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Asure (NASDAQ: ASUR) Reports Strong Q3 2022 Earnings - Management Upbeat with Encouraging Top & Bottom Lines

Benzinga

Asure Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASUR), a cloud services provider in the Human Capital Management (HCM) industry, posted stellar Q3 2022 financial results at a time when Wall Street is unforgiving to slips in execution. With persistent inflation and a potential recession in 2023 on the horizon, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) crave efficiency. That’s made Asure’s HCM solutions more relevant than ever. The HCM company is also seeing benefits from record-low unemployment, which continues to offset any potential recession impact and higher interest rates help Asure generate float revenue. In a sense, some of the bad headlines dominating the financial news over the past year are positive for Asure’s business model, as they act as a hedge against recession. Recent News and Accomplishments During Q3 2022 Management’s strategy centers around increasing its number of integrations and partnerships to help SMBs cut costs and streamline their back office operations. HR solution provider PrismHR will now offer Asure’s Payroll Tax Management Services and FlexTax platform to its client base of over 80,000 organizations. "This new partnership provides an opportunity to significantly expand our payroll tax business into the PEO and ASO markets while enabling PrismHR to provide an alternative, standalone tax filing solution that complements their existing HR portfolio,” said Pat Goepel, Chairman, and CEO of Asure. “Our deep expertise in the complex landscape of payroll taxes uniquely positions Asure to deliver not only a user-friendly software solution to PrismHR’s customers but also the experienced counsel and support of a knowledgeable team of payroll tax experts." Asure recently entered into collaboration with Equifax and its The Work Number tool, which is available to its software users for income and employment verification. This approach to both provide its IP and leverage the technology of other providers when appropriate has allowed for Asure’s growth to be 100% organic as opposed to through acquisitions. “Equifax brings deep expertise in verification services, and through our integration with The Work Number, we’re delivering significant benefits to our 80,000 small business customers and reseller partners and their employees,” said Pat Goepel, Chairman, and CEO of Asure. "Employers will no longer have to spend time manually responding to verification requests, and their employees will have instant access, more seamless verifications in support of important life events." During Q3 2022, Asure expanded its tax filing capabilities to help CPA firms and tax pros to streamline services for the high-demand Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC), which is a COVID-era policy that provided businesses up to $26,000 per retained employee. Asure’s solution helps automate back-office transactional processes of calculating the compliant tax credits and filing the necessary quarterly amended returns to qualify for the ERTC. At Asure, we’re always seeking new ways for technology to support small businesses and the organizations that serve them. Our CPA partners were telling us they couldn’t keep pace with the volume of administrative work associated with ERTC demand. Our technology automates the back-office ERTC work so they can focus on high-value client work,” said Pat Goepel, Chairman, and CEO of Asure. “We’re excited about this new technology’s ability to help drive organic growth as it allows us to serve even more payroll and non-payroll clients alike.” Lastly, Asure announced the expansion of 401(k) plan options for small employers with an additional 80+ provider integrations. This helps SMBs to remain competitive in attracting top talent by offering more enticing retirement benefits. Furthermore, the integration allows clients to sync the Asure payroll system with the 401(k) platforms to streamline enrollment, reduce dual entry, and retain compliance. “In today’s job market, prospective employees have high expectations, even from smaller organizations. Making it easy to offer 401(k) options for retirement savings is just one way that Asure is empowering our customers to be more competitive, while also removing administrative burdens,” said Pat Goepel, Chairman, and CEO of Asure. ASUR: Q3 2022 Financial Results Breakdown Revenue rose 22% year-over-year to $21.9 million during the third quarter of 2022 