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Maison Métaphore…Brings Its Latest Designer Collection to The World Through Its New E-Commerce Website

Maison Métaphore...

TOKYO, JAPAN - Media OutReach - 20 September 2021 - Japanese fashion brand Metaphor, directed by Kento Fukatsu, fashion designer and founder, has launched its global e-commerce website with its new brand, Maison Métaphore.... The launch coincides with the release of the brand's autumn/winter 2021 collection and aims to expand its reach across the world. Metaphor from 2019 Spring/Summer "Just like a metaphor, the concept behind Maison Métaphore...is to convey our evolving world through innovative, ground-breaking fashion. By launching our global e-commerce website, we are enabling a larger number of people the opportunity to express themselves through our progressive, gender-neutral apparel," said Kento Fukatsu, designer and founder of Maison Métaphore... and Metaphor. Fukatsu's approach to design is the use of juxtapositions and is inspired by Dadaism, an art movement that began during the First World War in Zurich. This produces clothes that give the impression they are not worn exactly as they were intended i.e., backwards, inside out, or skirts that look like pants. In addition, and with sustainable fashion in mind, Fukatsu's designs are designed to be worn for a long time by a wide range of people, regardless of gender. The theme for the brand's autumn/winter 2021 collection is In the Middle of Change with the brand's signature sense of incompatibility. With a nod to the world's circumstances, it was created with a mixture of diverse cultures in mind but still from a Japanese perspective. The collection uses the best materials from Japan and features a combination of a bustier, jacket and a jumper skirt reconstructed from a trench coat. The collection was supervised by the stylist Tsuyoshi Kurata. The e-commerce website will be available in English, Simplified Chinese and Japanese as well as providing access to a 24/7 live chat with customer support. The site also offers buyers free shipping globally. Trench Jumper skirt $613.33 Bustier docked jacket $707.69 Trench docked wool trouser $547.28 Vest docked wool coat $1,037.95 About Maison Métaphore... Founded by acclaimed Japanese designer Kento Fukatsu, Maison Métaphore...is a global e-commerce brand designing unique apparel collections for both female and male consumers. 'Metaphor' was selected as one the nine best young brands 2016 by fashionsnap.com. The brand was originally established as a Japanese domestic brand, Metaphor and was renamed to Maison Métaphore... in 2021. About Kento Fukatsu Kento Fukatsu founder of Metaphor and Maison Métaphore... is an experienced designer who breaks the rules of fashion. He is inspired by Dadaism and Japanese underground street culture, which is the identity of the designer himself, as well as innovative items that are conscious of diversity. After graduating from the Fashion Creative Department of Esmod Japon, he launched Metaphor... in 2016. Website: maisonmetaphore.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maison_metaphore_official/ Contact Details Media Contact Takuya Tojo maisonmetophore@gmail.com

September 20, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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EXPLORE THE WORLDS: MEOW WOLF’S CONVERGENCE STATION IS NOW OPEN

