Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2025-01-20T11:01:00

(BPT) – However you use AI, its adoption across organizations of all sizes — including nonprofits — has proven to help people increase their productivity and impact at work.

“It’s incredibly exciting for those of us working in the nonprofit space to see how technological adoption can lead to greater societal impact,” said Rahul Rao, co-president and chief technology officer at Understood.org, a leading nonprofit empowering the 70 million people in the United States with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia.

At Understood, Rao leads the product, engineering, analytics, information technology, and program management teams, with expertise in integrated digital media with a focus on human-computer interaction and a successful track record in product development and new technology integration.

Rao sees a bright future for nonprofits that integrate AI into their operations. We caught up with him recently to hear his predictions for AI use by nonprofit organizations in 2025.

1. What will drive nonprofit AI adoption?

Research from early 2024 showed that four in five nonprofit organizations consider AI to be applicable to their work. But at the time of the survey, nearly half of the respondents said they weren’t currently using the technology. In 2025, I anticipate a surge in AI adoption among nonprofits driven largely by growing visibility in the benefits of AI, as well as the integration of AI into the tools people use every day — like Gmail, Google Docs, and more.

2. How can AI help a nonprofit’s operations?

Nonprofits, even those with limited resources or AI experience, can use AI to increase efficiency so more time and resources are spent serving their mission. For instance, using AI to summarize research, recap meetings and draft emails can free up time for team members to focus on human-centric work, including community and donor engagement. AI can also help with routine tasks like data entry and organization, which is often a critical and time-intensive task for social impact organizations.

As more nonprofits become familiar with relevant use cases and participate in affordable and accessible AI training, expect to see AI become a central part of their operations.

3. How has your organization benefited from adopting AI?

AI has been a transformative tool at Understood.org, helping teams working across core functions like fundraising, community outreach, and research drive a major impact.

For example, our Advancement and Partnerships team, which is responsible for fundraising across our organization, sends and receives countless emails every day. Since adopting AI in Gmail through Gemini for Google Workspace, team members have been able to quickly and accurately summarize valuable research about the neurodiversity landscape, manage their inboxes, draft personalized and contextually relevant email replies, adjust tone across important communications, and more. The impact of AI goes beyond time savings, and has allowed the team to maintain a consistent cadence of high-quality outreach that has a direct impact on meeting our goals.

4. Are there ways in which AI has helped your nonprofit’s target audience?

Virtual AI assistants have exploded in popularity over the past decade and for good reason: They can help make everyday tasks easier. Their capabilities can be especially useful for people who learn and think differently, acting as assistive technology that helps with reading, writing, math and tasks that involve executive functions.

For instance, AI assistants can help someone with dyslexia receive real-time feedback and corrections in writing, convert text into simpler formats or read it aloud for better understanding. Similarly, they can help someone with dyscalculia by performing basic math calculations, handling unit conversions or visualizing numerical data.

Caregivers of people who learn and think differently can also benefit from AI assistants. A parent or teacher with a specific question about a child with ADHD may be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information available about this learning difference. To help caregivers, Understood.org created an AI-powered chat tool on our website, the Understood Assistant. When prompted with a question, the Understood Assistant sorts through our 5,000+ expert-vetted resources to provide tailored recommendations. The responses are designed for clarity and easy comprehension, presented in bulleted lists and written at an eighth-grade reading level. The Understood Assistant may include links to the most relevant articles, podcasts, research, and other resources.

People who use the Understood Assistant read twice as many articles and are twice as likely to return to the site compared to all site users. It’s a good example of how AI can help simplify information, which we believe helps to make knowledge more accessible and useful.

A bright future for nonprofits and AI

These are just a few predictions of how AI can help nonprofits better serve their communities and achieve their goals. To learn more about Understood.org’s mission and to use the Understood Assistant, please visit Understood.org. And to learn more about AI and its uses across tools like Gmail, Google Docs, and more, please visit https://workspace.google.com/solutions/ai/.

2025-01-16T14:45:00

(BPT) – Cervical Health Awareness Month in January serves as an important reminder that cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can actually be prevented with regular screening. Thanks to the Pap test, and then the addition of HPV testing and HPV vaccination, the number of people getting cervical cancer has significantly decreased for more than 70 years.

Yet, despite the resources available to make sure no woman has to face this terrible disease, recent studies show that cervical cancer rates are plateauing, and in some cases even increasing. It’s estimated nearly 14,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2024, with more than 4,000 deaths.

