Month: June 2023

2023-06-06T08:01:00

(BPT) – Nearly one in four people recently shared they would rather give up chocolate for the rest of their lives than be subjected to digital fraud. Unfortunately, fraud is on the rise, with three in ten consumers sharing that they have experienced fraud in the past three years, according to new research from Telesign. Of those surveyed, 61% reported financial losses and 40% said the stress of the experience impacted their daily lives and changed their expectations of digital interactions.

With fraud losses at an all-time high, 94% of consumers agree that businesses bear the responsibility for protecting their digital privacy. In fact, 43% of those whose personal information was exposed due to a data breach stopped associating with the company that failed to protect their data. The effect of a bad actor is not limited to the original consumer, as 44% of those reported telling friends and family not to associate with the brand, while 30% posted about the fraudulent incident on social media.

Despite the prevalence and consequences of digital fraud, consumers sometimes push back on some common fraud prevention measures. Approximately 70% of online shopping carts are abandoned before checkout, and the most cited reason is the friction created when customers are asked to verify their identities.

Think of friction in the digital economy as anything that gets in the way of someone’s digital or online experience. Consider your own digital accounts for a moment. When you sign up for a new app or service, your interest probably wanes, or you become distracted when you encounter a burdensome registration or sign-up process. And if you’ve decided to jump through all the proverbial safety hoops, you’ve likely asked yourself, “why is this necessary?” before completing the transaction.

Most consumers have grown accustomed to some level of friction even if they don’t fully understand the purpose it serves. Friction adds an additional layer of protection by making it more difficult for malicious actors to gain access to your account or personal data.

But not all friction is bad. Appropriate friction is a new term being embraced in the digital economy, partly because research is showing that the right amount of friction can enhance the user experience. Further, it can actually build trust. Appropriate friction can make consumers more trusting of a brand’s digital app or service, boost loyalty, and enhance the desire to do business with that brand.

But what does appropriate friction look like? And how can consumers spot the brands employing it to keep their identity and data safe?

For digital users, the good news is that appropriate friction doesn’t have to be all that, well, frictional. And for businesses, defending against fraud doesn’t have to come at the cost of a smooth user experience. Take the sign-up or onboarding process, for example.

Onboarding is the process of subscribing or signing up a new user to a digital platform and is a crucial first step in the relationship between a consumer and a brand.

The experience should be designed for ease but also to minimize fraudulent activity and prevent bots from infiltrating your digital accounts. Done poorly, onboarding is frustrating and can drive away potential users. Done well, it establishes trust by verifying your identity and providing access to the platform while reinforcing the assurance of safety and respect for your personal information.

Consumers look for brands that offer a streamlined yet effective digital experience. This is particularly true with digital services like online banking and finance, e-commerce, or gaming. A little more friction in these moments may look like one-time password requests or two-factor authentication. These are good signs of appropriate friction designed to keep your information safe. It can also prevent children from accessing parental accounts and racking up unwanted charges or viewing content that is not age-appropriate.

Deciding whom you can trust in the digital world can be difficult. The most trusted brands are the ones striking the right balance — providing the right amount of appropriate friction at the right time in the short term to build the kind of trust that creates lasting relationships in the long term.

2023-06-06T08:01:00

(BPT) – From the moment you find out you’re expecting a baby, your life is forever changed. Having a child is an adventure that brings a mix of emotions — from excitement and joy to anxiety and downright confusion. It’s important to have support, and there are programs specially designed to help you wherever you are in your parenting journey.

One such program is Enfamil Family Beginnings. You can join for free to access a variety of benefits that will help provide important support in the time leading up to baby’s arrival, through the first year, and beyond. What type of benefits does Enfamil Family Beginnings^® offer? Here are four of the biggest benefits that only members receive:

Welcome Wonder Box

When you sign up for Enfamil Family Beginnings, you may be eligible to receive a Wonder Box care package filled with products for your baby. This adorable box has formula samples and supplies right when you need it most — close to or right after your baby is born. This special box comes from a brand you can trust with over 100 years of experience helping feed infants and providing support to new parents and caregivers.

Discounts, rewards, & promotions

Who doesn’t like saving money? As a member, you can receive discount checks and digital rebates on Enfamil^® products, which can make a big difference when it comes to the family budget. There’s plenty of fun stuff, too. For example, get an adorable set of Belly Badges™ that are the ideal prop for infant photos so you can capture milestones and special moments — like ages by month, fun firsts and holidays.

