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Des Moines Volunteer Wins $3,000 from Marketing Franchise | NBC

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
2023 New Mover Survey Winner Beth Vitiritto, Our Town America Marketing Drawing

NBC Hello Iowa — A local Des Moines woman known for giving back is getting more than she ever expected in return. Beth Vitiritto, who relocated last year, has become quite a familiar face in the Ankeny community. Beth inspires the younger generation in her everyday work as a teacher, serves on the Iowa board, frequently contributes to local causes and volunteers whenever she can. Beth is the kind of person who pours her all into everything she does and deserves the world but would never ask for it. The type of person who, even when faced with cancer, woke up every day with a positive attitude and a smile. So, when Beth’s name was drawn to win $3,000 amongst tens of thousands of people nationwide, it seemed more like Good Karma than luck.  New Mover Welcome Package The drawing Beth entered is the Our Town America Annual New Mover Survey Drawing. She was entered by providing feedback on local businesses who welcomed her into the Des Moines area through Our Town America’s New Mover Package. The package welcomes residents who have just moved into their new neighborhood and introduces them to nearby reputable businesses with free one-time-use housewarming Gift Certificates. Little Ceasars Ankeny, Portofino Italian Ristorante, The Chicken Coop, and ACE Hardware were among the businesses that welcomed Beth to the area. “I used a Gift Certificate right away and took a friend out to lunch!,” Vitiritto said. Beth says that Our Town America’s Welcome Package played a significant role in helping her feel immediately connected and informed about the community. “The support network is incredible,” she says. “From local businesses to community events, everything is designed to help newcomers integrate smoothly and feel at home.” “Our package helps people get settled in, find their way around and get connected with local businesses,” said Tim McGrath, Our Town America of Iowa franchise owner. “In addition to being an aid for new movers, our franchise is a marketing resource for local businesses. We’ve been helping businesses thrive by bringing them new customers for over 50 years,” said McGrath. “It’s a feel-good business that I’m proud to be a part of.” Community Impact Local TV show Hello Iowa hosted Beth, McGrath, and Little Caesars Ankeny store owners Katrina and Brad Loney in-studio to hear this heartwarming story. As expected, Our Town America presented Beth with her $3,000 winnings and, to nobody’s surprise, Beth’s students and friends joined the event to support her. In the spirit of supporting the local community, on behalf of Beth and her late father, former Ankeny Chief of Police for 30 years, Our Town America donated $500 to the Ankeny Police Foundation. Additionally, Katrina and Brad of Little Caesars Ankeny, who are also known locally for their volunteer efforts, donated $500 to the John Stoddard Cancer Center on Beth’s behalf as well. Our Town America and Little Caesars of Ankeny are honored to have had the opportunity to give to someone so deserving. Press play below for the full Hello Iowa interview. Our Town America supports small businesses across the nation 365 days per year. Iowa businesses looking to gain new customers, can contact franchise owner Tim McGrath at (515) 240-6845. Businesses in all other U.S. states can contact Our Town America HQ at (727)345-0811 to be connected with your local representative. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Former Parkland Teacher, Now Atlanta Resident, Wins $3K | FOX

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Atlanta New Mover wins $3K from Our Town America Survey

FOX 5 Atlanta — A former Parkland, Florida teacher, who recently moved to Atlanta is this year’s national winner of the Our Town America New Mover Survey contest. Amy Kleinman-Kenny was randomly chosen from thousands of surveyors to win a $3,000 check. Kleinman-Kenny was teaching at Marjory Stoneman Douglas (MSD) High School on the day of the tragic mass shooting in 2018. Unfortunately, she lost friends and students in the horrible tragedy that killed 17 people. Following the shooting, Kleinman-Kenny quickly became a leader in the community by offering her yoga expertise to the victims. She started the nonprofit ‘Yoga 4 MSD’ to help people heal. Once the Freshman class of MSD graduated, she moved to the Atlanta area to start a new life and continue her path forward after that horrific day. Shortly after moving into her Woodstock, GA home, Amy received the Our Town America (OTA) New Mover Welcome Package loaded with free welcome gifts from local businesses and a letter from the local franchisee, Chris Beer. Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet, Vingenzos & Vintage Barrel, Woodstock Car Wash, and Buffalo’s Cafe were among the many local businesses to extend housewarming offers within the OTA package. “I was really excited to try all the new places! There was so much money to be saved from this package!,” Kleinman-Kenny said. OTA has been welcoming new movers and helping businesses find new, loyal customers for over 50 years. “We love the sense of community our program helps facilitate,” said Beer, the Atlanta OTA franchise owner. “Not only do we offer free one-time offers within our new mover package, we now also give businesses the option to welcome customers in via digital advertising as well – further extending the invite and strengthening these B2C relationships”. Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet has been advertising via Our Town America’s New Mover Welcome Package for 24 years and counting — gaining new customers monthly. FOX Atlanta met Kleinman-Kenny and Beer at Woodstock Furniture Outlet to hear more about this heartwarming and inspiring story. Amy was presented with her $3,000 prize. Kleinman-Kenny is currently teaching part-time at Woodstock Middle School, continuing to inspire students through yoga and plans to allocate some of her winnings to her non-profit. Press play below for full FOX News interview. Our Town America supports small businesses across the nation 365 days per year. Local Atlanta area businesses looking to gain new customers via direct mail or digital advertising, please contact Chris Beer, our Atlanta franchise owner, at 800-887-9364. If your business is outside the Atlanta area, contact Our Town America corporate at 1-800-497-8360 to be connected with your local representative.       Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Royal Oak New Mover wins $3K from Our Town America Survey | NBC Detroit

