Awards and Honors, Business, Free News Articles

Whiteflash Named 2021 BBB Pinnacle Award Winner

HOUSTON, Texas -- For the second year in a row, and for an unprecedented 5 out of the last 10 years, Whiteflash Ideal Diamonds and Fine Jewelry has been named winner of the prestigious Better Business Bureau 2021 Pinnacle Award - the BBB's top honor for excellence in quality control, customer care, and social responsibility. The annual competition involves the finest retail jewelers from all across the Greater Houston area, the fourth largest market in America.

Whiteflash has been a BBB Winner of Distinction every year since 2004, maintaining an unbroken A+ rating with the BBB. The annual awards competition evaluates businesses on a comprehensive set of performance standards including product quality, customer care, consumer education, innovation, integrity, and social responsibility. With the 2021 Pinnacle award Whiteflash has been once again recognized as "Best in Class" and a market leader among the many well established fine jewelers in the Greater Houston Area.

Having launched in the year 2000, Whiteflash has been at the forefront of jewelry companies born into the information age. In addition to their world-class A CUT ABOVE® brand of super ideal diamonds, Whiteflash offers two other categories of precision cut AGS Ideal and GIA Excellent diamonds, all of which are in-house and available exclusively at Whiteflash. All are posted to their state-of-the-art responsive website with a full complement of diagnostics and advanced light performance imaging.

In addition to their deep inventory of precision cut certified diamonds Whiteflash is also an authorized distributor for some of America's finest bridal designers including Tacori, Verragio, Simon G, A. Jaffe, Ritani, Vatche and Benchmark, providing an extensive selection of top quality brand name diamond engagement rings.

Reached for comment on winning the BBB 2021 Pinnacle Award Whiteflash COO Eliezer Eber remarked, "Overcoming the challenges of a pandemic, with its supply chain disruptions and staffing shortages, makes being chosen for the BBB Pinnacle Award especially gratifying. It is a true reflection of the character and adaptability of our team, the resiliency of our business model, and a tribute to our laser focus on the customer experience."

Having been awarded the 2021 BBB Pinnacle once again validates the company's core value driven philosophy and devotion to best practices. Whiteflash is a member of the American Gem Society, an organization dedicated to consumer education and protection. They are also one of the few retail jewelers in the world certified for ISO9000 quality management. And a laser focus on the customer experience has resulted in a huge number of 5 star reviews at independent review sites like Google Reviews and Yelp.

In the words of Whiteflash CEO Debi Wexler, "I am so proud of our team for once again being recognized by the BBB as 'best in class'. The Greater Houston area is home to some of the finest jewelers in America, and to receive the BBB Pinnacle is a humbling accomplishment, and one that is extremely motivating for the Whiteflash team."

About Whiteflash:

Whiteflash is a top tier retail jeweler specializing in Ideal Diamonds, Designer Engagement Rings and Fine Bridal Jewelry. Their A CUT ABOVE® 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 loose 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 9001 certification for total quality management and welcomes visitors to their showroom located in the upscale Houston area 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.

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.whiteflash.com/a-cut-above-diamonds/

https://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/designer-rings.aspx

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

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Business, Facilities and Building Maintenance, Free News Articles

System4 Territory Expansion into Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- System4 Facility Services Management, an industry leader in facility management solutions that specializes in customized commercial cleaning, disinfection and repair and maintenance services announced a territory expansion into Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey.

"Expanding our Franchise network by establishing a new office in Mount Laurel is a great step forward to providing service in southern New Jersey and surrounding area. System4's footprint across the country is greatly complemented by the addition in this excellent market. We feel it is another milestone that further enhances the ability of System4 franchise to provide complete nationwide coverage," said Scott Kubec, Chief Operating Officer, System4 Facility Services Management.

Local business owners, facility managers and business leaders throughout the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey area will now have access to a single point of contact for all facility service needs. System4 of Southern New Jersey specializes in creating customized commercial cleaning, disinfection and repair and maintenance solutions that fit the unique needs of any type or size business. Whether a school, office building, medical office or outpatient surgery center, System4 of Philadelphia and System4 of Southern New Jersey have you covered!

