Health Food Innovator Edward & Sons Trading Company, Inc. – First To Introduce Miso-Cup® Instant Soup & Gluten-Free Baked Brown Rice Snaps® To American Consumers –Marks 40^th Anniversary Milestone

CARPINTERIA, CA., MARCH 8, 2018 - The first Whole Foods Market wouldn’t open in Austin, Texas, for another two years. The first Sprouts wouldn’t make its debut in Arizona for another 24 years. Vegetarians were relegated to the shadows in most supermarket settings, and for much of the population, the term Vegan sounded like something out of “Star Trek.”

The year was 1978 and the health food revolution was in its infancy. But a young man named Joel Dee with a vision of what the industry could one day become saw the future. And it was delicious.

As a young man, Joel worked alongside his two brothers and their father, Edward, in the family’s iconic New Jersey-based business, Smarties Candy Company. But, as fate would have it, Joel’s interests extended well beyond the confection industry.

“I was responsible for export sales at the candy company and found it difficult to maintain a healthy, satisfying diet while on-the-road,” Joel recalls today. “Health food stores sold wholesome foods that required a kitchen and a long cooking time, both in short supply to a `road warrior’ such as myself. Conventional supermarkets sold convenience foods that were laced with preservatives and artificial ingredients, which I was determined to avoid. To make things even tougher, I had recently become vegetarian, so my restaurant menu options were often limited to salad and potatoes... not exactly a balanced diet.”

Adds Joel, “I was a traveling salesman who needed portable, nourishing, easy to prepare vegetarian food without artificial ingredients, but I couldn’t find it anywhere in 1976 America. I wondered: Could I be the only person who wants this? I hadn’t planned to start a new business, but I felt somewhat obliged to.  If I wouldn’t take on the job of creating wholesome, vegetarian convenience foods, it occurred to me that no one else would either.”

With that motivation in mind, Joel began a two year effort to develop Miso-Cup® instant soup mix and, with its launch in 1978, Edward & Sons Trading Company, Inc. was born.

A History of “Firsts”                                                                                                                                                                              

As it turned out, introducing instant Miso-Cup soup would be only the first of numerous company innovations that would continue for the next forty years. In 1979, for example, Edward & Sons introduced Baked Brown Rice Snaps® whole grain, gluten free crackers, decades before American shoppers would demand gluten free groceries on a massive scale. Numerous “first-to-market” vegan organic products followed, including canned coconut milk, hearts of palm, pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges, Worcestershire sauce, croutons, panko, ice cream cones and many more.

According to Joel, “We tend to do `firsts’ because that’s what we’re passionate about. We are driven to provide new options to our health-aware consumers, while creating markets for our ethical organic farmers and packers around the globe. We’re proud of our activities that protect native forests and support conversion from conventional to organic farming, which nourishes the environment while enhancing the well-being of everyone along the supply chain from farm to table.”

Indeed, Joel and his team have successfully developed so many different products over these past 40 years that they’ve chosen to create subsidiary brands to market and distinguish them all, including the flagship Edward & Sons® brand as well as Native Forest®,  Let’s Do Organic®, Let’s Do Gluten-Free®, More Than Fair®, Nature Factor®, Road’s End Organics®, Premier Japan® and The Wizard's®. 

Regardless of the brand name on the package, however, all products under the Edward & Sons umbrella are defined by the company’s longstanding commitment to excellent vegetarian food and to its enduring motto: Convenience Without Compromise.®

As Joel sums up, “We remain a vegetarian company that’s mission-driven to offer consumers delicious and nourishing convenience foods free of artificial ingredients. That’s how we’ve run the business for the past 40 years and it’s how I envision Edward & Sons to be run for the next 40 years - and beyond.”

CBD NATION, AVAILABLE AUGUST 25 ON AMAZON AND VIDEO ON DEMAND EXAMINES THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND MEDICAL EVIDENCE SURROUNDING THE WORLD’S MOST POLITICIZED PLANT: CANNABIS

Featuring renowned medical marijuana pioneers and globally acclaimed scientists including Steve DeAngelo, Andrew DeAngelo, Raphael Mechoulam, Ph.D., Dr. June Chin, Dr. Sue Sisley, Dr. Uma V.A. Dhanabalan, Dr. Debra Kimless, Dedi Meiri Ph.D., Dr. Ethan Russo, Rylie and Janie Maedler and many more

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 10, 2020 - Mad Machine Films today announced the North American release of the documentary feature film, CBD Nation (1:22 min), distributed by Gravitas Ventures and available to mass audiences on August 25, 2020 via Amazon, iTunes and video on demand channels.  

Explains the film’s director and producer David Jakubovic, “Over the course of this project, I came to realize that cannabis is far from a gateway drug; for many, it’s actually an exit drug from Pharmaceuticals and Narcotics. And in the U.S. - which has 5% of the world's population consuming 75% of the world's pharmaceuticals - we can no longer afford to be in the dark about the facts. Facts can save lives.”

Featuring the world’s leading experts in cannabis science and medicine - including acclaimed Israeli scientist Raphael Mechoulam, Ph.D., the ‘father of cannabis research’ whose 1960s discovery of THC jump started the medical and scientific revolution around cannabis - CBD Nation offers a compelling look at 60 years’ worth of published and ongoing research. 