ended September 30, 2022. Even more impressive, total bookings, a forward-looking metric measuring the total value of all contracts signed, were up 91% year-over-year. Asure did post a net loss of $4.5 million during the quarter. This appears worrisome when you consider that the same quarter last year featured $5.3 million of net income. However, accounting without context can be deceiving. The $5.3 million net income in Q3 of 2021 was the result of a $10.5 million ETRC. A more reliable comparison would be the adjusted EBITDA reading. Asure’s adjusted EBITDA of $2.1 million, which excludes the ERTC tailwind, shot up 71% relative to the prior year period. In other words, operating expenses are shrinking relative to revenue, leading to more profitability. Progress on both the top and bottom lines. Q4 2022 and Full-Year 2023 Guidance Estimates Continued Growth Management not only raised revenue projections for Q4 2022 but shared their guidance for 2023 - a revenue growth target of 9-13% while increasing margins to 14-16%. Specifically, Asure Software estimates Q4 2022 revenues to come between $23.5 million and $24 million, with an adjusted EBITDA goal of $3 million to $3.5 million for the quarter. For the full-year 2022, the HCM services provider sees total revenue coming in between $90 million and $90.5 million on an adjusted EBITDA range between $10.5 million to $11 million. Looking forward to 2023, Asure sees revenue coming in between $98 million and $102 million. Asure continues to showcase its resilience. While many SaaS companies are bleeding, Asure’s retention rate and revenue per client both rose year-over-year. The company continues to be well-managed and disciplined, even as the overall economy sees some volatility and uncertainty. Asure is a volatile micro-cap tech stock on paper, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that small and medium-sized businesses are viewing the company’s services and technologies as essential, not as a discretionary expense. Disclaimer: Spotlight Growth is compensated, either directly or via a third party, to provide investor relations services for its clients. Spotlight Growth creates exposure for companies through a customized marketing strategy, including design of promotional material, the drafting and editing of press releases and media placement.All information on featured companies is provided by the companies profiled, or is available from public sources. Spotlight Growth and its employees are not a Registered Investment Advisor, Broker Dealer or a member of any association for other research providers in any jurisdiction whatsoever and we are not qualified to give financial advice. The information contained herein is based on external sources that Spotlight Growth believes to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. Spotlight Growth may create reports and content that has been compensated by a company or third-parties, or for purposes of self-marketing. Spotlight Growth was compensated five thousand dollars cash for the creation and dissemination of this content by the company.This material does not represent a solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Certain statements contained herein constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company’s plans and objectives, projections, expectations and intentions. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company’s industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management.The above communication, the attachments and external Internet links provided are intended for informational purposes only and are not to be interpreted by the recipient as a solicitation to participate in securities offerings. Investments referenced may not be suitable for all investors and may not be permissible in certain jurisdictions.Spotlight Growth and its affiliates, officers, directors, and employees may have bought or sold or may buy or sell shares in the companies discussed herein, which may be acquired prior, during or after the publication of these marketing materials. Spotlight Growth, its affiliates, officers, directors, and employees may sell the stock of said companies at any time and may profit in the event those shares rise in value. For more information on our disclosures, please visit: https://spotlightgrowth.com/disclosures/ The post “Asure (NASDAQ: ASUR) Reports Strong Q3 2022 Earnings - Management Upbeat with Encouraging Top & Bottom Lines” first appeared on Spotlight Growth. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 16, 2022 11:35 AM Eastern Standard Time

