New York, NY – April 13, 2023 – In response to a BBB National Programs National Advertising Division (NAD) challenge, brought as part of NAD’s routine monitoring of national advertising for truth and transparency, Vegamour, Inc. voluntarily discontinued advertising claims regarding its Gro Ageless Anti-Gray Hair Serum.

Vegamour is a holistic hair wellness company that offers consumers a line of hair care products including serums, shampoos, conditioners, and hair boosting supplements.

NAD inquired about the advertiser’s Facebook and Instagram posts that link to reviews for Vegamour’s serum for delaying gray hair. The posts stated “FINALLY a serum that can delay grey hair. Does it Work? We tried it and here’s our review.” The post then linked to reviews of Vegamour’s Gro Ageless Anti-Gray Hair Serum on hairheathsecrets.com and longhairtrends.com.

NAD’s inquiry focused on whether the Instagram and Facebook posts convey the message that the reviews on the hair health secrets and long hair trends websites reflect independent, honest opinions of the reviewers. NAD noted that advertisers must clearly and conspicuously disclose material connections and relationships with a reviewer or a review site. NAD has long held that if the review site is not independent, then the opinions shared are “advertising.”

During the proceeding, Vegamour informed NAD that it had elected to discontinue the Instagram and Facebook posts and make the review sites private until they could add appropriate disclosures. Therefore, NAD did not review the claims on the merits.

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.

New York, NY – April 12, 2023 – In a challenge brought by Actegy Health Inc., the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs recommended that Fitness Cubed, Inc. discontinue express and implied claims that its Cubii Seated Elliptical Trainer:

• Improves quality of life, mobility, stiffness and balance;
• Allows users to become more independent;
• Reduces pain;
• Provides benefits comparable to walking;
• Adds strides, burns calories, improves circulation, and boosts energy;
• Increases energy expenditure;
• Works more than half the body’s muscle groups;
• Provides its benefits in a short amount of time; and
• Can be used as a replacement for certain types of rehabilitation programs, including exercise that has been prescribed as the standard of care after surgery or an injury.

 

NAD also recommended that Fitness Cubed discontinue quantified performance claims made in conjunction with some of the above-referenced benefits. The challenged claims appeared in four television commercials, with most claims presented in the form of testimonials from users of Cubii or medical professionals dressed in lab coats.

After carefully reviewing the evidence submitted by Fitness Cubed in support of its health-related claims, NAD determined that such evidence was not sufficiently reliable and recommended that all of the challenged claims be discontinued.

NAD concluded that an online survey of Cubii users who responded to questions about perceived changes in pain, activity levels, mood, sleep, range-of-motion, use of balance aids, and reliance on pain medication was not sufficiently reliable. NAD noted that self-reporting surveys can be unreliable, especially when the questions require respondents to report on conditions that are very personal and difficult to objectively measure, like pain, mobility, and quality of life. Further, a survey based on subjective measures of improvement that does not control for variables that may affect outcomes, such as lifestyle, diet, medications, etc., does not provide reliable evidence that the product (Cubii) is responsible for the claimed benefits, and not the other variables.

NAD also determined that other evidence relied on by Fitness Cubed could not support any of its claims.

During the proceeding, Fitness Cubed voluntarily agreed to permanently discontinue certain claims, including that Cubii reduces mortality and morbidity, and treats chronic conditions. Therefore, NAD did not review these claims on the merits.

In its advertiser statement, Fitness Cubed agreed to comply with NAD’s recommendations and stated that it “takes truth in advertising seriously and appreciates the opportunity to participate in the NAD’s self-regulatory process.” The advertiser further stated that while it “stands behind the accuracy of the advertising claims at issue, and paid third parties to conduct studies regarding many of the claims, it will agree to discontinue the claims pursuant to the NAD’s recommendation.”

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive.

 

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.

The International Awards Offers a Platform for Schools, University Students and Corporate Professionals to Showcase Innovative Ideas and Projects

 

Sharjah, UAE: BEEAH Education, a subsidiary of BEEAH Group, the region’s sustainability pioneer and digital expert, has announced a new edition of the Future Pioneers Awards, an international award aimed at recognizing and rewarding innovative ideas and projects that have the potential to shape the future of sustainability. The awards are open to all individuals, including school students, university students, and professionals from various industries; and provides a platform to showcase their sustainability efforts and ideas which will have positive impacts on communities.

Held under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and President of the American University of Sharjah, the Future Pioneers Awards, previously known as the Environmental Excellence School Award (EESA), sets a new international benchmark for sustainability innovation offering a total award prize of one million dirhams to the winners. A premier national environmental award, the EESA set new standards for sustainable excellence for over a decade, with over 2,600 entries from participating schools across the UAE.

