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Agora Data names Josh Pezzuto as Senior Vice President, Head of Sales

Agora

Agora Data, inventor of the first-ever crowdsourced securitization, reducing interest rate line of credit and technology platform supplying book value of loans for the subprime auto industry, today announced Josh Pezzuto has joined the company as Senior Vice President, Head of Sales. He will lead Agora’s sales team as the company continues its quest to make game-changing funding solutions and portfolio analytics available nationwide to Buy Here Pay Here dealers and finance companies. Pezzuto’s diverse sales and operations background spans multiple industries across his career. He has a proven track record of leading, growing and training teams to achieve measurable results. Pezzuto has worked for both startups and well-established, global corporations. The ability to thrive in any environment has contributed to his consistent success over the past two decades. In addition, Pezzuto’s fierce creativity and innovative thinking have been crucial to solving the toughest challenges along the way. Steve Burke, CEO of Agora Data, said, “Josh is a perfect fit for Agora’s trailblazing, entrepreneurial culture. We are breaking down more barriers for the Buy Here Pay Here industry every day. I believe Josh’s impeccable sales expertise, technology background and superior leadership skills are exactly what Agora and the industry needs to help even more dealers fuel their businesses and surpass their growth goals.” Pezzuto commented, “When I learned about Agora’s disruptive vision, I knew this was the place for me. I’m inspired by the company’s commitment to leveling the playing field for a notoriously underserved market, subprime auto dealers. Most of all, I’m excited to expand Agora’s impact by connecting more dealers and finance companies with the kind of funding and data analytics previously only available to mega-size operations.” About Agora Data, Inc: Agora Data’s platform delivers a suite of tools to empower Buy Here Pay Here dealers and finance companies to finance their subprime customers. Agora’s family of auto finance products provides a wide range of critical funding paths so originators can obtain the cash they need to fuel growth, compete, and build wealth. Powered by patent pending technology, originators now have access to robust data analytics and planning resources to help optimize the performance of their portfolios. Agora Data made history by closing the first-ever Crowdsourced Subprime Auto Securitization in 2020 and followed that up with its second transaction in early 2021. For more information, visit agoradata.com or contact us at 877-592-4672. Contact Details Shelly Vandeven +1 682-282-4130 media@agoradata.com Company Website https://agoradata.com/

January 31, 2022 09:03 AM Eastern Standard Time

Personalization and Customization Are an Increasing Part of Customer Experience Strategies in Data-Rich Industries, According to Dash Research

Dash Network

Given the wide range of options for the digital and physical ordering, fulfillment, and after-service care available to both consumers and businesses, a one-size-fits-all approach to customer experience (CX) is not only outdated, but a recipe for driving customers away. According to a new report from Dash Research, that is why providing a personalized and optimized CX remains a widespread goal of both business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) companies seeking to create deeper, more customer centric interactions that are the hallmark of driving customer loyalty and a higher amount of repeat business. Providing such a personalized and optimized experience requires a multifaceted approach, which involves understanding each customer’s specific preferences and desires, assessing their typical customer journey from initial contact through post-sales interactions, and ensuring that the organization has unfettered access to the data and software tools to create and nurture these one-to-one experiences. Dash Research’s analysis concludes that the systems and processes required to support this level of tailored experience will drive revenue growth in the global market for CX personalization and optimization software and services from $7.0 billion in 2020 to $11.6 billion by 2026, representing a 65% increase in market size during that forecast period. According to principal analyst Keith Kirkpatrick, “many companies are faced with challenges delivering on their personalization and optimization efforts, often due to the presence of data silos, which prevent applications and agents from easily accessing the information that can limit their ability to identify the preferences, triggers, and processes that are most preferred by customers. Further, an overuse of personalization can negatively impact the CX if customers are questioning how certain personal information was captured, and whether its use feels overly intrusive or even creepy.” Kirkpatrick adds that the growing use of personalization and optimization to improve CX is driven by several internal and external factors, including: A shift to digital sales and marketing efforts has increased the amount of data available for use in personalization Customers increasingly expect personalized and optimized experiences across all channels Personalized offers are driving revenue growth Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) allow more efficient optimization and personalization More organizations are shifting from a traditional sales model to a customer-centric loop approach But despite the demand for increasingly personalized and optimized CX, Dash Research finds that organizations often run into challenges that impact their ability to provide more individual and friction-free experiences, including: Balancing personalization and optimization against feelings of intrusion Data quality issues Data governance, privacy, and security concerns Challenges with shifting sales and marketing approaches from a sales loop to a customer engagement (CE) model Dash Research’s report, “CX Personalization and Optimization”, focuses on the market drivers and barriers to the adoption and use of platforms, applications, and services that enable greater personalization and optimization across all facets of CX. The report also details several B2C and B2B case studies and includes best practices for deploying personalization and optimization within an organization. Market forecasts covering the 2019 to 2026 period for software and services that provide personalization and optimization functionality are provided, covering 20 industries and 5 geographic regions. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website. Dash Research, the market intelligence arm of Dash Network, provides in-depth research and insights on the worldwide CX market including a comprehensive assessment of technology solutions, business issues, market drivers, and end-user dynamics across industry sectors. Dash Research’s global market coverage combines qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to provide a complete view of emerging business opportunities surrounding contact center technologies, customer data & analytics, customer data platforms, customer insights & feedback, customer relationship management, personalization & optimization, and employee experience. For more information, visit www.dashresearch.com or call +1.720.603.1700. Contact Details Dash Research Clint Wheelock +1 720-603-1700 press@dashnetwork.com Company Website http://www.dashnetwork.com

