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Embracing Train Travel in Europe This Summer

YourUpdateTV

This summer, Americans are flocking to Europe in record numbers and seeking out unforgettable travel experiences while there. But with inflation top of mind for many Americans, one of the easiest, most affordable and memorable ways to explore Europe is by rail. Recently, Lifestyle Expert Bethany Braun-Silva partnered with Trainline to discuss the top European destinations this year, travel tips, and the benefits of seeing Europe by train. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/n1B5FtEV8TE Europe is definitely a top destination for many travelers this summer, with demand even outpacing pre-pandemic levels. But prices for airfare have skyrocketed and many Americans find it difficult to drive in Europe – from navigating which side of the road to drive on to trying to read traffic signs in a different language. This has led many American travelers to look for easier and more affordable travel alternatives while abroad. Train travel has had a major boom in recent years and has become the go-to form of travel in Europe for Americans, with affordability, ease of travel and sustainability being the chief drivers – plus the views from the train are both breathtaking and unforgettable, while being a perfect option for families, solo travelers, business, or leisure trips. U.S. downloads for Trainline, the No. 1 train booking app in Europe, are up 108% this year, telling us travelers are eager to see Europe by train this summer. With Trainline, Americans can explore Europe from the palm of their hand – making it simple to book all your train travel needs. Plus, you can book your train travel through Trainline in English and pay in USD, so there is no need to worry about a language or currency barrier when traveling! Here are Bethany’s tips for navigating Europe by train this summer: Tip #1: Book in Advance - Train tickets in Europe are usually at their cheapest price when they first go on sale. Booking early will get you the best deal, or you can choose to get a ticket with the ultimate flexibility for those times when you might want to change your travel plans last minute. Tip #2: Travel Off-Peak – Most train tickets across Europe tend to be more expensive during morning and afternoon rush hour. If you can, be sure to look for tickets outside of these times to see if you can snap up a lower price. Tip #3: Don’t Skip Connecting Trains – While taking a connecting train might make some American travelers uncomfortable, don’t shy away from them. You may arrive at your destination a little later than high-speed or direct services, but for those with a little extra time on their hands it’s a great money-saver – and you get to see even more of Europe along the way! For more information, download the Trainline app or visit Trainline.com. About Bethany Braun-Silva Bethany Braun-Silva is the former editor at Parenting.com, one of the most trusted resources for parents online! Bethany has worked for Understood.org, Big Apple Parent Magazine, CafeMom, RedTri, Mommy Poppins, OK! Magazine, Hollywood Life and various other parenting publications. She can often be seen interviewing celebrity parents and of course at her local playground with her two boys. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

July 21, 2023 12:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

This Asset Class Historically Popular With Ultra Wealthy Investors Has Long Been Overlooked By The Masses – One Company Is Changing That