“We published our findings thirty-seven years ago: cannabidiol (CBD) blocks epileptic attacks in patients. What happened? Nothing for thirty years,” states Raphael Mechoulam, President of The Multidisciplinary Center for Cannabinoid Research at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. “Nothing happened until desperate parents like those in this film did their own research and found out that cannabidiol can help children with epilepsy. But epilepsy is just one of many conditions that we know cannabis medicine can treat. If the world chooses to not look at all of the science, it is not ignorance – it’s negligence.” 

Adds longtime cannabis activist, entrepreneur, and restorative justice champion, Steve DeAngelo, who also appears in the film: “CBD Nation brings you the real science that decades of U.S. government sponsored misinformation have hidden from public view. Watch it, and learn why cannabis may just be the most valuable medicine ever discovered by human beings.”

Shot in 2018 over the course of six months in the United States, Canada, and Israel, CBD Nation marries a wealth of scientific breakthroughs with first-person narratives, following the emotional stories of patients for whom CBD is a lifesaving medicine. 

• At age seven, Rylie Maedler was diagnosed with a rare degenerative bone disease called Aggressive Giant Cell Granuloma whereby tumors ate away at the bones of her face. Today, 14-year-old Rylie remains the only known person with this disease worldwide whose bones have regenerated.  
• Military veteran Colin Wells served in the US Army Infantry from 2008-2012. He was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from July 2009-July 2010 as well as Operation Moshtarak. Like many veterans, when Colin returned home he faced many physical and mental problems which led him to drug addiction and homelessness. CBD rich cannabis has helped his chronic pain and PTSD so much that he is a leader in the Veteran Cannabis Community and advocate for veterans’ rights to cannabis.  
• Six-year-old Jayden David couldn't walk, eat solid food, or even take a bath prior to being medicated with CBD. He has Dravet Syndrome, a rare and catastrophic form of childhood epilepsy. To combat his illness, Jayden became a patient of Harborside Health Center in Oakland, California, founded by brothers Steve DeAngelo and Andrew DeAngelo in 2006 and today the largest medical marijuana dispensary in the country with over 200,000 patients. Jayden had been prescribed 22 anti-seizure pills a day, which left him immobilized. The first day in Jayden’s life that he was seizure-free was the first day he took CBD. 

“CBD Nation tells the authentic origin story of CBD… how it took sick kids like Jayden David, Rylie Maedler, and the late Charlotte Figi becoming messengers for this plant in order for mainstream society to acknowledge its potential as medicine,” shares Harborside co-founder, cannabis industry consultant and strategic advisor, Andrew DeAngelo. “It is a story about human biology, human rights, and the ultimate victory of truth and science, which could not be more relevant today."

With interviews from more than 30 physicians, clinicians, researchers, and patients, CBD Nation is the first wide release film to dive deep into how the human body has evolved to work with cannabis, providing not only a second chance at life for patients but also a fighting chance for the world’s most politicized plant to be accepted for what it is: medicine.  

“I hope that U.S. doctors, educators and politicians see this film,” says Rylie Maedler, who worked closely with legislators in her home state of Delaware to pass Rylie’s Law, granting children with qualifying conditions access to medical cannabis. “Because I’m living proof of the fact that cannabis and CBD have a place in modern medicine.” 

To learn more about CBD Nation, please visit CBDNationFilm.com.

Your Actions Effect Others. I don't think I need to say much more here. This weeks episode is a little extra on the personal side of things. Clearly I have some unresolved issues LOL. On a serious note I hope you learn from my experience and take something away from this episode! Thanks for listening! Don't forget to leave a review and give some stars! See ya next week!

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Revolutionary Ideas in Healthcare Technology Result in More Customized Treatment Plans for Patients

Boston, MA, August 7, 2020 — Everything today is automated so why has it taken the healthcare industry longer than most? That’s all about to change with the introduction of Harry Glorikian’s ground-breaking new book that outlines the appropriate steps to take in order to provide a more tailored treatment plan for all patients instead of a one-size-fits-all.

In MoneyBall Medicine: Thriving in the New Data-Driven Healthcare Market, the author includes interviews with numerous healthcare leaders and outlines the challenges and opportunities developing for those working in this critical and vibrant sector of the world’s economy. Glorikian outlines changes that are taking place and how they will impact everyone from patients to researchers and insurers, with predictions for the healthcare industry in the future.

“If the difference between evolution and revolution is the speed of change, then healthcare is now in the mode of revolutionary change,” notes global business expert Harry Glorikian.

He points to the uptick in electronic storage of medical records, convenient online patient portals, and innovative applications of data to help pinpoint outbreaks and expose drug-resistant diseases. We have entered a rapidly evolving era of medicine that values data-driven approaches and prioritizes evidence-based care, and the best is yet to come, Glorikian predicts. 

In his book, Glorikian (along with award-winning healthcare writer Malorye Allison Branca) shows through examples what a new data-driven healthcare system could look like when implemented on a global basis. The authors reveal where data and cutting-edge analytics are already advancing healthcare and creating new and evolving business opportunities. Data and technology are already impacting drug development, precision medicine, and how patients with rare diseases are diagnosed and treated. Digital devices and artificial intelligence are helping doctors do their jobs faster and with greater accuracy. 

The author makes a compelling case for embracing technology and the use of data to revolutionize the healthcare system for the greater good of patients and healthcare professionals alike. 

