and regulation and standards for healthcare facilities and hospitals.

Tanya has served in leadership roles for healthcare systems and served on various committees including Safety, Environment of Care, Infection Control and Quality Control. She holds certifications for FEMA National Incident Management, OSHA and HeartSaver(r) CPR, along with specialized training in electrical safety, defensive driving and advanced regional response training.

About McWhirter

McWhirter's Property Management team has more than 100 years of experience and manages more than 7 million square feet of healthcare, industrial, office and retail space in eight states. Through long-term client and vendor relationships, current technology systems and leading industry software solutions, we proactively identify challenges to reduce costs and increase efficiencies for our clients. We employ building engineers skilled in the design, installation and maintenance of major service areas including heating, electrical, mechanical, landscape, health safety and security.

Learn more at: https://mcwrealty.com/.

Related link: https://mcwrealty.com/

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Business, Free News Articles, Reports and Studies

Blue Glacier Publishes ‘Red Team’ Report on Cybercrime and Anti-Vaccination Militancy

FAIRFAX, Va. -- Blue Glacier Security & Intelligence LLC announced it has published a thought-provoking "red team" memorandum on potential incidents at the intersection of cybercrime, anti-vaccination militancy, and pandemic fatigue. This "out-of-the-box" analytic approach offers a thought-provoking viewpoint during the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases, and the pushback against vaccinations and renewed mask requirements.

The 7-page report is modeled after the Central Intelligence Agency's Red Cell memorandums. This Blue Glacier effort follows the red team scenario at the end of the company's report on the December 2020 Nashville bombing.

Key takeaways from this red team memorandum include:

* There is already precedence for cyberattacks on COVID-19 infrastructure.

* Several nodes in vaccine production, distribution, and administration could be vulnerable to cyberattacks.

* Anti-vaccination militants could use social media to coordinate harassment or attacks on public health officials working within the vaccination infrastructure.

"This effort highlights the benefits of red teaming, or even just red team thinking," notes K. Campbell, a principal at Blue Glacier. "We've identified plausible cyberattacks, motivated by pandemic-related militancy or extremism, that could exploit vulnerabilities in the vast vaccine infrastructure."

View report (PDF) at: https://blueglacierllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Blue-Glacier-Red-Team-Memo_Cybercrime-Anti-Vax-July-30-2021.pdf

About Blue Glacier Security & Intelligence LLC:

Blue Glacier is a military veteran-owned security and intelligence consultancy that specializes in all-hazards security risk assessments, business continuity and disaster preparedness planning, workplace violence training, executive protection, and intelligence. Contact Blue Glacier at bluesupport@blueglacierllc.com or (703) 934-2034 / (202) 389-6200.

Learn more: https://blueglacierllc.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlueGlacier_LLC

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-glacier/

Related link: https://blueglacierllc.com/

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Business, Electronics, Facilities and Building Maintenance, Free News Articles, Manufacturing

Renewable Energy Preventative Maintenance and Visual Inspections Successful with Video Borescopes

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- As the clean energy revolution continues a path of rapid growth, R&D, along with manufacturing of new green technologies, requires thorough nondestructive testing. With many prototypes and advancements of current components adhering to clean energy standards, ViewTech Borescopes has witnessed an expansion of clients that use a ViewTech VJ-3 video borescope for inspecting a variety of clean energy options including wind turbines, solar, hydro, nuclear, EVs, and electric recreational vehicles.

When an emerging North American electric powersport manufacturer required a remote visual inspection tool, ViewTech Borescopes VJ-3 6.0mm x 3.0-meter Dual Camera was shipped to their Production Supervisor and Lead Test Engineer. After the engineering team had the opportunity to demo the ViewTech video borescope at no cost, it was purchased and quickly put to the test with several time sensitive projects. With a rugged design, an insertion tube rating of IP 67, and the ability to access inspection areas without teardown time, it was clear the VJ-3 video borescope would assist manufacturing and future engineering design processes as they continue to evolve and expand their lineup of electric off-road, snow, and water recreational vehicles.

