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Zynga Celebrates the 2021 Return of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Hit Mobile Game Franchise, Words With Friends

The Perseverance and Perspicacity of Young Spellers Will Be Honored with Eight-Day ‘Word of the Day’ Takeover in Lead-up to July 8 Finals

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Today, Zynga Inc. (Nasdaq: ZNGA), a global leader in interactive entertainment, announced its collaboration with the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the nation’s largest and longest-running education competition, leading up to its highly anticipated 2021 conclusion. From today through the Bee’s finals on July 8, the Words With Friends ‘Word of the Day’ will be the winning word from each of the eight 2019 champions and self-proclaimed ‘Octochamps’, who ended the Bee’s most recent circuit with an unprecedented eight-way tie.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210701005036/en/

Following a hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bee is back with its signature suspense and competition featuring exceptional spellers from across the United States and The Bahamas. Introducing new elements in 2021 that include a framework for a spell-off option, this year’s event will culminate in a live, televised event on July 8, with the winner taking home the Scripps Cup trophy. In preparation for the thrills and intensity of the Bee’s return, the Octochamps will connect players of Words With Friends with their special moments of spelling triumph in this unique, eight-day ‘Word of the Day’ takeover.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing the Scripps National Spelling Bee back in 2021 so that we can give some truly exceptional spellers the opportunity to show off their mastery of the dictionary and return this American tradition to TV screens across the country,” said Dr. J. Michael Durnil, executive director of the Bee. “Games and play are powerful tools for learning, and we’re excited to work with Zynga to bring additional joy and attention to this year’s event through their Words With Friends community.”

“The Scripps National Spelling Bee contestants spend years preparing for this linguistic contest of intellect and calm under pressure,” said Bernard Kim, Zynga President of Publishing. “Our Words With Friends players are also lovers of words and friendly competition, and I could not think of a better beacon of inspiration than these Spellers to encourage us to continue to learn, strive and achieve. Best of luck to the 2021 contestants at the July 8th finals and our congratulations to all competitors.”

Underscoring the intensity and depth of language knowledge these Spellers possess, four words had to be added to the Words With Friends dictionary for this initiative: auslaut, pendeloque, palama and odylic. As players click the ‘Word of the Day’ cell during this initiative, they can also access the word’s definition and a photo of the 2019 champion moment when each contestant turned into an historic champion.

Launched in 2009, Words With Friends has grown from popular mobile game to global pop culture sensation. Since then, the game has expanded to new platforms like Facebook Messenger, launched a hit sequel with Words With Friends 2 and brought innovative new ways to play to people around the world. The game’s success through this decade-long journey has been powered by player connections made through quick and clever wordplay that has become a touchstone in fans’ lives.

For supporting still and video assets, visit: https://bit.ly/WWF_Octochamps.

To keep up to date with the latest news, follow Words With Friends on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About Zynga

Zynga is a global leader in interactive entertainment with a mission to connect the world through games. To date, more than one billion people have played Zynga’s franchises including CSR Racing™, Empires & Puzzles™, Merge Dragons!™ Merge Magic!™, Toon Blast™, Toy Blast™, Words With Friends™ and Zynga Poker™. Zynga’s games are available in more than 150 countries and are playable across social platforms and mobile devices worldwide. Founded in 2007, the company is headquartered in San Francisco with locations in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, India, Turkey and Finland. For more information, visit www.zynga.com or follow Zynga on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or the Zynga blog.

About the Scripps National Spelling Bee:

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the nation’s largest and longest-running educational program, having launched in 1925. The purpose of the Scripps National Spelling Bee is to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts and develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives. Visit spellingbee.com for more information about the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which is administered on a not-for-profit basis by The E.W. Scripps Company.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, relating to, among other things, events and featuring in the franchise Words With Friends. Forward-looking statements often include words such as “outlook,” “projected,” “planned,” “intends,” “will,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “target,” “expect,” and statements in the future tense are generally forward-looking. The achievement or success of the matters covered by such forward-looking statements involves significant risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date hereof. We assume no obligation to update such statements. More information about these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions is or will be described in greater detail in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), copies of which may be obtained by visiting our Investor Relations website at http://investor.zynga.com or the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

