Business, Free News Articles, Manufacturing, NonProfit and Charities

American Gem Society (AGS) Accepting RFPs for Breakout Speakers at Conclave 2020

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- The American Gem Society (AGS) is now accepting Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to present at the annual Conclave in Denver, Colorado, April 27-29, 2020.

The AGS is looking for presenters on a variety of topics:
* Appraising
* Business management
* Ethics
* Gemology
* Human resources
* In-store events
* Retail Innovation
* Marketing and sales
* Security
* Sourcing
* Succession planning
* Sustainability
* Technology
* Watches

The AGS plans to incorporate into its program, panel discussions, insider insights, sessions for varying educational levels (i.e. beginner, intermediate, advanced), and hands-on classes. AGS is seeking to incorporate timely topics on issues relevant to the jewelry industry, such as blockchain, laboratory-created diamonds, retail innovation, and consumer buying behaviors.

"Conclave is a continued success because of the diverse range of topics offered. It's a core strength of our program and has helped make it the most trusted source of information on gemology and business in our industry," said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of AGS and AGS Laboratories. "We take active measures to preserve this diversity, because it enriches the learning experience for our attendees."

RFPs can be completed online at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Conclave2020RFP.

Please submit your speaker Request for Proposal by August 9, 2019. Each submission will be reviewed and you will be notified by November 29, 2019 on the status of your submission. If you have any questions, contact Alethea Inns, CGA, Director of Gemology and Education at ainns@ags.org. Please note, RFPs submitted after the deadline will not be considered for inclusion into Conclave 2020. To be considered as a presenter for Conclave 2020, an RFP is required.

About the American Gem Society:

The American Gem Society, founded in 1934 by Robert M. Shipley, is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to proven ethics, knowledge, and consumer protection within the jewelry industry. The American Gem Society is a professional organization awarding credentials for its members, who are held to the highest ethical and professional standards in the industry and must pass annual recertification examinations to maintain their titles. Less than one in twenty jewelers in the country have chosen to meet the exacting standards necessary for membership. Learn more: https://www.americangemsociety.org/

Event website: https://www.americangemsociety.org/BlankCustom.asp?page=conclave2020-home

Facebook: AmericanGemSociety1934
Instagram: @AmericanGemSociety
Twitter: @AmerGemSociety

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Advertising and Marketing, Awards and Honors, Business, Free News Articles

Whiteflash Named 2019 BBB Winner of Distinction

HOUSTON, Texas -- Whiteflash Inc., top tier retailer of ideal diamonds and fine bridal jewelry, has once again been honored by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for excellence in quality control, customer satisfaction, and community service with the 2019 Winner of Distinction Award.

Winners are chosen from among all the retail jewelers in the greater Houston area, the fourth largest market in America. Whiteflash maintains an A+ rating has been awarded honors from the BBB every year since 2004.

The BBB awards competition evaluates businesses on a comprehensive list of performance standards including customer care, product quality, consumer education, innovation, integrity, and community service. Whiteflash received the accolade for an outstanding record of customer care as reflected in the thousands of Whiteflash reviews found on independent third party review sites such as Google, Yelp and iVouch from customers all over the world.

Specializing in precision cut diamonds and designer brand engagement rings, Whiteflash combines a well-earned reputation for exceptional customer care with products and services that are recognized both domestically and internationally as the "best of the best". A CUT ABOVE(R) super ideal diamonds, available exclusively at Whiteflash, are considered among the finest diamonds in the market featuring proven light performance and exceptional beauty.

As members of the American Gem Society, an organization dedicated to consumer protection and education, Whiteflash keeps a laser focus on the customer experience. As one of the only retail jewelers certified for ISO 9001 Quality Management, Whiteflash is a core values driven company with a customer-centric philosophy. The company is compulsive about the quality of its products as well as the extensive information, education, expert guidance, and above all, customer care that it provides.