Author Harry Glorikian also hosts the MoneyBall Medicine™ Podcast, a series all about the data-driven transformation of the healthcare and life sciences landscape. An influential global business expert with more than three decades of experience building successful ventures in the U.S. and around the world, Glorikian is well known for his achievements in the life sciences, healthcare, diagnostics and healthcare IT industries. He is a sought-after speaker who has addressed the National Institutes of Health, Molecular Medicine Tri-Conference, World Theranostics Congress and other audiences worldwide. 

He has written numerous articles for industry publications, appeared on CBS Evening News, and has been quoted regularly by Dow Jones, The Boston Globe, BioWorld Today, Los Angeles Times, London Independent, Medical Device Daily, Science Magazine, Genetic Engineering News and many other media outlets. He is also the author of Commercializing Novel IVD’s: A Comprehensive Manual for Success.  

For more information, please visit www.glorikian.com, or listen to his podcasts at https://glorikian.com/podcast/.

MoneyBall Medicine: Thriving in the New Data-Driven Healthcare Market

Publisher: CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group

ISBN-10: 1138198048 

ISBN-13: 978-1138198043

Available from Amazon.com

###

Novateur Ventures explores new strategy to reduce the hyperinflammatory response caused by COVID-19

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 06, 2020 - A novel strategy has been developed by Novateur Ventures, which provides new hope in battle against COVID-19. The study titled ‘A Novel Strategy to Mitigate the Hyperinflammatory Response to COVID-19 by Targeting Leukotrienes’ was published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, a leading peer-reviewed journal.

The strategy co-authored by Ali Ardakani, Founder & Managing Director at Novateur Ventures, and Dr. Colin D. Funk (Queen's University, Kingston) analyzes lipid mediators, known as leukotrienes, as the cause for hyperinflammatory response manifested in severe COVID-19 cases. Patients with severe COVID-19 develop an overwhelming state of inflammation with multi-organ dysfunction and leukotrienes have been overlooked.

“Globally the race to develop new therapeutics or repurpose existing drugs to cultivate an effective therapeutic treatment for COVID- 19 is urgent. At Novateur, our research has been well underway since the first cases were discovered,” says Ardakani. “I am very pleased today to announce a strategy we believe can potentially impact COVID-19 patients in a safe and effective manner.”

Since Novateur began their in-depth studies, only two treatments (remdesivir, dexamethasone) have demonstrated modest ability to reduce disease progression and severity; however, there is still a high unmet need for additional improvement. Leukotrienes have some of the most potent impacts on immune cell trafficking and vascular leakage in biological systems, two important steps that take place in COVID-19. Novateur’s research proposes a simple treatment paradigm using two generic drugs, normally directed to blocking inflammation in airways of patients with asthma, to target the hyper-inflammatory response insevere COVID-19.This will be accomplished by a combination of a leukotriene biosynthesis blocker zileuton (Zyflo® controlled release formulation) and an inhibitor of the cysteinyl leukotriene 1 receptor montelukast (Singulair®). Both these agents, now generic, have been on the market for many years, and their activity and side effects in humans are well known.

In COVID-19, providing zileuton/montelukast combination prior to out-of-control host inflammatory cell recruitment to the lungs and before pulmonary edema sets in is paramount. Initiation of treatment with zileuton/montelukast should take place early on, shortly after a positive test is confirmed and before major symptoms arise. Currently it remains very difficult to predict which patients will progress to severe COVID-19 disease. The standard of care is basically symptomatic control (i.e. acetaminophen for fever and muscle pain) and observation. The proposed zileuton/montelukast combination could readily be added in this setting, with the goal to switch off the hyper-inflammatory response. The incentive to move forward quickly is vital to combat COVID-19 while waiting for a preventative vaccine or other treatments.

“Our journey studying COVID-19 and potential therapeutics is still at an early stage. We hope that our proposed treatment plan can effectively stop COVID-19 from becoming a life-threatening disorder,” says Funk, a key leader in the leukotriene field. “Novateur will continue to concentrate its efforts on this global pandemic that has claimed the lives of so many. It is important to recognize the sharing of critical data and the very collaborative approach this fight has taken. We are working diligently with unprecedented speed to move a clinical trial forward as quickly as possible in the USA where cases of COVID-19 are high.”

About Novateur Ventures
Novateur is an established global life sciences advisory with extensive experience related to business development and product development of therapeutics, medical devices and digital health products. Visit: http://www.novateur.ca

Novateur Ventures has also launched ‘COVID-19 Resource Centre’ a one-stop portal that provides relevant information and resources, such as research papers and new projects, related to COVID-19 pandemic.

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Deep Flavors Makes Delicious Kosher Cuisine Accessible for Home Cooks

Dallas, TX, August 6, 2020 — If you love cooking kosher or simply enjoy trying new foods and creating memorable meals in your home kitchen, Deep Flavors: A Celebration of Recipes for Foodies in a Kosher Style from Kenneth M. Horwitz offers an abundance of tempting dishes designed for cooks, whether Kosher or non-Kosher, with helpful tips for proper preparation.

“Cooking is worth some effort and attention to detail,” Horwitz writes. “The positive reactions from family or guests, as well as your own enjoyment, will make it worthwhile.”

“Effort” and “attention to detail,” however, don’t have to equate with “difficult.” In fact, throughout Deep Flavors, Horwitz shares his wisdom for sourcing ingredients and breaking recipes into simple steps — and how to do some of this prep work well in advance so that delicious meals can be served in spite of hectic schedules.

