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Cyvatar Named Finalist in Computing Security Excellence Awards 2021

Cyvatar

Cyvatar today announced that it has been chosen as a finalist in Computing’s Security Excellence Awards 2021 for the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Security Solution Award. Computing celebrates the achievements of the IT industry's leading security companies, solutions, products, and personalities that keep every other part of the industry operating. Award categories include product- and project-related recognition, organizational achievements, and accolades for outstanding individual success. Computing selected Cyvatar for its cybersecurity-as-a-service (CSaaS) platform, designed with SMEs in mind. SMEs are increasingly at the mercy of ransomware attacks, phishing scams, and other cyber threats, but unlike larger orgs, most SMEs don’t have the budget or expertise to invest in comprehensive in-house security programs. Moreover, they struggle to show value from the security tools they do buy. Cyvatar CSaaS democratizes cybersecurity, making the best protection accessible and affordable for any SME regardless of budget, even if they have no cybersecurity expertise in-house. Customers can select the membership and pricing that meet their desired business outcomes in seconds; a freemium model ensures they can achieve tangible results fast with no out-of-pocket costs--an industry first. And they can cancel anytime--another industry first. “We don’t throw technology over the wall and expect our customers to figure it out themselves the way many product companies do,” said Corey White, Cyvatar co-founder and chief executive. “We deliver all three pillars of cybersecurity—the teams, technology solutions, and best practices—to SMEs that would not otherwise be able to implement them. Our subscription model ensures they don’t end up buying solutions they can’t use or don’t need, and our platform lets them see at a glance what’s going on in their environment to give them the best cyber prevention available.” Cyvatar offers its proprietary ICARM™ (install, configure, assess, remediate, maintain) methodology to deliver smarter, more efficient solutions, allowing SMEs to achieve security compliance and cyber-attack prevention faster and more effectively. ICARM ensures SMEs won’t get crushed under the weight of too many products, and guaranteed outcomes mean they get maximum value from their technology spend. Choose the Cyvatar membership with the best outcomes for your business today. About Cyvatar Cyvatar is committed to effortless cybersecurity for everyone. As the industry’s first subscription-based, cybersecurity-as-a-service (CSaaS) company, it’s our mission to transform the way the security industry builds, sells, and supports cyber solutions. We empower our members to achieve successful outcomes by providing expert practitioners, market-leading technologies, and proven best practices to guarantee business results. Our approach is rooted in a proprietary ICARM (installation, configuration, assessment, remediation, maintenance) methodology that delivers measurable security solutions for superior compliance and cyber-attack prevention, all bundled into a fixed monthly subscription that members can cancel anytime. Cyvatar is headquartered in Irvine, California, with locations around the world. Begin your journey to security confidence at cyvatar.ai and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Contact Details Cyvatar Dan Chmielewski +1 949-231-2963 dchm@madisonalexanderpr.com Company Website https://cyvatar.ai/

October 28, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

PRESS RELEASE | SullivanCotter Welcomes Cathy Loose to Lead Employee Workforce Practice

SullivanCotter

SullivanCotter, the nation’s leading independent consulting firm in the assessment and development of total rewards programs, workforce solutions, and technology and data products for the health care industry and not-for-profit sector, is pleased to announce the addition of Cathy Loose as a Managing Principal and Practice Leader of the Employee Workforce Practice. For over 25 years, Cathy has advised employers in health care, higher education and global markets on all areas of broad-based, workforce compensation. She has also served as compensation consultant to companies in the biotech, pharma, hi-tech and life science industries. Having lived and consulted in various regions around the world, including Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and North America, Cathy brings innovation to traditional total rewards and workforce planning initiatives, as well as to priorities driving diversity, equity and inclusion. “While we tend to think of health care as a U.S.-based industry, the world’s influence and international collaboration is increasing even in health care, challenging us to help our clients think differently about how they appeal to and reward today’s workforce,” said Ted Chien, President and Chief Executive Officer, SullivanCotter. “Cathy’s global experience brings a fresh perspective to our work and helps our clients remain agile during times of change like we have been seeing this past decade, and more specifically this past 18-24 months.” Cathy advises executive teams in developing enterprise-wide rewards philosophies, career architecture and compensation frameworks to align employee pay and incentives with their organization’s mission and key strategies. In addition, she helps redesign workforce rewards to drive and enable enterprise growth, organization realignments, business consolidations and merger and acquisition transactions. Before joining SullivanCotter, Cathy held leadership positions around the world at several large global consulting firms. She led a variety of practices including global mobility, broad-based compensation, total rewards and human capital solutions. She is a frequent speaker at national conferences on global, broad-based compensation and talent mobility, and she holds the designation of SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SCP). Cathy is fluent in English, French and Vietnamese and proficient in Japanese and Mandarin Chinese. About SullivanCotter SullivanCotter partners with health care and other not-for-profit organizations to understand what drives performance and improve outcomes through the development and implementation of integrated workforce strategies. Using our time-tested methodologies and industry-leading research and information, we provide data-driven insights, expertise, data and technology products to help organizations align business strategy and performance objectives – enabling our clients to deliver on their mission, vision and values. Contact Details Becky Lorentz +1 314-414-3719 beckylorentz@sullivancotter.com Company Website https://sullivancotter.com

