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CMMC Center of Excellence Announces Engagement Agreement with Capitol Technology University

Interoperability Clearinghouse

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Center of Excellence (CMMC-COE), hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public-private partnership serving the public and private sectors for more than 15 years, is proud to announce a Memorandum of Understanding & Engagement Agreement with Capitol Technology University. This unique partnership will extend efforts to advance the goals and objectives for improving the training and education of the workforce in support of cybersecurity protection and resilience along with supply chain risk management on behalf of the US Department of Defense (DoD) global Defense Industrial Base (DIB) network of contractors, suppliers, and vendors. The CMMC-COE partner network will share a wide range of capabilities from member organizations, including cyber standards frameworks, education, solution architectures, cyber mentoring, workforce, and other elements needed to scale to the demands of the entire DIB marketplace in the US and abroad consisting of over 400,000 contractors. “This is exciting opportunity for us”, said Mr. John Weiler, Chairman of the Board at CMMC Center of Excellence, “This new partnership will further help advance the goals and objectives for improving the supply chain security and resilience of the US Department of Defense (DoD)”. "As a leader in cyber education, Capitol Technology University is excited to partner with the CMMC- COE," said Dr. Bradford Sims, President of Capitol Technology University. "This partnership will allow us to further CMMC implementation through enhanced education, training, and mentoring programs. These programs will advance CMMC implementation guidance issued by the DoD and will allow us to achieve the goals established in the National Defense Authorization Act." Capitol Technology University, located in Laurel, Maryland, is an independent institution that has focused on STEM education since 1927. Capitol Tech, the national winner of the 2020 SC Media Award for Best Cybersecurity Higher Education Program, offers hands-on courses taught by industry experts that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees in emerging fields such as Mechatronics Engineering and Artificial Intelligence. In addition, Dr. Ron Martin, a Professor of Practice at Capitol Tech in a variety of fields including Access and Identity Management, has been appointed to the CMMC-COE Board of Advisors as Capitol Technology University's representative. Dr. Martin's expertise in identity credentialing will afford the organization access to an expert in this unique aspect of cybersecurity while the leadership position will also benefit Capitol Tech by providing the university a voice during meetings. For more information on the CMMC COE, please visit http://cmmc-coe.org email info@cmmc-coe.org or call 703-863-3766 For more information on Capitol Technology University, please visit https://www.captechu.edu/ About Us ---------- CMMC-COE.ORG is a unique non-profit public-private partnership, with a vision to accelerate Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMM) adoption, and reduce time & cost for security compliance for our partners by leveraging commercial best practices, CMMC standards, and innovative solutions for a measurable success. Our mission, focused on DOD mission objectives, cost containment and expeditious CMMC compliance, is to help the DIB improve cyber posture and resilience, and simplify its acquisition. The CMMC-COE is hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public/private partnership (P3) chartered in 2007 as an honest broker to reach outside the confines of the Federal IT advisories that lack dynamic reach into the Global IT Market, and dedicated to the adoption of commercial IT management standards of practice and innovations emanating from the Global IT market. Team IT-AAC has already demonstrated the value of its decade long investment, and provides a unique value to agencies seeking to achieve accelerate the transformation of legacy processes and systems. Our Just-in-Time SMEs apply an innovative suite of Technology Business Management and Agile Acquisition Processes needed to assure the business value of commercial IT. The Interoperability Clearinghouse (ICH), is the managing partner that make up the 24 NGO/SDO organizations that make up the IT-AAC. ICH provides the contract vehicles, clearances, and critical resources proven to guide sustainable, measurable and repeatable processes needed to drive better investment decisions as the speed of mission need, while aligning existing processes, methods and workforce with IT reform mandates contained in Clinger Cohen Act, FITARA, IT MGT Act, EO13838. Contact Details Bob Dix +1 703-975-6633 bob.dix@it-aac.org Company Website https://cmmc-coe.org

January 11, 2021 06:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

USDA Food Guideline Calls to “Make Every Bite Count”

