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New survey shows strained PR pro – journalist relationship

News Direct

Today, News Direct and PRWeek released survey results on the current state of media outreach to gain better and more timely insights into the PR pro –journalist relationship. Among the key findings, only one out of 10 journalists “always” trust the information contained in press releases -- reflecting a deficit of trust that is fundamental to the dynamic between communicators and journalists. This is the first in a series of articles that will delve deeper into the primary challenges that journalists and communicators face and offer solutions on ways to work together more effectively. The relationship between PR professionals and journalists has endured for more than half a century. From print to digital news formats, a 24/7 news cycle and the ubiquity of social media, the relationship has evolved, yet the fundamentals remain the same. “Despite the very real challenges that exist in the PR pro - journalist relationship, there’s also common ground, which is why the relationship, when it works best, is symbiotic. Our goal at News Direct is to bridge these two ecosystems to enable both journalists and PR professionals to do their best work,” said Gregg Castano, Founder and CEO, News Direct. Castano continued, “Survey findings indicate that with the right tools, knowledge and insights, PR pros can help journalists do their jobs more effectively. Working together, they can deliver information and content to audiences that inform, excite and inspire.” Below are key insights from the survey results: Avoid pitching mistakes : With the pitch at the core of media relations, it’s crucial that PR pros get it right, yet 89% of journalists report that they miss the mark by not researching the publication before pitching. Among other pitfalls for corporate communicators to avoid are excessive follow-up, providing outdated content and not giving enough lead time on a story. The power of a pithy headline : A full 94% of communications pros and 91% of journalists rank the press release headline as the most important in capturing audience attention, with media pros specifically seeking a “catchy but informative headline that’s not exaggerating.” Both parties also agree that the introductory paragraph is the second most critical element. Strengthen the relationship : Nearly 42% of journalists say PR pros do not make their jobs easier, and over 25% say the relationship has regressed over the last five years. One key to improving the dynamic is newswire services, a source both communications and media professionals trust for their legitimacy of content, efficiency and reach. Multimedia is a must : Comms pros are doing a better job of sharing more multimedia content than they did three years ago, according to 80% of PR pros and nearly 70% of journalists. PR professionals need vendor partners that can help them expand their distribution of this content efficiently. In fact, nearly 60% surveyed say they would benefit from using a newswire to share multimedia assets. A need for greater value and security : Over 40% of comms pros note, when using a wire service, that they do not have enough targeting options to distribute content to the audiences they need. Further, over 40% report they don’t have a sense of the ROI on their efforts with online outlets, underscoring the need for more discrete measurement tools. Additionally, both PRs (80.4%) and journalists (74.2%) agree that maintaining data security is important during the media outreach process. The survey was conducted in May 2020 among 200 communications and media professionals in the United States. About News Direct News Direct is redefining the content and news distribution industry – and we’re doing it from the ground up. That’s because the News Direct platform was designed and built from the ground up, to reinvent content delivery, re-engineer workflow, revitalize metrics and ROI, and bring security and pricing into the 21st century. News Direct is purpose-built. Client-focused. Dedicated to modern media outreach, and to the PR and IR professionals who need a platform to make them the best they can be. To learn more visit newsdirect.com or follow us on LinkedIn , Twitter and Facebook . Contact Details Ally O'Hara +1 212-404-6609 aohara@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://www.newsdirect.com/

September 09, 2020 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Venture X® Coming to Holyoke, Massachusetts

