HALLMARK

Hallmark Announces AM Best Rating Changes, Interim Final Arbitration Award, and Partnership with an AM Best “A” Rated Carrier

Retrieved on: 
Friday, May 5, 2023

In addition, AM Best has maintained the under review with negative implications status of all Credit Ratings (ratings).

Key Points: 
  • In addition, AM Best has maintained the under review with negative implications status of all Credit Ratings (ratings).
  • On May 4, 2023, the arbitration panel rendered an interim final award, subject to final determination of certain amounts under settlement.
  • AM Best indicated that its continuing review of Hallmark’s rating would be subject to several factors, including the final disposition of this arbitration proceeding.
  • We understand that in certain situations, an insured requires AM Best “A” rated paper, for which we have entered a partnership with an AM Best “A” rated carrier.

AM Best Downgrades Credit Ratings of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries; Maintains Under Review With Negative Implications Status

Retrieved on: 
Friday, May 5, 2023

AM Best has downgraded the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) to “bb” (Fair) from “bbb-” (Good) and associated Long-Term Issue Ratings (Long-Term IRs) of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. (Hallmark Financial) [NASDAQ: HALL].

Key Points: 
  • AM Best has downgraded the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) to “bb” (Fair) from “bbb-” (Good) and associated Long-Term Issue Ratings (Long-Term IRs) of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. (Hallmark Financial) [NASDAQ: HALL].
  • In addition, AM Best has maintained the under review with negative implications status of all Credit Ratings (ratings).
  • For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings .
  • For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments .

The 50th Anniversary of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments kicks off with Dream Book launch on April 14

Retrieved on: 
Friday, April 14, 2023

KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This year marks a milestone anniversary for Hallmark. The nation's oldest and largest greeting card company is officially celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. Kicking off on April 14 with the annual release of Hallmark's Keepsake Ornament Dream Book, the 50th Anniversary celebration will include commemorative ornaments, events and activations throughout the year, and more.

Key Points: 
  • The nation's oldest and largest greeting card company is officially celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments.
  • Kicking off on April 14 with the annual release of Hallmark's Keepsake Ornament Dream Book, the 50th Anniversary celebration will include commemorative ornaments, events and activations throughout the year, and more.
  • In 1973, Hallmark debuted its newest product line – a selection of 18 specially designed Keepsake Ornaments, including six decorated glass ball ornaments and 12 yarn ornaments.
  • Available now, the 2023 Dream Book highlights five decades of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments and features an exclusive line of commemorative 50th Anniversary ornaments.

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP, INC. NAMES NEW CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 30, 2023

ST. LOUIS, March 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) announces Julia Fitzgerald as the new Chief Marketing Officer, as the company continues to execute its multi-year strategy. Ms. Fitzgerald will be a member of Build-A-Bear's senior leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and highlighting the company's continued commitment to delivering meaningful consumer engagement and experiences with the goal of further driving profitable growth through the strategic evolution of the company and monetization of the powerful brand equity. 

Key Points: 
  • ST. LOUIS, March 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) announces Julia Fitzgerald as the new Chief Marketing Officer, as the company continues to execute its multi-year strategy.
  • She has held critical marketing roles in the areas of retail, toys, juvenile products, childhood education, and non-profit, with senior level positions at Sylvan Learning, Sears, VTech, Hallmark, and most recently serving as the Chief Marketing Officer at the American Lung Association.
  • She will lead Build-A-Bear's focus on brand communications, integrated marketing, public relations, and creative services, while integrating the company's cause marketing efforts in conjunction with the Build-A-Bear Foundation, the company's 501(c)3 organization.
  • We do this by leveraging access to our in-store marketing, first party contacts, social media and public relations to drive awareness and sales.

Hallmark Media Signs EDO as Outcomes Measurement Partner, Reveals Strong Q4 Ad Performance

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Hallmark consistently performs in the top 20% of linear cable network ad performance, per EDO data, with a noted increase in engagement in Q4 year-over-year.

Key Points: 
  • Hallmark consistently performs in the top 20% of linear cable network ad performance, per EDO data, with a noted increase in engagement in Q4 year-over-year.
  • The network’s Countdown to Christmas primetime movie programming, which begins in October, launched Hallmark into the top 10% of cable networks in Q4 2022.
  • Hallmark will continue leveraging EDO to deliver ad outcomes and immediate proof-of-performance insights for custom integrations during Hallmark programming.
  • Ads during Hallmark movie premieres and new series episodes are 52% more likely to engage viewers than during the average Hallmark program, per EDO.