Vint

By James Wells, Benzinga When it comes to investing, the focus is often directed toward assets like stocks and bonds. However, as investors seek greater diversification and portfolio resilience, alternative investments have gained in popularity. Real estate, gold, and the digital gold of our era, Bitcoin, have all claimed their rightful place in the investment landscape. Nevertheless, despite the growth of alternative asset investing, wine and spirits have long been overlooked. This is in large part due to the steep learning curve of wine investing, which involves challenging details such as valuing specific producers or vintages, or securing allocations from coveted producers. However, with the advent of investing platforms like Vint, wine investing is becoming more accessible. Much like a fine wine that needs time to reveal its true character, these assets have been quietly delivering consistent returns. Alternative Assets Don't Correlate With Traditional Markets The core advantage of alternative assets is their lack of correlation with traditional markets. This means that when stocks and bonds are underperforming, alternative assets like wine and spirits can still thrive. Alternative assets play a key role as a hedge against inflation, while providing exposure to lucrative niches and industries. Take the last two years for example. In the US, inflation has been sky-high due to the overheating caused by Covid-19 relief. However, despite the escalating cost of living, the potential value of fine wine, attributable to its limited availability, may also rise, offering a safeguard against the eroding effects of inflation. Wine And Spirits As An Asset Class Wine and spirits have historically proven to be a robust asset class. They have shown resilience in times of economic downturn and have consistently delivered impressive returns irrespective of market conditions. Like other solid alternative assets like real estate or gold, wine and spirits elevate the risk-adjusted returns of the classic “60/40” portfolio. The following tables compare the returns of hypothetical portfolios, one with a classic 60-30 allocation to stocks and bonds with a 5% allocation each to commodities and real estate, and another with a 5% wine & whiskey, over a 20-year time period. Portfolio Without Wine (2004 - 2023): Source - Vint 2023 Portfolio With Wine (2004 - 2023): Source - Vint 2023 Exposure to a basket of fine wine assets – represented here by the Liv-ex 1000 – a 5% allocation to this asset helped boost portfolio returns by roughly 20% over the past 20 years. The Case For Wine And Spirits There are several advantages to investing in wine and spirits: The Slow Pour: Consistent Returns from Wine Fine wine, the silent performer of the investment world, has been steadily filling investors' glasses with robust returns. Over the past 15 years, this alternative asset investment has yielded a 13.6% annualized return, surpassing the performance of many global equities. Put simply, this implies that investors have the potential to double their investment in a span of roughly six to seven years. Low Correlation With Traditional Markets Like real estate, gold, bitcoin, fine wine and spirits offer a low correlation with traditional assets. This makes them an exceptional addition to a diversified portfolio. Low Volatility A unique property of wine is that the longer you hold it, the less volatile its price becomes. This is a byproduct of a supply and demand imbalance. Namely, as each bottle is savored, the remaining ones become rarer, and their value increases. It's a testament to the law of supply and demand, a principle as timeless as the art of winemaking itself. This makes wine and spirits a great choice for risk-averse investors. Real Assets Investing in wine and spirits is more than a financial endeavor; it's a journey through history. Each bottle is a real asset, a tangible piece of history, a work of art, and, most importantly, a testament to the craftsmanship of its creators. This characteristic alone differentiates wine from several other asset classes such as cryptocurrencies and equities. Vint: A New Era Of Wine & Spirits Investing Vint is a pioneering platform that makes investing in wine and spirits accessible to everyone. Here a some of the core ways Vint is pushing the envelope for the wine and spirits asset class: Collections Curated by Experts Navigating the world of wine and spirits can be as complex as understanding the nuances of a fine Bordeaux. That's where Vint comes in. Vint offers expertly curated collections, simplifying the investment process for investors at all ends of the spectrum. This allows investors to leverage diversified and unique collections based on market data and trends. Securitized Wine & Spirits Vint is the world’s first self-directed and transparent wine and spirits investment platform. They securitize world-class assets, creating opportunities in a historically inaccessible asset class. This innovative approach brings portfolio efficiency and offerings qualified under the SEC’s REG-A+ framework. The Future is Bottled As the boundaries between the digital and physical worlds blur, it's easy to overlook the tangible, timeless investments like fine wine and spirits. Investing in wine and spirits isn't a privilege reserved for the wealthy but a lucrative opportunity now open to all. With Vint, investors can uncork the potential of these assets, savoring the taste of diversification, resilience, and impressive returns. Founded in 2019, Vint set out to financialize fine wine and spirits and create a new asset class. Vint received SEC qualification in 2021, thereby creating the first fully-transparent, efficient platform for wine, spirits, and futures collection investing. Vint offers expert-curated, thematic collections of fine wine & spirits to institutional, accredited, and non-accredited investors. Since launching, Vint has securitized and offered over $6M worth of assets. Through Q3 2022, Vint has generated returns of 28.3% for asset exits on a net annualized basis since inception. Vint is backed by leading investors Montage Ventures, MS&AD Ventures, Goat Rodeo Capital, Fintech Ventures & Slow Ventures. To learn more about Vint, visit Vint.co. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Brady Weller Brady@vint.co Company Website https://vint.co/

July 21, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

News Release

Introduction To Borroe Finance ($ROE): Empowering Web3 Businesses and Content Creators with Instant Funding