On October 1, 2021, Alex Wilson assumed ownership of the System4 of Philadelphia and System4 of Southern New Jersey markets. The System4 of Southern New Jersey office is located at 309 Fellowship Road, East Gate Center, Suite 200, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054, and the System4 of Philadelphia office is located at 630 Freedom Business Center Drive, Suite 300, King of Prussia, PA 19406.

"Acquiring the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey region greatly increases our ability to successfully serve the tri-state area. It matches up perfectly with the Delaware market that we currently cover. Multi-location customers that span the region will now have a local one-stop partner for all facility management service needs. Our team is excited about the expansion, and we look forward to partnering with more customers," said Alex Wilson, Owner of System4 Philadelphia, Delaware and Southern New Jersey.

About System4

Founded in 2012, System4 Facility Services Management has become an industry leader in commercial cleaning, disinfection and repair and maintenance. With more than 65 locations nationally, System4 manages that interior and exterior of any size or type facility. As a business's one point of contact for all facility service needs, System4 simplifies processes for business owners, operators, and management by saving time, reducing complexity and overall costs.

Contact System4 of Southern New Jersey at 856-444-8890 or info.snj@system4.com or System4 of Philadelphia at 610-341-0310 or info.phi@system4.com to discuss customized facility services solutions.

To learn more visit: https://system4.com/

LinkedIn.com: https://www.linkedin.com/company/system4-llc/

Related link: https://system4.com/

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Business, Free News Articles

Vallejo Wash N Dry’s Wash For A Cause Wednesday Supports Vallejo’s Cooper Elementary School – Fundraising For Student Reading Materials

VALLEJO, Calif. -- Vallejo Wash N Dry, a local leading laundromat, is hosting Wash For A Cause Wednesday to raise funds for Cooper Elementary School in Vallejo. The event will be held on October 27, 2021 from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the laundromat. Fifty percent of proceeds from ALL machines used to wash or dry clothes during the event will go towards the fundraiser. The event is open to the public, no registration to attend is necessary.

Wash For A Cause Wednesday is a monthly event held by the Vallejo Wash N Dry in an effort to support and give back to the local community. The laundromat partners with schools and other educational organizations to help raise funds to improve the lives of families in Vallejo.

"We are proud to be part of the Vallejo community, giving back and serving our community is important to us," said owner, Bryan Maxwell.

This month's fundraising partner is Johnston Cooper Elementary School, a unique school located in the heart of Vallejo, California. Established in 1953 Cooper has seen several generations of Vallejo families attend the school and graduate from Vallejo High School.

"Since the theme of the event is reading, we have invited the Solano County Library system to join us at the event," adds Maxwell. Library representatives will help local families sign up for library cards and discuss the many programs and resources the library offers to residents of Vallejo.

More information: https://vallejowashndry.com/wash-for-a-cause/

About Vallejo Wash N Dry:

Vallejo Wash N Dry is a newly renovated laundromat located at 4300 Sonoma Blvd. #764 in Vallejo, California. The facility offers new large, energy efficient washers and reversing dryers. The laundromat is fully attended and air-conditioned. The upgrades to the store have made it one of the premier laundromats in the area. Giving back to the local community is a priority and the Wash For A Cause Wednesday fundraising program is hosted at the laundromat on a monthly basis.

Related link: https://vallejowashndry.com/

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Business, Facilities and Building Maintenance, Free News Articles

System4 Franchise Partner Territory Expansion

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- System4 Facility Services Management, an industry leader in facility management solutions that specializes in creating customized commercial cleaning, disinfection and repair and maintenance solutions announced a territory expansion.

"We're excited and pleased when existing Franchise Partners want to expand their territory. It speaks to their desire and drive towards success in building a multi-million-dollar enterprise. The demand for facility management solutions continues to increase. Our unique approach and partnership with our clients is helping fuel additional growth for the whole company," said Scott Kubec, COO at System4.