October 27, 2021 10:23 AM Central Daylight Time

Shatterproof and The Hartford Release Largest and Most Expansive Addiction Stigma Survey Ever Fielded

Shatterproof

Today, Shatterproof and its collaborator The Hartford published the largest, most expansive survey ever fielded on addiction stigma of nearly 8,000 U.S. residents. The findings are striking. More than three-quarters of the American public believe that a substance use disorder (SUD) is not a chronic medical illness and over half of respondents hold the belief that SUDs are caused by bad character or lack of moral strength, according to the national research. The Shatterproof Addiction Stigma Index, a first-of-its-kind measurement tool, was designed to assess attitudes about substance use and people who use substances. It used more than 50 validated stigma measures to gauge perceptions of those with a SUD, including the degree to which they have internalized this exclusion. The Index is designed to track progress regularly and hold our nation accountable for continual improvement. The lack of understanding about addiction by the general public creates a desire for social distance. According to the survey, nearly half (45%) of the public is unwilling to live next to or be close friends with someone with a SUD. Similarly, 45.8% of respondents don't want a person in recovery marrying into their family – highlighting how these beliefs entrench deep feelings of exclusion and shame for individuals with a SUD throughout their lives, regardless of their recovery status. “What’s at stake is real. For millions of people across the country, fighting pervasive stigma is a matter of survival,” said Gary Mendell, CEO of Shatterproof. “We must change the way our institutions operate, the way we view our friends and neighbors, and how those with a SUD view themselves. We must end discrimination, strengthen the road to recovery, and offer hope of a bright future. And measuring our progress is essential.” Dr. Melissa Anderson, MD, PharmD, a Shatterproof Ambassador from Kentucky and a person in long-term recovery, has experienced stigma in both the health care and workplace settings. Following a severe dog bite incident, she found herself as a patient in the hospital system where she’d previously been employed as both a pharmacist and a resident physician. “Former co-workers greeted me with jeers, joking that the ‘doctor-turned-junkie’ was back. During my 8-hour ER stay, I did not receive the standard of care for my injuries - neither antibiotics nor analgesics were administered, after I requested non-opioid agents, despite standard facility protocols and the easily-observed severity of my injuries,” said Dr. Anderson. “It was made abundantly clear from both their actions and language team that this health care team felt the disease of addiction, even one in recovery, made me an individual less deserving of compassion and care. That was July 2015 and I have not been a formal recipient of health care since.” Nearly half (44%) of health care professionals surveyed endorsed the harmful belief that medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is substituting one drug for another. This is compared to the about 41% of the public that expressed the same belief. Moreover, one in four health care professionals do not agree that more providers should offer MOUD to increase accessibility. “The work to end addiction stigma is far from over, and we are proud to partner with Shatterproof on establishing this important research that will drive future public policies and workplace practices,” said Christopher J. Swift, chairman and CEO of The Hartford, a leading workers’ compensation and disability insurer and founding partner of Shatterproof. “We believe efforts involving all levels of government, the business community, and neighborhood organizations are necessary to end the ongoing addiction crisis, create open and inclusive cultures, and break down stigma that impedes human achievement.” Nearly a million people have been lost to addiction in the last two decades and in 2020 alone, more than 93,000 Americans died of an overdose, representing the most overdoses ever recorded. More than 20 million American adults suffer from the disease of addiction per year. Addiction is a treatable disease, but due to stigma most people do not seek the help they need and equally tragically, internalize feelings of shame and lose hope that they can recover and lead healthy, full lives. Creation of the Index was supported by Ipsos alongside Dr. Brea Perry and Dr. Anne Krendl from Indiana University. ### About Shatterproof: Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States. Shatterproof harnesses the models of business, the rigor of science and the power of a national movement to create change and save lives through three pillars of work: revolutionizing the addiction treatment system, breaking down addiction-related stigmas and supporting and empowering our communities. To learn more visit www.Shatterproof.org Contact Details Shatterproof Holly A Jespersen +1 646-334-1024 hjespersen@shatterproof.org Frontwood Strategies Nell Callahan +1 202-262-0721 Company Website https://www.shatterproof.org/

