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5 simple ways to make holiday hosting feel effortless

2026-10-28T13:53:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

  • Holiday hosting doesn’t have to be an elaborate production. Lauren Trickett, Cointreau National Brand Ambassador, shares how Cointreau can add a little orange magic to the season, along with five easy tips to elevate your holiday gatherings.
  • Keep the cocktail menu simple with two or three crowd-pleasing classics, like The Original Margarita, Cosmopolitan or Sparkling Cosmo, all made with Cointreau.
  • Create one memorable, signature moment rather than planning every minute.
  • Use lighting, music and a few seasonal details to set the mood.
  • Prioritize connection over perfection and make time to enjoy your own party!
  • For more holiday tips and cocktail inspirations, download the Cointreau Holiday Recipe Booklet here.

The holiday season is one of the most joyful times of the year for hosts, as you open your home for friends and family to gather and celebrate. But between gift shopping, meal prepping and getting your home guest-ready, even the most seasoned entertainer can find themselves feeling a little less than jolly.

But here’s the good news: memorable celebrations don’t require an elaborate production. Sometimes, all it takes is a few thoughtful touches, good company and a little orange magic from Cointreau. As the essential ingredient in beloved classics like The Original Margarita and Cosmopolitan, Cointreau brings its signature balance and brightness to every celebration, making it a bar cart staple this holiday season.

To help take the stress out of seasonal entertaining, Lauren Trickett, Cointreau National Brand Ambassador, shares five easy ways to make your holiday gathering feel festive, effortless and full of cheer.

Keep the cocktail menu simple

A bottle of Cointreau sits on a golden plate next to two stem glasses of Sparkling Cosmopolitans.

When it comes to holiday cocktails, more isn’t always merrier. Skip the elaborate menu and stick to two or three crowd-pleasing serves that are sure to impress your guests.

The secret ingredient? Cointreau. As an essential component to many of the world’s most beloved cocktails, the iconic orange liqueur brings balance, brightness and depth of flavor to every sip. With one versatile ingredient elevating your cocktail lineup, you can spend less time playing bartender and more time enjoying your own party. After all, the host deserves a cocktail, too!

Make guests feel welcome from the start

A Holiday Jam Cosmo next to a bottle of Cointreau on a white tray in front of a blue curtain.

The best holiday gatherings start the moment guests walk through the door. Set the tone with a warm welcome, a designated spot for coats and a festive drink to kick off the celebration.

To make that first sip feel extra special, choose one of your signature cocktails as a welcome drink. Try The Holiday Jam, a Cointreau cocktail bursting with bright citrus flavor. It’s a delicious way to welcome guests and get everyone into the holiday spirit.

The best gatherings aren’t about flawless execution — they’re about creating moments of connection.

Focus on one signature moment

Two people clink their margaritas behind a bottle of Cointreau.

Who says you need a grand gesture to make a big impression? All it takes is the right cocktail, a reason to raise a glass and a little orange magic from Cointreau. Have one of your crowd-pleasing classics steal the spotlight with a memorable holiday toast, whether it’s a round of Cosmos or classic Margaritas. With its signature balance and bright orange flavor, Cointreau adds a festive flair to every sip, helping turn even the simplest moments into something worth celebrating. Now that’s a toast to remember!

Let the atmosphere do the work

A woman serves a Winter Sangria in a pitcher to another person, with a bottle of Cointreau in the foreground.

A festive atmosphere doesn’t have to mean decking every hall. A great playlist, a few seasonal touches and a statement-making cocktail can do the trick.

For a tablescape that’s as fun as it is festive, consider making Winter Sangria one of your signature serves. Set out a pitcher alongside fresh fruit garnishes and let guests customize their own glass. It’s an easy way to add an interactive element to the party, with Cointreau bringing a bright, citrusy twist to the seasonal sip. Plus, guests can help themselves while you get back to the important things, like actually enjoying the party!

Host with intention, not perfection

The best gatherings aren’t about flawless execution — they’re about creating moments of connection. Remember, your guests won’t recall if every detail went according to plan. When they think back on your holiday gathering, they’ll recall the lively conversations, delicious cocktails and peals of laughter that made the get-together shine.

This holiday season, keep things simple, lean on a few crowd-pleasing favorites and give yourself permission to enjoy the celebration, too. With a little planning, great company and a touch of orange magic from Cointreau, you’ll go from frazzled to festive in no time. Now that’s something worth raising a glass to!

Cover of a booklet containing recipes for various Cointreau drinks

For more holiday tips and cocktail inspirations, download the Cointreau Holiday Recipe Booklet here, follow @cointreau_us or visit Cointreau.com.

Please Drink Responsibly. ©2026 Cointreau Corp., Cointreau® Liqueur, 40% Alc./Vol., Imported by Rémy Cointreau USA, Inc., New York, NY. Cointreau Bottle Design®. E. Cointreau Seal Design®. Cointreau Label Design®.

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New Clinical Research Opportunities for Adults With CIDP

2026-10-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by argenx

Adults living with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, or CIDP, may be eligible to participate in one of two Phase 3 clinical studies evaluating an investigational study drug*. The studies, EMVIGORATE and EMNERGIZE, are enrolling adults ages 18 and older who have been diagnosed with CIDP, at select study sites across the United States.

About CIDP

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, commonly known as CIDP, is a rare, long-lasting autoimmune disease that can worsen over time. Today, there are approximately 60,000-77,000 people in the U.S. living with CIDP. The condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of certain nerve cells in the arms and legs. This damage can interfere with nerve signaling and lead to progressive symptoms that affect mobility and everyday functioning.

