el Car Wash on the Cover of SOUTH FLORIDA magazine

VOL.6 NO.2

FEBRUARY 2023

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el CAR WASH

FOUNDER | Jay Shapiro Luxury Chamber Media Group jay@southflorida.in Fashion Editor | Juliana LaBonte juliana@southflorida.in Travel Editor | Christina Ricci Business Editor | Cindy Ragan Real Estate Editor | Venus Proffer

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EL CAR WASH DONATES $50,000 TO BAPTIST HEALTH FOUNDATION The largest and fastest growing high-end express car wash operator in Florida with 26 locations and 25+ more under development, announced the donation of $50,000 to Baptist Health, the leading healthcare organization in South Florida.

The funds were raised through the launch of the El Car Wash Baptist Health Membership, where the company donated $1 for every month customers remained a member.

This donation is part of the company's annual giving initiatives and is announced in conjunction with the opening of El Car Wash Palm Beach Gardens and El Car Wash Miramar, the acquisition of three Bill's Car Washes in Brevard County and the acquisition of two Smart Car Washes, one in North Miami Beach and one in West Palm Beach.

el Car Wash - MIAMI HEAT, BAPTIST HEALTH, MIAMI ZOO 25+25 = 50 locations active & planned!

"Our entire ecosystem, from our customers to our management team, is comprised of South Florida locals and giving back to the communities where our constituents reside is a responsibility that we take seriously. El Car Wash's core principles include a family-oriented culture and always doing the right thing, so making impactful donations to causes that benefit our community is something we have done historically and intend to accelerate in the future," said Justin Landau and Geoff Karas, Co-CEOs of El Car Wash.

El Car Wash is committed to supporting its customers, employees and surrounding communities through extensive charity work. Over the last few years, ECW has partnered with other local organizations and its largest donation to date will help support Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, specifically pediatric cancer research.

"We are so thankful for our partnership with El Car Wash. Their commitment to giving back to Baptist Health Foundation and other local causes is admirable. Their generosity will go a long way to support pediatric cancer research at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute," said Marisa M. Beazel, Senior Director of Development & Corporate Partnerships, Baptist Health Foundation.

"We are deeply committed to giving back through extensive charity work across Florida. In addition to our donation to Baptist Health Foundation, other groups ECW has supported over the past few years include the Zoo Miami Foundation, The Love Fund, Live Like Bella, as well as free washes to all pandemic first responders and essential workers through our free wash programs, and complimentary car wash programs for the police force, firefighters, and teachers. As the Official Car Wash of the Miami HEAT, a partner of Baptist Health and Zoo Miami, we understand that the importance of charitable partnerships is not just good for business, it's good business," said Carly Klein, El Car Wash Director of Marketing.

Today, El Car Wash is a widely recognized brand known for its prime locations, great customer service, high quality operations, distinctive aesthetics, and industry leading membership program, all of which is highlighted by its 125,000+ members who can wash their cars for less than a $1 per day at all its 25 locations.

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ORCA GOLF UNVEILS “THE EXCLUSIVE PAW GOLF COLLECTION

BOCA RATON, FLORIDA – ORCA GOLF, a fast-growing premium golf bag production company with headquarters located in Boca Raton, Florida, unveiled the first such golf bag endeavor, “The Exclusive Paws Golf Collection” at the Paws Shopping Extravaganza of the Humane Society of Broward. The well-attended event took place this month at the Coral Ridge Country Club in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

According to Petpedia, every year 10 million animals die from abuse and 100 million animals are used for lab experiments. However, not all abuse cases are reported, so we can safely say that more than 100 million animals suffer abuse every year. (4/14/22) The Founders of ORCA Golf, Erica and Deborah’s mission is well-known as not only offering a high quality product, but a story that is aligned with the mission and vision of PAWS to create a compassionate community of animal advocates. With their passion for animals, their community involvement and pet owners, Erica Bennett, designed the unique collection for animal lovers, “The Exclusive Paws Golf Collection.” ORCA Golf is already known for their unique premium brand golf bags, accessories, and tournament gifts. Kathy Tricomi, Senior VP & Chief Development Officer at the Humane Society of Broward County was ecstatic when the founders of ORCA Golf approached her team with their idea.

