Author: Rabindra

Scottsdale Philharmonic Announces New Conductor, Venue

Scottsdale, AZ, April 03, 2024 — The Scottsdale Philharmonic announced that Vanja Gjumar Nikolovski has joined the orchestra as its Principal Resident Conductor beginning with the 2024-2025 Concert Season, which starts Oct. 13.

Maestro Nikolovski graduated with majors in conducting and composition from the Saints Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje Faculty of Music, Macedonia and has conducted all over the world. “We are thrilled to have a conductor of his background join us,” says Joy Partridge, Executive Director of the Scottsdale Philharmonic.

Tickets are now available for the May 5 Scottsdale Philharmonic Beethoven Concert. The concert begins at 4 p.m., and will be held at the orchestra’s new performance home, La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Rd. in Scottsdale.

“Starting with this May 5 concert, all of our concerts will be held at La Casa de Cristo,” says Partridge. “It’s a beautiful venue that can hold 1,200 people and has ample, free parking. Our guest conductor for the May 5 concert is Nickolas Carlson.”

The Scottsdale Philharmonic’s musical selections for the May 5 concert will include:

– Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3 with Pianist Svetlana Obregon Saens, a co-founder and owner of Ostinato Conservatory of Music. Saens enjoys a successful career as a pianist, collaborative artist, and educator, and is a prizewinner in many international competitions, including International Music Festival “Musica Classica” in Ruza, Russia and the 6th International Competition “Music Without Limits” in Lithuania.
– Suppé: Banditenstreiche Overture “If I Loved You” from Carousel with Soprano: Melissa Solomon
– Beethoven Leonore Overture No. 3

“The vision of the Scottsdale Philharmonic is to become a valley-wide symphony,” Partridge explains. “This is why we offer free live streaming for all concerts, low ticket prices, free tickets to all students and Active Military/Veterans, and anyone who needs financial assistance but still wants to experience the joy of classical music.”

The Scottsdale Philharmonic is a non-profit organization. Although the group charges for tickets, this income only covers about 30 percent of the costs. Therefore, the other 70 percent of its support must come from individual donors. “If you appreciate classical music and would like to help us fulfill our mission, please visit the website to make a donation today,” Partridge says.

Tickets are available for $20-$35, and can be purchased online at www.scottsdalephilharmonic.com. Season tickets also are available. Upcoming concert dates are Sundays June 30, Oct. 13 and Nov. 17. Attendees are asked to check the website for more details.

Hibu Integrates Amazon Ads Sponsored Display Into Its Digital Marketing

Cedar Rapids, IA, April 03, 2024 — Hibu’s proprietary technology platform seamlessly integrates best-in-class digital marketing services and advertising channels, leveraging AI and machine learning, performance optimization, and real-time notification features to create powerful synchronized digital marketing programs that help clients drive leads, manage those leads, and convert them into valued customers.

Sponsored Display leverages Amazon Ads rich audience insights built from shopping and streaming signals, advanced AI, and machine learning technology to engage audiences across Amazon, Twitch, and thousands of apps and websites. Amazon Ads Sponsored Display is available to businesses both on Amazon and ones not selling on Amazon, including the vast majority of local businesses that Hibu specializes in helping, such as home services contractors, auto repair, consumer services, and travel and hospitality.

Nick Hopkins, Hibu’s VP of Product Strategy and Development, expressed excitement about the expansion, stating, “We saw the potential for bringing these rich audience capabilities to the tens of thousands of SMBs we partner with across the US. Our early testing has validated our initial optimism, and we’re thrilled to now make Sponsored Display available to all our eligible Hibu Solution clients.”

With Sponsored Display now integrated into Hibu’s suite of digital marketing solutions, clients can expect enhanced reach, engagement, and conversion opportunities, further empowering their business growth strategies.

“We are thrilled to expand our collaboration with Hibu by together integrating Amazon Ads Sponsored Display into Hibu’s suite of digital marketing solutions. We look forward to continuing our work with Hibu to help their small business clients succeed with the expanded availability of Sponsored Display.” – Jamie Lomas, Vice President, Global Growth – Amazon Ads

Transaction Between PS International, Inc. & Rockford Separators

Sioux Falls, SD, April 03, 2024 — PS International designs, engineers, and delivers peak-performance oil-water separators with supporting lift stations and specialty tanks for industrial and commercial wastewater treatment. The company serves a diversified customer base that includes contractors and resellers in the industrial and commercial markets in the US and abroad.