Pocono Organics

The USDA’s 2020-2025 food guidelines highlight the need for Americans to eat more nutrient-dense foods to promote better health and fight the risk of chronic disease. Pocono Organics founder and president, Ashley Walsh, knows the power of using food as medicine from her personal health journey with gastroparesis which led her to starting one of the largest regenerative organic farms in North America. “I was diagnosed with gastroparesis in my late 20s,” said Walsh. “That means that my stomach is paralyzed and I can’t digest food properly. The doctors told me that they could help me by cutting out parts of my stomach, using feeding tubes, and putting me on a regimen of medications. Those weren’t options I was willing to accept. That started my journey with organic and more nutrient-dense foods. The powerful results of using food as medicine along with plant-based supplements were undeniable for me - instead of being sick five days a week, I was sick five days a month. I was also able to get off of all the medications I was taking for my health because of my stomach. “The problem was that I wasn’t able to get the nutrient-dense organic foods I needed. That’s when the vision for Pocono Organics came to life. I was thrilled to see the USDA theme because when you live with gastroparesis, every bite of food does count! And, when you consider that we rely on just four crops to provide 60% of our daily caloric intake, we have to explore and grow more nutrient-dense food options.” Pocono Organics, which opened to the public in June of 2020, spans more than 380 acres atop the iconic Pocono Mountains and grows regenerative organic produce for retailers, distributors, restaurants, and consumers. Regenerative organic agricultural practices make soil health the priority and include low-till methods and zero-use of chemicals and pesticides. Pocono Organics’ farming approach, in partnership with Rodale Institute, produces some of the cleanest and most nutrient-dense crops grown on earth – making them better for consumers – while also strengthening and healing the soil in which they are grown – which is better for our planet. “For more than 70 years, our partners at Rodale Institute have led the world in regenerative organic science and research that shows how healthy soil grows more nutrient-dense food,” Walsh continued. “Our vision, as a health and wellness organization, is to inspire people and heal the earth. The United Nations has reported that we have less than 50 farming cycles left before our soil is completely depleted of the nutrients needed to grow the food we need. So, we are not only facing issues of human health, but of soil health that will further impact humanity and the food we eat.” Pocono Organics is a Global Center for Research, Education, and Discovery, and is an agritourism destination. Visitors enjoy freshly picked ingredients and prepared meals from its café and are able to stock up with certified organic pantry items in the market. There are also regular in-person and virtual experiential series ranging from cooking masterclasses from executive chef and Food Network Chopped Champion, Lindsay McClain to wellness and food education programs for children. The Pocono Organics education team will also be offering virtual food label reading webinars to share tips on how to read package labels to know what you are really putting in your and your family’s bodies. Walsh and her team have recently launched one of the cleanest and one of the first regenerative organic grown, full-spectrum hemp extract product lines in the world. Pocono Organics’ CBD is the only line to carry the respected Rodale Institute logo on its products and packaging. Pocono Organics’ wellness products are CBD-abundant and harness the power of full-spectrum hemp extract to deliver a broader range of health-promoting cannabinoids. These wellness resources - available online and carried in retail outlets, spas, and numerous doctors’ offices across multiple states - are formulated in Pocono Organics' in-house lab to create artisanal, small-batch items including tinctures, creams, salve sticks, lip balms, and bath bombs. Pocono Organics Pocono Organics is a health and wellness organization with a mission to inspire people and heal the earth. The Global Center for Research, Education, and Discovery is one of the largest regenerative organic farms in North America. Located in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, Pocono Organics has more than 380 acres of farm land and, at full build out, will have 120,000 square feet of greenhouse. Pocono Organics has a strategic partnership with Rodale Institute, the global leaders in Regenerative Organic Agriculture practices and research and is one of their largest research satellite facilities. Awarded the 2019 Environmental Innovator of the Year by the Green Sports Alliance, sustainability is a hallmark of Pocono Organics. The farm draws power from a 3MW, 25-acre solar farm and reclaims rain water from 70,000 square feet of roofs for irrigation. Pocono Organics also serves the local community through its Clean Food, Dirty Hands school education program and veterans in transition through a Veteran Farmer Training Program. In addition, the property includes an organic farmer’s market and café, and with a 56-room adjoining hotel, is an agritourism destination, and host location for annual festivals. Please visit www.PoconoOrganics.com to learn more about Pocono Organic’s mission and work. Contact Details Mike Mooney +1 704-361-9499 mike@poconoorganics.com Company Website https://www.poconoorganics.com/

