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MSG Explores the Causes of State Variation in SNAP Costs with New Report Released by FNS


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A new report, Exploring the Causes of State Variation in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Administrative Costs, was recently released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). The study was authored by experts at Manhattan Strategy Group (MSG) and their colleagues at the Urban Institute.

The Federal government fully funds SNAP benefits, but FNS and State agencies share administrative expenses, with each paying about 50 percent. State administrative expenses (SAE) per case – total annual SAE costs divided by the average monthly number of households receiving SNAP benefits – varies widely by State. Using State reported data from FY 1999 to FY 2016 for the 50 States and the District of Columbia (DC), this study explores several factors, including State economic conditions, SNAP caseload characteristics, and State SNAP policies, to try to explain the variation by State.

Key study findings include:

-Economic differences across States explained about 10 to 12 percent of the variation in SAE per case.

-The characteristics of the SNAP caseload had relatively little effect on SAE per case, explaining only about four to eight percent of the variation.

-State policy options were similar to caseload characteristics in explaining the variation. Two of the modeled policies – adoption of Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) and simplified reporting – reduced SAE per case by about seven percent when either policy was introduced.

-About 72 percent of the variation in SAE per case across States is explained by State-fixed effects which are differences between States that could not be captured in the model.

-Although the 10 States with county-administered SNAP have higher average SAE per case than the remaining States with State-administered SNAP, the models were unable to determine whether this is due to county administration per se or to other time invariant characteristics of the county-administered States.

To download a copy of the study report, visit http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/exploring-causes-state-variation-snap-administrative-costs.

For more information on MSG services and projects, visit http://manhattanstrategy.com/SL-ResearchEvaluation.aspx.

About Manhattan Strategy Group

Founded in 2001, Manhattan Strategy Group (MSG) is a social sciences and management consulting firm that brings professional services, approaches, and innovative solutions to the areas of education, workforce development, and human services. MSG specializes in research and evaluation, technical assistance, and information and technology. For more information, please visit http://www.manhattanstrategy.com.

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J.W. Mikula’s newly released “Why Daddy’s Need Babies” is a heart-touching explanation of why a daddy needs a baby.


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“Why Daddy’s Need Babies”: a compelling children’s story that will strengthen the relationship of a father to his kids. “Why Daddy’s Need Babies” is the creation of published author J.W. Mikula, a writer, inventor, amateur musician, and entrepreneur who, from an early age, loved reading and writing stories of all kinds.

Mikula writes, “Why Daddy’s Need Babies is the much-needed story behind… well… why every daddy needs a baby. This story takes the idea of a “baby daddy” and flips it around. After all, every baby has a daddy… but every daddy needs a baby…”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Mikula’s new book is a well-crafted tale that shows the beautiful connection between the father and the baby.

This book shares a few of the reasons what makes a daddy complete and why babies complete his day-to-day life of being a father.

View a synopsis of “Why Daddy’s Need Babies” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “Why Daddy’s Need Babies” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Why Daddy’s Need Babies,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Vectorworks, Inc. Earns 12 Nominations in the 2019 Construction Computing Awards


The launch of Vectorworks 2020 focused on increasing performance and enhancing capabilities in collaboration, BIM and mobile technologies. The short-listing of Vectorworks and its products shows that this strategy has proved successful.

Global design and BIM software provider Vectorworks, Inc. is a finalist in the 2019 Construction Computing Awards, receiving 12 nominations. The company and its Vectorworks Architect product were nominated for eight awards in total, while the Vectorworks Nomad app received a nomination in the Mobile/Field App Technology category. Jonathan Reeves, director of Jonathan Reeves Architects, received three nominations for his projects and work as a Vectorworks trainer.

In its fourteenth year, the Construction Computing Awards, also known as “The Hammers,” are structured to showcase and reward the technology, tools and solutions for the effective design, construction, maintenance and modification of commercial buildings, residential and social housing and civil engineering projects of all sizes. With 25 categories, the Construction Computing Awards allows companies from every sector of the industry to seek recognition for their efforts over the past 12 months.

“On top of the very successful year we’ve had in the UK and Ireland, we’re delighted to have been recognized for quality and innovation in so many areas,” said Adrian Slatter, Vectorworks UK director of sales. “The launch of Vectorworks 2020 focused on increasing performance and enhancing capabilities in collaboration, BIM and mobile technologies. The short-listing of Vectorworks and its products shows that this strategy has proved successful.”