Opus EHR Partners with PracticeSuite To Offer Cutting-Edge RCM Services and Ease Reimbursement Challenges for Behavioral Health Treatment Centers Opus EHR., a leading cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) platform, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with PracticeSuite to provide intelligent, automated reimbursement services to drive profitability for Behavioral Health Treatment Centers and Providers.

Specifically designed for addiction, SUD, and mental health treatment facilities, Opus EHR optimizes intake, admissions, billing, clinical, and medical management processes with a simple, streamlined view across the continuum of care. The partnership unites Opus EHR and PracticeSuite tech-enabled healthcare SaaS solutions and services to boost practices financially and operationally. “When we began searching for a complete solution to integrate with Opus EHR, I knew one of the best Practice Management SAAS systems out there was PracticeSuite,” says Trey Wilson, CEO of Opus EHR. “As the former CRO of PracticeSuite, and knowing how agile the PracticeSuite team is, I knew this was the best partnership to optimize our product,” Wilson adds.

“PracticeSuite understands billing and reimbursement as a common challenge for Behavioral Health facilities with everchanging billing requirements and staffing challenges. This partnership provides struggling centers a path that will increase profitability, productivity, and staff efficiency,” stated Vinod Nair, CEO of PracticeSuite. “With credit card processing and insurance verification all in one place, supporting overall practice processes, the partnership will streamline behavioral health operations to take them to the next level.”

“We are dedicated to making the easiest-to-use EHR and integrated PM System, with capabilities that could only be delivered by two teams working and focused within the behavioral health industry. Opus EHR and PracticeSuite continue to drive innovation and lead the market in their respective specialties,” explained Trey Wilson. “This partnership offers added value to our already comprehensive package of integrated services. Customers will be able to increase payor collections, automate processes, have greater financial control and increased performance, as well as improved provider productivity and staff efficiency.”

The companies agreed to undergo a full bidirectional integration that gives Opus EHR customers seamless access to PracticeSuite’s Practice Management system via a single login without ever having to navigate from Opus EHR. The continued synergies between the two parallel the vision of enhancing clients’/prospects’ operations to give them more time on the front end by reducing the time spent back-end processes. This way, they utilize the functionality between the products and services as they grow to scale. The partnership provides customers with the best of both worlds – a top-tier practice management system with the power of a fully-scalable EHR specifically built for the behavioral health space.

The integration was on display at a complimentary public webinar held on January 17, 2023, now available on demand at: https://www.opusehr.com/navigating-modern-tech-watch-recording

Kitchen & Closet Ideas - Haute Design for 2023

Trends & Tones for Foodies and Fans of Organized Design

Kitchens

Closets FLOOR 2 CEILING

Colossal Windows ACCESSORY KNOOKS

mini-luxe ORGANIC MINIMALISM

Bamboo Finish FLUSH WITH WALL GLASS DOORS 2-Tone-Earth-Elements CUSTOM WALLPAPER Space-Saving

Form follows function yet function changes as cultures fuse and the economy finds a way.

2023 will be a year of light and bright hues in the kitchen. Think of a soft golden banana and a lingonberry sitting next to it contrasted against a marble grey slab or a dark mahogany cutting board; with a 1930's style interrogation lamp shining down on them!

- Big Jay Shapiro

Unicoin Launches Global Art Investment Initiative During Miami Art Week Unicoin - the next-generation cryptocurrency from the producers of the Unicorn Hunters show announced during Miami Art Week that it has launched a Global Art Investment Initiative funded with 50 million unicoins valued at $20M at the current base sales price of 40¢/ú to converge art, blockchain technology, and the Future of Money. As part of the Initiative, Unicoin will invest in works by internationally acclaimed icons and emerging global artists who are redefining the contemporary art scene and fund original NFT collections and digital twins of selected paintings to help artists reach the millions of consumers who are interested in owning digital assets.