Meow Wolf

Convergence Station is now open for quantum travel. The highly-anticipated third permanent exhibition from US-based arts and entertainment company, Meow Wolf, will be welcoming its first guests today - Friday, September 17th. The experience is nestled in the middle of W Colfax Ave and I-25, in the heart of the Sun Valley neighborhood. The sought-after experience sold a record high 35,000 tickets within the first 24 hours of ticket sales opening earlier this month. "This is unlike anything we - or anyone - has developed before,” said Ali Rubinstein, Co-CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Meow Wolf. “We've created an immersive experience out of extraordinary art, while continuing our rich narrative layer for visitors to dive into and connect with on a deep emotional level. Convergence Station will change the face of immersive Art Experiences not just for Denver, but for the world. This is next level." Meow Wolf has worked with over 300 creatives, including 110+ Colorado-based collaborating artists, to bring 79 unique projects within the 4 floors of interactive space in Convergence Station to life.These muralists, sculptors, fiber artists, and technologists have worked tirelessly to build a mind-bending installation that will leave travelers appreciating what it really means to be immersed in a narrative. Notable collaborating artists working on this project include Kalyn Heffernan, Kyle Singer, Cal Duran, Everything is Terrible!, Molina Speaks, Sofie Birkin, along with Moment Factory and many others. Unforgettable and transformational, this is the place where memory, quantum travel, and unseen worlds meet. Convergence Station offers an immersive, interactive experience that will transport travelers of all ages into fantastic realms of story and exploration. Guests will discover psychedelic, mind-bending art and an underlying rich narrative, which will take them on a journey of discovery into a surreal, science-fictional epic. “Our most ambitious project to date, the Denver exhibition, is bound to bend minds, inspire creativity, and touch hearts,” said Todd Richins, Executive Creative Producer at Meow Wolf Denver. “From our partnership with artists and collaborators on the venue, to the retail and food spaces within our walls, Meow Wolf Denver is a one-stop immersive and imaginative art experience for all ages.” The anchor spaces of Convergence Station include: CONVERGENCE STREET - Once the scorned sanitation district, residents of C Street are glad to have converged away from the bureaucratic landlords of their former homeworld. And because they don’t trust politicians, the citizens elect a new mayor every 20 minutes. The economy of Convergence is based around the collecting and trading of memories, and the hub of this economy is C Street’s Convergence Exchange. EEMIA - The people of Eemia are led by an ancient scientific order called the Kaleidogoths. When the Convergence tore some of the Eemian population away from their homeworld, they were in the midst of a thousand year ice age. OSSUARY - Ossuary’s labyrinth of corridors connects many spaces by collaborating artists. Oss has become the “Gold Standard” repository for memories from across the Convergence through both sanctioned and shadow market Memory Trading. The people of Ossuary are led by a historic Lineage of Librarians – dedicated to the preservation of Oss and all knowledge from across the known multiverse. NUMINA - Numina exists beyond linear time — existing everywhere, and at any point in time, simultaneously. Numina has anchored itself in the third and fourth dimensions by joining the Convergence in order to learn about language, linear time, and free will. In addition to the art, guests can experience the 488-person live performance venue called The Perplexiplex where regular concerts will be taking place, created in collaboration with Moment Factory. Visitors can also look forward to dining at HELLOFOOD, a fast-casual cafe that has both grab and go and dine-in offerings. Inspired by the variety of tastes found in our neighborhood of Sun Valley, HELLOFOOD offers local food and beverage by local entrepreneurs who represent inclusivity and convergence of cultures. Before returning to the real world, guests will also be able to continue their exploration in the exhibition’s gift shop. Meow Wolf's signature swag has gained a following of its own for its whimsical, maximalist style. Spanning over 2,000 square feet and offering over 1,500 unique items, these carefully curated keepsakes will allow guests to take home a piece of their experience. In celebrate the opening of Denver’s new quantum transit station, earth-based advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy worked with Swedish director Andreas Nilsson, Grammy-winning songwriter Bret McKenzie, and a team of CG artists from around the world to create a “transdimensional travel ad”—one that urges bipedal humans everywhere to escape their drab, boring planet and go “see the worlds.” The surreal film can be viewed here - it was made from a combination of vintage travel films and shot footage, which were stitched together and then digitally mutated to create strange, beautiful, converged worlds. Convergence Station will be open from 10:00 am until 10:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and from 10:00 am until 12:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Hours are subject to change. Tickets are available via meow.wf/denver-tix for pre-purchase for $45 for General Admission ($40 Children / Seniors / Military), and $35 for Colorado Residents. Visitors are required to pre-book a time slot and masks are required for entry. Meow Wolf was recognized in Fast Company 's 2020 list of the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies, and awarded the #1 spot for Live Events. The company also opened Omega Mart, its second permanent installation in Las Vegas earlier this year, following the success of their flagship location in Santa Fe, House of Eternal Return. ### Listicle Information The immersive arts and entertainment company, Meow Wolf, has opened Convergence Station in Denver today on September 17, 2021 with their most ambitious project yet. Created by 110+ collaborating artists and more than 200 Meow Wolf creatives, this 4-story immersive exhibition will be home to 79 unique installations, including cavernous spaces 30 feet high. Guests will discover psychedelic, mind-bending art, and an underlying rich narrative, taking them on a journey of discovery into a surreal, science-fictional epic. It will be like NOTHING they have ever experienced before. The exhibition will also be home to The Perpexiplex, a 488 person live performance venue, the HELLOFOOD cafe, and a retail space. Tickets are available via meow.wf/denver-tix. COVID-19 Meow Wolf is aware of the rapidly changing circumstances due to COVID-19. They are continuing to monitor the situation and will make adjustments to help ensure the safety of our guests, staff, and community. Any changes will be communicated directly to ticket holders via email, on Meow Wolf’s website, and social media channels. Currently, the protocol is as follows: face masks are required for guests at all times except when eating or drinking with social distance. There will be hand sanitizer dispensers placed at guest and employee entrances and throughout the exhibit. Convergence Station will make available non-latex gloves for employee and guest use. Employees will be required to test weekly for COVID-19. Recognized in Fast Company's 2020 list of as The World's 50 Most Innovative Companies' and claiming Blooloop's #2 and #3 spots as the 'World's Top Immersive Art Experiences,' Meow Wolf is a US-based innovative arts and entertainment company. An ever-evolving wellspring of creativity, Meow Wolf makes art to stir the imagination and transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of story and exploration, with locations to explore in Santa Fe, Las Vegas, and (soon to open) Denver. The company's first location in Santa Fe opened in 2016 and showcases the THEA Award-winning, international sensation, House Of Eternal Return, where two million visitors have now discovered a mind-bending mystery house with secret passages, portals to magical worlds, and surreal, maximalist and mesmerizing art. In 2019, Meow Wolf expanded beyond Santa Fe and opened Kaleidoscape, the world's first artist-driven ride at Elitch Gardens in Denver. Meow Wolf opened their second permanent installation, Omega Mart, at AREA15 in Las Vegas in February 2021 which went on to be a huge success. Their third permanent installation in Denver is slated to open September 17, 2021. Meow Wolf is proud to be the only certified B-Corporation in the themed entertainment industry, with a team dedicated to social impact and building a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Contact Details Jive PR + Digital Maya Sarin +1 818-422-2248 maya@jiveprdigital.com Company Website https://meowwolf.com/