By joining Enfamil Family Beginnings, you also join the Enfamil Rewards program! Earn points on select purchases, referrals, and more. Redeem points for rewards like rebates on Enfamil products.

Weekly tips tailored to you

Whether you’re pregnant and don’t know where to start, or you have a newborn and are starting to get in the swing of things, members receive emails with expert developmental and nutrition tips tailored to your journey. Want even more info about your little one? Read articles, participate in polls and more — every activity earns points toward Enfamil Rewards, which can be redeemed for formula rebates, supplies, and baby gear.

Ask a Nurse help line for fast, trusted support 24/7/365

As the saying goes, babies don’t come with manuals, so it’s common for parents to have a lot of questions. Fortunately, Enfamil Family Beginnings members can get support and expert answers to many pregnancy, pediatric health, and infant development questions through the Ask A Nurse program. From concerns about colic and coughing to breastfeeding, pediatric and OB/GYN registered nurses can help at no cost to you. Whether you’re at home, traveling or visiting relatives, Ask a Nurse gives you access to professional healthcare guidance you can trust, at a moment’s notice. Whether you want to check a symptom, get a second opinion, or simply have some peace of mind, the Ask a Nurse service can be accessed for free from any device at any time, and you’ll get a response within minutes. Ask a Nurse is currently not yet available in the following states: AK, HI, MN, NC, NV, OH, OR, PA, RI, TX VT, WA, DC.

This service is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be used for emergencies.

Enfamil also has consumer resource specialists available to speak with online or over the phone. These specialists are available to answer any product-related questions on Enfamil’s website or by calling 1-800-BABY123.

To learn more and become an Enfamil Family Beginnings member for free, visit Enfamil.com/baby-formula-coupons-samples. Parents and caregivers can receive exclusive rewards, savings, and support for their little one(s).

2023-06-06T08:05:00

(BPT) – Summertime is all about gathering together and having fun outdoors. The warm sunny days and long, balmy evenings make it easier than ever to enjoy spending quality time with your friends and family. To ensure an easy and nutritious get-together this season, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares some of her tips to help simplify summer entertaining while adding more fun and flavor, too.

1. Pick a theme

To create a memorable gathering and simplify your planning process simultaneously, brainstorm a fun party theme to help coordinate your decorations, refreshments, music and activities. Get creative with themes like “Surfer’s Paradise” or “’80s Night.”

2. Create a seasonal menu

Develop your menu using plenty of seasonal produce. Getting produce that’s in season will be more flavorful and delicious, plus it tends to be on sale and less expensive. There are lots of summertime fruits and veggies that are perfect for parties such as watermelon, berries, corn on the cob, tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans and zucchini.

3. Streamline setup and cleanup

Use non-breakable dishes to keep cookouts safe and fun. If you don’t want to use disposable plates and cups, consider getting a set of washable plastic dishes designed for outdoor use. You can also set out containers labeled for trash and recycling so it’s easy for you and your guests to clean as you go.

4. Bring on the fun and games

Help keep your get-together lively and active with a selection of fun outdoor games that are great for all ages, like wiffleball, croquet or badminton. These games add lots of enjoyment and laughs, plus it gives your party a healthy dose of energizing, feel-good fitness.

5. Choose nutritious, easy-to-prep recipes

The best party food is simple to make, nutritious and tasty for both adults and kids. For the perfect outdoor summer brunch or lunch, try these Tortilla Egg Roll-Ups from Eggland’s Best — they’re an easy hand-held snack that adds protein, nutrients and color to any table spread!

Blatner recommends using Eggland’s Best eggs because they contain six times more Vitamin D to support cognitive wellness, immunity and healthy bones and muscles. They also contain more than double the Vitamin B12, which provides a natural energy boost, 25% less saturated fat and more than double the Omega-3s compared to ordinary eggs.