Blockchain Digest

In the rapidly evolving world of Web3, traditional financing methods often fall short when it comes to meeting the unique needs of content creators and businesses operating in this new digital landscape. The traditional invoice or recurring revenue financing platforms are slow, inefficient, and fail to provide the necessary market-fit solutions. However, there is a groundbreaking solution that aims to bridge this gap and revolutionize the way Web3 participants access funding – Borroe Finance ($ROE). Solving The Problem Of Cash Flow Web3 businesses, including NFT artists, writers, musicians, and digital creators, face cash flow challenges due to the nature of their work. Their income streams can be irregular, and they often encounter delays in receiving payments from clients or platforms. Borroe Finance recognizes these challenges and offers an innovative AI-powered funding marketplace designed to generate instant cash flow for content creators and Web3 participants. At its core, Borroe Finance aligns with the principles of Web3, which emphasize equitable value sharing among creators and users. The platform empowers businesses by allowing them to sell future earnings from sources like subscriptions, royalties, and invoices to supportive communities. Through the minting of NFTs representing their future or outstanding invoices, businesses can raise funds by selling them at a discounted price in the Borroe marketplace. One of the key advantages of Borroe Finance is its integration of AI risk assessment, blockchain technology, and efficient payment solutions. This combination ensures a secure and straightforward fundraising process for businesses and content creators. Additionally, the platform fosters a peer-to-peer ecosystem where buyers can easily trade discounted invoice NFTs on secondary markets, promoting liquidity and providing access to a wider range of market participants. Visit Borroe Finance Website Borroe Finance Offers Novel Features Using NFT Technology Borroe Finance offers several key features that make it stand out in the Web3 funding space. First and foremost, it is the world's first Web3 blockchain invoice discounting NFT marketplace, revolutionizing how businesses access funding. Whether they need capital to buy stock, upgrade equipment, invest in marketing, or cover other immediate business needs, Borroe Finance provides instant funding. The platform also boasts a simple fee structure and full cost transparency, ensuring businesses have a clear understanding of the costs involved. Moreover, Borroe Finance introduces NFTs, enabling more market participants to invest in invoices. Buyers have the option to filter invoices based on AI credit ratings, business financial track records, industry, ESG metrics, and more, enabling them to make informed investment decisions. To enhance usability, Borroe Finance offers on- and off-ramp crypto and fiat payment solutions. This means that users can easily convert their cryptocurrencies into traditional fiat currencies or vice versa, providing flexibility and convenience. The platform also incorporates privacy and anonymity features, ensuring the confidentiality of transactions. In terms of security and compliance, Borroe Finance is committed to implementing audit and KYC procedures, further enhancing trust and transparency within the marketplace. By prioritizing security and regulatory compliance, Borroe Finance aims to build a sustainable and reputable platform for all users. Visit Borroe Finance Website Don’t Miss Out On Borroe Finance Presale Investing in Borroe Finance ($ROE) offers numerous benefits. The platform's deflationary token model, coupled with low transaction fees and high scalability, presents an attractive investment opportunity. Moreover, Borroe Finance mitigates risk by incorporating AI risk assessment and providing buyers with access to credit ratings and business financial track records. The funds raised through Borroe Finance's token sale will support the development and launch of the AI-powered funding marketplace. Additionally, the funding will contribute to ongoing marketing and business development efforts, personnel costs, technology development, legal and regulatory expenses, and partnerships. To participate in the $ROE token sale, the platform utilizes Connect Wallet technology, ensuring a seamless and secure registration process for customers. Purchases can be made using various payment methods, including credit or debit cards, ETH, BNB (BEP-20), USDT, USDC, and over 100 other major cryptocurrencies. Visit $ROE Presale In conclusion, Borroe Finance ($ROE) represents a groundbreaking solution for content creators and Web3 businesses seeking instant funding. By leveraging AI, blockchain technology, and efficient payment solutions, Borroe Finance revolutionizes the way businesses access capital while aligning with the principles of Web3. With its innovative features, low-risk investment model, and commitment to user empowerment, Borroe Finance is positioned as one of the top crypto coins to consider for long-term investment. Contact Details Borroe Finance marketing@borroe.finance Company Website https://borroe.finance/

July 21, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Comcast Invests $400,000 in Tacoma Digital Equity Network to Advance Economic Opportunity Through Digital Skill Building and Tech Training