October 27, 2021 06:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

YourUpdateTV

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that have been found to impact a person’s chances of developing certain cancers, including breast, ovarian and prostate cancer. Recently, 23andMe scientist, Ruth Tennen, and customer, Gina Burris, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the first and only FDA-authorized, direct-to-consumer test that detects select BRCA1/BRCA2 variants*. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/ziqp10R_j_A The genes are called BRCA because the link between these genes and breast cancer was discovered first. The genes themselves do not cause cancer. They actually help prevent it by repairing DNA breaks that can lead to cancer. Sometimes, changes in the BRCA genes occur that prevent them from functioning properly. These changes are called genetic variants or mutations. Variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can be passed down through families, increasing the risk of developing certain cancers. Many people with a BRCA variant, both women and men, are unaware of their risk and what they can do about it. While it is true that having certain BRCA variants can increase a person’s risk of developing cancer, most cases of breast, ovarian and prostate cancers aren’t caused by inherited BRCA variants. And not every individual who inherits a BRCA variant will develop cancer. 23andMe offers a genetic test for three variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes to its Health + Ancestry Service customers. This genetic test detects three selected variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes – BRCA1 185delAG; BRCA1 5382insC; and BRCA2 6174delT – that are among the most studied and best understood. These three variants are most common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. (They can be found in people of other ethnicities, though this is rare.) If you have one of these three variants, you have an increased risk of developing certain cancers. For more information, visit 23andMe.com/brca *The 23andMe PGS test uses qualitative genotyping to detect select clinically relevant variants in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting genetic health risks, including the 23andMe PGS Genetic Health Risk Report for BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants). Your ethnicity may affect the relevance of each report and how your genetic health risk results are interpreted. The test is not intended to diagnose any disease and does not describe a person’s overall risk of developing any type of cancer. It is not intended to tell you anything about your current state of health, or to be used to make medical decisions, including whether or not you should take a medication, how much of a medication you should take, or determine any treatments. Warnings & Limitations: The 23andMe PGS Genetic Health RIsk Report for BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) is indicated for reporting of the 185delAG and 5382insC variants in the BRCA1 gene and the 6174delT variant in the BRCA2 gene. The report describes if a woman is at increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, and if a man is at increased risk of developing breast cancer or may be at increased risk of developing prostate cancer. The three variants included in this report are most common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and do not represent the majority of BRCA1/BRCA2 variants in the general population. This report does not include variants in other genes linked to hereditary cancers and the absence of variants included in this report does not rule out the presence of other genetic variants that may impact cancer risk. The PGS test is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional for recommended screenings or appropriate follow-up. Results should be confirmed in a clinical setting before taking any medical action. About Gina Burris: Gina Marie Burris lives in a small riverside community in western Pennsylvania. She is a children’s book author and blogger. At the age of 46 with no known family history of breast or ovarian cancer Gina discovered (via a 23andMe health report) she carries a BRCA variant. After making this discovery, Gina worked closely with a team of medical professionals and made the decision to take a preventative path. Since November 2020 Gina has undergone a bi-lateral salpingo-oophorectomy and double mastectomy straight to reconstruction. After finding refuge in the stories of survivors, previvors and patients, Gina felt compelled to share her own story, so she turned to the place she feels most comfortable, her keyboard. Gina’s blog www.rivergirlreflections.com follows her journey from early in the process through today. She has found a way to bring truth, grace, and a little humor to a serious situation. Gina aspires to bring awareness to what life with a BRCA variant looks like in today’s world. She has a passion for speaking freely about her experience and strives to be a small part of an educational community which shifts the wording in some common breast cancer awareness conversations. About Ruth Tennen: As a product scientist at 23andMe, Ruth develops new genetic health reports with the goal of helping 23andMe customers access, understand, and benefit from the human genome. Ruth received her bachelor's degree in molecular biology from Princeton University and her Ph.D. in cancer biology from Stanford University. Before joining 23andMe, she served as a science policy fellow at the State Department, helping promote science education and entrepreneurship in Africa, and as a lecturer at Stanford, teaching courses on experimental design, bioethics, and cancer. Ruth loves learning about and talking about science, and throughout her career, she has worked to inspire budding scientists by mentoring and teaching students at local schools, hospitals, and museums. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

