Learning Undefeated to Build Eight Mobile Labs

Learning Undefeated to Build Eight New Texas Mobile STEM Labs with Grant from Texas Education Agency 

$2.9 Million Infrastructure Grant Will Create Fleet of Nine Mobile STEM Labs  for 2025/26 School Year, Serving Over 250 Schools Each Year
 

San Antonio (September 10, 2024) – STEM nonprofit Learning Undefeated has received a grant to build eight mobile laboratories for the Texas Mobile STEM Lab fleet, thanks to a $2.9 million infrastructure investment from the Texas Education Agency. This new funding expands the program from one mobile STEM lab to nine regionally based labs, capable of visiting over 250 schools annually.  

“Since 2020, thousands of Texas students have experienced hands-on STEM learning onboard our one Texas Mobile STEM Lab, but Texas schools deserve a Texas-sized program,” said Brian Gaines, Chief Executive Officer, Learning Undefeated. “The proof is in the data – these STEM labs are crucial in providing equitable access to STEM careers, opportunities, resources, and technology for Texas schools across all regions of the state.” 

For the 2024/25 school year, more than 500 teachers requested a visit from the Texas Mobile STEM Lab, which currently serves 30 schools per year with one vehicle. “I was so excited to have the lab visit our school. We are small, and having our students get to have this experience was priceless,” said Tabitha Perdue, a teacher at Whiteright Elementary School following a mobile lab visit. “I loved seeing the smiles on their faces when they knew it was their day to go and the excitement it created for STEM.”  

Operated by Learning Undefeated, the Texas Mobile STEM Labs are custom outfitted STEM learning spaces that offer engaging, immersive, hands-on STEM experiences for students and teachers. During the 88th Legislative Session, the Texas Mobile STEM Laboratory program received additional funding to expand the fleet to nine mobile units. The first two laboratories are currently being built and will begin service in January 2025; the full fleet is expected to launch for the 2025/26 school year. Each Mobile STEM Lab will annually serve at least 30 schools in one of nine geographic regions, ensuring access to schools in all of Texas’ 20 education service regions each year.  

The current Texas Mobile STEM Lab program serves approximately 30 schools per year, with hundreds of requests going unfilled each year due to limited capacity – a shortage that this new funding will solve in the upcoming school year. “It was amazing to see our students excited and interacting with STEM projects and activities. I wish every student in Texas had this opportunity as we did,” said Amanda Jeter, a teacher at Rule ISD, after the Texas Mobile STEM Lab visited her campus last school year. Ninety-eight percent of teachers wanted a return visit from the Texas Mobile STEM Lab, and 97% of teachers expressed that experience met or exceeded their expectations. The Texas Mobile STEM Lab program models TEA-approved STEM activities that teachers can easily perform in their classrooms. 90% of teachers surveyed felt confident that they could replicate the activity they observed independently. 

Launched in 2020, the Texas Mobile STEM Lab has served over 24,000 Texas K-8 students in each of the state’s 20 educational service regions. The custom-outfitted traveling learning space offers engaging, immersive, hands-on STEM experiences for students and teachers. 

For more information about Learning Undefeated, visit https://www.learningundefeated.org/.   

About Learning Undefeated 

Learning Undefeated is driving race and gender equity in STEM through immersive and deep-impact learning experiences for students from historically marginalized communities. Learning Undefeated’s custom-built mobile labs range from lab-grade spaces to immersive learning theaters, connecting students with meaningful STEM experiences and linking them to career pathways. The nonprofit has prepared more than 1.5 million K-12 students for STEM careers since 2003 through hands-on content exploration, game-based learning, educator training, talent development, mobile lab design and build consulting, curriculum development and disaster recovery education.  

Learning Undefeated’s has been recognized with national and international awards, including two Educators’ Pick Best of STEM Awards in Social Impact: Promoting Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Life Sciences categories. Visit learningundefeated.org or follow us on social @LearningUNDFTD. 

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Women in Business Awards 2024

Winners of the 30th annual Women in Business Awards were unveiled Aug. 27.