This increase in disease is, in part, because fewer women today are getting screened for cervical cancer as often as recommended. Between 2005-2019, there was a surprising 60% rise in the percentage of women overdue for their cervical cancer screening. These delays lead to cancer being discovered later, when the disease has become more serious.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. That’s why Dr. Kameelah Phillips, board certified OB/GYN and founder of Calla Women’s Health, is speaking up and raising awareness.

“It goes without saying that cancer of any kind is terrible, but the interesting thing about cervical cancer, specifically, is that it’s preventable and highly treatable through regular, proactive screening,” Phillips said. “It’s my passion to make sure that women across the country know that it’s within their power to take control of their health and to get screened with the best screening methods available.”

Today, the most effective screening options include the Pap test every three years for women 21-29, and the Pap test and the HPV test together, also known as co-testing, every five years for women 30-65. Co-testing is considered the most sensitive method to detect cervical cancer and pre-cancer in women. If you receive an abnormal result, it’s important to follow up with your doctor to determine the appropriate next steps. For most women, the screening exam is a brief, pain-free procedure, and working with a caring physician helps ensure their comfort throughout the appointment.

But the best screening options only work if women know they’re available. “Existing cervical cancer screening tools are incredibly effective, yet our progress has stalled because too many women don’t know they need to be screened or when to come in for follow-up care,” said Phillips. “It’s crucial to increase education on the importance of regular preventive screenings that happen during the annual well-woman exam so we can accelerate our progress toward eliminating cervical cancer.”

More than half of cervical cancer cases occur in women who have never been screened or haven’t been screened in the past five years, further reinforcing how important it is for patients to talk with their doctor about how they can stay up to date on their cervical health.

“We have made outstanding strides in preventing this cancer by using the Pap and HPV tests in screening. Now is the time to renew our commitment to education and access for all women,” added Phillips. “By working together to prioritize regular screening, we can combat this preventable cancer and save more women’s lives.”

2025-01-16T08:15:00

(BPT) – Gathering with friends and family to cheer on your home team makes for an unforgettable watch party. To take your “home-gating” up a notch, focus on what everyone loves — plenty of snacks and beverages to fuel guests from kickoff to final play.

Here are several tips to effortlessly keep the crew fed and happy so they enjoy themselves (even if your team fumbles) without missing any of the action.

Plan your portions

Making sure you’ve got enough snacks and beverages for your hungry and thirsty crowd is crucial. For drinks, plan to average about two drinks per hour per person and you’ll have plenty for everyone.

Where the food is concerned, provide at least 4-6 different types of appetizers for guests to choose from — or more, if you’re throwing a larger gathering. Caterers generally plan for about one pound of food per guest, to help you estimate the quantities you’ll need to satisfy everyone.

Choose tasty options that are easy to prep and cook

Make it easier for yourself and opt for simple appetizers that require minimum prep time, allowing you to relax and focus on other hosting tasks, like decorating or setting up extra seating where needed. Pick some tried-and-true favorites that you know how to make and that your guests are bound to love, like chicken wings, pizza rolls or sliders, plus a variety of different types of chips and dips.

Looking for a twist on the fan-favorite game day queso? Try Bob Evans^®Queso Macaroni & Cheese. Microwave ready in five minutes, this creamy dish with medium spice brings the classic queso flavor to the table in a new way and is easy to prepare and share with family and friends.

If you’re feeling creative, try this bold mashup recipe that combines Queso Macaroni & Cheese with tacos for a delicious bite that will have everyone coming back for more. Better yet, the dish is super-easy to make and is also a terrific option to bring along with you to a potluck watch party.

Spicy Taco Mac and Cheese

Prep time: 25 minutes. Cook time: 30 minutes. Servings: 6.

Ingredients
20 ounces (1 package) Bob Evans^® Queso Macaroni & Cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
1 pound ground beef
1 1/4 ounce taco seasoning mix
10 ounces enchilada sauce
8 ounces shredded pepper jack cheese, divided
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Heat Bob Evans^® Queso Macaroni & Cheese according to package directions. Stir in sour cream, diced tomatoes and green chiles.
3. Meanwhile, cook beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbly; drain and return to skillet.
4. Stir in taco seasoning and enchilada sauce; cook until very thick.
5. Spoon half of macaroni and cheese mixture into greased 2-quart baking dish.
6. Top with meat mixture, 1 cup cheese and remaining macaroni and cheese.
7. Bake covered for 15 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with 1 cup cheese. Bake 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
8. Top with grape tomatoes and cilantro and enjoy!