Between the covers of Deep Flavors, Horwitz offers an eclectic menu that includes traditional Jewish dishes plus other regional and international favorites reinterpreted to observe some or all of the rules for kosher foods. The result is a diverse anthology of recipes that will appeal to broad audiences everywhere — Jewish and otherwise.

Horwitz, a CPA by trade, explained in an interview with Today’s CPA that, “My approach to cooking is really an extension of what I do in my professional practice. I solve problems. One of the ‘problems,’ at least in my house, is that since we maintain a kosher house, but eat eclectically, is how to convert recipes so that they are kosher …”

Horwitz’s Texas State Fair Blue Ribbon-winning Spinach/Mushroom Lasagna, for instance, is a completely original vegetarian lasagna accessible to Jews and vegetarians, with a unique twist on ingredients that gives it a complex flavor profile. Even recipes for classic foods such as brisket and roast turkey contain newly imagined taste combinations and techniques to elevate them while maintaining recognizable hallmarks of each dish. Another recipe that epitomizes the standard set by Horwitz, yet remarkably simple to execute, is the Dill French Toast: savory, unique, and delicious.

Horwitz’s ultimate goal was to create recipes that are easy to read and easily followed by any-one with a basic knowledge of cooking. He provides detailed instructions with enhanced explanations and alternatives, additive for both the novice and the more experienced cook.

A Readers’ Favorite reviewer, who gave Deep Flavors a 5-star rating, referred to the book as “… an essential addition to any cookbook fanatic's collection and to anyone who believes in spending the time and effort to make the ‘food’ experience a real work of art …”
    
With 51 years in a general tax and transaction practice as a CPA and lawyer, Ken Horwitz developed a creative and focused approach to finding and fixing problems — a skill that translates well to the development of and modification of recipes based on traditional family favorites but tailored to one’s personal tastes and dietary needs.
    
His professional drive and the care given to his work have earned him multiple awards, including the Honorary Fellow for a lifetime of distinguished service and the 2017 Chairperson of the Year by the Texas Society of CPAs. Currently residing in Dallas, Texas, Horwitz enjoys sharing his passion for cooking with his wife and his children’s families. Horwitz believes that one of the highest compliments he has received came from a longstanding client who uses numerous lawyers. He said, “Ken, you are the only lawyer we use whose work we have not had to fix.” Horwitz’s goal is for Deep Flavors to reach that same standard.

To learn more, please visit www.deepflavorscookbook.com, or follow the author on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kenneth.horwitz.73.

Deep Flavors
Publisher: Inspire on Purpose
ISBN-13: 978-1-941782-51-4
ISBN-10: 1-941782-51-5
Available from Amazon.com

Similar to Fine Wine Tasting, Pesticide-Free Cannabis Cultivator Autumn Brands Shares How to Elevate (and Appreciate) Your Cannabis Experience Like a Pro

The 50% woman-owned, sustainably-focused brand is helping to put Santa Barbara on the map with pure, potent strains that beg for a more gourmet approach    

SANTA BARBARA, California – (August 6th, 2020): Just as Napa Valley winemakers put their region on the map with exceptional offerings, Autumn Brands and local area growers are making a name for themselves in the world of Cannabis. Backed by decades of hard-won, sustainable farming expertise, 50% woman-owned Autumn Brands stands out as a sixth-generation, family-run clean grow operation with a health-centered holistic focus and refreshingly artisanal approach. Upholding a legacy built on continuous innovation, top quality, and consumer education, the brand now follows its June release of popular Blue Dream CBD with a brief guide to enjoying and appreciating each unique strain to the fullest.

“Choosing a Cannabis strain from among the many out there can compare to selecting a favorite wine varietal,” explains Hanna Brand, Co-Founder of Autumn Brands. “Like a fine wine, each carries a unique complexity that, to the trained palate, tell the unmistakable story of its climate and growing technique.” 

The temperate climate of Santa Barbara, with its cool ocean breezes, moderate heat, and plentiful sunshine, creates an ideal atmosphere for Autumn Brands’ pure, greenhouse-grown flower. Here are the key elements that create a roadmap for identifying and making the most of each unique bud:

• Color and texture are the first noticeable traits of a strain. Flowers can produce a spectrum of hues, from deep purples to bright oranges or greens, along with a varying degree of trichomes - which appear like crystals on its surface. Note, also, whether it is dense or fluffy and sticky or on the drier side, as these aspects will affect the burn rate. 
• Terpenes are the molecules that create a strain’s distinctive aroma. Each Cannabis plant typically produces a unique combination of around 200 terpenes, determined by things like its breeding and cultivation process. The best way to sample a flower’s terpenes is to gently crush it with your fingers and inhale, as the aroma vaporizes when heated. 
• Flavor and mouthfeel differ vastly among strains. Similar to wine, a user can learn to detect in a flower’s smoke diverse tasting notes like chocolate, citrus, and pine, in addition to savory, sour, or sweet flavors. It can be helpful to describe a toke using vintner terminology, such as “smooth,” “harsh,” or “full-bodied,” depending on a user’s palate and personal experience of the strain. 

Using sustainable, pesticide-free methods, Autumn Brands cultivates naturally potent strains in Santa Barbara’s idyllic coastal landscape, hand-cured and hand-trimmed to preserve their natural healing benefits. Experience the latest estate-grown releases, including the euphoric Blue Dream CBD and Sativa-dominant Orange Crush, now available at select Southern California dispensaries in a 7-pack pre-roll and in glass jars of hand-selected flower. Visit AutumnBrands.com to locate the nearest participating seller and browse a full selection of premium flower, pre-rolls, and pre-filled cartridges. Follow on Instagram @AutumnBrands for the latest product releases and updates. 