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Royal Oak New Mover wins $3K from Our Town America Survey

NBC Click On Detroit — For 50 years, Our Town America has been connecting new movers with local businesses and harvesting feedback on their marketing program from thousands of new movers across the country. This year, a Metro Detroit new mover won Our Town America’s $3,000 grand prize for simply filling out that survey. Emily Ciaramellano is the lucky winner! She said some friends questioned if this is a scam, but Ciaramellano kept hoping for the best. In Emily’s words, “This is definitely a good sign to fill out your [Our Town America] survey, because somebody will win and it could be you!” Our Town America has been sending new residents a Welcome Package containing a survey and gift certificates to local businesses upon move in for half a century. “We help new movers connect with businesses; it’s a win-win for everybody,” said Larry Neal of Our Town America Detroit South & West Metro. Emily Ciaramellano filled out the survey and used a few of the gift certificates within Our Town America’s Royal Oak welcome package – including TLC Car Care, Hollywood Markets, Pet Supplies Plus, and Jax Kar Wash. “This is great,” said Robb Remick of TLC Car Care, a 9+ year partnered business of Our Town America Detroit East. “And that’s what we try to build on. Obviously, once we get the customer through our door, it’s our job to make them a customer for life”. Ciaramellano moved from Rochester Hills to Royal Oak and added to her growing family by adopting two rescue cats. Ciaramellano tells Local 4 she plans to buy $300 worth of pet supplies and donate it to local shelters! “I think the more supplies they have, the longer they can keep those animals in the shelter,” she said. The New Mover Marketing company prints millions of personalized gift certificates to send to millions of movers across the United States, introducing them to their new communities and local businesses in the area. Watch video for full interview with Our Town America franchisees, Curtis Crawford, Larry & Becky Neal, Robb Remick of TLC Car Care, winner Emily Ciaramellano & her partner Andjela Grabovac.   Our Town America supports small businesses across the nation 365 days per year. Local Detroit businesses looking to gain new customers via direct mail, please contact one of our Detroit area franchisees: Becky Neal (South & West Metro Detroit) ➞ 248-672-6048 Curtis Crawford (East Metro Detroit) ➞ 248-760-2966 If your business is outside the Detroit area, contact Our Town America corporate at 1-800-497-8360 to be connected with your local representative.       Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Businesses should cash in on May’s National Moving Month

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Businesses should cash in on May's National Moving Month Our Town America Marketing

FOX-TV – Bassam Safi of Our Town America Raleigh discusses the high moving numbers May, National Moving Month, brings with FOX News. Businesses can cash in on this lucrative market by inviting new movers through their business doors. Our Town America, the nation’s premier New Mover Marketing program, keeps a close eye on moving trends year-round and May 2022 may be the busiest ever for the Raleigh area. Real estate prices are skyrocketing causing locals to make choices they normally wouldn’t make. They are moving to new homes and new neighborhoods and millennials are leading the way! Data shows that millennials make up more than 44% of the new movers surveyed during the first months of 2022. This outpaces Gen-Z and the Baby Boomers combined. The National Association of Realtors reports millennials now make up more than 40% of all home buyers which is up 37% since last year. Millennials are now key to the local Raleigh economy. Here’s what Millennials are looking for in a community: Convenience – almost 70% of survey respondents say they must live within range of delivery services and 57% say they would like to be able to walk to restaurants from their homes. Pets impact decisions- Since 76% of millennials are “pet parents” they value pet-friendly neighborhoods. This means neighborhoods with sidewalks and dog parks will win. Pet-focused businesses are gold right now! Suburbs are Popular- The pandemic has made suburbs super attractive to millennials who are often working from home and want space. This creates an opportunity for neighborhood restaurants to thrive. Outdoor space is a must- living through the pandemic shutdowns caused this generation to look for homes with outdoor space. There is more value in porches, decks and fenced-in yards than ever. Watch video for full interview. — Our Town America supports small businesses across the nation 365 days per year. If you’re a local Raleigh-area business looking to reach new or current customers via direct mail or digital marketing, contact Bassam Safi at 910-352-5776. If your business is located outside the Raleigh area, contact Our Town America corporate at 1-800-497-8360 to be connected with your local representative. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Tips to Fit in to Our Town: Sacramento Edition