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Dana Whitney

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America California

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Software TV and Radio Mobile Entertainment Technology Electronic Games Primary/Secondary Education Entertainment

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Zynga Celebrates the 2021 Return of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Hit Mobile Game Franchise, Words With Friends (Photo: Business Wire)

Equitable Adds Managed Accounts and Cash Balance Solution to Retirement Plans

Adds to Robust Suite of Financial Services Supporting Small and Medium-Sized Business Owners

Research Shows Retirement Remains a Priority for Business Owners and Their Employees

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Equitable, a leading financial services organization and principal franchise of Equitable Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EQH), today announced the addition of customized managed accounts and a cash balance plan to its group retirement plans for small-to-medium sized businesses. These additional services will allow business owners and their employees to further tailor their investment portfolios and plan design to help them reach their goals.

Managed accounts provide an option for people looking for guidance in creating retirement plan allocations, with a customized portfolio for each plan participant based on their current age, location, contribution rate, marital status, gender, and balance, and then can be further personalized by the participant online. As a result, they can be much more tailored than other qualified default investment alternatives (QDIAs). This customization can be beneficial to helping retirement savers achieve their goals.

Cash balance plans can allow business owners to lower their tax burden, accelerate retirement savings and save more for retirement.

“Despite the fact that small businesses are facing one of the most challenging periods in recent history given the COVID-19 pandemic, small business owners aren’t giving up their dreams of financial stability and a comfortable retirement for themselves and their employees,” said Jessica Baehr, head of Group Retirement, Equitable. “Extending increased customization and personalization in their 401(k) plans, along with advice and a full suite of employee benefits solutions is important to helping small business owners and their employees weather uncertainty and plan for their financial futures.”

Research conducted by Equitable in late 2020 showed that small-to-medium sized business owners and their employees continue to prioritize saving for retirement despite hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While almost 40% of small businesses have reported loss of income due to the pandemic, the survey showed that only 12% have stopped or lowered their retirement contributions and only 2% pulled money out of the markets.

Survey respondents also expressed knowing that their future retirement is secure would be a great stress relief. Almost 90% of small business owners want to preserve the current value of their investments and 70% want to identify opportunities to grow their investments.

“Small businesses employ half of the US workforce. They are an important part of the fabric of our communities and are vital to our economy,” continued Baehr. “With so many of these businesses facing uncertain futures due to the impact of COVID-19, we are committed to delivering the expertise, technology and intuitive solutions our small and mid-sized business clients need to keep their businesses going and help them and their employees continue to plan for their financial futures.”

The new managed account will be provided through Stadion Money Management, an investment management firm and 3(38) participant level fiduciary also approved by both institutional plan level fiduciary partners, Wilshire and SWBC. There are no minimum account balances for either plans or their participants.

Equitable supports small businesses through a robust suite of strategies customizable to the unique needs of both the business owner and its employees, including employer-sponsored and individual life insurance, annuities, dental and vision insurance plans, short and long-term disability income insurance and 401(k) plans.

Equitable has also expanded its suite of offerings to include growth-focused investment and tax-advantaged income planning for business owners. Earlier this year the company integrated an innovative technology platform developed by Corporate & Endowment Solutions, Inc. (CES). The addition of CES will enable small businesses to provide customized strategies to manage a full range of employee benefits offerings, integral to acquiring and retaining top talent.

About Equitable

Equitable, a principal franchise of Equitable Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EQH), has been one of America’s leading financial services providers since 1859. With the mission to help clients secure their financial well-being, Equitable provides advice, protection and retirement strategies to individuals, families and small businesses. Equitable has more than 8,000 employees and Equitable Advisors financial professionals and serves 2.8 million clients across the country. Please visit equitable.com for more information. Reference to the 1859 founding applies specifically and exclusively to Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company.

Stadion Money Management, LLC (“Stadion”), an independent investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission provides investment advice and account management services. Stadion is not a subsidiary of Equitable Holdings, Inc. Investments are subject to risk, and any of Stadion’s investment strategies may lose money.