September 17, 2021 09:00 AM Mountain Daylight Time

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Israeli SleepX to be merged into AppYea Inc. (APYP)

Appyea

AppYea continues the process of merging SleepX into the company. The merger is expected to be completed by 12/01/2021 in accordance with the model published on 08/02/2021 ( Link ) In parallel, SleepX continues developing and improving its algorithms and planning to start production during 2022. The SleepX product is being designed to provide a unique answer to approximately 90 million Americans who suffer from the problem of snoring. DreamIT The night wrist band will include several sensors and a vibration motor which will operates with an intensity adapted to the user's reactions in real time in order to accustom the user to sleep in the correct position using biofeedback, thereby reducing or eliminating snoring. SleepX solution is being developed in collaboration with the Biomedical department of Ben Gurion University in Beer Sheva, and is patent - protected in the US, EU and Israel. https://www.sleepxclear.com/ipportfolio In addition to reducing snoring and improving sleep quality, users will be able to access important statistics relating to their sleep patterns via an app (Apple and Android) to track over time and detect anomalies. Product Clip The sleep apnea market is projected to reach USD 9.9 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period. Major factors driving the growth of this market include the growing awareness regarding the detrimental effects of snoring, availability, and benefits of anti-snoring treatments, growing geriatric and obese population, presence of a large number of cigarette smokers and alcoholics, and a large pool of an untapped snoring population. However, poor efficacy of current anti-snoring treatments available in the market, high cost of some of the anti-snoring treatments, and lack of reimbursement are major factors restraining the growth of this market. “The SleepX approach should not only solve physiological problems for a great many people, but it may also allow many couples to go back to sleeping together," says Bary Molchadsky, SleepX's entrepreneur and CEO. “The decision to merge with AppYea was made in order to accelerate the start point of production. Lately, we see major players entering the market – Google presented its new Fitbit watch with the possibility to monitor snoring. Amazon presented at the beginning of the year the new Alexa that is supposed to identify sleep apnea. However, we believe that the patent-protected technology underlying the SleepX approach should be accepted in the marketplace.” “The SleepX products are being designed to provide, besides monitoring, biofeedback based individual treatment, adjusted to each user in real-time. Following the launch of the first snoring treatment product, the company intends to start clinical trials in order to receive FDA approval for sleep apnea treatment.” “I’m certain that tens of thousands of academic research hours together with international strong patents, would provide Appyea’s investors a significant advantage over time.” Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This release includes forward-looking statements. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth herein. No statement herein should be considered an offer or a solicitation of an offer for the purchase or sale of any securities. Although APYP believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and the assumptions upon which they are based are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations and assumptions will prove to have been correct. Forward-looking statements, which involve assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies, and expectations, are generally identifiable by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "intend," or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as these statements are subject to numerous factors and uncertainties, including but not limited to adverse economic conditions, intense competition, entry of new competitors and products, adverse federal, state and local government regulation, inadequate capital, unexpected costs and operating deficits, increases in general and administrative costs, unanticipated losses, financial condition and stock price, inability to carry out research, development and commercialization plans and other specific risks. APYP does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement. Neither APYP nor SLEEPX are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as amended. Contact Details Asaf Porat info@appyea.com Company Website http://www.appyea.com