Tortilla Egg Roll-Ups

Prep time: under 5 minutes
Cook time: under 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients
4 Eggland’s Best Large Eggs
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 whole grain tortillas (6-inch)
Optional mix-ins: finely chopped spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers

Preparation

1. Over medium heat, warm a 6-inch skillet.
2. In small measuring cup, scramble one Eggland’s Best Egg.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of oil to skillet, pour in the egg, and swirl so it covers the bottom of the pan.
4. Sprinkle on 2 tablespoons of cheese and optional mix-ins.
5. Let egg cook about 30 seconds, or until the bottom is cooked, but the top is still a little wet.
6. Press 1 tortilla right on top of the wet egg, and cook another 30 seconds (the egg and tortilla will stick together.)
7. Using a spatula, flip the egg and tortilla over, and cook another 30 seconds until the egg is fully cooked.
8. Remove from pan, let cool slightly, then roll it.
9. Repeat for remaining eggs and tortillas.
10. Eat immediately or store covered in the fridge for up to four days.

You can even make extras to keep in the freezer for up to three months. For more recipe inspiration for your next gathering, visit EgglandsBest.com.

Using these tips, you’ll be able to throw a crowd-pleasing get-together that your friends and family will be talking about all summer long!

2023-06-06T12:01:01

(BPT) – It’s graduation season! If you have a high school senior, you’re probably busy planning a party or vacation to celebrate the end of their high school years. Last year, more than 20 million students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs across the U.S. If your child is one of the millions of students attending college this year, you also have a lot to do before the fall. However, it’s important to set aside time, even now, to plan for your college student’s freshman year and have tough conversations about what you’ll do in case they need to withdraw.

After all the effort going into choosing the ideal college experience, families don’t often consider what might happen if their child may need to leave school during their educational journey. But it’s a common enough occurrence that it’s best to be prepared. The National Student Clearinghouse found that one in four first-year college students don’t return for the second year. Often, leaving school is a tough decision for students and parents. It’s even more stressful when families can’t recoup the loss of tuition, housing and fees if their school doesn’t offer a refund.

Families are smart to not be surprised. Read on to see how you can protect your financial investment in your child’s education and receive a refund if they are forced to withdraw midterm due to legitimate reasons including accidents, injuries, or physical or mental health conditions.

1. Learn why students withdraw

Many students have to withdraw for medical reasons, including anxiety, depression, stress, mono, flu and concussions, just to name a few. Even for those who don’t withdraw, nearly half (41%) of students have considered withdrawing in the past year, with 55% citing emotional stress, according to the 2023 Lumina Foundation Gallup State of Higher Education Report.

Even if they feel that they need to withdraw, many students push themselves to the breaking point for fear of placing undue financial burden on themselves and their families. That’s why it’s important to talk with your child about how they’re feeling leading up to their fall semester and to check in with them as the term progresses.

2. Understand your school’s refund policy

Not knowing why and when your student can withdraw from classes can leave you scrambling should your student need a leave of absence. According to the 2022 College Confidence Index, 74% of students and 66% of parents are unfamiliar with their school’s tuition refund policy. Before taking your student to freshman orientation, make sure to review their school’s refund policy.

Most colleges don’t offer tuition refunds after the first few weeks of school and virtually no schools provide refunds for the cost of housing or academic fees, so it’s vital to know important withdrawal dates. Otherwise, you risk losing tens of thousands of dollars if your child is forced to withdraw midterm.

3. Determine if you could afford the cost of an extra semester

If your child’s school doesn’t offer a tuition refund or you want to be prepared in case your student needs to withdraw after the refund period, you’ll need to see if you can afford an extra semester. If you can’t, you’re not alone. More than half of parents (52%) reported it would be difficult for them to pay for the cost of an extra semester, according to the College Confidence Index. As college costs continue to rise, families have difficulty paying for a regular four-year degree, let alone tens of thousands of dollars for an extra semester.

4. Find out if your school offers tuition insurance

Many colleges and universities offer tuition insurance that provides a tuition refund if your student is forced to withdraw midterm. Your school may partner with an insurance provider like GradGuard, the only company in the country that provides up to 100% refunds for students who withdraw for a covered reason during the insured term.

While hundreds of schools from Auburn, Duke, Harvard, NYU, Purdue, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt provide their students with tuition insurance, some schools may not and it is useful for families to ask them for protection. The only alternative to an official school program is GradGuard, which offers plans to any student attending a four-year private or public nonprofit institution in the U.S. To learn more, visit GradGuard.com.

5. Know what tuition insurance covers

Not all tuition insurance plans offer the same coverage. Make sure you sign up for a plan that covers a variety of situations that could cause your student to withdraw from classes. Tuition insurance can reimburse the cost of a covered term, including tuition, housing and fees, in case of a covered medical withdrawal.

