<p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 1);">Girl Scouts of Connecticut Hosts 2nd Annual Female Leadership Summer Program at Quinnipiac University </strong><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">-9 High School Students Will Develop Entrepreneurial Skills at Weeklong Immersive Business Program- </em></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">While most folks are enjoying leisurely vacations this summer, nine high school Girl Scouts from across Connecticut will get a crash course in college life and organizational learning at </span><a href="http://www.gsofct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Girl Scouts of Connecticut’s</a><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);"> 2nd Annual </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Camp CEO at Quinnipiac University (QU) in Hamden from July 22- 26, 2024. All attendees will get the incredible opportunity to experience campus living, take classes from QU business professors and learn about potential career choices from top female CEOs and professional mentors</span><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> The intensive curriculum focused on social entrepreneurism with the theme of Healthy Food in Communities.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“Part of our mission at Girl Scouts of Connecticut is to help Girl Scouts build their leadership skills and to guide them to become our future women leaders of tomorrow,” </span><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">said Elicia Pegues Spearman, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Connecticut.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> “We designed Camp CEO to bring together Girl Scouts and </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Connecticut’s top women professionals for a few days of fun and learning.” </span></p><p>The program is open to Girl Scouts entering the 9th – 12th grade this fall. Participants will work with college professors and the Dean of the Business College at QU from Monday through Thursday to develop a business project. They will form teams, brainstorm ideas, and develop their pitches that will be officially presented to their families on Friday. </p><p>Besides Spearman, other participating female CEOs will include Yasmin Blackburn, Immigration Attorney at Kidambi &amp; Associates, Shenae Draughn, Executive Vice President at Elm City Communities and The Glendower Group, Jonna Gerken, an accomplished engineer and Program Manager at Pratt &amp; Whitney and Adrienne Parkmond, COO of The WorkPlace. </p><p>Spearman notes that by living in the dorm for the week, the Girl Scout attendees will meet roommates from other Connecticut towns, while bonding as teammates to solve conflicts and work out solutions.</p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“We’re extremely proud of our partnership with Quinnipiac University and are excited to continue it in future years,” concludes Spearman.</span></p>

<p>An American manufacturer’s solutions to combatting lethal battery fires is set to shine at the largest industry event in Europe. Family-owned Packaging and Crating Technologies <a href="http://www.pactww.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(PACT®)</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> will present its </span>patented, fire-suppressant product line<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span>at the European Battery Show in Stuttgart, Germany from June 18-20, 2024. The annual convention brings together nearly 20,000 engineers, research and development executives, quality control experts, business leaders and top manufacturing companies from around the globe to discover ground-breaking and safe solutions for our modern high-tech world. Specifically, the PACT team will lead an educational session, as well as unveil its newest weapons in preventing lithium-ion battery fires- TR SleeveTM and TR EnvelopeTM.</p><p>“We look forward to showcasing our products at the largest gathering geared toward both the battery and EV tech communities,” said Rodger Mort, chief operating officer at PACT, LLC. “We are uniquely positioned to address the hot topics of how to safely charge, transport and recycle lithium-ion batteries that are used to power a variety of E-mobility equipment and handheld devices.”</p><p>Mort explains that the company’s patented flagship product- <a href="https://www.pactthermoshield.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PACT® Thermo ShieldTM</a> a lightweight, paper material with a moisture vapor ink application that prevents thermal runaway and thus, explosive fires and deadly gas emission, will be displayed in a variety of exciting new formats to address emerging technologies.