This is one of ABJ’s longest-running events, and it’s one of the most fruitful for making meaningful connections and identifying current and future leaders of our economy.

Winners and finalists span all business sectors. This year, Tiff’s Treats co-founder Tiffany Chen was honored with the inaugural special achievement award.

Winner: Jenna Gruhala-Oltersdorf

CEO, Snackbox

During her younger days as a drag racer zooming down tracks in a 1972 Corvette, Jenna Gruhala-Oltersdorf wasn’t deterred by being the only female in the competition.

That maverick style has carried over to her professional life, where she hasn’t been afraid of taking risks and is known for focus, dedication and selflessness as CEO of Snackbox, the Austin-based public relations firm she founded.

Her introduction to the PR industry was at St. Louis-based The Vandiver Group, where Gruhala-Oltersdorf said she learned to write, pitch clients and master the skills necessary to succeed in the field. From there, she moved to Charlotte to work on bigger accounts like NASCAR and Levi’s, and a short time later landed what at the time was her dream role at Edelman, where she worked on large accounts like Burger King and Kraft. That was when the idea for Snackbox was born, prompting Gruhala-Oltersdorf to move to Austin to pursue it.

“Austin was where Snackbox really took off,” she said. “Not only was the Austin business community incredibly supportive, but we also had the chance to open our first office, grow our team and help shape the city.”

At the company, she’s earned a reputation for mentoring others, holding weekly one-on-one meetings with staffers to provide real-time feedback and help them work through challenges, and she has rethought traditional employee evaluations to make them more actionable. She also established what she calls a PR Finishing School, where she offers advice and resources to those looking to break into the industry.

Gruhala-Oltersdorf is active in the community as well, describing volunteer work as a cornerstone of her identity. Girls Inc., which fosters leadership skills in young women, is among the nonprofits she holds dear, calling it “a tremendous conduit to helping the next generation.”

How do you lead in your company and community? What is your leadership style? 

I prefer to lead by example. Our team knows work/life balance is essential to me, and I work hard to show them it’s possible. I’m very hands-on both in our work and in our team’s career paths. I firmly believe that everyone has different abilities, and we must cater to them. I don’t force them into a job role or title; instead, we work together to play off of their interests and bests.

How do you give back to the community, inside and outside of the workplace? 

Volunteering is the cornerstone of me as a person. From influencing our clients to give back in big ways to sitting on boards to volunteering my time, there is nothing better than giving back. I don’t volunteer to get my name in lights. Instead, I volunteer to help others.

How has your career developed and changed over time? What are your professional goals?

My career has drastically changed over time. … Every city (that became a stop along the way) brought its own chapter and its own challenges. All of that experience allowed me to start Snackbox, but the growth didn’t stop there. Nearly 18 years into Snackbox, I still marvel at what I’ve learned. There are still many firsts to experience. In fact, last month, I started working on my first international crisis. While I’m not the spokesperson, anyone can read the words I’ve written, and that is quite an honor. For professional goals, I still have a lot to accomplish. I hope to be able to expand my PR Finishing School, to grow our team (not just in size but also in skill) and expand our footprint into other cities.

To see the full story, click here.

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Checkers Celebrates 10 Years in Buffalo, N.Y.

Checkers Celebrates 10 Years in Buffalo, N.Y. with 10 Cent Wing Specials, Wing Bobbing and More 

Family-owned franchise celebrating 10 successful years by giving back to the Buffalo community with a celebration and week-long deals 

 

BUFFALO, N.Y. (August 15, 2024) — Checkers, an iconic drive-thru restaurant chain known for flavorful, craveable food at an excellent value, is celebrating 10 years of serving Buffalo, N.Y. at its Elmwood location (1969 Elmwood Avenue Buffalo, N.Y., 14207) by treating guests to specials throughout the day, including:  

  • From 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., guests will enjoy the brand’s famous Classic Wings for just 10 cents each.  
  • From 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., the Buffalo Wing Festival wing bobbing (in a 10-gallon blue cheese tub) qualifier will commence.  
  • From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., there will be a Buffalo Thunderbird Cruise Night Fundraiser Kickoff with Classic Wings for only $1 each (10 pc only, max 10 wings per order). A dollar from every $10 spent on wings will go directly to Feed More WNY. 