Speaking on the launch of the Future Pioneers Awards, Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of BEEAH Group, said “The Future Pioneers Awards celebrate and recognize the sustainable efforts and achievements of people who are committed to making a difference for a better future. As a sustainability pioneer, the BEEAH Group aims to encourage individuals who are innovating and implementing solutions that tackle emerging challenges. With UAE observing 2023 as the Year of Sustainability, we believe awards like the FPA will support and advance our national goals for a net-zero, sustainable tomorrow.”

BEEAH Education recognizes the importance of sustainability for the future and hopes to inspire and recognize passionate individuals, groups, and organizations that champion sustainability efforts in the shared journey towards a better tomorrow. The Future Pioneers Awards aims to celebrate changemakers of all generations, who play a key role in shaping the future of the planet.

Hind Al Huwaidi, Managing Director of BEEAH Education, commented, “Our aim with the new, international, and pan-demographic model of the Future Pioneers Awards is to celebrate the spirit of sustainability innovation and creativity among individuals, groups, and organizations of all generations. We believe that sustainability is the key to the future, and through the FPA, we hope to inspire and recognize passionate minds who are making a difference in their communities and supporting our region’s future-forward and net-zero ambitions.”

The Awards offers four categories for submissions, each with its specific eligibility criteria and evaluation. The mobile application category requires an original, interactive app designed and developed by the individual/group that reflects the chosen theme and represents digital innovation. In the prototype or invention category, the project must offer a solution to a challenge under the chosen theme, use safe and environmentally friendly materials, be well- assembled and in excellent working condition, and have a mock-up resembling the finished product. The social media campaign category requires creative and original content on two platforms, a clear plan, and meaningful name, and good engagement. Finally, the documentary video category requires a 15 to 30-minute video showcasing a scenario with a clear message, script, intent, and inspiration, as well as clear visual composition and sound effects. For more information on the awards and categories, interested individuals may visit https://futurepioneersaward.com

BEEAH Education was launched as a new business vertical of BEEAH Group at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) during the 2023 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). The subsidiary aims to consolidate and enhance the Group’s efforts to empower and recognize individuals, schools, institutions, corporations, and government entities in the field of sustainability. BEEAH Education will continue to lead and build upon several environmental awareness, education, and awards programmes; including the Academy of Sustainability; The Great Battery Challenge, in partnership with Duracell; and the newly launched Future Pioneers Awards. BEEAH Education also manages the Institute of Environmental Management and Sustainability (IEMS) Academy, a training and certification institution for professional and vocational courses, which prepare individuals for careers in sustainability.

About BEEAH Education:

BEEAH Education is BEEAH Group’s environmental education and awarding organisation for businesses and individuals contributing to a sustainable future. It aims to inculcate, incentivise and encourage sustainable action, from the grassroots level among schools and communities to professionals and organisations. Every year, BEEAH Education reaches thousands of teachers and students through competitions, interactive games and by introducing principles of sustainability into school curriculum. BEEAH Education also has a flagship venture, the Institute of Environmental Management and Sustainability, to deliver cutting-edge learning and development programs for early professionals as well as specialised industry specific qualifications. In addition to reaching external organisations, BEEAH Education is responsible for internal training programs within BEEAH Group. BEEAH Education’s rewards program is accessible to millions of people across communities and cities in the region, incentivising recycling, proper waste segregation and driving action towards a circular economy and a zero-waste to landfill future. For more information about BEEAH Education, please visit: https://www.beeahgroup.com/services/beeah-education/

About BEEAH Group:

BEEAH Group is the region’s leading sustainability and digitalisation expert, renowned for groundbreaking environmental innovations and smart solutions for future-ready cities. Recognising sustainability and technology as the pillars for a modern economy, BEEAH Group has invested in a comprehensive, full-circle strategy for the future, and expanded into the fields of renewable energy, sustainable transport, consulting, education, and technology. Raising the bar for quality of life in the region, BEEAH Group businesses continue to set industry benchmarks in sustainable, smart solutions; and has helped countries across the region in creating and executing their roadmap for a socially responsible future. The Group is currently operational in the UAE, Egypt and KSA. For more information, please visit https://www.beeahgroup.com/ and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @beeahgroup

Etex’s sustainable answers to urgent challenges in 2022

Etex Annual Report 2022 – First-ever combined report

Etex, the global building material manufacturer and pioneer in lightweight construction, released its first-ever combined annual report. In this report, the company presents on an equal footing its economic, social and environmental footprint and performance. The document highlights how Etex brought sustainable answers to the urgent challenges of 2022. Sustainability milestones include a decrease of almost 20% of absolute CO? emissions (scopes 1 and 2) and 26.5% less waste sent to landfill in the past five years. The report is available here : https://www.etexgroup.com/annualreport2022

This press release is also available in French, Dutch and Spanish (click on links). 

