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Technology with a Human Touch

While there are too many scenarios to chronicle the inconveniences of manual car doors, there is an unsung hero working behind the scenes with automakers to resolve these issues for good.

Magna is one of the world's largest suppliers in the mobility space, and chances are, you probably have never heard of them, but likely experienced their technologies in one form or another. The power liftgate technology Chrysler debuted on the minivan 20 years ago, for instance.

Most people don't think about the auto supply chain, yet Magna designs and manufactures these systems, plus a lot more. And, as we look to the future, the company is sitting at the helm of mobility technology -- the intersection of Silicon Valley tech, automotive and smart manufacturing sectors.

Referring back to the everyday "door struggles," the innovative supplier has a solution for those too -- with SmartAccessTM, an advanced powered door system.

Compared to a traditional manual door, advanced powered doors are customizable and easier to use. Engineers at Magna explored door applications with their HaptronikTM technology -- which is a revolutionary motion control software that enhances user experience and ensures that the door will feel the same way all the time in any condition -- to expand the use cases of the manual door.

So, those slammed fingers or dinged cars? Magna's SmartAccessTM doors can dictate the speed at which doors open and close -- thankfully, helping prevent a gust of wind from deciding the fate of little fingers or the car next door. Magna is even developing an "ice breaker" feature for frozen doors.

While automakers and suppliers develop futuristic ways for people to get from point A to point B over the next 50 years, there are everyday, simpler problems that are being resolved with ingenuity in the present. SmartAccessTM was designed to create an intuitive experience for a variety of car owners. From helping an elderly person or individual with disabilities open a heavy door, to a single parent herding kids into the back seat with the convenience of a hands-free option, SmartAccessTM propels the average driver into the future today, using technology with a human touch.

Better Immunity is Just a Spray Away

TheraBreath, the world's leading dentist-founded oral health care brand, feels the same way. With their brand-new product, TheraBreath Immunity Support Oral Spray, they are doing their part to provide a quick and easy way for everyone-young and old -- to keep their immune systems working at their best.

TheraBreath Immunity Support Oral Spray is especially powerful because it helps boost your immunity in several ways. It contains extracts from acerola (a form of cherry) and also elderberry. Both of these fruits have strong antioxidant properties and are often used in immunity-boosting products. Elderberry in particular has a long history of use in health and healing going back to ancient Greek times.

"Our TheraBreath Immunity Support Oral Spray Supplement is an easy and tasty way to get the benefits of a multi-vitamin supplement and boost your immune system against the cold, the flu, and other airborne infections," says CEO and founder, Dr. Harold Katz, a dentist with an additional degree in bacteriology.

The spray also contains vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and copper. This combination of infection-fighters lines up to help muster your body's best natural defenses against illness. The spray contains no artificial colors or dyes, and it is certified vegan and gluten-free, as well as NSF certified, with a cherry lemonade flavor that appeals to all ages.

Use TheraBreath Immunity Support Oral Spray as needed throughout the day. The small bottle is easy to tuck into a purse, pocket, or backpack, so it is easy to stay healthy on the go as you resume activities.

Everyone has come to appreciate just how important it is to have a healthy immune system, not only in the winter months, but all year round, whether you are going to work, going to school, or just going to the grocery store. Airborne infections are always with us, but keeping a science-based, immune-strengthening product in your personal health toolkit can help keep you and your family safe and well.

Visit TheraBreath.com for more information about TheraBreath Immunity Support Oral Spray and other products in the TheraBreath family of oral health care. All TheraBreath products come with a money-back guarantee.

Help Wanted: Why Women Should Consider Careers in Manufacturing

In 2016, women made up 47 percent of the American labor force, but only 29 percent of the manufacturing workforce, according to a survey conducted by The Manufacturing Institute, APICS and Deloitte.

"Many women don't realize the possibilities for personal and professional satisfaction and a stable career in the manufacturing industry," says Julie Davis, Association of Equipment Manufacturing director of workforce development. "Women who need to reposition their post COVID-19 careers should step forward into manufacturing."

Reasons for women to consider a career in manufacturing include:

- Financial: Wages for women in manufacturing tend to exceed those paid in traditional female-filled positions.

- Educational: Money is available from many businesses for retraining women for manufacturing jobs. Given the job losses many women have experienced in industries hurt by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, such as the restaurant, hospitality, and other service industries, the manufacturing industry offers an opportunity to learn new skills and embark on a new and sustainable career path.