Comcast Washington

Comcast today announced a new $400,000 investment in four Tacoma-based organizations to form a digital equity network* in the South Sound Region, aimed at advancing digital and economic opportunity for local students, families, and small business owners. Furthering the company’s deep and longstanding commitment to advancing equity and opportunity, the donations to Boys & Girls Clubs of the South Puget Sound, Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region, TeamWrk, and the Thrive Tacoma Business Fund will support digital access and adoption through tech training and career building. Announced today at the Boys & Girls Club Schatz Branch in Tacoma, the public-private partnership advances Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards’ goal as National League of Cities president to bring together people and partnerships to create unlimited possibilities for cities across America. This innovative partnership advances digital equity, creates a more prepared workforce, and provides critical resources to local communities and residents to develop skills they need to succeed in a more digital world. Today’s investment adds to the one made by Comcast last September when it awarded $300,000 to the same four organizations. Comcast selected the recipient organizations based on their shared commitment to digital equity and programs specifically designed to provide residents in the South Puget Sound region with internet access and skill-building services. “Digital equity is a fundamental right, and local communities with equitable access to the internet are simply better positioned to fully engage in today’s world,” said Woodards. “It is essential for education and employment, business development, healthcare, government services, and community involvement. I am grateful to our private sector partners at Comcast for their ongoing commitment to this critical work.” “There’s no question the world is becoming more and more digital every day, but some people need our help learning the skills they need to get online,” said Broderick Johnson, EVP, Public Policy, and EVP, Digital Equity, Comcast Corporation. “Comcast is grateful to continue to partner with Mayor Woodards, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the South Puget Sound, Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region, TeamWrk, and the Thrive Tacoma Business Fund who all share the same commitment to advancing digital equity for all residents across the region.” Comcast’s contributions are part of Project UP, a $1 billion commitment to help advance digital equity and build a future of Unlimited Possibilities. Comcast’s contribution to the four partner organizations will help increase college and career readiness, especially among underserved youth; connect workers to opportunities; provide upskilling for adult learners and those already in the workforce; and close the skills – particularly digital skills – gap. Comcast is proud to participate in the Federal Government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible families with a $30/month voucher ($75/month in Tribal areas) to pay for Internet service. When combined with Comcast’s Internet Essentials or Internet Essentials+ service tiers, it makes home broadband effectively free. Here is how each recipient organization will use the funds to advance digital equity and support South Sound communities in 2023: Boys & Girls Clubs of the South Puget Sound Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound (BGCSPS) received $130,000 in cash and in-kind services. A cash contribution and donated laptops are for a new enhanced Lift Zone at the Boys & Girls Clubs Schatz Branch. The Lift Zone includes a new computer lab that makes internet connectivity and technology. to help kids aged 6 to 18 with tutoring, homework support, and technology access. The new technology equipment includes a Dremel DigiLab 3D Printer; Vevor Vinyl Cutting Plotter; 30 Dell Latitude Laptop stations with large monitors; two high-powered computer stations for advanced graphic design, music production, and programming, and 17 STEAM education kits. An additional 30 laptops were contributed to digital literacy programs at the Bremerton Branch. BGCSPS provides youth with safe spaces, caring mentors, and life-enhancing programs tailored to help them reach their full potential. Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region will receive $85,000 to drive attendance at the organization’s Work Opportunity Centers (WOC) that provide community members with access to digital skills training, devices, subsidized internet access from the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), and additional digital navigation resources. Comcast’s grant will also increase access to digital technology and skills training for people through its Power Up initiative and help ensure that the Goodwill’s free job-training program equips Western Washington residents with the most relevant and timely digital skills that are required for nearly all jobs in our economy. TeamWrk TeamWrk is e-gaming innovator Marcel Cunningham's foundation, which challenges youth to level up to their full potential. His vision is to equip and empower everyone to elevate their game. Comcast’s $20,000 cash contribution and $21,000 in donated laptops will facilitate live streaming from the TeamWrk center and help to expand the foundation's reach to more youth in the City of Tacoma. Computers donated by Comcast will be distributed to teens participating in TeamWrk digital literacy education, which teaches them how to use Teams, Zoom, and PowerPoint; create and edit podcasts, graphics, and video content; and learn other digital skills supporting their school and career. Thrive Tacoma Business Fund Led by the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, the mission of the Thrive Tacoma Business Fund is to provide direct financial support for small businesses owned by people of color, many of which are struggling with rising expenses and inflation. Comcast’s $150,000 contribution will be used to fund grants that will be awarded based on the business need in amounts of $2,500 to $5,000. Additional financial support will also go to non-profits with digital navigators, trusted community members who provide access and assistance to program participants. Recipients will receive direct finance, digital access, and other technical support specifically curated to their unique business challenges, thereby ensuring greater equitable economic development in Tacoma. *About Comcast’s Digital Equity Network Comcast’s Digital Equity Network is an interconnected group of organizations in the Pacific Northwest that have a connection with each other and work collectively toward a common purpose to increase access and adoption of the internet, help people get online, build digital skills, and open doors to economic mobility. This network: Makes Internet Affordable to income-constrained households through a combination of our Internet Essentials service and the federal Affordable Connectivity Program Increases Awareness and facilitates Adoption through digital literacy classes from community partners and Digital Navigators Expands Internet access by investing millions of dollars to bring our services to unserved areas and opening more than 100 Lift Zones in community centers in the Pacific Northwest Over the last three years, Comcast has provided $11.9 million in financial and in-kind charitable contributions to Washington nonprofits. These contributions support to local community programs to help establish and promote its Digital Equity Network in Washington. Comcast’s Digital Equity Network enables partner organizations to acquire technology equipment, provide digital skills trainings, and offer opportunities for youth and adults to explore and train for careers in tech-related fields, or develop the kinds of technology skills that can help them launch and grow their own business. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Contact Details Comcast Andy Colley Andy_Colley@Comcast.com Company Website https://washington.comcast.com/