Venture X

Venture X , a professional, flexible workspace community for freelancers, entrepreneurs and businesses, is excited to announce its newest location will be opening in Holyoke, Massachusetts in early 2021. This 16,000 square foot workspace at 98 Lower Westfield Rd., will be located at the intersection of I-91 and I-90, adjacent to the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside. Venture X is a global coworking community with locations throughout the United States and Canada, as well as internationally. The workspaces are well appointed with many amenities, frequently sanitized and cognizant of social distancing. They offer a variety of options from virtual offices to dedicated desks to private individual and team offices. Venture X caters to professionals looking for a business casual work environment where they can always feel comfortable bringing their clients. The Venture X membership is diverse and includes entrepreneurs, creative professionals, freelancers, remote workers, startups, non-profits, small businesses, and teams from Fortune 500 companies. “As a fourth generation Barowsky from Holyoke, I am very proud and excited to bring the Venture X concept to our area,” said Ned Barowsky, Owner. “I believe that Venture X will be a great asset to the Holyoke market and will fill a need as Holyoke and the surrounding communities are lacking premium coworking space.” Venture X Holyoke will be located within a building owned by Barowsky at the busiest intersection in Western Massachusetts on the access road to the Holyoke Mall. The property has recently been updated with an additional 90 parking spaces added for a total of 300. “We are thrilled to be opening our second Venture X location in Massachusetts and our first in the Western part of the state,” said Jason Anderson , president of Venture X. “The Venture X brand is growing exponentially, and we look forward to providing professional, coworking options to Holyoke and the surrounding communities.” In addition to office space, Venture X offers event space and meeting room rentals for the day or by the hour for members and non-members. Additional details on Venture X’s workspace options and services are available at https://venturex.com/memberships/ . About Venture X Venture X is a shared workspace and community that is a blend of boutique hotel and modern office styles, with a high level of design that feels professional and welcoming. We are designing beautiful spaces and developing an environment and community that people love coming to work every day. Venture X is part of a successful group of affiliated companies and brands under the United Franchise Group (UFG) and has been recognized by Inc. as one of the best co-working spaces in the United States. For more information about locations visit  www.VentureX.com  and for information about franchise opportunities visit  www.venturexfranchise.com .  About United Franchise Group Led by Founder and CEO Ray Titus, United Franchise Group is home to an affiliated family of brands, including Signarama, Fully Promoted, Experimax, Jon Smith Subs, SuperGreen Solutions, Transworld Business Advisors, Accurate Franchising, Venture X, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, Network Lead Exchange and Resource Operations International (ROI). With over three decades in the franchising industry and more than 1,600 franchisees throughout the world, United Franchise Group offers unprecedented leadership and solid business opportunities for entrepreneurs. Contact Details Brittny Fuchs +1 561-812-6032 bfuchs@ufgcorp.com Company Website https://venturex.com/

September 09, 2020 09:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Hot Paper Lantern Partners with YVote to Get the Youth Vote Out in Election 2020

Hot Paper Lantern

Democracy thrives on participation in the election process but, historically, the country’s youth has failed to show up at the polls. In fact, there are approximately 22 million young people (18-24) eligible to vote in the 2020 election, yet less than 50% of the them have voted in previous elections. This is why Hot Paper Lantern is partnering with YVote to help the organization raise awareness of its mission and drive participation among young people in the voting process. YVote is a non-profit organization that helps young people understand the importance of voting, being involved in the political process, and participating in elections through an issue-based approach. “Statistics show that teenagers who vote when they turn 18 years-old are more likely to vote regularly in elections throughout their lives, so it’s imperative that we teach young people about the importance of voting and empower them with the knowledge, tools and network to overcome voter suppression and engage in the political process,” said Sanda Balaban , founder of YVote/Next generation Politics. “As a non-profit, we are thrilled to be working alongside seasoned communications professionals at Hot Paper Lantern in an effort to raise as much visibility as possible in YVote and the importance of youth voting.” Hot Paper Lantern will provide YVote with strategic communications support and mentoring, including messaging and content development, digital and social media marketing, and media relations. “Involvement in the political process is one of the great issues of our time, and YVote has built an engine that is helping young people overcome the obstacles they face on the path to voting,” said Ted Birkhahn , President of Hot Paper Lantern. “We believe the power of communications will accelerate YVote’s mission and have a direct impact on voter turnout in the upcoming election.” To learn more or to help support YVote, please visit: https://yvoteny.org/ For more information about Hot Paper Lantern, please visit: https://hotpaperlantern.com/ Contact Details Ted Birkhahn +1 917-774-8697 tedb@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://hotpaperlantern.com/