Find this new flavor of macaroni and cheese and other tasty side dishes including a variety of mashed potatoes in the refrigerated section of grocery retailers nationwide, or visit BobEvansGrocery.com to explore all their options.

Make it festive

Bring the team spirit to your watch party by adding streamers, banners and other accents in your home team’s colors. Complete the look with football-themed serveware and encourage everyone to wear their favorite jerseys!

Score big beyond game day

This sports season, Bob Evans^® and Jarritos^® are teaming up to offer a promotion that goes beyond just game day. Now through March 15, consumers who buy one Bob Evans^® dinner sides product and one single-serve Jarritos^® soda bottle will be eligible to receive a $20 Fanatics^® reward. Consumers will be able to submit receipts through March 31 and redeem their Fanatics^® e-gift card through April 15.

Visit BobEvansGrocery.com/Jarritos for the full promotion details and how to submit your receipt.

2025-01-15T12:01:00

(BPT) – As families settle back into their normal routines after a busy holiday season, deciding on and cooking dinner during the week can feel daunting. Luckily, Noodles & Company, the nationwide fast-casual chain, is bringing back a fan-favorite dish that evokes nostalgia and craveable comfort—perfect for those seeking speed and reliability, all without the hassle of cooking.

Noodles Delivers What Guests Are Craving

Back by popular demand, Noodles & Company is reintroducing its beloved Steak Stroganoff. This indulgent dish delights with wavy egg noodles enveloped in a rich mushroom sherry cream sauce, accented by fresh herbs, cracked pepper, and roasted mushrooms. Tender marinated steak, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, and vibrant Italian parsley complete the dish, delivering familiar, crave-worthy flavors that bring comfort and satisfaction. Perfect for those craving a hearty, effortless meal, this fan-favorite dish proves why it’s a timeless classic.

Since its celebrated return in 2024, Steak Stroganoff has made a remarkable impact, breaking Noodles’ records in just two weeks and securing its place as one of the brand’s most successful limited-time offerings. The dish has amassed a cult following, resulting in the brand listening to consumer demands and continuing to reintroduce it for limited-time runs on the menu.

The Go-To Destination for Craveable Comfort

Noodles & Company continues to lead the fast-casual space with bold flavors, quality, and value. The return of Steak Stroganoff gives guests even more reasons to start the New Year with maximum flavor.

The fast-casual chain consistently pushes boundaries with innovative dishes that elevate the dining experience. Noodles encourages guests to step outside their comfort zones and try something new, backed by its Goodness Guarantee. Noodles guarantees guest satisfaction by allowing exchanges for any entrée that guests don’t love — completely free of charge.

For more exclusive offers, guests can join Noodles Rewards for free through the Noodles mobile app or website. New members receive a free regular entrée after their first purchase using their Noodles Rewards account and earn points with every order.

Get It While It’s ON!

Whether families are looking for an easy weeknight meal or a dish to warm them up, the flavor-packed Steak Stroganoff is available for a limited time at all Noodles locations nationwide. Guests can order in restaurants, through the Noodles mobile app, or via third-party delivery.

2025-01-15T16:01:01

(BPT) – Whether you’re in the middle of your career, starting a new job or looking ahead to retirement, financial planning may be one of those items on your to-do list that keeps getting pushed aside for more pressing and immediate things. Regardless of where you may be on your financial journey, it’s important to lean on experienced professionals who can help you make the right choices, at the right time, to assist with things like banking, investments or business planning.

The new year — a time when some people may be receiving a bonus, tax refund, etc. — is an ideal time to strategize, taking a fresh look at your financial situation, needs and timeline so you can set yourself up for success with any potential excess liquidity you may be receiving.

Here are three tips that can help you on the journey to better financial planning, from the experts at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management.

1. Identify your ambitions. Being thoughtful or intentional about your goals may feel challenging, but in time, it can help set you up for a clearer future when it comes to your wealth and earnings. For instance, what do you want your money to do for you and for others? Do you have an ample emergency fund and sound investment plan? Are you looking to set up a fund for a child or grandchild’s education? Are you using your resources to reflect your personal values and support causes you care about, or to ensure your loved ones will have financial security in the future? Knowing your top priorities can help focus your efforts, ultimately leading to more security and satisfaction down the road.

