I am your Eyeball Acquisition Specialist. Success in life, in anything, depends upon the number of persons that one can make himself agreeable to. US online shopping has been growing in popularity over the past few years, as evidenced by the increasing number of people choosing to purchase goods and services over the internet. Bigdoggpinc is helping solidify trust from gaining your confidence 1 person at a time if I have to.

Reclaim your kitchen space: New refrigerator design reduces clearance constraints

(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

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I am your Eyeball Acquisition Specialist. Success in life, in anything, depends upon the number of persons that one can make himself agreeable to. US online shopping has been growing in popularity over the past few years, as evidenced by the increasing number of people choosing to purchase goods and services over the internet. Bigdoggpinc is helping solidify trust from gaining your confidence 1 person at a time if I have to.

Unlocking business growth: Lessons from inspiring leaders

(BPT) - By Sarah Acton, Chief Customer Officer, BILL

One of the most exciting aspects of my role as Chief Customer Officer at BILL is learning from our customers every day. There are always new lessons, especially in today's world of rapid change in consumer behavior, business practices and technology.

We recently hosted a group of customers to network and share their experiences regarding unlocking business growth with others. This topic proved compelling for our panelists and attendees alike, with many businesses facing some of the same challenges.

Entrepreneurs and leaders are powering through — finding ways to attract and retain customers and developing growth strategies that are working. I was particularly inspired by four pieces of advice that any organization can implement to win.

Understanding your customer

SFJAZZ reminded me that knowing what your customers want, expect and are willing to pay for is music to any organization's ears.

Based in San Francisco and now in its 41st year, SFJAZZ is the largest non-profit jazz presenter in the world. Originally founded in 1983 as a two-day festival, SFJAZZ serves over a quarter of a million fans and students every year through its year-round concert, commissioning and education programs.

SFJAZZ CEO Greg Stern has built the nonprofit's success on understanding his audience of jazz fans and artists, connecting with local communities in San Francisco, and finding ways as a nonprofit to build a revenue stream from patrons and donations.

Greg knows that San Franciscans want more jazz, more often. SFJAZZ produces 400 shows a year between two state-of-the-art venues tailored for jazz appreciation. Fans are busy — so shows are generally 90 minutes long, giving people time to enjoy a break and still make it home to go to school or work the next day. He knows his audience wants to feel connected to the community, so outreach through education and artist development are integral to the SFJAZZ mission.

SFJAZZ now has one of the highest rates of audience-sponsored revenue in the artistic nonprofit arena. Donations and sponsors are still important, but knowing what customers want has given SFJAZZ a unique advantage in being self-funding (through ticket sales) for a large part of its operation.

Creating product-marketing fit

Second, create product-market fit. Not every organization nails this. Some try to create a fit over time or believe so much in their own innovation that they power forward, unsure why revenue is slow to keep pace. Sasha Orloff, co-founder and CEO of Puzzle, has been hyper-focused on product-market fit since before the company even shipped.

Sasha knew he wanted to upend the status quo in bookkeeping and accounting. Artificial intelligence (AI) and rapid technological change were creating opportunities for new ways to handle finance, but accounting software wasn't keeping pace with the rest of the tech world. While Sasha understood some of the frustrations, he explored deeply what customers would want by tackling product development from a variety of perspectives.

He leaned hard into the Sean Ellis methodology, a fast and effective way to evaluate the consistency of a particular product in the market, by taking best practices from the methodology and applying them effectively. He surveyed and had deep conversations with business entrepreneurs and founders to understand what they were missing from legacy accounting technologies. Then he talked with the people who would use any accounting technology on a daily basis and got close to accountants and bookkeepers.

His efforts have paid off tremendously. Puzzle is now positioned as the modern accounting platform for the AI era, enabling its customers to get financials and insights every day. Importantly, Puzzle is trusted by the industry and thousands of start-ups and has auto-categorized $30B+ of transactions.

