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Unilever boosts investment in packaging R&D to cut virgin plastic

Company’s aims include increasing the use of recycled plastic content and developing next-generation flexible materials.




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Excitement Builds as Converters Expo 2023 Approaches

Entering its 16th year, Converters Expo is once again bringing converters of paper, film, plastics, and nonwovens together with industry buyers, specialists and suppliers in what is sure to be one of the biggest industry events of the year. 




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New Minnesota EPR law could reshape future packaging waste management policy

AMERIPEN supports Minnesota’s packaging EPR law for a number of reasons, most important of which is that it provides for true shared responsibility for recycling costs instead of putting the onus entirely on producers.




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Environmental Claims: A Double-Edged Sword for Brand Marketing

The regulatory landscape for environmental claims is becoming increasingly complex and inconsistent in the United States, presenting significant potential legal and reputational risks for brands attempting to market their packaging as environmentally friendly.




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Sanitary Equipment Design for the Times

Sanitary equipment is used in food, pharmaceutical, meat and dairy packaging applications religiously. In times like these — during a pandemic or other situations that threaten food safety — it is of utmost important to know what you need.




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The Beverage Carton Industry Outlines Sustainable Packaging Commitments

The ten year roadmap aims for beverage cartons made from renewable and/or recycled material. 




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Colbert Packaging Expands Capacity with New Eterna Equipment Additions

Adding new blanking die cutters streamlines production and boosts capacity.




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Bradman Lake to Showcase Cartoning Equipment at PACK EXPO Las Vegas

The company's display at PACK EXPO Las Vegas will showcase its unique capabilities offering both top load and side load cartoning approaches.




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Universal Investment & Industries Finds Success with Theegarten-Pactec Cartoner

Universal Investment & Industries has been extremely successful in the service and packaging industry for years.




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Bradman Lake secures equipment spot at Diamond Bakery

The partnership was formed after Bradman Lake's advanced equipment caught the attention of Diamond Bakery executives at a recent trade show.




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Novolex Announces Investment in OZZI Food Packaging

As a part of this investment, Eco-Products®, a Novolex business unit and leader in circular solutions for the foodservice industry, will help accelerate the growth of OZZI.  




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Duni Group Earns Bronze at Environmental Packaging Awards for Fiber Packaging Range

This accolade underscores Duni Group's commitment to innovative and sustainable packaging solutions, solidifying its position as one of the industry's most influential players.




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High Tech Meets Simple Pleasures in the Snacks and Cereals Segments

In this story, we take a look at some of most recent announcements regarding the creation and adoption of new snack packaging materials.




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MGS introduces compact top load case packer for diverse packaging requirements

Especially well-suited for Home Care, Personal Care and Pharma, the Matrix TL delivers favorable speed and efficient changeovers in a small footprint.




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ProMach Acquires Zacmi, Leading Supplier of Filling & Closing Equipment

Acquisition allows ProMach to establish a powerful position in the food and pet care sectors where can filling and sterilization are required.




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Schneider Packaging Equipment Enters High-Speed Palletizing Market

With the addition of the Hartness High-Speed Layer Palletizing Tool, Schneider is now able to offer its world-class solutions to an even larger portion of the palletizing market.




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Automated Equipment Holding expands portfolio with acquisition of Rethceif Packaging

Rethceif is a manufacturer of automated form-fill-seal packaging and robotic palletizing equipment.




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Several Key Developments Have Taken Place When it Comes to Palletizing

As suppliers are looking to be more efficient in their end-to-end solutions, a key area of focus has been finding innovative ways to improve the palletizing process.




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Palletizing, depalletizing equipment drives efficiencies in warehouses

Whether it's addressing labor shortages, increasing productivity or accommodating a growing SKU portfolio, the incorporation of palletizing and depalletizing systems has become vital for beverage warehouses.




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NCC Adds to its Business Development Team

Erik Bronander brings life-long experience in packaging, including nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industry experience to lead the team.




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ProMach acquires conveyor solutions provider Sentry Equipment & Erectors Inc.

In addition to its vast portfolio of conveyance solutions, Sentry manufactures a wide array of packaging equipment, including case and bulk palletizing, de-palletizing, and robotic systems. 




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Hygienic Improvements with Conveyors Allow Streamlined Packaging Process

As the packaging process becomes increasingly automated, a key area of focus for suppliers has been conveyors. One challenge is hygiene. Several companies are taking steps to mitigate this issue.




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Pacteon Acquires Descon to Enhance End-of-Line Packaging Equipment Offerings

Descon Integrated Conveyor Solutions is a prominent provider of integrated conveyor systems for the food and beverage industry.




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Form/Fill/Seal Equipment Manufacturers Responding to New Demands in Sustainability

Packaging Strategies recently spoke to three heavyweights in the area of form/fill/seal equipment, TNA Solutions, Viking Masek Packaging Technologies, and Formost Fuji Corp., regarding their responses to a variety of new demands including sustainability and new food trends.




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New Line of Compact Counting & Packaging Equipment for Unmixed, Single Type or Single Flavor Products

The fully servo-driven HQ Series counting & dispensing machines are designed to provide 100% accuracy for primary or secondary packaging of candy, confectionary and chocolate as well as non-food products.




