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Summer 2020 Travel Trends: Travelers Are Embracing the ‘Staycation’

YourUpdateTV

The “staycation” has always been a great option for travelers looking to plan a last-minute getaway close to home, as well as an effective way to minimize expenses and maximize vacation time. Staycations allow consumers to save money on airline tickets and rental cars, avoid a lot of the stress associated with traveling and truly unplug – all without spending hours planning. Recently, travel expert Dayvee Sutton teamed up with Cambria Hotels and YourUpdateTV to discuss current travel trends and what goes into a perfect staycation. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/kHrCCrxQclo As COVID-19 restrictions continue to lift, more and more travelers are looking to get out of the house. Instead of planning elaborate, weeklong vacations, consumers are opting to stay closer to home and take shorter, more spontaneous trips that give them flexibility, which is renewing interest in staycations. The number of road trips planned in the U.S. has exploded in recent weeks, particularly as many Americans are still apprehensive about air travel. Staying at a nearby hotel is an easy way to relax, unwind and take a much-needed break away from home. With more than 50 hotels nationwide, Cambria hotels offer travelers the approachable indulgences they are looking for and, in many cases, outdoor spaces featuring scenic rooftop views and relaxing pools. Cambria hotels are found in central locations, conveniently located near businesses and various dining and entertainment options. Each hotel features thoughtful design and locally inspired food and beverage offerings that reflect the surrounding community, including a curated craft beer selection. While consumers may be ready to plan a staycation, they also want to know protocols are in place to protect their well-being. According to Travelocity , 72% of travelers name health and safety as their top priorities when deciding where and when to travel post-COVID-19. Choice Hotels’ Commitment to Clean initiative, which enhances hotels’ existing cleaning procedures with best practices for cleaning, disinfecting and social distancing, can help give guests added peace of mind when they choose to stay with Cambria Hotels. Cambria guests can also limit their interactions with hotel staff by using the Cambria Contactless Concierge Service, a text messaging service for housekeeping requests, to-go food orders, and more. Visit choicehotels.com/cambria to learn more, book your staycation and check out the latest promotions, such as the popular Stay Twice, Earn a Free Night promotion running through September 7, 2020. About Dayvee Sutton Dayvee Sutton is an award-winning journalist covering a range of beats: travel, sports, entertainment, movies and a number of lifestyle topics for television and digital media. As a national lifestyle and travel correspondent based in Atlanta, Georgia, Dayvee has represented more than 150 brands over the course of 15 years. Dayvee has a passion for travel and travels the country representing different brands on local TV, connecting with viewers on behalf of some of the best brands in travel. She's an avid traveler and a self-proclaimed karaoke queen. Dayvee Sutton is a southern California native and graduated from UCLA. About Choice Hotels Choice Hotels International, Inc. is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. With more than 7,100 hotels, representing over 590,000 rooms, in over 40 countries and territories as of March 31, 2020, the Choice® family of hotel brands provide business and leisure travelers with a range of high-quality lodging options from limited service to full-service hotels in the upscale, midscale, extended stay and economy segments. The award-winning Choice Privileges® loyalty program offers members benefits ranging from everyday rewards to exceptional experiences. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com . About Cambria Hotels® The Cambria Hotels brand is designed for the modern traveler, offering guests a distinct experience with simple, guilt-free indulgences allowing them to treat themselves while on the road. Properties feature compelling design inspired by the location, spacious and comfortable rooms, flexible meeting space, and local, freshly prepared food and craft beer. Cambria Hotels is rapidly expanding in major U.S. cities, with hotels open in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. There are over 130 Cambria properties open or in the pipeline across the United States, with more than 50 currently open. To learn more, visit www.choicehotels.com/cambria . About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content, produced by award-winning video communications firm. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

July 29, 2020 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

CORRECTING and REPLACING Boston Children’s Hospital Teams Up with Boston Red Sox First Baseman Mitch Moreland and his wife Susannah for Christmas in July