Local business owners, facility managers and business leaders throughout the Washington D.C., Northern Virginia and parts of Maryland areas will continue to have access to a single point of contact for all facility service needs. System4 of Washington D.C. and Richmond, Virginia offices specialize in creating customized commercial cleaning, disinfection and repair and maintenance solutions that fit the unique needs of any type or size business. Whether a gym, school, daycare, urgent care or car dealership, System4 of Washington D.C. and Richmond, Virginia have you covered!

In August 2021, Justin Adler, Adrian Barr and Greg Gibson took over ownership of System4 of Washington D.C., which covers Northern Virginia and parts of Maryland as well as the Richmond, Virginia area. The System4 of Washington D.C. office and Northern Virginia office is located at 4711 Industry Lane, Suite 13, Frederick, Maryland and the Richmond, Virginia office is located at 4711 Beaufont Spring Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23225.

About System4

Founded in 2012, System4 Facility Services Management has become an industry leader in commercial cleaning, disinfection and repair and maintenance solutions. With more than 65 locations nationally, System4 manages interior and exterior facility services for businesses of any size or type. As a business's one point of contact for all facility service needs, System4 simplifies processes for business owners, operators, and management by saving time, reducing complexity and overall spend.

To learn more visit: https://system4.com/contact/

LinkedIn.com: https://www.linkedin.com/company/system4-llc/

Facebook.com: https://www.facebook.com/System4-105198697660671

Related link: https://system4.com/

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Business, Free News Articles

Downtown Florence’s Cottonwood to offer same products as Whole Foods

FLORENCE, Ala. -- The Shoals' favorite farm-to-table grocery store, Cottonwood Farm & Grocery, now partners with United Natural Foods (UNFI) to offer all of your niche organic and natural favorites - right around the corner.

UNFI, the same distributor who stocks Whole Foods, has already delivered their first truck to the Shoals, allowing Cottonwood customers to enjoy their big-name favorites without driving more than an hour to purchase them.

"We're always thinking about what our community wants and needs," said co-owner Brian Williamson Jr. "We don't want people having to drive to Huntsville, Nashville, or Birmingham to get their groceries when we can easily provide those goods for them."

Cottonwood Farm & Grocery is the first and only business in the Shoals to offer wholesale UNFI products - such as Annie's Homegrown, Justin's Peanut Butter, Chobani and LaCroix, among others - as well as 100 percent organic fruits and vegetables of better quality than Publix or Amish produce.

"If there's something you don't see in the store but you usually pick up on your Whole Foods run, I guarantee we can get it," Williamson said. "Why would you need to go to Trader Joe's when you've got us right around the corner?"

Since their grand opening in April, Cottonwood Farm & Grocery has offered downtown Florence fresh flowers and produce as well as humanely raised meats and dairy products. Their focus on providing farm fresh goods has bolstered community education of local versus wholesale farming, and the organic, natural offerings provided by UNFI complement that goal.

Current UNFI-provided products include:

* LaCroix Sparkling Water
* Topo Chico Sparkling Water
* WOODSTOCK Pickles
* Annie's Homegrown Mac and Cheese, Snack Mix, and Cereal
* Justin's Peanut Butter Cups
* Kettle Brand Potato Chips
* Bragg Liquid Aminos and Apple Cider Vinegar
* Near East Pilaf and Couscous
* Kind Granola Bars
* Angie's Popcorn
* Chobani Greek Yogurt
* Tubs of trail mix
* Dozens and dozens more!

Current organic fruits and vegetable selection includes:

* Broccoli slaw
* Carrots (Regular and Baby)
* Cucumbers
* Herbs (including basil, rosemary, and thyme)
* Lettuce and salad mixes
* Mushrooms
* Onions
* Mini sweet peppers
* Baby potato mix
* Tomatoes (heirloom and cherry)
* Pink Lady apples
* Bananas
* Red seedless grapes
* Peaches (white and yellow)
* Hummus (Black Bean, Roasted Red Pepper, and Regular)

For questions regarding Cottonwood Farm & Grocery, contact Brian Williamson Jr. at jr@limegroupllc.com or visit https://www.cottonwood-farm.com/.