- Practical. Many manufacturing jobs that used to demand more in terms of size and strength no longer apply; the adoption of technology means new, high-tech jobs that level the playing field for male and female employees.

- Inclusive. The manufacturing industry is committed to diversity and inclusion. For example, safety equipment is now available in women's sizes to reflect the changing demographics of the industry and desire to reach out to women about the benefits of manufacturing careers. Apprenticeship programs are available across the United States to help women enter the manufacturing industry and to provide solidarity and support with other women professionals in the field.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), an organization dedicated to supporting North America's manufacturers of construction and agricultural equipment, offers four tips for women who want to explore careers in manufacturing:

- Look locally. Investigate which manufacturing facilities are located in your area, and check out their job listings and training opportunities.

- Look nationally. Get support for your job search by connecting with the National Center for Women's Equity in Apprenticeship and Employment.

- Look for help. A local job center may have leads on jobs and training, and also may be able to provide child care, housing, or other support for women while they participate in training programs.

- Look online. AEM offers an online toolkit at www.aem.org/workforce-solutions#toolkit for more information about the potential for success in a manufacturing career.

Snibble Platform Supports Video Sharing for Young Adults

Snibble offers YAs what they want -- snackable videos and the ability to discover, share, and comment on them with friends in real time. Surveys suggest that approximately 70 percent of Gen Z prefer engaging with many short videos versus committing to a longer video.

"We are a fusion between the best of a video platform and a social media platform," says Blair Currie, CEO of Snibble.

Generation Z (youth ages 16 to 24 years) have never known life without mobile internet. At this age, especially in the wake of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, young adults are seeking ways to connect with friends remotely, and short videos have become the social currency of this generation, Currie explains.

Snibble allows viewers to see, comment, recommend and share personalized content, and presents a reasonable amount of hyper-targeted advertising in a fair trade for their attention.

Snibble attracts top advertisers to a place that lets brands play when young viewers hang out, which improves returns on advertising investment.

To expand and showcase the Snibble platform and content, the company has partnered with NewsUSA TV, a division of the NewsUSA branded content agency. NewsUSA offers video content on Roku through a range of channels, including The Junior Network by NewsUSA TV. The Junior Network partnership with Snibble benefits both parties by expanding audience reach and access to content.

Snibble's content comes only from top providers, including Daily Fix, Omnia News (BBC), Brut, Cheddar, Huffpo, USAToday, Glamour, GQ, and People are Awesome.

The Junior Network by NewsUSA TV helps leverage this content to Gen Z not only online but also through Roku and Amazon Fire, as well as iphone and mobile apps. The content also is available in completed Linear HLS Stream format for syndication.

In addition, NewsUSA TV offers content in Business Briefs, Health News, Entertainment News, and Travel News on its Roku channel.

Visit snibblecorp.com for more details about Snibble and NewsUSA.com/media-widget for details about NewsUSA TV.

Step Up Your Financial Career with the CFP Mentor Program

"Mentoring helps candidates focus on time management, study strategy, staying motivated and more," according to the website of CFP Board, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting professional standards in personal financial planning.

The CFP Board Mentor Program aligns with the CFP® exam schedule and sets up short-term mentoring relationships to align with the March, July or November exams. The next mentoring cycle opens in April to prepare candidates for the July exam. Mentors and mentees connect at least three times during the period leading up to the exam.

CFP Board also provides online resources to support the mentor/mentee relationship, including sample practice exam questions, more information about the key knowledge topics to which exam questions are linked, and a guide to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct that CFP® professionals need to know and implement in their careers.

Additional benefits of mentoring for both mentors and mentees include:

  • Making it personal. A one-on-one relationship with a CFP Board mentor helps candidates identify their specific areas of strength, and what they need to focus on to ace the exam and prepare for a successful career.
  • Sharing their wisdom. The financial planning profession is supportive and inclusive, and many established advisors choose to become mentors because they enjoy sharing their insights and offering encouragement to those ready to become a CERTIFIED FINANICAL PLANNER™ professional.
  • Connecting long-term. The CFP Board formal mentor program is designed to support students through the exam process, but some candidates for CFP® certification and their mentors continue to connect, and mentors can continue to provide career advice and networking opportunities.

The goal of the CFP Board Mentor Program is to "foster the next generation of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals to succeed and advance the profession," CFP Board emphasizes.

For more information, visit cfp.net/get-certified/tools-and-resources/find-a-mentor for links to sign up to find a mentor or become a mentor, as well as more resources to help prepare for the CFP®exam.