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Modern Developments Using X-Ray for Food Inspection

Advances in sophistication, quality and ease of use have made x-ray machines an indispensable tool for food safety.




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Antares Vision Group Introduces Inline Pressure Measurement System for Beverages

Company’s PCS700-IOT performs high-speed pressure and gas measurement for carbonated, nitrogen-dosed and hot-filled beverages to detect leaks and optimize the process.




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Industrial Physics acquires Torus Group, expanding packaging measurement services

Torus Group, known for its strong portfolio in measurement for metal and rigid packaging in the food and beverage industries, has recently expanded into plastic packaging and medical devices.




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Pacificolor clients stand to gain from company’s new corrugated graphics equipment

Investment includes the acquisition of an AV Flexologic Corrugated Flat Mounting Machine and the integration of Reproflex3's high-definition Vortex™ screening technology.




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PODCAST | Meeting Coding Demands with Soft-Pigmented CIJ Inks

In this interview, Videojet’s Sherry Washburn discusses how recent improvements to soft-pigmented inks are facilitating coding and contrast printing for packaging.




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Women in Colonial Virginia

The record of women in colonial Virginia begins with Native Americans and gradually includes European and African women. The experiences of these women differed widely depending on their ethnicity, their status, and the gender roles defined by their culture. In the colony's early years, survival, not tradition, influenced the roles of men and women, whether white or black, free or unfree. Planters' wives, indentured servants, and slaves labored in the tobacco fields alongside one another, while an unmarried woman with land could engage in business the same way a man might. As Jamestown grew from a fortified outpost into the capital of a permanent colony, colonists began to envision a stable society based on the patriarchal system they had known in England, where men held authority over their wives, children, and other dependents. But the uneven sex ratio, the scattered nature of settlement, the high mortality rate, and frequent remarriages made the transfer of such ideas difficult, if not impossible. Historians agree that a society with less emphasis on gender roles gradually ceded to the traditional patriarchal system, but the exact timing of this change is not entirely clear. By the mid-seventeenth century, the colony's lawmakers began to use ideas about gender and race to codify two distinct roles for Virginia women: the so-called good wife, typically free and white, who performed domestic work in her home and raised her children; and the agricultural laborer, typically enslaved and black. By the end of the seventeenth century, members of the planter elite had separated themselves from the rest of Virginia's residents with their landed wealth, enslaved laborers, and wives who managed their homes. Although middling women (women of moderate means) continued to work alongside their husbands in the fields and operate taverns and other businesses well into the eighteenth century, all classes of women became relegated to the private sphere while their husbands increasingly dominated the public world. By the end of the colonial period, women, whether rich or poor, urban or rural, were expected to skillfully manage a household and provide an example for their children—acts that bolstered patriarchal authority in colonial Virginia.
Thu, 29 Oct 2020 18:30:23 EST




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Attracting Talent and Boosting Youth Engagement from Austin to LA

Attracting Talent and Boosting Youth Engagement from Austin to LA jhammond@desti… Wed, 07/24/2024 - 20:40

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Despite the gains made since the onset of the pandemic, the hospitality industry continues to experience persistent labor shortages. Destination organizations have a chance to engage with the youth in their communities to help close this gap with best practices and strategies for attracting and retaining tomorrow’s tourism workforce. 

6 min read

Key findings from Social Impact of Global Tourism by the World Travel & Tourism Council indicate that hospitality is a leading employer for young people around the globe, accounting for almost 60% of all youth employment in 2021 with 40% of those numbers represented by women. Despite continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, there are staff shortages at hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, theaters, convention centers, and tourism organizations. In relative terms, one in fifteen US job postings remains unfilled, and one in nine European Union jobs remains unfilled. This represents an estimated 412,000 tourism worker shortage. Further, despite the expansion of the Canadian labor market to pre-pandemic levels of 5.3%, Destination Canada reports in their 2023 Quarter-three snapshot that 116,000 positions remain unfilled, representing 6.2% of all the tourism sector.   

Source

Several factors fueling the labor shortage in the US include a decrease in international migration patterns as it relates to the US labor market, working conditions, and a lack of adequate skillsets to perform several jobs within hospitality. Thus, a variety of policy changes and engagement strategies can help destination organizations fill the gap and address these concerns.  

Addressing staff shortages within the sector requires a multi-stakeholder collaborative approach to developing a skilled tourism workforce, providing competitive employee benefits, and partnering with academia to help equip tomorrow’s workforce with new and improved skills to operate within the industry. A recent article by Forbes suggests that one of the greatest currencies of our time is not gold, oil, or knowledge but rather talent acquisition.  

When discussing strategies like youth engagement and workforce development, it's important to be mindful of cultural differences and adapt the approaches accordingly. Be sure to acknowledge the diverse cultural contexts in which these strategies will be implemented and adapt according to the needs of your destination. 

Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board

At the Mobile World Congress in 2021, the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board launched its own Career Academy with the goal of increasing equity in career representation by inspiring the youth of historically underserved communities to consider diverse career paths. This initiative was brought on in response to the call of Los Angeles council leaders’ executive directive to help increase recognition of systemically marginalized groups. For the event itself, a dozen high school students from the Ambassador School of Global Leadership attended the inaugural program led by Mayor Eric Garcetti. Each student received a tour of the exhibition hall, met with executive leaders to learn about career opportunities, fostered meaningful connections, and learned about future career day opportunities available within the industry. Over 4,100 people attended the convention, 65% of whom were senior executives.

Moreover, Los Angeles’s Career Academy bridges the connections between students and meeting planners looking to authentically impact Los Angeles. In turn, students learn equity, diversity, and inclusion best practices in aligning corporate social responsibility. While the convention was not hospitality-focused, the bureau brought students together with senior-level executives at technology companies, and this can make the connection between other sectors and hospitality. The academy highlights the connection between youth engagement in choosing career paths and where they see themselves represented.  Since one of the greatest strengths of Los Angeles is its diversity, programs like this are essential to helping close the workforce gap and helping to address racial inequalities that exist due to a lack of representation. 

Los Angeles Career Academy (Full-Length)

“Our career Academy connects high school students from La USD to unique experiences at the LA Convention Center. Where they can learn about careers and opportunities. Directly from inspirational industry leaders and gain a practical understanding of the steps that other people took to reach their career goals and overcome challenges.” - Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass

Visit Austin Foundation

Founded in 2019, the mission of the Visit Austin Foundation (VAF) is to develop and promote education, job training, and career opportunities within the hospitality and tourism sector. The foundation has several key objectives in helping to close the labor shortage gap and increase engagement--particularly with the youth. By offering mentorships and scholarships, the foundation hopes to attract young people to the tourism and hospitality industry, and to educate the public about a wide range of career opportunities within the industry, as well as its economic and social benefits.  

One way the VAF has contributed to engaging the younger demographic in a career in hospitality and tourism is by developing hospitality industry learning platforms in conjunction with secondary school systems to promote awareness of the industry as a viable career path and prepare students for careers in hospitality. The VAF, in conjunction with the Austin Hotel & Lodging Association, Austin Independent School District, and Austin Community College sponsors and supports a Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary PTECH High School at Travis Early College High School. This program provides participants the opportunity to earn a high school diploma, an associate degree, and on-the-job training & mentorships while in high school, all at no cost to the student. This allows students to graduate early and prepare for a dynamic career.  

Additionally, the foundation has provided resources for providing careers in hospitality including the Austin Tourism Insider Hospitality Training Program. The training program is intended to support the community’s tourism and hospitality employees, including new hires, and residents who are passionate about Austin and hospitality. Through a one-day course, employees learn expert knowledge about Austin’s tourism assets, improve their confidence in making recommendations that help to elevate the visitor experience, ignite their passion for the industry, and build a deeper sense of connection within the community. Furthermore, the VAF helps to support networking opportunities to connect hospitality professionals with their peers in the local industry. 

The VAF’s Heart of Hospitality Award & Scholarship is dedicated to supporting local hospitality employees who are pursuing tourism-related education and are interested in growing their careers within the industry. Criteria for selection include hospitality employees who provide outstanding customer service, demonstrate a positive attitude, and display initiative in going beyond regular job responsibilities to enhance the visitor experience.  

Scholarships provide pathways for continued education in fields related to the hospitality industry, including organizational leadership, hospitality management, Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) certifications and more.  

There are a range of opportunities available for destination organizations that seek to increase workforce engagement. Organizations can partner with academic institutions to help develop tomorrow’s leaders by creating career youth engagement opportunities and raising awareness about the industry’s various career paths. As the industry continues to shake off setbacks caused by the pandemic, destination organizations can find innovative solutions to advance the industry by developing needed skill sets and providing a warm welcome to help others to feel seen and heard. 

About The Author

Stephanie Auslander

Advocacy and Data Coordinator
Destinations International

Stephanie is a recent graduate of Johnson & Wales University with a Master’s Degree in Global Tourism and Sustainable Economic Development. Previously, she worked as an Intern with Solimar International assisting Destination Marketing Organizations in formulating Tourism Development strategies for the Samtskhe–Javakheti region in Republic Of Georgia and the Sisian region of Armenia. Additionally, she is the author of a Tourism Research Proposal detailing ways in which Destinations can promote the concept of Sustainability to its consumers for a lasting positive impact. With a background in Tourism Development she is confident in her ability to help Destinations innovate into the future.

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Do you have additional instruments in your studio?

On our Duet Partner Facebook Group, we recently asked our teachers if they have additional instruments in their home, besides their primary one. From the comments, it seems that music teachers like instruments almost as much as they like music! Here are the instruments that were listed by our followers: Grand pianos, digital keyboards, Celtic harps, recorders, flutes, violins, bagpipe, guitars, ukeleles, xylophones, drums, tambourines, kazoos, upright pianos and cellos. What...





