Month: September 2023

2023-09-13T12:05:00

(BPT) – If you own an electric vehicle (EV) or are seriously considering buying one in the near future, you’re not alone. Thanks in part to the wider availability of vehicles and various tax credits, EV sales continue growing, jumping from around 2% to 8.5% of market share in the past two years.

For those hesitating about purchasing an EV, top reasons most people have for not buying one include concerns about where to charge their vehicle, and the range of a single charge. While it’s common to see gas stations everywhere — and filling your tank is relatively quick — being able to locate EV charging stations that supply a fast charge is crucial to make EV ownership convenient and practical for everyone. And with the demand for enough electricity to power these charging stations growing, it’s also vital for investments to be made in supporting the electrical grid to keep up with demand.

How one company is leading the way in EV charging

To help provide more fast charging stations nationwide, Electrify America, owners and operators of the largest open DC fast charging network in the U.S., is investing over $2 billion in Zero Emission Vehicle infrastructure (ZEV) and access to help millions of Americans discover the benefits of electric driving. The company currently operates in 46 states and the District of Columbia, supporting increased ZEV adoption with a comprehensive, technologically advanced and customer-friendly network.

In 2022 alone, Electrify America powered over 5 million customer charging sessions (3.5 times the sessions provided in 2021). These charging sessions delivered roughly 173 gigawatts of electricity, enabling an estimated 493 million miles of electric driving — avoiding the consumption of roughly 21 million gallons of gasoline.

Supporting the electric grid through renewable solar power

Beyond its work to keep supplying more fast charging stations for residential, commercial and public use, Electrify America entered into a financial agreement that underpinned construction of a one square mile (690 acres) solar facility in San Bernardino County, California: Electrify America Solar Glow 1.

This facility will be providing a new source of 100% renewable energy to help support the electric grid. The investment is expected to generate 75 megawatts at peak solar capacity, comparable to the power drawn by 500 EVs charging at once at an average speed of 150 kilowatts. However, the facility was designed not to directly provide energy to its charging stations, instead providing a new additional source of energy to the electrical grid that would not have been available otherwise. The facility houses over 200,000 solar panels, which will provide 225,000 megawatt hours annually — equal to the energy used by over 20,000 American homes.

The new solar facility is an important milestone to help reduce use of coal or gas energy producing facilities with 100% renewable energy.

“We’re committed to being a part of the broader charging solution for EV drivers today and in the future,” said Robert Barrosa, president and CEO, Electrify America. “This solar project is a significant accomplishment, reinforcing our commitment to back all energy delivered to customers on our coast-to-coast, public, ultra-fast DC charging network with 100% renewable energy.”

To learn more Electrify America’s sustainability efforts visit ElectrifyAmerica.com/Renewable-Energy.

2023-09-13T08:31:01

(BPT) – A vulnerable elder, who is less experienced with technology, often comes to mind when you picture a common target of online fraud. However, new research suggests younger consumers may be at higher risk. According to the 2023 Telesign Trust Index survey, millennials are more than four times as likely to experience fraud than their parents or even their grandparents.

This is just one of several surprising survey findings that challenge popular stereotypes around online fraud. Check out the survey’s five surprising findings about digital fraud and learn how to protect yourself online.

1. More time online increases your risk

The more time you spend online, the more likely you are to be a victim of fraud, according to the survey. While people of all ages use the internet, younger generations use it more often. The survey found that 75% of 18- to 34-year-olds spend three or more hours online a day, making them statistically more likely to become a target of digital fraud.

Spending less time online seems like a simple solution to digital security, but that’s not an option for many consumers, especially younger folks who work, play and socialize online. Staying vigilant, visiting secure websites, and using discretion when communicating with others online can go a long way in protecting you from fraud. It’s also a good idea to look into online security services and apps to protect you on all your devices.

2. Women are more likely to be targets of fraud

The Telesign Trust Index found that 66% of fraud victims were women, compared to 34% of men. As above, it comes back to time spent online. Women, on average, spend more time on their mobile devices daily than men.

You can protect yourself by being aware that your time online provides more opportunities for would-be fraudsters to interact with you. With this knowledge, approach online interactions such as buying and selling products or socializing with new people with caution. If something or someone sounds too good to be true, chances are high that it’s a scam.