January 08, 2021 08:05 AM Eastern Standard Time

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ETNIES THANKS SKATEBOARDING FOR ITS FIRST 35 YEARS

etnies

As a skateboarder-owned brand that has remained true to its mission since 1986, etnies thanks skateboarding for an unforgettable 35-year ride! In 2021, etnies salutes its past, enjoys the present and looks to continue pushing the limits in the future. Making history in 1987 with the creation of the first pro model skateboarding shoe, the etnies Natas, was only the beginning. The skateboarders behind etnies were joined by legends to create the Rap, Sal 23, and pro shoes for Arto, Sheckler, Elissa, Dill, Nathan Williams and more. Through the years, etnies has continued to support the skateboard, snowboard, BMX and MTB communities. Over the span of three decades, the legends on etnies’ roster of riders gravitated toward authenticity and the brand’s support of the community with events like the GvR, giving 50,000 pairs of shoes to the homeless and planting more than 2 million trees in the rainforest through the Buy a Shoe, Plant a Tree program. etnies looks to the future and remains driven to taking steps toward sustainable living in our world. Being owned by a skateboarder has allowed the brand to prioritize making shoes that last longer, with innovative materials like Michelin rubber, and minimize the footprint left behind. 2021 etnies Teams etnies Skate Team: Ryan Sheckler Chris Joslin Nick Garcia Aidan Campbell Trevor McClung Matt Berger Barney Page Nassim Lachhab etnies BMX Team: Jordan Godwin Chase Hawk Nathan Williams Tom Dugan Devon Smillie Felix Prangenberg etnies MTB Team: Brandon Semenuk Emil Johansson etnies Snow Team: Jeremy Jones JP Walker Chris Grenier Scott Stevens Zeb Powell About etnies: Built by skateboarding since 1986, etnies is the first skateboarder-owned and operated global action sports footwear and apparel company. etnies not only pushed the envelope by creating the first pro model skate shoe, but it pioneered technological advances and changed the face of skateboard footwear forever. Today etniesâ vision, led by owner and skateboarder Pierre Andre Senizergues, is to remain the leading skateboard footwear company committed to creating innovative products that provide the most style, comfort and protection possible. etnies stays true to its roots by sponsoring a world class team of skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, BMX and MTB riders, and continues its dedication by giving back to each of these communities. For additional information, visit etnies.com. #### Contact Details Ashton Maxfield +1 949-289-6493 ashton@masterplancommunications.com Company Website https://www.etnies.com/us

January 06, 2021 08:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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CMMC Center of Excellence Announces Engagement Agreement with SideChannel