October 26, 2021 10:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

Kadimastem Raises $5 million In Private Placement

Kadimastem

Kadimastem Ltd. (TASE: KDST), a clinical stage cell therapy company, announced today a NIS 16.1 million ($5 million) private placement, led by funds Clover Wolf Capital and Alpha Capital Anstalt and with the additional investment in the company by its controlling shareholders, Professor Michel Revel and Mr. Julien Ruggieri. In addition to the placement announced today, the investors were also given an option to purchase an additional NIS 15.1 million ($4.7 million) in shares in the future. Today’s investment will be used to support Kadimastem’s future clinical trial activity and fund multiple strategic collaborations involving both the company’s ALS and Diabetes programs. The options were granted to the funds as part of a share issue from last April 2021. Clover Wolf has exercised 1,232,395 options and Alpha Capital has exercised 1,161,972 options both at an exercise price of 3.5 shekels ($1.1). This exercise of options took place approximately 10 months before the expiration date and amounted to about NIS 9.45 million ($2.9 million) for the company. The original exercise date of the options was July 31, 2022. Following the transaction, Clover Fund has increased its holding to approximately 20.6% of the company, while Alpha Capital has increased its holding to approximately 10.7% of the company. Following the additional investment by Professor Michel Revel and Mr. Julien Ruggieri, their holdings percentage has increased to 41.9% collectively. Company founder and controlling shareholder Professor Michel Revel exercised options amounting to NIS 3.5 million ($1.1 million) about a month ago. Following last month’s exercise of options, Professor Revel now holds approximately 31% of the company's shares. The round announced today follows a successful raise of NIS 22.3 million ($6.8 million) last April 2021. It’s also part of a series of company successes over the past year, including the meeting with the FDA (INTERACT) earlier this month regarding IsletRx, the company's stem cell-based technology for the treatment and potential cure of diabetes, the receipt of a Japanese patent for IsletRx, and the publishing of a scientific paper in the prestigious, peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Endocrinology on the company’s advances in stem cell technology for the treatment and potential cure for diabetes. Kadimastem CEO Asaf Shiloni said, “Today’s funding will boost the speed of implementation of Kadimastem’s development strategy and enable us to safely fund our preparation for the clinical trials next year in the US. We are building a company that will lead the field of cell therapy, and the right mix of investors, who believe in the company’s path, is critical to enabling us to successfully implement our ambitious programs.” Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kadimastem Ronen Twito said, “We are very pleased with today’s significant private placement, which comes only six months after the Clover Wolf Capital and Alpha Capital Anstalt funds joined as shareholders. The funds have expressed confidence in us for the second time, and at a company value significantly higher than that determined in the previous round. Along with the investment of the controlling shareholders, Professor Michel Revel and Mr. Julian Ruggieri, this is an exceptional expression of trust in the company’s management, assets, progress and quality of science. We will continue to professionally lead Kadimastem to further success as well as maintain clear communication with and bring value to our shareholders." About Kadimastem Kadimastem is a clinical stage cell therapy company, developing and manufacturing "off-the-shelf", allogeneic, proprietary cell products based on its technology platform for the expansion and differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESCs) into functional cells. AstroRx®, the company's lead product, is an astrocyte cell therapy in clinical development for the treatment for ALS. IsletRx is the company's second product in development. IsletRx is comprised of functional, insulin producing, pancreatic islet cells intended to treat and cure patients with insulin dependent diabetes. IsletRx demonstrated safety and efficacy in a proof-of-concept preclinical study. An INTERACT meeting took place with the FDA on October 7, 2021 where the diabetes treatment program was discussed and the company received directions how to prepare its Pre-IND submission. Kadimastem was founded by Professor Michel Revel, CSO of the company and Professor Emeritus of Molecular Genetics at the Weizmann Institute of Science. Professor Revel received the Israel Prize for the invention and development of Rebif®, a multiple sclerosis blockbuster drug sold worldwide. Kadimastem is traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE: KDST). Forward Looking Statement: This document may include forward-looking information as defined in the Securities Law, 5728 – 1968. Forward-looking information is uncertain and mostly is not under the Company's control and the realization or non-realization of forward-looking information will be affected, among other things, by the risk factors characterizing the Company's activity, as well as developments in the general environment and external factors affecting the Company's activity. The Company's results and achievements in the future may differ materially from any presented herein and the Company makes no undertaking to update or revise such projection or estimate and does not undertake to update this document. This document does not constitute a proposal to purchase the Company's securities or an invitation to receive such offers. Investment in securities in general and in the Company in particular bears risks. One should consider that past performance does not necessarily indicate performance in the future. Contact Details Kadimastem Sarah Herzl +972 73-797-1613 s.herzl@kadimastem.com Company Website https://www.kadimastem.com/