"Unicoin is focused on providing value to its holders by building a valuable asset portfolio of potentially high-performing investments. Art is a unique asset class with a market valued at more than $61 billion and the emergence of digital assets and NFTs are redefining the way people collect and invest," said Silvina Moschini, Founder, President, and Chairwoman of Unicoin.

"We are proud to take the initiative to invest in artists who are changing the world while building a diversified portfolio of valuable assets that could provide positive returns for our holders."

Unicoin is the official cryptocurrency of the Unicorn Hunters show, which Forbes magazine described as "the most iconic business series of recent times." It was created to address the volatility of first-generation tokens and was designed to pay dividends. Unlike Bitcoin and other early crypto coins, Unicoin is backed by a portfolio of diverse assets, which includes equity in growth-stage companies. As a result of this Initiative, art will become a new asset class for the Unicoin portfolio, which is expected to reach a value of $500 million by the end of 2023.

"Mind Games is a series that I am extremely proud of, and I am thrilled that one of its pieces was chosen as the first for this innovative initiative," said Sebastian Masegosa, Visual Artist.

"Blockchain technology and digital art is opening a whole new world of opportunity for artists like me, and I am looking forward to launching the NFT collections with Unicoin in the near future."

Hair and the Florida Sun, Get the Facts!!

A common fact about frequent sun exposure is that it has long-term detrimental effects on your skin. The sun's UV rays are harsh on your skin and damage the outer cell layer, which causes premature aging, wrinkles, dryness, sagging, and even skin cancer. What, however, isn't talked about enough is the fact that a prolonged exposure to these harmful sun rays damage the hair as well.

Human hair contains cells which are responsible for the production of natural hair pigment.

Frequent exposure to sunlight damages these cells, which results in hair discoloration and premature aging. Moreover, these UV/UVA radiations damage the hair cuticle layer which results in dryness, split-ends, hair breakage, frizz and brittleness. So, how do we counter the damage?

Just as the skin needs sunscreen to stay protected, the hair needs protection from the sun as well. GK Hair has an entire product range dedicated to UV/UVA & Color Protection, which saves your hair from detrimental effects of frequent sun exposure. This product range is infused with protective agents Shield Color Protection Duo Your everyday hair care basics! Add Shield Shampoo and Conditioner into your hair care routine and keep hair damage and degradation at bay.

Dry Oil Shine Spray A finishing spray, to add glistening protection to your hair! Dry Oil Shine Spray is perfect to add shine to any style while keeping those UV/UVA rays away.

Lock Me Color Masque New hair color fading too soon? Get Lock Me Color Masque, a true multitasker that locks in hair color, nourishes the hair while providing a shield against UV/UVA protection.

Boarderie Offers First and Only Pre-Assembled Cheese and Charcuterie Boards, Shipped Overnight Nationwide Gift better with hand-selected artisan cheeses, meats, dried fruits, nuts and chocolates artfully arranged on a keepsake Acacia wood board that arrives pre-assembled and ready-to-share

the first and only company delivering a delightfully simple way to give and share pre-arranged, cateringquality cheese and charcuterie boards, today announced its direct-to-consumer website is live. Founded in fall 2020 and uniting everyday convenience with gourmet artistry, their expert team sources the highest-quality, artisan inspired ingredients from around the world for a one of a kind tasting experience.

"This direct-to-consumer launch solidifies our spot as the first and only brand providing consumers and businesses alike with catering-quality cheese and charcuterie boards that are simple to send and guaranteed to impress," said Rachel Solomon, Co-CEO, Boarderie. "We've created a whole new category in edible gifting and entertaining and have been fortunate to see incredible demand since day one. We've taken premium grazing experiences to a new level for this holiday season and so many other occasions throughout the year," Solomon added.