Exceptional performances for an exceptional year

Etex delivered record revenues of EUR 3,714 million, a 25.0% increase compared to 2021, and its highest ever absolute value for REBITDA at EUR 645 million for a 13.2% increase. This is despite an unfavourable business context in 2022 with the world still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the energy crisis and unprecedented global inflation. Etex’s lightweight construction solutions prove to be a great fit to answer the current needs in both renovation and new build given their intrinsic sustainable value. These solutions are up to 45% less emission-intensive to produce compared to traditional construction methods, they provide up to seven times better thermal and sound insulation which increases energy-efficiency and emissions, and they are more recyclable, flexible and adaptable. All details regarding Etex’s Full-Year 2022 results can be found here.

Advancing on Etex’s Road to Sustainability 2030

In 2022 Etex launched its Road to Sustainability 2030 plan, with clear targets in terms of health, safety and well-being, diversity, equity and inclusion, circularity, decarbonisation and customer engagement. Some of the progresses already achieved and presented in the annual report include:

• Decrease of 19.9% of absolute CO? emissions (scopes 1 and 2) between 2018 and 2022.
• 100% of the electricity consumed in Europe and Latin America – and 74% worldwide – is certified green electricity, partly produced by photovoltaic installations at Etex’s manufacturing sites.
• 5% less waste sent to landfill since 2018.
• Etex’s insulation business URSA uses 75% recycled and reprocessed glass in its glass wool products, a 7% increase compared to 2019.
• For the fifth time in a row, Etex received an improved ESG risk rating for Sustainalytics of 16.9 which puts the company as eighth of the “Building Products” category.

Adding insulation to Etex’s sustainable offering

With its second largest acquisition ever, close to EUR 1 billion, the company URSA was added to Etex’s portfolio through a fifth division: Insulation. URSA is a European leader in glass mineral wool and extruded polystyrene (XPS). With its strategic focus on sustainability and recycling programme, URSA already delivered significant growth in 2022 and its products proved to be in high demand for both renovation and newbuild.

Engaging teammates, in Ukraine and beyond

Etex is proud to have taken immediate supportive actions for its 250 Ukrainian teammates and their families as soon as the conflict started in their country. These actions include daily contacts, help to move within Ukraine or Europe, financial support, job relocations, training and fund raising. Etex has already set up different legal and operational mechanisms to play an active role in the rebuilding of Ukraine.

The third edition of the ‘Me & Etex’ employee engagement survey registered again a high 84% participation rate and showed an 84% engagement rate across Etex, a 1% decrease compared to last year but still 4% above the global manufacturing norm. The results show resilience in teams after two years of COVID-19 and will help Etex to further improve on its engagement journey.

Other recent developments

• In March 2023, Etex acquired Skamol, a manufacturer of high temperature insulation materials. This acquisition further consolidates Etex’s portfolio of sustainable solutions in a market that is strongly supported by the need for energy-efficient insulation products and solutions. This acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions. More information on this acquisition can be found here.
• As of April 2023, Jochen Friedrichs is the new Head of the Building Performance division. Since joining Etex in June 2022 following the acquisition of URSA, Jochen helped ensuring a smooth integration of URSA within Etex while heading the Insulation division and delivering significant performance.

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About Etex

Etex is a global building material manufacturer and pioneer in lightweight construction. Etex wants to inspire people around the world to build living spaces that are ever more safe, sustainable, smart and beautiful.

Founded in 1905, headquartered in Zaventem, Belgium, Etex is a family-owned company with more than 13,500 employees globally. It operates more than 160 sites in 45 countries and recorded a revenue of EUR 3.7 billion and a REBITDA of EUR 645 million in 2022. Etex fosters a collaborative and caring culture, a pioneering spirit and a passion to always do better for its customers.

Etex has five R&D centres supporting five global divisions:

• Building Performance: leader in plasterboards and fibre cement boards, and the global reference in fire protection solutions for the residential and commercial segments.
• Exteriors: provider of innovative, durable, high performance and beautiful fibre cement exterior materials for architectural, residential and agricultural projects.
• Industry: front runner of engineering expertise to drive the future of high-performance temperature insulation and fire protection in the industrial, aerospace and energy sectors.
• Insulation: leading European insulation provider of glass mineral wool and extruded polystyrene (XPS) to insulate residential and non-residential buildings.
• New Ways: high-tech, lightweight, factory assembled panel and modular solutions based on timber and steel framing.

Etex’s global portfolio includes leading commercial brands such as Cedral, Durlock, EQUITONE, Eternit, Gyplac, Kalsi, Pladur, Promat, Siniat, Superboard and URSA.