July 20, 2023 02:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time

Paul Newman Summer Camps Mean Fun for All

YourUpdateTV

Going to summer camp can be the highlight of any kid’s summer. Camp is where kids learn many life skills that they will take into adulthood, including learning how to be independent, how to make friends, and how to embrace new experiences. In addition to fun in the sun, summer camp is also a time to learn about kindness, belonging, diversity, inclusion, and compassion. All those positive traits are fostered at the camps that are part of SeriousFun Children’s Network, a global community of camps founded by actor and philanthropist Paul Newman. Recently, CEO of SeriousFun Children’s Network, Blake Maher, and Executive Director of Rite Aid Healthy Futures, Matt DeCamara, teamed up for a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss how SeriousFun camps are spreading kindness, belonging, diversity, inclusion and hope to kids and families all around the U.S. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/1ckiqe7mcp0 Thirty-five years ago, Paul Newman, the Hollywood icon, philanthropist, and car racing champion envisioned a camp where kids living with serious and life-limiting medical conditions could break away from the everyday challenges of their illness to, in his words, “raise a little hell.” Today, Serious Fun Children’s Network, the leading network of medical specialty camps in the world, boasts 30 camps and programs which have delivered more than 1.7 million life-changing camp experiences to kids living with more than 130medical conditions and their families, totally free of charge. But the SeriousFun camp experience is more than just a week of fun and adventure. Over 80% of SeriousFun alumni campers surveyed said the SeriousFun camp experience was a major influence in the development of skills they use daily in their adult lives including the willingness to try new things, appreciation of diversity, self-identity, empathy and compassion, self-confidence, perseverance, and friendship skills. For Rite Aid Healthy Futures, partnering with SeriousFun to support kids and families was a natural fit. Healthy Futures strives to empower children and strengthen communities every day by advancing equity and opportunity for children facing daunting challenges. The partnership with SeriousFun Children’s Network places a caring community around children with serious medical conditions and provides a needed sense of belonging for kids who spend too much time isolated in hospitals. SeriousFun camps also bring together children from a rich variety of backgrounds, experiences and locations, creating opportunities for campers, families, caregivers, and volunteers to get to know others from within or outside of their own community. For more information, visit seriousfun.org and riteaidhealthyfutures.org Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