For many people, CIDP can make simple daily activities increasingly difficult. Symptoms and disease severity can vary from person to person, but the condition may lead to difficulty walking, climbing stairs, maintaining balance, or performing routine tasks independently. If left untreated, CIDP can have a significant impact on mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.

“We often hear from the CIDP community that symptoms like fatigue, pain, and the loss of independence are even more challenging because they are not visible to others, even to those closest to them,” said Lisa Butler, President and CEO, The GBS|CIDP Foundation International. “Living with chronic ‘invisible’ symptoms can have a profound impact on relationships, how seriously their condition is considered by others, how quickly they get diagnosed, and how supported they feel throughout their journey.”

Man in a wheelchair and woman huggin his shoulders.


Understanding the impact of CIDP

CIDP can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms may look like those of other nerve or muscle conditions. As a result, some people may experience delays in diagnosis or may initially be misdiagnosed.

Because CIDP is rare and complex, the disease may not look the same for everyone. Some people may have periods when symptoms improve and then return, while others may experience symptoms that slowly get worse over time. Early diagnosis and appropriate care are important to help reduce the potential for disease progression and long-term disability.

“Advancing our understanding of CIDP depends on clinical research. By studying this rare and complex disease, researchers can continue to build the scientific evidence needed to evaluate potential future treatment approaches.” – Arjun Seth, MD, Assistant Professor at Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University

Smiling man wearing a t-shirt outside.


Clinical trial opportunities

Researchers are currently enrolling adults living with CIDP into two ongoing Phase 3 clinical studies: EMVIGORATE and EMNERGIZE.

Both studies are evaluating how the investigational study drug* may work (also known as efficacy) and whether it is safe for the use of adults living with CIDP. The overview below provides additional information about each study, including who may be eligible to participate and what participation may involve.

A chart showing the different evaluation criteria and key treatment designs for Emvigorate and Emnergize respectively.


Who may qualify?

Individuals may be able to participate if they:

  • Are 18 years of age or older
  • Not pregnant or actively trying to get pregnant
  • Diagnosed with CIDP

Additional eligibility criteria apply. If you are interested in participating, please speak with your treating physician. If appropriate, they can refer you to the study team, who will review the full eligibility requirements and answer any questions about participation.

What participation may involve

Participation in a clinical research study generally begins with a discussion with your treating physician of the study and review of an informed consent form before any study procedures take place. Individuals may undergo screening assessments to determine eligibility and, if enrolled, may receive study treatment through intravenous (IV) infusion. Participants will also attend clinic visits, complete health assessments, and be monitored throughout the study to help researchers evaluate safety and study progress.

The study team will provide detailed information about study procedures, visit schedules, and participant responsibilities during the screening process.

Why clinical research matters

Clinical research helps researchers evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational study drug. The findings of the studies are assessed by health authorities.

If you or someone you care about is living with CIDP, we encourage you to learn more about these clinical research opportunities and talk with your treating physician about whether participation in a clinical study may be right for you.

To learn more about these studies and find a study site near you, visit:

You can also search ClinicalTrials.gov for:

  • EMVIGORATE: NCT06920004
  • EMNERGIZE: NCT07091630

*The investigational study drug, empasiprubart, is not approved by any regulatory agency for use in CIDP. Its safety and effectiveness have not been established.

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Survey: 9 in 10 employers are satisfied with the value of vision benefits; coverage helps keep care affordable

2026-10-28T08:01:00

(BPT) – Nine in 10 employers are satisfied with the value of the vision benefits they provide for employees, according to a new report based on a national survey commissioned by the Alliance for Affordable Vision Care (AAVC). The people who use those benefits agree.

Adults with vision coverage report high satisfaction with their benefits, including coverage meeting their needs (82%) and protection from paying the full out-of-pocket cost of care (77%). These findings highlight strong alignment between employers and consumers, with both recognizing the value of vision coverage.

How cost and affordability impact care

At a time when health care costs are putting added pressure on household budgets, keeping vision coverage affordable is a priority, with 89% of covered adults saying affordability matters to them.

The cost and affordability of that care often determine whether people get the care they need at all. Among adults without coverage who had an unmet vision need but did not seek care, 84% cited cost as the main reason or a contributing factor.

The survey also found that adults without vision coverage are twice as likely as those with coverage to skip an eye exam altogether. That’s a missed preventive health opportunity, since 80% of consumers say regular eye exams are important to maintaining overall health, and 67% are aware that eye exams can detect signs of chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

For employers, including small businesses, vision benefits are an affordable way to support employee health and well-being. A majority of employers surveyed (74%) rated vision benefits as good or excellent value for the cost and strongly affirmed (71%) that they offer vision benefits to support employee health and well-being.

“The survey shows that while consumers and employers may view vision care from different perspectives, they reach the same conclusion: Vision coverage works,” said Dr. Mary Anne Murphy, an optometrist and AAVC spokesperson. “It helps keep care affordable and accessible, delivers real value to families and employers, and should be preserved. As an optometrist and private practice owner for more than 20 years, I have seen firsthand how critical vision coverage is to connecting patients to the eye care they need while keeping costs within reach.”

Employers and consumers want vision coverage preserved amid potential policy changes

Given that value, it’s no surprise that consumers and employers are concerned about policy changes that could increase costs, reduce access or weaken the value that vision coverage provides today. A majority of employers (56%) surveyed were concerned that policy changes could increase their vision benefit costs. Consumers and employers were overwhelmingly aligned on the view that officials should prioritize affordable vision care (74% and 83%, respectively).