Corporate and Endowment Solutions (CES), including its administration services arm, CES Administration (CESA), is a division of Equitable, which is the brand name of the retirement and protection subsidiaries of Equitable Holdings, Inc., including Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (Equitable Financial) (NY, NY) and Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America (Equitable America), an AZ stock company with main administrative headquarters in Jersey City, NJ, issuers of annuity and life insurance products; and Equitable Distributors, LLC. Equitable Advisors is the brand name of Equitable Advisors, LLC (member FINRA, SIPC) (Equitable Financial Advisors in MI & TN).

Wilshire Advisors LLC is an investment advisor fiduciary under ERISA 3(21) responsible for recommending the glide path manager, GLWB providers, underlying fund products and stable value offerings to the trustee from an investment universe selected by the product consultant for each category. SWBC Retirement Plan Services is an unaffiliated third-party and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SWBC, which was established in 1976. Advisory services are offered by SWBC Investment Advisory Services, LLC, d/b/a SWBC Retirement Plan Services, a Registered Investment Advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

GE- 3650087(6/21)(exp.06/23)

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Abby Aylman Cohen

Jennifer Compton

[email protected]

212-314-2010

KEYWORDS: United States North America New York

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Small Business Professional Services Insurance Finance

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Hims & Hers Expands Mental Health Offerings to Include Individual Online Therapy

Amid Heightened Mental Health Needs, Trusted Telehealth Provider Introduces Access to Convenient and Affordable One-On-One Online Therapy Services for Consumers

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (“Hims & Hers”, NYSE: HIMS), the multi-specialty telehealth platform focused on providing modern personalized health and wellness experiences to consumers, today announces the expansion of its mental health offerings to include individual online therapy. Built to complement the platform’s existing services including access to online psychiatry and free, educational support group sessions, the new individualized therapy offering provides more convenience, comfort, and cost-savings to mental health services that centers on personalization and approachability. Individual online therapy is available at $99 per session.

While online psychiatry provides patients with access to healthcare providers who have the ability to prescribe medications for concerns such as anxiety and depression to patients deemed appropriate for a prescription, this new service connects patients with licensed therapists over video call to work through acute need areas and build a personalized, ongoing mental wellness routine.

Hims & Hers’ online therapy offering is centralized in its all-new Mental Health Dashboard that puts consumers in the driver’s seat when it comes to developing a treatment plan that works best for their own personal needs, goals, schedules and budgets. In the Mental Health Dashboard, patients will have a personalizable experience by being able to track their anxiety and depression scores, access upcoming session and therapist information, schedule/reschedule visits, and see the number of completed sessions all in one easy-to-use space. Furthermore, all customers will continue to have free access to mental health resources and content.

“In business, we talk a lot about supply and demand, but until I started working in the healthcare industry I had never seen those two concepts so critically out of balance,” commented Andrew Dudum, co-founder and CEO of Hims & Hers. “The need for mental health care is rapidly on the rise across the country, but many of the current options fall short of what people are looking for. Consumers want personalization in every aspect of their life, and this includes how and when they access therapy. Quality care is hard to find and even harder to access, particularly when you bring cost and scheduling into the conversation. I’m incredibly proud of the team here at Hims & Hers for developing a platform that takes the fear and guesswork out of therapy without sacrificing the high standards of care we uphold across our entire telehealth offering.”

In addition to its new online therapy offering, Hims & Hers also offers free, educational support group sessions, held live and led by certified mental health and wellness professionals. At no cost to users, these sessions offer consumers an anonymous platform to learn from professionals and discuss a variety of topics. Additionally, Hims & Hers also offers access to online psychiatry services, providing consumers with access to virtual appointments during which medical professionals thoroughly evaluate, and if deemed appropriate, can prescribe treatment for mental health conditions related to anxiety and depression. Furthermore, Hims & Hers’ online psychiatry and therapy customers will have 24/7 access to connect live with a master’s level counselor over the phone who is able to assist in urgent or crisis mental health situations. Hims & Hers’ suite of mental health offerings enables consumers to confidently seek the care they need, personalized to their own unique circumstances.