</p><p> One of them is TR Sleeve, in which uses the same technology as Thermo Shield, but individually wraps around each battery cell to prevent thermal runaway propagation within electric vehicles, battery packs and renewable energy storage systems. Mort notes that TR Sleeve can be applied to all battery cell designs and ensures comprehensive protection by serving as a heat and flame barrier without compromising the overall performance of the battery. Further, TR Sleeve preserves the environment in that it neutralizes smoke formation so that </p><p>harmful hydrogen and methane gas is not circulated into the air, and it is biodegradable.</p><p>The second new lithium-ion solution to be debuted at the European Battery Show is TR EnvelopeTM, a envelope made from PACT Thermo Shield designed to safely transport and recycle smaller devices such as cell phones, tablets, pagers, smartwatches and rechargeable A-D batteries. Besides everyday consumer use, PACT plans on marketing TR Envelope to airports and airlines as passengers are mandated to put away their cell phones during certain times of the flight for safety reasons.</p><p>“We’re so excited to introduce our latest innovations that reduce battery fires on an international stage,” concludes Mort. “If we can save even one life, while preventing property damage and personal injury, we’ve done our job” </p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">For more information about PACT</span>®<span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);"> and its comprehensive product line or to see a live demo, visit: </span><a href="https://www.pactthermoshield.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.pactthermoshield.com/</a><span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">. </span></p>

<p>New England native Laura Champagne loves the water! She began waterskiing at ten years old and went on to earn a biochemistry degree from Trinity College. By founding <a href="http://www.naturalhome.solutions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">Natural Home Solutions</a>, she is able to combine the two passions. Her company specializes in <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">organic mold remediation </span>but<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> also provides air quality testing and help</span>s <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">property owners detect </span>any water issues that could lead to<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> toxic </span>contaminants<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. </span>This <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">female entrepreneur has </span>committed<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span>to<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> using her aquatic expertise to help people with intellectual and physical disabilities learn how to water ski this summer. Specifically, Natural Home Solutions is the featured sponsor of the Webster Water Ski Collective and Aqua Riders of Holland, two non-profit organizations in central Massachusetts that are focused on making water sports safe, fun and accessible for all ages and abilities through adaptive waterski programs.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“As both a scientist who has built a business on mitigating water damage for families, and a seasoned water skier with my father and two young children, I give my full support to charities that uphold these two passions,” said </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Laura Champagne, founder of Natural Home Solutions. “</span>Both of these programs provide opportunities that many people would not have. Seeing the authentic joy and confidence on the faces of the participants is the greatest reward. The patience and kindness expressed by the younger members that I have trained throughout the years makes me proud and grateful that they will carry on this message.”</p><p>The Webster Water Ski Collective was founded in 2020 by a group of friends who regularly skied on Webster Lake and were asked to teach neighboring children how to improve their water ski skills. Soon thereafter, partner Ryan DesRoche discovered adaptive skiing and was immediately&nbsp;drawn to the life-enhancing benefits it offered people of all ages and abilities.&nbsp;He located the adaptive ski club Leaps of Faith Skiers in Sandy Hook, CT, attended a clinic, became a volunteer and after side-skiing with one of the participants, immediately launched an adaptive water ski program at his new organization.</p><p>“Over the past four years, our adaptive ski program has grown exponentially and now holds five major events per summer with more than 120 adaptive participants skiing with us,” said Ryan DesRoche, executive director of the Webster Water Ski Collective. “Thanks to generous supporters like Natural Home Solutions, we will be helping people with a variety of disabilities including spina bifida, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Autism and Ogden&nbsp;syndrome, find their strength, joy and support on the wide-open waterway this season!”