Vectorworks received an all-time high in number of nominations this year in the following categories:


  •     Mobile/Field App Technology of the Year: Vectorworks Nomad
  •     BIM Product of the Year: Vectorworks Architect
  •     Collaboration Product of the Year: Vectorworks Architect
  •     Innovation of the Year: Vectorworks Architect 2020
  •     One to Watch Company of the Year: Vectorworks, Inc.
  •     Architectural Design Product of the Year: Vectorworks Architect
  •     Editor’s Choice 2019: Vectorworks, Inc.
  •     Company of the Year: Vectorworks, Inc.
  •     Product of the Year: Vectorworks Architect
  •     Best Use of IT in a Construction Project of the Year: Jonathan Reeves Architects with Vectorworks for 106 Chavney Rd
  •     BIM Project of the Year: Jonathan Reeves Architects with Vectorworks for 21 Station Rd
  •     Health & Safety/Training Solution of the Year: Jonathan Reeves Architects for Vectorworks Training


The awards are decided by voter submission and a panel of judges. The Editor’s Choice award is selected by the editor of Construction Computing Magazine David Chadwick.

Voting closes November 1 and the winners’ ceremony will be held on November 14. Voters are encouraged to place their vote here. The final list of winners will appear in the November/December ’19 issues of CAD User and Construction Computing magazine.

About Vectorworks, Inc.

Vectorworks, Inc. is an award-winning design and BIM software provider serving the architecture, landscape architecture and entertainment industries in 85 countries. Creating intuitive software since 1985, we’ve become the preeminent software built to manage the entire design process. Globally more than 685,000 users are creating, connecting and influencing the next generation of design with Vectorworks on Mac and Windows. Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, with offices in Atlanta, Georgia, Newbury and London, England and Vancouver, Canada, Vectorworks is a part of the Nemetschek Group. Learn how we empower designers to create experiences that transform the world at vectorworks.net or follow @Vectorworks.

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Sunrise Hitek Debuts Custom Playing Cards In a Variety of Finishes


Custom Playing Cards

Custom Playing Cards

One of the best perks to working with Sunrise Hitek is that using an all digital workflow allows for low minimum quantities.

Playing Cards from Sunrise Hitek are 100% customizable. Simply provide the artwork and they will do the rest. They can produce a standard playing card deck as well as other more out of the box ideas. Trading cards, flash cards, and game cards are just a few ideas. With in-house digital die-cutting these can also be cut into virtually any shape desired.

After deciding on size and shape there are also various paper stocks and finishes to choose from. In addition to the standard weight stock used for a playing card deck, buyers can choose a heavier weight paper stock, or even add painted edges to their thicker cards! While a standard gloss finish is popular, there is also matte, satin, and spot UV coating which can make a specific logo or photo pop for added depth.

Another great feature is printing on metallic stock. While a metallic finish is definitely shiny and aesthetically pleasing, it has other added benefits. They can even be used to create special effects or anti-counterfeit measures.. Anything printed with a metallic finish gives an instant wow factor.

One of the best perks to working with Sunrise Hitek is that using an all digital workflow allows for low minimum quantities. This makes for a great opportunity to make mock-ups for a new game design, photo prop for a movie, advertising campaign or simply to have a unique set of playing cards as a corporate giveaway or memorable party favor.

About Sunrise Hitek

Sunrise Hitek is an Inc. 5000 company established in 1988 and offers speedy and innovative print marketing execution for the world’s leading brands. Sunrise employs the most advanced equipment and technology, such as G7-certified HP Indigo & UV flatbed presses, digital die-cutting, and specialty coating/lamination, to create best-in-class color printing, packaging, trade show & display graphics, plus a wide variety of promo products. A privately-owned enterprise, the company is based in Chicago and sells products worldwide.

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Hotel Casa del Mar and Shutters on the Beach Recognized With Condé Nast Traveler’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards


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Property of Hotel Casa Del Mar

Condé Nast Traveler today announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards recognizing Hotel Casa del Mar Santa Monica as the #5 Top Hotel in the United States and #3 Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. Hotel Casa del Mar is the sister hotel to the iconic Shutters on the Beach. Both of these premier beachfront ETC Hotels were chosen as favorite places to stay in Los Angeles by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler.

More than 600,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers across the globe submitted a recording-breaking number of responses rating their travel experiences to provide a full snapshot of where and how we travel today.

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry and are commonly known as “the best of the best of travel.”