Whiteflash CEO Debi Wexler had this to say about winning the award. "I am extremely proud of our team for once again being recognized for excellence by the BBB. Our mantra is to 'deliver a brilliant experience,' and we have always been fully dedicated to that mission."

Added Eliezer Eber, Whiteflash COO, "More than anything else I think the 15 years of consecutive BBB awards speaks to the consistency of quality that has earned Whiteflash such a stellar reputation. The core values that drive our team are very much part of our company DNA, and for that I am very grateful."

In addition to the international reach of a robust e-commerce site, the Whiteflash retail jewelry store in Sugar Land serves a growing local clientele in the Greater Houston area. Customers can shop top quality diamonds and a full line of engagement rings and fine jewelry from top brands including Tacori, Verragio, and Simon G, Ritani, A. Jaffe, and Vatche while receiving pressure-free guidance from the Whiteflash team of GIA and AGS trained gemologists and jewelry professionals.

About Whiteflash:

Whiteflash is a top tier retail jeweler specializing in Ideal Diamonds, Designer Engagement Rings and Fine Bridal Jewelry. Their A CUT ABOVE(R) Super Ideal Diamonds are considered by trade experts and diamond connoisseurs to be among the finest in the world.

The award winning Whiteflash.com website, described by Kiplinger's Magazine as the 'Lord of the Online Rings" enables shoppers the world over to view, compare and purchase top quality diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry in a convenient, secure and information rich environment.

Whiteflash is the first jewelry retailer in the world to attain ISO 9000 certification for total quality management and welcome visitors to their Houston jewelry showroom located in the upscale community of Sugar Land, Texas. Whiteflash is a proud member of the American Gem Society.

For more information, log onto https://www.whiteflash.com/ or call toll free 877-612-6770.

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Advertising and Marketing, Business, Free News Articles

Empire’s Natural Woman Brand Proves Big Draw

MIAMI, Fla. -- In today's society, women love the feeling of beauty, they simply love it! Let's take a look at a few channels of beauty; women use cosmetics, hair styles, fragrances, clothing and various accessories. Keeping these beauty channels in mind, there is also natural beauty. This beauty comes by way of the Natural Woman. The women's beauty industry is a mega billion-dollar juggernaut that blankets today's modern world as we know it. Empire License, Inc., an apparel brand licensing company in Miami, Florida, specializes in the licensing of their own trademarks and brands.

The company recently secured the trademark rights to the name/brand 'Natural Woman' a full line of apparel just for her (underwear, swimwear, lingerie, everyday apparel, sportswear, casual and formal). "We are all very excited about this brand," says Ashley Williams, company VP and COO.

"The name lends itself very well for a line of clothing of this type, the attraction is omnibus to all women, nationalities and ages. For the target market demographic of females ages 15 to 65," adds Williams. "This is it."

"The companies chosen to market the Natural Woman brand will benefit in a myriad of ways. The Natural Woman brand was created with the thoughts of it being the ultimate brand for the female consumer, today and tomorrow. What comes with the brand are the sexy styles, designs and fabrics. When she wears the brand she will feel and know she's wearing it. She will walk different, have a sparkle in her eye, she will feel sexy, in control, feeling vibrant and alive! Now she knows that she is a Natural Woman," says Williams.

In the year 1967 the late Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin released her hit song (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman. The song is just as popular now world-wide as it was upon its original release. The song is an anthem for all women throughout the world. Currently, there is no relation between the Empire company and the current song copyright owners (which may change in the future).

The dilemma is, one of the largest companies in the apparel industry is in talks with Empire, expressing their interest in buying the brand, giving them exclusive rights. This is why the company has held off talks with smaller companies interested in the licensing of the brand.

"We would like to apologize to the companies waiting for our response, we should have things worked out either way very soon and will contact you. Meanwhile, we appreciate your communications and interest in working with us and the Natural Woman brand," adds Williams.