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ECB's Rehn: Rate cuts will depend on our overall assessment at each meeting

  • Euro area growth is projected to be sluggish
  • Sees downside risks to growth
  • Waiting on December projections for a better picture of where we stand

So far, he's not saying anything to jolt market pricing. And that's the other main consideration for any of their communications before making policy decisions. As such, a 25 bps rate cut in December remains the likeliest option at this stage. EUR/USD remains down 0.2% on the day at 1.0626 currently.

This article was written by Justin Low at www.forexlive.com.




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Fed's Waller: Makes no comments on economy or monetary policy outlook

Fed's Waller is speaking but makes no comment on monetary or economic policy in his prepared remarks.

He does say:

  • private sector best suited to innovate on payment systems
  • Fed ready to support private innovation, mindful of financial stability.
  • Government should have clear objective when providing financial services.
  • There are times when government can address market inefficiencies
  • Still does not see case for Fed digital dollar

Perhaps he will comment on monetary policy/the economy in a Q&A later.

Looking ahead at

  • 10:15 AM ET, Richmond and President Barkin is speaking (he speaks at 5:30 PM ET as well).
  • 2 PM, Minneapolis Fed Pres. Kashkari speaking and at
  • 5 PM Philadelphia Fed Pres. Harker is scheduled to speak
This article was written by Greg Michalowski at www.forexlive.com.




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Fed's Kashkari: The fundamentals seems strong and I'm optimistic that will continue

Comments from the Minneapolis Fed President in conversation with Yahoo Finance.

  • Contacts are optimistic
  • We have to wait and see what the new government policies are, we will have to wait and see
  • A one-time tariff increase in transitory but it can become tit-for-tat, right now we're all just guessing
  • Immigration could have a big effect but we will have to see what will happen
  • New lease inflation takes a couple years to work its way through
  • We have good confidence that the housing piece of inflation will get to normal levels, though it may take a year or two
  • The labor market has been surprisingly resilient, it's a good labor market
  • The economy looks like it's in a strong position
  • If we saw inflation surprise to the upside between now and December, that might give us pause
  • Probably not enough time for jobs to surprise on the upside
  • Productivity looks like it's been stronger, which could mean a higher neutral rate
  • If so, we may not cut as much
  • We all agree that we're above neutral now
  • The rise in long-term yields doesn't look like it's about long-term inflation expectations
  • I think we're modestly restrictive right now. I thought we were putting two feet on the brakes but in hindsight we were only putting one foot on the brake
  • My judgement is that we still have a long ways to go in shrinking the balance sheet
  • Ultimately the economy will guide us in terms of how far we need to cut rates

Kashkari is candid and is oftentimes dovish but he sounded less like someone who wants to keep on cutting. His comment about one foot on the brakes was helpful in illustrating how he sees the economy and rates. The interesting discussion is about neutral right now and how close the Fed wants to go. He also touched on a longer timeline to get inflation all the way back to 2% and that should keep the Fed in the high 3s assuming no sharp slowdown in the economy. Of course, the Fed curve is also pricing 3.80% as the terminal rate.

This article was written by Adam Button at www.forexlive.com.




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GBPUSD stretches toward 61.8% retracement

The USD is moving higher.

  • The EURUSD is against the 2024 low at 1.0600.
  • The USDJPY is trading to new highs and has entered into a swing area between 154.54 in 155.09. The high price last week reached 154.704 and is the next upside target.

For the GBPUSD it is trading to new lows and moving away from it's broken 200 day moving average at 1.28178 broken earlier today. A new low is being made as I type at 1.27347.

That low is just above the 61.8% retracement of the move up from the April 2024 low at 1.27322. Break below that retracement level and traders will be looking toward a swing area between 1.2665 and 1.2685 as seller add to their run to the downside.

If buyers lean against the retracement level and move higher, getting back above 1.2777 is needed for the buyers to have some comfort for more upside probing. Absent that and the sellers are more in control.

Ultimately, a move back above the 200-day moving average at 1.28178 is needed to scare the sellers into buying.

Sellers are pushing, but the 61.8% retracement is now in the way and being tested. Will profit takers enter here against the risk defining level or will the sellers make another push to the downside?

This article was written by Greg Michalowski at www.forexlive.com.




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CreationNetwork.ai Integrates 22+ Tools for Enhanced Digital Engagement

CreationNetwork.ai, a groundbreaking digital platform, today announces its public launch, redefining digital engagement for businesses, content creators, and influencers. As an all-in-one solution for content creation, e-commerce, social media management, and digital marketing, CreationNetwork.ai combines 22+ proprietary AI-powered tools and 29+ platform integrations to deliver the most extensive digital ecosystem available.