Remember, your goals and ambitions may change over time, so it’s recommended to review your goals regularly, then meet with a banker and financial advisor to adjust them as needed. To help you start identifying your financial goals, consider the benefits of establishing a personalized relationship with a banker through Chase Private Client.

2. After identifying your goals, create a path to help achieve them. As with anything in life, once you set your goals, you need a concrete plan for how to accomplish them. Working with a team of professionals, like Chase Private Client Bankers and J.P. Morgan Private Client Advisors, will help you determine how to do this, including ways to help maximize your wealth.

3. Get a great team in your corner. Handling your finances isn’t easy. There’s no “one size fits all” approach. Chase Private Client offers you a personalized relationship through access to a dedicated Chase Private Client Banker who will help you manage your everyday banking needs by connecting you with the right specialists across your personal, home lending, or business banking needs. Your Chase Private Client Banker is your primary contact, who ensures you get the most of your relationship including access to the 24/7 U.S.-based service team with skilled specialists to help with money movement, account servicing, online assistance, and more. As a Chase Private Client you will have access to a J.P. Morgan Private Client Advisor who can help you prioritize your goals and design a custom financial portfolio that reflects what’s most important to you. Your Chase Private Banker will collaborate with your J.P. Morgan Private Client Advisor to plan with you for your financial future.

“Chase Private Client” is the brand name for a banking and investment product and service offering, requiring a Chase Private Client Checking account.

Bank deposit accounts, such as checking and savings, may be subject to approval. Deposit products and related services are offered by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

Investing in securities involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Asset allocation/diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is a business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., which offers investment products and services through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (JPMS), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, member FINRA, Opens overlay and SIPC, Opens overlay. Insurance products are made available through Chase Insurance Agency, Inc. (CIA), a licensed insurance agency, doing business as Chase Insurance Agency Services, Inc. in Florida. Certain custody and other services are provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMCB). JPMS, CIA and JPMCB are affiliated companies under the common control of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Products not available in all states.

INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS ARE:NOT FDIC INSURED NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCYNOT A DEPOSIT OR OTHER OBLIGATION OF, OR GUARANTEED BY, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATESSUBJECT TO INVESTMENT RISKS, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED

2025-01-15T09:01:00

(BPT) – The high cost of tuition in traditional higher education settings leads many potential students to question the value of that investment. Whether you’ve just graduated high school or you’re a working adult aiming to enhance your career, you may be wondering what you can expect if you decide to advance your education with an undergraduate or graduate degree or certificate.

The good news is, there are more opportunities than ever before to help you get a degree online around your schedule — or start by taking individual courses designed to help you upskill in a variety of fields. For example, through Colorado State University Global (CSU Global), you can access dynamic, flexible and affordable career-relevant bachelor’s, master’s and certificate programs in a wide range of fields, designed for working adults and post-traditional learners.

As the first 100% online, institutionally accredited public university in the U.S., CSU Global is focused on student success as their top priority. As part of the Colorado State University System, CSU Global sets the standard for quality and innovation in higher education through expert faculty recognized as industry leaders and trained in working with adults in an online learning environment.

CSU Global offers information about its programs to help combat 5 common myths that could be holding you back from achieving your educational and career aspirations.

Myth no. 1: A degree isn’t worth the money

This myth is pervasive; Pew Research recently found that almost one-third (29%) of adults said the cost of a four-year college degree is not worth it. While it’s understandable that rising tuition costs at many schools can cause concern, the truth is that for many careers today, some level of higher education gets you a great return on investment (ROI). According to the CSU Global 2024 ROI Survey of 1,185 undergraduate and graduate students, a significant increase in income was achieved by students after completing their programs, among other benefits.

For example, undergraduate alumni self-reported that:

• Over 92% of them are currently employed.
• 77% hold a position in their field or a related field of study.
• Their median income increased by 4% to 58%, depending on the program.

Graduate alumni self-reported that:

• 94% are currently employed.
• 83% hold a position in their field or a related field of study.
• Their median income increased from 30% to 83%, depending on the program.

As a bonus, for those who decide to go to CSU Global, there are no fees, and their tuition lock guarantee means what you pay on day one will be the same for your final course.

Myth no. 2: I don’t have time to go back to school

A four-year degree can seem like a huge investment in time, especially for traditional programs that require putting your life on hold to attend school in person full-time. In fact, a study by the Strada Education Foundation revealed that over half of prospective students of all ages (56%) would be more likely to enroll in a degree program if the school offered flexible scheduling.