September 17, 2021 08:47 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Today is National Pet Bird Day

BEAK

Contact Details Jamie Baxter +1 775-322-4022 jamie@theimpetusagency.com

September 17, 2021 08:08 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Mattress Concierge Selected as Exclusive Partner of Unique Boutique Hotel, Esmé Miami Beach, Located Along Historic Española Way

Mattress Concierge

Leading designer and manufacturer of handcrafted mattresses for luxury hospitality properties, Mattress Concierge, is thrilled to announce its partnership with Esmé Miami Beach, a unique boutique hotel located along Miami Beach's historic pedestrian plaza, Española Way. Esmé Miami Beach’s selection of Mattress Concierge as their exclusive mattress supplier is an obvious one. “Our clients care deeply about the overall guest experience, from incorporating unique touches in discrete places, to the largest, most important features” says Rob Richards, Managing Director of Mattress Concierge. He further notes: “We believe the sleep experience plays an integral role in overall guest enjoyment, resulting in subsequent visits and loyal guests”. Opening this October, Esmé Miami Beach was originally built as a 1920's artist village. The Spanish-Mediterranean revival property is comprised of eight buildings featuring 145 hotel rooms and five original food & beverage concepts. No one space resembles another at Esmé Miami Beach. Every detail of the hotel's design creates an ambiance that pays homage to Española Way's original mission: to offer a setting where artists can thrive. Jessica LaRosa, General Manager of Esmé Miami Beach, commented: “As a hotelier, it’s so important to me that the sleep experience is as thoughtfully considered as every other hotel amenity, detail and on-property experience—it’s the core reason that hotels exist. Of course, this was a top priority in planning for the opening of Esmé Miami Beach. When we saw the love and care Mattress Concierge put into making their beds when we toured the factory, (and then slept on them!), we knew that this boutique product was perfect for our hotel.” Established in 2010, Mattress Concierge was founded to exclusively serve independent hospitality properties, ranging from small inns and boutique hotels, to large luxury properties and fine resorts. The Company handcrafts mattresses using the highest quality materials available, combining comfort and durability. Time-tested designs and assembly techniques are not compromised as with mass manufacturing. While the mattress industry consolidates, Mattress Concierge continually refines and improves upon design and the materials used, endeavoring to fully serve their client properties and guests. Esmé Miami Beach is located at 1438 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For information or reservations please visit www.esmehotel.com. Contact Details Mattress Concierge Paige Kellogg +1 203-536-3107 paige@mattressconcierge.com Company Website http://www.mattressconcierge.com

September 17, 2021 08:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Celebrate National Pet Bird Day on September 17