Empowering Digital Transformation with 22+ AI-Powered Tools

CreationNetwork.ai’s suite of tools spans every facet of digital engagement, equipping users with powerful AI technologies to streamline operations, engage audiences, and optimize performance. Each tool is meticulously designed to enhance productivity and efficiency, making it easy to create, manage, and analyze content across multiple channels. Key tools include:

  • AI Copywriter: Generates high-quality, unique content for blogs, social media, and business communications.
  • AI Page Maker: Simplifies landing page creation with zero design or coding knowledge.
  • AI Trend Briefs: Provides market insights and trends, positioning users at the forefront of innovation.
  • AI Bot Maker: Creates intelligent chatbots for seamless user interaction and customer support.
  • AI Video Maker: Produces captivating, brand-aligned promotional videos.
  • AI Video Ambassador: Transforms text scripts into spokesperson videos with customizable avatars.
  • AI Voiceovers Studio: Offers lifelike voiceovers in multiple languages and accents.
  • AI SmartVoice Replicator: Clones voices to maintain brand consistency across content.
  • AI Voice Modifier: Enhances voice recordings, elevating audio quality effortlessly.
  • AI SmartTranscriber: Converts audio into text with accuracy, ideal for transcription and subtitles.
  • AI Design Studio: Enables professional-quality graphic creation without design skills.
  • AI BrandMagic: Instantly creates essential brand assets like logos and business cards.
  • AI Banners: Tailors banners for digital platforms and campaigns.
  • Art Academy - Image Genius: Allows text-to-image transformation, animations, and editing with AI.
  • Social Metrics Analytics: Offers detailed insights on social media performance metrics.
  • Social SmartEngagement: Increases engagement through targeted AI-driven insights.
  • Social PublishMaster: Automates social publishing with optimized timing and platform synchronization.
  • Social Listen Monitor: Tracks brand mentions and audience sentiment across social media.
  • Social Automation Optimize: Automates repetitive tasks, improving workflow and engagement.
  • Social CollaborationPro: Fosters team collaboration, managing content creation and approval processes.
  • AI & Automation: Integrates AI-driven insights across content creation, engagement, and analytics.
  • Team-Powered Branding: Amplifies brand messaging through employee advocacy.

Each of these tools is designed to optimize digital engagement, reduce manual workload, and enable users to focus on impactful, strategic actions. CreationNetwork.ai’s suite harnesses the transformative power of AI and blockchain, fostering both creativity and precision.

Comprehensive Integration Network: 29+ Platform Connections for Maximum Reach

One of the most distinguishing features of CreationNetwork.ai is its extensive integration network. With over 29 integrations, users can synchronize their digital activities across major social media, e-commerce, and content platforms, providing centralized management and engagement capabilities.

Social Media Integrations: Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, YouTube, WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, and Snapchat.

E-commerce Integrations: Google Business Profile, Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, BigCommerce, Ecwid, and Wix Commerce, supporting online retailers with seamless inventory and order management.

Content Creation Integrations: Canva, Grammarly, Airtable, Zapier, Make, Adobe Express, Unsplash, Giphy, Pexels, Pixabay, and Dropbox allow users to access resources for content creation and file management without leaving the CreationNetwork.ai platform.

This integration network empowers users to manage their brand presence across platforms from a single, unified dashboard, significantly enhancing efficiency and reach.

Community Incentives: CRNT Token Airdrop and ICO Whitelisting

In preparation for its Initial Coin Offering (ICO), CreationNetwork.ai is launching a $750,000 CRNT Token Airdrop to reward early supporters and incentivize participation in the CreationNetwork.ai ecosystem. Qualified participants can secure their position by following CreationNetwork.ai’s social media accounts and completing the whitelist form available on the official website. This initiative highlights CreationNetwork.ai’s commitment to building a strong, engaged community.

CreationNetwork.ai: The Future of Digital Content and Marketing

CreationNetwork.ai is also a comprehensive digital ecosystem for businesses, creators, and marketers. Combining the power of AI and blockchain, CreationNetwork.ai redefines how users manage their digital presence, from crafting content to engaging with audiences across diverse channels. Its suite of tools, extensive integrations, and commitment to community-building make CreationNetwork.ai a leading solution for digital transformation.

“CreationNetwork.ai is built to set a new benchmark in digital engagement,” said Ali Demir, CEO of CreationNetwork.ai. “We’re providing creators and businesses with an all-encompassing solution that combines innovative AI, deep platform integrations, and automation. Our platform is truly one of a kind, empowering users to harness the full potential of digital technology.”

About CreationNetwork.ai

CreationNetwork.ai (https://creationnetwork.ai/) is a leader in AI-driven content creation, social media management, and e-commerce solutions, leveraging blockchain technology to empower its users with advanced digital engagement tools. Through a broad spectrum of AI tools and extensive integrations, CreationNetwork.ai is dedicated to transforming the way brands, businesses, and creators connect with audiences in an ever-evolving digital world.

This article was written by FL Contributors at www.forexlive.com.




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Jambo and Lif3 Partner to Make Crypto Payments Accessible to Millions in Emerging Markets

Jambo, a leading builder of web3 mobile infrastructure, today announced its partnership with Lif3, the revolutionary omni-chain DeFi Layer-1 ecosystem, to offer millions of Jambo phone users in over 120 countries, with easier access to peer-to-peer crypto payments through the Lif3 mobile app.

Founded by serial entrepreneur and web3 investor Harry Yeh, Lif3’s strategic collaboration merges its innovative DeFi ecosystem with Jambo’s expertise in mobile technology tailored for emerging economies, facilitating developing countries’ access to the world’s financial market.