July 20, 2023 03:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

‘AI Can’t Replace Creativity’ finds Freelancer.com’s latest job trends report

FREELANCER.COM

Freelancer.com (ASX: FLN) (OTCQX: FLNCF), the world’s largest freelancing marketplace by number of users and jobs posted, today released new figures revealing a surge in freelance creative writing jobs, growth in business marketing activities, and an increase in on-site photography and videography gigs. The Fast 50 Q2 2023 report, a quarterly dataset ranking the fastest growing and falling jobs on the platform, analyzed over 280,000 jobs posted to Freelancer.com between April and June 2023. According to the data, the fastest growing freelance jobs by percentage growth in Q2 2023 were: 1. Creative Writing - up 58% (from 1,868 to 2,961 jobs) 2. User Interface Design - up 52% (from 2,017 to 3,075 jobs) 3. Twitter Marketing - up 41% from (1,650 to 2,334 jobs) 4. Photography - up 40% from (2,101 to 2,945 jobs) 5. Writing (Microsoft Word) - up 38% (from 3,175 to 4,401 jobs) While the world debates whether AI will take human jobs or not, and therefore dramatically hit the labor indexes, the latest figures reviewed by Freelancer.com’s data science team revealed interest for freelance writing jobs are increasing on the platform over the last quarter. Other writing related skills also saw growth across the quarter, including Copy Typing (up 31.2%, 4,867 to 6,389 jobs) and Ghostwriting (up 22.8%, 5,212 to 6,404 jobs). Other jobs which have been deemed as ‘at risk’ of being automated by AI, such as data entry, have also seen an increase over the quarter. Projects for Data Processing were up 21% (from 9,076 to 11,024 jobs) and projects requiring Excel as a skill also saw a 15% increase (from 13,246 to 15,301 total job postings). “AI can’t replace creativity yet. While workers and businesses are benefiting from productivity gains offered by generative AI, the data suggests that the technology in its current form isn’t able to replace creative work. We saw a similar trend occur in the first quarter of the year, as creative design jobs were flourishing despite interest for generative AI tripling,” said Matt Barrie, Chief Executive at Freelancer.com. The Fast 50 Q2 2023 report also reveals an increase in businesses investing heavily in freelance marketing support. This trend comes off the back of an unprecedented rise in jobs usually associated with the creation of new businesses and new ventures as found in the Fast 50 Q1 2023 report. In addition to Twitter Marketing ranking as the third fastest growing job, growth also surged for the following marketing skills: ● Search Engine Marketing (SEO) - up 26% (from 1,840 to 2,328 jobs) ● Sales - up 23% (from 2,614 to 3,233 jobs) ● Marketing - up 19% (from 8,269 to 9,867 jobs) ● Social Media Marketing - up 16% (from 6,524 to 7,574 jobs) ● Facebook Marketing - up 14% (from 5,602 to 6,410 jobs) Marketing jobs are some of the highest earning on the platform per project. Projects seeking SEO experts typically pay US$2,231 per project. General marketing jobs on average pay US$1,422 per project, while Social Media Marketing pays $584 per project. Local jobs, which is where employers hiring freelancers in their local area to do service or physical-based jobs, are growing across the platform by 37%, from 2,122 to 2,905 total projects. The two key drivers for growth for these types of jobs relate to Photography and Videography which are up by 40% (from 2,101 to 2,945) and 32% (from 3,095 to 4,097), respectively. On average, projects for Videography attract US$70 per hour. Fastest Falling Jobs of Q2 2023 The most significant declining trend observed in the Q2 2023 report shows that employers are easing their interest for tech and IT related skills. The Fast 50 report for Q3 2022 highlighted significant growth in a number of highly specialized and niche tech skills, such as software development, android app development, programming, and others. The catalyst for demand being global mass layoffs and hiring freezes across the tech sector towards the end of 2022. The latest Fast 50 Q2 2023 data shows interest for niche tech skills is beginning to slow down, with software development (down 28%, from 1,308 to 942), API (down 26%, from 1,516 to 1,109), iOS Development (down 26%, from 1,220 to 894) and Microsoft SQL Server (down 25%, from 1,309 to 975) all decreasing over the last quarter. Easing of these types of skills also aligns with Layoff.fyi’s tech layoff tracker also showing a reduction in the number of layoffs occurring globally. Fast 50 Q1 2023 - Data Analysis Relief For Writers As Data Suggests AI Can’t Replace Creativity The main trend from the Freelancer.com Fast 50 Q2 2023 report shows freelance writing jobs, specifically those seeking journalists and editors, increasing on the platform over the last quarter. Despite having access to freely available generative AI tools, employers are turning to on-demand freelancers to help write creative content for their websites and blogs. Creative Writing jobs were the number one fastest growing job on Freelancer.com in Q2, growing 58% from 1,868 to 2,961 jobs posted. Other writing related skills, such as Writing (Microsoft Word) (up 38.6%, 3,175 to 4,401 jobs), Copy Typing (up 31.2%, 4,867 to 6,389 jobs) and Ghostwriting (up 22.8%, 5,212 to 6,404 jobs), also saw an increase over the quarter. Interestingly, other skills which experts predict will be overtaken by AI are also increasing on the freelancing platform. Data processing grew by 21%, from 9,076 to 11,024 in Q2. Jobs with Excel as a key skill also increased by 15.5%, from 13,246 to 15,301 jobs. Data entry recently ranked as the World’s Most Boring Job in Freelancer.com ’s global survey measuring attitudes towards work. Data entry is also one of the most popular jobs that employers tend to delegate to on-demand freelancers. Businesses Focus On Growth, Following Startup Boom, By Investing In Marketing Jobs seeking Sales experts grew 23.6% and Business Analysis increased by 21.4% over the last quarter. This is another indication that businesses are focusing heavily on growth and strategy alongside promotion. In Q1 2023, Freelancer.com observed an unprecedented rise in jobs usually associated with the creation of new businesses and new ventures. This was apparent with projects for logo design, corporate identity design and eCommerce all growing simultaneously and aligning with new business formation statistics released by the US Census. While there isn’t data supporting another rise in new businesses in Q2 2023, what Freelancer.com is seeing is businesses now doubling down on marketing, sales and social media efforts to increase business. This aligns with global trends of big consumer brands, such as ones reported in Australia, slashing their marketing spend and look towards more self-driven or low budget or organic marketing efforts. Twitter Marketing, which ranks third in the most in-demand skills for Q2 2023 after growing 41% over the quarter, is growing to become a popular option for businesses looking for social media support. Social Media Marketing as a skill increased by 16% and Facebook Marketing increased by 14%. Marketing, as a skill generally, is up 19.3%, growing from 8,269 to 9,867 total jobs in Q2. Classic marketing tactics such as Search Engine Marketing (SEO) and Web Search grew by 26% and 21%, respectively. SEO and Web Search are both budget friendly ways for businesses to maintain a competitive advantage in search engines results. A similar trend was observed in the Q3 2022 as many tech companies began mass layoffs and cut Search Engine Marketing spend as a way to reduce marketing spend. As a result, Freelancer.com observed growth in SEO related projects or social media marketing as both are cost effective marketing strategies. Jobs seeking Sales experts grew 23.6% and Business Analysis increased by 21.4% over the last quarter. This is another indication that businesses are focusing heavily on growth and strategy alongside promotion. Demand For Tech Jobs Slows Down As Layoffs Reduce Worldwide Freelancer.com is beginning to see interest for niche tech and IT related skills reduce on the platform. A sudden surge in technology related skills was observed all throughout 2022, however, was largely apparent in the Fast 50 report for Q3 2022 which saw a significant increase in jobs relating to niche IT-related projects all being driven by a surge in tech layoffs. The latest figures from the Fast 50 report for Q2 2023 shows interest is beginning to slow down as 16 of the top 25 fastest falling jobs are related to tech, which are the same jobs which climbed heavily towards the end of last year. Software Development, which had sustained growth quarter-on-quarter throughout 2022, saw a decline of 28% from 1,308 to 942 jobs. Projects requiring API as a skill are down 26% (from 1,516 to 1,109) and iOS Development jobs are also down 26% (from 1,220 to 894). Location-Based Photography & Videography Jobs Are Booming Local Jobs are a specific type of job which are location based and are specific to a location. These jobs are typically service or physical jobs, such as local pick up, delivery, photography, gardening or cleaning services. This quarter saw Local Jobs grow by 37%, from 2,122 to 2,905. The two key drivers for growth for these types of jobs relate to Photography and Videography which are up by 40% (from 2,101 to 2,945) and 32% (from 3,095 to 4,097), respectively. Visual content will always be in-demand for any business, regardless of size. Whether it’s capturing an event or shooting footage to use for ads, real-life imagery will always be an important part of promoting businesses. ##### Freelancer Fast 50 The Freelancer Fast 50 report is the world’s largest forward indicator of trends in online jobs related to industries, technologies, products, and companies. The data is based on 280,000 jobs posted to the Freelancer platform between April 1 to June 30 2023. Fast 50 Q2 2023 Data About Freelancer Freelancer.com is the world’s largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace by total number of users and projects posted. More than 67 million registered users have posted over 22.7 million projects and contests to date in over 2,000 areas as diverse as website development, logo design, marketing, copywriting, aerospace engineering and manufacturing. Freelancer also owns Escrow.com and Loadshift. Freelancer Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ticker ASX:FLN and is quoted on OTCQX Best Market under the ticker FLNCF. Contact Details Freelancer.com Marko Zitko +61 404 574 830 marko@freelancer.com