To make school possible for working adults and those with family obligations, CSU Global provides the flexibility busy working students need to complete their degrees. Students can complete their classwork at their own pace, on their own time and from the comfort of their own homes — or wherever they have access to an internet connection. The CSU Global online format allows students to balance education with both their work and family commitments. In addition, CSU Global’s programs include accelerated 8-week courses that start every four weeks, and students can start and stop as they choose. In fact, a CSU Global student can take up to 12 months off and retain their student status with no penalty, which is ideal for working adults and parents who may have conflicting seasonal commitments.

Myth no. 3: I can’t work and pursue a degree at the same time

The truth is a majority of students are also currently working, whether full or part-time. According to the Lumina Foundation, 64% of college students work and about 40% of them work full time, somehow managing to juggle all the demands on their time.

Because of the flexibility of 100% online degree and certificate programs, online institutions like CSU Global offer a variety of avenues to achieve your educational goals, even while you’re working. In addition, many businesses today encourage their employees to pursue upskilling opportunities to keep themselves and their companies competitive, so it’s worth asking your supervisor or HR department about incentives, accommodations or tuition assistance benefits available from your workplace. This could help you save money and get the approval to maximize flexible scheduling when needed. For those who are worried about work deadlines conflicting with coursework deadlines, CSU Global students enjoy a generous late policy that allows assignments to be completed a week late with no grade penalty.

Myth no. 4: Online degree programs aren’t as good or as relevant as in-person programs

In fact, students are increasingly attending online degree programs, leading them to be more widely accepted everywhere. The most recent available data from the National Center for Data Statistics reveals that 26% of students in 2022 were studying exclusively online, and that number has only increased. Global Market Insights estimates that e-learning will grow by 14% between 2023 and 2032, and Upskillwise claims enrollment in online programs has risen every year over the last decade.

The key to identifying the most relevant, high-quality online program is finding an accredited institution that addresses the skills and knowledge you’re looking for, and researching their instructors, majors and certification programs. You can confirm whether any institution is accredited through the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

If you’re looking to learn and develop the most up-to-date, in-demand skills for your field, it’s important to know that CSU Global degree programs are designed in collaboration with industry experts, and use job data to determine the knowledge and capabilities those industries and fields require. The courses offer career-relevant coursework and assignments that can be shared with colleagues and supervisors in the workplace.

Learners also gain experience using the tools they need to be successful in their new positions. CSU Global offers program pathways that include embedded internship opportunities, to allow learners to gain work experience while earning collegiate credit. And if you’re interested in pursuing industry certification exams to further your career, CSU Global helps prepare students to take third-party exams, leading to certifications and licensures valued by employers.

Myth no. 5: I won’t get to interact with experienced instructors in an online program

If you’re concerned about the actual college experience during a fully online program, you may be interested to hear that 81% of student respondents report online learning is better than or equal to on-campus learning, according to BestColleges.com. To ensure that your experience is equally positive, research the instructors in your field at any program you’re interested in, and ask about opportunities you’ll have to interact with them throughout your education. You’ll want a program that encourages student-instructor interactions via individual virtual meetings plus email, phone and other platforms so all your questions are answered, and that you’ll get the most out of each class.

Courses at CSU Global are taught by qualified instructors with academic credentials and industry experience in their areas of expertise who provide workplace insights. In addition to serving as subject matter experts and industry leaders, they’re also trained to understand and meet the needs of online students. Faculty are available to students via email, phone or virtual meetings to answer questions, and they have a 24-hour response time. Faculty also post messages to the class via the online portal and interact with students weekly in Discussion Boards and through feedback on Critical Thinking Assignments.

In addition to the valuable interaction students will have with their skilled and knowledgeable instructors, CSU Global provides fully online, comprehensive academic and career services including tutoring, writing consultations, career counseling, resume and cover letter assistance, and support from a dedicated financial aid advisor.

No need to hold back on your professional aspirations: These common myths about higher education are officially busted. Learn how you can reach your educational and career goals at CSUGlobal.edu.

2025-01-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re a small business owner, you may be looking for top talent in the new year. A new survey by LinkedIn finds 66% of small businesses in the U.S. are planning to hire more in 2025 than they did in 2024. It signals good news for the market, and for your business, but with an increase in hiring comes increased challenges.