January 31, 2022 07:10 AM Eastern Standard Time

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BitX Funding Triumphs With Record 2021 Results

BitX Funding

Fairfield, CT., January 24, 2022— BitX Funding, one of the most prominent alternative lenders in Southern Connecticut, announced a banner year for growth in 2021. Overall, revenue went up 10%, new users increased by 70%, impressions went up 300%, and business applications came in at a rate of 1,275% more than the previous year. Out of all the loans that BitX sold, Startup loans had the highest increase. “Our economy saw solid growth in small business lending and the startup loan category lead the way due to the great resignation”, said Todd Rowe, president of BitX Funding. “We continue to grow BitX revenue with support from internal sales, record marketing results, CT Innovations mentor support, and our raving fans. Our 2022 goals are to continue to build out our lending platform, grow our lender base, obtain our own lending facility, and drive client growth. Our goals are to increase revenue by 160%, have a 133% increase in units sold, and a loan amount increase of 200% in 2022.” Rowe continues to promote his company as a marketplace for small business loans, especially with young entrepreneurs. With one click, you can get a response to your loan request within 24 hours. That makes BitX Funding a partner you can trust in 2022. BitX Funding is an omnichannel marketplace for alternative small business loans and business insurance. BitX connects their clients with the right loan and lender from SBA 7a, start-up loans, short-term loans, mid-term loans to merchant cash advances and business lines of credit. BitX is where lenders compete for your business. Our top-rated lenders focus on real-life business data and cash flow, which means you can qualify for small business loans even if your credit score isn’t perfect. We care about small business and it’s our mission to secure the right funding when you need alternative small business loans within our small business loan marketplace. Contact Details BitX Funding Todd Rowe +1 203-763-1430 info@bitxfunding.com Company Website https://www.bitxfunding.com

January 27, 2022 01:05 PM Eastern Standard Time

Comcast RISE Announces Major Expansion to All Women-Owned Small Businesses in the Twin Cities

Comcast Twin Cities

Comcast recently announced a major expansion of its Comcast RISE program to now include all women-owned businesses regardless of race or ethnicity in Comcast services areas nationwide, including the Twin Cities. This expansion of the Comcast RISE program furthers its efforts to advance digital equity and help provide underrepresented small business owners with access to the digital tools they need to thrive. In its first year alone, Comcast RISE provided more than $60 million in grants, marketing and technology services to more than 6,700 small businesses owned by people of color, including Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Asian Americans, among others. Of the 6,700 Comcast RISE recipients to date, nearly 70% are businesses owned by women of color, which spurred Comcast to take a deeper look into the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. According to a study by the National Association of Women Business Owners, 42% of businesses in the U.S. are owned by women, with more than 1,800 new businesses being started every day. That’s nearly five times the national average. However, according to the same study, women-owned businesses are growing at only half the rate of those run by men, namely because women struggle to access capital and other resources to help them succeed. Comcast RISE, a multi-year, multi-faceted initiative launched to help strengthen small businesses hard hit by COVID-19, is accepting applications now through June 17, 2022. Twin Cities small businesses owned by people of color and all women-owned small businesses are encouraged to apply for the chance to receive consulting, media, and creative production services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, or technology upgrades from Comcast Business, based on their specific needs. Since the program’s inception, Comcast announced over 200 Twin Cities small businesses as Comcast RISE recipients. This includes Revival, Stunning Beauty Supplies and The Greenery Minneapolis, all local woman-owned businesses and Comcast RISE recipients. “This opportunity is a positive aspect to my business and the community. Not only will we be able to reach more prospects, we’ll also be able to add a few employees to the team,” said Henrietta Smaller of Stunning Beauty Supplies in Burnsville, Minnesota. “It feels great to know someone believes in me and my dream.” Comcast RISE, which stands for Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment, is part of Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help provide underrepresented small business owners with access to the digital tools and funding they need to thrive. Over the next 10 years, Comcast is committing $1 billion to programs, like Comcast RISE, and partnerships to reach an estimated 50 million people with the skills, opportunities, and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. Comcast RISE, which just celebrated its one-year anniversary, will continue to be open to racially and ethnically diverse small business owners. The expanded Comcast RISE eligibility to all women-owned businesses is effective now. More information and the applications to apply for marketing and technology services are available at www.ComcastRISE.com. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Corporation Jill Hornbacher +1 651-425-1695 jill_hornbacher@comcast.com Company Website https://twincities.comcast.com/