“10 years fly by when you’re having fun! It feels like yesterday my brother Bill and I opened this location,” said Gail Gentry, franchise co-owner of the Checkers in Buffalo, N.Y. “We’re giving away our wings for only 10 cents to represent the 10 lovely years in Buffalo. We want to give back to this amazing community because they have always been so good to us. Although this is a national brand, as an independent franchise local to this city, this family business is my everything, and I’ve put a lot of love into these stores.“ 

The franchisee will also be celebrating their anniversary the following week from August 17-30 with deals all week long, including:  

  • From 10 p.m. – 11 p.m.: Checker’s Classic Wings for just 10 cents each (5 piece or 10 piece only, max 10 wings per order). 
  • All day Monday – Friday: Classic Wings for only $1 each (10 piece only, max 10 wings per order).  

To learn more about Checkers and its offerings, visit https://www.checkers.com/. 

 

About Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. 

Based in Tampa, Fla., Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., an iconic and innovative drive-thru restaurant chain known for its bold, craveable food, famous fries, exceptional value, and people-first attitude, operates and franchises both Checkers® and Rally’s® restaurants. With 800 restaurants and room to grow, Checkers & Rally’s is a proven brand with flexible building formats that is aggressively expanding across the country. Checkers & Rally’s is dedicated to being a place where franchisees and employees who work hard can create opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities. In recent years, the brand has earned several of the industry’s most prestigious awards including: “#1 Most Craveable Fries” by Restaurant Business 2020 and 2018; Best Franchise Deal and “Best Drive-Thru in America” by QSR Magazine; Top Food and Beverage Franchise by Franchise Business Review; the “Hot! Again” award from Nation’s Restaurant News and has consistently been ranked on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500. 

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Media Contact:  

Sarah Kayak  

(214) 934-3707  

saraha@snackbox.us 

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Smokey Mo’s Brings Back $1 Breakfast Tacos

SMOKEY MO’S TX BBQ IS BRINGING BACK  $1 BREAKFAST TACOS FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL 

 AUSTIN, Texas (August 9, 2024) – Smokey Mo’s TX BBQ, the authentic Texas barbecue chain with 19 locations throughout Central Texas, is celebrating back-to-school with $1 breakfast tacos on Friday, August 16, 2024.  

All participating Smokey Mo’s locations will provide this limited-time, in-store-only offer of $1 for two-item tacos (guests can add brisket for an extra charge of 75 cents until 10:30 AM). Guests can order up to four tacos per person, with each taco containing two of the following options: egg, bacon, chorizo, sausage, potatoes, refried beans, cheese, and brisket. 

“We’re excited to support our community again this year with a great deal on our freshly made breakfast tacos to kick the year off right,” said Craig Haley, President of Smokey Mo’s. “In addition to our direct support of schools through fundraisers, donations, and sponsorships, our back-to-school taco offer also supports parents and families during this busy time!” 

The breakfast menu is available at all Smokey Mo’s locations until 10:30 AM, with a limit of four tacos per person. In addition to the breakfast taco, guests can also order breakfast bowls with egg and two additions of either bacon, chorizo, sausage, potatoes, refried beans, cheese, and/or brisket. 

To find your local Smokey Mo’s or order online, visit https://smokeymosbbq.com. 

About Smokey Mo’s BBQ 

Based in Austin, Texas, Smokey Mo’s BBQ started serving the best neighborhood BBQ in Texas in 2000. Now with 19 total locations in the Austin, San Antonio, and Houston areas, Smokey Mo’s BBQ pitmasters smoke classic Texas barbecue in-house every day and serve it fast and friendly. As the first-place winner of Boerne Star’s Best of Barbecue in both 2023 and 2024, Smokey Mo’s BBQ is committed to providing a modern ordering platform, speedy delivery options, and robust catering offerings for groups of all sizes. The company emphasizes the importance of community involvement by supporting local high schools, charitable organizations, and houses of worship. 