For policymakers weighing changes to vision benefits, the findings point to a clear priority: employers and consumers want to protect the affordability and access vision benefits provide.

“Employers of all sizes, along with their employees and families, are looking for ways to manage rising health care costs, and vision coverage is proving its value by helping keep care affordable and within reach,” said Ruben Guerra, Board Chair of the Latin Business Association and AAVC member. “Yet legislation being considered in statehouses across the country puts affordability at risk for many. The research shows that consumers and employers alike recognize the value of vision coverage and do not want changes that could drive up costs or make care harder to access.”

To view all the survey findings, visit www.AffordableVisionCare.org/Research and download the “Keeping Vision Care Within Reach” report.

Survey methodology: The research was conducted as a single national survey initiative with complementary consumer and employer components, examining how people who use employer-sponsored coverage and organizations that purchase vision benefits view affordability, value and potential policy impacts. The consumer survey was conducted online among 4,027 employed adults aged 21-64 who were enrolled in employer-sponsored insurance. The sample included 3,027 adults with vision coverage and 1,000 without. The employer survey was conducted online among 201 benefits decision-makers at small and medium-sized employers that offer vision coverage. The sample included 100 respondents from businesses with 2-99 employees and 101 respondents from businesses with 100-999 employees. The surveys were conducted in July and August 2026 and commissioned by the Alliance for Affordable Vision Care, of which VSP Vision is a funder.

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5 Easy Ways to Make Fall Meals Feel Special Without Spending Hours in the Kitchen

2026-10-28T10:57:00

(BPT) – As the weather cools and fall routines settle in, there’s something special about gathering around the table to enjoy comforting meals with family and friends. From cozy weeknight dinners to casual weekend gatherings, autumn offers plenty of opportunities to slow down, reconnect and savor the flavors of the season.

But creating a memorable meal doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen, preparing elaborate recipes or planning the perfect gathering. Sometimes, the simplest touches can make an everyday meal feel extraordinary.

Chef and food creator Jenny Martinez, known for her approachable cooking style and flavorful recipes, believes great meals are about more than what’s on the plate. They’re about bringing people together, enjoying delicious food and finding simple ways to make everyday moments special. With that in mind, she shares five easy ways to bring more flavor, freshness and warmth to fall meals without the fuss.

1. Bring Fall Colors and Flavors to the Table

One of the easiest ways to embrace autumn is to incorporate the season’s beautiful colors and comforting flavors into everyday meals. Think roasted butternut squash, sweet potatoes, colorful vegetables and crisp, fresh greens. Combining warm seasonal ingredients with fresh elements creates a delicious contrast of flavors, colors and textures.

You can carry the seasonal inspiration beyond the plate with a few simple decorative touches. Add a small arrangement of fall flowers, light a few candles or use warm-toned napkins to create an inviting atmosphere. The key is to keep things simple. A colorful meal served in a welcoming setting can make even an ordinary Tuesday dinner feel like a special occasion.

2. Give Everyday Favorites a Restaurant-Inspired Twist

You don’t need a complicated recipe or an expensive restaurant reservation to make dinner feel special. Small upgrades can transform familiar dishes into something exciting. Finish roasted chicken with fresh herbs, add a flavorful sauce to grilled proteins or serve pasta with a colorful salad for a fresh contrast.

Presentation matters, too. Arrange ingredients thoughtfully, use your favorite serving dishes and add a finishing touch of herbs, cheese or crunchy toppings.

3. Balance Comfort Food with Something Fresh

Fall is the season for comforting favorites, from hearty casseroles and roasted meats to warm pasta dishes and savory seasonal vegetables. One simple way to make these meals even more enjoyable is to pair rich, comforting flavors with something crisp and refreshing.

A fresh salad adds a welcome contrast in texture and flavor, helping create a satisfying meal without requiring additional time in the kitchen.

Try pairing roasted chicken with a crunchy chopped salad, serving a fresh green salad alongside baked pasta or adding colorful vegetables to a favorite family dinner. The result is a delicious combination of comforting and fresh flavors that makes seasonal meals feel complete.

4. Keep Fall Entertaining Simple and Stress-Free

Hosting friends and family should be about enjoying time together, not spending the entire gathering in the kitchen. Instead of preparing an elaborate menu, choose a few dishes that are easy to make, serve and share. Build the meal around a favorite main course, then complement it with convenient sides and seasonal ingredients.

Preparing certain dishes ahead of time can also make entertaining easier. Roast vegetables in advance, prepare sauces before guests arrive and choose fresh sides that require minimal preparation. Family-style serving is another simple way to create a relaxed atmosphere. Place dishes in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves.

For larger gatherings, invite guests to contribute a favorite appetizer, side dish or dessert. Sharing the preparation makes the occasion feel more collaborative and gives everyone an opportunity to bring something special to the table.

With a few smart shortcuts, you can spend less time preparing and more time enjoying the company.

5. Make Mealtime About More Than the Meal

Some of the most memorable moments happen around the dinner table. Whether it’s a weeknight meal with family or a casual gathering with friends, taking time to connect can turn an ordinary dinner into something meaningful.

Create simple traditions that everyone can look forward to, such as a weekly family dinner, taco night or a favorite seasonal meal. Encourage everyone to put away their phones, share stories from their day and enjoy the experience of being together.

And remember, memorable meals don’t have to be elaborate. A delicious main dish, a fresh salad and a welcoming table are often all you need.