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Tips to Fit In to Our Town: Sacramento Edition

ABC 10 Sacramento — Since the pandemic, thousands of people have moved to the beautiful Sacramento area in search of a better life and a better cost of living. At first, some new movers have a tough time fitting in because they say and do things that rub locals the wrong way – real ‘NO NOs’ that make a bad impression on natives… or at least make them laugh.😆 For example, it’s not great to compare Sacramento to Southern California as there’s a big rivalry between the two areas. Sacramento is better after-all, isn’t it?😁  Another bad idea is to talk about how much “better the pizza was in New York!” That’s why Our Town America, a national franchise focused on helping new movers connect with local businesses, has created ‘Sacramento’s ‘How to Fit in to Our Town’ list. This is a fun list to help new movers avoid putting their feet in their mouths for a friendlier transition to our beloved Sacramento area. David Frisch, owner of Our Town America Sacramento, sat down with ABC to discuss this fun list! Whether you’re in Sacramento or another US city, we would love for you to add to this fun list!  Please visit https://www.ourtownamerica.com/tips/ to submit your list for new movers.   ‘Sacramento’s How to Fit In to Our Town’ Checklist Learn how we pronounce the city. The “T” is silent. It’s Sacramenno! We do not like Southern California. Yes. The rivalry is a thing. We don’t want to see you in a Dodgers hat or a Rams jersey. You may as well be in another state’s gear altogether.😆 Learn to love Northern California traditions. If someone tells you they are “Going to the city” they mean San Francisco. No, they aren’t going to New York. A trip to “the city” involves a trip to see downtown San Francisco. Learn to love rivers! We have several great rivers to enjoy here –  a popular activity during the summer is floating down a river. It’s a great area to live if you love being outside. We have seasons! Unlike some places in California, Sacramento actually has seasons. This is one of the few places in the state where you will see nice Fall foliage. You will be hot in the summer months and a bit chilly during winter. It’s ideal weather if you’ve moved here from the east and want a taste of home without the big snow storms. — Our Town America supports small businesses across the nation by welcoming new movers to town and bringing those new customers through your business doors. Local Sacramento businesses looking to reach new or current customers can contact David Frisch at 916-474-1494 or submit a Contact Form. Businesses located outside the Sacramentoarea can contact Our Town America corporate at 1-800-497-8360 ext. 226 to get connected with your local representative. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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2021 has brought over 10,000 New Movers to Southeast Wisconsin

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
New Movers in Southeast Wisconsin Our Town America New Mover Marketing

CBS 58 Milwaukee — Since January 2021, Southeast Wisconsin has welcomed more than 10,000 new movers to the area, with many of them taking advantage of permanent remote work within the city. Milwaukee is even being called a “Zoom Town” as people move from big cities with plans to keep their high-paying jobs while enjoying a more affordable cost of living by simply joining meetings virtually. According to Discover Milwaukee, southeast Wisconsin offers urban living alongside a Midwest ambiance providing an ideal work-life balance. Short commute times to the city, diverse and affordable neighborhoods, below-average cost of living and a well-respected education system also attract new movers to the area. With inbound migration at 50%, Wisconsin is one of the most popular destinations for new movers during the pandemic, as found by United Van Lines. The local economy — including local businesses, schools and the housing market — will be effected from the influx of new residents moving to Southeast Wisconsin. Allen Busse of Our Town America of Wisconsin has closely monitored moving trends for the past 15 years. As the local Wisconsin franchise owner of the #1 Advertising & Sales Franchise in the country specializing in New Mover Marketing, Busse witnesses just how many people are moving to town on a monthly basis. For business owners looking to increase their bottom line, the new mover market is a “secret jackpot”, says Busse. Busse strongly encourages both businesses who are struggling to survive as well as businesses who are doing fine, to invest in New Mover Marketing to attract new customers and replace the customers who have been lost by a recent move, or a change in commute path, etc. Busse claims that, “after 15 years, it still amazes me just how many new customers my partnered businesses acquire by simply enrolling in our program”. “You have to think,” he says, “you’re reaching a brand new audience of impressionable people each month who are actively seeking these businesses and services. As a business owner, it’s a no-brainer.”  To hear Busse’s take on moving trends and how he helps his local economy through his business, click below to watch the full interview with CBS 58 Milwaukee. — Our Town America supports small businesses across the nation by welcoming new movers to town and bringing those new customers through your business doors. If you’re a Southeast Wisconsin local business looking to reach new or current customers, contact Allen Busse at ‭‭262-650-1906‬‬‬‬. If your business is located outside Southeast Wisconsin, contact Our Town America corporate at 1-800-497-8360 to be connected with your local representative. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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The Triangle is Welcoming Thousands of New Residents Monthly