“We are truly honored to have Hotel Casa del Mar and Shutters on the Beach voted among the top hotels in Los Angeles and the United States by the trusted readers of Condé Nast Traveler,” said Edward Thomas Collection Vice President and Managing Director Klaus Mennekes. “We are grateful to share this accolade with our incredible staff, whose commitment to outstanding service makes every guest experience unique and personal.”

Luxurious and relaxed, Shutters on the Beach recalls the quintessential cottages of Cape Cod with a Southern California flair. 198 gracious guestrooms including 12 suites showcase the New England inspired residential-style, complete with shuttered doors open onto breezy balconies, a hidden walkway leads to a secluded spa, a sun-drenched pool terrace, and the posh Living Room lobby invites you to relax. On site, Shutters on the Beach offers market-fresh fare at 1 Pico restaurant and Coast Beach Café. Experience local organic wellness rituals at ONE Spa with breathtaking panoramas of the Pacific from every vantage.

Inspired by the grand villas of the Mediterranean and the ‘beachy’ vibe of Santa Monica, Hotel Casa del Mar brings the luxury, romance and relaxing feel of a Mediterranean resort to the Southern California coast. Originally built in 1926, the exquisitely reimagined oceanfront hotel offers some of the most coveted accommodations on the west coast. 129 residential style guestrooms including 16 suites showcasing modern coastal designs. Discover acclaimed, farmers-market-driven cuisine at Catch Restaurant and Terrazza Lounge. Indulge in eco-minded Wellness at Sea Wellness Spa. With the most spectacular setting in Los Angeles and world-class amenities, Hotel Casa del Mar sets the standard for comfortable, relaxed luxury.

The 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler’s website at http://www.cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler US and UK print editions.

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About Edward Thomas Collection

The Edward Thomas Collection of Hotels was founded in 1982 by third-generation hotel and real estate investors Edward and Thomas Slatkin, whose family previously owned the legendary Beverly Hills Hotel. In 1994, Beverly Hills-based ETC opened the exclusive Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica. In 1999, after a $50+ million renovation, ETC opened a hotel with a history as Santa Monica’s “Grande Dame,” Hotel Casa Del Mar. The sister luxury properties are the only hotels in the Los Angeles area located right on the sand. ETC’s management team includes Partners and Co-Founders Edward and Thomas Slatkin and Klaus Mennekes, ETC Collection of Hotels Vice President and Managing Director. For more information visit https://www.edwardthomasco.com.

About Condé Nast Traveler

Condé Nast Traveler is the world’s most distinguished travel title providing inspiration and advice for discerning travelers. Authoritative and influential, Condé Nast Traveler is a multi-platform, transatlantic brand. Publishing US and UK print editions under Editor-in-Chief Melinda Stevens, Condé Nast Traveler offers award-winning expertise in luxury travel from around the world. For more, visit http://www.cntraveler.com.

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Marketing Firm Revives the Art of Direct Mailers While Conquering the Digital World


“By the time that sales call is made, it’s more likely the executive will recognize your name and take that call thanks to the targeted traditional and digital channels of communications.”

We might be living in a digital world, but there is still a place for those glossy, eye-catching direct mailers. Traditional marketing tools can serve as a stepping-stone in helping companies gain name recognition when coupled with social media tactics.

Nationally recognized by both Facebook and LinkedIn as social media experts, Strategic & Creative Marketing Inc., a full-service marketing firm in Aurora, Illinois, serves on national advisory panels, testing services for both platforms. Even though the firm is recognized as a leader in paid social media advertising, Strategic & Creative Marketing Inc. still believes in the power of utilizing both digital and traditional marketing tactics to reach both B2B and B2C customers, explains Susan MacNicol, founder and president of Strategic & Creative Marketing Inc.

“Direct mail is gaining a second wind,” says MacNicol. “There is a good chance you’ll grab B2B marketing executives’ attention because they are not getting many print pieces in the mail like they used to receive as more companies reach out solely through email and social media messaging.”

Even if executives do not read the entire piece, the direct mailer serves as a good foot in the door by grabbing their attention and introducing them to a company, she adds.

Timing is key when integrating a multi-tactic campaign. MacNicol stresses the importance of using a variety of tactics to get impressions and ultimately the sale.

For example, before a trade show, a company can send an email to attendees about its services or post a paid ad on social media. On the flight over, executives might open a trade magazine to find an ad for the company. During the trade show, attendees will see signage for the company in the conference hall. Companies even can target attendees before they step foot in the convention hall through unique promotional pieces, such as hanging “do not disturb” style signs on the hotel room doors with the company name and brief information. Back at the office, there is a direct mail piece waiting on their desk from the company.