While the wind power generation market continues expanding as a major source of renewable energy, a maintenance, repair, and remanufacturing power distribution systems company sought remote visual inspection tools to routinely monitor wind turbine gearboxes and bearings. A company Field Technician, with previous experience utilizing higher priced inspection scopes for motor and wind generation repairs, contacted ViewTech Borescopes as they began their videoscope search. With features requested that included image/video capability and portability for the hard-to-reach inspection access areas atop wind turbines, a VJ-3 3.9mm x 1.5-meter video borescope was sent to demo. After testing the VJ-3 onsite, they purchased and outfitted their wind turbine service team with a fleet of six ViewTech inspection borescopes.

VJ-3 Video Borescope

The VJ-3 mechanical articulating video borescope is a NDT instrument used for the RVI of machinery, equipment, and components. The VJ-3 facilitates the visual recording and photo documentation of inspection and components in areas that are otherwise inaccessible or require great effort and expense to access directly. The VJ-3 video borescope consists of two modules integrated into one system: an insertion tube with distally mounted camera/LEDs, and the base unit with a control panel, LCD monitor, power source, and all necessary circuitry.

About ViewTech Borescopes

ViewTech Borescopes, founded as RF System Lab in 2008, is North America's #1 seller of video borescopes. Their first product, the VJ borescope, set a new standard for portability, ergonomics, and ease-of-use, with its industry-first mechanical, joystick-controlled articulation.

For more information on VJ-3 Video Borescope: https://www.viewtech.com

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Media Contact:

For more information, press only:

Duncan White, Director of Sales and Marketing

231-943-1171

dwhite@viewtech.com

Related link: https://www.ViewTech.com

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Awards and Honors, Business, Free News Articles

SimpleNexus Founder Matt Hansen selected as finalist for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Utah Region

LEHI, Utah -- SimpleNexus (https://simplenexus.com/), developer of the leading homeownership platform for loan officers, borrowers, real estate agents and settlement agents, today announced company Founder Matt Hansen has been named a finalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year® Utah Region by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US).

Now in its 35th year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program recognizes unstoppable business leaders whose ambition, ingenuity and courage in the face of adversity deliver outstanding growth and innovation. Hansen was selected by a panel of independent judges who graded nominees on a rubric of entrepreneurial leadership, talent management, degree of difficulty, financial performance, societal impact, and originality. Since its launch, the program has recognized business leaders in more than 60 countries around the world.

Hansen's formation of SimpleNexus created a real estate finance disruptor. The project that began as a favor to a family friend has evolved into a three-time Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company that touches one in eight U.S. mortgages. In 2020 alone, SimpleNexus' homeownership platform touched $520 billion in loans.

"SimpleNexus continues to flourish beyond my wildest dreams," said SimpleNexus Founder Matt Hansen. "It's an honor to be considered amongst so many accomplished movers and shakers."

Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, to be announced in November at the Strategic Growth Forum®, one of the nation's most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies. The Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner will then move on to compete for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year(tm) Award in June 2022.

View the full list of Utah Entrepreneur Of The Year finalists and winners here: https://www.ey.com/en_us/entrepreneur-of-the-year/utah/overview.

About SimpleNexus, LLC:

SimpleNexus is a homeownership platform transforming the mortgage experience and connecting borrowers, loan officers, real estate agents and settlement service providers throughout the homebuying process. The platforms' native mobile toolset enables lenders to originate, process and close home loans from anywhere with increased efficiency and convenience. Loan officers can manage their loan pipelines, order credit, run pricing, send pre-approvals, sign disclosures and execute eClosings - all on the go. SimpleNexus provides borrowers with a single sign-on experience from home search to the application, document upload, eClose and beyond for a more streamlined homeownership journey.

Twitter: @SimpleNexus @EY_EOYUS #EOYUS #digitalmortgage #mortgageindustry #mortgagelending

Related link: https://simplenexus.com/

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Business, e-Commerce, Free News Articles, Taxes and Accounting

Fanplayr Receives SOC 2 Type 2 Certification for Data Security Processes from American Institute of CPAs

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Fanplayr, a global leader in online behavioral personalization, artificial intelligence and user privacy, announces it has successfully achieved the Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 Type 2 certification.

Developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), SOC 2 reports are intended to meet the needs of businesses that need detailed information and assurance about the controls at a service organization. The certification defines criteria for managing customer data based on five "trust service principles" - security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy.

SOC 2 Type 2 is an audit or recertification of the controls put in place which confirms suitability of the design and operating effectiveness and will generally provide a greater level of trust to a customer or business partner due to the increased visibility of systems in action.

Fanplayr has been recertified specifically for Security, Confidentiality, and Availability.