January 27, 2022 08:00 AM Central Standard Time

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Save the Redwoods League Debuts Season Two of its “I’ll Go If You Go” Podcast

Save the Redwoods League

Save the Redwoods League today launches the second season of its groundbreaking podcast, “ I’ll Go If You Go,” taking listeners on an audio adventure tour through California’s iconic coast redwood and giant sequoia forests. Created to highlight diverse voices and build community in the outdoors, the podcast introduces a new host in its second season: Emily Harwitz, a multimedia science writer and photographer who tells stories that foster community, provoke curiosity and inspire a deeper connection with the world around us. Season two includes six episodes that will be released on the fourth Thursday of each month from now through June 2022. Harwitz will forage for mushrooms with farmer Arthur Lee of Mazu Mushrooms, go forest bathing with certified guide Juan Lazo Bautista, go birding with nature artist Clay Anderson, take a canoe tour with a Yurok guide, and skateboard with skate industry veteran Kim Woozy and friends of Skate Like a Girl. All episodes can be streamed on the League’s website and all major podcast streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Anchor, Google Podcasts and Pocket Casts. “There are just as many ways to connect with nature as there are people,” said Harwitz. “This season is really all about getting outside in the redwoods and experiencing new things—while learning about different perspectives and having fun.” Save the Redwoods League launched “I’ll Go If You Go” in 2021 as part of a larger effort to uncover stories of people from communities of color, which have been historically excluded from the wonders of the coast redwood and giant sequoia forests. Through conversations with emerging outdoor leaders, the League illuminates how Californians of all backgrounds think about and experience nature and conservation—in the redwoods and beyond. “While ‘I’ll Go If You Go’ is made for all of our community members to find joy and inspiration, we wanted to create something that showcases members of underrepresented communities engaging with these incredible natural places that have been protected by and for all of us,” said Leslie Parra, the League’s outreach program manager and creator of the podcast. “It all circles back to the name of the podcast—if people see themselves in others who are spending time doing fun things in the redwoods, they’ll be more likely to feel welcome giving it a try.” Parra, who hosted the podcast’s first season, now passes the microphone to Harwitz, a multiracial Asian American based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Harwitz’s work has been published in “Hakai Magazine,” “The San Jose Mercury News,” “Bay Nature” and elsewhere. In addition to chemistry and ecology, Harwitz is interested in Indigenizing science, plant communication and wildlife, as well as playing her flute and enjoying tea. To schedule an interview, contact Robin Carr at (415) 971-3991 or redwoods@landispr.com. Save the Redwoods League One of the nation’s longest-running conservation organizations, Save the Redwoods League has been protecting and restoring redwood forests since 1918. The League has connected generations of visitors with the beauty and serenity of the redwood forest. The nonprofit’s 29,000 members have enabled the organization to protect more than 216,000 acres of irreplaceable forest in 66 state, national and local parks and reserves. For information, please visit SaveTheRedwoods.org. Contact Details Landis Communications Inc. Robin Carr +1 415-971-3991 redwoods@landispr.com Company Website https://www.savetheredwoods.org/

January 27, 2022 05:35 AM Pacific Standard Time

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The Customer Experience Market Ecosystem is Being Transformed by a High Level of Consolidation and Investment Activity, According to Dash Research

