ANAHEIM, CA, 20th January 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, SK Labs, a leading contract manufacturer of dietary supplements, has earned NSF Certified for Sport® certification, validating that its facility meets the stringent requirements to support brands serving athletes, trainers, and active consumers.

NSF Certified for Sport® is the only third-party certification program recognized by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). It requires that manufacturing facilities meet NSF/ANSI 455-2 GMP standards and ensures products are manufactured free from 280+ substances banned by major sports organizations, including MLB, NFL, NHL, NCAA, and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES).

SK Labs’ facility in Anaheim, California, passed a full NSF audit to achieve the Certified for Sport® designation. This includes evaluation of its quality systems, sanitation practices, environmental controls, ingredient sourcing, and traceability measures.

“In an era where transparency matters, earning Certified for Sport shows our facility is prepared to support performance brands at the highest level,” said a spokesperson from SK Labs.

In addition to Certified for Sport®, SK Labs is also NSF GMP-certified with an “A” rating and continues to hold UL GMP Certification, resulting in a dual GMP-certified operation. These certifications offer clients greater assurance that their products are made in a compliant, quality-controlled environment.

To learn more about SK Labs and its certified manufacturing capabilities, visit www.sklabs.com

About NSF 

NSF is an independent, global services organization dedicated to improving human and planet health for more than 80 years by developing public health standard and providing world-class testing, inspection, certification, advisory services and digital solutions to the food, nutrition, water, life sciences and consumer goods industries. NSF has 40,000 clients in 110 countries and is a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center on Food, Safety, Water Quality and Medical Device Safety. 

Canton, Michigan, 20th January 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, Sedrick Sparks, a Los Angeles-based marketing consultant with extensive experience leading both local and multinational marketing initiatives, has seen firsthand how small businesses can stretch limited marketing budgets without sacrificing impact. Drawing on his years of guiding companies through complex marketing challenges, Sparks is now sharing practical, actionable strategies for using artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce marketing costs while reaching the right customers.

Start with Clear Goals and Metrics

Sparks emphasizes that small businesses must first define clear objectives. Whether the goal is increasing sales, generating leads, or boosting engagement, businesses need measurable outcomes to guide AI implementation. “AI can only optimize what you can measure,” Sparks says. “Start by knowing what success looks like and identify the key metrics to track.”

Automate Repetitive Marketing Tasks

One of the simplest ways AI saves money is through automation. Sparks advises small businesses to use AI to handle tasks such as email campaigns, social media posting, and ad placement. Tools can schedule content, segment audiences automatically, and adjust messaging based on performance. By automating these processes, small teams can focus on strategy rather than manual execution.

Use AI for Audience Targeting and Segmentation

Targeting the right audience is critical for cost-effective marketing. Sedrick Sparks recommends using AI platforms that analyze customer behavior, purchase history, and online engagement. These systems can identify which prospects are most likely to respond to specific offers. Businesses can then deliver personalized messages to different segments without the cost of manual analysis. “You can reach the right people with the right message without spending extra on trial-and-error campaigns,” Sparks explains.

Optimize Advertising Spend in Real Time

AI tools can also optimize ad budgets in real time. Sparks suggests setting up platforms that adjust bids, pause underperforming ads, and allocate more funding to high-performing channels. This ensures that businesses spend only on campaigns that deliver results. Small businesses can see significant savings because AI reduces wasted impressions and unnecessary spending.

Leverage Predictive Analytics for Planning

Predictive analytics allows businesses to anticipate customer behavior. Sparks recommends using AI to forecast trends and plan campaigns in advance. By understanding what products or services customers are likely to buy and when, businesses can focus marketing efforts on high-value opportunities. “Predictive analytics turns guesswork into informed decisions, saving both time and money,” Sparks notes.

Test, Learn, and Refine Campaigns

Sedrick Sparks stresses that AI is most effective when combined with continuous testing. Small businesses should run pilot campaigns, analyze the results, and refine strategies based on performance data. AI platforms make it easy to test multiple variables simultaneously, such as different messages, visuals, and offers. This approach improves efficiency and ensures each campaign is more targeted than the last.

Keep Human Oversight

While AI automates many tasks, Sparks warns against relying solely on algorithms. “Human insight is essential for interpreting data and making strategic decisions,” he says. Teams should monitor AI outputs, validate results, and adjust strategies as needed. The combination of intelligent automation and human judgment delivers the best results.

Practical Implementation Steps

Sparks recommends a step-by-step approach. Start by integrating AI into one aspect of marketing, such as email automation. Next, expand into audience segmentation and predictive analytics. Finally, optimize ad spend and cross-channel campaigns. Small businesses should select tools that are scalable and easy to use, ensuring they can grow capabilities without increasing complexity.