"We have an excellent track record of protecting data," says Simon Yencken, CEO and co-founder of Fanplayr. "With data breaches continuing to be a worldwide problem, we cannot overstate the importance of maintaining safeguards to ensure the security of our customers' data."

Since acquiring and maintaining SOC 2 certifications can be relatively costly and time consuming, the process signals Fanplayr's commitment to continue working with major companies who require SOC 2 compliance or proof of equivalent safeguards.

"The SOC 2 certification is recognized and respected worldwide," said Rajiv Sunkara, CTO and co-founder of Fanplayr. "Establishing and maintaining SOC 2 compliance on an annual basis ensures everything we do is focused on the needs of our customers and the privacy of their data."

About Fanplayr

Fanplayr is a global leader in e-commerce behavioral data, using machine learning and AI to enable businesses to increase conversion rates and revenue, collect more leads, and retarget visitors with personalized recommendations during and after the shopping experience. Fanplayr is headquartered in Palo Alto, California with offices in New York, Buenos Aires, Brazil, Mexico, Milan, London, Manchester, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Hamburg, Melbourne and Tokyo.

Learn more at: https://fanplayr.com/

Media Contact:

Lacy Talton

(252) 467-5220

ltalton@percepture.com

Related link: https://www.fanplayr.com/

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Business, Free News Articles, Real Estate

Malakai Sparks Group of Orange County Expands Premium Realty Services to Encompass Costa Mesa

COSTA MESA, Calif. -- The Malakai Sparks Group, a California-based realty brokerage firm headed by real estate expert Malakai Sparks and one of the top realtor entities in all of Orange County, announced the expansion of its premium realty services to now encompass the city of Costa Mesa, offering its plethora of seasoned experience to those looking to buy or sell a home beyond the Huntington Beach area.

Since its inception, The Malakai Sparks Group has adhered to a vision for changing the face of the real estate industry, the company's mission statement of "providing the greatest real estate experience ever" being a shining testament to that goal. Representatives of the agency adhere to the belief that honest opinions, 100-percent transparency and helping clients achieve everything they want out of a realty transaction come second only to excellent customer service and an overall engaging, professional touch.

Amidst an industry where a focus is placed solely on the end result of closing deals and the unspoken motto of "say or do whatever it takes to get the deal done," The Malakai Sparks Group takes an inherently different approach.

"Everyone refers to real estate as a numbers game, but we don't subscribe to that - the way we see it, if our group accomplishes one million transactions per year but each of those transactions was not the greatest real estate experience for that client, we have failed," explains Malakai Sparks of TMSG. "To us, it's not about the number of transactions we complete, but rather the number of people who have truly benefited because we took care of them and guided them to invest their money properly.

"We are thrilled to be expanding our expert services beyond our original market in Huntington Beach to buyers and sellers in the Costa Mesa community, and for the opportunity to prove to them that when they partner with The Malakai Sparks Group, they are forming a bond with an agency that not only brings proven results but that also cares about them and their family's needs above all else."

Regularly cited for its idyllic positioning as a great place for families, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone looking for the ultimate place to call home, Costa Mesa has been exploding as of late in terms of its realty scene, the city remaining one of Orange County's leading cultural and business centers. Located 37 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 88 miles north of San Diego, Costa Mesa boasts a population of around 103,823 and has evolved from a semi-rural farming community to a city bustling with a local economy primarily based on retail commercial business and light manufacturing.

Residents here live in a sweeping range of neighborhoods and enjoy everything from 26 parks and a municipal golf course to 26 public schools and two libraries, to say nothing of the prominent centers of cultural and economic activity, an ideally mild Southern California climate and a location that provides easy access to many of So Cal's major attractions such as the beaches, mountain areas, high and low deserts and Disneyland.

When it comes time to sell a home, The Malakai Sparks Group ensures the property is cleanly and professionally represented across all channels in Orange County, its representatives regularly working with a dedicated team of contractors to make sure the home looks and feels as it should and is professionally inspected and deemed exceptional before an active listing is put in place. To this end, TMSG operates hand-in-hand with cleaning teams, professional photography and videography experts, complete inspection professionals and marketing/advertising reps. Learn more: https://www.malakaisparks.com/sell/costa-mesa-ca/.