With Boarderie, there is no shopping, cutting, or prepping required. Boards are shipped temperaturecontrolled and perfectly arranged. Consumers and gift givers can expect: Artful presentation Each is display-worthy and features a tapestry of the unique ingredients that arrive looking exactly as they do in the pictures.

Gourmet Curation The company and its founders take pride in the exceptional quality of the products. Featuring individually selected hand-cut cheeses and meats sourced from award winning producers around the world, each board serves up perfectly paired, impeccably sourced assortments that unite variety and novelty with complete harmony.

"Our vision has been perfected over 20 years in hospitality, and we think it shows. You'll see our expertise reflected in deliciously display-worthy arrangements, catering-level quality, and chef-inspired pairings," said Aaron Menitoff Co-CEO, Boarderie. "Whether you're giving, celebrating, or sharing at home, at an event or at work, you're free to enjoy a grazing experience that delivers all of the flavors with none of the fuss."

KITCHENAID LAUNCHES NEW BUILT-IN REFRIGERATOR WITH INNOVATIVE STORAGE & MEANINGFUL FEATURES KitchenAid introduces its new built-in refrigerator, designed with flexible and accessible storage to stay in the creative flow. With enhanced features and organization, this built-in refrigerator is the heart of the kitchen, allowing Makers to get excited to create in their kitchen.

"Optimal space and functionality allows consumers to get the most out of their kitchen, further empowering them in their making," said Danie Antonelli, Senior Director of Brand and Shopper Marketing for KitchenAid Major Appliances. "Not only did we design a refrigerator to meet their kitchen aesthetic needs, but we made sure it has the functionality to match."

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The latest KitchenAid built-in refrigerator features the following benefits: Under-Shelf Prep Zone: Ideal for food prep or storing leftovers, marinating, chilling desserts, making focaccia and more, this area utilizes space that is typically left unused beneath the refrigerator shelf. The refrigerator also includes a 9"x13" baking sheet and cake pan, allowing cooks to stay in the creative flow – going directly from the refrigerator to the oven to the dishwasher.

Premium Sliding Storage Tray: Comes in a wood-look finish that is moisture and stain resistant. Whether Makers are serving platters or simply organizing ingredients, this feature will impress guests with its form and function. It is also fully removable, making it easy to clean.

FreshChill™ Temperature-Controlled Drawer: Has a manual setting so you can customize temperatures in order to help maintain the freshness of your ingredients – whether it be meat, produce, assorted items or deli. From a tri-tip to a large rhubarb from the farmer's market, you have control over how much cool air enters the drawer.

About KitchenAid Since the introduction of its legendary stand mixer in 1919 and the first dishwasher in 1949, KitchenAid has built on the legacy of these icons to create a complete line of products designed for those with a passion to create.

Today, the KitchenAid® brand offers virtually every essential for the well-equipped kitchen with a collection that includes everything from countertop appliances to cookware, ranges to refrigerators, and whisks to wine cellars. To learn more, visit KitchenAid.com or follow us on Instagram, @KitchenAidUSA.

South Florida Based Production Company Light F/X Pros Announces Expansion With The Official Launch of Light F/X Studios Complex

The company hosted a holiday themed launch event attended by some of the biggest names in Latin music.

Those in attendance included award-winning composer Marlow Rosado, Zion of Zion & Lennox, Motiff, Fraga of DLG, Dose from group Fulanito, Jhonny Leon, Gaby Borges, actress Natalia Betancourt– Netflix, Jesus Salas- Content Officer and Executive Vice President at Spanish Broadcasting System, SBS radio personality Jammin Johnny Caride, actress Noris Joffre, Angel Rodriguez (artist representative), Virginia Romero (film director and producer), David Impelluso (film director and producer), Univision anchor Sandra Peebles, Farid Duque El Dukke (Film producer and artist manager), Jose Rosario, actress Lizandra Parra, Maykel Perez (P.R), Kevin Cabrera (actor), Telumundo's Jocelyne Pruna, TMZ Hip Hop Host Tonio Skits, and stylist Antony Ortiz.