# # #

About Autumn Brands:

Autumn Brands is a licensed California cannabis cultivator dedicated to the synergy of health and wellness. The Autumn Brands’ family farm started in Holland more than a century ago, and today, sixth-generation farmers apply the same expertise garnered in growing the world’s finest tulips to producing pure and potent strains of cannabis in sunny, coastal Santa Barbara County. Autumn Brands is proud to be 50 percent woman-owned, united by the vision of two families, free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals. For more information, visitwww.autumnbrands.com or email leighanne@anderson-pr.com.

Morneau Shepell reports 2020 second quarter financial results

/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE U.S./

Highlights:

• Revenue increased by 15.8 per cent to $246.2 million 
• Adjusted EBITDA increased by 13.5 per cent to $52.1 million
• Highest annual client satisfaction and employee engagement results in Company history
• Announced comprehensive action plan on inclusion and diversity

TORONTO, Aug. 6, 2020 /CNW/ - Morneau Shepell Inc. (the "Company" or "Morneau Shepell") (TSX: MSI) today reported its financial results for the three-month period ended June 30, 2020 (all amounts are in Canadian dollars, unless noted otherwise).

In the second quarter compared to the same period last year, the Company delivered growth of 15.8 per cent in revenue to $246.2 million and 13.5 per cent in adjusted EBITDA to $52.1 million.

"We are very pleased with our results in the second-quarter," said Stephen Liptrap, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Due to the efforts of our people and the investments we have made in our infrastructure over many years, all our operations and systems are performing at pre-pandemic levels. Going forward, our sales pipeline remains strong, a reflection of the confidence our clients have in our solutions for the total wellbeing needs of their people and families during difficult times."

Year-to-date, the Company reported $489.2 million in revenue, an increase of 17.2 per cent over the same period last year, along with adjusted EBITDA of $99.4 million, up 9.7 per cent. 

In the quarter, the Company reported the highest client satisfaction and employee engagement levels in its history. Liptrap noted that in the quarter the Company also built on its commitment to inclusion and diversity by comprehensively updating its action plan in this area. The plan aligns with the multi-stakeholder priorities in the intensifying worldwide movement to fight systemic racism and discrimination in society. 

"As we navigate an unprecedented convergence of transformational events affecting all our markets – the COVID-19 pandemic, the related economic challenges, and the anti-racism movement – we're proving that we're both a resilient and a socially responsible Company committed to making a real difference in the world," Liptrap said. "By aligning everything we do to our purpose of improving lives and improving business, the impact we have extends to the larger goal of improving communities."

Q2 2020 Financial Review 

For the three months ended June 30, 2020, the Company reported $246.2 million in revenue, an increase of 15.8 per cent or $33.5 million over the same period last year, primarily due to the mid-year 2019 acquisition of Mercer's standalone, large market, health and defined benefit pension plan administration business in the United States, offset by the divestiture of the Company's benefits consulting business earlier this year.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by 13.5 per cent to $52.1 million from $45.9 million compared to the same period last year. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 21.2 per cent in Q2, 2020, which was slightly below 21.6 per cent in Q2, 2019. Adjusted EBITDA per share (basic) for the quarter was $0.75, up 8.7 per cent from the same period last year. 

Profit for the period was $8.3 million compared to profit of $6.3 million in the same period in prior year. Earnings per share (basic) for the period was $0.12 compared to $0.10 in the comparative period.

During Q2, 2020, the Company generated Normalized Free Cash Flow of $30.8 million compared to $27.6 million in Q2, 2019. The increase is mainly due to higher cash provided by operating activities.

The Company is maintaining its policy of paying a monthly dividend of 6.5 cents per share.

Second-Quarter Results Review – Notice of Conference Call
Management of Morneau Shepell will host a conference call on Friday, August 7 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to review the Company's Q2 2020 results. The call is open to all those wishing to attend, with a Question and Answer period to follow the presentation. In order to participate in the live conference call, please call 416-340-2217 (participant code 6420526#) in the Toronto area, or 1-800-898-3989 (participant code 6420526#) throughout the rest of Canada and in the United States. A replay of the call will be available via the Morneau Shepell website at morneaushepell.com.

About Morneau Shepell Inc. 
Morneau Shepell is a leading provider of technology-enabled HR services that deliver an integrated approach to employee wellbeing through our cloud-based platform. Our focus is providing world-class solutions to our clients to support the mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing of their people. By improving lives, we improve business. Our approach spans services in employee and family assistance, health and wellness, recognition, pension and benefits administration, retirement consulting, actuarial and investment services. Morneau Shepell employs approximately 6,000 employees who work with some 24,000 client organizations that use our services in 162 countries. Morneau Shepell is a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com.