“By the time that sales call is made, it’s more likely the executive will recognize your name and take that call thanks to the targeted traditional and digital channels of communications,” MacNicol says.

Strategic & Creative Marketing Inc. applies that same strategic mindset when developing digital campaign tools. When creating content for social media campaigns, MacNicol has noticed video ads tend to generate hundreds of clicks per week to a client’s website and generate eight times more clicks than an ad without video.

“Whether it’s a traditional or digital piece, you need to deliver compelling content that your audience will find useful as an executive, such as business trends in their industry. Then you need to ensure people will see your content. That’s why targeted paid social media ad campaigns are essential,” MacNicol says.

Knowing that paid social media ad campaigns are the future of digital marketing, MacNicol’s company is a leading expert in using artificial intelligence (AI) software. Unlike A/B testing—a tedious process to see how well messages resonated with audiences on various social media platforms—AI instantly recognizes what messages work best with specific audiences and automatically redirects the ad to have the greatest impact. The AI software can enable their firm to create custom and lookalike audiences to reach specific individuals with similar characteristics.

“AI software tells us who wants to see the ad and what type of audience is interested in a product to develop a new list of clients to target,” MacNicol explains.

For more information, visit https://www.scmarketinginc.com.

About Strategic & Creative Marketing Inc.:

Aurora, Illinois-based Strategic & Creative Marketing Inc., is a full-service marketing firm established in 2001, and experienced at working with small, medium and Fortune 500 companies. The firm holds a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification and a Women Owned Small Business Certification (WOSB) issued by Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). The firm’s team has created and implemented national, regional and local marketing and recruitment marketing campaigns. Creative tactics are based on carefully-crafted marketing plans and strategies first, and include print and on-air ads, social media paid ads and organic campaigns, trade shows, emails, video, public relations and promotions. Owner and President Susan MacNicol leverages 25 years of corporate marketing experience in the U.S. and globally to ensure that campaigns are integrated, backed by data and have the most compelling message reaching the right target market through the most effective tactics. MacNicol and Director of Social and Digital Marketing Tami Wloch speak and train locally and globally on all aspects of Marketing, including Social Media, Employment Branding and more. For more information, visit https://www.scmarketinginc.com.

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SignatureCare Emergency Center Sounds Alarm About Higher Emergency Room Abandonment Due to New Texas Healthcare Regulations


SignatureCare Emergency Center, Stafford, TX

SignatureCare Emergency Center, Stafford, TX

We are concerned that patients experiencing serious medical emergencies might walk out of the emergency room out of fear of cost and confusion, not realizing that emergency care at SignatureCare facilities will be covered by their insurance companies as any other in-network facility.

Newly enacted Texas laws seeking to help patients understand their rights and responsibilities when they visit emergency rooms, appear to be having the opposite effect, according to doctors at SignatureCare Emergency Center.

The Texas legislature recently enacted HB 2041 and SB 1264, updating full disclosure on balance billing, facility notice, and patient responsibility.

Houston, TX based SignatureCare Emergency Center said its doctors are seeing an increase in the number of patients who walk out of emergency rooms due to apparent confusion created by these new legislations which went into effect on September 1st, 2019.

Dr. Hashibul Hannan, MD, a board-certified emergency physician and Managing Partner at SignatureCare Emergency Center, said the confusion, if left unaddressed, could lead to more Texans not getting critical and timely emergency medical care they desperately need.

“What our doctors are seeing is that some patients are walking out of the emergency rooms in confusion. Most Texans do not yet understand the new laws,” said Dr. Hannan.

The new regulations require emergency facilities to post a notice throughout the ER. It also requires facilities to provide each patient with a disclosure statement identifying the cost of their medical care and state if the facility is out-of-network for their insurance. This is resulting in patents getting alarmed and walking out even before being evaluated for potential life-threatening emergencies.

“All it does is create confusion and fear in the patient’s mind. Often, patients walking into the emergency room do not understand that Texas legislature also has regulations that protect the citizens and that emergency care should be covered at in-network rate by their insurance providers,” Hannan said.

He added that while SignatureCare Emergency Center understands the intent of the new regulations and agrees with it, the state needs to do more to educate the public about the regulations in order to alleviate confusion and fear.