The company also offers property management services, handling every aspect of the facets so clients can spend more time on the elements that matter rather than managing an income-generating property. From apartment buildings and single-family homes to condos, townhomes and commercial buildings, The Malakai Sparks Group executes customized housing management strategies for all clients, ensuring a smooth process for all parties involved.

The Malakai Sparks Group is located at 1503 South Coast Drive Suite 130 in Costa Mesa and can be reached by calling (714) 655-1627. For more information visit https://www.malakaisparks.com/ or email Malakai@TMSG.Me.

Related link: https://www.malakaisparks.com/

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Business, Free News Articles, Regional Events

The Global Leadership Summit 2021 Broadcasts LIVE on August 5-6 to 650+ host sites across the U.S. and Online

SOUTH BARRINGTON, Ill. -- The Global Leadership Network, host of the annual Global Leadership Summit (globalleadership.org/summit), for people committed to developing their leadership skills to ignite positive transformation wherever they live and work, has announced the Global Leadership Summit on August 5-6, 2021.

The Global Leadership Summit includes 15+ world-class faculty, including Craig Groeschel, Malcolm Gladwell and Juliet Funt, and now includes the following leaders:

* Pulitzer-Prize winning investigative reporter, Charles Duhigg

* President & CEO of World Vision, Edgar Sandoval Sr.

* Founder of IT Cosmetics, Jamie Kern Lima

* Business creativity expert, Fredrik Haren

* Award-winning finance and business leader, Carla Harris

* Researcher and executive consultant, Liz Wiseman

* Leadership expert, best-selling author, Dr. Henry Cloud

"Get refreshed, recharged, fired-up, encouraged and ready to forge head to make a positive impact wherever you are," says Craig Groschel, senior pastor of Life.Church, and Champion of The Global Leadership Summit. "I believe that whether you're a business leader, CEO, pastor, teacher, nurse, student, artist, soldier, parent, doctor, volunteer, entrepreneur, or simply finding your place, you have influence and your leadership matters."

The Global Leadership Summit, the GLN's premier event of the year, will bring together hundreds of thousands of men and women across the U.S. at in-person gatherings located at 500+ host sites and interactively online via the GLS Online Experience.

The Global Leadership Network also announces the addition of a brand-new segment to its premier program, adding an additional six world-class leadership voices throughout the event in a segment titled "Leadership Shorts."

Tickets to The Global Leadership Summit in 2021 include:

* 15+ High-Impact Leadership Talks
* 6 Leadership Shorts Segments
* 2 Days of Insight, Inspiration & Entertainment
* World-class leadership training close to home
* Networking Opportunities both in-person & online
* Video-on-Demand Access of ALL faculty for 7 Days
* Opportunity to receive a Certificate of Completion

Experience two days of rich, high-impact, inspiring sessions, and learn from a diverse faculty who will share their wisdom and practical perspective to support you in your leadership growth. As learning is applied, discover what it means to thrive personally and professionally. Past attendees have reported improved productivity, job satisfaction and work quality.

Take the next step!

1. Attend The Global Leadership Summit at a location near you: GlobalLeadership.org/Summit
2. Apply what you learn at work and at home.
3. Experience growth and thrive personally and professionally.

The Global Leadership Summit is broadcast LIVE in HD on August 5-6, 2021, from the main campus outside Chicago, to both an online audience and in-person gatherings at 500+ premier host sites.

Register at http://www.globalleadership.org/summit

Global Leadership Network is created to support for people who are committed to developing their leadership skills to ignite positive transformation wherever they live and work.

Related link: https://globalleadership.org/

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Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities

Retailu Partners with One Voice One Team to Champion Youth Employment In Retail

MONTREAL, Quebec -- The current state of retail vacancies is alarming - the industry at large is facing a massive gap in part-time workers. "We have never seen this many openings for part-time workers," said April Sabral from retailu. "Even more alarming is the pool of candidates that want to work in retail post COVID. Usually, we would have students applying for their summer jobs, but unfortunately, this has not happened in 2021."

Why is this happening, and what can we do about it?

Sabral, Founder of retailu shared her thoughts, "Mental health has been seriously affected in our youth throughout the past year; virtual school, no sporting events, and a lack of routine has caused significant problems - Also, fear of catching covid and passing it along to aging parents has weighed on this population. These may be a few reasons that our normal retail first-time workers are not out there eagerly looking for a PT retail job."

If youth mental health has been affected, this may have directly impacted their confidence to go out into the workforce and pass out resumes like before.