July 19, 2023 12:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time

BELLAMI Launches World's First Professional Grade Hair Extension Care Collection

BELLAMI

Today, BELLAMI, the global leader in hair extensions’ billion dollar industry, announces the launch of BELLAMI Professional Hair Care, the world’s first professional-grade hair extension care collection for in-salon and at-home use. In collaboration with its network of renowned hair stylists, who have close to a million hair extension installs under their belts, BELLAMI developed uniquely formulated, clinically proven extension-driven hair care solutions, designed to double the lifetime of hair extensions, protecting the investment of a growing customer-base, while strengthening the health and integrity of natural hair. “There is beauty in innovation,” says John Costanza, Group Vice President of Beauty Industry Group leading the charge for BELLAMI. “We know hair better than any brand on the market. This isn’t just a hair care line that happens to work with extensions. We spent the last three years collaborating with industry professionals, chemists and BELLAMI educators, who work with hair every single day, to perfect the formulas and deliver a comprehensive solution-oriented approach to hair and extension treatment in-salon and at-home.” BELLAMI’s professional and at-home collections are infused with first of its kind H-2™ and proprietary Vita-Seal™ complexes. Unlike other bond-building technologies, the brand’s revolutionary H-2™ Complex contains both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties, rather than just one, which allows formulas to target different areas of damage and achieve maximum results. The hydrophilic portion balances and reconstructs the hydrogen and ionic bonds fundamental to hair structure, creating a smooth and even surface. The hydrophobic component replenishes lipids stripped from the hair during coloring or heat styling. BELLAMI’s at-home formulas complement the brand’s professional line by offering salon-quality maintenance to protect hair from UV exposure and thermal damage. Each product is designed to seal in the professional H-2™Complex while BELLAMI’s proprietary vitamin-rich Vita-Seal™Complex locks in nutrients to preserve the hair’s integrity and prevent future breakage, while improving the overall condition and appearance of hair with continued use. BELLAMI Professional Hair Care launches with ten professional products, exclusively available in-salon, and eight at-home products which are now available at Bellamihair.com and rolling out to retailers come fall. The collections incorporate clarifying and moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, a scalp detox, treatment masks and a bond fusion system that reduces breakage by up to 63% and tangling by up to 89% (TRI Princeton). All products are paraben-free, sulfate-free, cruelty-free and inclusively formulated for all hair types and textures. Refill pouches are available for shampoos and conditioners and all aluminum and plastic components are recyclable. ABOUT BELLAMI Founded in 2012 by Nikki Eslami and Julius Salerno, BELLAMI is a global leader of high end, luxurious, ethically sourced and sustainably produced full-cuticle 100% Human Remy hair enhancement solutions for consumers and salon professionals. As the largest hair extensions brand in the world, collaborating with certified hair stylists, BELLAMI offers a full range of clip-in extensions and the four pro hair extension methods - Wefts, Tape-Ins, K-Tips, I-Tips. It is the only brand to have complete control over the sourcing and international manufacturing process, ensuring that all products are ethically sourced and sustainably produced. BELLAMI's hair enhancement solutions and hair care are available via its e-commerce platform and company-owned stores, the BELLAMI Beauty Bars. BELLAMI is headquartered in Chatsworth, California. ABOUT BEAUTY INDUSTRY GROUP Established in 2004, Beauty Industry Group is an industry leader for professionally installed and DIY hair extensions and related beauty products. Beauty Industry Group's professional products are sold in more than 1,200 stores throughout North America and its collective brands service more than 30,000 salons across over 165 countries. Beauty Industry Group has offices in 6 countries and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT. Contact Details Rell Marketing & Communications Linsey Tilbor Rubin +1 732-991-5294 ltilbor@rellmc.com Company Website https://www.bellamihair.com/