For a seasonal dinner that brings comforting flavors and freshness together, try this Thanksgiving Roasted Chicken with Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad. The combination of roasted chicken, butternut squash and a crisp, flavorful salad makes a delicious addition to fall gatherings.

Thanksgiving Roasted Chicken with Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour, 25 minutes

Resting time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 (10.9-ounce) package Fresh Express® Sunflower Crisp Chopped Kit
  • 1 (6-ounce) package stovetop stuffing
  • 2 raw chickens
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Remove the giblets and any other contents from the chicken cavities.
  3. Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, garlic powder and black pepper. Mix well and remove from heat.
  4. Place chickens in an appropriately sized roasting pan or baking dish. Tie legs together and tuck wings underneath. Brush with the seasoned butter mixture.
  5. Toss butternut squash with olive oil and remaining Italian seasoning. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and season lightly with salt.
  6. Roast chickens for approximately 60 minutes. Add the butternut squash to the oven and continue roasting for approximately 25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. Cooking time will vary depending on chicken size. Baste periodically with the butter mixture.
  7. Remove chickens from the oven, tent loosely with foil and let rest for 10 minutes.
  8. Place the greens from the Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Kit in a large bowl. Add the roasted butternut squash and toss gently. Add the included dressing and toppings, then toss to combine.
  9. Serve the roasted chicken alongside the Sunflower Crisp salad.

Bring More Freshness and Flavor to Fall

Making fall meals memorable doesn’t require complicated recipes or elaborate preparation. With a few seasonal ingredients, fresh flavors and convenient shortcuts, it’s easy to create delicious meals that bring everyone together.

Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting a casual fall gathering, the best meals are often the ones that leave more time to enjoy the people around your table. For more entertaining tips and recipe inspirations, visit freshexpress.com.

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Get your whole team fluent in generative AI

2026-10-27T15:01:04

(BPT) – Key takeaways

  • If only the leadership team has generative AI training, a bottleneck ensues, because the wasted hours live on the front line.
  • Free self-paced training courses from the AI companies are worth taking, and each one teaches a single platform.
  • AI products change month to month, so the timing of AI training matters as much as what it covers.
  • AI certification gives a client something visible to trust.

A recent survey by Certified AI 360 found 84% of respondents said their company is not ready for AI. In most of those companies the tools are already paid for. The skills are the line item nobody budgeted.

The AI skills gap describes a company’s paid tools and the employees who lack the skills to use them. It opens in a predictable way. An owner and a couple of managers try ChatGPT, CoPilot, Claude or another model, find it useful, and everyone else keeps working exactly as they did before.

Prioritize training the people doing the work

Most AI rollouts begin at the top, because that is where the budget sits. The bottleneck shows up a quarter later, when the only fluent people in the building are the ones furthest from customer calls and proposals.

Sam Richter is co-founder and lead instructor of Certified AI 360, a Hall of Fame professional speaker who has trained more than 1 million business professionals worldwide.

“When two managers are the only ones trained, every AI idea in the building waits in line behind their calendars,” said Richter. “The people writing the quotes and answering the phones know where the wasted hours are. Give them the skills and they will go find them.”

Are free AI courses enough to train a team?

Free AI training courses are a real starting point, and each one teaches a single platform. Anthropic opened Claude Academy with free courses on AI fluency and workplace rollout on Aug. 20, according to EdTech Innovation Hub. OpenAI Academy publishes free self-paced courses on applying AI at work, and every major AI company now offers instruction on its own product. Subscription libraries such as LinkedIn Learning add breadth, bill per person per month and run on pre-recorded video.

“What no business gets back is the customer who went with the competitor who answered faster and knew more.”

Sam Richter, co-founder and lead instructor of Certified AI 360

An employee who finishes one of those courses knows one tool well. On a normal Tuesday that same employee may open Copilot in Outlook, Gemini in a shared document and ChatGPT on a phone.

What to look for in AI team training

When considering team training options, prioritize these four factors:

  • Coverage of more than one platform, so people choose the right tool for the task at hand rather than the one the company happened to buy.
  • An update schedule you can see. A course recorded a year ago teaches habits the tools have already outgrown.
  • Lessons shaped like the job: a sales email that earns a reply, or a contract summarized before a Monday meeting.
  • Proof at the end that a customer can actually see.

Certified AI 360 is a whole-company AI training and certification program for small businesses, covering ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot and every major AI platform. Training runs about 8 hours per employee. It’s self-paced, the curriculum is updated weekly, and every employee who finishes earns an individual credential while company plans also earn a company badge.

“Eight hours is less than one workday, and any business can find that,” said Richter. “What no business gets back is the customer who went with the competitor who answered faster and knew more.”

Take the free 10-question AI readiness assessment and see how whole-company certification works at www.certifiedai360.com.

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What do economic development organizations actually do?

2026-10-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

  • Economic development organizations (EDOs) help fund small businesses, create new opportunities and revitalize public spaces in communities nationwide, but most people may not be familiar with the term.
  • EDOs like the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) work to improve communities through investing in local businesses, attracting new business to the area and enhancing spaces like downtowns and parks.
  • Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a developer or simply a resident, you’ve likely already benefited from an economic development program in your community.

While some people haven’t heard the term “economic development organization” (also called an EDO), the results of these organizations show up everywhere. EDOs are making a positive impact in communities in many different ways, from new job postings to a vacant storefront transforming into a coffee shop to the park families visit every weekend.

What does an EDO do for your community?

