‘Press Releases’ Category

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It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month and Delta Dental of South Carolina’s popular, award-winning Land of Smiles® dental education program is on the road, taking the crusade for healthy teeth to more than 9,400 youngsters at 38 schools across the state in the coming weeks. The cast of dynamic superhero characters made their most recent stops in Columbia and West Columbia for performances at Sandlapper Elementary School and Saluda River Academy for the Arts, teaching good dental health habits to 467 students in kindergarten through third-grade.

The Land of Smiles® experience follows superhero Captain Super Grin®, as he defeats his nemesis, Caz CavitySM, with help from his sidekicks Terri Tooth FairySM and ToothpickSM. Students learn the importance of brushing teeth twice a day, flossing, using mouthwash, eating healthy foods and visiting the dentist regularly. The program includes an oral health curriculum that adheres to National Health Education Standards, as well as standards for South Carolina. It contains engaging, age-appropriate materials to make learning about dental health entertaining for kids and includes activity sheets, which are also available in Spanish. Delta Dental of South Carolina also offers free “smile bags” to schools for students who participate in the program. Each bag includes a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss to help students practice the good oral health habits they learn. A newly created short video, which recaps important oral health tips the program teaches children in schools, is now available for caregivers and can be found at www.landofsmilesprogram.org by selecting “South Carolina” and then “parent/caregiver video” from the top toolbar.

“Our lively Land of Smiles show makes learning about dental health truly fun for kids, but most importantly, it’s memorable,” said Stacy Harris, supervisor of community outreach at Delta Dental of South Carolina. “Pre- and post-show testing demonstrates that, on average, students show a nearly 30% increase in their good oral health behavior and knowledge after seeing a performance. That’s the positive outcome we all want.”

Since its inception in the fall of 2014, the Delta Dental of South Carolina’s Land of Smiles® program has taught more than 325,000 kids how to take care of their growing smiles through more than 1,200 onsite and virtual performances at schools in 45 South Carolina counties. At least 30% of schools receiving the program have more than 80% of students enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program. The Land of Smiles® experience is provided free of charge to schools, courtesy of Delta Dental of South Carolina.

Local teachers, school nurses and principals are invited to email Schools@NationalTheatre.com to request an in-person, live show for this school year, or visit www.landofsmilesprogram.org to gain access to the online program on a date and time that works for their students.

About Delta Dental of South Carolina  

Delta Dental of South Carolina is a trade name of Delta Dental of Missouri, a dental benefits provider and a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, which operates in South Carolina under that name. It provides more than 330,000 members in South Carolina with access to affordable, high-quality dental care through group plans tailored to meet the needs of organizations of all sizes, from large corporations to small businesses with two or more employees. Delta Dental also offers dental benefit plans directly to individuals and families. It also provides access to affordable, high-quality vision care through group vision benefit plans. The company proudly supports oral health initiatives, educational programs and charitable causes that help educate people about the importance of dental health and provide free dental care to those in need. It also created the South Carolina Dental Care Resource Guide to help individuals access information about low-cost and free dental care options in their area—available online at www.DeltaDentalSC.com/ResourceGuide1. To learn more about the company, visit www.DeltaDentalSC.com. 

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For more information, contact:
Kelly Harris
(314) 436-9090
Kelly@HauserGroupPR.com

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Feb. 22, 2024 — The slowing of U.S. inflation has trickled down to the Tooth Fairy.

New Delta Dental findings from its 2024 Original Tooth Fairy Poll® revealed the average value of a single lost tooth during the past year declined by 6% from $6.23 to $5.84. This represents the first year-over-year decline in Tooth Fairy giving in five years.

While the loss of a first tooth typically commands a premium, the poll also found the Tooth Fairy is minding her pennies in celebration of this milestone with the average value dropping from $7.29 to $7.09 over the past year.

“Delta Dental has tracked U.S. Tooth Fairy giving trends for 26 years as a timely way to spotlight the importance of children’s oral health,” said Gabriella Ferroni, Senior Director, Strategic Communications, Delta Dental Plans Association. “It is not a surprise to see she tightened her purse strings following last year’s record high. Despite the more economical reward, Tooth Fairy giving is a fun conversation starter to encourage good oral hygiene habits at an early age.”