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
The Triangle is Welcoming Thousands of New Residents Monthly Our Town America New Mover Marketing

Spectrum News Raleigh — A little over a year ago, the Raleigh area known as The Triangle, began experiencing the effects of what would soon be known as the global Covid-19 pandemic. Fast forward to today, Triangle-area locals have noticed something else quite shocking: a large number of new residents coming to town! Not only are new residents moving to the area for the health, education and technology opportunities it has to offer, but there are also big developments in the works that will bring more life to the already vast metropolis. While the area is already home to one Amazon distribution center, two more are on the way in addition to Apple opening their only East Coast campus there soon. This is expected to add 20,000 jobs investing $430 billion in the local economy.  In fact, The Triangle area is amongst a list of cities being referred to as a “Zoom Town” — referring to the video conferencing platform, as many companies across the country are granting employees the flexibility to work remote. 56% of all workers have the ability to do their jobs from home Microsoft just released a survey showing flexible work is here to stay Cary is listed as one of the top cities in the country to work remotely According to a new survey from Neighbor.com, 72% of Americans say they are looking forward to meeting their new neighbors. The same survey found 46% would like to get more involved in local events. People are jumping at the opportunity to move from big cities like New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles yet have the ability to keep their current jobs. Our Town America, the nation’s premier New Mover Marketing program, has been studying these national trends. As moving industry experts, we keep a close eye on the market year-round. These statistics should be taken into consideration – especially if you own a business and are considering reaching out to new residents to welcome them as new customers. Every month, Our Town America is seeing around 5,000 people moving into the Triangle area.  This influx of new residents is just a preview of what The Triangle will continue to see as Amazon and Apple continue to bring more new movers to the area. Bassam Safi, franchise owner of Our Town America of Wilmington/Cary/Raleigh/Durham, and one of his loyal New Mover Marketing program clients, Dr. Hesham Baky of Triangle Family Dentistry, met with Spectrum News Raleigh to discuss the trends they’ve experienced over the past year and what the area has to look forward to in the coming months! — Our Town America supports small businesses across the nation by welcoming new movers to town and bringing that new customer through your business doors. If you’re a local Raleigh-area business looking to reach new or current customers, contact Bassam Safi at ‭‭910-352-5776‬‬‬‬. If your business is located outside the Raleigh area, contact Our Town America corporate at 1-800-497-8360 to get connected with your local representative. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Las Vegas Low-Cost Living attracts Out-of-State Remote Workers

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Las Vegas Out-of-State Movers

NBC Las Vegas — Call it a “Zoom Town.” Working from home is bringing some big benefits to Las Vegas. As companies stay remote, Las Vegas is making the top of the moving list. More than 20,000 people have moved to the Las Vegas valley since January. People from places like New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles can stretch their dollar further while working remotely with their same companies. “Las Vegas is such an ideal place to live. We have the mountains, we have the great weather.” Susan Nagi with Our Town America, a new mover marketing program said the Las Vegas branch has been busy sending out welcome packets to new residents. “So many people are moving out of places like Seattle and New York because they can now work remotely,” Nagi said. You can also add New Mexico to the list. In February, Spotify announced its “Work from Anywhere” program. Giving employees the opportunity to choose their work mode. Whether that be at the office or at home as well as their location. Microsoft, a company also pushing a hybrid work option, released a survey saying flexible work is here to stay. With more than 70% of workers wanting flexible work options to continue, citing a better work-life balance. If you turn to job sites like LinkedIn, remote opportunities are endless. New residents are also giving a boost to local small businesses around the valley. “The lunch rushes are picking up in the residential areas because people are working from home and they don’t travel as far out,” Nagi said. In the last few weeks, Ori’Zabas in Centennial Hills has seen new faces. “We see a lot of, not big groups, but solo diners. They used to come with limited time but now it seems like they’re working from home so they don’t have a lunch limit,” said Julit Molena, general manager. As well as an uptick in delivery orders. “We had to go through some changes, we had to adjust and we came out pretty good,” Molena said. Molena said they’ve developed a new system that can now cater to a booming population.             Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Our Town America Awards $3,000 to New Movers at Big Daddy’s BBQ