Dash Network

The customer experience (CX) market ecosystem is a broad web of solutions and technologies aimed at smoothing out a customer’s journey from start to finish and providing a personalized and engaging experience. On the technology provider side, these solutions aim to increase loyalty and satisfaction, optimize revenue, and allow for better targeting and retention. According to a new report from Dash Research, this market landscape has been developing at a rapid pace for more than a decade, however recent shifts in industry priorities and business models are now creating a period of significant change as mergers & acquisitions, investment activity, and new business formation reshape the constellation of market participants. Dash Research’s analysis indicates that COVID-19 in particular has resulted in an abrupt, but sustained move to digital, causing a large increase in the digital customer data stream and a greater focus on housing, analyzing, and interpreting this data. In addition, customers have grown to accept and even look for increased personalization during their customer journey touchpoints, allowing this deluge of data to be leveraged by companies aiming for deeper relationships and more engagement. “The CX market itself encompasses large players, such as Oracle or Adobe, as well as smaller companies carving out a niche in areas like personalization or customer feedback,” says senior analyst Sherril Hanson. “There are pure play companies included in the ecosystem, but many companies span multiple market segments both within and outside of CX.” Hanson adds that even established market participants are in the midst of significant change. For instance, contact centers have needed to pivot their technology and workflows to account for increased omnichannel usage and remote agents. And tied to these new demands is a greater focus on employee experience (EX), as support employees and others in the labor force have needed to respond to fast-changing models. Driven by these changes and other emerging trends, Dash Research anticipates that continued consolidation, repositioning, and investment will all continue to make the CX market a rapidly evolving ecosystem for at least the next few years. Dash Research’s report, “CX Market Ecosystem”, outlines six segments in the CX ecosystem: customer data & analytics, personalization & optimization, customer insights & feedback, contact center, customer relationship management (CRM), and employee experience (EX). The report provides an overview of the market in general and includes a brief discussion of industry trends in each segment. Dash Research has included profiles on 150 companies in the CX space. There is an additional list of 100 other industry participants included in the report, as well as an Excel-based summary of key facts and figures for the companies. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website. Dash Research, the market intelligence arm of Dash Network, provides in-depth research and insights on the worldwide CX market including a comprehensive assessment of technology solutions, business issues, market drivers, and end-user dynamics across industry sectors. Dash Research’s global market coverage combines qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to provide a complete view of emerging business opportunities surrounding contact center technologies, customer data & analytics, customer data platforms, customer insights & feedback, customer relationship management, personalization & optimization, and employee experience. For more information, visit www.dashresearch.com or call +1.720.603.1700. Contact Details Dash Research Clint Wheelock +1 720-603-1700 press@dashnetwork.com Company Website http://www.dashnetwork.com

January 27, 2022 08:15 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Theorem Inc Defends Trademark and Trade Name, Wins Preliminary Injunction Against Citrusbyte LLC

Theorem Inc

Theorem Inc, a flexible full-service digital marketing solutions provider, recently defended its federally registered trademarks and trade name, winning a Preliminary Injunction in the United States District Court for the Central District of California against Citrusbyte, LLC, recently conducting business as Theorem LLC (Theorem.co) and, as of January 24, 2022, conducting business as TheoremOne (TheoremOne.co). After all attempts at reaching an amicable resolution failed, Theorem Inc, which has been operating under its Theorem trademarks and trade name since its inception in 2002, sought an injunction against Citrusbyte LLC, which had rebranded itself under the name Theorem. Despite receiving a decision by the United States Patent and Trademark Office rejecting its attempt to register the name “Theorem” for its business due to the likelihood of confusion with the registered trademarks of Theorem Inc, Citrusbyte LLC previously moved forward with their rebrand from Citrusbyte to the name Theorem, and promoted itself through its website at Theorem.co. The District Court ruled that Theorem Inc was likely to prevail in its trademark infringement claims against Citrusbyte, and therefore, issued a Preliminary Injunction requiring Citrusbyte to cease its use of the Theorem name pending final resolution of the litigation. The granting of this Motion for Preliminary Injunction by the United States District Court was the first step to permanently eliminating market-wide and end-user confusion within the industry in connection with Citrusbyte’s use of Theorem Inc's registered trademarks. The primary requirements of the Preliminary Injunction became effective as of January 24, 2022 notwithstanding Citrusbyte’s efforts to stay the Injunction at the District Court and the Ninth Circuit appellate court. Pursuant to the Preliminary Injunction, Theorem LLC (formally known as Citrusbyte, LLC) has now rebranded itself toTheoremOne. About Theorem Founded in 2002, Theorem creates, delivers and optimizes digital marketing campaigns for some of the world's most successful brands. By offering scaled technology, media, operations, marketing, CRM, and creative solutions under one roof, Theorem can provide flexible, full-service marketing solutions to their clients. Theorem’s consultancy teams and operational expertise helps brands simplify, streamline and automate complex digital tasks. This value exchange saves clients time, reduces their costs, and increases their revenue. For more information, visit www.theoreminc.net. Contact Details Maggie Stasko +1 843-693-7161 maggie@kitehillpr.com