For more information and contacts, visit https://www.empirelicense.com/

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Advertising and Marketing, Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Product Launches

Talon, The Original Zipper, Celebrates National Zipper Day with a Revolutionary Proprietary Zipper Launch – The Character Zip

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- As a celebration of National Zipper Day, The World's Original Zipper Company is poised to disrupt the apparel and accessory market with its latest invention and add another reason to celebrate the day that changed our lives forever. Talon International Inc. is excited to unveil a revolutionary zipper to the industry. This one-of-a-kind product was designed with the cutting-edge technology you have come to expect from the company that invented the zipper.

Introducing the Character Zip. The next gen in zippers. A sophisticated, yet powerful way for consumers to display brand loyalty. A new concept for kids to show-off their favorite animated characters, fans to indulge in their sports obsessions and a fresh way to flaunt bling on a garment. And that is just the beginning...

The proprietary design of the Character Zip makes it easy to use. The traditional zipper pull is replaced with an intuitively engineered mechanism that meets all the strength and compliance requirements but functions differently than a standard zipper.

What makes the Character Zip so unique? The zipper pull is crafted in the shape of a character. From a beloved superhero, to a favorite sports team, to the shape of a heart. Picture your favorite Disney Avengers character, a popular emoji, a top NFL Draft player Jersey, or your corporate logo. The possibilities are endless. Now an inspired way to get fresh branding on a zipper, this groundbreaking product has huge market potential for toy licensing, character licensing, sports marketing and creating brand awareness in general.

Application wise...anywhere an existing zipper is used is an opportunity for Character Zip. This fresh construction can be applied to clothing such as, jackets and zip-up sweatshirts, bags and backpacks.

This is a breakthrough idea for a new customer experience and an excellent opportunity for brands to showcase their properties. We KNOW the massive appeal of Character Zip will activate the best minds in the biz to rise up with us for blockbuster success. Be the first to market with this state-of-the-art product.

*Due to the uniqueness of their creation, Talon International Inc. has protected this innovation with the appropriate patents and all other intellectual property.

For more information on Character Zips, see their website https://taloninternational.com/characterzippers/

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Advertising and Marketing, Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Product Launches, Sports and Activities

Sergio Tacchini Partners with GMI USA for Distribution of the Brand in the USA

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Sergio Tacchini ("ST") officially announces a strategic partnership with GMI USA that will have the exclusive rights for ST apparel and shoes in the United States. The agreement is very important for the Italian sportswear brand who has now a professional partner for the distribution of the brand in the U.S.

"Historically USA for Sergio Tacchini has been such an iconic market; the brand won 12 U.S. Open titles with Nastase, John McEnroe and Novak Djokovic; McEnroe has been our brand ambassador for many years all over the world," said Patrizia Bolzoni, General Manger Sergio Tacchini. "We are very excited about the signature of the license agreement with GMI; finally, we are reaching out again to our USA consumers and able to provide a full service to them."

The first collection to launch through GMI will be the SS19 collection, which is composed by a tennis collection, an Archivio collection including original pieces from the historical archive of the brand that are faithfully reproduced with the same graphics, colors and cuts and an elevated special edition called STLA sold exclusively on the U.S. website: https://www.sergiotacchini.com/us_en/.

"We are honoured to bring back in USA such an iconic, heritage and quality brand for elite sports and classic lifestyle as Sergio Tacchini; we see an opportunity and we are ready take the challenge being aware of the highly competitive landscape in one of the largest category in the U.S. marketplace," said Stefano Maroni, President of GMI USA.

About Sergio Tacchini:

Sergio Tacchini, a world known Italian sportswear brand, was established in 1966 by the Italian tennis player Sergio Tacchini. During the years, the brand's name became synonymous with Italian style and elegance and the clothing gained international recognition through celebrity endorsements from some of the greatest tennis champions of all time: John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Vitas Gerulaitis, Mats Wilander, Gabriela Sabatini, Pete Sampras, Pat Cash, Martina Hingis and Novak Djokovic, with whom the brand has reached 37 Grand Slam victories.