3. Households with children spend more time online

The survey revealed that respondents with children in their households spend statistically more time online per day compared to those without children. That means that children and adults in these households are more likely to encounter fraud.

Talking with your children about online safety is critical to keeping them — and you — safe while using the internet. Additionally, you should use or install parental controls to limit and monitor how your children spend their time online. Vigilance is key to protecting your household from online threats.

4. Consumers believe companies are responsible for users’ digital security

While individuals can and should exercise caution online, predicting and averting all threats is impossible, especially data breaches. In these cases, 94% of consumers agreed that businesses are responsible for protecting their digital privacy.

Providing digital privacy and security should be every company’s priority. Failing to protect consumers from even a single breach or data leak can cause significant harm to a company’s reputation and bottom line. According to the survey, 43% of data breach victims stopped associating with the brand altogether and 44% told friends and family not to associate with the brand.

To protect consumers and their own reputations, companies should increase their safeguards to prevent consumers’ identity and financial information from being accessed by scammers.

5. Fraud risk is more than just financial loss

The most obvious risk of online fraud is loss of money. Of the 30% of consumers surveyed who experienced fraud in the past three years, 61% reported financial losses and one-third reported losses of more than $1,000.

However, consumers can lose more than just money. About 40% of respondents said they experienced mental health concerns connected to an instance of online fraud and 44% characterized the incident as having a negative impact on their lives.

To protect your money and emotional health, be careful where and how you share your financial information online. Make sure the sites you visit are secure and look for trustworthy signals like a TLS/SSL certificate or the Telesign Trust Certified Badge, which signifies that the company has been verified as a defender of a safe and secure digital environment. Website seals and trust badges help to convey that a website is secure with your personal or financial information. Keep an eye on your credit card statements and sign up for online bank monitoring.

Anyone can be a target for online fraud, but arming yourself with knowledge can help you stay safe while enjoying the internet. To learn more about the survey results and to download the report, visit the Telesign Trust Index.

2023-09-13T07:01:00

(BPT) – There’s no shortage of expenses when you’re bringing a baby into the world. From diapers and gadgets to nurseries and their wardrobes, the cost of welcoming your little one into the world quickly adds up.

For parents looking to save during the early days, there’s one space where smart choices can save you big — the apparel that fills up their dressers and closets. Making educated purchasing decisions around these outfits and necessities can extend the life cycle of their wardrobe and help keep parents from constantly shelling out for new clothes.

Here are a few tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of your apparel choices:

Prioritize the Material

Long gone are the days when cotton is the only option for your baby’s clothing. Today, there are several material choices, including high-quality fabrics that provide enhanced comfort and extend the life of a garment. For example, apparel made from environmentally-friendly viscose, like Gerber Childrenswear’s Our Softest Edit collection, has grown in popularity over the years thanks to its buttery-soft feel on baby’s skin. Gerber Childrenswear’s collection, full of pajamas, dresses, and rompers, provides that soft-as-silk feel and stretchy, all-day comfort at a fraction of the price of other high-end viscose options.

Minimize to Maximize

You don’t have to go full-beige baby to maximize the use of neutrals. When purchasing everyday items, like Onesies^® or Sleep ‘n Plays, that your baby will wear every day, stick to neutral colors and simple designs. This makes it easy to mix and match with shorts or pants and even easier to pass on to younger siblings. One material that never goes out of style? Denim. Invest in a few denim pieces that grow with baby, like Gerber Childrenswear’s new line of jeans for babies and toddlers, designed with features like elastic waistbands to extend the length of time kids will fit into these items.

Buy in Bulk

Maybe the best way to save money when buying for a baby is to look for products that offer multiple items at one price. For example, outfit sets and multi-packs of Onesies^® are great investments for a baby’s first few months. They’re necessities when outfit changes occur multiple times in one day and an easy avenue to save money on a cost per item purchase.

Safety Should Always be Number One

No matter what the savings are, safety should never be deprioritized. Look for industry certifications like OEKO-TEX^® and credible manufacturers, like Gerber Childrenswear, when purchasing apparel for your little ones.

Looking for more outfit inspiration that won’t break the bank? Head to Gerber Childrenswear.