BEAK

The Bird Enjoyment & Advantage Koalition (BEAK), a concentrated effort to educate on and grow responsible bird ownership, is excited to announce the 3 rd annual National Pet Bird Day, which will take place Friday, September 17, 2021. Pet bird owners are encouraged to share stories, photos and videos of their birds using the hashtag #NationalPetBirdDay, while others can learn more about the joys and benefits of bird ownership. “Birds are amazing companion animals and are actually very connected to their owners,” said Brent Weinmann, BEAK Chairman. “National Pet Bird Day serves as a day to celebrate all the amazing ways pet birds enrich our lives, educate on responsible bird ownership and encourage others to consider adding a feathered family member to their flock.” What is it exactly that bird owners love most about their beloved companions? According to the American Pet Products Association, bird owners say the top benefits are that birds are fun to watch/have in the household, they provide love, companionship, company and affection, and even relieve stress. But there’s more, studies show birds can also increase social interaction, which is very important to mental health and wellbeing, and pets can be instrumental in teaching children empathy and responsibility. Currently, Millennials represent the largest demographic of bird owners with 45 percent of bird owners being Millennials. For those interested in adding a bird to their home, BEAK offers an interactive quiz at www.myrightbird.com where a series of questions help match users with the right bird for their lifestyle. Quiz questions range from time and financial commitments, living arrangements and noise tolerance, to birds’ level of affection and expected lifespan; all key factors for potential bird owners to consider. “We understand that birds like any pet can be a big commitment and through our resources like the quiz, bird locator, species information and avian vet locator we hope to provide new bird owners the information they need to enjoy the happiness and beauty they bring to a home,” said BEAK president, Dean Reyes. Follow @MyRightBird on social media leading up to National Pet Bird Day for live educational demonstrations, giveaways, photo contests and more! To learn more about National Pet Bird Day visit www.nationalpetbirdday.com for a downloadable toolkit and other ways to participate. About BEAKFounded in 2016, the Bird Enjoyment and Advantage Koalition (BEAK) consists of bird product manufacturers, associations and caregivers with shared interests to address the need for increased, responsible bird ownership. BEAK’s mission is to conduct research, identify existing resources, opportunities and challenges, and educate and drive awareness of the benefits of bird ownership through strategic communications, marketing, collaborations and initiatives. www.MyRightBird.com Contact Details Impetus Agency Jamie Baxter +1 775-322-4022 jamie@theimpetusagency.com

September 16, 2021 11:45 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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RUNNING LEGEND AND GLOBAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS ADVOCATE MEB KEFLEZIGHI JOINS KILTER BOARD OF ADVISORS TO CONNECT ACTIVE LIFESTYLES WITH IMPORTANT CAUSES