EDOs commonly focus on areas such as enhancing public spaces, supporting the workforce through training, helping entrepreneurs and businesses create local jobs and recruiting new business investments in a specific area.

For example, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is an EDO with a mission to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, attract businesses to the state, grow the workforce and develop attractive places, from downtowns to parks and more. These goals are accomplished through programs like small business grants, mentorships for entrepreneurs and public space revitalization projects.

The details may look different from state to state, but the mission remains the same: Somewhere in your own community, an EDO is working to help it thrive.

How do EDOs affect jobs, communities and small businesses near you?

There are numerous ways EDOs make a real-life impact in your area. Using the MEDC as an example, here are a few ways EDOs can benefit businesses and communities throughout a state:

  • Beautifying downtowns like Howell, a participant in the MEDC’s Michigan Main Street Program. Communities engaged with this program are eligible for grants that support small businesses and placemaking projects in their districts. Howell transformed its downtown into a destination by attracting new and revitalized businesses, like Coratti’s Pizzeria Bar and Bocce, Frontal Lobe co-working space and the recently restored Howell Opera House. The businesses were complemented by new murals, art-inspired bike racks and an alley transformed into a pedestrian plaza and outdoor art gallery. These projects led to Howell receiving the prestigious Great American Main Street Award in 2018.
  • Providing small business support to help entrepreneurs transform ideas into thriving companies. For example, a business development grant helped West Michigan tech startup Ludus expand its digital ticketing platform and create new jobs. The MEDC also provides hands-on mentorship through Small Business Support Hubs like TechTown Detroit, which offers personalized resources to aspiring entrepreneurs. Groovy Donuts built a decade of bakery success with mentorship and grant support from the Lansing Economic Area Partnership’s TREK Small Business Support Hub.
  • Growing the entrepreneurial ecosystem to connect founders with the resources they need to scale. The MEDC provided a $1.5 million business incubator grant to support Flint’s 100K Ideas, a nonprofit organization helping local entrepreneurs launch and build their ideas through direct client services, workshop programming, pitch competitions, youth engagement and more. Additionally, a statewide competition created by the MEDC and the MSU Research Foundation, the PitchMI Startup Competition, connects promising Michigan founders with the capital, visibility, relationships and resources they need to move farther, faster.
  • Revitalizing buildings steeped in history breathes new life into old structures and adds critical housing to communities, with support from placemaking grants like those behind The Milton in downtown Battle Creek and the Walter French apartments in Lansing. Formerly known as the Heritage Tower and vacant for over a decade, The Milton project transformed a historic community building into a vibrant mixed-use development including apartment units and commercial space. In Lansing, the former Walter French Junior High School was converted into a mixed-use affordable housing and community hub.
  • Attracting major employers through incentives for business investments, site readiness and other initiatives that create a flourishing business climate. Thanks to the MEDC’s efforts, companies like LG Energy Solution and Torc Robotics have boosted job creation and investment across the state. LG Energy Solution opened its new Lansing battery plant in August 2026, and a recent report by the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research found the project will generate $2.53 in economic benefit for every $1 of state support. Torc Robotics, an independent subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, chose to build its new engineering innovation center in Ann Arbor, bringing up to 500 new jobs to the region.

Through these and other programs, the MEDC continually works to support thriving communities throughout the state of Michigan, work that’s helped the state climb to No. 6 in CNBC’s Top States for Business rankings and land in Area Development’s Top 10 for three years in a row. The details may look different from state to state, but the mission remains the same: Somewhere in your own community, an EDO is working to help it thrive.

Frequently asked questions

  • What does “economic development” mean?
    Simply put, this means making investments in and creating programs for the improvement of a city, state or region. Economic development is often performed by government agencies such as the MEDC in Michigan, nonprofit organizations and private businesses, with goals like improving local infrastructure, enhancing public spaces and creating more opportunities for employers and employees.
  • What’s the difference between a chamber of commerce and an EDO?
    The two are often confused, but they serve different roles. A chamber of commerce is a membership organization that advocates for local businesses and is typically funded through member dues. An EDO like the MEDC focuses on economic growth for a specific city, state or region, often through grants, site development and partnerships with local organizations rather than membership. The two frequently work together, but an EDO is usually the one supporting programs like small business hubs or downtown revitalization.
  • Where can I find help for my business?
    Start with your local EDO for services like mentorship, training, technical assistance and networking opportunities. In Michigan, for example, the MEDC connects business owners with these resources, personalized guidance, funding opportunities and more: MichiganBusiness.org.

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5 everyday indulgences that bring holiday magic to your daily routine

2026-10-26T11:01:01

(BPT) – The holiday season is marked by special moments with hot beverages and indulgent treats and intimate gatherings with loved ones around beautiful tables laden with your favorite seasonal recipes. However, you don’t have to reserve little luxuries for celebrations and milestones. Imagine capturing the warmth, abundance and sense of occasion that make the holidays so memorable and weaving them into your everyday routine. The truth is you can.

Take the beauty of the holiday season as inspiration to add a touch of opulence to your life, turning ordinary experiences into lavish daily rituals. These five easy, everyday indulgences can help you carry that festive sense of a special occasion into everyday life.

1. Skip the paper plates

Don’t let your best dinner and glassware gather dust. Set the table with pieces usually reserved for special occasions, even if dinner is takeout or a weeknight pasta.

Adding small but thoughtful touches like linen napkins or candles on the table can elevate a familiar meal to a memorable feast. More importantly, it reminds everyone at the table that gathering together is reason enough to celebrate.