Smokey Mo’s BBQ is expanding with carefully vetted franchise partners who are committed to the communities in which they serve. For more information about becoming a franchisee, visit smokeymosbbq.com. 

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Media Contact:  

Daniela Raskosky 

Daniela@snackbox.us

 

 

 

 

 

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Seattle Experience Center Launched by Daikin

SEATTLE EXPERIENCE CENTER LAUNCHED BY LEADING HVAC MANUFACTURER, DAIKIN, OPENS IN TUKWILA, WASH.  

Equipped with cutting-edge technology and interactive exhibits, the Daikin Seattle Experience Center reflects the company’s commitment to offer energy efficient HVAC products to help with electrification and decarbonization efforts in the Pacific Northwest 

  

WALLER, Texas (July 25, 2024) – Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc. (Daikin), a leading HVAC manufacturer, and Thermal Supply, a Daikin Comfort Technology Company based in the Pacific Northwest, recently opened a state-of-the-art Daikin Seattle Experience Center in Tukwila, Wash. (1230 Andover Park East Tukwila, Wash. 98188). The center is the culmination of Daikin’s commitment and promise to the Pacific Northwest to offer energy-efficient HVAC products that help with the electrification and decarbonization efforts of the PNW. 

“The Daikin Seattle Experience Center has been designed with one clear mission: to educate and empower Pacific Northwest consumers about the critical importance of decarbonization and electrification using heat pump and inverter technology,” said Marc Bellanger, Vice President of Marketing Communications, Daikin. “The need to reduce our carbon footprint and embrace cleaner energy solutions has never been more urgent.” 

The center is equipped with cutting-edge technology and interactive exhibits that will provide a hands-on learning experience for all ages. From understanding the basics of heat pump technology to exploring inverter solutions, every aspect of this center has been meticulously crafted to engage, inform, and inspire. 

“The Daikin Seattle Experience Center is not just a building; it is a beacon of innovation, education, and progress in HVAC,” said JR de la Cruz, President, Thermal Supply. “By reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and shifting toward renewable energy sources, we can mitigate the effects of climate change, improve air quality, and create a healthier planet for generations to come.” 

A new scholarship program has been launched as well, designed specifically for high school students who aspire to attend technical schools. This initiative aims to support and empower young minds eager to pursue careers in the technical and vocational fields. The scholarship program will provide financial assistance to qualifying students, helping them achieve their educational and career goals.  

To learn more about the Daikin Seattle Experience Center, visit https://www.daikinseattle.com/. 

 

About Daikin 

Daikin Industries, Ltd. (DIL) is a Fortune 1,000 company with more than 98,162 employees worldwide and a leading indoor comfort solutions provider. Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc. (DNA) is a subsidiary of DIL, providing Daikin, Goodman, Amana® and Quietflex brand products. DNA and its affiliates manufacture heating and cooling systems for residential, commercial and industrial use and are sold via independent HVAC contractors. DNA engineering and manufacturing is located at Daikin Texas Technology Park near Houston, TX. For additional information, visit www.daikincomfort.com. 

Amana® is a registered trademark of Maytag Corporation or its related companies and is used under license. All rights reserved. 

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Media Contact: 

Natalie Boscia, Snackbox 

natalie@snackbox.us  

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LivAway Suites Opens First Extended Stay Hotel

LIVAWAY SUITES OPENS ITS FIRST EXTENDED STAY HOTEL NATIONWIDE  

The rapidly expanding economy extended stay brand aims to add another 50 hotels to its pipeline by 2026  

 WEST JORDAN, Utah (July 24, 2024) — LivAway Suites has announced the grand opening of its first hotel located in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. Salt Lake City was recently named the top job market in the country by the Wall Street Journal and became the first flag on the map for the rapidly expanding economy extended stay brand. LivAway Suites caters to construction workers, traveling medical professionals, the military, displaced families, digital nomads, and others seeking intermediate to long-term accommodations. This segment of the hotel industry has been the poster child of secure, consistent cash-flowing investments in all market conditions, and only fueled further by the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Act and the CHIPs Act.  