GradGuard’s Tuition Insurance plans can cover ordinary but serious medical conditions like mono and concussions. It also covers mental health conditions that can lead to unexpected withdrawals, including anxiety and depression.

Students who are struggling should not be burdened with feeling the need to stay in school for financial reasons alone. By being proactive, knowing your school’s refund policy and purchasing tuition insurance prior to the start of school, your family can have confidence that if your student needs to leave school for a legitimate reason, they can do so. Students can focus on their health and return to school when they are well again.

2023-06-06T09:01:00

(BPT) – As you approach the Medicare golden age of 65, the pressure to choose the right Medicare coverage is a real concern. So many things to keep in mind when choosing a plan. Will your doctors take it? Are your prescriptions covered? What will the copays be? It’s enough to make you want to scream!

We asked five top Medicare insurance agents at ClearMatch™ Medicare which mistakes their new-to-Medicare clients may have made … if they didn’t intervene.

1. My family member/friend told me their plan is the best plan.

“Don’t enroll in a plan because your friend or family member says that they have the plan, and it is the best plan. The plan may work tremendously for that individual who recommended it, but it may not meet what you are looking for,” says licensed Medicare agent Lawrence Yi. He’s been selling Medicare plans at ClearMatch Medicare since early 2020 and relates that no two people’s needs are alike. You need to shop and compare different plans to find the plan that is right for you — not your friend.

2. I don’t need to sign up for a Part D prescription plan.

“I always tell my clients they must get a separate plan for prescription drugs. Original Medicare does not cover drugs,” says Malba Wynn, licensed Medicare insurance agent with ClearMatch Medicare for over eight years. And while enrollment in a Part D plan is not required, you will face a penalty for the amount of time you went without prescription drug coverage for the rest of your life. So, long story short — you must enroll in a Part D prescription plan when you become eligible.

3. I’m not retiring yet, so I’ll stay in my employer plan.

“You should always do a comparison of your group coverage and Medicare,” Iris Nelson advises. Nelson knows all about Medicare plans and has been a licensed insurance agent at ClearMatch Medicare for over five years. “About 70% of the time, Original Medicare combined with a Medicare Supplement plan can provide more coverage at a lower cost than what you have through your employer. ” In this economic climate, not everyone can afford to retire at 65. But staying on your employer plan can cost you more in the long run.

4. Not knowing about a plan’s out-of-pocket maximum.

“When enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan, be aware of the maximum out-of-pocket for the plan. That is the most you will pay in copays for hospital and medical expenses for the year,” notes Marcy LePage, ClearMatch Medicare licensed insurance agent for over 4 years. “It’s important that you know the max money you will pay if you are having a bad health year.” For example, if a plan’s out-of-pocket maximum is $6,000, you will need to spend that much in copays, deductibles and coinsurance for covered services before the plan pays 100% for costs for covered benefits. Just a side note: there is no maximum out-of-pocket with Original Medicare.

5. I can find a Medicare plan without anyone’s help.

“Many people try to learn Medicare on their own, which is great. But you should go over all your Medicare options with a licensed agent whose expertise is in Medicare,” says Joellen Ampagoomian, licensed Medicare agent at ClearMatch Medicare for eight years. “There are so many types of Medicare coverage: Supplements, Medicare Advantage plans, drug plans, dental, cancer, etc. Not all plans are made for everyone. It’s important to know all of your options when you are first enrolling, since your flexibility to make changes in the future may be limited.”

If you are new to Medicare, or just want to speak to someone about your Medicare options, the caring and knowledgeable agents at ClearMatch Medicare are licensed to sell plans from most of the top carriers in the U.S. Give them a call toll-free 1-888-921-1288/TTY: 711, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (EST). You can also visit www.clearmatchmedicare.com 24/7 and compare plans online.

2023-06-05T15:01:42

(BPT) – Most people know that fruits and vegetables are key to a healthy diet, but they may not know exactly how many, and the amounts, they should be eating daily. Some may believe they are on the right track but are surprised to learn they are underestimating the amount needed to meet nutrition recommendations.

A survey conducted by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) confirms that Americans are largely underestimating how many fruits and vegetables they need to eat each day. Consumers surveyed estimate the daily number of recommended servings to be 3-4, short of the actual recommended 5 servings per day defined by the World Health Organization.