</p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">DesRoche notes that the Webster Water Ski Collective’s adaptive ski season will kick off on </span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Wednesday, June 26, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Holland, MA</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> in conjunction with Aqua Riders of Holland and Team Hoyt New England, two other charities that make water sports more inclusive for everyone. The free event will take place on Hamilton&nbsp;Reservoir, which is the same lake that the famous father and disabled son duo of Dick and Rick Hoyt trained on for the countless triathlons&nbsp;that they participated in, inspiring thousands of people around the world.</span></p><p>Upcoming events include:</p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Veterans Ski Day Clinic on July 10, 2024 at the Donahue Rowing&nbsp;Center in Shrewsbury, MA that helps physically and emotionally disabled Vets conquer the water, co-sponsored by the US Department for Veteran Affairs through the USA Water Ski Organization.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Adaptive Ski Day for those with spinal cord injuries on July 25, 2024 at Memorial Beach in Webster, MA in conjunction with the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Any Age, Any Disability Adaptive Ski Day at Lake Lashaway in North Brookfield, MA.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Team Hoyt New England and Jack Trottier Foundation Adaptive Ski Day at Sand Bar Beach Club and Groll in Tyngsborough, MA.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“Summer is certainly my company’s busy season since mold outbreaks are rampant during frequent rainstorms and hurricanes, but summer is also the perfect time for stewardship,” adds Champagne. “From helping families overcome mold infestations to helping people overcome physical and intellectual limitations, water is always the source of life.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn more at&nbsp;</span><a href="https://naturalhome.solutions/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">naturalhome.solutions</a>.</p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">PHOTO</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">: Laura Champagne, owner of </span><a href="http://www.naturalhome.solutions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">Natural Home Solutions</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, an organic mold detection and removal company in New England, is a featured sponsor of the Webster Water Ski Collective and Aqua Riders of Holland, two non-profit organizations in central Massachusetts that are focused on making water sports safe, fun and accessible for all ages and abilities through adaptive waterski programs. The female entrepreneur (far right) is an avid water skier.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><em>-Annual Golf Tournament Attracts 156&nbsp;Participants and&nbsp;25&nbsp;Sponsors&nbsp;to Benefit CT Families in Need-&nbsp;</em></p><p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.giftsoflovect.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Gifts of Love</a>,&nbsp;a non-profit organization that provides food, clothing and housewares to Connecticut individuals and families facing a financial crisis, recently&nbsp;hosted&nbsp;its&nbsp;4th&nbsp;Annual Charity Golf Tournament.&nbsp;A total of 156&nbsp;golfers arrived at the Golf Club of Avon on the sunny Monday, May&nbsp;20th&nbsp;morning&nbsp;to make a positive difference in supporting neighbors in need.</p><p>“Once again, the weather was in our favor and&nbsp;we are grateful to everyone who pitched in to make our annual golfing&nbsp;event&nbsp;such a smashing&nbsp;success!” said Lisa Gray, executive director of Gifts of Love.&nbsp;“From our golfing participants and sponsors to our dinner attendees and volunteers, proceeds&nbsp;directly support our food and nutrition pantries, clothes closets, and linen and household goods rooms in&nbsp;both our&nbsp;Avon and Hartford locations.”</p><p>Activities of the special golf day included&nbsp;lunch, access to the Hooker Brewery Draft Beer Truck and the Litchfield Distillery Sampling Table, dinner, live auction and awards ceremony for various&nbsp;contests, at which NBC-30’s Bob Maxon was the emcee.&nbsp;</p><p>The roster of winners included:</p><p>•&nbsp;Long-Drive&nbsp;Contest -&nbsp;Red&nbsp;Course Men&nbsp;–&nbsp;Bruce LaBossiere&nbsp;</p><p>•&nbsp;Long-Drive Contest- Red Course Women&nbsp;–&nbsp;Joanne Niland&nbsp;</p><p>•&nbsp;Long-Drive Contest – White Course Men&nbsp;–&nbsp;Sean Meyer&nbsp;</p><p>•&nbsp;Long-Drive Contest- White Course Women –&nbsp;Jill Fredrickson</p><p>•&nbsp;Long Drive Contest – Blue Course Men&nbsp;–&nbsp;John Murphy•&nbsp;Long-Drive Contest- Blue Course Women&nbsp;–&nbsp;Deb Boynton</p><p>•&nbsp;Closet-to-the-Pin Contest- Red Course&nbsp;–&nbsp;Diane&nbsp;Daley</p><p>•&nbsp;Closet-to-the-Pin Contest-&nbsp;White&nbsp;Course&nbsp;–&nbsp;Seymour Bloom</p><p>•&nbsp;Closet-to-the-Pin Contest-&nbsp;Blue&nbsp;Course&nbsp;–&nbsp;Dave Steinberg</p><p>•&nbsp;Putting Contest&nbsp;–&nbsp;Box Maxon</p><p>“For those&nbsp;who missed participating in our golf tournament and would like to support the Gifts of Love mission,&nbsp;we will be hosting the&nbsp;5th&nbsp;Annual Golf Endurance Challenge with Cigna Vice President Brian Cuddeback at the Golf Club of Avon&nbsp;in July,” adds Gray.