Follow on Social at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cottonwoodfarm14/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cottonwoodfarm14

Related link: https://www.cottonwood-farm.com/

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Business, Free News Articles, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

Kiosk Industry Event News from Kiosk Manufacturer Association (KMA)

​DENVER, Colo. -- September news for the Kiosk Association. InfoComm (AVIXA) is the biggest digital signage AV show in the U.S. KMA is an official media partner. See a list of exhibitors and information. We have rated this as a "green light" for safety given the safety protocols exceed the recommended CDC guidelines.

October 27-29 is the date and yes we have free passes. Contact craig@catareno.com for more info. Samsung is main sponsor. Also Blackmagic Design and Crestron.

CREATE in Denver this October, begins 10/4 and ends 10/6. We have a limited number of free passes and also free invites to the MenuMaster Awards festivities (hundreds of restaurant leaders meet and greet, enjoying free food and drinks at Mile High). As part of CREATE you can view interactive session with Scott Deviney, CEO of Chicken Salad Chick on restaurant growth strategies. Other speakers include Blaze Pizza, Chipolte, Popeyes, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chicken Salad Chick, Bloomin Brands, Checkers & Rallys, True Food, McDonalds, Yum! Brands, Domino's Pizza, Wingstop, Wendys, Hissho Sushi, & Applebee's Grill & Bar. Contact craig@catareno.com for more info.

M-Enabling Summit in Arlington, VA -- Sachin Dev Pavithran, Executive Director U.S. Access Board will be delivering the keynote. We have a table and you can visit with Laura and Matt of Vispero. Contact craig@catareno.com for more info.

NRF in New York in January -- preparations are underway for our booth for NRF (and also NRA in Chicago)

NEWS THIS MONTH

* Learn About our Sponsors - Intel Corporation and Restaurant Kiosks

* Wayfinding Kiosks - Shoptalk Deploy Acquire Digital's Wayfinding Technology

* New For Sale Items - 24-inch Elotouch Touchscreens - Intellitouch - $300

* Product Brief - Self-Order Kiosks + Universal Tablet Enclosure by Star Micronics

* NRF 2022 Update - Health Policy - Retail Kiosk Event

* ADA Kiosk - FAR Finally Incorporates Revised Section 508

* Kiosk Accessibility - McDonald's Onboard with adding Access for Blind and Low Vision

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

* Take our Google Forms 2 minute survey and add your company to our upcoming 2022 Market Report: https://forms.gle/pEjEpfYXWyp8ZZLN9

* Vaccine Passport and Vaccine Passport kiosks

* KMA PCI EMV Credit Card Reader Update - Ingenico v6 preview

* ADA Kiosk Checklist 14 Point (Free) - https://kioskindustry.org/regulatory-checklist-for-kiosks-14-point-ada-accessibility-and-pci/

MORE INFORMATION:

For more information contact Craig Keefner, 720-324-1837 or craig@catareno.com or you can visit Kiosk Industry https://kioskindustry.org/

Related link: https://kioskindustry.org/

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Advertising and Marketing, Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles

New Yiftee White Paper ‘Coming Back Stronger’ Illustrates Communities Banding Together to Support Local Business

MENLO PARK, Calif. -- Today Yiftee published a new white paper based on its experience with more than 300 Community eGift Card programs across the country, 90% of which were started during the pandemic. The paper uses 16 short case studies to describe different chamber of commerce, main street, downtown and city programs all centered around simple digital gift cards. The case studies reflect the diversity of the communities themselves, all with the objective of helping residents and local businesses weather the pandemic storm and come back stronger.

Local partners drive creative community engagement

Community eGift Cards give people tens to hundreds of choices where to spend them while guaranteeing that the money stays local. Yiftee enables the cards, and the Company's local partners - the chambers of commerce, downtowns, main streets and city governments - come up with the creative programs to engage their communities. The "Coming Back Stronger" white paper describes diverse programs from scavenger hunts; to after-school activity programs for at-risk kids; to essential worker and employee appreciation; to large CARES Act-, American Recovery Plan- and tourism tax-funded bonus programs. There is virtually no limit on how Community Cards can be used to enhance the local economy.