According to experts at IFPA’s Foundation for Fresh Produce’s fruitsandveggies.org, incorrect information online and during the shopping experience contributes to Americans’ confusion over what, and how much, they are supposed to eat. Products across the marketplace can be marketed to make food and beverages appear more healthful than they are by depicting images of fruits and vegetables despite containing no or minimal amounts of them.

“Consumers constantly face an overwhelming amount of information online and in stores, whether the information is correct or not,” said Emily Holdorf, a registered dietitian at the foundation. “When people hear conflicting messages of ‘eat this’ and ‘don’t eat that,’ they become understandably frustrated. By instead sharing a more inclusive approach to eating nutritious foods, consumers will feel empowered to choose fruits and vegetables at more meals and snacks throughout the day.”

IFPA and the foundation are working with the fresh produce industry and influential nutrition educators to help eliminate all barriers to consumption, including tackling misinformation.

“We are dedicated to finding solutions that make accurate nutrition recommendations easily accessible no matter what zip code an American resides in,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “We are exploring initiatives like providing dietary guidelines to shoppers in the store and asking the government to crack down on deceptive nutrition labeling. These are places where we can make a real impact on how consumers think about their own nutrition and ultimately achieve a positive change at kitchen tables across America.”

According to WHO, eating the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet improves overall health and reduces risk of certain diseases including cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer.

Many fruits and vegetables are plentiful in soluble fiber, which can lower LDL cholesterol, blood pressure and inflammation.

Even the colors of fruits and vegetables play a key role in health. The variety of colors within produce are known as “phytochemicals” that have been shown to potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease and diabetes.

“Diet-related diseases including heart disease, diabetes and hypertension add $1.4 trillion to the nation’s debt to treat annually, yet even with more than a trillion dollars going toward treatment, these diseases are still among the leading causes of death in the U.S.,” said Burns. “Fortunately, each of these can be prevented by having a healthier diet.”

Here are three tips for getting started:

1. Start small – Don’t bite off more than you can chew with an extremely aspirational goal. Stir fruit into cereal or yogurt, add bagged salad to pizza night, top sandwiches with extra veggies, throw greens into your favorite pasta dish. Small wins build momentum and positive habits.
2. Make it easy – Cut and prep fruits and vegetables up right away so they are quick to grab. Keep all forms of produce on hand for low- and no-cook ways to add fruits and vegetables to the meals and snacks you already have planned. The easier it is, the more likely it will get eaten.
3. Focus on the flavor – When something makes you feel good, you want to do it again. When something tastes good, you want to eat it again. Utilize dips, herbs, spices and juices to add flavor and enjoyment to fruits and vegetables. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring!

“There are countless eating occasions that occur throughout our days, weeks, months. Asking, ‘What fruit or veggie can I add to this?’ is a great first step to adding more, one bite at a time,” said Holdorf.

2023-06-05T07:01:00

(BPT) – For millions of Americans, finding the right gift for Father’s Day is really hard. Especially if your Dad loves fishing — what do you get for a guy who seems to own every fishing lure under the sun?

Well, the fishing folks at Rapala lures understand this dilemma all too well. So, they’ve combined their shared wisdom to offer some ideas that kids and grandkids of all ages can use to make this the best Father’s Day ever.

1. Ask your dad for advice – Dads love to be asked for advice. For example, ask your fish-loving dad his advice for the best bass-catchin’ fishing lures, or what type of presentation you should use for mid-summer walleyes.

2. Take your dad fishing – Dads always have to ask their kids or grandkids whether they’d like to go fishing. This Father’s Day, turn the tables on Dad. Ask him to go fishing and plan the entire day.

3. Surprise him with a gift he really wants – Necktie? Coffee mug? Forget about it. Get Dad what he really wants such as a really well-made fishing lure, like an OG Rocco 5 crankbait, designed by Ott DeFoe, one of the nation’s top pro bass anglers, and a handmade card. You got this.

4. Get on the water – Spending time on the water fishing with Dad is quality time. Don’t own a boat? No worries. You can rent a boat. Borrow a friend’s canoe. Buy or rent a couple of kayaks. Or head to the nearest beach, river or stream and cast a line out from a pier or shore.