&nbsp;“We have no doubt that we can rely on the goodwill, generosity and love of Connecticut residents at that&nbsp;fundraising function&nbsp;too.”</p><p>To donate directly to the organization, please visit<a href="http://www.giftsoflovect.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.giftsoflovect.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">www.giftsoflovect.org</a>, contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@giftsoflovect.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">info@giftsoflovect.org</a>&nbsp;or call&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">860-676-2323</span>.</p><p>&nbsp;<strong>PHOTO:</strong>&nbsp;Closest to the Pin&nbsp;winner,&nbsp;David&nbsp;Steinberg of&nbsp;West Hartford, was&nbsp;among the 156&nbsp;golfers who&nbsp;participated in&nbsp;the&nbsp;4thAnnual&nbsp;Charity Golf Tournament&nbsp;to benefit Gifts of Love, a non-profit&nbsp;organization&nbsp;that&nbsp;helps individuals and families return to self-sufficiency&nbsp;after a financial crisis.</p><p><em>Photo Credit: Gifts of Love</em></p>

<p><em style="color: black;">-Earn Monetary Reward for Positive Impact on Local CT Communities-</em></p><p><strong>(Hartford, Conn.) –&nbsp;</strong><em>June 18, 2024</em><strong>&nbsp;–&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://www.gsofct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Girl Scouts of Connecticut</a>&nbsp;(GSOFCT) recently recognized 34 exceptional Girl Scouts who earned the organization’s highest achievement at the Annual Girl Scout Gold Awards Ceremony in Hartford. Now, the non-profit organization is pleased to announce that five exceptional awardees received monetary scholarships totaling $10,000 for their positive community-enhancing projects. They are Makena Logan of Avon, Lilyana Drapeau from Rocky Hill, Samara Negrin of Trumbull, and Lillian Westerberg and Clarissa Halpryn, who both reside in Vernon.</p><p><span style="color: black;">“To earn the Gold Award, a Girl Scout identifies an issue affecting her community, drafts a plan to address a root cause, and then leads a team of volunteers to implement it.&nbsp;When the project is complete, Gold Award Girl Scouts and their teams will have made a sustainable impact on their community that continues to last beyond their involvement,” said Elicia Pegues Spearman, CEO of GSOFCT.&nbsp;“This alone is a major feat, however, five shining stars have taken their projects to the next level with their </span>leadership and citizenship skills that set them apart.”</p><p><span style="color: black;">Spearman highlights each Girl Scout’s specific contribution and scholarship reward:</span></p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lilyana Drapeau of Rocky Hill received $1,000 from GSOFCT for planting a Monarch butterfly garden at an inner-city elementary school in Bridgeport, CT to spark interest in STEM issues among low-income minority children.</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Samara Negrin of Trumbull received $1,000 from GSOFCT and an additional $5,000 scholarship from Girl Scouts USA for creating a tidal wave of awareness about human trafficking.&nbsp;Samara has designed her own jewelry line, speaks at various public forums and hosts an annual Walk to End Human Trafficking.</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Makena Logan from Avon earned $1,000 from GSOFCT for her collaboration with the Avon Land Trust to create improvements to a recently donated property, including clearing a large area of invasive plants, creating a trail, developing a native plant pollinator garden, and producing educational signs for the property that promoted environmental solutions.</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lillian Westerberg of Vernon was awarded $1,000 from GSOFCT for improving the health of Long Island Sound through her original presentation, simulation and YouTube video, which resulted in hundreds of positive actions by viewers.</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clarissa Halpryn from Vernon received $1,000 from the Connecticut Elks Association for launching a writing center at Rockville High School, which provides help and feedback to students on their writing assignments in a stress-free space.&nbsp;Since its inception, students have developed their writing skills, from grammar and punctuation to analysis and reasoning, improved their grades, and had the opportunity to meet and work with their peers.</p><p>“Less than six percent of all Girl Scouts earn the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award,” adds Spearman “Above all else, this achievement makes a girl understand what a difference one person can make, and how dreaming big can make positive change in the world.”</p><p>&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit </span><a href="http://www.gsofct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.gsofct.org</a><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">.</span></p>