Financial Measures
To assist investors in assessing the Company's financial performance, this news release also makes reference to certain financial measures such as Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA per share and Normalized Free Cash Flow. The Company believes that these are useful supplemental measures to assist our investors in assessing our financial performance. See the Company's MD&A for more details. These financial measures do not have any standard meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, such as statements concerning anticipated future events, results, circumstances, performance or expectations that are not historical facts. Use of words such as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," or other words of similar effect may indicate a "forward-looking" statement. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's publicly filed documents (available on SEDAR at sedar.com) and in the Company's MD&A under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties." Those risks and uncertainties include ability to maintain profitability and manage growth, reliance on information systems and technology, reputational risk, dependence on key clients, reliance on key professionals and economic conditions. Many of these risks and uncertainties can affect the firm's actual results and could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement made by the Company or on the firm's behalf. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. All forward-looking statements in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements. These statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of the Company, its financial or operating results or its securities.

SOURCE Morneau Shepell Inc.

Samsung Canada Launches Galaxy Watch3 and Galaxy Buds Live

Stay productive and connected with the latest lineup of Samsung Galaxy wearables 

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 6, 2020 /CNW/ - Yesterday, Samsung Electronics Canada introduced Galaxy Watch3 and Galaxy Buds Live at the first-ever Galaxy Unpacked virtual event livestreamed from Korea, which unveiled a new suite of power devices. Galaxy Watch3 is a next-generation smartwatch that combines timeless craftsmanship with advanced wellness features. Galaxy Buds Live introduce our newest shape of true wireless earbuds, boasting a stylish and ergonomic design paired with premium audio technology. 

Galaxy Watch3 and Galaxy Buds Live are convenient tools to help maintain lifestyle and daily routines. Both devices seamlessly integrate into the wider Galaxy ecosystem to help you live and communicate with ease, getting the most out of your technology. 

"Wearables are among the fastest-advancing technology sectors, and the pace of progress is only accelerating. In recent months, we've seen immense growth in the market as people turn to smartwatches and earbuds to help them thrive in the 'Next Normal'", said Dr. TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. "Since introducing our first smartwatch just seven years ago, we have become a leader in wearable innovation. Today, we're laser-focused on building on this momentum to offer new and differentiated experiences – combined with the bold design and advanced technology that our customers have come to expect."

Galaxy Watch3: Manage Your Life with Advanced Wellness Technology

Galaxy Watch3 is a next-generation companion that helps you manage your routines, reach your fitness goals and make wellness a top priority every day. Built with stainless steel and high-quality leather¹, Galaxy Watch3 boasts the craftsmanship of a luxury timepiece, with a transforming look and defining style – yet it is still comfortable enough to wear all day.  Galaxy Watch3 also features the popular rotating bezel from previous Galaxy watch models, which merges form with function. With just a turn of the bezel, you can easily toggle between widgets, open apps and scroll through notifications. Compared to the original Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch3 is 14% thinner, 8% smaller and 15% lighter²— combined with a large display. You can also customize the watch face to reflect your personal style. You can choose from over 80,000 watch faces in the Galaxy Store, or design your own. A library of 40 different options allows you to personalize your watch face with information that's important to you.

Make this latest Galaxy smartwatch, packed with power technology, the center of your wellness experience³. With an integrated heart rate sensor for added peace of mind, you can easily keep an eye on your heart rate⁴ using the fitness tracker . In addition, the Galaxy Watch3 Fall Detection feature⁵ enables you to send an SOS SMS message or call to emergency contacts if you have a hard fall. 

Beginning a fitness routine can be difficult, but Galaxy Watch3 has an integrated running coach⁶ to help keep you on track, and is a powerful exercise companion that delivers real-time feedback and post-exercise evaluations to help drive improvement.

Helpful especially when at home, you have access to a "fitness studio" with Samsung Health, which features a library of more than 120 different video workouts. Simply select a workout routine on your Galaxy smartphone, cast it onto your Samsung Smart TV⁷, and your Galaxy Watch3 will take care of the rest and automatically track the workout. Since recovery can be just as important as the exercise, Samsung has been developing its sleep management offering since it was first introduced back in 2014. Now, Galaxy Watch3 offers brand new sleep score and insights to help you get better rest.

In addition, seamless compatibility between the Galaxy Watch3 and other Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy Note20 Series 5G, helps amplify your mobile experiences. You can set automatic reply options for both messages and images, and easily view emoticons and photos directly from your wrist. You can also effortlessly control your mobile experience; play your favourite music from your phone with the rotating bezel; and use simple hand gestures⁸, like clenching and unclenching your fist to receive a call, or rotating your wrist to mute alarms or incoming calls. 

Galaxy Buds Live: Tune into Every Moment 

Galaxy Buds Live introduce our newest shape of true wireless earbuds and defy conventional design – they make a bold fashion statement that projects a unique style. These fashion forward earbuds complete your look while still providing an amazing fit that complements the natural shape of your ear to deliver vibrant sound, without compromising comfort. Samsung has reconfigured the traditional earbud style with an iconic minimalist design that makes a statement. 

Galaxy Buds Live were engineered to bring sound to life. Combining AKG's sound expertise and the legacy of hardware innovation Samsung is known for, Galaxy Buds Live offer a truly immersive audio experience. With a 12mm speaker and bass duct, the audio sounds deep and rich, allowing you to enjoy music the way it was intended. With three microphones and a Voice Pickup Unit, your earbuds hone in on your voice and help ensure you come through loud and clear on the phone. These earbuds feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), bringing you live and spacious sound quality, with the ability to tune in (or out) of the world around you.