Today the brand remains a leader in distinctive sportswear, with its authenticity coming from its tennis DNA for discerning consumers seeking to unite elegance with an active lifestyle. The brand is official technical sponsor of Rolex Monte-Carlo Master tennis tournament. Learn more at: https://www.sergiotacchini.com/.

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Business, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities, Product Launches

Michigan Non-profit ‘I Give a Shirt’ is Helping End Homelessness One Shirt at a Time

LINDEN, Mich. -- When Michigan non-profit I Give a Shirt, Inc. launched their cause apparel campaign on March 1, the countdown began to when their homeless awareness t-shirts would be gone forever. I Give a Shirt features a different limited-edition t-shirt design each month, with all proceeds supporting a different cause. In their newly-launched March campaign, the important cause they are taking on is homelessness.

"If you realized that on any given night in the United States, more than half a million people experience homelessness, would that inspire you to Give a Shirt?" asked Paul Schneider, founder and "Chief Shirt Giver" of I Give a Shirt, Inc.

I Give a Shirt has partnered with homeless shelters in select Michigan counties, including Genesee, Kent, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne, with all local purchases going to a homeless shelter in their county. Shirts that are purchased outside of these counties (that represent approximately 50 percent of the Michigan population) benefit HandUp, a non-profit who works with over 100 different partners in 23 States to help homeless service agencies and struggling individuals meet their basic needs. Learn more about HandUp at: https://handup.org/.

Schneider explains that not only does $18 of each shirt ordered go to directly support these shelters, the production of the shirts themselves help to create dignified jobs and have a lower impact on the environment. The shirts are made for a Living Wage in Haiti, which changes the pattern of exploitative manufacturing in the garment industry. Environmentally, the shirts require 70 percent less water to be produced than a conventional shirt and they each contain 6 recycled water bottles.

I Give a Shirt has built a network of awareness partners, which include retail stores, online Ambassadors, and other causes.

"These are the softest, most impactful shirt you'll ever wear," concluded Schneider, "Supporters can help impact the lives of our homeless neighbors by contributing to our March campaign, or choose to become a subscriber and experience the gift of giving back to an exciting cause each month."

More information: https://giveashirtshop.org.

About I Give a Shirt:

I Give a Shirt is a monthly movement that increases awareness for worthy causes and empowers a culture to wear their hearts on their sleeve. Each monthly campaign features a limited-edition, cause-driven shirt, with all proceeds helping fund the cause's mission. I Give a Shirt, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) tax exempt non-profit. To learn more visit https://giveashirtshop.org/.

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Advertising and Marketing, Business, Free News Articles, Product Launches

Brand Licensing – Build Your Brand Empire

MIAMI, Fla. -- Empire License, Inc., owners of a wide variety of trademarks/brands, are proud to announce the launch of their new apparel and more licensing agency, located in Miami, Fla.

"Whether you have apparel, paper products or various related accessories, we have a diversified portfolio of trademarks available to choose from. You can select which brands would fulfill the needs of your company," says E. Lamarr Williams, company President and CEO. "Having the right names/brands will give your company the right leverage needed to compete against competitors at a higher level."

A few of the company brands for licensing are: Natural Woman, a line of clothing, shoes and accessories for women; Skin-Tite, athletic wear, leggings, activewear; and Pro Day, athletic wear, shoes and accessories.

"These names-brands speak for themselves, especially the names for the ladies," says Williams. Again, these are only a few of the trademarks and brands available, for full list visit the company website.

"If your company sales are not where they should be and you would like to stimulate sales, growth and market share, now is the time to take advantage of the opportunity of brand licensing. Instead of sticking with brands that are not getting the job done, come aboard to Empire Licensing, increase sales, margins and company exposure," adds Williams.