September 09, 2020 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Royal Belgian Football Association Helps Their Fans Cheer on the Red Devils from their Home for the Belgium vs. Iceland Match Today Via the Innovative Startup HearMeCheer

HearMeCheer

Today at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium, the Royal Belgian Football Association Red Devils will play against Iceland in an empty stadium. But to avoid it being a “silent” match, the Red Devils are calling on their fans to support them en masse, from their living rooms. RBFA has partnered with innovative start-ups HearMeCheer and FanFest to bring the full stadium experience to their loyal fans in their living rooms and beyond, as well as on the field for the Red Devils. “The Devils will have to play in empty stadiums for some time, which is why we needed to find a manner in which we could engage our fans in the game and get the full stadium experience to them,” said Manu Leroy, Marketing & Communication Director for the Royal Belgian Football Association . “We found two innovative start-ups via the international virtual incubator HYPE Sports Innovation. HearMeCheer transmits live cheers, while FanFest allows supporters to chat with friends via their computers about the match as if they were in the stadium or a café. ” HearMeCheer will bring the full King Baudouin Stadium experience on your TV instead of a sterile, pre-recorded audio track. The app from the Canadian start-up captures the cheers, chants, and encouragement of Belgian fans in front of their television. The app mixes supporters’ sounds and transmits them live as a background to the comments on Belgian broadcasters VTM and RTBF, the channels that will broadcast the match against Iceland. “If you want to cheer the Red Devils on to victory from your living room, go to https://hln.hearmecheer.com/games/2020-nations-league-belgium on Tuesday evening,” said Leroy. “As a start-up, we are honored that we can help fans of the highest-ranking team in the world in one of the most popular sports,” said Elias Andersen, founder and CEO of HearMeCheer . “Now that the Red Devils have to play in empty stadiums in the time of COVID-19, our innovation helps the Royal Belgian Football Association create the feeling of a full stadium. It makes the experience much more enjoyable for the players on the field and the supporters at home in front of their TV set. “ HearMeCheer is built to bring together fans and teams in a new way, bringing the stadium experience into their home while bringing the fan experience into the stadiums so that the players know their fans are still with them,” Andersen added. “The opportunity for HearMeCheer to work together with the Royal Belgian Football Association gives everyone the chance to be part of this exciting match no matter where in the world they are watching, and lets the Red Devils hear their fans that inspire their on-field performance. The RBFA is actively engaging their fans in this COVID-19 world, as play resumes without fans in the stands. They are being proactive and innovative, and their willingness to work with a young startup company like ours is further proof that RBFA and other teams need fan engagement platforms like HearMeCheer to keep their fans in the game.” About HearMeCheer: HearMeCheer is an innovative fan engagement platform developed by the team at ChampTrax. The Toronto-based company has created an app that allows sports fans at home to actively engage with their favorite teams playing in ballparks, arenas, and stadiums around the world. HearMeCheer collects live fan noise, cheers, sounds and reactions into a live audio stream that is used by sports teams, leagues, and broadcasters in live game coverage. Additional information is available at http://www.HearMeCheer.com . Contact Details Jim DeLorenzo +1 215-266-5943 jim@jhdenteprises.com Company Website http://www.jhdenterprises.com

September 08, 2020 12:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time

News Release

Cybersecurity Marketing Society Produces Conference Tailored to Helping Cybersecurity Marketers Learn & Grow Skills