Remaining flexible

Third, remain flexible. Business is going to change every day — twists and turns are normal. Christine Tedstrom, Senior Director of Finance at apparel powerhouse Marine Layer, tells other business leaders and colleagues to look at long-term value creation and not just short-term gains. The only way to achieve those goals is to acknowledge that flexibility is essential to great outcomes — and while plans are super, they will have to adapt.

A well-known host of a fashion reality show used to say that in fashion, "one day you're in and the next you're out." As an innovative, California-inspired retailer focused on sustainability and recycled materials, Marine Layer's leadership makes sure they stay absolutely "in" by committing to great products, keen market tracking and business understanding delivered with financial data. They know when to stay the course with a decision and they know when to pivot or change direction.

Marine Layer has created massive success with "absurdly soft shirts that are perfect for a 7-day weekend kinda lifestyle." The company started when the founder's girlfriend threw away his favorite shirt and grew with the help of friends and a '69 VW bus. What was once a shirt company now spans almost every type of apparel.

Flexibility can take you to successes and growth you didn't anticipate.

Making decisions in real-time

Fourth, make decisions in real-time. This is the counsel of Kate Hultin-Schott, Director, Consulting at Armanino LLP. Armanino is one of the top 25 largest independent accounting and business consulting firms in the United States. They are a nationwide leader serving privately held companies and private individuals, as well as nonprofit organizations and public entities. Kate is a fan of historical trend analysis and looking at trends over quarters. But she is justifiably frustrated when companies make decisions based on old data. She questions why we demand real-time data from every other aspect of our lives — sports scores, weather, traffic — but are fine waiting days, weeks or even months for business data.

To Kate, real-time is the time that matters most. Yes, it is important to combine real-time with historical data and context (no one wants to mistake a blip for a trend), but not having fast, reliable data that presents the "now" is a miss.

With more than 12,000 customers, over 2,500 valued employees, and 21 offices in the U.S., keeping up with what is happening in the moment has obviously paid off.

I hope these lessons for unlocking business growth inspire you as they've inspired me. And I hope they unlock your own organization's success.

When SMBs thrive, so do their communities. At BILL we are dedicated to serving the needs of SMBs and accountants so they can focus more on running their businesses and serving customers. To learn more, visit Bill.com.

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Take care of your vision to invest in your overall health

(BPT) - A new year is a great opportunity to develop better habits and improve your health and wellness. Perhaps that involves revamping your workout routine or investing in a skincare regimen. As you start to think about the new year, make sure to include a comprehensive eye exam at the top of your list.

A normal part of aging

Just like the rest of your body, your eyes change as you age, and you may find it harder to see. You're not alone. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than two billion people around the world suffer from visual impairment, a number expected to double by 2030.¹

While these numbers may be concerning, take heart. Many vision conditions are treatable. A step you can take today to assess and preserve your vision — as well as your health — is to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

Your eyes are windows into your overall health and wellness

An eye care professional can do much more than assess your vision. Your eyes can actually reveal many details about your overall health and wellness.

A comprehensive eye exam can help detect over 270 different medical conditions, from diabetes to heart disease.² Despite its importance, many adults over 40 around the globe tend to prioritize staying active, maintaining a healthy diet or skincare over regular eye exams in their journey to aging well.

"Not only can an eye exam assess the health of your eye," said Dr. Christi Closson, Associate Director of Professional Education, Vision, Johnson & Johnson, "it can do so much more, such as providing insight into your overall health and well-being as you age.² It is critical for everyone to stay on top of their vision and eye health, and make time for an annual comprehensive eye exam."

Presbyopia and cataracts: Common age-related vision conditions

If you're over 40, it's critical that you're aware of common vision conditions and their symptoms.

Presbyopia — another name for age-related farsightedness — describes a person's decreased ability to see nearby objects, especially in low light.⁴ For example, you may notice that it's become more difficult to read texts on your phone, so you hold it at arm's length.

"As you age, the lens inside your eye becomes more rigid, making it difficult for your eyes to focus on text or objects that are up close," said Dr. Closson. "However, presbyopia happens to everyone and is easily treatable. In fact, there are multifocal contact lenses designed to help with this vision impairment without invasive interventions."