PS International also offers a complete line of electrical accessories to control high oil level alarms, leak detection systems, automatic oil and water pump-out systems, automatic inlet shut-off valves, and freeze protection.

“The last week was a grind! The experience was a rollercoaster ending with quite a flurry of activity. Thank you for helping to make this a great experience!” – Scott L. Miller, PS International, Inc.

Rockford Separators has supplied quality separation systems for over 55 years. Architects, engineers, building officials, health agencies, plumbing contractors, and others have come to rely on Rockford for the utmost quality, precision engineering, and quick turnaround time.

“Kevin and the Benchmark International team were incredibly helpful in facilitating our transaction with PS International. They found ways to keep the momentum up and helped us close a mutually beneficial transaction.” – Andrew Hranka, Rockford Separators

“We are grateful to have been a part of this transaction between two exceptional companies. PS International has proven to be a leader in the OWS space, and Rockford Separators has been delivering superior products and services for over 55 years. This was a great fit for both companies, and we expect that it will catapult their business to new levels.” – Transaction Director Kevin Barrett, Benchmark International

Consumer Segmentation: Are You Speaking the Right Language to Your Customer by Gaurav Bhagat, MD, Consortium Gifts

By Gaurav Bhagat, Managing Director, Consortium Gifts

The way people shop in India is changing rapidly. More and more people (over 450 million!) now have money to spend on things they want, not just need. This means they’re looking for unique experiences, especially when it comes to gifts. Gifting is a huge part of Indian culture, with a market size of over $80 billion every year! But with such a large and diverse population, with different lifestyles in cities and villages, the old way of grouping people to sell them things (based on age, income, etc.) just doesn’t work anymore. It’s like trying to use a horse-drawn cart to keep up with a speeding car!

Unboxing the New Indian Consumer: Why Gifting Needs a Hyper Makeover

Forget one-size-fits-all! In India’s vibrant tapestry, lifestyles are as diverse as the spices in a bazaar. Gifting, a cornerstone of our culture, reflects this beautifully. But with changing times, traditional methods of categorizing consumers just don’t cut it anymore.

Beyond Age and Income: Decoding What Makes Us Tick

Demographics like age and income were once the gold standard. But a 20-something with a techie job might crave a calming tea set, while a retiree could be a fitness enthusiast seeking a Smartwatch. We’re a nation on the move, with aspirations and choices shaped by rapid urbanization and global influences.

The Social Media Buzz and the Power of Personalisation

Social media is the new town square, with over 1.4 billion users expected by 2025 (Statistics). Here, trends are born, and brands are judged. A McKinsey study reveals that 65% of urban Indians prioritize personalization, reflecting a rise in disposable income and a desire for experiences that resonate. This is where hyper-segmentation comes in. Imagine tailoring gifts not just to demographics, but to a customer’s unique preferences and real-time behavior. Consortium Gifts, for example, leverages digital tools to understand customer data and curate offerings.

The Digital Shopping Revolution and Its Challenges

Over 60% of Indians now shop online, seeking convenience and a wider selection. This digital shift offers a treasure trove of data but also presents a challenge – how to segment effectively amidst the vast information.

The Future of Gifting: Embracing Agility and Innovation

As SatyaNadella, CEO of Microsoft, says, “Consumer segmentation needs to change.” Businesses must adapt. Here’s the winning formula: Move beyond demographics and explore psychographic and behavioral segmentation.

Leverage digital channels: Utilise data analytics and social media insights to understand evolving preferences.
Embrace agility: Be ready to re-segment as consumer behavior changes.

By personalizing the gifting experience, businesses can unlock new growth opportunities in India’s dynamic lifestyle market. After all, in the land of a billion dreams, shouldn’t every gift reflect the unique dreams of the recipient?