July 19, 2023 08:16 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Graton Resort & Casino Names Lana Rivera President

Graton Resort & Casino

Graton Resort & Casino today announced the appointment of Lana Rivera as president, a new role to the organization. Rivera has been the general manager since 2019. An enrolled member of the Muscogee Creek Tribe, Lana is responsible for overseeing all business functions – from marketing to operations to food and beverage services. She is also spearheading the recently announced $1 billion property expansion. She will continue to report directly to Greg Sarris, tribal chairman for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. “Lana has driven both growth and loyalty at Graton,” said Chairman Sarris. “We have the best team members in the business largely because of Lana’s leadership. I’m thrilled that she’s spearheading our property expansion which will allow us to serve our guests with additional entertainment and amenities as we give back to our community.” Prior to joining Graton, Rivera spent 15 years as general manager of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, OK (Cherokee Nation Entertainment). Lana began her career as a card game dealer for Harrah’s Casino in Joliet, IL, in the 1990s. “Graton Resort & Casino is a special place, and I’m happy to lead this incredible team into the next phase of our development. It’s vital to me that our business reflects our mission to operate as a community partner and also provide the highest quality experience for guests,” stated Rivera. Rivera is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno’s executive development program for strategic leadership in the gaming industry. MEDIA, PLEASE NOTE: To request an interview with Lana Rivera or additional images, please contact Brianne Miller at graton@landispr.com or (415) 766-0887. About Graton Resort & Casino Located in Sonoma County, Graton Resort & Casino has a commanding presence amongst the rolling hills of Northern California's wine country. Owned and operated by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Graton Resort & Casino features table games, the latest slot machines, upscale and casual dining, plus entertainment options for visitors and locals alike. For more information, please visit www.gratonresortcasino.com. # # # Contact Details Landis Communications Inc. Brianne Miller +1 415-766-0887 Graton@landispr.com Company Website https://www.gratonresortcasino.com/

July 18, 2023 08:30 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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HIBBETT HOSTS CLIPS & KICKS BACK TO SCHOOL APPRECIATION EVENT WITH FREE HAIRCUTS AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES IN NORTH MESA

Hibbett, Inc.

As summer vacation draws to a close and the new school year approaches, Hibbett and Jordan Brand announce an action packed Clips & Kicks Back to School appreciation event and celebration on Sunday July 23 rd from 12pm to 5pm in North Mesa. Hibbett wants to make the back to school prep a little easier with some free stuff for families, while they are getting their back to school shopping done. The public is invited to stop by the Hibbett store located at 1925 West Craig Rd., N. Las Vegas, NV 89032 on Sunday, July 23 rd from 12pm to 5pm to join the fun. “The Vegas community has been extremely welcoming and we wanted to host our popular Clips & Kicks event to give back to local families, as they get ready for the new school year,” said Ramiro Rios, Hibbett, District Manager. “It will be a really fun event and we are grateful to our partners at Jordan for helping us put this together.” Each year, Hibbett hosts special back to school events across the country to show appreciation to local families in their community who may be stretched with back to school expenses. Hibbett hires professional barbers and brings them onsite to provide free professional children’s haircuts for attendees. There is a party atmosphere to get kids pumped up about the new school year with their fresh new cuts and free school supplies. Throughout the day there is music, special promotions, giveaways, light refreshments and much more. Children of all ages are welcome to get free haircuts and school supplies on a first-come, first-serve basis, while supplies last. About Hibbett, Inc. Hibbett, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is a leading athletic-inspired fashion retailer with 1143 Hibbett and City Gear specialty stores, located in 36 states nationwide. Hibbett has a rich history of convenient locations, personalized customer service and access to coveted footwear, apparel and equipment from top brands like Nike, Jordan, and adidas. Consumers can browse styles, find new releases, shop looks and make purchases online or in their nearest store by visiting www.hibbett.com. Follow us @hibbettsports and @citygear on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Contact Details Wendy Yellin pr@hibbett.com Company Website https://www.Hibbett.com

July 18, 2023 11:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time