Emerging markets face unique challenges that require innovative solutions for real problems. In regions like Africa, where 57% of the ~1.5bn population remains unbanked and 50% without access to a smartphone, the collaboration between Jambo and Lif3 is designed to address these issues by providing secure, user-friendly access to real-time crypto payments.

This initiative will empower millions by facilitating enhanced connectivity, improved security, and streamlined access to digital financial services. Additionally, the Lif3 mobile app will be pre-installed on the JamboPhone, complemented by quests and educational programs to help users familiarize themselves with the new technology while earning rewards.

Speaking about the partnership, Harry Yeh, Managing Director of Quantum FinTech Group, said, “Lif3 is committed to unlocking financial opportunities for everyone, everywhere. By partnering with Jambo, we’re simplifying access to decentralized financial solutions, including crypto payments and AI-integrated solutions. This is a pivotal step toward bridging economic gaps and transforming lives in emerging markets.” Adding to this, James Zhang, co-founder of Jambo said, “In many regions across emerging markets, an entire family shares one smartphone and a family member can only use it for a few hours a day. Owning a JamboPhone opens up new possibilities–like discovering a new life. By embedding Lif3 directly within the Jambo ecosystem, we're making it easier than ever for users in emerging markets to safely and efficiently engage with the digital economy. The integration of Lif3 into the JamboPhone is a game-changer for crypto payments, opening new pathways to economic participation that were previously unimaginable.”

The partnership will feature pre-installed Lif3 apps on all JamboPhones globally, allowing users to get their crypto wallet instantaneously and engage in a host of DeFi features integrated within the Lif3 ecosystem. The initiative also plans to include educational programs to assist new users in navigating the web3 space safely and becoming savvy digital citizens.

The Jambo and Lif3 collaboration not only enhances access to digital technologies but also paves the way for financial inclusion in regions where traditional banking has been out of reach. This initiative directly targets the gap in financial services, aiming to bring the unbanked into the economic fold and ignite economic growth from the ground up.

About Jambo

Jambo (https://jambophone.xyz/) – The Most Globally Distributed DePIN Smartphone. Jambo's vision is to bring emerging markets on-chain through building the largest web3 mobile infrastructure network. Jambo is backed by investors globally, including Paradigm, Tiger Global, Pantera, Delphi and more.

Jambo is onboarding the next billion users to web3 with the JamboPhone 2, a premiere web3 Android smartphone starting at only $99 preloaded with the world of web3 at their fingertips. The Jambo Ecosystem is preinstalled on the phone and features web3 mobile games, wallets, payment infrastructure, and more.

About Lif3

Lif3.com is revolutionizing the blockchain industry with its omni-chain DeFi ecosystem and curated Layer-1 blockchain. The self-custody Lif3 Wallet, available on the App Store and Google Play, empowers users by unlocking the full potential of Web3, transforming consumer DeFi, Gaming, iGaming, music, entertainment, and more. $LIF3 is currently listed on Bitfinex, Bitmart, and MEXC.

About Quantum Fintech Group

Quantum Fintech Group is a private investment group founded in 2020, and is focused on providing superior returns in the alternative asset space focusing specifically on blockchain investments.

This article was written by FL Contributors at www.forexlive.com.




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Polkadot and SP Negócios Collaborate to Enhance Crypto Economy Development

SP Negócios, São Paulo’s investment and export promotion agency, has partnered with Polkadot to foster innovation among companies in São Paulo.

Driven by the growing market demand, Polkadot is increasingly positioning itself as an ally for businesses looking to grow in an innovative, secure, and transparent way. It has been sponsoring educational initiatives through Código Brazuca. Thanks to this, companies and citizens in São Paulo will have access to blockchain programming training through Código Brazuca's content starting in December. This will be possible through the partnership established with Polkadot / Sunset Labs and São Paulo’s investment and export promotion agency, SP Negócios.

“The partnership between Polkadot and SP Negócios will contribute to the training of Blockchain Programmers and is open to bringing technology to companies in São Paulo, whether they are startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, or large corporations seeking to invest in or adopt the technology,” says Gustavo J. Massena, Decentralized Business Developer at Polkadot.

The program is free and will be available online, open to companies in São Paulo. Registrations will soon be available through SP Negócios, and no prior qualifications are required.

The partnership with Polkadot is part of SP Negócios’s strategy to boost the business environment within the crypto economy sector, reinforcing São Paulo as a hub of technology and innovation. Blockchain plays a transformative role in various areas, including decentralized finance, asset tokenization, NFTs, and more. By promoting the training of qualified professionals, SP Negócios seeks to attract investments, foster new startups, and solidify the city as a reference in adopting and developing blockchain-based solutions.

About SP Negócios

SP Negócios (https://spnegocios.com/) is an autonomous social service aimed at boosting investments and business in São Paulo. It is linked to the Municipal Secretariat of Economic Development and Employment. The goal is to help São Paulo-based companies conduct more business through exports, innovation and technology, public sector engagement, and improvement of the business environment.

About Polkadot

Polkadot is an open-source, multichain sharing protocol that facilitates the transfer of any type of data or asset, not just tokens, between networks, making a wide range of blockchains interoperable.