Having broken ground on this location in West Jordan, Utah, in June 2023, the 126-suite hotel was constructed in just over 12 months and offers modernized suites with fully equipped kitchens and technological enhancements that improve the overall extended stay experience. According to West77 Partners, the developer of the hotel, the project was completed on schedule and well below budget, which is no small feat given the current inflationary environment. 

“LivAway Suites has an incredibly efficient design that gives you the most bang for buck I’ve seen in this segment,” said Paul Duncan, Chief Development Officer of West77 Partners. “A lot of brands are trying to get into the economy extended stay market, but LivAway Suites has incorporated decades of learning into its hotel design and operating system. Our budget savings on this project are evidence of that.”   

The LivAway Suites brand was created to bring economy extended stay lodging into the 21st century with a real estate-centric operating model. Via its Scandinavian-inspired architecture and design, sleek finishes, and tech-enabled rooms, the hotel is turning heads, but the attention is dominated by the lean operating model. With one of the lowest franchise fee structures in hospitality and a physical layout that streamlines operations, everything about LivAway Suites targets operational efficiencies to maximize return on investment.  

“Three years ago, we created LivAway Suites to be the first hotel brand created for developers, by developers®. Every decision made by the brand must translate to a higher return on investment for the real estate, otherwise we do not pursue it,” said Kevin Dailey, Chief Operating Officer for LivAway Suites. “With our number one goal always being the success of the real estate, LivAway Suites is able to achieve results that other brands simply cannot compete with.”   

In addition to the first grand opening in West Jordan, Utah, LivAway Suites continues to expand across the country via its eight groundbreakings over the last 11 months. LivAway Suites has plans to break ground on 20 more locations over the next year, making it one of the fastest growing new brands in its segment. LivAway Suites plans to open multiple other locations later this year in markets like Nashville, Washington State, Montana and more. 

“This grand opening in West Jordan marks an incredible milestone for LivAway Suites,” remarked Dailey. “It signals our rapid expansion as we remain on pace to have more than 50 hotels open and under construction by 2026. With larger guest suites, improved livability, and a more thoughtful room layout, we know our guests will enjoy the fresh, modern approach to economy extended stay, that gives them everything they need and nothing they don’t®” 

 To learn more about LivAway Suites, visit www.livawaysuites.com.  

About LivAway Suites 

Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, LivAway Suites is a new hotel brand with a developer-centric business model and hotel design that helps our guests feel more at home while away. The brand is built on understanding the importance of offering guests everything they need and nothing they don’t®, with straightforward services and pragmatic amenities that offer livability and comfort at an affordable rate. Built on a foundation of for developers, by developers®, LivAway Suites is poised to disrupt the traditional hotel franchise model through transparent pricing and an improved return on investment. For more information, visit www.livawaysuites.com.  

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Faster and More Secure In-Car Payments for Fueling

 

 

 

Faster and More Secure In-Car Payments for Fueling Through New P97 Networks and Sheeva.AI Partnership 

Drivers can now pay for fueling using their vehicle’s infotainment screen at thousands of gas stations across the U.S.  

Tysons Corner, Va., JULY 23, 2024 – Sheeva.AI, a leading provider of in-vehicle payments and services, and P97 Networks (“P97”), which enables secure cloud-based mobile commerce and digital marketing solutions for the fuel marketing and convenience retail industries, today announced they will work together to bring the SheevaConnect™ premium in-car payment experience to P97’s fueling partners. 

This expansion of fueling payments follows Sheeva.AI’s announcement earlier this spring that drivers of the Citroën C3 Aircross SUV can purchase fuel at thousands of gas stations throughout India, allowing payment, pump activation, digital receipts and rewards points accrual all from inside the car. 

“We’re already in-market enabling and taking payment for fueling transactions inside cars,” said Evgeny Klochikhin, Founder and CEO of Sheeva.AI. “Now the push is to allow drivers to pay and fuel seamlessly at every gas station across the United States, and partnering with P97 is critical to achieve this goal.” 