Another condition to be aware of as you age (especially if you're over 60) is cataracts. A physical sign of cataracts is clouding in the eye that makes it hard to see. However, you may also notice that lamps, sunlight and headlights seem too bright or that colors look faded.⁵ If left untreated, cataracts can lead to blindness.

Modern technological advancement has made cataract treatment a minimally invasive out-patient procedure that typically takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete, depending on the severity of the condition. Cataract treatment* can also improve other eye conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.⁶

See clearly now and beyond

If you want to live your best while feeling your best at every age, it's time to get serious about your eye health. To find an eye doctor near you and schedule a comprehensive eye exam, visit ClearVisionForYou.com/Find-A-Doctor.

References

1. World Health Organization. Increasing eye care interventions to address vision impairment. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/increasing-eye-care-interventions-to-address-vision-impairment#:~:text=Globally%2C%20at%20least%202.2%20billion,%2Dincome%20countries%20(LMICs).

2. American Optometric Association. See the Full Picture of Your Health with an Annual Comprehensive Eye Exam. Available at: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/full-picture-of-eye-health?sso=y.

3. Mayo Clinic at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/presbyopia/symptoms-causes/syc-20363328

4. National Eye Institute. Cataracts. Available at: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts.

5. American Refractive Surgery Council. Cataract Surgery. Available at: https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/cataract-surgery/#:~:text=Vision%2DCorrecting%20IOLs?-,Cataract%20surgery%20removes%20the%20clouded%20natural%20lens%20and%20replaces%20it,nearsightedness%2C%20farsightedness%2C%20and%20astigmatism.

2025PP04024

* RISKS

There are risks to routine cataract surgery. This is irrelevant to the lens you choose. The problems could be minor, temporary, or affect your vision permanently. Complications are rare. These may include worsening of your vision, bleeding, or infection. Pre-existing diseases or conditions may place you at higher risk of experiencing complications (e.g., more difficult recovery) after routine cataract surgery. Examples of pre-existing diseases or conditions are diabetes, heart disease and previous trauma to your eye.

With some IOLs, you may experience some loss in the sharpness of your vision, even with glasses. With these IOLs, you may have more difficulty driving at night or in poor visibility conditions. This can affect your ability to detect road hazards as quickly at night or in fog. You may also experience halos (rings around light), glare (reflected light, making it difficult to see) and starbursts (rays around light). A small number of patients may want to have their IOL removed. This can be due to lens-related optical/visual symptoms. You should discuss all risks and benefits with your eye doctor before surgery.

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I am your Eyeball Acquisition Specialist. Success in life, in anything, depends upon the number of persons that one can make himself agreeable to. US online shopping has been growing in popularity over the past few years, as evidenced by the increasing number of people choosing to purchase goods and services over the internet. Bigdoggpinc is helping solidify trust from gaining your confidence 1 person at a time if I have to.

Color your kitchen: Butter makes everything better

(BPT) - The psychology of color reveals what most people already know: Color can evoke strong emotions. Members of the design team at Whirlpool Corporation are well versed in how color impacts mood, which is one of the reasons they spent years researching color trends to identify the best possible choice for the KitchenAid^® 2025 Color of the Year: Butter.

"The Color of the Year program is specifically led by the Whirlpool Color, Finish, and Material team. We spend years analyzing interior design, social, cultural and aesthetic trends to help determine the new Color of the Year — a decision that is often many years in the process," said Brittni Pertijs, Design Manager: Color, Material and Finish at Whirlpool Corporation. "Color of the Year focuses on a specific colorway to express the emotions people want to feel that year."

This year's choice for Color of the Year: Butter

It's not just for baking anymore! This modern yellow with a creamy, satin finish imparts a uniquely comforting vibe, with a nostalgic aura all its own.

"As a result of our trend tracking, our team saw yellow continually pop up," said Pertijs. "Knowing we wanted to tap into comfort and nostalgia, this soft, energizing butter yellow felt like the perfect marriage of all those elements."