How To Win At Holiday Hosting: Everything You Need to Know When Hosting Family & Friends

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/DmvrRaRjo4E November officially ushers in the holiday season, bringing with it the hustle and bustle we’ve been missing the past couple of years. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Mia Syn says there are a few easy ways to win at hosting while setting the scene for all the fun, food, and festivities. PLAN THE MENU AHEAD OF TIME: This holiday season is expected to be as “back to normal” as possible after more than two years of restrictions. For those taking on the role of hosting, Syn admits it could be a little nerve-racking, “That’s why I recommend planning the menu ahead of time, including main dishes, drinks, desserts, and the overall presentation.” The Registered Dietician Nutritionist suggests kicking things off with an overflowing charcuterie board filled with a mixture of colors, textures, and flavors, including a variety of cheeses, meats, and lots of veggies. Syn says to make sure to include almonds, adding, “Look for flavors that will surprise your guests, but also help add a seasonal taste.” This year, Blue Diamond Almonds released its first-ever limited-time offer holiday flavored almonds. “They’re perfect for a seasonal charcuterie board or sharing as a gift or stocking stuffer. Your family will love the Blue Diamond Snickerdoodle Flavored Almonds. They have the delicious taste of a seasonal cinnamon sugar cookie… so good! And one of my favorites is the Peppermint Cocoa Flavored Almonds with a delicious chocolatey flavor and hint of peppermint.” These products are available at grocery stores nationwide and Amazon.com. Consumers can also use Blue Diamond’s product locator tool to find a nearby store. https://www.bluediamond.com/naughty-and-nice Facebook: www.facebook.com/BlueDiamondAlmonds/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/BlueDiamond Twitter: www.twitter.com/BlueDiamond DESSERTS WITH ADDED BENEFITS: A menu would not be complete without dessert. It may be a surprise, but Syn is a self-proclaimed “desserts girl,” saying, “I’m always about the desserts and this year I have a couple originals that are on the healthy side and taste fantastic!” She recommends a classic with a twist, blondies. “Believe it or not, my version is made with beans,” says Syn. The registered dietician nutritionist admits it may seem odd at first, but, “When cooked and rinsed well, beans can add moisture and fudginess to baked goods like brownies and blondies while cutting back on the amount of fat and flour needed. Not only that, but beans add nutrients such as plant protein, B vitamins, and fiber, making this a dessert with benefits.” Another option are Syn’s banana-sweetened chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. They’re made with a ripe banana mash, creamy peanut butter, quick oats, pure vanilla and dark chocolate chips. “There is also another surprise, these treats are made without flour, eggs, or added sugar,” says Syn. STOP DOING DISHES: Syn admits the menu building and preparation could be fun, but the cleanup is often taxing and takes up a lot of time. That’s why she suggests eliminating the time suckers, which includes washing dishes and loading the dishwasher. “We all know it takes time away from what’s really important. This time of year is so busy and should be spent on special traditions, making new memories, and being with the ones you love.” The Chinet® brand is focused on making cleanup easier so families can spend more time together. She says these products are made for exactly what’s on your menu, like a traditional honey-glazed turkey, or an old-fashioned ham with brown sugar and mustard glaze. For a more upscale affair, Syn suggests using the Chinet Crystal® products, which add a fancy touch to meals, perfect for a beef tenderloin, seared duck, or lamb with garlic and rosemary,” adding, “The crystal cups are great for that pre-dinner toast!” Most importantly, when partygoers are done eating dinner or dessert, Syn says, “Just toss the dishes and have all that extra time for family fun.” For more information, visit mychinet.com. Facebook: Facebook.com/mychinet Instagram: Instagram.com/mychinet Twitter: Twitter.com/mychinet Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

November 16, 2022 10:05 AM Eastern Standard Time

Video

AI Digital and MRI-Simmons Enter Strategic Activation Partnership for Enhanced People-Based Targeting Across All Channels