New Harris Poll Survey Finds America's Singles Are Happy, Fulfilled, and Seeking Dates, Not Mates

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 13, 2023

That's according to " Singles in America Survey ," the latest research from The Harris Poll, Thought Leadership Practice, released today.

Key Points: 
  • That's according to " Singles in America Survey ," the latest research from The Harris Poll, Thought Leadership Practice, released today.
  • "Our perceptions of single Americans need to be reexamined," says Libby Rodney, futurist and chief strategy officer at The Harris Poll.
  • The Harris Poll survey suggests that singles are happier and more fulfilled.
  • To learn more about The Harris Poll for Thought Leadership and the Singles in America poll, visit this link .

Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC), Workers Compensation Division Names Dr. David Speights as Vice President of Analytics

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies, (BHHC), Workers Compensation Division today announced the addition of Dr. David Speights to the Senior Leadership team as the Vice President of Analytics.

Key Points: 
  • Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies, (BHHC), Workers Compensation Division today announced the addition of Dr. David Speights to the Senior Leadership team as the Vice President of Analytics.
  • Alongside Danny Engell, Senior Vice President and Chief Underwriting and Data Analytics Officer, Dr. Speights will lead the company's analytics strategy and operational teams to advance the organization’s growth in this key business discipline.
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230215005403/en/
    David Speights, Vice President of Data Analytics Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies Workers Compensation Division (Photo: Business Wire)
    “Dr.
  • “We are excited to welcome Dr. Speights to our organization,” said Danny Engell, Senior Vice President and Chief Underwriting and Data Analytics Officer.

Hallmark Offers Holiday Gifts for Everyone

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, December 1, 2022

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Dec. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 'Tis the season for giving, and Hallmark is here to help consumers share more merry with great holiday gifts for everyone. The new collection features options for adults and kids, offering family members and loved ones a convenient, one-stop shop for finding unique and thoughtful gifts that help show their appreciation for each other. 

Key Points: 
  • Kick off this year's giving spree by shopping Hallmark's 2022 holiday gift guide for all sorts of holiday gift ideas.
  • From self-care to the kitchen, Hallmark offers a wide variety of gifts for all their favorite hobbies.
  • Let Hallmark help you bring that holiday joy with unique and traditional holiday gift wrap options galore.
  • Hallmark Media operates three cable channels Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama in addition to Hallmark Publishing, a leading publisher of uplifting eBooks, audiobooks and print editions, and Hallmark Movies Now, a subscription-based streaming service.

As part of Hallmark Channel's "Countdown to Christmas" the Network Teams up with Warm Up America! Foundation for "Stitched with Love" Initiative to Create and Donate Handmade Blankets to Domestic Violence Shelters

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 30, 2022

DALLAS, Nov. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of Hallmark Channel's "Countdown to Christmas," the Channel and Warm Up America! have teamed up for the "Stitched with Love" initiative to create beautiful cozy blankets to donate to women's domestic violence shelters. The Channel has also donated $25,000 to the Foundation to support the charity. 

Key Points: 
  • have teamed up for the " Stitched with Love " initiative to create beautiful cozy blankets to donate to women's domestic violence shelters.
  • Anyone can crochet or knit a square and donate it to Warm Up America!
  • Each section will be connected locally to complete full-size blankets and donated to various women's domestic violence shelters in Georgia, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Texas.
  • "We are thankful for the Hallmark Channel's generous donation and support for the Foundation," said Jenny Bessonette, Executive Director of Warm Up America!

EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY AND EXCITEMENT OF WINTER IN MONTANA

Retrieved on: 
Friday, November 18, 2022

HELENA, Mont., Nov. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As the temps go down, the winter fun heats up. Whether outdoor enthusiasts are looking to ski knee-deep in powder or try something different like dog sledding, they will find there's no better place to enjoy the wonder of winter than in Montana.

Key Points: 
  • Montana may be best known for its thousands of acres of skiable terrain, but it offers a slew of additional outdoor adventures that make winter unforgettable.
  • This unique form of winter transportation uses a team of dogs to pull riders through the winter wonderland.
  • The park is welcoming visitors to experience its incredible beauty this winter.
  • To get a true Western experience, check out the Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals on January 12-14 in Great Falls.