2. Don’t skimp on the butter

Using butter with a high butterfat content is a daily indulgence that brings a rich and luxurious flavor to every dish, from your morning toast to the crust on your cinnamon apple tart. Red Barn™ Creamery Butter brings an effortless taste of decadence to the table with 84% butterfat — among the highest available on the market — and the quality and performance that home cooks expect. With an SRP of $4.49 and availability at retailers nationwide, it makes premium American dairy craftsmanship an attainable everyday indulgence.

Consider keeping this type of high-quality butter in the refrigerator for holiday baking and for everyday use.

Red barn salted butter next to a pancake on a plate.


3. Keep a “just because” dessert within reach

No holiday feast would be complete without a decadent dessert, but that doesn’t mean you can only indulge when company is around. Consider making a simple yet delicious snacking cake or buttery cookies to pair with your daily coffee or afternoon tea. Plus, if you have company drop by, you’ll already have something special on hand to offer.

Need inspiration? Try Broma Bakery founder Sarah Fennel’s Brown Butter Cookie Skillet with Brown Butter Ice Cream. Make sure to use a high butterfat butter, which helps create a tender cookie base and a rich and creamy ice cream that can make a simple Wednesday night dinner feel like a celebratory holiday get-together.

4. Create a holiday-inspired coffee bar

Bring a touch of whimsy and warmth to your mornings and dazzle your guests with a holiday-inspired coffee bar. Gather your fancy cups and festive mugs to place alongside pretty canisters, seasonal syrups, cinnamon sticks and a milk frother on a bar cart or buffet.

Before guests arrive, add a plate of cookies or a bowl of chocolate shavings for an extra-special touch. You can keep this setup year-round, swapping out flavors and toppings as the seasons change, to bring the charm of the holidays to your first cup every morning.

5. Light a richly scented candle every day

Isn’t it amazing how a scented candle can make a simple routine like reading the morning paper or settling down with a cozy book feel like an inspiring ritual? The warm light and lingering fragrance of a nice candle can soften any room, inviting you to slow down and savor where you are.

Choose a fragrance that captures the season, like evergreen, amber, vanilla or spice, and swap in new scents regularly, amplifying the atmosphere and carrying the holiday mood into the new year.

Luxury does not need to be extravagant; rather, elevating moments with intentionality can create a sense of luxury every day. That may mean using the good plates on a Tuesday night, spreading high-quality, rich butter on a dinner roll or enjoying a delightful slice of dessert after work during the week. This holiday season, make room for these small, beautiful gestures that you can continue to enjoy to create pockets of peace every day, no matter the time of year.

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How to create vintage holiday decor in 5 easy ways

2026-10-26T13:45:00

(BPT) – There’s something truly special about the cozy, golden-hued magic of a vintage Christmas: the deep emerald greens, rich velvet ribbons, a crackling fireplace and the iconic jewel-toned glow of oversized tree lights from decades past.

In recent years, holiday decor has turned from stark, minimalist monochrome to embrace the warmth of nostalgia. Channeling the cozy chaos of your favorite ’90s Christmas movies, the sophisticated elegance of East Coast maximalism or a playful hot pink retro vibe are all a part of modern holiday styling.

What’s the secret to modern vintage styling? Hint: it’s not about scavenging antiques. Instead, pair classic design elements with modern innovation.

The nostalgia paradox: Tradition meets modern innovation

Govee LED lights on a Christmas tree.

Before trimming the tree, you’ll need to answer this dilemma: Stick with incandescent lights for that warm retro glow, or switch to modern LEDs? While traditional incandescent lights carry nostalgia, they bring plenty of headaches. Here’s how they stack up against today’s smart LED lights:

  • Warmth and glow: Traditional lights have a natural warm glow but a fixed color temperature. With customizable warm RGBIC shades from Govee, you’ll access 16 million colors and tunable whites that can replicate any retro hue.
  • Heat and safety: Incandescents get extremely hot, posing a real fire risk. LEDs, however, are cool to the touch and safe around dry pine needles and delicate vintage ornaments.
  • Energy and lifespan: Traditional bulbs have high power consumption and bulbs burn out frequently. But LEDs are eco-friendly, long-lasting and use up to 90% less energy.
  • Control and customization: Incandescent lights have a single static mode requiring manual plug-in. With today’s LEDs you have full app control for scheduling, plus dynamic scenes and custom color mapping.

The upshot? Traditional incandescents provide warm nostalgia, but smart LEDs refine that experience for the exact retro aesthetics you want — minus the heat and energy draw.

Here are five timeless ways to create vintage holiday decor in your home, and how smart lighting can bring your vision to life.

1. Capture your favorite ’90s cinematic home vibe

Govee LED lighted Christmas tree in a living room.

Create the perfect Christmas backdrop filled with glowing ornaments and brimming with holiday magic.

How to style: Drape silver globe ornaments along the fireplace mantel together with a natural pine garland to create a warm, layered look for cozy movie nights.

Solution: Govee Christmas 2-in-1 String Lights merge a 99-foot main string light (300 LEDs) with a 26-foot silver ornament strand (20 pull-bulbs). The translucent silver globes project delicate, magical snowflake patterns onto nearby walls and ceilings, instantly transforming your living room into a cozy, snow-dusted ’90s film set.

2. Channel the heritage elegance of The Hamptons

Beautifully decorated Christmas tree with packages under it.

If your holiday mood board is inspired by a classic New England estate — tartan plaids, leather accents, brass bells and deep emerald needles — you need lighting that grounds your tree without visible wires.

How to style: Layer tartan ribbons and brass ornaments on your Christmas tree, keeping the wire invisible deep within the branches.