AI Digital

AI Digital, a full-service, global programmatic consultancy, and MRI-Simmons, the leading provider of insights on the American consumer, have entered a strategic partnership to provide marketers a holistic audience insights, planning and activation solution, enabling comprehensive audience insights and planning across all channels for seamless and consistent people-based targeting. The partnership brings MRI-Simmons’ nationally-representative data set and consumer insights tools for enhanced omnichannel marketing with AI Digital’s programmatic expertise built on outcome-based audience strategy, activation and advanced analytics-driven optimization and measurement. The partnership empowers marketers with the ability to optimize media buying and planning strategies through access to audiences across all channels including digital, traditional media, OTT, streaming and display. Media buyers and planners can now unify their media buying and activation plans ensuring consistency of quality audiences, connectivity, scale and optimization opportunities. “As marketers look to future-proof their businesses, they need to activate their strategies with consistent data sets that are people-based, not cookie reliant and are representative of diverse audiences within the U.S.,” said Stephen Magli, CEO, AI Digital. “We are thrilled to partner with MRI-Simmons, the only audited consumer insights tool and foundational single-source data set.” Consistent people-based targeting through the insights, planning and activation process has been a significant gap in the industry. MRI Simmons and AI Digital’s solution solves for this marketer challenge. When leveraging consistent targeting for both the planning and activation process, AI Digital typically sees an 8% lift in lower funnel outcomes and significant cost savings for brands. Prior to the strategic partnership, brands and agencies had to manage fragmented first- and third-party data sets for activation that often differed from their original insights and planning target to execute their strategies against different channels. The strategic partnership enables marketers to break down silos in their media buying and planning strategies for deeper consumer insight and for more accountable and better outcomes. “As consumer behaviors continue to evolve, it is important for marketers to be armed with reliable, nationally representative, and consistent data that can inform planning and be leveraged for activation across all channels to efficiently identify and execute on optimization opportunities,” said Joshua Pisano, SVP business development and product strategy, at MRI Simmons. “By leveraging the combined value proposition of MRI-Simmons industry standard and nationally representative data set and AI Digital’s programmatic optimization expertise, powered by technology, human intelligence and omnichannel trading, brands will have unrivaled insight into how media activation can drive consumer action.” About AI Digital AI Digital is a full-service, global programmatic consultancy that empowers agencies & advertisers with digital expertise and instant data enabled programmatic infrastructure across all media types and access to all leading premium publishers and inventory. Leading with an audience-first approach, the company helps agencies and advertisers navigate the digital ecosystem by delivering hands-on, unrivaled data and technology access, outcome-based audience strategy, advanced analytics driven campaign optimization and advanced measurement including detailed, real-time transparent campaign reporting. AI Digital is a priority Amazon Partner with access to over 150+ people-based data sources and in platform optimization expertise to maximize value of all walled gardens including Google and Amazon’s data and tech stack, along with 10+ DSPs. AI Digital leverages technology through its proprietary platform ELEVATE and the expertise of its world-class, global team to drive a more ELEVATED consumer experience, measurable action, and brand and sales lift for more accountable results. Learn more about AI Digital at www.aidigital.io. About MRI-Simmons MRI-Simmons is the leading provider of insights on the American consumer. With thousands of attitudinal and behavioral data points, gathered through ongoing surveys and passive measurement, MRI-Simmons empowers advertisers, agencies, and media companies with deeper insights into the “why” behind consumer behavior. The company’s flagship product (MRI-Simmons USA) is the leading multi-media study of Americans and is widely recognized as the industry standard for magazine audience ratings. Powered by address-based probabilistic sampling, MRI-Simmons USA measures real people, chosen at random to represent the US population in all its variations. This methodological approach ensures stability of insights and provides the most accurate view of the American consumer. Launched as a joint venture in 2019, MRI-Simmons is co-owned by GfK and SymphonyAI Group, with GfK as the majority partner. To learn more, visit mrisimmons.com, or follow @MRISimmons on Twitter. Contact Details Kite Hill PR for AI Digital Ilana Hill ilana@kitehillpr.com Company Website https://www.aidigital.io

November 16, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Curb teams up with American Express to Give Back to NYC Taxi Drivers This Holiday Season