The worth of a lost tooth and the economy

Historically, the Original Tooth Fairy Poll® has typically mirrored the economy’s overall direction, tracking with the trends of Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500). However, in 2023, the value of a lost tooth went in a different direction, and it continues in 2024. The average value of a single lost tooth decreased 6% over the past year, while the S&P 500 experienced a 20% increase during the same period.

U.S. regional ranking for the average value of a lost tooth

1. West ($8.54): Surged ahead of the pack to lead U.S. regions with the highest monetary gift for a lost tooth, marking a 37% increase since last year’s results.
2. Northeast ($6.87): Increased 12% and surpassed the national average by more than $1.00.
3. South ($5.51): Dropped below the national average, after leading last year with $6.59 for a lost tooth.
4. Midwest ($3.63): Significantly trailed the national average with a 36% drop, returning close to its 2021 average of $3.66.

About the poll

The Original Tooth Fairy Poll® was conducted between Jan. 3, 2024 and Jan. 17, 2024, among 1,000 parents of children ages 6 to 12. The margin of error is +/- 3%.

The January 2023 S&P 500 average was 3,942 and increased to an average of 4,746 for January 2024, consistent with the timing of the Original Tooth Fairy Poll®.

For more information about the Delta Dental-sponsored survey and oral health tips for infants to pre-teen, visit the Original Tooth Fairy Poll®.

About Delta Dental Plans Association

Based in Chicago, Illinois, Delta Dental Plans Association is the not-for-profit national association of the 39 independent Delta Dental companies. Through these companies, Delta Dental is the nation’s largest dental benefits provider, covering more than 89 million Americans and offering the country’s largest dental network with approximately 152,000 participating dentists. Over the last decade, Delta Dental companies and their foundations invested over $1.9 billion to improve the oral and overall health of our communities.

Visit deltadental.com for information on individual dental benefit plans and group dental benefit plans.

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PEORIA, Ill. (February 22, 2024) – Today, UScellular revealed the winners of its 7th Annual Black History Month Art Contest with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria.

Public voting for the finalists’ art was available online, and the winning artists from each Club were awarded gift cards. Winners from Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria received gift cards in the following amounts:

• Karina W. received $250 for 1st Place for the portrayal of Mary Jackson
• Aryn W. received $150 for 2nd Place for the portrayal of James Andrew Harris
• Liam W. received $100 for 3rd Place for the portrayal of Mae Jemison

“The Black History Art Contest at the Boys and Girls Clubs is a groundbreaking opportunity for our young members to merge creativity with the principles of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” commented Stephanie Rohrer, Program Director for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria. “This innovative contest not only celebrates the rich contributions of Black individuals to these fields but also encourages our youth to explore the intersection of art and STEM disciplines. Through their artistic expressions, these children are not only honoring the legacy of Black innovators but also forging new pathways for future generations. This contest embodies the spirit of ingenuity, resilience, and inclusivity, empowering our youth to become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.”

Boys & Girls Club members were encouraged to create original pieces of artwork representing influential Black STEM icons. These included historical figures, world leaders, scientists and educators who have made vital contributions to the world of science, technology, engineering and math.

Ten finalists were chosen by representatives from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria and local UScellular leaders based on creativity, quality, interpretation, clarity of theme and overall impression. Public voting for the finalists was made available online from February 1-15 and the finalists’ artwork was digitally displayed at the local UScellular stores at 3517 N. University, 4221 N. Sterling Avenue and 8809 N. Allen Road.

Since 2009, UScellular has invested more than $47 million in monetary donations, technology resources and countless experiences to nonprofit organizations across the country. For more information about UScellular’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, please go to newsroom.uscellular.com/community.

No Purchase Necessary. Entrants who are minors must have parental consent to participate in the Contest. Official Contest Rules, including full entry details and Finalist and Winner selection criteria/voting are available by email request to USCDLMediaRelations@uscellular.com.

About UScellular

UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has pledged to provide hotspots and service to help up to 50,000 youth connect to reliable internet. Additionally, UScellular has price protected all of its plans, promising not to increase prices through at least the end of 2024. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com.

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For more information, contact: Kelly Harris, Public Relations Counsel, 314-898-8116, Kelly@HauserGroupPR.com

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Service to Knoxville will begin in June 2024

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) today announced that Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is adding new, nonstop service between the Mascoutah, Ill.-based airport and McGhee Tyson Airport in Acola, Tenn. (TYS), providing individuals with direct access to Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains. Beginning June 13, flights between the two airports will be offered twice weekly – on Sundays and Thursdays. The new route marks the only nonstop service currently available between St. Louis and Knoxville.