January 27, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Say Hello to Amazon Glow: Technology That Keeps Families Connected

YourUpdateTV

Families who live or spend time far from each other have long understood how technology can help keep people connected. Over the last two years, the need to stay connected has been more important than ever. Recently, Lifestyle Expert Bethany Braun-Silva teamed with Amazon on a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss tips on connecting with family, keeping kids engaged, and how the new Amazon Glow can help. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/7Saw2MonRxg Connecting with distant family is especially important for kids – there is something so special about the smile’s kids bring to our lives, especially when they are shared with extended family and relatives. From playing games and drawing to reading and solving puzzles, the fun families and loved ones have together is so important. It is so hard to replicate these experiences when not in person together, but we try our best because we know these relationships can be so impactful. While video chatting has been a great tool over the last few years, how many times have we jumped on a call with relatives, only for our child to quickly get bored and wander off? The key to staying connected is keeping everyone engaged and visible, making virtual visits feel much more like being in person together. Amazon Glow is a new device that really makes it easy and fun for kids to spend time with remote grandparents, aunts, uncles and family friends. It’s really a new way to create bonds across generations, even when distance is a barrier. During video calls on Amazon Glow, kids read stories, play games, use physical objects and can even create art using the touch-sensitive projected virtual space. At the same time, loved ones far away can engage with the same content on their tablet or smartphone using the free Glow App. Pick from thousands of children’s books to read together, draw pictures, or play early literacy games like ABC Bubbles or classics like Chess and Checkers. Activities on Glow create engaging sensory experiences with audio, video, and tactile elements similar to in-person fun. Children have access to books, games and art activities and can experience all of these in a whole new way with remote family and friends. It’s a great resource for parents looking to provide opportunities for their children to actively use their senses while simultaneously building new family memories and connections. For more information, visit Amazon.com/Glow About Bethany Braun-Silva: Bethany Braun-Silva is the former editor at Parenting.com, one of the most trusted resources for parents online! She received her Bachelor's Degree at New York University, where she studied theater arts and creative writing. She then received an M.F.A. from Pace University at the Actors Studio Drama School. She moved to Los Angeles in 2010 where she began her career in journalism. It was a particular Broadcast Journalism class at UCLA that confirmed her passion for telling stories and being of service to the community. She worked at various media companies before landing her first job as a parenting editor. It was there that she knew she could blend her love for writing with her love of being a mom—she had just welcomed her first son Eli! Since then, 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

January 26, 2022 05:01 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Walk West Names Brian Phillips as Creative Director

Walk West

Walk West, a full-service marketing and branding agency located in Raleigh, North Carolina, is excited to announce Brian Phillips as Vice President, Creative Director. Brian will lead the agency’s creative team in bringing clients’ strategic visions to life, from ideation to execution. Brian brings over 15 years of creative and art direction experience working with pharmaceutical, technology, and consumer brands. Known for being a champion of compelling ideas and simple, elegant art direction, Brian’s creative philosophy is ideal for today’s noisy communications environment. “I believe that a great idea can live on its own without unnecessary filigree and ornamental type. I believe in the old school, a school where ‘that’s been done before’ never existed,” said Brian. “I’m excited to join the talented Walk West team and be a part of a culture that champions diverse experiences, backgrounds and perspectives.” With this latest addition, Walk West continues to build a team focused on driving results for clients. “The real value any agency can provide to its clients is identifying and hiring talented individuals with diversified perspectives and experiences. These individuals combined are those who understand the ever-changing market and see the opportunities that exist to help guide clients to solutions from every angle,” said Abha Bowers, Senior Vice President, Walk West. “We’ve done just that with the addition of Brian to our team, which is a demonstration of our commitment to our client’s growth and success.” About Walk West Driven by curiosity and innovation, Walk West is a full-service, marketing and branding agency located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Our diverse team of marketing professionals combines creative thinking and expert knowledge to build brands through memorable, effective campaigns. To learn more visit, www.walkwest.com. For media inquiries, reach out to pr@walkwest.com. Contact Details Walk West pr@walkwest.com Company Website https://walkwest.com/

January 26, 2022 03:20 PM Eastern Standard Time

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