Solution: Govee Christmas String Lights 2 are designed with a dark green wire that seamlessly vanishes into pine branches. This set features dense RGBWIC LEDs that deliver saturated amber whites, ruby reds and forest greens. Using Govee’s AI Lighting Bot or 130+ present scenes, you can evoke an authentic Hamptons sophistication glow that elevates your tree into an heirloom-worthy centerpiece.

3. Bring back retro dollhouse glam

White Cristmas tree with white lights and a variety of toy ornaments.

Love everything pink, vinyl and playful? No need to stick to traditional reds and greens. Instead, your lawn and entryway can be your mid-century pop playground using pink-tinted whites, pastels and jewel tones — with an iconic cone tree silhouette.

How to style: Place a structured cone tree in your entryway, porch or lawn for a bold, multi-dimensional focal point.

Solution: Govee Cone Tree Lights offer high-brightness outdoor smart LEDs for a cone tree that lets you switch between classic red-and-green and dreamlike pink-and-gold color palettes with a single tap. Your outdoor display will have a playful, retro-glam nostalgia, without the hassle of setting up fragile wireframes.

4. Transform windows into vintage storybook and movie displays

Banner of lights depicting a Christmas tree hangs on a wall.

In classic holiday cinema, shop windows were transformed into glowing storybooks featuring Santa silhouettes, flickering fireplaces and gentle snowfall.

How to style: Transform a living room window into a dynamic backdrop, layering brass candleholders and velvet drapes on the sill.

Solution: Govee Smart Curtain Lights Pro provides ultra-dense layers of 960 LEDs that let you “paint” pixelated retro Santa art, vintage fireplace flames or soft winter snowfall directly on your window glass, delighting inside guests and outside neighbors alike.

5. Let your lights “dance” to nostalgic music with smart syncing

LED lights decorate a house, trees, shrubs and Christmas tree.

Music is a big part of holiday magic. Songs from years gone by become the soundtrack to these special times, helping them last a lifetime.

How to style: Create a cozy listening corner with a vintage vinyl player, plush seating and ambient lighting that reacts subtly to the sounds.

Solution: Govee’s built-in Music Sync technology lets your holiday lights react in real time to audio. Simply put on your favorite holiday vinyl or stream a Christmas playlist and use the Govee Home App to synchronize your entire lighting setup. Watch your Govee Christmas Lights softly dance to the rhythm of classic holiday jazz or upbeat carols, creating a fully immersive, multi-sensory vintage experience.

Bringing it all together with Govee

LED lights on a Christmas tree next to cozy leather chair.

Creating a cozy, retro holiday atmosphere doesn’t mean sacrificing modern convenience or safety. You can celebrate the warmth of past holidays while enjoying the full versatility of today’s technology. Whether you’re evoking holiday film nostalgia, timeless sophistication or a whimsical retro vibe, Govee is the ultimate smart holiday lighting solution to help you bring those vintage vibes to life.

This season, drop the needle on your favorite classic record and elevate your home with style, using dynamic smart features and creating a holiday glow that’s both nostalgic and totally modern.

Visit Govee.com to explore the full Govee Smart Holiday Lighting Collection to customize your holiday decor, bringing timeless festive charm into your home with effortless smart control.

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This Type of Breast Cancer is on the Rise. Have You Heard of It?

2026-10-22T08:15:00

(BPT) – From national sports events to local fundraisers, breast cancer seems to be discussed everywhere. But despite all the conversations around breast cancer, most Americans are not talking about, and have never even heard of, a type of breast cancer that is on the rise.

Accounting for up to 15% of all breast cancer diagnoses, lobular breast cancer is the second most common type of breast cancer, around 50,000 cases a year in the U.S. — but its prevalence has not guaranteed its visibility. Awareness of lobular breast cancer remains disproportionately low among American adults, 4 out of 5 of which have never heard of the disease. And despite having an annual incidence that averages higher for women than brain, kidney, liver, pancreatic or ovarian cancer, a lobular breast cancer diagnosis is foreign to nearly 50% of people personally diagnosed with breast cancer.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is important to make yourself aware of all types of breast cancer, including lobular breast cancer.

Four key things to know about lobular breast cancer:

  • The tumors don’t usually form as lumps: Lobular breast cancer, also known as invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), can have symptoms other than a lump. The cancer cells grow in single-file lines or sheets through the breast tissue rather than forming a distinct, dense lump.
  • Detection can be more challenging: Because of the way it presents itself ILC can be less conspicuous on mammography and harder to detect by self-exam. This often means that many patients find their lobular breast cancer undetectable until a biopsy confirms the diagnosis.
  • Metastatic lobular breast cancer is hard to monitor and treat: Because lobular breast cancer is hard to image, it makes monitoring metastatic lesions and whether they respond to treatment nearly impossible. It is hard to know when to switch a metastatic lobular breast cancer patient to a new line of treatment to stop tumor growth and sadly, for this same reason, metastatic lobular breast cancer patients are often excluded from clinical trials of new drugs.
  • ILC incidences are increasing three times faster across all demographics than any other breast cancer type.

“Unfortunately, despite how relatively common lobular breast cancer is, it has historically been overlooked by research and has no specific treatments,” says Dr. Rebecca Shatsky, Professor of Clinical Medicine, UC San Diego Health, Breast medical oncology team leader at Moores Cancer Center and Chair, Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance Scientific Advisory Board.