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Boise, ID New Mover Survey Winner 2020 Our Town America

New movers, Cory and Samantha Fuller, certainly have their hands full. They have two young daughters, both still in diapers, and they started a Boise business right in the heart of the pandemic. So, a surprise phone call from Our Town America could not have come at a better time. The Fullers are the winners of this year’s Our Town America New Mover Survey, which comes with a grand prize of $3,000 – no strings attached!  Cory and Samantha moved to Boise, Idaho from North Carolina in 2020 and received a Welcome Package from Our Town America when they arrived to town. The Welcome Package is a personalized collection of useful one-time offers from local businesses. Roughly five million new movers receive the package each year and a portion take the time to complete the New Mover Survey found within. This year, the Fullers were amongst roughly ten thousand U.S. new movers across the country who completed the survey. “I was nearly in tears when we got the call,” said Samantha Fuller. “We started our business in 2020, and we plan to use the money to help the business grow. We could not be more appreciative of this unexpected gift!” Scot and Amy Hecht, Our Town America of the Treasure Valley franchise owners, presented the Fullers with the check in late March at Big Daddy’s BBQ in Meridian, Idaho. Big Daddy’s is extremely popular in the area as the founder, Hoss Grigg, was known as a hometown hero in Treasure Valley for many years. Unfortunately, he passed away in December leaving the business to his wife, Khaseta, and daughter, Kersten. These two hard-working women are proud to carry on his legacy.  “Big Daddy’s BBQ is a staple in the Boise area and is a big part of our Welcome Package,” said Amy Hecht. “We know they have been going through a tough time, so we thought it’d be the perfect place to present the check to the Fuller family. The Fullers, too, requested to meet here as they were very impressed with their delicious barbeque and friendly service. It really did bring a smile to everyone’s face.” Our Town America has been helping businesses across the nation capture the attention of new movers for 49 years. Capitalizing on new residents gives local businesses a competitive edge. By providing new movers with unique coupons and deals straight to their mailbox, Our Town America helps stimulate the economy on a local level.  If you’re a local Boise-area business looking to reach new or current customers, contact Scot and Amy Hecht at ‭‭208-866-9540‬‬‬. If your business is located outside of the Boise area, contact Our Town America corporate at 1-800-497-8360 to be connected with your local representative. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Phoenix Welcomes Telecommuting New Movers

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Phoenix Telecommuting New Movers

CBS Phoenix — About a year ago, Phoenix started seeing the effects of what would become a global pandemic. Now, locals are starting to notice something else: a lot of new people moving to town! Phoenix is being called a “Zoom Town” as people move from big cities like New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles in search of a better life. “Zoom Towns”— named after the video conferencing platform — are becoming popular as more companies across the country allow employees the freedom and flexibility of remote work. 56% of all workers have the ability to do their jobs from home (Global Workplace Analytics) Microsoft just released a survey showing flexible work is here to stay Arizona is one of the most popular destinations for new movers during the pandemic. The Grand Canyon State saw the fourth highest percentage of inbound migration at 61% (United Van Lines) According to a new survey from Neighbor.com, 72% of Americans say they are looking forward to meeting their new neighbors. The same survey found 46% would like to get more involved in local events. These remote workers are leaving the high rents and heavy traffic behind and flocking to cities like Phoenix to live, while keeping their high-paying jobs in other parts of the country. Our Town America — the nation’s premier New Mover Marketing program — is studying this trend nationwide. As moving industry experts, we always keep a close eye on the market, and since the beginning of 2021, the numbers have been striking! Since January 2021, Our Town America has mailed to over 21,000 Phoenix new movers. This influx of new residents effects everything from local businesses, to children’s school availability, to home prices and more. Susan Nagi, the owner of Our Town America of The Valley, connects local businesses with new movers by way of New Mover Marketing each and every month. Check out Nagi’s interview with CBS via Zoom (imagine that!) to hear more on this trend.       Our Town America supports small businesses across the nation 365 days per year. If you’re a local Phoenix business looking to reach new or current customers, contact Susan Nagi at ‭480-678-1366‬‬. If your business is located outside the Phoenix area, contact Our Town America corporate at 1-800-497-8360 to be connected with your local representative.   Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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