Interoperability Clearinghouse

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Center of Excellence ( CMMC COE ), hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public-private partnership serving the public and private sectors for more than 15 years, is excited to announce a partnership with SideChannel, an innovative tech-enabled advisory firm providing a wide range of risk management and cybersecurity capabilities working with small businesses, mid-market companies, non-profit corporations, venture capitalist portfolios, startups, municipalities and governments on how to protect their digital assets and bolster their cybersecurity posture. This unique partnership will extend efforts to advance the goals and objectives for improving supply chain security and cyber resilience of the US Department of Defense (DoD) global Defense Industrial Base (DIB) network of contractors, partners, and vendors. The executed Engagement Agreement establishes a collaborative partnership between SideChannel and CMMC COE to partner in the furthering of their respective and complementary missions and objectives regarding the adoption, use, and expansion of CMMC based cybersecurity practices, risk management, and compliance for the DIB contractor community and the information and communications technology community creating a broader CMMC ecosystem globally to improve security and resilience. Specific actions will include: The co-development of CMMC advisory services, cyber training and education programs to accelerate CMMC certification, increase cyber adoption and improve cyber protection & resilience. Co-sponsor symposiums, training programs and podcasts leveraging their combined cyber and IT expertise. Host regular working groups, with other partners, to enable collaboration and communications. Source qualified CMMC/ cyber professionals to serve as advocates. Establish an independent Industry Cyber Security Advisory Council with peer organizations to advise and educate leaders across government and industry on the continued evolution and effectiveness of CMMC. The CMMC-COE ( http://cmmc-coe.org ) and SideChannel partnership will focus on bringing together the many disparate cyber and national security communities of interest to reduce complexity, improve awareness, and accelerate industry effort to become more cyber resilient against the growing threats from nation states and criminal enterprises. The range of capabilities offered by SideChannel, including its virtual and fractional Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) service, further strengthens the portfolio of technology partner providers supporting the CMMC Center of Excellence. SideChannel’s focus is on the delivery of vCISO services and expert level advisory, from former CISOs, to organizations that cannot attract, fund or retain a full-time employee. Their model provides a subscription to industry recognized experts that will build, guide, and mature any organization’s security program. SideChannel’s adoption by both large and smaller clients has led to significantly reduced risk, better aligned prioritization of resourcing and corrected budgets without sacrificing capabilities. “This is exciting opportunity for us”, said Mr. John Weiler, Chairman of the Board at CMMC Center of Excellence, “This new partnership will further help advance the goals and objectives for improving the supply chain security and resilience of the US Department of Defense (DoD)”. “We are honored and excited about the opportunity to partner with the CMMC COE and support the critical efforts to protect our supply chain, to improve cybersecurity protection and better the resilience across the Defense Industrial Base globally,” said Brian Haugli, Managing Partner, SideChannel. The CMMC-COE establishes both a Market Place and Knowledge Clearinghouse that includes resources and supports the overall effort including white papers; tutorials; recorded webcasts; presentations; and more. This will help reduce the cost and burden on small and medium size contractors already struggling from the impact of COVID. For more information on the CMMC COE, please visit http://cmmc-coe.org email info@cmmc-coe.org or call 703-863-3766 For more information on SideChannel, please visit https://www.sidechannel.com About Us ---------- CMMC-COE.ORG is a unique non-profit public-private partnership, with a vision to accelerate Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMM) adoption, and reduce time & cost for security compliance for our partners by leveraging commercial best practices, CMMC standards, and innovative solutions for a measurable success. Our mission, focused on DOD mission objectives, cost containment and expeditious CMMC compliance, is to help the DIB improve cyber posture and resilience, and simplify its acquisition. The CMMC-COE is hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public/private partnership (P3) chartered in 2007 as an honest broker to reach outside the confines of the Federal IT advisories that lack dynamic reach into the Global IT Market, and dedicated to the adoption of commercial IT management standards of practice and innovations emanating from the Global IT market. Team IT-AAC has already demonstrated the value of its decade long investment, and provides a unique value to agencies seeking to achieve accelerate the transformation of legacy processes and systems. Our Just-in-Time SMEs apply an innovative suite of Technology Business Management and Agile Acquisition Processes needed to assure the business value of commercial IT. The Interoperability Clearinghouse (ICH), is the managing partner that make up the 24 NGO/SDO organizations that make up the IT-AAC. ICH provides the contract vehicles, clearances, and critical resources proven to guide sustainable, measurable and repeatable processes needed to drive better investment decisions as the speed of mission need, while aligning existing processes, methods and workforce with IT reform mandates contained in Clinger Cohen Act, FITARA, IT MGT Act, EO13838. Contact Details Bob Dix +1 703-975-6633 bob.dix@it-aac.org Company Website https://cmmc-coe.org

January 06, 2021 06:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Jennifer Lang Financial Services To Help The Hardest-Hit Small Businesses Apply To Receive PPP Aid.