Kilter

Meb Keflezighi, the only athlete ever to win the Boston and New York City Marathons and an Olympic marathon medal, will join the Kilter Board of Advisors, it was announced today by Seth Braddock, Kilter Founder & CEO. The newly created Kilter Board of Advisors is committed to advancing the platform’s breakthrough social engagement applications that connect active lifestyles with important causes. Keflezighi, who is the driving force behind the MEB Foundation which supports healthy lifestyles for youth, has long recognized the significance of combining charitable social impact with health and wellness, and will be kicking off his involvement with the mobile app platform with his very own special event, Kilter's Fall Hustle. “Running for me has always been as much about the community as the competition. It really does take a team to achieve your goals,” said Keflezighi, the silver medalist at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004. “Kilter takes us to the next level of activity and community. Regardless of our age, ability, or location, we can all live healthy and active lives while making the lives of others better. And with Kilter's Fall Hustle, everyone training for a fall marathon can come together to make every mile of training count, both on and off the roads.” Throughout the fall, marathon trainers and charity supporters alike will begin their journey alongside Meb to donate their hustle for the causes they care about the most, regardless of their ability or location. The Fall Hustle charity challenge provides an easy compliment to any runner’s existing training plan. The event, which will display activity and fundraising progress on an interactive leaderboard, will culminate on Giving Tuesday (November 30, 2021). The most active charity will be crowned the Fall Hustle Champions and will be awarded a grand prize cash donation for their efforts and dedication. Among the many charities participating in Kilter's Fall Hustle is Beyond Type 1, a nonprofit dedicated to changing what it means to live with diabetes. "Beyond Type 1 is thrilled to use Kilter to help build excitement and support around our New York City marathon team," said Beyond Type 1 CEO Thom Scher. "The Beyond Type Run Team, made up of 50 with Type 1 diabetes, is taking on one of the biggest races in the world. We're excited to bring our community together for a virtual fitness and fundraising challenge and rally around this incredible group of individuals, knowing we're raising awareness and providing support to others affected by diabetes in the process." Meb will be joined on the Kilter Board of Advisors by his brother and highly regarded athlete manager, Merhawi Keflezighi, who represents an impressive group of world-class athletes and caused-focused influencers such as the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon Champion, Aliphine Tuliamuk, Olympic shot-put medalist Joe Kovacs, trail running champion Joe Gray, Olympian/author/filmmaker, Alexi Pappas, middle-distance runner and role model, Nikki Hilktz, Triathlete and Olympic medalist, Katie Zaferes, and American Record Holder in the Triple Jump, Keturah Orji. For more information and to register for Kilter's Fall Hustle Challenge on Kilter, please visit: https://www.kilterrewards.com/events/kilters-fall-hustle-2021 ABOUT KILTER Kilter is the world's most inclusive supporter engagement platform that turns everyday health, wellness and lifestyle activities into opportunities for people to drive charitable dollars to their favorite causes, all while building culture and community to make a global impact. With 50+ trackable activities from running to yoga to pickleball to volunteering, plus our best in class user experience, functionality and customer support, employers, nonprofits and event producers will meet their supporters where they are today (on their phones) and easily exceed engagement and impact goals. Learn more at www.kilterapp.com. ABOUT MEB KEFLEZIGHI Meb is the only athlete in history to win the New York Marathon, the Boston Marathon and an Olympic Medal. Widely acclaimed as one of the greatest runners of our time, Meb Keflezighi (pronounced Kef-lez-ghee) brings a higher meaning to “going the distance.” From his arrival in America as a refugee from war-torn Eritrea in East Africa to his victorious finish at the emotionally charged 2014 Boston Marathon — now as a proud and patriotic American — Meb has secured not only his place in history, but an inspiring presence in the hearts and minds of millions. ABOUT BEYOND TYPE 1 Beyond Type 1 is a nonprofit organization changing what it means to live with diabetes. By leveraging the power of social media and technology, Beyond Type 1 empowers people to both live well today and support a better tomorrow. Through peer support programs, global campaigns, and digital platforms, Beyond Type 1 is uniting the global diabetes community across both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, helping to change what it means to live with chronic illness. To learn more, visit beyondtype1.org. Contact Details Kilter Julian Lavelle +1 315-708-3494 julian@kilterapp.com Company Website https://www.kilterapp.com

September 16, 2021 10:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Great Place to Work® Announces the Best Workplaces for Women™ 2021