Galaxy Buds Live offer a convenient and connected listening experience, compatible with a range of devices – seamlessly switch between compatible devices, no disconnecting and reconnecting required. When paired with the latest Galaxy devices, you can open your world to new possibilities. Record crystal clear audio for your video on the Galaxy Note20 Series 5G by using Galaxy Buds Live as a wireless microphone. Use 'Game Mode'⁹ with Galaxy Note20 Series 5G Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, you can enjoy a truly immersive gaming experience. You can also easily share music with friends — without compromising sound quality — using the new Buds Together¹⁰ feature. 

For convenient navigation, Galaxy Buds Live feature an intuitive touch-based PUI (physical user interface)¹¹ for touch control, as well as Bixby voice wake-up¹², which allows you to navigate music, open apps, and send messages hands-free. Plus, Galaxy Buds Live come with a long-lasting battery life that keeps you tuned in longer. Stay powered with sound through work and play with up to 6 hours of non-stop listening¹³ and up to 21 hours of battery life with the charging case¹⁴. Galaxy Buds Live power up fast – just five minutes in the charging case delivers up to one hour of play time when you need it most¹⁵.

Availability & Details:

Galaxy Watch3: Available in 45mm (Mystic Black, Mystic Silver) and 41mm (Mystic Bronze, Mystic Silver) at Samsung.com, Samsung Experience Stores and across major retail partners starting August 5, 2020 with pricing starting at $549.99 for the 41mm and $599.99 for the 45mm. 

• Gift With Purchase: Purchase Galaxy Watch Active3 on Samsung.com from August 5th – September 4, 2020^. and get a bonus Duo Wireless Charger Pad¹⁶. 
• E-Voucher Offer: Purchase Galaxy Watch Active3 from SES and authorized retailers from August 5th – September 4, 2020^.and get an e-voucher redeemable online at Samsung.com for a bonus Duo Wireless Charger Pad.

Galaxy Buds Live: Available in Mystic Bronze, Mystic White and Mystic Black at Samsung.com, Samsung Experience Stores and across major retail partners. Galaxy Buds Live are available online on August 5th and in-stores on August 21st for $249.99. 

• Gift With Purchase: Purchase Galaxy Buds Live on Samsung.com from August 5th – September 4, 2020 and get a bonus Wireless Charger Pad¹⁷. 
• E-Voucher Offer: Purchase a Galaxy Buds Live from SES and authorized retailers from August 5th – September 4, 2020 and get an e-voucher redeemable online at Samsung.com for a bonus Wireless Charger Pad.

For customers looking to experience the latest Galaxy wearables innovations in-store, please join us at one of our Samsung Experience Store locations across Canada, including the new Montreal Eaton Centre location opening August 5, 2020:

• CF Sherway Gardens 
• CF Toronto Eaton Centre 
• Metropolis at Metrotown 
• Montreal Eaton Centre 
• West Edmonton Mall 
• Yorkdale Shopping Centre

Galaxy Watch3 and Galaxy Buds Live Specifications

For more information about Samsung Canada latest Galaxy devices, please visit news.samsung.com/ca/ or samsung.com/ca/

About Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.

Samsung Electronics Canada inspires Canadians to reach their full potential through a transformative ecosystem of products and services that deliver innovation and distinct design to every aspect of their connected lives. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, virtual reality and wearable devices, tablets and digital appliances. In 2020, Samsung was ranked as one of Canada's "Most Reputable Companies" in Leger's Corporate Reputation Study. Dedicated to helping make a difference in the lives of Canadians, Samsung's award-winning corporate giving initiatives support public education and health-related issues in communities across the country. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com/ca.

SOURCE Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.

10 Best Retreats to have a Wellness Christmas and New Year

Whether you’re flying solo in the Caribbean, partnered up or jetting off with the whole family in Europe, why not nip those winter woes in the bud and treat yourself to a wellness retreat for Christmas and New Year? Health and Fitness Travel, the wellness holiday specialists has seen an increase by 19% already on the same point last year for December departures as more clients book luxury health and fitness trips this year after taking summer staycations.

In light of the Covid-19 chaos of 2020, this could be your perfect chance to safely step away from the madness and rebuild your immunity and mental well-being away from home. These winter retreats ensure you get some much-needed recuperation and rejuvenation and provide you with the tools to sow the seeds for a positive, healthy new year.

Give your mind and body the recuperation it needs with spectacular views and rejuvenating activities in one of our incredible destinations. From a festive fitness escape in the Andalusian mountains and a yuletide yoga retreat in the Caribbean, to a spa break in the snow-capped Dolomites and a joyful juice cleanse in Vietnam, each retreat provides personalised care and expert advice to give you the ultimate wellness experience.

Have the holly jolly Christmas you deserve and give yourself, or your loved ones, the gift of wellbeing this festive season.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow: Detox at Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti, Italy

Unwind in the wonderful winter wonderland of the Dolomite mountain range on this detoxifying wellness retreat. With a state-of-the-art wellness temple surrounded by incredible alpine views, you can indulge in energising massages and draining wraps and forget about the usual Christmas Day chaos. Lefay Dolomiti’s sustainable restaurants offer organic, healthy meals with spectacular backdrops, so burning potatoes and overcooked turkey will feel like a world away and you can rediscover your balance of mind and body in the refreshing alpine air.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 5 nights at Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti from £3,145pp or £4,055 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, a detox programme and return private transfers.