In addition, most retailers have not yet adopted an easier way to find candidates as the youth of today's communication does not match the tech of sending in a resume and completing a lengthy application online. This process is archaic at best.

Something has to be done said Sabral. This is where retailu, in partnership with One Voice One Team, have stepped up to solve this pressing problem.

Orlando Bowen, Founder of a charitable youth leadership development organization, said we felt it was paramount that we created something where youth were able to see possibilities and develop skills that will allow them to succeed in work and life, while offering retailers the opportunity to fill employment gaps within their companies.

One Voice One Team, a nonprofit organization, has been running programs for nearly two decades. Get Yo' Life is a program that focuses on helping students learn how to become employable and keep a job. When April Sabral, founder of retailu, met the team from OVOT late in 2020, she knew there had to be something they could do together to help youth gain their first job in a retail store.

Bowen, founder of OVOT, shared that youth who complete the "Get Yo' Life" program will walk away with valuable key principles like resiliency skills, prioritization skills and authentic leadership skills that will not just position them to secure an internship, but it will also position them to find success in developing a clear career path in life.

Sabral is an advocate for retail being a great career, and shares her story of how she started as a PT sales associate after high school, "It was an easy job to get, and one that I learned life skills in" in her book 'The Positive Effect" and after 25 years of leading in retailers like Banana Republic, Starbucks, Apple and finally as the Vice President of DAVIDsTEA a loved tea shop in Canada she is an advocate for retail being a real career. "I never thought it would be, but after traveling the world and working for mega brands, I can tell you that retail is an amazing career."

Retailu has partnered with OVOT to create the only retail training program for young people to get their first job in the retail industry. The Get Yo' Life program, along with a retailu "How to ACE your first retail job and keep it," is an opportunity for retailers to sponsor kids through the program and offer them an internship at the other side, helping the retailer find their potential workforce.

The retailu program features retail industry leaders, such as Ron Thurston, former VP of Intermix; Solange Strom, former CEO and Founder of L'Occitane in Canada; Meghan Houle, Executive recruiter and Darlene Huf, Former Country manager for a brand like David's Bridal and Disney who offer solid advice to these youth through a masterclass style online on-demand course.

The first retailer to get involved in sponsoring a Get Yo' Life retail internship is Ardene, a North American fast fashion brand with over 300 stores across Canada and the East Coast US.

In addition to its head-to-toe offering of apparel, footwear and accessories for women and men, Ardene's corporate culture has become known for its impressive mental health advocacy in recent years. In 2018, in the days before COVID, Ardene launched its first mindfulness program for stores in partnership with Brain Spa, an innovative organization that seeks to bring mindfulness-based leadership to the workplace. The program, called "Mindful Moments" has since grown significantly to include a suite of mental health and mindfulness trainings companywide, in partnership with the likes of LifeWorks and others. Most recently, the company named its Head of People and Culture, Fil D'Urbano, as Chief Mindfulness Officer, and is a 2021 nominee for the Retail Council of Canada's Excellence in Retailing Award for its Mindfulness programs.

"With 40 years of experience in the retail market, Ardene is no stranger to evolving alongside and supporting young people," said an Ardene representative. "But with so many changes brought on by COVID, and with rising mental health issues, we know that more needs to be done."

The first cohort of approximately 45 youth in Ontario is being sponsored through the Get Yo' Life program now, and once completed, selected participants will be offered a chance at an internship at an Ardene store. "We have partnered with OVOT and retailu on the Get Yo' Life program because we have always had a culture of giving back. Helping build life skills such as goal setting, adaptability, mindfulness, and gratitude are all aligned with our values, and we are proud to support the OVOT team and retailu as they make this a reality for young people across Canada."

These youth are so excited and can't wait to start their potential first job with Ardene, a well-loved brand by this demographic. Together retailu, OVOT and Ardene are paving the way for what could be a way to empower youth, fill vacancies, and help a pressing issue that seems to have hit retail post COVID.

Retailers interested in sponsoring this program should get in touch with retailu at info@retailu.ca

LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Program details retailu: https://retailu.ca/youth-employement-program/

OVOT link: https://onevoiceoneteam.org/

Ardene: https://www.ardene.com/

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:

April Sabral

april@retailu.ca

Phone 305-965-1023

Editorial note: the 'retailu' brand name is all lower case.

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