That’s because hiring the perfect fit for a small company is crucial and time consuming. It’s not just about finding the right skills and experience for the job, but culture fit, too. It takes time to source candidates, sift through resumes, schedule and conduct interviews, and handle all hiring-related tasks, on top of managing the day-to-day demands. As a small business owner, you know that on any given day, you can be operations manager, accountant, marketing pro and one-person HR department all rolled into one.

“We know every hire a small business makes is critical to their business goals,” says LinkedIn’s Director of Product Management Andrew Chimka. “They need simple, time-saving solutions that are intuitive to use and help them find qualified candidates fast, and with confidence.”

Here are LinkedIn’s top tips to help small businesses find the right candidate so they can focus on doing what they love most: growing their business.

Showcase what makes your company unique

Showcasing your brand is critical to attracting top talent. Emphasize why job seekers should choose to work for you by highlighting your unique company culture, flexible work hours, or perks like employee discounts. You know what makes your company a great place to work. Potential hires need to know it, too.

Demonstrating benefits like skills development opportunities or online learning programs will also help hirers attract candidates in the new year. New LinkedIn data finds opportunities to learn new, in-demand skills is the #1 factor professionals say will help them grow in their career.

One of the ways you can stand out is through LinkedIn’s new Premium Company Page offering, which helps small businesses grow their audience and credibility on LinkedIn. Premium helps companies like yours grow page followers 6.7 times faster to stand out to prospects.

Consider a skills-based hiring approach

Today, the skills needed to do many jobs are changing. More businesses are recognizing the need to adopt a skills-based hiring approach: hiring for skills and abilities, not only degrees and past job titles.

A skills-based approach allows you to widen your pool of applicants to include candidates that may have slipped under the radar due to factors like whether they have a degree. This allows you to find new, untapped talent, lessening the need to compete with other companies for the same candidates.

Taking a holistic approach to skills by hiring for technical expertise and soft skills, such as communication and collaboration, also enables small businesses to identify well-rounded candidates who can support various business needs.

Just because the size of a business is small doesn’t mean its talent pool needs to be.

Use new LinkedIn AI hiring tools to help post a job and hire!

LinkedIn finds that 72% of hirers at small businesses in the U.S. say they are spending up to 15 hours a week just sifting through applications. That’s a lot of time not devoted to growing and running the business.

This is where AI can come in — as a tool to take on some of the heavy lifting that comes with hiring the right candidate.

LinkedIn is launching an AI-assistant within LinkedIn Jobs, built on its unique professional platform insights of over 1 billion members, 69 million companies and 41,000 skills. Hirers can get help with tedious hiring tasks using the AI-assistant, such as drafting job descriptions, posting a job, identifying qualified candidates and inviting them to apply.

The AI-assistant then helps evaluate applicants based on the hirer’s qualifications and creates a shortlist of the most qualified candidates for the hirer to review so they can make the right hire with confidence. Small businesses like Hestus, Givers, and Part and Sum are already using it today.

Interested? Visit linkedin.com/smbhire to express interest in joining LinkedIn’s beta program.

In today’s fast-changing work landscape, small businesses face numerous challenges — but hiring shouldn’t be one of them. LinkedIn, with the largest engaged professional network in the world, is uniquely positioned to help. In fact, 86% of small businesses globally get a qualified candidate within 24 hours of posting a job on LinkedIn. By leveraging innovative strategies to attract top talent, from highlighting your brand to using new AI tools, your small business will be better positioned to thrive in 2025.

2025-01-13T10:31:00

(BPT) – Wave Season isn’t just trendy travel terminology, but how savvy vacationers maximize their dollars when booking their big trips! Starting just after the holidays from January through March, Wave Season is the cruise industry’s version of a Black Friday or Cyber Monday sale. As an already cost-effective way to see the world, cruise lines and travel providers are offering even more opportunities for deals, letting passengers customize their trips with new activities, new dining experiences, and even new destinations. Whether this is your first time exploring booking a trip during Wave Season or you’re a seasoned voyager on the high seas, there are numerous ways to save before you set sail. In fact, AARP members can utilize an array of benefits and discounts that can help curate the perfect vacation.

“Cruises are having a big moment, and rightfully so as they can be excellent options for travelers wanting to see a lot of sights and get tremendous value on their vacations. And, to coast your way into even more savings, don’t forget to take advantage of Wave Season’s exclusive discounts and offerings that may not be available any other time to book a cruise this year,” said AARP Services Director of Travel Steve Guilday.

You can keep your wallet and your peace of mind afloat with these money saving tips before venturing out to sea.