This article was written by FL Contributors at www.forexlive.com.




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The Benefits of Accepting Crypto Payments for Forex Brokers

Cryptocurrency payments have made financial transactions faster and safer. Forex brokers that integrate a cryptocurrency payment gateway can provide these advantages and more for their users. Crypto payment integration results in real-time transaction settlement, lower fees, and improved fraud prevention. These benefits increase forex brokers' operational efficiency, help them attract a global clientele, and remove geographical barriers. To grow and scale as a broker in this dynamic era, blockchain technology must be applied strategically to increase a business’s competitive edge, and drive scalability. Discover how accepting crypto payments can improve your forex brokerage business in this article.

Increased Global Reach

Forex brokers can expand their global reach by integrating a cryptocurrency payment gateway. Research by Oxprocessing and B2Broker shows that forex brokers saw a 20-30% increase in their client base when they started accepting cryptocurrency payments.

The rising forex broker client base after crypto adoption stems from the popularity and user realization of the benefits of crypto like real-time transaction settlement, unlike banks. The lower fees, flexibility, and additional security also attract many users as we shall see subsequently.

Accepting crypto through payment gateway solutions like Onchainpay.io connects a forex broker and its customers with the innovation and flexibility offered by decentralized finance. Crypto payment gateway integration is crucial in expanding and getting a bigger global customer market share.

Improved User Security

Integrating a proven and transparent cryptocurrency payment gateway like Onchainpay.io which uses two-factor authentication, permissioned API access, and real blockchain addresses to secure user funds offers all the advantages.

Advanced encryption and decentralized verification through blockchain technology ensure secure transactions and minimize fraud. No one can alter blockchain transactions as they are recorded on a public ledger that is almost impossible to counterfeit.

Transactions are traceable and secure onchain, increasing user confidence in the forex brokers who adopt crypto payments. With crypto payment, transactions occur in simple sends or receives between wallet addresses without intermediaries that can delay the process. By adopting crypto payment forex brokers can establish user trust and stand out from the competition.

Transaction Speed and Overall Efficiency

Real-time payment settlement is a game changer for forex brokers. Payment gateway comparison experts Crypto Payment Gateways note that while the average traditional payment processing time takes 7-14 days, cryptocurrency payments settle in a few seconds to a few minutes.

Crypto payments increase speed, boost operational efficiency, and drive forex broker customer satisfaction by providing quick access to funds. Lower transaction fees from crypto payment integration lead to massive cost savings. Forex brokers can operate more efficiently, save customer time, and remain at the forefront of innovation by integrating state-of-the-art crypto payment processing solutions like Onchainpay.io.

Affordable Fees

Analysis from Blockdata shows that cryptocurrency payments can cut transaction costs by 70% compared to traditional methods. Paying with known methods like credit cards often incurs 1.5% to 3.5% in transaction fees. Cryptocurrency transactions using payment methods like Bitcoin cost about 0.01%-1%.

Reduced transaction cost presents a business advantage for brokers who can also attract customers seeking affordable trading options. With blockchain technology forex brokers can offer real-time and competitive transaction costs as a strategic move to increase overall user experience.

Seamless Cross-Border Payment Processing

Decentralized finance offers direct and seamless cross-border payment settlement with lower fees and zero delays. Through digital currency payment integration, forex brokers can attract a global user base interested in innovation and opportunities in decentralized finance. Crypto payment integration makes cross-border transactions more efficient with no intermediary and additional security. With it, forex brokers can enjoy frictionless cross-border payment processing and devote more time to expanding other aspects of their business.

Easy Scalability

From declined card transactions to restricted regions, the limitations of traditional payment systems impact forex brokers’ ability to scale. Brokers can tap into the global market and attract clients across the globe by adopting crypto payment solutions. The flexibility of crypto integration also helps brokers build adaptable business models and solutions that serve their client base perfectly. These benefits coupled with cost savings and instant settlement mentioned before improve brokerage efficiency and user satisfaction helping forex brokers grow their business beyond expectations.

User Satisfaction and Competitive Edge

Crypto Wallet

Self-custody wallets are a huge advantage for crypto users. Imagine the ability to own and control 100% of your assets. Crypto wallets make this possible and withdrawing forex profit into self-custodial crypto wallets is a dream for most participants in the financial market today. Crypto wallets are a convenient option that improves customer satisfaction. Hence brokers who accept crypto win more customers and stand out from the crowd of available options.

Crypto Adoption

Through crypto payment and transaction settlement integration, forex brokers can get along with the current trend and preference for digital assets. A report released by Fxleaders notes that traders and investors are ahead of the pack in the rapid race toward cryptocurrency adoption which has already attracted over 300 million users globally.

Profit Withdrawal and Deposit

The last thing traders want after the close shave of almost getting drowned due to market volatility is waiting forever to withdraw. Instant settlement cryptocurrency payment gateways like Onchainpay.io provide an excellent payment processing solution for instant deposits and withdrawals. With real-time secure payments on Onchainpay.io, users enjoy a better experience while the forex broker competes favorably among the available alternatives.