According to a 2024 online Ipsos Survey*, nearly 3 in 4 consumers (72%) agree that a buttery yellow color radiates warmth and comfort, and 67% associate the color with a sense of richness and creaminess — making it a top choice for creating a welcoming atmosphere in the kitchen. More than half (52%) connect the hue with comforting homemade meals, and the same percentage agree that a buttery yellow color transports them back to nostalgic childhood memories. A majority of consumers (64%) also connect this color to the simple pleasures in life.

"The color yellow has the ability to transport you back in time, evoking some of your warmest memories," added Pertijs. "The color might remind people of kitchens from the 1950s or 1960s that were decorated with a similar soft yellow color. While it echoes past kitchens, Butter feels fresh and modern, leaning into present-day design trends. It's a classic neutral that will last over the years."

Design tips: How to make the most of this year's color

To maximize the warm, comfy vibes of this year's Color of the Year, you can choose to upgrade to the new KitchenAid^® Stand Mixer in Butter. The Butter Stand Mixer works well as a design feature in any style of home, from eclectic and traditional styles to clean and contemporary spaces. It's also created to fit in perfectly with the latest kitchen designs and finishes.

While some may recall the Majestic Yellow color, "that was developed in 1995, which was reflective of interior trends such as red cherry woods and glossy countertop finishes. The new Butter model represents today's design trends, in which woods are more natural and countertops are matte and satin," explained Pertijs.

For anyone looking to accessorize or update their kitchen this year, the Butter Stand Mixer complements various shades of blue well, including periwinkle blue. If you're looking to mix and match it with other appliances, Butter looks great with the KitchenAid Blue Velvet colorway, or more muted tones like sage green.

Pertijs also recommends pairing the Butter Stand Mixer with the KitchenAid^® Bread Bowl attachment: "They go together like bread and butter (pun intended)!"

Make your kitchen more cozy, comforting and welcoming this year with the rich color of Butter. You can learn more about this year's KitchenAid^® Stand Mixer Color of the Year at KitchenAid.com.

*Source: An online Ipsos survey in the US, UK, MX, DE, CA, AUS (n=1,000 per country), general population, 18 years of age and older. Data is nationally representative by age, gender, race/ethnicity and region. The survey was fielded between September 27-October 1, 2024.

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Getting smart about car insurance can provide cost savings and peace of mind

(BPT) - Consumers are facing increasing costs on virtually every purchase these days and auto insurance is no exception. While skyrocketing costs of this auto-related expense can be attributed to everything from parts replacement to service — even health costs as a result of accidents — consumers can better manage these increases with thoughtful study and attention to detail.

Some of the common causes for higher insurance rates are Inflation, car accidents, extreme weather conditions such as hail, hurricanes and wind, along with increased vehicle theft claims.

Mercury Insurance has partnered with financial literacy influencer Sam Jarman to highlight specific ways consumers can address these rising costs.

"Your car is the second biggest expense for most people, right behind your home, and car insurance is a big part of that," said Jarman. "Checking rates and coverage with your Mercury Insurance agent makes sense along with choosing a car with low maintenance costs."

According to Consumer Price Index data released earlier this year, car insurance rates are up almost 21% year-over-year for the 12 months which ended in February. The last time car insurance rates rose that much on an annual basis was 1976.

Here are some auto insurance statistics recently released from Forbes:

• The national average cost for car insurance is $2,150 annually for full coverage.
• The cost of auto insurance increased by 63.8% between 2014 and 2023.
• The average car insurance cost for 16-year-old drivers with their own policy is $8,765. The average rate for 17-year-olds is $6,829.
• Car insurance is cheapest for 60-year-old drivers, averaging $1,915 annually.
• The vast majority of drivers have comprehensive and collision coverage. In addition to buying liability car insurance, 79% of insured drivers buy comprehensive coverage and 75% purchase collision coverage.
• A staggering one in seven drivers have no car insurance.