Boston Children's Hospital

The last sentence of the first paragraph has been corrected The corrected release reads: Boston Children’s Hospital is excited to announce that, for the third year in a row, Boston Red Sox first baseman Mitch Moreland and his wife Susannah will be collaborating on a fundraiser called “Christmas in July.” This year’s version of Christmas in July, typically a toy and donation drive, will look a little different as the current COVID-19 situation prohibits toy donations to the hospital. Instead, Mitch and Susannah will be matching monetary donations made to Child Life Services of up to $10,000. The campaign kicks off on July 27th and runs through August 2nd. Unlike years past when Susannah helped collect toys at Fenway Park during home games, this year’s campaign will run online. Anyone interested in participating can visit this link to donate: http://fundraise.childrenshospital.org/goto/christmasinjuly . “We are so happy Mitch and Susannah have again decided to raise money for Child Life Services at Boston Children’s, a critical program that helps patients and families as they emotionally and socially adjust to the hospital experience, relies on donations,” said Michael Bornhorst, AVP of Corporate Development Special Events, Boston Children’s Hospital Trust. “This year has been filled with a lot of uncertainty and challenges, especially for sick children and their families, so donations are more important than ever. We count on generous and caring people like the Morelands who play such a vital role in generating awareness for our programs and the important work of providing children and families lifesaving answers and hope.” About Boston Children's Hospital For the seventh year in a row, Boston Children's Hospital has been ranked the #1 children's hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and is the primary pediatric teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. Home to the world's largest research enterprise based at a pediatric medical center, its discoveries have benefited both children and adults since 1869. Today, 3,000 researchers and scientific staff, including 9 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 21 members of the National Academy of Medicine and 12 Howard Hughes Medical Investigators comprise Boston Children's research community. Founded as a 20-bed hospital for children, Boston Children's is now a 415-bed comprehensive center for pediatric and adolescent health care. For more, visit our Discoveries blog and follow us on social media @BostonChildrens , @BCH_Innovation , Facebook and YouTube . Contact Details Carrie +1 617-587-2918 coneil@brodeur.com

July 28, 2020 04:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time

EXECUTIVE ORDER TO LOWER PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICES BY ELIMINATING KICKBACKS TO MIDDLEMEN MUST BE ENFORCED

Alliance for Transparent & Affordable Prescriptions

An Executive Order to eliminate kickbacks to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) signed by President Trump on Friday July 24, 2020 is being met with cautious optimism by medical professionals and patients advocates from the Alliance for Transparent and Affordable Prescriptions (ATAP.) Many health industry insiders worry, however, that the Executive Order, as written, may make it practically difficult for the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary to revive the “rebate rule,” meaning that the drastically reduced prices that could result may never become a reality for patients. “The policy making process in the coming weeks will determine if this Executive Order has teeth,” stated ATAP’s President Dr. Robert Levin. “This has the opportunity to be major victory for patients but could also fall flat if HHS fails to move forward because of the limiting language in the Order. For far too long, the PBM industry has been generating significant profits while patients struggle to afford the cost of prescription drugs. PBMs owe it to patients to pass along savings and the rebates received on to the patient.” HHS Secretary Alex Azar along with other elected and appointed policy makers in Washington have been hearing about the PBM problem for years from ATAP and its member organizations – making this historic action one that shows the efforts from these patient advocacy organizations are having a positive impact. “These leaders know what needs to be done,” Dr. Levin continued. “While it may be difficult for the PBM industry and insurance companies to forgo some of their profits, it is the right thing to do.” The Executive Order explains the problem with PBMs by starting: "...One of the reasons pharmaceutical drug prices in the United States are so high is because of the complex mix of payers and negotiators that often separates the consumer from the manufacturer in the drug-purchasing process. The result is that the prices patients see at the point-of-sale do not reflect the prices that the patient’s insurance companies, and middlemen hired by the insurance companies, actually pay for drugs. Instead, these middlemen — health plan sponsors and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) — negotiate significant discounts off of the list prices, sometimes up to 50 percent of the cost of the drug. Medicare patients, whose cost sharing is typically based on list prices, pay more than they should for drugs while the middlemen collect large “rebate” checks. These rebates are the functional equivalent of kickbacks, and erode savings that could otherwise go to the Medicare patients taking those drugs. Yet currently, Federal regulations create a safe harbor for such discounts and preclude treating them as kickbacks under the law...” Section three of the Order calls for establishing “ new safe harbors that would permit health plan sponsors, pharmacies, and PBMs to apply discounts at the patient’s point-of-sale in order to lower the patient’s out-of-pocket costs, and that would permit the use of certain bona fide PBM service fees .” The Executive Order also prohibits the Secretary from moving forward if Medicare premiums might rise even a single dollar – which some say could be the ‘poison pill’ in preventing the implementation of this policy. “Patients today are suffering under a system that prevents them from getting medicine they need. The PBM industry profits significantly off rebates while interrupting the provider-patient relationship, solely to increase its own profits,” Dr. Levin continued. “With the Executive Order in place, a light is now shining on the previously hidden profit motives of the PBM industry. Patients, physicians, and policy makers now have the power to effect meaningful change. I am proud of the role ATAP holds in reforming the rebate system and look forward to working with Washington to move the rule making process forward to-that-end.” With regard to the other three Executive Orders, ATAP looks forward to engaging in the regulatory process, but reiterates its previous comments on the Administration’s existing importation and International Pricing Index proposals: expanding PBMs’ power to insert themselves into drug importation and Medicare Part B is a nonstarter, given the detrimental effect these entities in their current form already have on patient care. ATAP is working in many states to force the PBM industry to disclose rebate data and encourage transparency and reporting requirements for all entities involved in the prescription drug supply chain – PBMs, insurers, and manufacturers. ### Contact Details Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 daniel.rene@kglobal.com Company Website http://www.atapadvocates.com