Curb

Curb, the leading ride-hailing app for licensed taxi and for-hire rides in North America, today announced a partnership with American Express ® (NYSE: AXP), the globally integrated payments company, to help give back to New York City taxi drivers this holiday season. Curb will launch a holiday rewards program for its taxi drivers, a workforce that plays an integral part in the city’s transportation system. American Express will provide support by funding American Express® gift Cards that Curb will manage and distribute to drivers through its rewards program, and could be used for gas or to make holiday purchases. In New York City, ten outstanding drivers on the Curb e-hail platform will be rewarded with a $500 American Express® gift Card each month. Curb’s rewards program will kick off the holiday season at the end of November and run through the end of April. “As a driver-first company, we recognize that taxi drivers are the backbone of not only our business, but NYC transportation as a whole, and we’re delighted to spotlight the hard-working drivers behind the wheel,” said Amos Tamam, Founder and CEO of Curb. “With the rapid development of ride-share businesses over the last few years, taxi drivers, many of whom have been driving for decades and have invested in this job through the purchase of a medallion, are small businesses in their own right.” “American Express is pleased to help support the taxi drivers of New York City during their busiest season,” said Tatia Adams Fox, Vice-President and General Manager in the National Client Group at American Express. “By teaming up with Curb, we’re able to help give back to the taxi drivers in New York City while also showcasing the importance of supporting local businesses.” In parallel, Curb has joined the Small Business Saturday® Corporate Supporter Program and will join American Express to raise awareness on the importance of supporting small businesses on Small Business Saturday (November 26) and all holiday season long through a marketing campaign that will run on the Curb app and on Curb’s in-vehicle TaxiTV platform. “These initiatives allow us to show more appreciation for drivers and encourage more people to support taxi travel this season, a small business service that has been consistent, reliable and supporting New Yorkers for decades,” added Tamam. “New York residents and those visiting the city can also feel encouraged to ride their local taxi to their nearest local shop or restaurant during Small Business Saturday.” To learn more about Curb, please visit gocurb.com About Curb Mobility Curb is reimagining urban mobility with a driver-first approach to ride-hailing. Bringing upfront pricing to the largest nationwide network of taxis and licensed for-hire vehicles, Curb provides unparalleled transparency to riders and drivers alike. Curb is connected to over 100,000 drivers in dozens of cities across the US and UK, powering millions of taxi rides worldwide and facilitating billions of dollars in payment transactions annually through its open mobility platform. Curb has built an innovative suite of products that provide a unified supply of taxis and licensed for-hire vehicles - the first of its kind to bring solutions for passengers, drivers, and fleet management. Their B2B services power millions of rides for transit agencies, healthcare providers, and businesses while also providing effortless payments and advertising that reaches captive audiences of millions on Taxi TV. About American Express American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, instagram.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress. Key links to products, services and corporate responsibility information: personal cards, business cards, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, Accertify, Kabbage, Resy, corporate card, business travel, diversity and inclusion, corporate responsibility and Environmental, Social, and Governance reports. Contact Details North 6th Agency for Curb +1 212-334-9753 Curb@n6a.com Company Website https://gocurb.com/