"Our goal is to help our customers get the best rates possible because we know that every dollar counts." said Justin Yoshizawa, Director, Product Management, State. "We encourage consumers to build a close relationship with their agent and discuss what discounts they may be eligible to receive. The answer might be surprising."

Mercury offers the following tips for lowering your insurance costs:

Review your deductibles with your insurance agent – It is recommended that you review your coverage and deductible with your Mercury agent at least once a year. Their wisdom and experience can help you make wise decisions regarding your insurance.

Explore car insurance discounts – In addition to bundling your home and auto insurance, Mercury offers discounts for multi-car, good drivers, good students and auto pay. Your agent may have additional discounts to offer.

Let Your Insurer Track Your Driving – Most insurers offer discounts for customers who install telematics. This technology allows your insurance company to collect information regarding your mileage and driving habits. This can also provide valuable information regarding your driving as well as saving you money.

Drive a safe car with low repair costs – According to Bankrate, some of the cheapest cars to insure are the Subaru Outback, Honda CR-V and Honda Pilot. Also, look for cars with lower repair costs such as the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Prius and Tesla Model 3. Doing some research before you purchase a vehicle can save you money over the length of ownership.

Install an anti-theft device on your car – Drivers may receive an additional discount on your auto insurance if you install an anti-theft device on your car.

Before you buy a car, compare insurance costs – You can get a fast and easy quote from your Mercury Insurance agent. To receive a quote, you can reach us at 844-514-2893.

To learn more about common types of auto insurance discounts, visit https://www.mercuryinsurance.com/resources/auto/understanding-types-of-auto-insurance-discounts.html.

For more information on your auto insurance, you can reference the Insurance Information Institute.

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A New Era in Compact Sedans: Innovative Design and Advanced Features

(BPT) - Discover the 2025 Kia K4, a compact sedan that is redefining its class. Featuring bold fastback styling and a sleek, aerodynamic profile, the K4 provides class-leading rear leg and headroom for a spacious and comfortable ride. Inside, the K4 features a nearly 30-inch digital display, standard wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the advanced Digital Key 2.0 for seamless connectivity and convenience. The Kia Connect voice assistant adds a modern touch, allowing control of various vehicle functions with simple voice commands.

K4’s extensive driver assistance features include up to 29 options like the Blind-Spot View Monitor and emergency evasive steering assist, enhancing confidence on every drive. Standard features such as Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Lane Keeping Assist ensure a secure driving experience, while the advanced cruise control system provides ease and convenience on the road.

Choose from two powertrains: a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter engine or a turbocharged 190-horsepower 1.6-liter engine, both delivering a responsive and enjoyable driving experience. Premium touches like heated and ventilated front seats, Harman Kardon audio, and an available panoramic sunroof further enhance comfort. Available in five trims, including the sporty GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo, the K4 suits a variety of styles. Backed by Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile limited warranty, the K4 is designed to offer peace of mind.

Learn more about the K4 and Kia America’s lineup of vehicles at www.kia.com.

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Local Festivals: The Heartbeat of Communities

(BPT) - From the taste of cotton candy to the march of a parade, there's a unique magic in every community festival. Travel across the country, and you'll find that while many festivals have a lot in common, they also serve their communities in very specific ways. Beyond the food, sights and sounds, community festivals tell a story of people coming together.

Across the nation, festivals are vital for fostering community connections, boosting local economies and celebrating local heritage. Not only do festivals create a sense of pride and belonging, but they also attract visitors, generating tourism revenue that supports local businesses. Through these gatherings, communities can preserve their cultural heritage while also building new traditions and fostering shared memories.

The Norborne Soybean Festival, Hayward Musky Festival and Roseau Fall Harvest Festival all exemplify the value local festivals provide towns. Each of these festivals embodies the power of community gatherings, from drawing in thousands of visitors who contribute to local commerce to preserving traditions that might otherwise fade over time. By looking closely at these examples, we can see firsthand the positive impacts festivals have on their communities and understand why they are so important.