Planning Made Easy. Leave stress at home through some advance preparation so once you arrive at your port the only step is climbing aboard. When you book through a one-stop-shop like AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia, you can plan your entire vacation from start to finish. With exclusive deals, seasonal offers, and special savings on hotels, car rentals, and cruises, members can get a $50 gift card of their choice when they book a flight vacation package and receive up to $100 in onboard credit on select cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe and more.

Well before embarking on any international cruises, check that your passport is up to date. Some countries require that your passport is valid for six months past your departure date, so you don’t want to be caught in a bind. As an AARP member, if you need to act fast on renewing, you can save 15% on expedited U.S. passport and travel visa services with RushMyPassport. RushMyPassport offers expedited options for all passport types and customer support to simplify the process of obtaining travel documents.

Cruise Your Way to Happiness … and Savings. Take in a deep breath of the salty air. Feel the ocean breeze across your face. Explore a new destination or enjoy one of your favorites as you sail from port to port. With an AARP membership, take advantage of Holland America Line’s fleet of 11 ships with more than 500 sailings a year to all seven continents, including cruises in Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe. Additionally, you can receive up to $200 in onboard credit per stateroom, based on the length of the cruise and the stateroom chosen. Or set sail with HX: Hurtigruten Expeditions where you can experience some of the most remote and awe-inspiring places on the planet from Antarctica to Alaska and British Columbia or the Galápagos Islands to the Scottish Isles, and more. AARP members and any travel companions can circumnavigate the world and receive a 5% discount on all cruise fares. You can also receive a €100 per person onboard credit. This offer will be stackable with all in-market HX offers. Terms and conditions apply.

Voyage Along Inland Waterways. Travel to the city centers and towns that dot picturesque riverbanks, exploring diverse landscapes and the fascinating history and cultures. You can sail the rivers of the world from the waterways of Europe to the Nile in Egypt, India’s Ganges, and the Mekong in Vietnam with Grand European Travel. AARP members save up to $100 in addition to any promotional savings on all-inclusive luxury river cruises. Plus for a limited time, members can sail into savings with up to 30% off per person on select 2025 departures. Enjoy an unmatched experience in luxury river cruising with Uniworld’s all-inclusive vacations to Europe, Egypt, and more, when you book by March 31, members can save an extra $100.

By Land or Sea? Try Both. Did you know that surf and turf isn’t just a dinner menu item? Combine your ocean or river cruise with a land or rail tour and get the best of both. You can use your AARP membership to save 5% on more than 40 rail and cruise vacations with Vacations by Rail in popular destinations like France’s famous waterways, the Rhine and Danube Rivers, Alaska’s Inside Passage and trans-Atlantic crossings. Collette also helps AARP members save up to $250 on select cruises and tours. This is a great way to explore more of the world. Sail the Galapagos, spend Christmas on the Danube, cruise to the edge of the world in Patagonia, sip coffee in a corner cafe in Paris and more.

Regardless of where you cruise for your next vacation, an AARP membership can help you save. For those of you looking to take advantage of Wave Season, learn more about additional cruise discounts for AARP members by visiting https://www.aarp.org/membership/benefits/campaigns/cruise/.

2025-01-13T08:27:00

(BPT) – If you live in a home or apartment with minimal kitchen space due to its wall and cabinet configurations, you probably know how challenging it is to replace major appliances. For example, most newer refrigerators are designed with larger kitchens in mind, so they simply won’t fit in smaller kitchen spaces. This leaves you without many options unless you’re willing to undergo a complete kitchen renovation.

Looking for another solution to your small kitchen dilemma? You’re in luck. With the new LG Counter-Depth MAX™ Refrigerator with Zero Clearance™ (LF24Z6530S), you no longer have to worry about your refrigerator sticking out beyond your current counters or not being able to fully open the doors. And even better, you’ll be able to enjoy a stylish, contemporary design that’s built for today’s living, available in stainless steel to complement various kitchen styles. In addition, its restyled bar handles and the freezer pocket handle combine for easy opening and an attractive look.

The Counter-Depth MAX™ Refrigerator with Zero Clearance™ features an innovative zero clearance hinge system and 45% thinner doors that take up less space (compared to previous LG Counter-Depth MAX model LRYKC2606), letting you install the refrigerator in tight spaces and still fully open both doors.* This reduces the need for extra space while maximizing the refrigerator’s square footage and achieving a sleek, built-in look — without the cost of a built-in.