Consumers don’t need insurance to take part in individual therapy through Hims & Hers platform. For more information please visit www.forhims.com or www.forhers.com.

About Hims & Hers

Hims & Hers is a multi-specialty telehealth platform that connects consumers to licensed healthcare professionals, enabling them to access high-quality medical care for numerous conditions related to primary care, mental health, sexual health, dermatology, and more. Launched in November 2017, the company also offers thoughtfully created and curated health and wellness products. With products and services available across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., Hims & Hers is able to provide access to quality, convenient and affordable care for all Americans. Hims & Hers was founded by CEO Andrew Dudum, Hilary Coles, Jack Abraham and Joe Spector at venture studio Atomic in San Francisco, California. For more information about Hims & Hers, please visit forhims.com and forhers.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210701005120/en/

Linda O’Connor

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: California United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Mental Health Health Mobile/Wireless Technology Telecommunications

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Posted on July 1, 2021 9:00 am

Stephen Ambrose Joins SAIC as Chief Climate Scientist

Stephen Ambrose Joins SAIC as Chief Climate Scientist

RESTON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Science Applications International Corp. (NYSE: SAIC) today announced the appointment of Stephen Ambrose in the newly created role of chief climate scientist. In this role, Ambrose will lead SAIC’s climate program to provide government and industry customers solutions to address some of the most challenging problems facing society.

Ambrose brings more than 40 years of experience working in science and technology at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NASA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of the Interior, and the private sector where he shaped and led efforts to apply technology and analytics to government missions regarding climate-related challenges. His experience will guide SAIC’s efforts to support government customers as they advance solutions to deal with the impacts of climate on land, air, sea, wildlife, and civilizations around the world. He will also promote solutions for measuring and addressing climate challenges, leveraging SAIC solutions and capabilities in data science, modeling, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and analytics.

“Climate change is one of the grand challenges of our time, with government organizations at the forefront of efforts to address the associated issues,” said Bob Genter, president of SAIC Defense and Civilian Sector. “Stephen brings a wealth of experience and expertise to SAIC as we continue to help our customers rise to this challenge with solutions scaled to meet all levels of climate and disaster risk and adaptation.”

Prior to his new role with SAIC, Ambrose was a senior advisor and program manager at General Dynamics Information Technology. In that role, he supported the company’s work in providing scientific modeling, application development, web design, visualization, computational science, and statistical support to the EPA Office of Research and Development Labs and EPA offices nationwide.

His government career with NOAA spans 25 years as a physical scientist, meteorologist, satellite data operations manager and deputy of NOAA’s archive of satellite data and products. At NASA, Ambrose served for 10 years as program manager executive for disasters, homeland security, and water resources and as an aerospace engineer study manager supporting future earth science missions at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. Among his many career awards, he received NOAA’s Bronze Medal for wildfire response and NASA’s Exceptional Achievement Medal for his work related to disaster reduction.

Ambrose holds a Bachelor of Science in physical science from the University of Maryland with additional studies in climatology at the University of Maryland Graduate School’s Geography Department.

About SAIC

SAIC^® is a premier Fortune 500® technology integrator driving our nation’s technology transformation. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian, and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in engineering, digital, artificial intelligence, and mission solutions. Using our expertise and understanding of existing and emerging technologies, we integrate the best components from our own portfolio and our partner ecosystem to deliver innovative, effective, and efficient solutions that are critical to achieving our customers’ missions.

We are more than 26,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has pro forma annual revenues of approximately $7.1 billion.​​​​ For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release contain or are based on “forward-looking” information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “guidance,” and similar words or phrases. Forward-looking statements in this release may include, among others, estimates of future revenues, operating income, earnings, earnings per share, charges, total contract value, backlog, outstanding shares and cash flows, as well as statements about future dividends, share repurchases and other capital deployment plans. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risk, uncertainties and assumptions, and actual results may differ materially from the guidance and other forward-looking statements made in this release as a result of various factors. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause or contribute to these material differences include those discussed in the “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Legal Proceedings” sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated in any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the SEC, which may be viewed or obtained through the Investor Relations section of our website at saic.comor on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. Due to such risks, uncertainties and assumptions you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. SAIC expressly disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statement provided in this release to reflect subsequent events, actual results or changes in SAIC’s expectations. SAIC also disclaims any duty to comment upon or correct information that may be contained in reports published by investment analysts or others.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210701005538/en/