2023-09-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – Supporting your child’s early learning opportunities isn’t just important for the present. Doing so can plant the seeds for future success. According to the National Institute of Children Health and Human Development, studies show that supporting children’s early learning can result in higher test scores from preschool up to age 21, better grades in math and reading, and a better chance that children will stay in school and go to college.

Of course, getting your children interested in learning is easier said than done. Read on to learn four strategies that will make learning an engaging and entertaining experience for kids that can foster a lifelong love of learning.

1. Reward achievements

A powerful tool to motivate your kids to learn is positive reinforcement. By offering rewards like stickers, extra playtime or a sweet treat when your child completes a tough assignment or gets a good grade, you can help them enjoy homework and other educational tasks.

A rewards system helps kids recognize their efforts and visualize their progress. This concrete proof of their achievements can encourage them to set goals and work steadily to achieve them.

One thing to remember is that the rewards shouldn’t overshadow the importance of learning itself. Make sure to emphasize both the short- and long-term benefits of knowledge.

2. Snacks as learning tools

Turn mundane lessons into a delightful experience by incorporating snacks into learning.

According to a study by The Nation’s Report Card, only 35% of students are reading proficiently by grade 4 and the National Assessment of Educational Progress reading scores are the lowest in decades. As such, it’s important to teach literacy in an engaging, imaginative way from an early age.

A bite-size snack that’s perfect for educational activities are Sun-Maid raisins. For back-to-school season, the brand collaborated with ABCmouse, the leading digital learning program for children, to expand access to literacy resources.

Each iconic red Sun-Maid raisins box features exclusive, limited-edition ABCmouse flash cards with a sight word on every carton. Each pack of six boxes also features a custom link to an interactive microsite hosted by ABCmouse. There, kids will find a variety of imaginative and engaging activities, from over 120 different flashcards to worksheets to coloring pages. Not only will kids be learning, but they’ll also be enjoying a delicious better-for-you snack — a double win for parents and kids! To learn more about these fun, free learning activities, visit ABCmouse.com/ABC/SunMaid.

3. Plan field trips that inspire

You can extend learning beyond the classroom by taking your kids on inspiring field trips. If they’re learning about local history, check out a museum for exhibits on the topic. Many museums, zoos, botanical gardens, historical sites and science centers offer interactive exhibits, guided tours and other activities that make subjects come to life. It’s these hands-on experiences that make learning fun and help children retain the knowledge they gain throughout the school year.

For a low-cost alternative, consider taking your kids out on a walk to discover and learn new things. Take turns identifying different things based on themes (e.g., name things you see that are yellow) or take a new path that leads to a fun surprise, such as stopping by a local Little Free Library.

4. Get crafty

When paired with a lesson, crafts are an excellent way to make learning meaningful. Making dioramas, posters and models helps kids create a visual representation of what they’re learning and gives them a hands-on approach to learning.

If your child is learning about the solar system, help them build a model of the sun and planets to help solidify the concept. Or, if they’re learning about a historical event, they can design a diorama or poster that illustrates the event in a concrete way.

Parents can transform learning from a chore into an adventure by offering rewards, incorporating snacks, planning field trips and using crafts. These tips can help you create an environment that encourages your kids’ curiosity and allows them to explore education in a fun and accessible way.

2023-09-12T08:31:00

(BPT) – Entrepreneurs rely on business credit cards for everyday expenses like office supplies, internet and marketing needs – but what many don’t realize is how to take advantage of the rewards and cash back you accrue. If used strategically, credit cards – both business and consumer – can be much more than a means to an end. Below are four tips on how business cards can help effectively offset operating costs and inflationary pressures, reinvest in your business and fuel business travel opportunities.

1. Offset costs of running your own business

It’s no secret that running a business can be costly – from the monthly internet bills to the constant need for advertising – it seems like there’s always something that needs to be paid. Owning a business credit card can help offset those costs, as they provide cash back on the categories that business owners are using most, like shipping, cable, phone services and more. Other perks may also include fraud protection, cell phone protection and no additional costs for employee credit cards, which can help business owners of all sizes, from startups to established businesses.

2. Reinvest in your people

Employee happiness has a direct impact on the health of your business, and business credit cards can be an instrumental tool in building culture and keeping morale high. Sam Rose, Founder & CEO of Mvnifest, is experiencing fast growth and uses every penny from the cash back she earns on her Chase Ink Business Premier card to reinvest into her company’s people. She knows that small gestures can go a long way in making employees feel valued. One easy way to reward employees’ efforts is using business credit card rewards to purchase gift cards from various brands, including hotels, office supply stores and electronics.