Jennifer Lang Financial Services, LLC

In a recent poll by the Coleman Report, 4 out of 5 SBA lenders polled say that over 75% of their borrowers have exhausted their PPP loans and 15% of lenders do not plan to participate in a 2nd draw program. For the next round of PPP, many small businesses will be seeking a lender for their first PPP loan or a new lender for their 2nd PPP loan. According to Jennifer Lang Financial Services, the new Bipartisan Emergency COVID Relief Act of 2020 will allow the hardest-hit small businesses to receive a second forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan and other businesses to receive a first one. To prepare for the next stimulus package, business owners should consider gathering the requested documents, appropriately plan out their use of funds and submit swiftly. PPP funds are not endless and are expected to run out rapidly. Although the next round PPP application is not available yet, business owners can sign up now to apply, so that they are first in line for underwriting. Jennifer Financial Services has successfully helped guide business owners through the first round of the PPP program and is in an excellent position to help with this next round. They offer a streamlined application that will help small business owners calculate the allowable loan amount based on their payroll. They also have seasoned professionals on hand to help guide applicants through the PPP loan application process with participating banks and hedge fund partners. Small business owners seeking help applying for PPP loans can contact: https://www.jenniferlangfinancialservices.com/business-loans Jennifer Lang Financial Services, LLC. advises families and small business owners on their life insurance and safe retirement planning needs. They specialize in No-Market Risk Retirement Planning Strategies which include Annuities, IRA Conversions, 401K Rollovers, Indexed Universal Life Insurance (IUL), and Business Loans. Contact Details Jennifer Lang +1 877-487-8926 mail@jenniferlangfinancialservices.com Company Website https://www.jenniferlangfinancialservices.com

January 05, 2021 11:53 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Minuteman Press Printing Franchise in Beaver Falls, PA Wins Small Business of the Year

Minuteman Press International Inc

Karl and Nancy Chapple first bought their Minuteman Press franchise located at 920 7th Ave., Beaver Falls, PA in June 2007. Their full-service design, printing, and marketing center has remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as an essential business. As a result of their continued hard work and dedication to the local business community over the years, Karl and Nancy have been awarded Small Business of the Year by the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce. “Winning small business of the year is a great honor,” says Karl Chapple. “It is a confirmation that we are fulfilling our promise to provide an Awesome Customer Experience.” According to the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce website, award winners such as Minuteman Press Beaver Falls are “being recognized for exceptional contributions as business people and community leaders” as well as working “well beyond their own self-interests, in collaboration with others in the community, to improve the quality of place and lives of all residents in our region.” Since the pandemic first took hold in March, Minuteman Press Beaver Falls has been there for their clients. Karl reflects, “In March and April, many of our customers were calling to ask if we were still open for business, and they were thrilled to hear that we were. While we offer COVID-19-related products to promote safety and social distancing, it was obvious that our ability to deliver the printed products that our customers depend on to keep their businesses going was a welcome relief, and that we were one constant during a time of turmoil and uncertainty.” As a local business leader with over 13 years of experience, many other small business owners have turned to Karl for advice in addition to his products. Karl explains, “My advice to small businesses at the start of the pandemic was to 1) conserve cash; and 2) continue to market. While those still apply as strongly as ever, it is time to look ahead. The pandemic will not last forever, but many businesses will see a lasting paradigm shift. It will be important to understand what things need to change and what things need to stay the same. Be careful to avoid ‘throwing the baby out with the bathwater’ as you chart your course forward.” Minuteman Press Beaver Falls is locally owned and operated by Karl and Nancy and yet they are part of the larger Minuteman Press International franchise network. Karl credits his franchisor for providing ongoing support over the years including during the pandemic. “We took over our franchise on June 1, 2007. My wife Nancy came from a customer service background. Previously, I was an operations manager for Xerox Business Services (XBS) in-plant customers, and in sales as a Production Print Specialist for Konica Minolta and for Ricoh. While we both brought industry skills to the business, the ongoing support and systems Minuteman Press provides has been a great help.” “I’d like to congratulate Karl and Nancy Chapple for winning Small Business of the Year for all of the fantastic work they do for their clients and in their community,” says Bob Heimbuch, Regional Vice President (Mid-Atlantic and Pittsburgh), Minuteman Press International. “Minuteman Press Beaver Falls is a real asset to both their local community as well as the Minuteman Press franchise family.” For more information on Minuteman Press Beaver Falls, visit https://www.beaverfalls.minutemanpress.com. Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