A contemporary solution for minimal kitchen spaces

If you’ve had to opt for older, smaller refrigerators in the past simply to cope with your limited kitchen space, you’ve probably been frustrated not only by the minimal storage offered by these fridges, but also their complete lack of modern features and technology.

However, the LG Counter-Depth MAX™ Refrigerator with Zero Clearance™ gives you the best of both worlds: You’ll appreciate the sleek design that will complement any kitchen, and you’ll also enjoy the larger interior than traditional counter-depth models. At the same time, you’ll benefit from its advanced cooling technology, which will give you the cutting-edge performance you expect from today’s models.

For example, this refrigerator offers Smart Cooling Plus™ Technology, which will maintain the optimal temperatures and humidity needed for enhanced food freshness. The Slim SpacePlus^® Ice System also increases the shelf and door bin space, and the dual ice makers automatically create three types of ice: standard ice cubes, crushed ice and slow-melting round Craft Ice™ — so you can have plenty of ice on hand when you need it for entertaining large parties. You can even automatically increase its ice production with just a touch of the control panel, or through the LG ThinQ^® app on your smartphone.

You can feel confident in your choice, because LG is ranked the #1 appliance brand in the U.S.** Discover how to achieve the sleek style you’ll love for your kitchen while also getting the storage space you need from LG’s largest-capacity Zero Clearance™ refrigerator at LG.com.

*For optimal performance, LG recommends 0.16 inches (4 mm) clearance between the sides of the refrigerator and the wall.
**Source: #1 Appliance Brand in the US | Source: OpenBrand Quarterly Consumer Survey – Units & Dollars, Major Appliances (AHAM Core 6) Q2-Q3 2024

2025-01-10T15:01:01

(BPT) – Eager to escape the cold and experience summer vibes this winter? Now is the time to visit one of the winter boat shows taking place across the country and start planning for warmer days ahead soaking up fun and relaxation on a boat.

Not only do boat shows create a unique shopping experience with hundreds of new models available at your fingertips, but these events also offer the hottest post-holiday deals around, with special pricing and incentives on boats and marine accessories — a major draw for the 85 million Americans who take to the water each year, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Featuring hands-on nautical activities and educational opportunities for any age and experience level, boat shows also provide a taste of the boating lifestyle during the offseason.

Whether you want to spend more time outdoors with family and friends or are simply in the mood to escape the winter doldrums, Discover Boating, a one-stop destination for all things boating and ways to get on the water, offers five reasons to visit a boat show near you:

1. Get unbeatable deals on boats and gear.

Take advantage of once-a-year pricing and boat show deals as exhibitors generally offer special show pricing or other incentives. Interact face-to-face with dealers who can guide you to boats that fit your budget.

2. Compare and shop boat brands side-by-side.

Unlike auto shows, boat shows are the place to buy. Browse and board the most comprehensive selection of boats under one roof and purchase your dream boat right from the show floor. It’s the perfect time to order a new boat to ensure it arrives ready to launch in the spring. When shopping, always check to make sure the boat is NMMA Certified. NMMA Certified boats and trailers have been independently inspected to ensure they meet strict industry standards for safety and construction, as well as all federal regulations.

3. Make your virtual dream boat a reality.

Before visiting a boat show, research new boat models and brands based on your budget and lifestyle through Discover Boating’s Boat Finder tool, which can be found exclusively at any Discover Boating boat show. Boat Finder makes it easy to find your match online and then check it out in person at the show. To access the tool, visit your local Discover Boating boat show’s website and click on the Boat Finder button.

4. Learn the ropes.

Participate in onsite training and education with tips, tricks and DIY advice for first-time boaters and seasoned pros alike. Most boat shows offer interactive activities for the whole family from knot-tying and boating 101 seminars to remote-control docking ponds and more. Most shows also have charters, boat clubs, rentals and boat schools for show-goers to research ways to get on the water before buying.

5. An investment in health and wellness.

Research shows what many boaters already know — you experience psychological, emotional and behavioral health benefits when you are on a boat. Being on the water allows us to disconnect from distractions on land, triggering a restful state of mind and a sense of rejuvenation. Boat shows provide the best place to purchase your dream boat and cruise into relaxation.

Find a boat show near you by visiting DiscoverBoating.com, where you’ll also find a list of NMMA Certified boat manufacturers, a Safety Basics Video Series, Presented with Progressive^® Insurance, a boat loan calculator to estimate monthly payments, a dealer finder to connect with local boat dealerships, plus more interactive tools and resources to help you get started in boating.