Klochikhin added that when he founded Sheeva.AI, he envisioned a simple way to pay for and activate car-related transactions – from fueling and electric vehicle charging, to parking and tolling, to curbside pickup and car washes – from inside the vehicle with a single touch on the car infotainment screen. 

“We’ve now proven this can work for fueling in India,” he said. “Now we’re ready to bring it to the rest of the world with our automotive partners and P97 Networks’ vast customer base.” 

For P97 Networks, the partnership adds to their mobile commerce platform that allows oil companies and c-store chains to attract and retain retail fueling customers in an increasingly omnichannel marketing universe. 

“We’ve been working with the Sheeva.AI team following the demand of our fueling and retail partners to enable in-vehicle activation and payments,” said Paul Cwalina, Senior Vice President of Sales at P97 Networks.  “We’ve been watching Sheeva.AI’s progress in the connected car marketplace for a few years now and are pleased to be integrated with them.  We’ve delivered multiple production proof-of-concepts and are excited to deliver another innovative solution to our customer base.” 

Since their production launch earlier this year, Sheeva.AI has been preparing for trials with other automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and tier 1 suppliers globally in the second half of 2024. The company has already mapped more than 3 million service points – including fuel pumps, EV chargers, and parking spaces – around the world. 

 

About P97 Networks, LLC 

P97 Networks provides secure cloud-based mobile commerce and digital marketing solutions for the convenience retail and fuels marketing industries. P97’s commerce solutions enhance the ability of convenience store operators, marketers, and oil companies to attract and retain customers by providing technology that securely connects millions of individual mobile phones and connected cars with identity and geolocation-based software technology to create unique connected-consumer experiences.  More information at www.p97.com. 

 About Sheeva.AI 

Sheeva.AI’s in-car payments and commerce solution introduces vehicle location-based services to monetize the driver experience. Using a patented precise geolocation technology, drivers seamlessly pay for and receive services such as fueling, EV charging, parking, curbside pickup and drive-through via their car’s IVI screen.  

Their SheevaConnect™ product suite includes the patented SheevaLocate™, an embedded software that enables highly accurate vehicle location to within two meters; SheevaFence™, which enables proprietary geofencing/mapping of point-of-sale and service localization (e.g. down to an individual fuel dispenser, EV charging spot, or parking space); SheevaPay™, a cloud-based contactless payment platform; and SheevaServ™, a cloud-based platform to activate nearby services, e.g. a fuel pump, EV charging station, or parking session. 

Founded in 2016, it is headquartered in Tysons Corner, Va., with key offices in Detroit, MI, New Delhi (India), Dresden (Germany) and strategic partner in Nagoya (Japan). More information is available at www.sheeva.ai, and you can check out our demo videos at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PU6zPzmJkAI&t=6s 

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For more information, contact: 

Sarah Kayak 

Sarah@snackbox.us 

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TXB Joins C-Store Industry to Celebrate 24/7 Day

HERE FOR HEROES, HERE FOR YOU: TXB JOINS

CONVENIENCE STORE INDUSTRY TO CELEBRATE 24/7 DAY 

TXB celebrates with a free chicken roll for 

first responders in uniform on July 24
 

SPICEWOOD, Texas (July 23, 2024) — TXB (Texas Born) is celebrating hometown heroes and joining tens of thousands of convenience retailers and suppliers across the United States to celebrate 24/7 Day on Wednesday, July 24. TXB will give a free chicken roll to any first responder in uniform or wearing a badge – including police, fire, EMTs, doctors, nurses, health practitioners, 911 professionals, and Red Cross volunteers to thank them for all they do to ensure people don’t face emergencies alone. 

Held on July 24 each year, 24/7 Day was created to highlight the partnership between first responders and convenience stores. Hosted by the NACS Foundation, the special day also helps raise awareness and donations for the Red Cross and spotlights the convenience and fuel retailing industry’s important role in supporting emergencies, disaster relief and crisis situations, 24/7, 365 days a year.  

In addition to the chicken roll offer, TXB is supporting this year’s 24/7 Day by encouraging community members to take part by sharing stories and appreciation for hometown heroes on social media using the hashtag #247Day.  