Looking Ahead

According to Sparks, small businesses that implement AI thoughtfully can compete more effectively against larger competitors. “AI gives small businesses the ability to reach the right audience efficiently and creatively,” he says. “It’s not about replacing humans. It’s about enabling teams to focus on strategy, creativity, and relationships while AI handles the repetitive, data-heavy work.”

About Sedrick Sparks

Sedrick Sparks operates a marketing consultancy in Los Angeles, helping companies develop strategic marketing plans, build strong brands, and implement actionable go-to-market strategies. He is also dedicated to mentoring emerging marketers and supporting initiatives that expand access to education for underprivileged children worldwide.

To learn more visit: https://sedricksparks.com

Canton, Michigan, 20th January 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, In a world increasingly distanced from its Christian roots, echoes of biblical truths still resonate in our culture, offering powerful opportunities for evangelism. Rev. John Burger, Missionary at Large for Metanoia Ministries, joined Alex Rivera on the Faith Echoes podcast to explore these “gospel handles”, cultural remnants of Christianity that can spark conversations about faith. From the enduring symbol of the cross to the comforting words of Psalm 23, Rev. Burger shared how these touchpoints can help people rethink their relationship with God.

A Post-Christian Landscape and the Need for Gospel Handles

Rev. John Burger began by addressing the sobering reality of a post-Christian United States. Citing a Barna survey, he noted that the percentage of actively practicing Christians has declined from 47% to 24% over the past 25 years. “Faith comes by hearing the Word,” he explained, “and fewer people are hearing it regularly.” Yet, he remains hopeful, pointing to “gospel handles”, cultural references that can introduce people to God’s love and grace.

Examples abound: the cross as a universal symbol of Jesus’ sacrifice, the calendar’s “Anno Domini” (AD) marking time by Christ’s life, and even John 3:16 signs at football games. “These are starting points,” Rev. Burger said, “to remind people that God is for them, not against them.”

Psalm 23: A Gospel Handle for All Seasons

Among these cultural echoes, Psalm 23 stands out for its universal resonance. Quoted in funerals, literature, and media, its imagery of the Good Shepherd offers comfort and hope. Rev. Burger unpacked the Psalm verse by verse, revealing its evangelistic depth.

“The Lord is my shepherd…”
Rev. Burger described this opening as an invitation into a covenant relationship with God. “It’s like a marriage vow,” he said. “We are His, and He is ours.” Drawing on King David’s experience as a shepherd, he highlighted the protective and guiding role of the Lord. “In a world where so many feel lost, this Psalm assures us that God is leading us with purpose.”

“I shall not want.”
This phrase speaks to contentment and provision, countering the consumer-driven culture. Rev. John Burger connected it to the Lord’s Prayer and the story of manna in the wilderness, where God provided daily sustenance for the Israelites. “The Shepherd gives us what we need for today,” he said, “reminding us to trust in His provision.”

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”
Rev. Burger likened green pastures to the simple joys in life, encouraging listeners to see God’s hand in their passions and hobbies. He also emphasized restoration: “When we face hardships, the Shepherd brings us back to joy and purpose, restoring our souls.”

“He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
This verse, Rev. John Burger explained, encapsulates the Gospel. “Righteousness isn’t something we earn; it’s a gift through Christ.” Using a personal story about family chores, he illustrated how belonging to God’s family shapes our actions, not to earn His love, but because we are already loved.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
Acknowledging life’s trials, Rev. Burger reassured listeners that the Good Shepherd is present even in the darkest valleys. “Jesus has gone before us, turning death’s shadow into a doorway to heaven,” he said. “Where there is shadow, there is also light, and that light is Christ.”

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”
This verse shifts to themes of abundance and victory. Rev. John Burger described the heavenly banquet awaiting believers, where they are honored as members of God’s royal family. “Even amid life’s challenges, our cup overflows with blessings,” he said.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Rev. Burger concluded with a story from his Nebraska childhood, likening God’s goodness and mercy to a loyal dog chasing after us. “When we look back on life from heaven’s perspective, we’ll see how God worked everything for our good,” he said. “The journey doesn’t end; the Good Shepherd continues to lead us in His eternal home.”

An Invitation to Follow the Good Shepherd

For Rev. John Burger, Psalm 23 is more than a comforting passage, it’s an evangelistic message. “It tells us we’re not wandering aimlessly,” he said. “We’re being led by a Shepherd who loves us and is guiding us home.”

Listeners of Faith Echoes were left with a powerful reminder: in a world full of uncertainty, the Good Shepherd is calling everyone to follow Him into abundant, eternal life.

About Rev. John Burger
Rev. John Burger, Missionary at Large for Metanoia Ministries, has dedicated over 30 years to pastoral ministry. A Nebraska native, he has served congregations across the U.S. and taught future pastors in Vietnam. Through Metanoia Ministries, he partners with Christians of all denominations to share the love of Jesus with the unchurched and unbelievers.

To learn more visit: https://rev-johnburger.com/