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Brad Bass

240.418.0168 | [email protected]

KEYWORDS: Virginia United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Other Manufacturing Research Other Defense Engineering Aerospace Manufacturing Other Science Science Defense

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POTTERY BARN KIDS AND POTTERY BARN TEEN LAUNCH A NEW COLLABORATION WITH HOPE FOR FLOWERS BY TRACY REESE

Assortment now available online at Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen, portfolio brands of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM), the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, recently debuted a new collaboration in partnership with Hope for Flowers, the sustainable clothing brand created by fashion designer, Tracy Reese. The collaboration consists of colorful and sophisticated bedroom collections that are responsibly sourced and feature vibrant floral prints inspired by Tracy Reese’s fashion designs.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210701005290/en/

When designing the new collaboration for Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen, it was important to Tracy Reese to incorporate a mix of textures and colorful floral patterns into the designs to create optimistic and cheerful pieces that would inspire kids and teens.

“I believe that home and fashion are intrinsically intertwined, and with the Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese x Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen collections, I’m excited to help transform the home into a vibrant sanctuary that is as optimistic and inspiring as a favorite dress,” said Hope for Flowers founder and designer Tracy Reese. “True to my line, these collections not only play with color and texture, but also have an emphasis on sustainability which is an essential value of both the brands and mine. I hope customers come to love these designs as much as I do.”

The vibrant colors and beautiful floral prints in the Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese x Pottery Barn KidsPatchwork Quilt and the Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese x Pottery Barn KidsBouquet of Flowers Sheet Set create a joyful and playful environment while remaining elevated. The Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese x Pottery Barn Teen Magical Garden Rug adds an element of surprise and sophistication to any room with its unique cut and the oversized floral design carved into the rug.

“Tracy sees the beauty in the world and her Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese fashion label embodies that sense of optimism and hope,” said Allison Spampanato, Sr. Vice President of Product Development, Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen. “It was such a thrill to work with her and bring that inspiration, sophistication and joy into every piece of these collections, and design creative spaces for kids and teens.”

The collaboration reflects each brand’s commitment to incorporate social and environmentally responsible practices into their businesses. Several pieces in the collections use responsibly sourced cottons and were made in Fair Trade Certified factories.

To learn more about the collection, visit www.potterybarnkids.com/tracy-reese and www.pbteen.com/tracy-reese and join the conversation on social media with @potterybarnkids and @potterybarnteen.

ABOUT POTTERY BARN KIDS

Introduced in 1999, Pottery Barn Kids offers exclusive children’s home furnishings available online and in stores globally to create kid-friendly, eco-conscious, stylish and innovative spaces. As a leader in the industry, Pottery Barn Kids’ mission is to bring the utmost in quality, sustainability and safety into every family’s home. Products are rigorously tested to meet the highest child safety standards and are expertly crafted from the best materials to last beyond the childhood years. Pottery Barn Kids is a member of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM) and participates in The Key Rewards, a free-to-join loyalty program that offers members exclusive benefits across the family of brands.

ABOUT POTTERY BARN TEEN

Introduced in 2003, Pottery Barn Teen offers exclusively designed, sustainable home furnishings dedicated to creating spaces that reflect who teens are and how they live. Available online and in stores globally, Pottery Barn Teen brings the best in quality design with a focus on eco-friendly and sustainable materials that have a low impact on the environment. Pottery Barn Dorm, launched in 2010, is Pottery Barn Teen’s offering of bedding and furnishings with the same quality and commitment to style. Pottery Barn Teen is a member of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM) and participates in The Key Rewards, a free-to-join loyalty program that offers members exclusive benefits across the family of brands.

WSM PR

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Rebecca Clark

Public Relations, Pottery Barn Teen

[email protected]

Molly Terrell

Public Relations, Pottery Barn Teen

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America California

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Online Retail Family Specialty Consumer Catalog Fashion Construction & Property Teens Retail Children Home Goods Interior Design

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