Merritt Group

The Cybersecurity Marketing Society (the Society), a community where marketing professionals in the cybersecurity industry come together to network and learn, announced today its new virtual learning conference, CyberMarketingCon 2020. The event is open for registration and will take place virtually from September 21st-25th 2020. CyberMarketingCon was created by the founders of the Society, Aileen Casmano, Gianna Whitver, and Maria Velasquez, cybersecurity marketing professionals who wanted to design an event that brings peer-to-peer learning opportunities to an industry that is highly technical and somewhat complex when it comes to marketing. The founders leveraged their best assets and connections to recruit outstanding speakers for the event -- their member base -- which has grown to over 150 members since the society’s launch in March 2020. "Cybersecurity marketing is the wild west. There are thousands of companies all claiming they can prevent, detect, and remediate any kind of attack, and security professionals are justifiably skeptical of vendor claims. This event presents a great opportunity to learn from experts that have gone beyond the FUD and share how cybersecurity marketers are able to succeed by being creative and not just chasing more (cyber) ambulances,” said Nathan Burke, CMO of Axonius and member of the Society. The speaker lineup consists of 15+ marketing professionals of varying career stages and company disciplines. Session topics range from demand generation strategies to product marketing and management alignment and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Some noteworthy speakers include Tim Wilson , Co-founder of Dark Reading , Kathleen Booth , VP Marketing of Attila Security , and Nathan Burke , CMO of Axonius . “There are plenty of cybersecurity conferences, but none that focus on marketing. An event like CyberMarketingCon 2020 is long overdue. I’m looking forward to getting an inside look at how some of the top marketing leaders in the cybersecurity industry are driving results,” commented Kathleen Booth, VP Marketing at Attila Security and member of the Society. Those interested in registering for CyberMarketingCon can sign up here by September 20th . The official event hashtag is #CyberMarketingCon2020. Information on the sessions and speakers can be found on the event website here . CyberMarketing con is proud to have five sponsors supporting the event: Merritt Group Inc. , Hyer Tech Solutions , The CyberWire , Hacker Valley Media, and Sutter’s Mill Specialties . About the Cybersecurity Marketing Society The Cybersecurity Marketing Society (the Society) is a community for marketing professionals in the cybersecurity industry to network, mindshare, and grow professionally with like-minded people. It was founded in 2020 with the goal of bringing continuous community, resources, and education to a complicated, constantly changing industry. To learn more about the Society and to become a member, visit the website at www.cybersecuritymarketingsociety.com . Contact Details Katie Pesek +1 703-390-1505 pesek@merrittgrp.com Company Website https://www.merrittgrp.com/

September 08, 2020 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Millie’s Mutts Rescue Celebrates its Third Anniversary

Millie's Mutts

Millie’s Mutts, a north Texas pet rescue, celebrates its third year as a recognized a 501(c)(3) non-profit. The rescue’s mission is to rescue both shelter and homeless pets located in the north Texas area, providing the abandoned animals a safe home environment to be rehabilitated, socialized, and receive medical care so they are ready for their adoptive family’s forever home. “We are blessed to be celebrating our third year of saving homeless pets. I wouldn’t have imagined that our small rescue would touch so many two and four-legged lives. It is truly an honor and great responsibility that through our dedicated and passionate volunteer group, we can make a difference in the pets’ lives and in our community”, said Kelly Sargent, President of Millie’s Mutts. “As we look forward to our fourth year, we are excited about continuing our mission and getting back to hosting adoption events with our local community.” In the past three years, Millie’s Mutts has rehomed nearly 200 animals, despite being a small volunteer-only organization, the rescue is dedicated to making a lifetime of difference for the animals they rescue. Many of the animals rescued were facing euthanasia or living in a shelter for a long time with wide-ranging medical needs including heartworm disease, broken limbs, abuse, and extreme neglect. “Our success is 100% attributed to the committed foster parents that open their homes and pour their heart and soul into the rescue pets’ rehabilitation. It is only through our volunteers that we can be successful,” said Kay Gandy, Treasurer of Millie’s Mutts. “Volunteers can help in so many ways, not only opening their home, but providing transportation, assist with events, fundraising, and photography. We would love to have more volunteers join and additional foster homes, not only is it a rewarding experience, it literally saves lives.” About Millie’s Mutts Founded in 2017, Millie's Mutts is a north Texas pet rescue that rescues shelter and homeless pets and prepares them with medical and other care for their forever home. To learn more about volunteering or adopting a pet email us at mmuttsrescue@gmail.com or visit milliesmutts.com . About Millie's Mutts Founded in 2017, Millie's Mutts is a north Texas pet rescue that rescues shelter and homeless pets and prepares them with medical and other care for their forever home. To learn more about volunteering or adopting a pet email us at mmuttsrescue@gmail.com or visit milliesmutts.com . Contact Details Kelly Sargent +1 703-347-1117 mmuttsrescue@gmail.com Company Website http://www.milliesmutts.com/