July 28, 2020 01:45 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Cloud Conventions Expands Registration Capabilities with 3rd-Party Providers

Convey Services

Cloud Conventions , a full-featured virtual tradeshow and event technology solution today expanded its capabilities to offer connections to two new external registration technologies, providing additional options to register attendees for virtual conferences or association events. The first in a series of integrations are with Experient, a division of Maritz Global Services and RegFox, a California-based registration company. Cloud Conventions is a virtual event SaaS platform from Convey Services . “Many show producers or event managers have a history of using platforms like Experient to manage complex registrations, including taking payment, managing travel and lodging, and selecting program extras,” said Carolyn Bradfield , founder of Convey Services. “These proven registration platforms will augment Cloud Conventions’ internal registration engine, giving event operators the flexibility of using a solution they are familiar with and may already have a contract.” Cloud Conventions connects to external registration systems through an application program interface (API) to collect and transmit data. Once Cloud Conventions receives a registration, the system creates a unique attendee record and assigns a classification based on the purchased event package. Attendees receive a welcome email from Cloud Conventions with access credentials so they can login immediately or a welcome email can be scheduled for a later date. Event organizers have the option of approving all applications any action is taken. “Some events have complex payment structures or need to validate an attendee against a membership record,” added Bradfield. “Many organizations have relationships with a registration company that offers greater customization. All a show needs to do is identify the external platform to Convey and we’ll connect the two systems.” Cloud Conventions can provide a personalized content experience with customized dashboards, segmented email communication or restricted access to some or all exhibit booths or content based on attendee type. To learn more about the options available for a virtual conference, tradeshow or event, visit the Online Resource Center at CloudConventions.com . About Cloud Conventions Cloud Conventions is a Virtual Trade Show and Conference Platform from Convey Services that brings new capabilities to a marketplace looking for solutions to replace the thousands of live trade shows, annual conferences and association meetings cancelled in the wake of COVID-19. Originally launched as ConveyLive, Cloud Conventions automates exhibitors and virtual booths, attendee registration, speaker sessions and reminders, invitations and email communication, while at the same time producing detailed analytics on attendee, session and exhibitor activity. Trade Associations and event managers can explore all of the Cloud Conventions solutions by visiting https://cloudconventions.com or contacting info@cloudconventions.com or call 888-975-1382. Cloud Conventions™, Conduct™ and ListLock™ are trademarks of Convey Services LLC Contact Details Bruce Ahern +1 770-580-0810 bahern@conveyservices.com Company Website https://cloudconventions.com

July 28, 2020 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Cloud Conventions Launches Online Resource Center for Virtual Event Managers