Web Marketing Association Seeking Internet Experts

Boston, MA, April 03, 2024 — The Web Marketing Association calls upon seasoned internet professionals to lend their expertise as judges for its 28th international WebAward Competition for Website Development. This premier award program seeks to define industry standards across seven critical aspects of successful website design and development. Prospective judges are encouraged to register their interest through the WebAward Judges Nomination Form.

The competition, which celebrates excellence in website development across 90 industry categories, is open for entries until May 31, 2024, with the judging phase set to commence in mid-June and conclude by early August.

William Rice, President of the Web Marketing Association, emphasizes the distinctiveness of the WebAwards: “Unlike other awards that mainly celebrate visual appeal and brand recognition, our awards focus on the substance behind the design. Our judging panel is comprised of industry insiders with significant experience in leading and developing some of the most influential websites today. Serving as a WebAward judge is not only a way to contribute to the digital marketing community but also an opportunity to help shape its future direction.”

The judging panel will feature a diverse group of internet professionals with firsthand experience in website design and management, including media representatives, creative directors, designers, content creators, and webmasters. Their collective expertise represents the cutting edge of web development technology. Previous judges have hailed from esteemed organizations like SapientNitro, T Rowe Price, Bridge Worldwide, Disney, Euro RSCG, Boeing, Huge, IBM, ING Direct, VML, Facebook, J. Walter Thompson, Gartner, Possible Worldwide, YUM!, Cuker Interactive, PayPal, Razorfish, Munich Re, Refinery, Ernst & Young, Magellan Health Service, Microsoft, R/GA, Family Cookbook Project, Saatchi & Saatchi, SAP and Universal McCann, among others.

Individuals or members of organizations interested in joining the judging panel can find more information and submit their nomination on the WebAward Judges Nomination Form.

“Many of our judges return year after year, but we always welcome new experts due to the program’s growth and the occasional need for judges to take a break. In preparation for judging, we engage in extensive discussions on the current trends in web development, making the role of a judge not only prestigious but also an enriching experience that enhances one’s understanding of web development,” adds Rice.

The mob wife aesthetic and How can you ace this fashion trend? Why do you think it’s gaining popularity now response by Fashion Designer Shilpi Gupta

By Fashion Designer Shilpi Gupta

Shilpi Gupta suggests, “The mob wife aesthetic centers its inspiration to adopt a chic, expensive look. The style tends to appear in mainstream culture and may have characteristics that are overdone or dramatic. Elite clothing, iconic silhouettes, striking accessories, refined aesthetics, evocative cultural symbolism, confidence, and charisma are all important components of this visual language. The signature vibe is defined by conventional styles like pencil skirts, blazers, and fitted bodices, as well as striking accents featuring huge, statement jewelry and expensive clutches. Folks who follow this fashion trend have the option to use a few or all of these aspects to create a honed, exquisite appearance. This could include defined eyebrows, bold red lips, winged eyeliner, strappy, elegant high heels, self-confidence, and personality that oozes a sense of power and effect.”

To present herself as the epitome of elegance and refinement under the mob wife trend, Shilpi Gupta advised women to wear exquisitely tailored clothing, adopt neutral colors with classic hues like black, white, beige, and nude, and pick premium fabrics like silk, satin, or cashmere. Fur accents or accessories can also be added for an extra touch of grandiose Additionally, she emphasized the need to invest in statement pieces like fitted blazers, sophisticated dresses, or iconic brand pieces, as well as timeless silhouettes that accentuate the figure. Opting for clothing with unique accents, adornments, or eye-catching designs also contributes to the design philosophy. Additionally, one has to conform to the mob wife aesthetic’s symbolic imagery, which entails elements like leopard prints, diamond jewels, and retro elegance. Finally, she states that one needs to carry herself with suave and confidence while maintaining a good posture and walking with purpose.

According to Shilpi Gupta, “The mob wife aesthetic has become incredibly popular in present-day society.” This style is highlighted by pop culture’s ability to sway viewers through movies and television series that frequently have attractive mob wife-type characters. Not to mention, those looking for a sophisticated and vintage style are drawn to the fashion trend’s elegant and classic components. In addition, social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have emerged to be significant players in the field of fashion, boosting its exposure and appeal. The mob wife look is defined by a strong and dynamic manner that gives women a chance to exhibit their authority and refinement while also expressing themselves exquisitely and boldly.”

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