September 03, 2020 11:00 AM Central Daylight Time

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Fully Promoted Launches Social Distancing Bracelets for Networking Events

Fully Promoted

Fully Promoted , the world’s largest branded products and marketing services franchise, is helping businesses get back to business with its wide range of promotional products. Most recently, Michelle Bottino, owner and operator of Fully Promoted St. Charles in Illinois, helped her local Chamber of Commerce execute a successful event with the use of color-coded wristbands to identify comfort levels regarding social distancing. Bottino, an active member of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, recently collaborated with the Chamber to determine an effective way to drive event attendance while maintaining social distance and allowing attendees to feel comfortable. Together, the two came up with providing attendees with color-coded wristbands. The branded, disposable bracelets were available at the check-in table. Guests were given the option to choose from three bracelets to indicate their preferred level of interaction. Green – Happy to high five and hug! Yellow – I am okay with talking but please no hugging or handshakes. Red – Happy to see you but keeping my distance. “My business focuses primarily on helping others promote their businesses. I couldn’t help but think that I could do more for them right now as they rebuild and get back to networking in person in some fashion,” said Bottino. “The wristband is just one of the many ways we are looking to get businesses back to business at a time when they need us the most. The St. Charles Chamber of Commerce chose to use this affordable yet extremely effective visual aid to help put attendees at ease while attending an event and adhering to local guidelines and regulations. It takes away the need to verbally express, Hey… I’m here, but I‘m not comfortable shaking hands just yet. At Fully Promoted, our goal is to keep our customers safe, but we have to learn to live with COVID and get back to business.” With the success of this event and others like it, Fully Promoted has introduced an entire line of Networking Bracelets for in person gatherings and events including reusable silicone bracelets, rubber wristbands and Tyvek paper wristbands . “The past several months has presented challenges across every single industry,” said Mike Brugger, President of Fully Promoted. “I am proud of Michelle and our entire Fully Promoted network for their dedication to helping their local communities as businesses reopen. Michelle and the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce identified a safe way for businesses to get back to business and successfully host events where everyone can feel comfortable.” Today, businesses need to be equipped with user-friendly and on-demand tools to remain top-of-mind. With approximately 300 locations worldwide, Fully Promoted is uniquely positioned to give customers an online and physical option so they can see and touch the product prior to purchasing. For businesses seeking content and promotional products , you are encouraged to visit the Fully Promoted shopping platform featuring hundreds of quality promotional products. A member of the United Franchise Group, Fully Promoted can access more than half a million promotional products, plus it offers a comprehensive suite of marketing services that include print, digital marketing, and lead generation. For more information about Fully Promoted and to visit the new online shopping site, visit Shop.FullyPromoted.com . About Fully Promoted Fully Promoted has approximately 300 locations across the globe. The brand operates a full-service branded products and marketing service business and is the place to attract customers. From promotional products and embroidery to expert printing services, Fully Promoted can help take businesses to the next level. Fully Promoted also offers an office-based model allowing franchisees to operate their business using a developed network of resources. To find the Fully Promoted nearest you, visit www.FullyPromoted.com , and for franchising opportunities, visit www.FullyPromotedFranchise.com . Contact Details Brittny Fuchs +1 561-812-6032 bfuchs@ufgcorp.com Company Website http://www.fullypromoted.com/

September 03, 2020 10:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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HearMeCheer Delivers Successful Integration of Real, Live Fan Cheers and Crowd Noise for Top Rank Live from the MGM Grand Conference Center Grand Ballroom in Las Vegas