November 16, 2022 08:58 AM Eastern Standard Time

Yoshitsu’s London Warehouse To Assist In Fulfilling Increasing Demand In Europe

Benzinga

Yoshitsu Co. Ltd. (NASDAQ: TKLF), the Japanese retailer and wholesaler of beauty and health products, home goods and food, leased its first 2,362-square-foot warehouse in London. Leasing the warehouse is a significant move for the company, which has been enhancing its warehouse operations and solidifying its customer services to support global expansion in Europe. The warehouse, at Unit 5, Hanover West Industrial Estate, 161 Acton Lane, London, NW10 7NB, started operating on Oct. 25. It can keep up to 100 categories of products and store up to 50,000 items every one to 1½ months. The London warehouse comes a few weeks after the company leased its first warehouse of about 4,150 square feet in Texas, U.S. The new warehouse will improve access to inventory and augment customer services in the European region, Yoshitsu Co. Ltd Principal Executive Officer Mei Kanayama said of the recent development. "With the warehouse operation in London, we expect to effectively fulfill the increasing demand in the European markets for our products, boost our revenue in the region and improve our operating efficiency," Kanayama said. Europe's Beauty And Health Products Market In Europe, 72% of consumers use beauty and personal care products because they believe they are the key to maintaining a healthy and hygienic lifestyle, making the continent one of the world's largest markets for beauty and personal care products. Revenue for the market is expected to reach $119.7 billion in 2022, with a growth projection of $145.8 billion for 2023. By adding a new warehouse in Europe, Yoshitsu may optimize its fulfillment process and serve more customers quickly by shortening the delivery time, which could result in the company becoming a major player in the region. It also could reduce Yoshitsu's transportation costs, lower operating costs and increase the company's gross profit margins. About Yoshitsu Tokyo-based Yoshitsu has been in business for 15 years domestically and abroad. The firm has an extensive business network, including over 200 wholesale clients, numerous online stores in China, Korea and Japan, many company-operated stores in Japan and franchise stores in the United States, Canada, China (Hong Kong) and the United Kingdom. In addition to putting products in its retail and wholesale outlets worldwide, Yoshitsu says it also has its products stocked in many online stores across Japan, China (Hong Kong) and Korea. The company’s online stores, franchised stores and wholesale operations account for up to 95% of its revenue, which hit $221.51 million in 2021, up from $139.57 million in 2020. In the next five years, the firm plans to grow its sales by opening an additional 50 stores — 10 of these in Japan and another 10 spread across franchised locations in the U.S., Canada, Australia, China (Hong Kong) and the U.K. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 16, 2022 08:15 AM Eastern Standard Time

Stagwell (STGW) Agency Assembly joins The Attention Council

Assembly

Omnichannel media agency Assembly, part of Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW), has joined The Attention Council as an agency member, further bolstering its commitment to meet the mixed media demands of its burgeoning global client cohort. The Attention Council is a coalition of advertising technology companies committed to promoting attention as a primary metric for understanding advertising and increasing advocacy for the wider adoption of cross-platform attention metrics in the planning, buying, and selling of media. Andy Brown, CEO of TAC, commented, “I am delighted to welcome Assembly to The Attention Council. They join at a time of major growth for use of attention metrics in the media and marketing industry. I look forward to them playing an important role in the evolution in the coming years”. Joel Coppersmith, Global Head of Measurement & Effectiveness at Assembly, added, "The media landscape has evolved and so have the ways in which consumers and media interact. There is a lot still to learn as we seek ways to improve the effectiveness of media and advertising at driving business outcomes.” “The value and use of attention and attention-based metrics is a fascinating, and hotly debated, topic that may shed light on how we can deliver better advertising, and Assembly is delighted to be part of driving that conversation forward". ABOUT ASSEMBLY: Assembly is the modern global omnichannel media agency, bringing data, talent, and technology together to find the change that fuels growth for the best brands on the planet. Our approach connects big, bold brand stories with integrated, global media capabilities that deliver performance and drive large-scale business growth. Our work is powered by our proprietary, in-house technology solution, STAGE, and led by our global talent base of over 1,600 people around the world. We’re purpose-driven at our core and pioneers in social and environmental impact in the agency world. Assembly is a proud member of Stagwell, the challenger network built to transform marketing. Visit www.assemblyglobal.com Contact Details Assembly Gunilla Huddleston, VP of Marketing, EMEA gunilla.huddleston@assemblyglobal.com Company Website https://www.assemblyglobal.com/