January 05, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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LAS VEGAS KISSED 2020 GOODBYE LIKE ONLY VEGAS COULD

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

Vegas brought the phrase “out with the old, in with the new” to life, in a cathartic implosion of a giant 2020 sign that read “Super Epic Monumental Kiss 2020 Goodbye Blowout” right before midnight. It was the destination’s long-awaited livestreamed virtual New Year’s Eve celebration which included entertainment from Tao Group’s DJ Vice as well as fireworks. A video accompanying this announcement is available here: https://bit.ly/3o45I3G and images* and can be found here: https://bit.ly/38QIWpI In true Vegas style, the celebration of the new year continued with music and the reveal of a massive LED lit 2021 sign with the message “What Happens in 2021, Happens in Vegas” erupting with confetti, streamers and fireworks blasting more than 200 feet in the air. “Vegas is known as the ultimate New Year’s destination and we were thrilled to usher in 2021 with our friends from around the world,” said Steve Hill, president/CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “Although it was a virtual celebration, our desire to create a distinctive ‘Only Vegas’ moment, complete with fireworks and a resident DJ, conveys our enthusiasm for the year ahead. We look forward to welcoming visitors and encouraging them to create their own ‘Only Vegas’ moments in the new year.” Living up to the theme of the new year, Las Vegas enthusiasts can enter a “Kiss Off 2020 Sweepstakes” on www.VisitLasVegas.com for a chance to win one of four trips to the destination in 2021, as well as share what they are most looking forward to in the new year. Entries will be accepted through January 10, 2021. *Please use approved provided caption and credits for photos: Photo of the 2020 sign demo / 2021 reveal: LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 31: Las Vegas Tells 2020 to “Kiss Off” with a virtual event featuring an exploding 2020 sign, a fireworks display and the reveal of a 2021 sign at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on December 31, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for LVCVA) Photo of DJ Vice: LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 31: DJ Vice led Las Vegas’ virtual “Kiss Off” festivities, including an exploding 2020 sign, fireworks, and the reveal of a 2021 sign at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on December 31, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for LVCVA) ABOUT THE LVCVA The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is charged with marketing Southern Nevada as a tourism and convention destination worldwide, and also with operating the Las Vegas Convention Center. With nearly 150,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas alone and more than 13 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space citywide, the LVCVA's mission centers on attracting ever increasing numbers of leisure and business visitors to the area. For more information, go to www.lvcva.com or www.visitlasvegas.com. Contact Details Erin McCleskey, R&R Partners +1 702-228-0222 Erin.McCleskey@rrpartners.com Tracey Koblick, R&R Partners 1 732-642-2416 tracey.koblick@rrpartners.com Molly Castano, LVCVA 702.892.0711 mcastano@lvcva.com

January 01, 2021 04:47 AM Pacific Standard Time

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Staying on Top of Children’s Health During the Pandemic

YourUpdateTV

Your child’s care provider does many important things, like checking your baby’s development and giving immunizations. They can also help you watch over your baby’s health. Recently, Dr. Arethusa Kirk, Chief Medical Officer at UnitedHealthcare, teamed with YourUpdateTV on a satellite media tour to discuss the important issue of pediatric health. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/qFe6qoBCuew The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted how Americans are accessing health care and, for parents or guardians of a new baby, it has created questions about how to safely ensure early development goals are met. In light of COVID-19 restrictions, UnitedHealthcare is raising awareness for the importance of vaccinations and well visits. While virtual visits and telehealth are care options to consider, check with your doctor about what qualifies, newborn and baby well visits and immunizations should be done in a clinical setting. Your baby should go to at least eight well-child visits before they are 15 months old and preparation is key for a more comfortable appointment. Knowing what will happen at each of these appointments can help you get ready. There may be special steps to take when you arrive for your appointment. Call your child’s care provider before your visit. And remember to practice social distancing, wash your hands often and wear a mask. If you are a UnitedHealthcare Community Plan member, you may have access to our Healthy First Steps program, which can help you find a care provider, schedule well-child visits, connect with educational and community resources and more. For more information, visit UHC.com/childrenswellness About Dr. Arethusa Kirk: Dr. Arethusa Stevens Kirk is the Chief Medical Officer for UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Maryland where she directs clinical initiatives for member-centric care coordination, population health, and quality programs. Dr. Kirk has served as a National Health Service Corps Scholar and as the Vice President of Medical Affairs at Total Health Care, a Federally Qualified Health Center in Baltimore City. She continues to practice as an Associate Physician of the Neurology and Development Inpatient Unit at Kennedy Krieger Institute and as a primary care physician. Prior to her career in medicine she served as a volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity in India and as a Health Education Coordinator in The Gambia West Africa for the U.S. Peace Corps. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