5. Post a selfie with your dad – This Father’s Day, show how proud you are of your dad by taking a selfie of you fishing with him and post it on one of your social media pages. When you take a photo, make sure he holds his big catch out to make his catch look as big as possible in the photo.

6. Learn a new skill – Dads love it when you learn a practical skill that you can use for a lifetime, such as learning to back a trailer or boat up or replacing old fishing line with newer fishing line on his favorite fishing reels.

7. Look out for your dad when he doesn’t know how to look out for himself – Dads think they know a lot, but they often have a blind spot for taking care of themselves. Case in point — wearing protective clothing when they’re outside in the sun. Get your dad a good hat, some cool sunglasses and a protective, long-sleeve shirt with UPF 50+ UV protection.

8. More time fishing, less time organizing – Help Dad catch more fish by helping him reorganize his fishing gear. There are numerous ways to organize gear, starting with the Rapala SmartHub System, that allows anglers to better organize their fishing gear in the boat, in the garage or basement and in an ice fishing house.

9. Laugh at his dad jokes – Spending time with dear ol’ Dad means listening to his dad jokes. You might want to bring a couple of fish counters to compare the number of fish caught to the number of jokes told.

10. Teach the next generation – Spending time with Dad on Father’s Day is great, but what will probably bring the biggest smile to his face is bringing along a new angler to the party and allowing Dad to show your kids how to catch fish. Dads love to teach kids how to fish, remove hooks and safely handle fish.

2023-06-05T09:01:00

(BPT) – There’s been a resurgence of interest in supporting local businesses lately as more consumers realize the crucial role these businesses play within their communities — and the valuable personal connections gained from patronizing smaller, sometimes family-owned companies. This is especially true for your neighborhood pet store, where the staff and owners get to know you and your pets, providing a unique level of connection and care for your pet’s health.

Here are the four main reasons to support your local businesses — especially neighborhood pet stores — and what you (and your furry friend) gain in return.

1. Neighborhood pet stores help foster connection

What better place to chat about your pet’s quirks, charms and needs than at your neighborhood pet store? Many pet store owners, staff and shoppers are fellow pet parents, and understand the raw, unadulterated love we all share with our pets, providing a real sense of connection, comradery and mutual support. You can lean on this community to care for your pet like you do, because they know that choosing the best nutritional options for your pets is how you show your furry friends you care.

2. Your neighborhood pet store cares about you

Shopping at your neighborhood pet stores means that the staff can get to know your pet and their unique needs, therefore ensuring you find the exact products to help them thrive. Many neighborhood pet stores are founded by people committed to providing the highest quality products and services for their own pets and are eager to share their knowledge and experience with you. They hire and train people who are equally compassionate and educated on the products they carry, as well as the basic welfare of animals, and they make a point of carrying high-quality food and well-crafted pet products.

3. Shopping local for pet food provides great perks and rewards

Shopping local for your pets can reap benefits! For example, when you shop for Stella & Chewy’s high-quality raw and real pet food at participating local pet stores, you can enter their new Petfluencer Contest for the chance to win a year’s supply of Stella & Chewy’s products and have your pet’s picture on billboards across the nation. Entering is easy! From June 5th through July 23rd, pet parents across the U.S. and Canada can visit participating stores nationwide and enter by scanning the in-store QR code to submit a photo of their dog or cat. Four semi-finalists will be selected to receive a special prize pack, and one grand prize winner will receive a photoshoot of their pet to appear on Stella & Chewy’s billboards to celebrate the raw love we share with our pets, plus a year’s supply of Stella & Chewy’s products and more. A longstanding partner to neighborhood pet stores, Stella & Chewy’s is excited to work with them to find their first-ever Petfluencer!

To learn more about Stella & Chewy’s Petfluencer Contest and find a participating local neighborhood pet store, visit StellaAndChewys.com/petfluencer-contest-info.

4. Local stores are committed to your community

Beyond providing jobs for local residents, keeping tax dollars within the community and offering a convenient shopping venue for the area, neighborhood stores have an ongoing interest in the continued well-being and growth of their communities. They often get involved in local events and support area organizations. For example, many neighborhood pet stores help support local animal rescues and shelters by participating in pet food drives, fundraisers, adoption events and more. Because they understand the needs of their communities, they are in a unique position to offer their help. Supporting local businesses also ensures that new products and services will continue to be available to you and your neighbors.