But, as Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance Executive Director and 8-year ILC survivor Laurie Hutcheson says, “Lobular breast cancer is not rare, has troubling and unique characteristics that are quite different from the more common breast cancer types and urgently needs attention. There are more and more women diagnosed with ILC every day wondering why even now so little is known about lobular breast cancer and when this will change. More attention and research into ILC is critical to changing this narrative and the lives of lobular breast cancer patients everywhere.”

To learn more about lobular breast cancer, the only lobular-breast-cancer-focused patient advocacy organization in the country, visit Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance.

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A science-backed guide to better sleep

2026-10-22T10:01:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways

  • Your daily habits, routines and environmental cues make up your sleep ecosystem, affecting how you fall asleep and stay asleep.
  • Melatonin, which helps signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down, is important to that ecosystem.
  • Better sleep is one of the strongest investments you can make in your health and well-being.

Americans are increasingly focused on optimizing their health, from tracking activity and recovery to managing weight and nutrition. Sleep is the foundation of overall health, supporting mental and physical well-being and reinforcing healthy lifestyle habits.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 30% of U.S. adults regularly get less than the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night.1

Dr. Stephanie Stahl, medical director at Indiana University Health, notes that many people still treat sleep as something they’ll fit in if there’s time. Stahl is the Sleep Medicine Fellowship Program director and associate professor at Indiana University School of Medicine as well as a member of the Natrol® Sleep Science Advisory Board.

“Many people think of sleep as the first thing they can sacrifice when life gets busy. But sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s one of the most powerful tools we have to support our health, mental well-being and daily performance.”

But in today’s always-on world, packed schedules, constant notifications and late-night scrolling can all work against the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. In fact, 38% of adults say using their phone or tablet before bed to read the news or “doomscroll” makes their sleep somewhat or significantly worse.2

What is keeping you awake?

“One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that sleep starts when your head hits the pillow,” said Stahl. “The truth is that your body has been preparing for sleep all day. Your light exposure, activity, meals, stress and evening routine all influence how prepared your brain and body are for sleep.”

She describes this as your sleep ecosystem — the daily habits, routines and environmental cues that work together to influence your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. One of the most important players in that ecosystem is melatonin, a hormone your body naturally produces in response to darkness. Rather than forcing sleep, melatonin helps signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down.

Stahl debunks three common sleep myths:

Myth 1: Better sleep starts at bedtime.

Stahl: “Great sleep starts the moment you wake up. Morning sunlight helps regulate your body’s internal clock and supports natural melatonin production later that evening.”

Myth 2: I’ll catch up on sleep this weekend.

Stahl: “Consistency may be just as important as sleep duration. Keeping a regular sleep and wake schedule (yes, even on weekends) helps reinforce your body’s natural rhythm.”

Myth 3: The eight hours you’re asleep are all that matter.

Stahl: “The hour before bed matters, too. A consistent wind-down routine, and dimming the lights and avoiding screen time help prepare your brain and body for quality sleep.”

How can small changes in habits aid in falling asleep and staying asleep?

Improving sleep doesn’t require overhauling your lifestyle. Stahl recommends focusing on a few consistent habits: Get outside for natural light early in the day, stay physically active, avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening, maintain a regular sleep schedule and create a cool, dark, quiet sleep environment.

Melatonin has been studied and widely used for more than 30 years, and research across a range of doses and durations of use supports its role as a safe, effective and non-habit-forming option for temporary sleep support when taken as directed.

Dr. Stephanie Stahl

Beyond healthy habits: How to get extra sleep support from supplements

Healthy sleep habits are the foundation of better sleep, but even the best routines can’t account for everything. Travel, shift work, changing schedules, stress and age-related changes can all temporarily disrupt your body’s natural rhythm.

It’s one reason more than 27% of U.S. adults report using melatonin supplements, making it one of the country’s most commonly used sleep supplements.3 Melatonin is a well-studied naturally occurring hormone that plays a key role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle.

“One myth I hear is that we don’t know enough about the safety of melatonin supplements,” said Stahl. “In reality, melatonin has been studied and widely used for more than 30 years, and research across a range of doses and durations of use supports its role as a safe, effective and non-habit-forming option for temporary sleep support when taken as directed.”

Melatonin is also the No. 1 doctor-recommended ingredient for sleep4 and is recognized by experts as a reliable way to help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.*

Because sleep challenges vary from person to person, some people may also benefit from ingredients such as magnesium glycinate, valerian root, GABA or L-theanine depending on their individual needs. Guided by leading sleep experts, including Stahl, Natrol develops science-backed sleep solutions designed to complement healthy sleep habits and support different sleep needs.

The benefits of prioritizing sleep extend well beyond feeling rested — 88% of adults who are satisfied with their sleep report they are flourishing, compared with just 47% of those who aren’t.5 Better sleep isn’t just another wellness goal. It’s one of the strongest investments you can make in your overall health and well-being.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

SOURCES:

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Short Sleep Duration Among Adults. National Center for Health Statistics, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db559.htm. Accessed 26 June 2026.
  2. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. “Americans Are Doomscrolling at Bedtime, Prioritizing Screen Time Over Sleep.” American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2025, https://aasm.org/americans-are-doomscrolling-at-bedtime-prioritizing-screen-time-over-sleep/. Accessed 26 June 2026.
  3. Sleep Foundation.org survey. October 2022. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-news/how-much-melatonin-do-adults-really-take.
  4. Based on a 2026 survey of doctors who recommend drug-free sleep support products.
  5. National Sleep Foundation. Sleep in America® 2025 Report. National Sleep Foundation, March 2025.