November 16, 2022 04:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

ESA Names Aubrey Quinn as SVP, Communications & Public Affairs

The Entertainment Software Association

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) today announced that Aubrey Quinn has joined the ESA as Senior Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs, reporting to President and CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis. Quinn will be responsible for leading the trade association’s integrated communications efforts to showcase the video game industry’s growing impact on people, culture and the economy. “We could not be more excited about harnessing Aubrey’s expertise, vision and energy to amplify the positive impact of video games in society and in our daily lives,” Pierre-Louis said. “Aubrey’s experience will be invaluable in helping consumers and policymakers alike understand the pivotal role video games play as the leading form of entertainment today.” Quinn joins the ESA with nearly 20 years of communications and public affairs experience. Most recently, she served as Partner & Chief Operating Officer at Clyde Group, during which she provided strategic counsel to the ESA as an agency partner. Her earlier career included roles at boutique agencies and at organizations such as Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, where she helped introduce the national campaign for Extra Life. She serves on the board of Generation Hope, a non-profit organization that seeks to ensure teen and student parents can experience economic mobility through educational opportunities. Quinn is also the recipient of several prominent industry awards, including the Ragan's Top Women in Communications award, the PRovoke Innovator 25 list, Washington Business Journal's 40 under 40 and PRNews’ Top Women in PR. “The video game industry is leading the world in innovative and interactive entertainment, while solidifying its role as a force for social good, economic growth and development,” Quinn said. “We will continue telling the stories of the creatives, designers, developers and others who — through their incredible work and new game experiences — are helping to elevate the role of play in the way we engage and interact with one another.” This news comes as the video game player community continues to expand. The ESA’s 2022 Essential Facts About the Video Game Industry report, released earlier this year, found that 97% of all Americans value the benefits of video games. More than 65% of Americans play video games — which translates to more than 215.5 million players from all walks of life. For more information on the ESA’s policy priorities and how the video game industry is driving economic opportunity, visit https://www.theesa.com/. About the ESA The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) serves as the voice and advocate for the U.S. video game industry. Its members are the innovators, creators, publishers and business leaders that are reimagining entertainment and transforming how we interact, learn, connect and play. The ESA works to expand and protect the dynamic marketplace for video games through innovative and engaging initiatives that showcase the positive impact of video games on people, culture and the economy. For more information, visit the ESA’s website or follow the ESA on Twitter @theESA. Contact Details Karen Elliott +1 202-223-2400 kelliott@theESA.com Company Website https://www.theesa.com/

November 15, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Paper Culture Earns Prestigious B Corp™ Certification

Paper Culture

Paper Culture, the leader in modern, sustainable wedding invitations, holiday cards, stationery, and personalized gifts is proud to announce it is now a Certified B Corporation®, a certification awarded to companies that meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance. Certified B Corporations™ are for-profit businesses with verified social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability to balance profit and purpose. B Corp™ businesses are required to consider the impact of their decisions on all stakeholders, customers, employees, the community, and the environment. B Corp™ companies are accelerating a global cultural shift to redefine success in business and build a more sustainable and inclusive community. It is a prestigious certification given to fewer than 3000 companies in the United States. “The rigorous certification process asks how well you are doing in using your business as a force for good,” says Paper Culture Co-Founder Christopher Wu. “It's a simple, yet powerful concept that explores each company's commitment to bettering the stakeholders it serves including workers, communities, customers, and the planet. We are thrilled to be leading our industry in our new accreditation and hope to inspire other companies to do the same.” Paper Culture has planted a tree for every order (more than one-million and counting) since the company’s inception 14-years ago and today has expanded its commitment to include sponsoring reforestation projects that focus on social, economic, and planetary benefits. A recent project in partnership with Trees for the Future assists local landowners in the Tabor region of Tanzania where almost 70% of the population of Tanzania is living under the poverty line. Farmers are trained to plant fruit bearing trees and vegetable crops that support the local economy creating a sustainable ecosystem from both economic and environmental perspectives. “We are proud to join other incredibly impactful B Corps™ such as Patagonia, Allbirds, and Ben & Jerry’s”, says Wu. “Our mission is to create products whose beauty is evident both visually and because of their commitment to sustainability. Whether it’s the circular story of the 100% post-consumer recycled paper used in our cards, the projects we sponsor to offset our carbon footprint, or the trees that we plant with every order - every customer is an opportunity to share hope. Our hope is that by delivering products that help rather than hurt the planet, our customers will have an amazing experience. They will demand the same from other companies. They will tell their friends. Their friends will tell others. And that’s how we begin a movement. We are proud today to be joining other companies in exactly that movement.” About Paper Culture: Paper Culture’s mission is to inspire people through contemporary design, quality personalized products and a belief that our actions can and must work towards solving the issue of our generation: the Climate Crisis. For more than a decade Paper Culture has offered modern, customizable, eco-friendly cards, wedding invitations, and stationery printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper and has planted a tree for every order - more than one-million and counting! Contact Details Kathy Pape kathy@papepr.com Company Website https://www.paperculture.com/