A Celebration of Community in Norborne

Each year, just as the summer nights get shorter, Norborne, Missouri, comes alive for the Norborne Soybean Festival, a cherished celebration of community and agriculture. The weekend is full of parades, competitions, games, rides and food. But it's not just about the soybeans or the rides or the music — it's about Norborne itself, its people, its past, and its hope for the future. The festival is a celebration of community, of togetherness and of tradition.

"Norborne shares a deep-rooted passion for preserving and celebrating our community's spirit and unity," said Kyle Durham, organizer of the Norborne Soybean Festival. "Every year, we watch this festival bring our community together. When we spend time together, we get stronger."

Strengthening the Economy and Culture in Hayward

In Hayward, Wisconsin, the Musky Festival is a beloved annual event that celebrates the region's rich fishing heritage, particularly its reputation as a premier destination for musky fishing. Held each summer in the heart of Hayward, the festival draws locals and visitors alike for a weekend of fun, food and festivities centered around the famed freshwater fish, the muskellunge (commonly known as the musky).

"The Musky Festival plays a vital role in boosting the local economy by attracting visitors, supporting local vendors and promoting regional businesses," said Chris Ruckdaschel, Executive Director, Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce. "What may seem like just a fun festival, actually has a huge economic impact on our town. Everyone benefits when we come together."

Honoring the Past in Roseau

Across the border in Roseau, Minnesota, the Fall Harvest Festival is an annual celebration that brings the community together to mark the end of the harvest season and the onset of autumn. Rooted in the town's rich agricultural traditions, this celebration showcases local culture, community spirit and the hardworking ethos of the region. As the festival continues to thrive, it plays a vital role in preserving the area's history and ensuring that future generations can appreciate the heritage of this hardworking community.

"We have a lot of pride for Roseau. We also have a passion for preserving and remembering the history of Roseau," said Sinnamon Krings, Roseau Promotions Director. "The Fall Harvest Festival is a chance for the community to come together, remember our roots and celebrate the traditions that have shaped Roseau."

More than a Festival

The heart of a community festival isn't just in the attractions but in the stories shared between neighbors and friends who meet at the same corner year after year. For Norborne, Hayward and Roseau, their local festivals foster community connections, boost their economies, and preserve their local heritage.

How the Cenex^® Brand is Supporting Local Festivals

To support these festivals and celebrate all they do to create stronger community connections, Cenex^®, the energy brand of CHS Inc., has launched year two of Hometown Throwdown; a contest encouraging local pride by asking individuals and organizations to share what makes their hometown festival unique. The entry period for the competition is open now through February 7, 2025. Individuals and organizations can nominate their festivals online through the Hometown Throwdown online entry form. Once the entry period has closed, five finalists will be announced on May 1, 2025, and voting will open May 1 through May 31, 2025. The grand prize winner and four other prize winners will be picked after voting closes in accordance with the rules and will be announced on June 17, 2025. The grand prize winner will receive $100,000, the runner-up will take home $20,000, third place will be awarded $15,000, fourth place will receive $10,000 and the fifth-place winner will take home $5,000.

Visit CenexHometownThrowdown.com for more information.

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6 tips for safe travels this holiday season

(BPT) - Traveling for the holidays? Whether you're having a Friendsgiving with pals or going to grandma's house for Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, you'll find the roads jam packed. According to a survey by GasBuddy, 72% of Americans plan to drive to their holiday destination, up from 41% in 2023. Stormy and snowy weather conditions won't help matters.

Here are some tips to help you arrive at your holiday destination safely, from the good neighbors at State Farm.

Be prepared: transform your trunk for holiday travel. Is your trunk filled with your kids' sports equipment, your gym bag and miscellaneous items you found at a garage sale? State Farm recommends clearing all of that out and packing items you'll need if you get stranded, like hats, gloves, warm socks and blankets for everyone in the car. Also include water, flashlights and high-calorie snacks like trail mix. Don't forget phone chargers, jumper cables, a shovel and ice scraper, a tarp, snow brushes and a bag of sand or cat litter to give your tires some traction if you need to get out of an icy mess.