<p><strong style="color: black;"><em>NEW ENGLAND MOLD SPECIALTY COMPANY ENSURES SAFE AND SMOOTH HOME SALE PROCESS</em></strong></p><p><br></p><p>Over the past three years, the housing market has experienced a national shortage of inventory, which has resulted in bidding wars, exorbitant offers, and buyers waiving their opportunity for a home inspection. Unfortunately, many buyers quickly regret these decisions, viewing their new dream home as a potential nightmare. <a href="http://www.naturalhome.solutions/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">Natural Home Solutions</a>, a female-owned business specializing in organic mold testing and remediation, is dedicated to educating real estate agencies across New England about the importance of comprehensive mold analysis within home inspections. Collaborating with esteemed names in the industry such as Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, Gallagher Real Estate, Executive Real Estate, ROVI, Lock and Key, and Neilsen Realty, the life science company is leading the charge to ensure the safety and well-being of home buyers and sellers by prioritizing proactive mold detection and removal measures.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="color: black;">“When it comes to mold, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure</span>,”<span style="color: black;"> says Laura Champagne, co-founder of </span><a href="http://www.naturalhome.solutions/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: black;">Natural Home Solutions LLC</a><span style="color: black;">.&nbsp;“It’s very important</span> for real estate agents and buyers to ask the right questions about water issues. It is almost guaranteed that when there is an infiltration of water, mold growth is inevitable. Home inspectors may discover a mold-like substance. This discovery could scare away potential buyers. The process of home buying is extremely emotional; so proper education can save both sides from headaches and wasted time.”</p><p><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: black;">According to a 2024 report by </span><a href="https://www.rubyhome.com/blog/mold-stats/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">Ruby Home</a><span style="color: black;">, 47% of U.S. residential buildings show signs of mold, which can drop home resale values by 37%.&nbsp;It is </span>imperative<span style="color: black;"> that a seller and their agent discuss openly the history o</span>f the home prior to listing it. Even the most seemingly insignificant issues could present themselves on a much larger scale in the future. The most obvious signs to look for are water staining and foul smells.</p><p><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Keller Williams North Central Realtor Jessica Cavall</span>a<span style="color: black;">ro has been in the real estate business for a decade and has noticed a 15-20% increase in mold </span>concerns <span style="color: black;">over the past five years due to the </span>increase in wet<span style="color: black;"> weather across the New England landscape. She always recommends that home buyers do their rese</span>arch and request mold testing if there are any concerns.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“In Massachusetts<span style="color: black;">, buyers are allowed to have an inspection period before they sign their purchase and sales agreement,” said Cavallaro.&nbsp;“Once a transaction has </span>reached this stage<span style="color: black;">,</span> all of the parties involved are looking forward to closing the deal. It is frustrating and disappointing when surprises arise during the inspection.”</p><p><br></p><p>In fact, Cavallaro had to release the contract on a recent home purchase due to “spotting” and “matter” found in the attic. Even after attempting to work with the sellers on a solution, the parties failed to come to an agreement. <span style="color: black;">“</span>Home inspectors are trained for a variety of building concerns but they are not specialists in any one area, so it is always best to follow up the inspection process by consulting a specialist in the field before making final decisions,” Cavallaro adds. “<span style="color: black;">I currently work with Natural Home Solutions as my preferred mold remediation expert. </span>Laura’s background in biochemistry, diligence and prompt response time sets her apart from the competition<span style="color: black;">.”