October 26, 2021 01:49 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Kadimastem Raises NIS 16.1 million ($5 million) In Private Placement

Kadimastem

Kadimastem Ltd. (TASE: KDST), a clinical stage cell therapy company, announced today a NIS 16.1 million ($5 million) private placement, led by funds Clover Wolf Capital and Alpha Capital Anstalt and with the additional investment in the company by its controlling shareholders, Professor Michel Revel and Mr. Julien Ruggieri. In addition to the placement announced today, the investors were also given an option to purchase an additional NIS 15.1 million ($4.7 million) in shares in the future. Today’s investment will be used to support Kadimastem’s future clinical trial activity and fund multiple strategic collaborations involving both the company’s ALS and Diabetes programs. The options were granted to the funds as part of a share issue from last April 2021. Clover Wolf has exercised 1,232,395 options and Alpha Capital has exercised 1,161,972 options both at an exercise price of 3.5 shekels ($1.1). This exercise of options took place approximately 10 months before the expiration date and amounted to about NIS 9.45 million ($2.9 million) for the company. The original exercise date of the options was July 31, 2022. Following the transaction, Clover Fund has increased its holding to approximately 20.6% of the company, while Alpha Capital has increased its holding to approximately 10.7% of the company. Following the additional investment by Professor Michel Revel and Mr. Julien Ruggieri, their holdings percentage has increased to 41.9% collectively. Company founder and controlling shareholder Professor Michel Revel exercised options amounting to NIS 3.5 million ($1.1 million) about a month ago. Following last month’s exercise of options, Professor Revel now holds approximately 31% of the company's shares. The round announced today follows a successful raise of NIS 22.3 million ($6.8 million) last April 2021. It’s also part of a series of company successes over the past year, including the meeting with the FDA (INTERACT) earlier this month regarding IsletRx, the company's stem cell-based technology for the treatment and potential cure of diabetes, the receipt of a Japanese patent for IsletRx, and the publishing of a scientific paper in the prestigious, peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Endocrinology on the company’s advances in stem cell technology for the treatment and potential cure for diabetes. Kadimastem CEO Asaf Shiloni said, “Today’s funding will boost the speed of implementation of Kadimastem’s development strategy and enable us to safely fund our preparation for the clinical trials next year in the US. We are building a company that will lead the field of cell therapy, and the right mix of investors, who believe in the company’s path, is critical to enabling us to successfully implement our ambitious programs.” Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kadimastem Ronen Twito said, “We are very pleased with today’s significant private placement, which comes only six months after the Clover Wolf Capital and Alpha Capital Anstalt funds joined as shareholders. The funds have expressed confidence in us for the second time, and at a company value significantly higher than that determined in the previous round. Along with the investment of the controlling shareholders, Professor Michel Revel and Mr. Julian Ruggieri, this is an exceptional expression of trust in the company’s management, assets, progress and quality of science. We will continue to professionally lead Kadimastem to further success as well as maintain clear communication with and bring value to our shareholders. About Kadimastem Kadimastem is a clinical stage cell therapy company, developing and manufacturing "off-the-shelf", allogeneic, proprietary cell products based on its technology platform for the expansion and differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESCs) into functional cells. AstroRx®, the company's lead product, is an astrocyte cell therapy in clinical development for the treatment for ALS. IsletRx is the company's second product in development. IsletRx is comprised of functional, insulin producing, pancreatic islet cells intended to treat and cure patients with insulin dependent diabetes. IsletRx demonstrated safety and efficacy in a proof-of-concept preclinical study. An INTERACT meeting took place with the FDA on October 7, 2021 where the diabetes treatment program was discussed and the company received directions how to prepare its Pre-IND submission. Kadimastem was founded by Professor Michel Revel, CSO of the company and Professor Emeritus of Molecular Genetics at the Weizmann Institute of Science. Professor Revel received the Israel Prize for the invention and development of Rebif®, a multiple sclerosis blockbuster drug sold worldwide. Kadimastem is traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE: KDST). Forward Looking Statement: This document may include forward-looking information as defined in the Securities Law, 5728 – 1968. Forward-looking information is uncertain and mostly is not under the Company's control and the realization or non-realization of forward-looking information will be affected, among other things, by the risk factors characterizing the Company's activity, as well as developments in the general environment and external factors affecting the Company's activity. The Company's results and achievements in the future may differ materially from any presented herein and the Company makes no undertaking to update or revise such projection or estimate and does not undertake to update this document. This document does not constitute a proposal to purchase the Company's securities or an invitation to receive such offers. Investment in securities in general and in the Company in particular bears risks. One should consider that past performance does not necessarily indicate performance in the future. Contact Details Kadimastem Sarah Herzl +972 73-797-1613 s.herzl@kadimastem.com Company Website https://www.kadimastem.com/