Hannan said that as a provider of emergency medical services, SignatureCare Emergency Center evaluates all patients that walk into the facilities, whether they have health insurance or not.

“We do not turn anyone with a medical emergency away, whether they have health insurance or not. The care each patient receives when they come into any SignatureCare Emergency Center has not changed, and it will not change. We strive to provide top quality care to everyone,” he said.

“We are concerned that patients experiencing serious medical emergencies might walk out of the emergency room out of fear of cost and confusion, not realizing that emergency care at SignatureCare facilities will be covered by their insurance companies as any other in-network facility. Failure to receive needed critical care in a timely manner could lead to severe consequences.” Hannan added.

He said that SignatureCare Emergency Center will continue to work with other emergency medical services providers, as well as medical organizations in Texas, to further clarify the regulations, and help patients fully understand their rights.

“We want to make sure everyone understands that the new regulations do not affect the quality of emergency care they will receive with or without health insurance. No one needs to leave the emergency room just because they may be confused by these regulations. We are medical professionals. We will still see them and address their emergency conditions,” Dr. Hannan added.

About SignatureCare Emergency Center

Houston, TX based SignatureCare Emergency Center owns 24-hour emergency centers throughout Texas including nine locations in the Houston area (Montrose, Houston Heights, Cypress/FM 1960, Copperfield, Memorial City, Westchase, Bellaire, Mission Bend/Sugar Land and Stafford), Killeen, Austin, College Station, Paris, Midland, Odessa and Texarkana, TX.

Additional information is on our website at https://ercare24.com.

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Carnegie Council Releases “Ethics in Business” Compilation Videos Ahead of Global Ethics Day on October 16


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We are excited to share these new videos,” says Carnegie Council’s Deborah Carroll, executive producer of the “Ethics in Business” series. “They really bring out the essence of this project and are a great way to spread the word about Global Ethics Day.

Ahead of Global Ethics Day on October 16, Carnegie Council has released three short videos compiling some of the most compelling moments from the “Ethics in Business: In Their Own Words” interview series, produced in partnership with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and CFA Institute.

Featuring Helen Brand, ACCA chief executive, and Paul Smith, outgoing CFA Institute CEO, along with other business leaders, these compilations, produced by PWPvideo, feature the “Ethics in Business” interview subjects discussing the most pressing ethical issues their industries and organizations face, the importance of trust, and how to nurture diversity. They can be found on Carnegie Council’s YouTube channel, along with the eight full “Ethics in Business” interviews.

Launched to celebrate Global Ethics Day in October 2018, “Ethics in Business” features global business leaders exploring how their organizations and industries are preparing for an ethical future in the face of threats and challenges presented by globalization, technology, and human psychology. Between October 2018 and August 2019, eight interviews were produced and posted to Carnegie Council’s YouTube channel and distributed throughout ACCA’s and CFA Institute’s professional networks. They are all hosted by Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson, a producer and reporter at CUNY TV and associate producer at 60 Minutes.

“We are excited to share these new videos,” says Carnegie Council’s Deborah Carroll, executive producer of the “Ethics in Business” series. “They really bring out the essence of this project and are a great way to spread the word about Global Ethics Day. This series features business leaders from all over the world, but they all have a commitment to ethics, diversity, and increasing trust between corporations and the public.”

In addition, these interviews have been turned into six half-hour television shows, currently airing on CUNY TV in the New York City metro area.

Also in celebration of Global Ethics Day, Carnegie Council will also be hosting a webinar with Bruce Weinstein, The Ethics Guy®, entitled “How Ethical Leadership is the Key to Sustained Success in Business.” The 45-minute webinar, which will be the centerpiece of Carnegie Council’s celebration of the sixth Global Ethics Day, will take place at 11 a.m. on October 16.

Terri Civitello, associate director of ethics and compliance at the Otis Elevator Company, and Mike Valentine, CEO of Baxter Credit Union, are scheduled to appear on the webinar, which will focus on why businesses cannot afford to hire a single dishonest employee. A third guest will be named ahead of October 16.

Launched by Carnegie Council in 2014, Global Ethics Day is an opportunity for institutions to hold events on or around this day to explore the essential role of ethics, and how we can strive to make the world, quite simply, better. For more information and a full list of events and participating organizations, go to GlobalEthicsDay.org.