November 15, 2022 08:03 AM Eastern Standard Time

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Names Three New Trustees

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology recently named three outstanding business, professional, and community leaders to its Board of Trustees. They join the existing 12-member board of the 43-year-old non-profit educational institution, which serves 6,000 students on seven campuses nationwide. “We are pleased to have such distinguished leaders join our board” said Dr. Michele Nealon, Psy.D., President of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. “These individuals have the skills and background to help us meet the challenges of preparing future mental health professionals, especially those interested in working in underserved communities.” Sian Seligman of Los Angeles is the Chief Marketing Officer for Resonate Blends, a cannabis holding company and innovation lab that develops cannabis wellness products under the brand Koan. She worked for two decades as a brand marketing and consumer strategist for Fortune 500 companies, gaining a deep understanding of the buying habits and psycho-social motivations of the American consumer. In 2020, Seligman became the youngest person and first Asian American female to head the Board of Governors at the City Club Los Angeles, where she managed a major reorganization while retaining 85 percent of club membership in the midst of forced closure due to the pandemic. Seligman holds an MS in Herbal Medicine from the American College of Healthcare Sciences and a BS in Business Administration from Cal Poly Pomona. ______________________________________________________________________________ Eloisa Perard of Los Angeles is CEO & President of QueensCare Health Centers (QHC), a non-profit, Federally Qualified Community Health Center organization, with five health centers in underserved neighborhoods of Los Angeles. “I look forward to adding my expertise to the board in generational trends and insights,” she said. “My goal is to bring diverse and innovative thinking about the future of higher learning, particularly mental wellness education.” Perard has also held executive positions in education and manufacturing since earning an MS in Organizational Psychology and a BS in Organizational Management from the University of La Verne. Perard serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors of Community Clinics Association of Los Angeles County (CCALAC), a non-profit network that advocates for expanding access to health care for the medically underserved people in Los Angeles County. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Health Care L.A. (HCLA), an Independent Physician Association (IPA). Dina Torrisi Martin of Chicago is General Counsel of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, where she heads the Office of Legal Affairs. As counsel to the Secretary, Division Directors, and executive staff of this agency, she oversees litigation and administrative hearing decisions, and formulates policy decisions. “As the pandemic surely highlighted, mental well-being is an imperative,” said Martin. “I am honored to become a trustee and look forward to working with the growing Chicago School community.” She is a former partner and head of medical malpractice at Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd., where she represented hospitals and health professionals before regulatory agencies. Torrisi Martin is an elected member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, the Society of Trial Lawyers, and other professional organizations. She earned a JD from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law and a BA in Political Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. # About The Chicago School of Professional Psychology: Integrating theory with hands-on experience, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology provides education rooted in a commitment to innovation, service, and community for thousands of diverse students across the United States and globally. Founded in 1979, the nonprofit, regionally accredited university now features campuses in iconic locations across the country (Chicago, Southern California, Washington, D.C., New Orleans, Dallas) and online. To spark positive change in the world where it matters most, The Chicago School has continued to expand its educational offerings beyond the field of psychology to offer more than 30 degrees and certificates in the professional fields of health services, education, counseling, business, and more. Through its engaged professional model of education, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and an extensive network of domestic and international professional partnerships, The Chicago School’s students receive real-world training opportunities that reflect their future careers. The Chicago School is proud to be a part of TCS Education System, a nonprofit, integrated system of colleges and universities that works collaboratively to advance student success and community impact. To learn more, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu. Contact Details Vivien Hao +1 323-893-4743 vhao@thechicagoschool.edu

November 14, 2022 11:00 AM Pacific Standard Time