“Our commitment to 24/7 Day emphasizes the core values around why we built the TXB brand – authenticity, hospitality and integrity, in addition to our deep commitment to the communities we serve,” said Kevin Smartt, CEO of TXB. “We always want to ‘Leave ‘Em Better’ and continue providing our guests with our Texan hospitality and delicious fresh-made food.”  

Convenience stores are community stores: 93% of Americans live within 10 minutes a convenience store. There are 152,000-plus convenience stores in the United States, and cumulatively, the industry serves approximately 160 million customers per day, sells 80% of the fuel purchased in the country and donates more than $1 billion a year to charitable causes. 

People are impacted by emergencies every day, including the communities that TXB serves: 

  • On average, the Red Cross responds to an emergency every 8 minutes. From small house fires to multi-state national disasters, the American Red Cross goes where it’s needed so people can have clean water, safe shelter and hot meals when they need them most. 
  • Every day, more than 21,000 people receive assistance from the Red Cross, whether they need lifesaving blood, relief after a disaster, support with the challenges of military life, skills that save lives or international humanitarian aid. 
  • The Red Cross responds to an average of 65,000 disasters every year and 95% of its disaster relief workers are volunteers. 
  • Every Red Cross donation helps change lives, and an average of 90 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in delivering care and comfort to those in need 

To learn more about TXB and its offerings, visit www.txbstores.com. 

About Texas Born (TXB) 

Headquartered in Spicewood, Texas, TXB is a family of customer service-oriented convenience stores and food markets that emphasize the Texas roots and values the brand was built upon. With more than 50 locations throughout Texas and Oklahoma, TXB is famous for its fresh-made, restaurant-quality food items prepared on-site. TXB’s new slogan, “Cluck Yeah!” is used to describe the company’s freshly battered, jumbo chicken tenders. Serving more than 4,000 items, including cold fountain drinks sweetened with sugar cane and a line of private-label products, including jerky, water, coffee and more.  

With its motto, “Leave ‘Em Better,” TXB continually looks for ways to give its guests the highest quality of service and products, raising the bar for c-store standards; this is why TXB won CStore News’ Prepared Food Innovator of the Year for the second time and TXB’s CEO, Kevin Smartt, was named Convenience Store News’ Retailer Executive of the Year. Please visit www.txbstores.com for more information. 

 

About the NACS Foundation  

NACS Foundation is the 501(c)3 charitable arm of NACS, the global industry association dedicated to advancing convenience and fuel retailing. In partnership with fuel retail, convenience and suppliers across the U.S., the NACS Foundation propels brighter futures by unifying and amplifying the philanthropic and charitable activities of the industry in communities across America. To learn more, visit conveniencecares.org, or visit us on Facebook at @TheNACSFoundation and Twitter at @NACS_Foundation. 

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Media Contact:  

Daniela Raskosky 

daniela@snackbox.us 

305-790-7277

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LivAway Suites Breaks Ground in Portland Area

LIVAWAY SUITES® BREAKS GROUND ON NEW HOTEL IN PORTLAND METROPOLITAN AREA 

  LivAway Suites expands northeast with newest location breaking ground in Scarborough, Maine 

 SALT LAKE CITY (July 9, 2024) – LivAway Suites®, has commenced foundation work on their newest location in Scarborough, Maine, conveniently located just seven miles south of Portland and four miles south of the Portland International Jetport. 

 With nearby Portland noted as one of the top extended-stay demand locations in the country, Scarborough is an ideal city for the rapidly expanding LivAway Suites brand. The Portland Metropolitan Area is a leading wholesale distribution point for northern New England and is home to the second-largest port in New England in terms of tonnage. While southern Maine is currently experiencing a housing crunch, many business owners can’t fill jobs because workers can’t find affordable housing and accommodations, which makes the Scarborough area ripe for extended stay options. 

 “Our newest property in Scarborough will be built in close proximity to major employers – answering the high demand for affordable extended stay options,” said Mike Nielson, CEO of LivAway Suites. “We’re eager to meet the needs of the growing influx of workers and families coming to the Portland Metropolitan area, with our unique brand promise of offering guests everything they need and nothing they don’t®.”   