The global sports apparel market which includes women's activewear is set to grow to $178 billion this year. There is still plenty of room for new players and brands.

For more information contact Empire License at 1-888-714-3577 or visit their website: https://www.empirelicense.com/ Email: info@empirelicense.com

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Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Ophthalmology and Vision

EyeBuyDirect Introduces Limited 2018 Holiday Colors for Most Popular Frames

AUSTIN, Texas -- EyeBuyDirect, the fastest growing online retailer of prescription glasses, today released new festive colors for three of their most popular frames, just in time for the holiday season. These new colors will be in a very limited stock and only available from December 3-7, or until they sell out.

Inspired by the ornaments on a Christmas tree, the shiny and bright frames in the collection will be available in metallic colors that complement the warmth of the holiday season. The classic Cupertino, $32, for example, currently only available in black, features a basic metal frame and a metal finish throughout with perfectly rounded lenses. It will soon be available in Frost Blue, Pistachio Green and Rose Gold. The sophisticated Daydream frame, $30, now available in black, silver and brown/golden, offers a stylish full-rim frame.

This holiday season, it will also come in Pistachio Green, Rose Gold and in a standout Cinnamon Red. EyeBuyDirect's trendy and best-selling St Michel frame, $32, which already comes in a variety of colors, will soon include a festive Frost Blue, Rose Gold and a sparkling Starlight Yellow, as well.

"Many of our customers are loyal to a particular frame, but they still enjoy trying new looks and trends," said Caroline Dubreuil, brand and product manager at EyeBuyDirect. "These new colors have been added to the product line to provide more design options for our customers while adding instant, edgy style boosts to some of our most popular frames."

With frames starting at just $6, EyeBuyDirect allows wearers to curate their own fashion eyewear collection. All EyeBuyDirect frames are available for prescription, non-prescription and digital screen protection lenses, affording individuals the ability to customize glasses for their specific eyesight needs. The online experience also includes a virtual try-on feature for satisfaction-guaranteed shopping.

In addition, EyeBuyDirect's Buy 1 Give 1 program directly supports Vision for Life, a social impact organization giving access to vision care to the most underserved communities worldwide. For every order placed, one pair of glasses will be donated. For more information, visit: https://www.eyebuydirect.com/buy-one-give-one.

About EyeBuyDirect:

EyeBuyDirect is a one-stop online optical shop for contemporary men's and women's eyeglasses and sunglasses. Established in 2006, the brand champions bold style choices so customers can see the world in a whole new way and change how the world sees them. To provide customers with over 1,000 affordable frames, EyeBuyDirect conducts the entire process from concept, design to manufacturing. Part of the Essilor Group, the largest manufacturer of lenses in the world, EyeBuyDirect offers fashionable frames starting at just $6.

Learn more at https://www.eyebuydirect.com/ and follow their social channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Business, Free News Articles, Ophthalmology and Vision, Product Launches

EyeBuyDirect Launches New Line of RFLKT Glasses – Premium Winter Eyewear

AUSTIN, Texas -- EyeBuyDirect today announced a new line of RFLKT glasses designed with the winter months in the forefront. New styles released include Planete, Illusion, Resonance, Luminous and Era, and will be available starting November 12. The five new frames in EyeBuyDirect's premium line reflect the best winter has to offer when it comes to colors - clear blue, pink golden and brown striped.

RFLKT is known for its minimalist design, featuring unassuming patterns, duel tones and pure, solid hues. The new styles fall directly within these lines, adding to an already extensive collection of frames. All RFLKT eyewear is handmade from premium cellulose Italian acetate, stainless steel or wood.

"We often think of scarves, boots and jackets when it comes to winter fashion, but glasses can have a real impact on the look of the season," said Caroline Dubreuil, brand and product manager at EyeBuyDirect. "This new collection of frames in the RFLKT line is not only incredibly durable, but it also has a softness that really elevates the look of anyone wearing them. We're excited to get these out the door and for people to embrace these new looks."