Convey Services

Cloud Conventions , a full featured virtual tradeshow, conference and event technology solution today launched an Online Resource Center to guide future event planners and operators though the expanding world of virtual events. The Center provides strategies, best practices and ideas for effective event design to engage attendees and deliver a strong ROI to exhibitors and sponsors. Articles and eBooks outline how to set up, manage and run a world class virtual event with engaging educational and social sessions that deliver an interactive experience for both attendees and exhibitors. Cloud Conventions is a virtual event SaaS platform from Convey Services . “Almost every event manager, show operator or association is having to learn how to manage a virtual event for the first time, we have been doing online events for years,” said Carolyn Bradfield , founder of Convey. “Most event managers make the mistake of believing that a series of webinars constitutes a virtual experience that will inspire attendees. Webinars have been overused and most people are not motivated to sit through an endless stream of repetitive webinar sessions. An effective virtual experience needs a higher level of content from the event and its exhibitors, with live sessions offered alongside on-demand programs.” The Online Resource Center features the Virtual Event Playbook, a guide to the features and capabilities of the Cloud Conventions platform in addition to curated articles and videos on best practices in delivering virtual sessions, enhancing the attendee experience or managing and working with exhibitors and sponsors. “We are constantly curating best practices from across this dynamic new industry so that event managers, even novices to the world of virtual shows, can be successful hosting their first event,” added Bradfield. “Exhibitors must embrace a different strategy to capture attendee information and interact through chat, video meeting rooms, scheduled meetings or gamification. A virtual tradeshow should center around a theme or mission, offer rich content, ways to connect with exhibitors, as well as other attendees along with opportunities to socialize.” Cloud Conventions has features to promote interaction with discussion forums, opt-in attendee directories, social sessions, and live exhibitor meetings. Exhibitors can use chat, streaming video meetings, or integrated meeting calendars. They can offer ‘virtual swag’, show specials or promotions and give away CloudPoints™ for attendees who engage inside their booth. For more ideas on how to make a virtual event both informative and engaging, visit the Online Resource Center at CloudConventions.com. About Cloud Conventions Cloud Conventions is a Virtual Trade Show and Conference Platform from Convey Services that brings new capabilities to a marketplace looking for solutions to replace the thousands of live trade shows, annual conferences and association meetings cancelled in the wake of COVID-19. Originally launched as ConveyLive, Cloud Conventions automates exhibitors and virtual booths, attendee registration, speaker sessions and reminders, invitations and email communication, while at the same time producing detailed analytics on attendee, session and exhibitor activity. Trade Associations and event managers can explore all of the Cloud Conventions solutions by visiting https://cloudconventions.com or contacting info@cloudconventions.com or call 888-975-1382. Cloud Conventions™, Conduct™ and ListLock™ are trademarks of Convey Services LLC Contact Details Bruce Ahern +1 770-580-0810 bahern@conveyservices.com Company Website https://cloudconventions.com

July 27, 2020 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Minuteman Press Franchise in Turnersville, NJ Supports Local Businesses During COVID-19 with PPE, Social Distancing Printing Products and Free Marketing Website Bounce Back Turnersville

Minuteman Press International

Erik Schwartz has owned Minuteman Press in Turnersville for 12 years. As a local business owner himself, Erik knows how important it is for the community to rally together and support local business while staying safe during COVID-19. Erik’s Minuteman Press franchise located at 4991 Route 42, Suite 4 is doing its part by providing vital personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks and facial coverings (for non-medical use), social distancing printing products such as COVID-19 safety posters, floor graphics and sneeze guards, and even free marketing through their community website Bounce Back Turnersville . Erik says, “The number one thing we have been doing throughout the pandemic is that we are printing and distributing COVID-19 safety posters and signs for free. We believe that our community comes first and it’s important for everyone to remain safe.” In addition to the free posters, Erik and his team at Minuteman Press Turnersville have given away face masks and hand sanitizer to help their clients and community members. They also have launched a free website Bounce Back Turnersville where any local business can submit their text and logo. Minuteman Press will then create a local ad and post it for free on the website. “We’ve had a very favorable response to all of our efforts to help others during this critical time including the Bounce Back website. We have special offers on the website from businesses ranging from restaurants, roofing, and solar energy to auto repair and healthcare.” For Minuteman Press, Erik and his team’s efforts to put community first have paid off. “We had a good month in June and it’s great to see more local businesses reopening. As they reopen, we make sure they know we are here to help them in any way we can.” During COVID-19, the most popular items printed and produced by Minuteman Press Turnersville right now are masks and facial coverings, social distancing products , sneeze guards, and direct mail advertising campaigns. “Our most popular and comfortable masks are 100% cotton, two-ply fabric. By far, the most popular color is black and then we use our heat press to customize them with company logos and designs. I wear them and my staff wears them with our Minuteman Press logo printed on them. When people see us, they tend to ask about them and this leads to orders.” Because print is an essential business , Minuteman Press has been able to remain open. Therefore, Erik is able to share his own experiences and advice for other businesses who are now reopening themselves. “My advice and the biggest thing I’ve learned is to create an advertising budget and concentrate on advertising to your core markets. Do some printing, advertise on the Internet, and put together a healthy mix of cross-media marketing to reach people. Many clients have come to us for direct mail and Every Door Direct Mail to reach customers right now, and it’s working.” “It is wonderful to see all of the great things Erik is doing to help his business community bounce back from COVID-19,” says Richard Hornberger, Minuteman Press International Regional Vice President, Philadelphia Region. Rich adds, “Local businesses like Erik’s Minuteman Press franchise in Turnersville are the lifeblood of local economies and I am proud of the work he’s been doing in helping his clients and community as businesses continue to reopen.” Supporting other local businesses is also important to Erik. “I shop local and utilize the services of my clients as much as I possibly can. It’s also gratifying for me when two of my clients talk and network and discover the need for each other’s products and services. Recently, I had a plumber and a realtor together outside my center. The realtor needed the plumber, and the plumber provided an estimate and got the job.” Erik concludes, “For local businesses and the community, supporting each other is huge and it means a lot to see so many people here in Turnersville come together to pitch in and help out during this time.” For more information on Minuteman Press in Turnersville, NJ, call 856-232-7700 or visit https://www.minutemanprints.com . To submit a free local listing at Bounce Back Turnersville, visit https://bouncebackusa.minuteman.com/locations/nj/turnersville/ . Introducing Bounce Back USA, free local business listings & COVID-19 awareness posters to support local business. Get started for free at https://BounceBackUSA.com .Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com . About Minuteman Press International Minuteman Press International is the number one rated business marketing and printing franchise that offers world class training and unparalleled ongoing local support. At Minuteman Press, We Are The Modern Printing Industry ™ providing high quality products and services that meet the needs of today's business professionals and go way beyond ink on paper. Today, our centers offer innovative branding and printing solutions and produce custom graphic designs, promotional products, branded apparel, direct mail campaigns, large format printing including posters, signs and banners, and much more. Prior experience is not necessary to own and operate a successful Minuteman Press franchise. Learn more about Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com Contact Details Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