October 25, 2021 08:09 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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AmeriLife Appoints Ford Stokes Senior Vice President, Annuity Marketing

AmeriLife

AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing annuity, life, and health insurance solutions, today announced that it has hired Ford Stokes as senior vice president, Annuity Marketing. Stokes, reporting to AmeriLife Chief Marketing Officer Ovi Vitas, is charged with providing expert marketing strategies and implementation to AmeriLife affiliates, with the goal of helping financial advisors grow their advisory, insurance and annuities business. Most recently, Stokes served as an advisor to AmeriLife affiliate V2 Financial Group, where he implemented an aggressive, strategic marketing approach that helped grow V2’s profit 113.78% year over year in 2021. At AmeriLife, Stokes will, among other responsibilities, help define AmeriLife’s annuity marketing value proposition across its distribution network; help affiliates better activate cross-selling opportunities for annuities and retirement planning solutions; and drive third-party credibility of appointed advisors through exclusive thought leadership programs. "I can't wait to get started supporting AmeriLife’s affiliates and their advisors,” said Stokes. “Our affiliates work hard to protect and grow the hard-earned and hard-saved assets of their clients, while also ensuring they can help generate critical income for their clients’ retirement futures. We will work just as hard to help them help more Americans build a sound, successful retirement.” "Ford brings to AmeriLife a significant amount of consumer and financial industry expertise, business knowledge, and strategic acumen,” added Vitas. “I couldn’t be more excited to have Ford join the team, and I would encourage any financial advisor or insurance agent to get appointed with one of our affiliates to take advantage of the incredible expertise and qualified prospects that Ford and our team can provide.” Prior to joining AmeriLife, Stokes served as the chief marketing officer with a $2B independent marketing organization and was a former minority owner of a $3.4B registered investment advisor. He will continue to maintain his private wealth management practice based in Atlanta. Stokes earned his bachelor’s degree and MBA from Auburn University; holds a Series 65 Securities license; and is a licensed life and health insurance agent in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Texas and North Carolina. Stokes resides in Atlanta with his wife Diana and their twin girls, Grace and Madison. ### About AmeriLife AmeriLife’s strength is its mission: to offer insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. By putting its mission into practice, AmeriLife has become recognized as a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees. For 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with the nation’s leading insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers served through a national distribution network of over 250,000 insurance agents and advisors, over 40 marketing organizations, and nearly 50 insurance agency locations. Visit www.AmeriLife.com and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn for more information. Contact Details Jeff Maldonado +1 321-297-1112 jmaldonado@amerilife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

October 22, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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AROYA Enhances Cannabis Production Platform with New Mobile Dashboard

AROYA, a division of METER Group, Inc.