Community Cards benefit the shop local movement

In most cases, these programs and Community Card sales in general represent new revenue sources to the local businesses in an area. While COVID-19 has drawn a focus on small business, the white paper shows that Community Cards are becoming entrenched in employee rewards programs, restaurant weeks, farmers markets and thoughtful everyday gifting among consumers. No doubt, some of this new downtown business would have previously gone to national brand gift cards, but much of it is from new growth in the gift card industry.

"We are excited to bring more of the $171 billion US gift card industry to Main Street shops and restaurants," said Donna Novitsky, Yiftee CEO. "The power of the Community is far greater than any one store. For example, we see 51% of Community Card holders try new places. With digital gift cards driving much of the 8-9% per year increase in US gift card sales, Community Cards are a huge growth opportunity for the shop local movement." (*Citations: see notes 1 and 2.)

The 17-page white paper covers city partnerships, designed to jumpstart pandemic recovery; unique gifting programs that generate increased revenue for local businesses; and how some groups have recruited local sponsors who have gained recognition for their generosity and community spirit.

You can download the free white paper here (PDF): https://yifteeutil.com/yiftee_coming_back_stronger.pdf

About Yiftee, Keep Local Dollars Local

Yiftee (Yiftee.com) serves more than 300 communities and 10,000 local businesses with simple, secure, point-of-sale system-independent eGift Cards that keep millions of local dollars local. The company works with Chambers of Commerce, Downtowns, Main Streets, Business Improvement Districts, city governments and other local organizations to create "Community Cards," branded for the community and redeemable at 10s to 100s of local businesses. Organizations and individuals purchase them online and send them via email, text or print to friends, family and co-workers to support their local businesses.

There is no cost to the organizers or merchants for the program and it can be set up in just a few days. Yiftee also provides custom-branded cards for individual merchants, franchises, and chains.

More info at https://yiftee.com/, email: sales@yiftee.com, Twitter: @Yiftee, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yiftee/.

Works Cited:

[*Note 1] ResearchAndMarkets.com. (January 2021). The "United States Gift Card and Incentive Card Market Intelligence and Future Growth Dynamics (Databook) - Spend Analysis by Digital / e-Gift Card, Retail and Corporate Consumers, Top Retailers, Distribution Channel, Occasions, and Demographics. Dublin, Ireland: ResearchAndMarkets.com.

[*Note 2] Claremont Consulting Group Survey of Yiftee Customers. (April, 2021). Customer and Community Analysis and Recommendations. Claremont, CA: Yiftee, Inc.

MULTIMEDIA:

*Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0831s2p-yiftee-wpaper-300dpi.jpg

*Caption: New Yiftee white paper "Coming Back Stronger" illustrates many creative Community eGift Card programs led by local organizations to help their small businesses thrive.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Donna Novitsky, CEO, Yiftee.com

donna@yiftee.com 650-533-0938

Related link: https://yiftee.com/

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Business, Free News Articles, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

Kiosk Manufacturer Association August Updates: Vaccine Kiosks, Tradeshows and ADA News

DENVER, Colo. -- August news for the Kiosk Association. KMA Kiosk Association is pleased to announce new Co-Chairmen of ADA Committee along with trade show info and vaccine passport kiosk information.

Trade Shows are back

* KMA is now an official media partner for InfoComm (AVIXA) and the biggest digital signage AV show in the fall. See a list of exhibitors and information including the highly anticipated Digital Mixer.