July 24, 2020 09:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Published National Findings in Lyme Disease Testing to Be Discussed on July 30 Webinar Hosted by Quidel Corporation

Quidel Corporation

Elizabeth Lee-Lewandrowski, Ph.D., MPH, a national key opinion leader on tick-borne diseases, will discuss the findings of a national seven-year study on Lyme disease testing on a webinar she will be conducting on Thursday, July 30. The webinar is part of an ongoing series hosted by Quidel, the California-based diagnostic healthcare manufacturer known for successfully developing rapid diagnostic health solutions. Over the past year, Dr. Lee-Lewandrowski has published two large epidemiological studies documenting changing trends in tick-borne diseases as well as a third paper documenting national trends in non-Lyme disease tick-borne infections. Data from one of these papers was presented to the Health and Human Services Tick-Borne Disease Working Group to assist the group in providing policy guidance to the U.S. government. On the webinar Dr. Lee-Lewandrowski will share the published results of a “national reference laboratory” study on blood-testing for Lyme disease, which she conducted along with her collaborators ( https://academic.oup.com/ajcp/article/152/1/91/5461358 ). Among the findings were that: Lyme disease occurs in all age groups and in all regions of the country; males and females are roughly equally at risk; Lyme disease is seasonal, but a significant number of cases are diagnosed in the winter months; and the demographics of Lyme disease is changing with greater rates of infection in traditionally low-risk states. The study also revealed that Lyme disease is about 10 times more frequent than reported cases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Lee-Lewandrowski is a member of the faculty of the department of pathology at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston where she also serves as a clinical laboratory scientist in chemistry. She is also assistant professor of pathology at Harvard Medical School. A member of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry, Dr. Lee-Lewandrowski received her Ph.D. in chemistry from Brown University and her master’s in public health from the Harvard School of Public Health. She brings to her July 30 presentation a deep interest in the clinical applications of point-of-care testing technologies that improve outcomes and the efficiency of clinical operations. Among those expected to attend the webinar are physicians, other allied health professionals, scientists and healthcare researchers interested in hearing the latest regarding the prevalence of Lyme disease and results of testing. The free July 30 webinar will take place from noon-1 p.m. (EDT). To register, click quidel.com/webinars . About Quidel Corporation Quidel Corporation serves to enhance the health and well-being of people around the globe through the development of diagnostic solutions that can lead to improved patient outcomes and provide economic benefits to the healthcare system. Quidel’s products aid in the detection and diagnosis of many critical diseases and conditions including not only Lyme disease but, among others, COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, strep A, herpes, pregnancy, thyroid disease and fecal occult blood. Quidel’s research and development engine is also developing a continuum of diagnostic solutions from advanced immunoassay to molecular diagnostic tests to further improve the quality of healthcare in physicians’ offices and hospital and reference laboratories. For more information about Quidel, visit quidel.com . # # # Contact Details Jim Yeager +1 424-644-0225 jim@breakwhitelight.com Company Website http://Quidel.com

July 22, 2020 08:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

PSA - How To Check Yourself, Your Family and Your Pets for Ticks

TickEase, Inc.

Contact Details B.L. Ochman +1 917-566-5855 BL@tickease.com Company Website https://tickease.com

July 21, 2020 08:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Bring your mission-critical programming in-house

BPM Microsystems

Contact Details Scott Bronstad +1 832-816-6579 scott_bronstad@bpmmicro.com Company Website https://bpmmicro.com/

July 21, 2020 06:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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