3. Offset inflationary pressures and other economic challenges

Through ongoing inflation challenges, cash back rewards earned from business credit cards can be put towards pre-purchasing inventory and acquiring essential supplies that can help prepare entrepreneurs for sudden growth opportunities. Sam Rose defines these opportunities as the “Best Day Ever Problem,” and knows they typically come with large purchase orders and fast deadlines. Whether you receive an influx of orders from a viral Instagram Reel or you get interviewed on national news, business credit card rewards like cash back can be used as a cushion to empower you to handle fast-paced growth.

Additionally, consistent cash flow is a common challenge many business owners face, so using business credit cards as a cash reserve can sometimes be the difference between keeping your business running versus having to scale back. To counteract these ebbs and flows, owners can use credit cards as another source of liquidity, which can allow you to have a buffer for unexpected expenses or larger purchases. This stability in a fast-changing economic landscape is a significant competitive advantage.

4. Fueling business (and leisure!) travel opportunities

Business owners use miles and points for a variety of reasons, whether it’s flying remote workers in for team building opportunities, traveling to see clients or conferences and events. They can also use points or miles earned on a business credit card for some well-deserved vacation time to rest and relax. Business credit cards may also come with trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance benefits that provide peace of mind and security in the event that a flight gets cancelled or an unexpected expense pops up.

By following the tips outlined here, you can make the most of your hard-earned rewards and cash back to reinvest in yourself, your employees and the future of your businesses.

2023-09-12T04:01:00

(BPT) – After a long day of work and errands, cooking dinner can often feel like a daunting task. Even if you enjoy cooking most of the time, it can be difficult to summon the energy to make a delicious and nutritious meal for yourself or your family.

Luckily, with the right tools, you can ensure you have an enjoyable and easy cooking experience. Check out these five essential products that will make preparing dinner a breeze.

1. Multi-compartment baking pan

Do you want to cook multiple meal components at the same time without mixing them? You can easily cook personalized meals with a divided, multi-compartment baking pan and can roast vegetables, or bake chicken or other proteins, all in one.

Look for a textured carbon steel divided pan like the GoodCook BestBake MultiMeal nonstick divided baking pan. This multi-compartment oblong sheet is perfect when cooking for multiple family members — especially those with dietary restrictions — and picky eaters. Not only will you save time and reduce the number of dishes to clean, but this baking pan is also ideal for mastering meal prep. Available in three sizes with two or three baking sections, this bakeware can handle any meal on your menu.

2. Vegetable spiralizer

A simple way to add a fun element to your cooking and incorporate more vegetables into your and your family’s diet is to use a vegetable spiralizer. This tool is a fantastic addition to your kitchen arsenal that allows you to make veggie-based meals with minimal mess and effort.

A vegetable spiralizer can quickly transform zucchini, carrots and other firm veggies into noodle-like strands. You can use veggie noodles as a pasta alternative, a base for salads or in savory stir-fries. Get creative and see how many dishes you can make with this handy tool.

3. Herb scissors

You can effortlessly enhance your dishes with a burst of flavor with finely chopped fresh herbs. While chopping can be tedious, utilizing herb scissors can make the process quick and mess-free, and can ensure an even distribution of seasonings throughout your meals — whether you’re adding basil to pasta or cilantro to salsa.

GoodCook Touch Multi-Blade Herb Snips are a great option for home chefs. The five stainless steel blades make clean, even cuts through basil, chives, parsley and other herbs. The built-in stripping holes also strip herbs from stems, and a locking feature holds them together to bundle herbs into bunches.

4. Silicone cooking utensils

Cleaning up after a meal can make cooking seem like a chore. That’s why you need cooking utensils that are easy to clean. Silicone cooking utensils are nonstick, heat-resistant tools that are simple to clean, as most are dishwasher safe. Best of all, they’re gentle on your cookware, preventing scratches on your pots and pans, extending their life.

There’s a wide range of silicone tools, including basting brushes, spatulas, ladles, whisks and more. These versatile cooking utensils are a game-changer for every home cook and speed up the after-dinner cleanup process.