ABOUT CARNEGIE COUNCIL

Founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1914, Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs is a forum for the world’s leading thinkers, experts, and decision makers. Through lectures, workshops, panel discussions, conferences, interviews, articles, and a wealth of free multimedia online resources, the Council has earned a reputation as an honest, objective voice for ethics in international affairs. Go to http://www.carnegiecouncil.org.

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Mike Huffaker Joins Planet DDS as Vice President of Sales


Mike Huffaker Joins Planet DDS as Vice President of Sales

Mike Huffaker Joins Planet DDS as Vice President of Sales

Planet DDS is poised to continue the rapid growth it enjoys on the strength of its enterprise-grade cloud-based practice management software. I’m excited to join the team at this crucial inflection point in the dental market.

Mike Huffaker has joined the Planet DDS team as the Vice President of Sales to help meet the growing demand for the company’s flagship enterprise software, Denticon.

Huffaker has extensive experience building and managing sales organizations. Prior to joining Planet DDS, he led the sales effort at TRAY, a cloud-based point-of-sale technology company where he developed and implemented the go-to-market strategy. He also served as Director of Sales for Revel Systems.

“Planet DDS is poised to continue the rapid growth it enjoys on the strength of its enterprise-grade cloud-based practice management software. I’m excited to join the team at this crucial inflection point in the dental market,” noted Huffaker.

A rapidly growing number of practices and dental groups are recognizing the need for a robust cloud-based practice management solution to help support their growth.

According to Eric Giesecke, Planet DDS CEO, “the shift to the cloud is accelerating in dental, and we’re in a unique position to expand our footprint with the only fully-baked enterprise cloud solution on the market. Having Mike on board to spearhead our ever-expanding sales team will make a huge difference. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the company.”

Planet DDS’ Denticon cloud-based practice management software is the only proven, time-tested software offering that was built from the ground up for multi-location groups in the cloud. Denticon has the largest footprint among emerging and established dental groups of any cloud software provider, allowing clients to break free from the constraints of desktop software with a comprehensive solution that includes the tools needed to standardize, centralize, and grow. All while reducing IT cost and enhancing security. Learn more about Denticon at http://www.planetdds.com.

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Debora Marion’s newly released “Blue as Blueberry Cupcakes” is a hearty tale about the beautiful, enjoyable, and nourishing treat that are cupcakes


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“Blue as Blueberry Cupcakes”: a colorful masterpiece on the exquisiteness of cupcakes and how they bring joy and comfort to every child. “Blue as Blueberry Cupcakes” is the creation of published author Debora Marion, a preschool teacher, administrator, professor, international early care and education trainer, nutritionist, and motivational speaker.

Marion shares, “‘Blue as Blueberry Cupcakes’ written by Debora Marion and illustrated by her daughter Élaina Marion supports education and nutrition. Reading is an enjoyable experience for children of all ages, and “Blue as Blueberry Cupcakes” is certainly a book that young children will enjoy. This book gives young readers the confidence that they need to succeed in reading. Adults will enjoy reading this book because each picture in this book is represented by easy-to-read text. The book uses predictability that allows young readers to chime in during the reading of the text. In addition, this book contains many beautiful illustrations created by the very talented and very gifted artist, Élaina Marion. Using her special techniques with colors, she has created unique artistic drawings that depict specific characteristics of each object and person displayed in the book. In addition, the author Debora Marion ensures that “Blue as Blueberry Cupcakes” supports the education of young children with both rhyming words and alliteration.

“Blue as Blueberry Cupcakes” is a book that supports young readers learning how to read. Teachers can incorporate “Blue as Blueberry Cupcakes” into their reader’s workshop with young children. In addition, the author includes nutrition education within the text. Teachers may wish to use this book to teach science. For example, teachers may discuss the importance of eating healthy—fresh fruits. In the text, the author introduces the reader to fresh blueberries, raspberries, and green grapes. In addition, at the end of the story, the author includes a simple but very delicious blue as blueberry muffin recipe. Teachers may have children create their own snack. For example, teachers may allow children to measure out the ingredients needed to make the muffins. For example, teachers may allow the children to measure out the blueberries and yogurt.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Debora Marion’s new book is a fun and engaging opus that desires to improve the children’s reading and comprehensive abilities through its skillful use of words and activities that push their minds and bodies into action.

This book is a riveting tool that also treasures the notions of health and wellness as integral aspects of a child’s development.

View the synopsis of “Blue as Blueberry Cupcakes” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “Blue as Blueberry Cupcakes” at traditional brick-and-mortar bookstores or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Blue as Blueberry Cupcakes,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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