December 28, 2020 11:45 AM Eastern Standard Time

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DESPITE ECONOMIC PRESSURES 2020 WAS YEAR OF GIVING

Donors Trust

As philanthropists prepare for year-end giving and nonprofit organizations prepare budgets and make final 2020 appeals, surprising trends in giving are becoming more apparent. Despite the pandemic, disruptions in daily life, and significant economic pressures, generosity in 2020 is proving to be much more significant than anticipated. “DonorsTrust is experiencing a 35% increase in grant volume, before accounting for the final two weeks of December, when it traditionally processes a flurry of new grant requests. In 2020, DonorsTrust accountholders will have requested more money out of their DAF accounts than they contributed into them,” explains Lawson Bader, CEO of DonorsTrust. “The legacy of 2020 will not be a year of malaise but instead one marked by generosity and philanthropic spirit.” Holidays and the end of the year are traditionally a time where nonprofit organizations raise significant funds for operations and programming while experiencing increased requests for help. The unpredictable economy and cancellation of many fundraising events or in-person meetings created uncertainty over how these nonprofits would end the year. However, what is clear now is that donor-advised funds (DAFs) are filling the void. “Not only have we observed a record number of donations in 2020, but donor-advised funds (DAFs) are playing an important role,” Bader says. “Money is simultaneously flowing out of funds as donors continue contributing to accounts, despite the roller-coaster that is the stock market and the troubled economy.” While much of the increased giving can be attributed to the desire to support nonprofits struggling with handicapped operations during this pandemic, tax incentives from the CARES Act, which created tax incentives to spur donations, are also encouraging more giving. DAFs are proving to be a key source of income for charities experiencing fundraising difficulties in 2020. The charitable vehicle is growing in popularity, with nearly one million Americans utilizing DAFs to centralize and simplify giving. Low new account minimums make them the great democratizers of philanthropy – available to all, not just the privileged few. If things stay on the current trajectory, DAFs are well-positioned to continue the increased levels of giving into 2021, explains Bader. “The only thing standing in the way of these continued increased trends of giving is political uncertainty. Often, changes in tax laws have a ‘cause and effect’ relationship with changes in giving. If changing political leadership in Washington interrupts these trends by limiting deductions or raising taxes – the trajectory could reverse much to the chagrin of those serving the most vulnerable in our society.” To learn more about how DAFs and DonorsTrust are making a difference, please visit http://www.donorstrust.org Established in 1999 as a 501(c)(3) public charity, DonorsTrust is a community of donors devoted to creating a better future. Our donors support charities they believe protect our Nation’s constitutional liberties and strengthen civil society through private institutions rather than with government programs. Our boutique size lets us offer our donors personal attention and advice that helps them achieve their philanthropic goals. We ensure that our donors’ intentions are protected and offer them a simple, effective and tax-advantaged way to give. Since inception, DonorsTrust has granted out over $1.3 billion to over 4,000 charities that protect our constitutional liberties and strengthen civil society without government funding. Contact Details Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 daniel.rene@kglobal.com Company Website https://www.donorstrust.org/

December 28, 2020 10:38 AM Eastern Standard Time

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