 Following recent announcements of a new LivAway Suites groundbreaking in Draper, Utah, the appointment of Paul Duncan as the new Chief Development Officer, and its first location in West Jordan, Utah opening its doors any day now, the fast-growing hospitality group continues to expand across the country providing an elevated, extended stay experience at an affordable rate. 

 With eight groundbreakings over the last 11 months, LivAway Suites has plans to break ground on nine more locations this year, making it one of the fastest growing new brands in its segment. 

 To learn more about LivAway Suites, visit www.livawaysuites.com. 

ABOUT LIVAWAY SUITES 

Based in Salt Lake City, UT, LivAway Suites is a new hotel brand with a developer-centric business model and hotel design that helps our guests feel more at home while away. The brand is built on understanding the importance of offering guests everything they need and nothing they don’t™, with straightforward services and pragmatic amenities that offer livability and comfort at an affordable rate. Built on a foundation of for developers, by developers™, LivAway Suites is poised to disrupt the traditional hotel franchise model through transparent pricing and an improved ROI. For more information, visit www.livawaysuites.com. 

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 Media Contact: 

Veronica Alvarez 

(281) 512-6134 

veronica@snackbox.us 

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Cluck Yeah! TXB Celebrates National Chicken Day

TXB is Taking Over National Chicken Day on July 6 to Celebrate New Slogan “Cluck Yeah!” with Social Contest, National Chicken Day Deals, and More 

SPICEWOOD, Texas (June 28, 2024) — TXB (Texas Born), a family of customer service-oriented convenience stores and food market operations, is celebrating National Chicken Day by unveiling the company’s newest slogan: Cluck Yeah! with a social contest, in-app deals and more.  

To celebrate on Saturday, July 6, all TXB stores will be offering a free chicken roll on the TXB app. 

On TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, TXB will launch a clucking contest on Friday, June 28, where the winner will win free chicken rolls for a year.  

“While the Cluck Yeah! campaign is playful, it’s also sincere and emphasizes the core values around why we built the TXB brand – authenticity, hospitality and integrity,” said Kevin Smartt, CEO of TXB. “With a bit of Texas swagger, Clucky – the Cluck Yeah! mascot is approachable to everyone. With TXB’s 100% commitment to quality and fresh, locally sourced ingredients, anyone who tries our chicken will say, “Cluck Yeah!” 

The celebration doesn’t end after National Chicken Day, as TXB will give away a chicken roll for free to all first responders on 24/7 Day. The annual celebration on July 24 celebrates first responders, medical and emergency professionals while raising funds for disaster relief organized by the NACS Foundation. 

TXB will also be having a promotion for guests to receive two chicken rolls for just $6 during the full month of July. 

This launch is part of the brand’s larger initiative to “Leave ‘Em Better” by continually providing guests with renowned Texan hospitality and superior fresh-made food at an unbeatable value. TXB carefully selects quality products to provide the best that Texas has to offer at an incredible value. 

To learn more about TXB and its offerings, visit www.txbstores.com. 

 About Texas Born (TXB) 

Headquartered in Spicewood, Texas, TXB is a family of customer service-oriented convenience stores and food markets that emphasize the Texas roots and values the brand was built upon. With more than 50 locations throughout Texas and Oklahoma, TXB is famous for its fresh-made, restaurant-quality food items prepared on-site. TXB’s new slogan, “Cluck Yeah!” is used to describe the company’s freshly battered, jumbo chicken tenders. Serving more than 4,000 items, including cold fountain drinks sweetened with sugar cane and a line of private-label products, including jerky, water, coffee and more.  

 With its motto, “Leave ‘Em Better,” TXB continually looks for ways to give its guests the highest quality of service and products, raising the bar for c-store standards; this is why TXB won CStore News’ Prepared Food Innovator of the Year for the second time and TXB’s CEO, Kevin Smartt, was named Convenience Store News’ Retailer Executive of the Year. Please visit www.txbstores.com for more information. 

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Media Contact:  

Sarah Kayak 

Saraha@snackbox.us 

214-934-3707

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