HearMeCheer

HearMeCheer , the innovative and timely audio broadcast app that collects live fan noise and streams it into stadiums, arenas, ballparks as well as live sports television broadcasts, was successfully implemented by Top Rank boxing for their recent live cards distributed on ESPN platforms. Today, HearMeCheer announced that their agreement has been extended through October. Top Rank utilized HearMeCheer, actively promoted during the live broadcasts, to bring authentic, live fan cheers and crowd noise into the MGM Grand Conference Center Grand Ballroom in Las Vegas during each night’s contests, creating an authentic sound and feel in an otherwise empty arena. “Top Rank challenged us to enable fans and viewers to hear and feel as though the arena was full, but at the same time not deliver audio that detracted from the telecast,” said Elias Andersen, the 20-year-old founder and Chief Executive Officer of Toronto-based ChampTrax , and the creative mind behind HearMeCheer. “They wanted the fans to participate live in the event. We launched the HearMeCheer app through viewer cellphones, as suggested by the announcers on location in on-air promotions during the broadcast,” Andersen continued. “The result was live audience reactions and sounds captured through HearMeCheer and ‘piped’ into the production at the MGM Grand Conference.” According to Brad Jacobs, COO of Top Rank , “ HearMeCheer delivered authentic, live fan reaction and crowd noise during our events, bringing the fans closer to the matches, almost as if they were in the arena with us. HearMeCheer proved to us it can be done, and our telecasts are greatly enhanced by this new way to engage our fans.” About HearMeCheer: HearMeCheer is an innovative fan engagement platform developed by the team at ChampTrax. The Toronto-based company has created an app that allows sports fans at home to actively engage with their favorite teams playing in ballparks, arenas, and stadiums around the world. HearMeCheer collects live fan noise, cheers, sounds and reactions into a live audio stream that is used by sports teams, leagues, and broadcasters in live game coverage. Additional information is available at http://www.HearMeCheer.com . Contact Details Jim DeLorenzo +1 215-266-5943 jim@jhdenteprises.com Company Website http://www.jhdenterprises.com

September 02, 2020 09:50 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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ACCURATE FRANCHISING, INC. NAMED A TOP FRANCHISE SUPPLIER BY ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

Accurate Franchising, Inc.

Accurate Franchising, Inc. , is a franchise management company that specializes in helping businesses expand through franchising. The brand is proud to announce that they recently ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s third annual list of the Top Franchise Suppliers. This list recognizes top companies that provide services and support to franchisors and franchisees in ten categories: Accounting, Banking/Financing, Franchise Broker/Referral Networks, Franchise Consulting/Development, Legal Services, Marketing, Merchant Services, Other Technology Services, Public Relations, and Real Estate Services. Accurate Franchising was ranked # 15 in the Franchise Consulting/Development category. “We are honored to be recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine for our dedication to helping companies franchise their business and creating a custom business plan to match their desired level of success,” said Tipton Shonkwiler, Accurate Franchising Brand President. "Now more than ever franchisors and franchisees need service providers they can rely on to help them build and run their businesses as efficiently as possible," says Entrepreneur's editor in chief, Jason Feifer. "We at Entrepreneur are proud to help by presenting this list of the most trusted suppliers in the industry." To determine who the Top Franchise Suppliers are, Entrepreneur surveyed more than 700 franchisors to find out which service providers they and their franchisees use, and what their satisfaction is with the quality, cost, and value of those suppliers’ services. Each supplier was scored based on the results of this survey. Accurate Franchising’s position on the ranking illustrates its position as a trusted service provider in the franchise community. To view the full ranking, visit entrepreneur.com/franchise/top-franchise-suppliers . The list can also be seen in the September 2020 issue of Entrepreneur . About Accurate Franchising, Inc. Accurate Franchising is the only franchise development consulting firm that actually owns and operates its own franchise brands. The company has first-hand experience with franchising, giving it an intimate understanding of what a franchisor needs to succeed. Accurate works with clients to help their franchises grow and thrive, while also working with its sister companies—Signarama, Venture X, and others—to keep those franchise brands strong. Accurate franchising has worked with more than 200 brands in over 80 countries. For more information, visit AccurateFranchising.com . Contact Details Brittny Fuchs +1 561-812-6032 bfuchs@ufgcorp.com Company Website https://www.accuratefranchising.com/

September 02, 2020 08:44 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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