Etex is Inspiring Ways of Living, for more information, please visit our website: www.etexgroup.com

New York, NY – April 5, 2023 – In a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge brought by The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G), the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs recommended that Cocofloss, Inc. discontinue the claim for its Cocofloss brand of woven dental floss that “Unlike flat slippery floss, Cocofloss features a textured, loofah-like weave of 500+ filaments. As you floss, these soft strands expand to whoosh away sticky plaque and cavity-causing bacteria” or modify its advertising to avoid conveying the unsupported message that floss such as P&G’s Glide Floss is ineffective.

Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited challenge process designed for single-issue advertising cases brought to NAD.

NAD determined that in the context of mixed messaging about both the unique design features of Cocofloss and the comparative efficacy of different kinds of floss, the “unlike slippery floss” claim reasonably conveys an unsupported message that ordinary floss like Glide Floss is ineffective. Because Cocofloss did not provide sufficient support that its floss is more effective than other flosses or that other flosses are ineffective, NAD recommended that the claim be discontinued or modified to avoid conveying such a message.

NAD noted that nothing in its decision precludes Cocofloss from making truthful and non-misleading claims about the features, design, and efficacy of Cocofloss.

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.

New York, NY – April 5, 2023 – In a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge brought by AT&T Services, Inc., the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs determined that Charter Communications, Inc. substantiated the “most consistent download speeds” claim for its Spectrum Internet service.

Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited challenge process designed for single-issue advertising cases brought to NAD, the truth-in-advertising watchdog of BBB National Programs. AT&T challenged Charter’s claim that it has the “most consistent download speeds” in two television commercials. Both commercials include a small print disclosure beneath the challenged claim that reads “Based on comparison of fiber participants in the 2023 Measuring Broadband America Report.”

Because the results of the Federal Communications Commission’s 2023 Measuring Broadband America Report demonstrated that Charter has “the most consistent download speeds” as compared to other internet service providers with which it competes, NAD concluded that the claim is supported.

NAD determined that the AT&T challenge was appropriate for Fast-Track SWIFT because it presented the single issue as to whether Charter’s comparative internet speed claim is supported.

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.

New York, NY – April 4, 2023 – Following a BBB National Programs National Advertising Division (NAD) challenge, brought by competitor Posit Science, Neurotrack Technologies, Inc. voluntarily discontinued certain claims for its Cognitive Health Program, including:

• “Clinically proven” or “clinically validated” claims.
• Claims about reduction of risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
• Claims relating to improvement in cognitive health and prevention of cognitive decline.

 

Neurotrack is a digital health company that markets a web-based screening tool and cognitive health program intended to help diagnose and manage cognitive decline attributable to aging, including dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease. The challenged claims appeared on the Neurotrack website.

The challenger, Posit Science, is a developer and marketer of brain-training exercise software and services.

During the proceeding, Neurotrack informed NAD that it was in the process of significantly modifying its website and that it had elected to voluntarily and permanently discontinue the challenged claims. Therefore, NAD did not review the claims on their merits.

In its advertiser statement, Neurotrack agreed to comply with NAD’s recommendations and stated that “for business reasons, and to avoid a protracted dispute, Neurotrack is voluntarily revising its website to ensure that its communications better align with its evidence-backed offerings.”

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive.

 

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.

Weston, FL April 4^th, 2023-ReloQuest, Inc., the leading global provider of professionally managed furnished accommodations and hotels, is pleased to announce the appointment of Duke Wizner as Senior Vice President of Client Success. In this role, Wizner will lead the company’s efforts to optimize client experience and retention, ensuring ReloQuest’s continued growth and success in the marketplace.

 Wizner brings over 15 years of experience in the service and client success industries, having held senior leadership roles in global service organizations. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Client Success at a leading mobility provider, overseeing the growth and retention of a diverse portfolio of global clients.

 “I am thrilled to join the ReloQuest team and work alongside some of the most talented individuals in the industry,” said Wizner. “ReloQuest’s innovative technology and commitment to client success make it a true industry leader, and I look forward to contributing to its continued growth and success.”

 In his new role, Wizner will focus on developing and implementing strategies to enhance the client experience, streamline operational processes, and drive client retention. He will work closely with ReloQuest’s executive team to ensure that the company continues to deliver the highest level of service and value to its clients. “We are excited to welcome Duke to the ReloQuest team,” said Darin Karp, CEO of ReloQuest. “His experience, expertise, and passion for client success make him the perfect fit for this role. We are confident that his leadership will help us continue to provide exceptional service and value to our clients.”

About ReloQuest, Inc.

ReloQuest, Inc. is the leading global provider of professionally managed furnished accommodations and hotels. Supported by the RQ Pro award-winning technology-driven workforce mobility solutions that streamline and optimize corporate housing and extended stay processes for clients around the world. Its innovative platform provides a suite of tools that simplify every aspect of the relocation process, from sourcing properties to managing payments and tracking expenses. With a focus on client success and a commitment to innovation, ReloQuest is revolutionizing the workforce mobility industry.