</span></p><p><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Cavallaro notes that when she is showing homes to prospective buyers </span>and<span style="color: black;"> encounters some unidentified foreign matter, she will send a photo to the Natural Home Solutions team and get an immediate assessment as to whether the situation is a potential major issue or minor inconvenience. “This is a priceless resource in our current real estate market where there is a lack of inventory and I would hate for my clients to miss out on their ideal home,” said Cavallaro. </span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="color: black;">Champagne explains that home inspectors often miss a mold diagnosis because it is sometimes hidden from the naked eye. She notes that mold thrives in dark damp spaces, fueled by moisture and cellulose in building materials. Moisture can originate from water damage caused by foundation problems, drainage issues,&nbsp;poorly installed windows, roof deficiencies, storm damage, leaky pipes, HVAC issues, faulty appliances, bathroom vent issues, and wet building materials. </span></p><p><span style="color: black;">“Since mold is found in the external environment, every home, building and structure is vulnerable to it</span>. O<span style="color: black;">ur company works w</span>ith not only real estate agents but all homeowners, property managers,<span style="color: black;"> house flippers </span>and banks,” said Champagne. “Mold can also appear in<span style="color: black;"> personal investments like </span>rental properties, vehicles<span style="color: black;">, boats, RVs and vacation homes. The key is to locate the water source</span> and minimize the level<span style="color: black;"> of humidity.” </span></p><p><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Champagne offers the following mold prevention tips: </span></p><p><span style="color: black;">●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Routinely inspect the external property</span>, <span style="color: black;">foundation, windows, gutters, roof, drainage and any poten</span>tial <span style="color: black;">storm damage. </span></p><p><span style="color: black;">●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Keep indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. </span>Use<span style="color: black;"> a portable or permanent HVAC dehumidifier. Whenever possible have them plumbed in and run an </span>oscillating fan in the opposite corner.</p><p><span style="color: black;">●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Check the bathroom fans and attic vents and conduct regular maintenance.</span></p><p>●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">If you experience an intrusion of water, call a professional to remove it as fast as possible.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="color: black;">Equally important, Champagne advises realtors to ask questions about the </span>history of the property. If there was a potential water issue, conduct an air quality test for mold <u>prior to</u> putting a seller’s home on the market; a<span style="color: black;"> proactive effort that will help secure top dollar for the property and avoid delays. </span></p><p><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Lastly, Champagne describes the growing trend for legal </span>action against<span style="color: black;"> </span>property owners<span style="color: black;"> who do not address mold in a timely manner, </span>and cause <span style="color: black;">mold-related illness </span>and<span style="color: black;"> property damage</span>. “A simple air quality test can provide crucial documentation and a clear answer that can help solve a dispute,” she adds. “Insurance companies have begun to exclude mold remediation in their policies, but some have put new incentives in place for permanent water related solutions.”</p><p><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: black;">For realtor Cavall</span>a<span style="color: black;">ro, she will continue to consult with Natural Home Solutions to ensure that she maintains her top-selling status within her brokerage: “It is such a relief to have Natural Home Solutions as our #1 mold expert in selling both residential and commercial properties,” she exclaims. “The unknown can be scary, but by having the right remediation team and elimination plan in place, my clients and I always have peace of mind that we will breathe easy!” </span></p><p><strong style="color: black;"><u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p><strong style="color: black;"><u>About Natural Home Solutions LLC</u></strong></p><p><span style="color: black;">Natural Home Solutions LLC, is committed to keeping homes and businesses safe from mold contamination through science.&nbsp;Serving New England and the tri-state region, the professional team performs high-quality mold testing and nontoxic, non-destructive removal at a cost-effective price. As one of only a few EnzyCleanse</span><sup style="color: black;">TM</sup><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;licensees in the world, the company is proud to offer an organic, safe and naturally derived mold elimination solution created by the scientists at XSPOR Life Sciences.&nbsp;It is the only product in the mold abatement industry to earn the authentic USDA BioPreferred Certification. Learn more at&nbsp;</span><a href="https://naturalhome.solutions/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">naturalhome.solutions</a><span style="color: black;"> for a free estimate. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">-###-</span></p>