Be mindful of distractions. Texting while driving is the top culprit in distracted driving, according to a survey from State Farm. But that's not the only one. Grooming, checking maps, interacting with kids in the back seat, eating or even rubbernecking at an accident can cause an accident of your own. Also, be alert for wildlife and pedestrians.

Car maintenance is key. Oil changed and tires winter ready? Check! Lights all functioning and fluids topped off? Check! How about the wipers? What about your battery life? Before you go, make sure your car is in tip top shape so you get to your destination and home again safely. Even pop an extra jug of windshield washing fluid into your trunk, just in case.

Check the weather ahead. Monitor the weather along your route to know what you're driving into. You can arrange to stop in a hotel if necessary or delay your trip. The last thing you want is to be on the road in dangerous driving conditions.

Plan your route. Hop on your favorite mapping app and plan the best route for your trip, including stops for meals or overnights in a hotel. Many apps revise your route based on traffic patterns and accidents on the road ahead, so keep it on for any changes.

Fight fatigue. If you're driving a long distance, plan to take breaks every few hours or 100 miles to refuel, get out of the car, stretch and walk around for a bit. You don't want to nod off while driving.

Following these tips can help you feel confident setting out on your holiday journeys. Arriving safely to spend time with family and friends is what it's all about!

This content is sponsored by State Farm.

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Fall into Seafood During National Seafood Month with 3 Easy Recipes

(BPT) - October is here, which means fall is in full swing. It's a time of year when you can enjoy vibrant fall colors, football season and cooler weather that begs for cozy meals at home and warm comfort foods. But did you know that October is also National Seafood Month?

Whether you're cooking for family and friends or just for yourself, expand your culinary skills by adding seafood to your fall meal plans.

Why Seafood?

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans people of all ages should eat seafood at least twice a week. National Seafood Month is an awesome time to appreciate the variety of seafood available, try new flavors and incorporate more seafood into your diet.

Not sure how to start incorporating seafood into your meal plan? SeaPak (America's #1 Breaded Shrimp) offers three mouthwatering, quick and easy meals perfect to inspire your fall menu.

1. Popcorn Shrimp Flatbread Pizza

Popcorn shrimp is a sure-to-please crowd and kid favorite. Combine that with pizza, and you have a winning combination. This recipe for a crispy and flavorful flatbread pizza features ricotta, mozzarella, olives, arugula, parsley and SeaPak Popcorn Shrimp.

America's #1-selling Popcorn Shrimp is famous for a reason. With a crispy breading, these easy-to-bake and air fryer-friendly shrimp are perfect for everything from parties to meal planning.

2. One-Pot Creamy Shrimp Scampi

One-pot meals are easy to make, clean up and enjoy. This recipe for a One-Pot Creamy Shrimp Scampi takes five minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook. This no-fuss meal will impress your guests, and they'll never know it took only minutes to prep.

This quick, simple dish uses only seven ingredients: linguine noodles, spinach, half-and-half, parmesan, lemon wedges and shrimp scampi. The result? A velvety flavorful sauce, earthy spinach and buttery delicious shrimp.

3. Sheet Pan Jumbo Shrimp Fajitas

Impress your sweetheart this date night with Sheet Pan Jumbo Shrimp Fajitas. Combine spiced peppers, onions, seasoning and jumbo butterfly shrimp in a foil-lined baking sheet. Once done, you can serve the fajita mixture on steamed or charred flour tortillas and top with cilantro and avocado slices. Best of all? A one-pan meal means cleaning up takes little to no time so you can spend more time with your special someone.

Choose the right seafood products for memorable meals

When choosing seafood for your weekly meal plan, look for SeaPak. They offer versatility in cooking methods, allowing you to bake their products in the oven, sauté on the stovetop or fry in the air fryer.

Each package includes step-by-step, easy-to-follow instructions, so you'll never have to guess how to prepare your seafood and your meal will cook perfectly every time. You can use SeaPak products in any or all of these seafood recipes this fall.

Looking for a great deal on a seafood dinner? Find your favorite SeaPak products at a store near you by visiting SeaPak.com/Where-To-Buy/.

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