Smart Contracts

Smart contracts are self-executing codes on the blockchain designed to streamline user experience. They ensure secure transactions as they cannot be altered once deployed, and are transparently verifiable onchain. Recurring payment solutions on Onchainpay.io, for example, are powered by a series of secure smart contracts and can also be helpful in automated withdrawals for trader’s discipline and plan.

Conclusion

Cryptocurrency payments save time lower cost and offer competitive advantages to forex brokers. It enables instant settlement of cross-border transactions and enhances user experience with a range of options such as self-custody which gives users complete control over their assets. Onchainpay.io’s cryptocurrency payment gateway and merchant solution are designed to help brokers provide secure, flexible, and reliable crypto withdrawals and deposit options for their customers. Onchainpay is simple to integrate and works perfectly with almost all known payment setups. With customizability, segregated payments, and automatic settlements Onchainpay.io is the best thing since sliced bread for forex broker payment.

This article was written by FL Contributors at www.forexlive.com.




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Japan's Seven & i Holdings is considering a management buyout

Japan's Seven & i Holdings is considering a management buyout to take itself private with funding from banks, Itochu Corp. and the founding Ito family in a transaction that could be worth US$58 billion

"People with knowledge of the matter" cited in the reports via Nikkei and Bloomberg.

The Japanese owner of 7-Eleven is considering going private by buying back its own shares in a bid to avoid a takeover attempt by Canadian rival Alimentation Couche-Tard, the news report says.

This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com.




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The argument for a near-term Reserve Bank of Australia interest rate cut remains very thin

ING remarks after the wages data from Australia earlier:

ING says that year-on-year wage growth slowing to 3.5% is a step in the right direction for the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to consider rate cuts.

However, ING notes this deceleration alone isn’t enough for the RBA to rule out any upside risks to interest rates.

Despite the softer data, ING believes a case for a near-term rate cut remains weak, predicting the earliest possible easing from the RBA could come in the first quarter of 2025.

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I suspect even Q1 is too early. The RBA next meet on December 9 - 10, where on hold is expected.

This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com.




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Gold Technical Analysis – It’s a make it or break it moment for gold

Fundamental Overview

Gold is now down almost 6% from the US election day. That shouldn’t be surprising as the last time we got a red sweep gold dropped by more than 16%.

The reason is that a red sweep brings a more expansionary fiscal policy and should be not only positive for growth but also for inflation.

In fact, the market now sees just two 25 bps rate cuts in 2025 which is already much less than the four projected by the Fed in September.

In the bigger picture, gold remains in a bullish trend as real yields will likely continue to fall amid the Fed’s easing cycle, but for now the short-term trend is to the downside due to the repricing in rate cuts expectations.

Gold Technical Analysis – Daily Timeframe

On the daily chart, we can see that gold is now trading near the key trendline around the 2600 level. This is where the buyers are stepping in with a defined risk below the trendline to position for a rally into a new all-time high. The sellers, on the other hand, will want to see the price breaking lower to increase the bearish bets into the next trendline around the 2400 level.

Gold Technical Analysis – 4 hour Timeframe

On the 4 hour chart, we can see more clearly the strong support zone we have around the 2600 level where there’s the confluence of the previous swing low level and the trendline. We can see that we also have a downward trendline defining the current bearish momentum.

If we get a pullback, the sellers will likely lean on it to position for the break below the major trendline, while the buyers will look for a break higher to increase the bullish bets into a new all-time high.

Gold Technical Analysis – 1 hour Timeframe

On the 1 hour chart, we can see that we have another minor downward trendline defining the bearish momentum on this timeframe. More aggressive sellers might lean on this one to position for the break of the major trendline, while the buyers will look for a break higher to target the pullback into the next downward trendline. The red lines define the average daily range for today.

Upcoming Catalysts

Today, we have the US CPI report. Tomorrow, we get the latest US Jobless Claims figures. On Friday, we conclude the week with the US Retail Sales data.

See the video below

This article was written by Giuseppe Dellamotta at www.forexlive.com.




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Japan government reportedly mulls continuing electricity, gas price subsidies next year

For some context, these subsidies did come to an end in May but were reinstated in August through to October to cope with the warmer weather. Subsequently, they were continued until this year-end but the funds had to be drawn from reserves in the budget for the fiscal year that started in April.

NHK is now reporting that the government is considering keeping these subsidies from January through to March next year. Amid a higher cost of living in key populated areas such as Tokyo, the measure above is mainly to try and combat rising consumer prices.

This article was written by Justin Low at www.forexlive.com.




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NAB Statement on Passing of Richard Bates

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the passing on Disney Senior Vice President of Government Relations Richard Bates, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith:




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NAB Statement on Violence at U.S. Capitol Building

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to today's violence at the U.S. Capitol Building, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith:




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NAB Statement on Department of Justice Decision on ASCAP and BMI Consent Decrees

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the Department of Justice's decision to take no action on the consent decrees governing the performance royalty organizations ASCAP and BMI, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith:




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NAB Statement on Presidential Inauguration

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith: