First-Ever Creator Agency Awards Honors Top Talent Managers and Agencies Driving the Creator Economy

The Creator Agency Awards, an unprecedented celebration of excellence in the creator economy, crowned seven extraordinary winners after public voting for the nominees concluded on January 31, 2025. The winners were announced on February 3, 2025 and included: Top Creator Agency awarded to Underscore Talent, Top Bouqitue Agency awarded to FARQ Media, Breakthrough Agency of the Year awarded to The Sociable Society, Breakthrough Creator awarded to Underscore Talent honoring Logan Moffitt, Best Campaign awarded to Season 25, Solopreneur Award awarded to Manager Kendall, and Ethical Impact Award awarded to Inclusify Studio. Check out the full list of winners here: www.withjuly.com/awards

At July, our mission is simple: champion and empower the talent managers and agencies who are the backbone of the creator economy. Whether through founding the largest online community for talent agents, Behind the Influence, or building industry-leading tools that help agencies manage their talent and scale their businesses, we are committed to supporting this vital ecosystem.

The 2024 Creator Agency Awards were inspired by this commitment — a celebration of the behind-the-scenes professionals whose expertise fuels the success of digital creators. “We’ve nominated the best and brightest agencies from every corner of the creator economy, and we can’t wait to see our thriving online community rally behind their favorites,” says Wells Douraghy, Founder of July.

Since the nominees were announced, the response has been overwhelming, with agencies and fans flooding social media to share their excitement. Through the month of January, the awards garnered over 30,000 individual votes. Agencies like Famfluence called the nomination “a true honor to be recognized,” while Slash Mgmt stated that “these awards celebrate the incredible agencies driving impact in the creator economy.”

About July Technologies Inc. —
July is revolutionizing the creator economy with an all-in-one platform for talent agencies to manage, pitch, and pay their talent. By standardizing the workflows of digital talent management, July equips managers and agents with the tools they need to thrive. For more information about July and our mission, visit withjuly.com.

The Valentine’s Day deadline to inform staff is fast approaching; employers must send individualized notice to all employees that their non-compete clause is void (unless it meets an exception). The requirement comes from Governor Gavin Newsom’s October 13, 2023, approval of Assembly Bill (AB) 1076, which took effect on January 1, 2024, and is codified in section 16600.1 of the California Business and Professions Code. It started as Senate Bill 699, states San Diego Biz Law, a state-wide employment law firm for both employers and employees.

No matter how narrowly drafted, unenforceability of non-compete agreements – or covenants not to compete - have been embodied in case law since the California Supreme Court’s 2008 decision in Edwards v. Arthur Andersen LLP. It does not change existing law voiding such agreements, but AB 1076 imposes the notice requirement toward current and former California employees with a non-compete agreement (or clause). The notice to these employees must: (i) state the agreement is void; (ii) be written; and (iii) sent to the last known address of each affected employee by February 14, 2024. The statute broadly applies to all employment-related agreements with non-compete provisions, including relocation agreements, confidentiality agreements, and partnership agreements. Employers must inform current and previous employees since January 1st of 2022.

Employers should also be aware that 16600.1 specifically provides that a violation of the new law constitutes a violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, Business and Professions Code section 17200. A violation could also trigger a claim for violation of the California Private Attorneys General Act under California’s Labor Code as well as other penalties and attorneys’ fees.

San Diego Biz Law APC is a business law firm dedicated to representing businesses and individuals in complex business, employment, and other high-stakes matters. The lawyers of the Firm continuously monitor legal developments affecting California businesses and are available to discuss matters affecting California businesses, including guidance on compliance with new Business and Professions Code section 16600.1.

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 005.25, highlighting the EU’s comprehensive piece of legislation on the use of bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols and bisphenol derivatives in certain food contact materials (FCM) and articles.

BPA is found in food and beverage containers, such as water bottles, and other consumer goods, and has been in use since the 1950s. Seepage into containers has been associated with health concerns around brain and prostate gland health in children, as well as behavioral issues, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 (the Regulation) on the use of BPA (listed as Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) No. 80-05-07)) and associated bisphenols and bisphenol derivatives was issued on December 31, 2024, harmonizing the classification for specific hazardous properties in certain FCM and articles.

The use of BPA in food contact plastics is also addressed in Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, which revises Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011. In addition, the new Regulation repeals Regulation (EU) 2018/213 on the use of BPA in varnishes and coatings.

SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 005.25 includes useful tables summarizing the scope and specific application of the new regulation, as well as its additional restrictions.

Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 005.25 for more details.

SGS food contact material services
SGS’s technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s food contact material services.

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EU Regulates BPA and other Bisphenols in Certain Food Contact Materials SafeGuardS.

Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420
Website: http://www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We operate a network of over 2,700 laboratories and business facilities across 119 countries, supported by a team of 99,250 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, safety and compliance.

Our brand promise, when you need to be sure, underscores our commitment to reliability, integrity and trust — enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.

SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH0002497458, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).

Napa, California – January 2024 – Travel photographer Leslie Brashear announced today the additions of new photos in her California collection featuring 16 new photos taken in various locations around the Bay Area. The collection is available on her photography website, lesliebrashearphotos.com.

In December 2023, Leslie Brashear embarked on a new lifestyle as a full-time traveler, reigniting her passion for exploring and capturing the world's beauty. In December, 2024 she returned to the United States, adding images from the visit to both her California and USA collections.

Highlights of the California Photos Include:

• Golden Gate Reections: A twilight image of the Golden Gate Bridge with reection in the water
• Lone Tree: A tree that remains after the Napa res several years ago. This image overlooks the valley and is available in black and white or color.
• Golden Shore: A stunning close up of the sand and surf on the Sonoma coastline at sunset

“I’m thrilled to share my travel experience with my audience, and that includes those in my home state of California” said Leslie Brashear. “I hope to be adding a few more to the collection over the next couple of weeks while I am in my birthplace of Napa, California.”

Leslie Brashear’s California collection, is available for purchase in various formats, including canvas prints, framed prints, metal prints, and more. Each piece is crafted with the utmost attention to detail, ensuring that every photograph is a testament to her dedication to the art of photography.

Explore the California Collection:

To view the newly added photos and explore the complete collection, visit https://lesliebrashearphotos.com. Each purchase comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it easy for art enthusiasts to bring a piece of California into their homes.

Explore the USA Collection:

To view the newly added photos and explore the complete collection, visit https://lesliebrashearphotos.com. Each purchase comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it easy for art enthusiasts to bring a piece of The United States into their homes.

About Leslie Brashear:

Leslie Brashear is a passionate travel photographer who has recently rediscovered the joy of capturing the world’s beauty. From her early days as a photo lab technician to becoming a fulltime traveler, Leslie’s work reects her deep appreciation for the art of photography and storytelling. Her collections showcase the essence of some of her favorite places around the globe, inspiring others to see the world through her lens.

For more information, visit lesliebrashearphotos.com or contact Leslie Brashear at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Contact: Leslie Brashear

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Note to Editors: High-resolution images from the California collection are available upon request. Please contact Leslie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for media inquiries and image requests.

Explore the beauty of California, the USA and other locations through the eyes of Leslie Brashear and bring home a piece of her artistry today.

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 010.25, highlighting the European Committee for Standardization’s (CEN) new technical specification covering the safety of tricycles that provide a passive transportation function.