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Sprinkles Promotes Murakami to Chief Operating Officer

Sprinkles Bakeries and Picnik Restaurants has promoted Justin Murakami to chief operating officer, recognizing his exemplary contributions and leadership in steering operational growth and innovation. His promotion signals a pivotal phase in executing Sprinkles’ growth strategies domestically and internationally.

Dan Mesches, president and CEO, lauded Justin’s appointment, affirming, “Justin’s strategic foresight and operational expertise have been instrumental in our company’s success, especially in expanding Sprinkles’ global footprint and Picnik’s domestic expansion. We’re confident that under Justin’s leadership, we’ll continue to exceed expectations, scale efficiently and solidify our position as industry leaders.”

Since joining Sprinkles in 2017, Justin swiftly became an integral part of the company’s evolution. His instrumental role in developing and implementing foundational systems and processes laid the groundwork in expanding the brand’s physical footprint with both company-owned and franchised locations, domestically and internationally.

Notably, under his stewardship, Justin took the brand’s iconic cupcake ATMs beyond their brick and mortar locales and launched the non-traditional Cupcake ATM business. With over 50 ATMs and counting, Sprinkles ATMs can be found in airports, malls and lifestyle centers across the country. Justin was also instrumental in the successful launch of Sprinkles’ National Shipping Program, creating another channel for significant growth.

With an impressive career spanning 25 years in the hospitality sector, Justin has navigated through the ranks starting as a host, then becoming a GM at the Cheesecake Factory to an Area Director overseeing multiple brands with Lettuce Entertain You and Hopdoddy Burger Bar. His vast experience has honed his abilities and insights, propelling him to craft and fortify infrastructures conducive to sustained business growth.

As COO, Murakami will lead operations, training, supply chain, culinary, franchise operations and new bakery and restaurant openings. His responsibilities include partnering with cross-functional departments, identifying opportunities and gaps, formulating and implementing robust processes and systems to ensure scalability and ease for the team.

Murakami expressed his enthusiasm about the promotion, stating, “Assuming the role of chief operating officer at Sprinkles and Picnik is a tremendous honor. I am devoted to leveraging our team’s strengths, harnessing operational excellence, and charting a growth trajectory that maintains our commitment to exceptional guest experiences. I am excited about the opportunity to not only drive innovation and sustainable expansion for our business, but to continue nurturing and developing the people I work with every day.”

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BJ’s Wholesale Club Offers Exclusive BJ’s One Mastercard Event

BJ’s Wholesale Club, a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs, is offering an exclusive rewards event that will let BJ’s One Mastercard cardholders earn double rewards Dec. 7-10.

BJ’s One Mastercard cardholders will earn double rewards on practically everything in-club, online at BJs.com or in the BJ’s app. That means BJ’s One+ Mastercard cardholders will earn 10 percent back in rewards and BJ’s One Mastercard cardholders will earn 6 percent back in rewards during the promotion period.

Non-cardholders will also have the chance to earn double rewards when they apply and get approved for a card in advance of the savings event. To apply for a card, BJ’s members can visit the member services desk at their local club or BJs.com/BJsone.

“The BJ’s One Mastercard program offers our members some of the best rewards in retail with well over $100 million in rewards delivered back to our members this year,” said Bill Werner, executive vice president, strategy and development, BJ’s Wholesale Club. “To thank our cardholders during the holiday season of giving, we have partnered with Mastercard to double our BJ’s One Mastercard rewards on all purchases at BJ’s from Dec. 7th to Dec. 10th. With up to 10% back in rewards on top of our everyday 25 percent off grocery store prices, there will be no better time for our members to stock-up for the holidays or splurge on that extra special holiday gift.”

With no limit on the amount that can be earned during this special event, members can shop for holiday must-haves and everyday grocery essentials. The rewards can really stack up on BJ’s holiday gifting favorites, like an Xbox Series X 1TB Console (earn up to $49 in rewards) and Land Rover 12V Ride-On Vehicle Range Rover Evoque (earn up to $25 in rewards) or maximize holiday meal prep with a KitchenAid KP26M1X Pro 600 Series 6-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer (earn up to $39 in rewards).

Terms and limits apply.

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Alliant Employees Raise $2.3M+ for World Food Derby

Alliant Insurance Services employees came together once again and raised more than $2.3 million in combined cash, food, and essential item donations in the company’s 2023 World Food Derby competition. The efforts of employees across the company help to provide critical relief to at-risk communities around the globe. In addition, Alliant employees joined forces and contributed nearly 1,700 volunteer hours to numerous deserving organizations.

Created to support both local and global communities, World Food Derby is Alliant’s annual initiative to fundraise and volunteer time to help end world hunger in conjunction with World Food Day on Oct. 16. The 2023 Derby was expanded to include non-food-related organizations that are making a significant community impact.

“It is inspiring to see the teamwork, camaraderie, and compassion of Alliant employees as they come together to address the pressing need of food insecurity and pitch in to help communities and those in need,” said Diana Kiehl, chief administrative officer of Alliant and head of the company’s philanthropy program. “Each year, the World Food Derby has grown in size and scope, enabling us to extend a helping hand to families, youth, the homeless, veterans, and so many other deserving individuals and causes.”

As part of the Derby, Alliant designated three charitable organizations that employees also could choose to support. A special $15,000 company match was provided for donations made by Alliant employees to Operation HomefrontStreet Soccer USA, and Covenant House.

In addition to the World Food Derby competition, Alliant supports a broad array of programs and charitable organizations throughout the year while encouraging and empowering employees to pursue causes that matter to them. This organization-wide approach employs collaboration and stewardship to ensure Alliant makes the widest positive impact possible both today and long into the future.

2023 marks the 15th year Alliant has participated in World Food Day.

Alliant Insurance Services is one of the nation’s leading distributors of diversified insurance products and services. It operates through a network of specialized national platforms and local offices to offer  clients a comprehensive portfolio of solutions built on innovative thinking and personal service. The business of managing risk is getting more complex, and Alliant is meeting this complexity head-on, not with more layers of management, but with more creativity and agility. Alliant is changing the way  clients approach risk management and benefits, so they can capitalize on new opportunities to grow and protect their organizations. Visit alliant.com.

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