* CREATE in Denver this October. We have a limited number of free passes to CREATE as well as free invites to the MenuMaster Awards festivities (hundreds of restaurant leaders meet and greet, enjoying free food and drinks at Mile High). As part of CREATE you can view interactive session with Scott Deviney, CEO of Chicken Salad Chick on restaurant growth strategies

* Preparations for NRF in NY and NRA in Chicago in progress

KMA also announces new ADA and Accessibility Co-Chairs

* Peter Jarvis and Nicky Shaw of Storm Interface are our new Co-Chairpersons

* James Kruper of KioWare is our Vice-Chair

* As Co-Chairs, Nicky and Peter intend to expand committee members from within the disabled communities and their representative organizations. They request representation from both hardware and software manufacturers. Invitations will be extended to legal practitioners working in disability rights. It is considered essential that the kiosk industry be recognized by legislators as an important part of the solution and not the cause of the problem. The KMA Accessibility Committee will propose that consultation with representatives from the kiosk and self-service sectors should be an essential part of any new mandating or legislative process.

* For a full list of participants and committee members visit https://kma.global/about/

* To request more information contact Craig Keefner, 720-324-1837 or craig@catareno.com

To conclude we have started a rolling post on Vaccination passport kiosks. Both for the US and International (EUDCC). Federal jurisdictions like air travel are first (CLEAR has already implemented). Google released API covering segments such as Kaiser, Zoom, Office365 and many more. Units are beginning to emerge from China and priced at less than $1000 though not yet listed on Alibaba. Both guests and employees are affected with imminent FDA approval and local laws (Key to NYC Pass -- they are the new rules for NYC). McDonalds has mandated for all employees.

For more information contact Craig Keefner, 720-324-1837 or craig@catareno.com or you can visit Kiosk industry at: https://kioskindustry.org/.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0315s2p-kioskma-300dpi.jpg

Related link: https://kioskindustry.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.

MULTIMEDIA:

LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0729s2p-retailu-logo-300dpi.jpg

Related link: https://www.retailu.ca/

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Business, Free News Articles, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

Kiosk Association Exhibiting at Major Retail and Restaurant Events: NRF Retail Converge and NRN CREATE

DENVER, Colo. -- The Unattended Self-Service and Kiosk Association is participating in two major upcoming events for Retail and Restaurants in the next week - NRF Retail Converge and CREATE by Nations Restaurant News. Learn from speakers such as CVS, Walgreens, Macys, Alibaba and others at Retail Converge. CREATE speakers include Yum! Brands, Chipotle, McDonald's, Wendy's, Dominos and many more. Retail Converge begins next week and CREATE has just launched.

Noted sponsors for the Kiosk Association include:

* Olea Kiosks, Inc.
* KioWare
* Pyramid Computer
* Frank Mayer and Associates, Inc.
* Nanonation
* KIOSK Information Systems
* Kiosk Group
* 22Miles
* Vispero
* Zebra
* AUO
* Panasonic Restaurant Solutions
* LG Electronics Business Solutions

In other news for the Association a resource page for Assistive Technology is now available listing provider companies, noted consequences for not providing and additional resources. A companion page covering the latest Legal News is now available. This page is a running log with personal commentary on legal, privacy and patent situations. We keep track of legal news that affects the unattended self-service market.

Examples this week include the lawsuit against McDonalds for improper use of biometric data and a class action suit against over 125 Wendy's franchisees for ADA violation. Learn about PPI which is how we abbreviate Prosecution Probability Index. Our new DOJ is expressing interest in cases never before expressed.

Sample News Posts

* Kiosk Tradeshow Update - NRF Retail Converge and NRN CREATE
* New Digital Signage Solution with the Universal Landscape/Portrait Kiosk
* Legal News - McDonalds Sued for Improper Use of Biometric Data in Drive-Thru
* Legal News
* Assistive Technology For Kiosks and more
* DMV Now Kiosk - Motor vehicle kiosks offer more services
* McDonalds Restaurant Kiosks Deployed in Switzerland
* Member Spotlight: Unattended Card Payments (UCP) Joins Retail Solution Providers Association
* Custom Touch Screen Manufacturer - Member Brochure
* How To Use Self-Service to Enhance the Customer Experience
* Friday Wrapup - Self-Service News from News Roundup
* Perspectives on Unattended Self-Service
* What's Next? Interviews with 22Miles and Panasonic from SCN
* Large Format Display Touchscreens Gain Interactive Signage Solution Market Share
* Payment Kiosk Options and Grocery Omnichannel Payments

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