Tis the Season to be Pampered: Happiness Like Nowhere Else at Borgo Egnazia, Italy

Start the new year the right way and trade dull winter days with a wellbeing boosting break to the stunning coast of Southern Italy. A consultation on arrival will determine your personalised programme to allow you to reconnect with your inner self and prioritise your mental and physical health for optimum happiness. With the Vair spa offering hot stone massages, detoxification wraps and aromatherapy you’ll leave feeling like the festive season is, in fact, the most wonderful time of the year.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 6 nights at Borgo Egnazia from £5,370pp or £7,450 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.

Step into Fitness: Fitness Retreat at Shanti Som, Spain

A festive fitness escape that combines group yoga, training sessions and guided hikes with the orange groves and tropical gardens of Andalucia, what more could you want? Instead of running around looking for last-minute gifts you could be trekking up mountains and taking part in TRX sessions, with expert trainers on hand to give your physical health the reboot it deserves. Top it off with massages and therapies in the spa and you’ll be feeling merry and bright long after you leave. 

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 6 nights at Shanti Som from £2,260pp or £3,540 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a fitness programme and return transfers.

Have Yourself a Healthy Little Christmas: Revitalise at Euphoria Retreat, Greece

It’s beginning to look a lot like wellness on this energising detox retreat in the glorious winter sun. Consultation and tests on arrival ensure your holiday is tailor-made to your personal requirements, and a selection of treatments and sessions will leave you with an enhanced emotional wellbeing ready for the new year. Catering to all your nutritional needs, Euphoria Retreat delivers balanced healthy meals to compliment your fitness journey and allows you to indulge in delicious bites without the usual post-turkey food coma.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Euphoria Retreat from £3,405pp or £3,870 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.

Detox in a Weight Loss Wonderland: Juice Cleansing Detox at Fusion Maia, Vietnam

Grip life by the antlers and make your physical health the top priority on this redefining juice cleanse on the beautiful beach of Da Nang. Here you can set yourself up with a positive healthy mindset for the new year and avoid the tempting Christmas treats on offer as you immerse yourself in meditation, juicing workshops and customised treatments. This detox gives you a full-body reboot by targeting your immune system and directing you towards positive long-term changes for a healthier future.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Fusion Maia from £2,045pp or £3,200 for single occupancy. Price includes full board (80% juice, 20% raw), a detox programme and return private transfers.

Yuletide Yoga: Yoga & Pilates at COMO Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos

Rediscover the balance of your mind, body and (Christmas) spirit on this holistic holiday on the sunny beaches of Turks & Caicos. The private-island retreat includes daily yoga and Pilates sessions, alongside educational workshops, so you can progress with your practice whilst you soak in the spectacular sunshine. With catamaran sailing, windsurfing and paddle boarding on offer, you can relax your mind and throw yourself into a fun-filled festive experience that will leave you with a refreshed and motivated mindset for 2021.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights from £3,595pp or £7,010 for single occupancy. Price includes daily breakfast, a wellness programme and return transfers. 

Dreaming of a White Wellness Christmas: Shanti Sleep at Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa, Mauritius

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but Mauritius is so delightful! Relax your body and reset your mind with Shanti Maurice’s sleep programme that includes personalised treatments and specialist therapies aimed at remedying your stressful sleep problems. Unwind with Pranayama, Yoga Nidra and Reiki sessions, alongside massages and sleep therapy, to give your mind a well-deserved break. This restorative wellness experience allows you to walk away from the clamour of jingle bells and Christmas carols and be welcomed into the world of deep sleep.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa from £5,510. Price includes half board, a sleep programme and return private transfers. 

Holistic New Year Healing: De-stress & Unwind at Marbella Club, Spain

Let go of wintertime worries on this relaxing and soothing wellness experience, perfect to prepare or repair you for the frantic festive season. From lifestyle consultations and guided meditations, to sleep inducing rituals and personalised massages, your holiday is tailor-made to your specific requirements to ensure you get a regenerating break prior to the new year. With relaxing treatments, gourmet food, and beautiful beach views, you can start 2021 as the best version of yourself and lay the foundations for a healthy new year.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Marbella Club from £3,450pp or £5,395 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, a wellness programme and return private transfers.

Festive Family Fitness Fun: Family Holiday at Pine Cliffs Resort, Portugal

For a truly magical festive experience, take the whole family to the enticing beaches and majestic mountains of the Algarve. Embrace the variety of exciting activities on offer, including aquatics, badminton, yoga and circuit training, assured that there’s something to keep everyone busy for the countdown to Christmas. This exhilarating programme allows you to explore beautiful backdrops, enjoy family film nights and challenge each other to new pursuits, all while escaping the bitter weather of the English winter.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Pine Cliffs Resort from £595 for 2 adults + 1 baby, £1,400 for 1 adult + 1 child or £1,975 for 2 adults + 2 children. Price includes breakfast, a wellness programme and return private transfers.

Winter Wellness: BodyHoliday Optimal Wellness, St. Lucia

Treat yourself to a week of personal training, sleep-enhancing therapies and deep tissue massages on a well-earned break where your mental and physical wellbeing are the top priority. With the unspoilt rainforests and breathtaking waterfalls of St. Lucia as your backdrop and an array of gourmet cuisines and invigorating activities to keep you busy, you’ll make memories that will outlast the festive period. Forget the Christmas jumpers and opinionated in-laws and indulge in a bit of ‘me time’ on this brilliant beachside break.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at BodyHoliday from £5,895pp or £6,045 for single occupancy. Price includes all-inclusive, a wellness programme and return private transfers. 

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