5. Cutlery block set

A high-quality cutlery block set is a staple you need to simplify cooking and add a touch of professional elegance to your kitchen. A block set not only allows you to quickly select the appropriate knife to prepare any ingredient with precision and ease, but one with organized storage also saves you the hassle of searching kitchen drawers for the right blade.

The GoodCook Ready 14-Piece Cutlery Block Set is an excellent choice for home chefs. This 14-piece set includes an 8-inch chef’s knife, 8-inch bread knife, 6-inch cooks knife, 5-inch santoku knife, 4.5-inch utility knife, set of 6 steak knives, 3.5-inch paring knife and kitchen shears.

High-carbon stainless steel blades extend through the length of the handle, providing stability, balance and durability and offer long-lasting sharp edges. All the knives can be safely stored in the included natural wood block, which securely sits on your countertop with its non-slip feet.

Time to get cooking!

Using these five essential cooking products, you’ll streamline dinner prep and transform your cooking routine. To find more kitchen tools and products that save time, enhance your cooking skills, and make cooking dinner more enjoyable, visit GoodCook.com.

2023-09-11T09:01:00

(BPT) – Downtown San Francisco, known as a global hub for technology and innovation, is at a crossroads. Like many urban areas, it faces a unique set of challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. Addressing the very real humanitarian challenges in San Francisco is a critical and immediate need, but longer term, more comprehensive transformation will take the concerted efforts of many stakeholders. In response to this need, the Yes San Francisco (Yes SF), Urban Sustainability Challenge, an initiative designed to help catalyze the city’s transformation, was launched by Deloitte, Salesforce, and the World Economic Forum along with additional collaborators Citi and San Francisco Chamber of Commerce to empower the creativity of innovators in support of urban sustainability and economic development.

A Challenge Spurred by Innovation

San Francisco’s downtown area is facing a crisis, with commercial office vacancy rates driving a significantly slower pandemic recovery than 50 other major cities. Office-based industries account for nearly three-quarters of the city’s GDP. Beyond economics, cities like San Francisco contribute disproportionately to global energy demand and CO2 emissions making sustainable transformation both a local and a global imperative.

Corporate and community leaders recognize the need to revitalize the city and create a blueprint for other cities to follow. As a result, the first location-based UpLink Challenge was created, and it was more than a call for ideas. The Yes SF, Urban Sustainability Challenge creates a competitive platform for entrepreneurs to propose scalable, sustainable solutions designed explicitly for downtown San Francisco targeting water conservation, waste management, energy conservation, urban green spaces, and more.

The Challenge, already aligned with initiatives like San Francisco’s Climate Action Plan and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11, received nearly 150 applications. Just this week, the World Economic Forum named 26 finalists, each showcasing a wide range of innovative solutions, technologies, and ideas. Up to 20 Top Innovators will be named in October 2023.

Submissions were received from a wide range of innovators from around the globe bringing thoughtful, creative solutions to revitalize the city. Innovations include new approaches to energy that brings affordable, scalable options to help increase residential and business occupancy rates; sustainable reuse of water that could ignite the creation of new jobs within the city; solutions that reduce San Francisco’s carbon footprint to help meet its sustainability goals; innovative uses of existing buildings and spaces, and more.

Collaboration: The Heartbeat of Sustainable Change

What sets this Challenge apart is the ecosystem that supports it. The coalition of more than 20 organizations including Deloitte, Salesforce, World Economic Forum, Citi, the San Francisco Chamber, and more are committed to its success, by lending their experience through various resources ranging from financial funding by certain members of the coalition to strategic insights to access to their extensive networks to help support the implementation and sustainability of these groundbreaking projects. The result is a roadmap to revitalization that isn’t just for San Francisco; it offers a framework of opportunity that other cities can adapt and scale to their unique challenges.

A Lasting Impact Around the Globe

The final selection of innovations named in October will receive recognition and resources to move their ideas forward. But the overall vision is bigger than identifying new innovations; it’s about igniting a movement for sustainable urban development. By nurturing these new initiatives, San Francisco hopes to create a ripple effect extending far beyond the Bay Area.

In a time of unprecedented challenges, the Yes SF, Urban Sustainability Challenge serves as a timely reminder that innovation and collaboration can help pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable future.