AROYA, a METER Group company, today introduced AROYA Kiosk, a new cultivation dashboard for tablets, further adding precision, speed, and accuracy to cannabis cultivation. AROYA is the preferred cannabis production platform (CPP) of top cannabis operators across the country, combining innovative hardware and software to deliver actionable insights that help improve their yield in grams, per square foot, per year – predictably, profitably, and at scale. AROYA’s cannabis cultivation solutions foster data-driven decision making, improving yields and operational efficiency while normalizing product quality. Kiosk provides cultivators with unfettered, real-time visibility of all production activity from every grow room or site, simultaneously. End-to-end encryption enhances security and pin-protected access lets growers control access to sensitive information and review upcoming tasks for themselves or by room. The new mobile dashboard provides hyper-accurate readouts of measurements in both the substrate and the environment. It also gives a populated task schedule, as well as real-time alerts that allow Master Growers to monitor and adapt every aspect of the production process. AROYA’s already robust cannabis production platform offering helps stakeholders understand and improve cannabis production processes from seed to sale while driving consistent, scalable success with features like harvest group planning, tasks, alerts, a digital grow journal, recipes – and much more. Demand for cultivation and production platforms like AROYA that utilize Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, artificial intelligence, and data analytics is spiking. Analysts from AheadInsight project that the cannabis technology industry will continue to grow exponentially at a CAGR of 33.17 percent and attain a market value of $107.67 billion by 2025. “Our goal is to empower cannabis growers and cultivators with the competitive advantage that comes from end-to-end visibility and real-time access to data that drives actionable insights,” said Philip Malmquist, General Manager of AROYA. “Putting it together on a single dashboard gives growers all the information they need to make informed decisions that help them cultivate consistently higher quality cannabis, and improved grams per square foot per year.” Attending MJBizCon 2021? Visit AROYA at BOOTH C4418. ABOUT AROYA AROYA is a cannabis production platform that combines industry-leading hardware and software to help cultivators increase yield, scale operations, and achieve consistent quality. Based in Pullman, Washington, and a division of METER Group, Inc., AROYA optimizes and demystifies the entire cannabis production process from seed to package. For additional information, please visit www.AROYA.io Contact Details JMRConnect: Shaping Influence PR Mostafa Razzak +1 202-904-2048 m.razzak@jmrconnect.net Company Website https://aroya.io/

October 21, 2021 09:34 AM Eastern Daylight Time

New Plant Nutrient Analysis at MCR Labs Can Help Growers Save Money and Improve Yield

MCR Labs

MCR Labs is now offering a Plant Nutrient Analysis to home growers and commercial cannabis cultivators. The test provides cannabis growers with a detailed breakdown of the presence and concentration of 11 micro and macronutrients found within the tissue of submitted plant samples. MCR Labs is a licensed independent testing lab providing compliance testing to marijuana establishments, but Plant Nutrient Analysis is an optional screen not required for compliance testing of legal cannabis products. This test is designed to help growers improve plant health and productivity, optimize cultivation practices, and cut costs related to supplemental nutrient feeding. “Nutrient analysis offers a lot of beneficial data that could fundamentally change how growers assess and maintain healthy plants,” said Michael Kahn, MCR Labs founder and CEO. “Seeing trends and correcting imbalances early could mean bigger yields and better quality output.” By launching testing services beyond their state’s compliance scope, MCR Labs hopes to strengthen their role as a partner to growers and cannabis businesses looking to get the most out of their plants. “The goal in developing this test was to give our clients access to insights about nutritional deficiencies or excesses that can save them time, effort, and money spent on keeping their plants happy,” said Julie Martellini, MCR Labs scientific operations manager. MCR Labs has begun accepting samples for Plant Nutrient Analysis at their Massachusetts facility. They plan to offer this service at all of their facilities by the end of the year. About MCR Labs: MCR Labs is one of the longest operational cannabis testing laboratories on the East coast with facilities operating in several legal cannabis markets. We are ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited providers of analytical cannabis product testing and R&D services committed to assisting licensed marijuana establishments, patients, researchers, entrepreneurs, and advocates. Our team of chemists and pharmaceutical scientists are dedicated to advancing public health and safety through leading-edge chemical analysis of cannabis products and offering unparalleled guidance and support for partners, regulators, and the communities we serve. For more information visit http://mcrlabs.com. Contact Details MCR Labs Joe Crinkley +1 857-230-0839 joe@mcrlabs.com Company Website http://mcrlabs.com

October 20, 2021 12:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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