Great Place to Work®

Great Place to Work®, the global authority on workplace culture has determined the Fortune Best Workplaces for Women ™ 2021 by analyzing confidential employee surveys representing the opinions of 5.6 million U.S. employees. There are 38 new companies on this list this year and two of them, Bitwise Industries and Greenhouse) made it to the top five. Twenty-six of the 75 large organizations on the list are new, and 12 out of the 25 small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are making their Best Workplaces for Women debut. Hilton tops the list this year, followed by financial corporations American Express and Bank of America. Impressively, Bank of America jumped 39 spots from their position on last year’s Best Workplaces for Women list. The number of participating organizations increased 40% from 2020, but the spots available this year remains at 100, making it more difficult than ever to earn a spot on the list. This year’s list is made up of 75 large companies and 25 SMBs. “These companies have made a commitment to fostering equity in the workplace. With the facts about gender inequity in mind, the Best Workplaces for Women braved the task of combatting gender inequity by ensuring their women employees feel safe, heard, challenged and valued,” says Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work. COVID-19 was disproportionately hard on working women, who experienced more furloughs and layoffs and had higher quit rates compared to their male colleagues. Nowhere was this truer than in the hospitality industry. That makes it even more impressive that four hospitality companies—Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt and Kimpton—made the list in 2021. Hyatt even jumped seven spots to make this year’s top 10, powered by an incredibly strong representation of female leadership, a barrier many organizations struggle to overcome. In fact, half of the executive management at Hyatt identify as female. The company has made numerous internal investments to support their female employees, including Women@Hyatt Diversity Business Resource Group (DBRGs), which are akin to Employee Resource Groups (ERG) at other organizations. The group has since expanded to include Hyatt B.L.A.C.K, Hyatt Asian-Pacific Islanders, Latinos@Hyatt, Hyatt disABILITIES and HyPride. Though Nationwide, Rocket Companies, and Bank of America saw the largest improvement in their employee survey scores, many more on the list showed great improvement in how women were experiencing their workplace, despite the lasting impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the well-being of women worldwide. See the full list of the Best Workplaces for Women™ 2021 What are the top 10 companies to work for as a woman in 2021? About the Best Workplaces for Women methodology The methodology for determining the Best Workplaces for Women is unique in that it specifically analyzes how women are experiencing the workplace. In order to do this, we ask employees to respond to over 60 survey questions describing the extent to which their organization creates a great place to work For All™. Eighty-five percent of the ranking is based on what women themselves report about their workplace, and how fairly those experiences compare to men’s reports of the same workplaces. The survey measures the extent to which women report their organizations create a great place to work For All—for example, whether people trust each other and employees are able to reach their full human potential, no matter who they are or what they do. We analyze whether different identities women hold change their experience of the workplace. We analyze these patterns relative to each organization’s size, workforce makeup and what’s typical in their industry and region. We also measure the degree to which employees from all backgrounds are equally involved in innovation opportunities, believe company values are lived and breathed, and believe management is effective. Fifteen percent of the remaining rank is based on how well-represented women are in the workforce and throughout management, taking into account industry trends. To be considered, companies need to employ at least 50 women, at least 20% of their non-executive managers need to be female and at least one of their executives needs to be female. About Great Place to Work Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees around the world and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Great Place to Work helps organizations quantify their culture and produce better business results by creating a high-trust work experience for all employees. Their unparalleled benchmark data is used to recognize Great Place to Work-Certified™ companies and the Best Workplaces™ in the US and more than 60 countries, including the 100 Best Companies to Work For® and World’s Best Workplaces™ lists published annually in Fortune. Everything they do is driven by the mission to build a better world by helping every organization become a great place to work For All™. To learn more, visit greatplacetowork.com, subscribe to their company culture newsletter and read “ A Great Place to Work for All. ” Join the community on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. Contact Details Kim Peters +1 415-844-2574 kpeters@greatplacetowork.com Company Website https://www.greatplacetowork.com

September 16, 2021 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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NSI Insurance Group Acquires Fourth Agency in 15 Months

NSI Insurance Group

NSI Insurance Group, a leading independent insurance agency specializing in risk management, employee benefits, and insurance services for businesses and individuals, recently made its third and fourth acquisitions in the past 15 months, with the purchase White Cloud Insurance and Express Insurance, both in Miami. NSI Insurance Group now has four offices throughout South Florida. NSI Insurance Group, founded in 1958, ranks among the largest privately owned firms in Florida and operates within five business segments including personal and commercial insurance, employee benefits, and specialty programs. The company has achieved robust growth, driven by a combination of expansion in existing verticals and strategic acquisitions. The company has been continuously recognized as a “Best Practices” agency in a survey of the largest insurance agencies in the United States. “We have continued our long-standing pattern of consistent yet conservative growth through growing our existing client base and making strategic acquisitions of top-quality insurance companies throughout South Florida,” said NSI Insurance Group CEO Oscar Seikaly. “We believe our strategy brings exceptional new opportunities for our clients and our employees as we continue to develop our firm.” Last year, NSI Insurance Group acquired Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based Pallant Insurance, one of the largest LGTBQ-owned and managed agencies in the state. The Pallant brand continues under the same leadership as a subsidiary of NSI Insurance Group. Last summer, the company acquired Ensurgroup, based in South Miami, while the Express Insurance and White Cloud acquisitions closed in the past few months. “As the South Florida population grows and density increases, we must become more geographically diverse and reinforce our back-office operations,” said Seikaly. “The acquisitions enable us to move quickly and improve our leverage with major carriers, which is critical during a tight market.” According to Seikaly, the acquired agencies were all excellent cultural fits, and each firm brings expertise that benefits the entire organization. Executive leaders of each firm have been retained and continue to work with the company. Contact Details David PR Group John P. David +1 305-274-3903 john@davidpr.com

September 15, 2021 10:59 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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