Prices for the new RFLKT line products range from $55-$70, and include the frames, lenses and a case with every order. With high-quality frames at affordable prices, EyeBuyDirect allows wearers to curate their own fashion eyewear collection.

All EyeBuyDirect frames are available for prescription, non-prescription and digital screen protection lenses, affording individuals the ability to customize glasses for their specific eyesight needs. The online experience also includes a virtual try-on feature for satisfaction-guaranteed shopping.

For more information, visit: https://www.eyebuydirect.com/rflkt.

About EyeBuyDirect:

EyeBuyDirect is a one-stop online optical shop for contemporary men's and women's eyeglasses and sunglasses. Established in 2006, the brand champions bold style choices so customers can see the world in a whole new way and change how the world sees them. To provide customers with over 1,000 affordable frames, EyeBuyDirect conducts the entire process from concept, design to manufacturing. Part of the Essilor Group, the largest manufacturer of lenses in the world, EyeBuyDirect offers fashionable frames starting at just $6. Through their Buy1Give1 program, a pair of eyeglasses is donated to someone in need for every order placed.

Learn more at https://www.eyebuydirect.com/ and follow their social channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Business, Electronics, Free News Articles, Ophthalmology and Vision, Product Launches

The future in your eyes is now: Lucyd Loud, the latest technology in smart glasses

MIAMI, Fla. -- Answer and control phone calls, text via voice, listen to music, receive notifications and access WhatsApp without the need to take your smartphone out of your pocket, and still be able to hear the world around you. Say hello to Lucyd Loud (https://www.lucyd.co/). Lucyd(R) Loud is innovative and useful prescription-compatible Bluetooth smart glasses.

Traditional headphones send sound through your eardrums; Lucyd Loud uses bone conduction technology to deliver clear, open-ear sound to the wearer and brings the functions of a Bluetooth headset to great looking, fashionable eyewear outfitted with any prescription. Moreover, with the latest iPhone and Samsung smartphone models, you may also use voice commands to trigger specific functions through your smartphone assistant e.g., Siri.

Singapore-based Lucyd PTE LTD recently launched Lucyd Loud. "The mission of Lucyd is to upgrade your eyewear, with the style and technology that fits you perfectly," said Lucyd co-founder, Harrison Gross.

Recognizing the importance of an in-house optometrist, Lucyd has the scientific advice of Dr. Ira Clement who has over 40 years of experience in the practice of optometry. He has served as Past-President, Westchester-Rockland-Putnam Optometric Society, and is a current member of the New York State and American Optometric Associations. Dr. Clement is available to answer customer questions regarding eye health and wellness.

An eShop to provide the latest and greatest:

To deliver their Lucyd Loud frames, the company launched an eShop that features cutting-edge spectacles and trendy Smart-glasses. The Lucyd platform makes it easy for anyone to acquire the most advanced prescription eyewear available. The eShop have a number of unique benefits over other eyewear shops, including: prompt, free FedEx delivery, advanced eyewear such as Bluetooth "soundglasses" available with any prescription, nearly indestructible Turboflex(R) frames, a sophisticated yet easy to use virtual try-on app, free consultation with an experienced in-house optometrist, who is on hand to answer questions about eye care, the ability to purchase smart-glasses with cryptocurrency in addition to USD and a planned loyalty program based on Lucyd's LCD token.

Lucyd Loud and all their other innovative spectacles, can be obtained throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Just recently, Lucyd formed an alliance with a Brazilian optical retailer to accelerate distribution of Lucyd products in Latin America. Lucyd is becoming the new force in the industry for individuals seeking to upgrade their eyewear.

Can your prescription glasses do this? https://youtu.be/QvSsDXTddAU

To learn more about Lucyd Loud, and the LUCYD LOVE PROGRAM please visit: https://www.lucyd.co/

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