“Knoxville is a terrific complement to the other existing low-cost flights offered by Allegiant out of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, and we’re confident passengers will appreciate the added choice as much as they appreciate the hassle-free experience of flying from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport,” said St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern.

The new route between BLV and TYS will be the 11th nonstop destination currently available via MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and the first destination in Tennessee offered by Allegiant from the St. Louis region. Other nonstop destinations currently served by Allegiant out of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport include Ft. Lauderdale, Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, Jacksonville, Sanford/Orlando, Sarasota/Bradenton, Punta Gorda/Ft. Myers and St. Pete/Tampa in Florida, as well as the destinations of Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Savannah, Ga.

“The new service to Knoxville is a great addition to the routes currently available,” said Darren James, director of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. “We know area travelers will enjoy having a friendly, low-cost, convenient option for travel to the city of Knoxville and Great Smoky Mountain National Park.” Flight days, times and the lowest fares can be found at flyMidAmerica.com or AllegiantAir.com.

About MidAmerica St. Louis Airport

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is located in Mascoutah, Illinois, in the eastern portion of the St. Louis metropolitan area. Passenger service to a variety of popular destinations is offered by Allegiant. Major multimodal rail and inland port centers are located within 22 miles of the airport, which also enjoys easy access to five interstate highways via I-64. With parallel runways of 8,000 and 10,000 feet, the airport can handle simultaneous take-offs and landings in all conditions, minimizing delays. It has an annual capacity of 200,000 operations. Tenants include Boeing, which has a manufacturing facility at the airport and North Bay Produce, an international, grower-owned, year-round, fresh produce marketing and distribution cooperative headquartered in Traverse City, Mich. MidAmerica is a Joint Use Airport partnering with Scott AFB, the home to US Transportation Command, a multi service organization, and Air Mobility Command, the USAF’s component command for airlift. MidAmerica and the 375th Air Mobility Wing operate Scott AFB/MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.

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Contact:

Pamela Powell

314-436-9090

Partners will be handing out Valentine treats to current riders on Feb. 14 and are offering Free Monthly Transit Passes for First-Time Transit Users

WHO: Representatives of Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT), Metro Transit and St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD), and hundreds of morning commuters

WHAT: Effort to thank current transit riders, while encouraging them to help friends, family members and coworkers who currently commute by driving get better acquainted with MetroLink and MetroBus

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m.

WHERE: Select Metro Transit locations, including: –

• • North Hanley Transit Center, 4300 N. Hanley Rd., St. Louis, MO 63134
  • Cortex MetroLink Station, located at 270 Duncan Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110
  • Central West End Transit Center, 410 S. Euclid, St. Louis, MO 63110
  • Shrewsbury-Lansdowne I-44 Transit Center, 7201 Lansdowne Ave, St. Louis, MO 63119
  • Belleville Transit Center, 800 Scheel Street, Belleville, IL 62221**
  • 5th & Missouri Transit Center, 150 N. 6th St., East St. Louis, IL 62201
  • **Spokespersons will be available at the Shrewsbury-Lansdowne 1-44 Transit Center

SIGNIFICANCE:

Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) – in conjunction with Metro Transit and St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) – is encouraging motorists to get better acquainted with MetroLink and MetroBus this month through its “Match with Metro Transit” campaign. Those new to the public transit scene can get a free monthly transit pass for their school or workday commute during the month of March by registering before Thursday, Feb. 29, at www.cmt-stl.org. March passes are available to the first 250 individuals who register. Current riders will also receive a free, limited-edition, transit T-shirt if they get a new rider to register. Street teams will be at six Metro Transit locations during the morning commute on Valentine’s Day, handing out valentines and candy to thank riders and educate them about this effort. Taking MetroLink and MetroBus is convenient and cost-effective. It can also save commuters money on gas, parking and vehicle wear and tear. According to the American Public Transit Association, a two-person household can save as much as $10,000 annually by downsizing to one car and using public transit.

“Match With Metro Transit” is part of the partnering organizations’ ongoing efforts to interact with riders, strengthen relationships and reinforce their collective commitment to a safe, comfortable, customer-focused transit experience. To learn more, visit www.cmt-stl.org.

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