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Premier Rugby Sevens Hosts Landmark Inaugural Event – Sets Sights on 2022

Premier Rugby Sevens

Premier Rugby Sevens (PR7s) officially launched their new league on Oct. 9, marking several firsts within the sports industry and rugby community. As the first U.S. sports league to launch with men and women earning equal pay, PR7s also broke gender barriers in the rugby community as the first professional women’s rugby league in North America. Supported by six league sponsors, 18 games were broadcast live in a single day via Fox Sports in the United States, TSN in Canada, and Facebook Watch around the world. “This is only the beginning,” said Owen Scannell, CEO of Premier Rugby Sevens. “What started as an idea early in the pandemic became a reality on Saturday thanks to a team of incredibly talented staff, athletes, coaches, broadcast partners, sponsors, and fans. We will reveal our 2022 plans soon and look forward to growing PR7s into a league that offers both women and men an opportunity to compete at the highest level. Thousands of fans experienced the excitement live in the stadium and thousands more consumed it live on televisions, tablets, and cell phones thanks to our partners at Fox Sports and TSN. An incredible foundation is in place and we’re ready to grow our league with more cities and events next year.” Fifteen Olympians from the 2020 Olympic Games competed in the inaugural event. With 120 total players, six men’s teams and four women’s teams debuted in Memphis. Led by rugby legend Perry Baker, the Experts won the first PR7s men’s championship. And as one of the most dominant players in the world, Alev Kelter led the Loonies to the first women’s championship. Competing in games that last 14 minutes, the two champions played four times each en route to their titles on Saturday. Full game results can be view at PRSevens.com/results. Samurai Sportswear, Kane Innovations, Inc., Sperry Rail, Inc., Campbell Clinic, Ghost River Brewing Co., and Memphis Tourism sponsored the inaugural event. The partnerships included jersey logos for Kane Innovations and Sperry Rail. Ghost River Brewing sponsored the daylong festival. PR7s features six men’s teams and four women’s teams that play multiple games in one location on a single day. Team brands include the Loonies (men and women), the Loggerheads (men and women), the Experts (men and women), the Headliners (men and women), the Locals (men), and the Team (men). The league’s first captains featured stars from both the Men’s and Women’s U.S. Olympic Rugby Sevens teams, including Perry Baker (Experts men), Danny Barrett (Team men), Abby Gustaitis, (Loggerheads women), Alev Kelter (Loonies women), Matai Leuta (Locals men), Folau Niua (Headliners men), Naya Tapper, (Headliners women), Stephen Tomasin, (Loonies men) and Kevon Williams (Loggerheads men). About Premier Rugby Sevens Premier Rugby Sevens (PR7s) is a groundbreaking professional sports league in North America that debuted on Oct. 9, 2021, on Fox Sports and TSN. PR7s is the first league of its kind with both women’s teams and men’s teams under one umbrella with equal pay. With a focus on accessibility and entertaining content for fans, the league showcases the electrifying sport of rugby sevens through a single-day touring format in cities across the United States and Canada. To learn more about Premier Rugby Sevens, go to PRSevens.com and follow the league on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Contact Details Eric Nemeth eric.nemeth@prsevens.com Company Website https://prsevens.com/

October 14, 2021 09:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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South Florida Real Estate Trends for Fall 2021

Miami Luxury Waterfront Homes

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and work-from-home orders, buyers have been flocking to Miami and nearby areas in South Florida. And it's not just homeowners — companies including Microsoft, JetBlue Airways and Goldman Sachs have recently moved their headquarters to Florida. The city is also luring in Tech crowds thanks heavily to the Mayor, Francis Suarez, who has been targeting Silicon Valley. These trends have seen billionaire businesspeople make the move to Miami while the local economy has seen a boom as of late. Although it's hard to say if this particular trend will continue as COVID-19 carries on, it's not unbelievable to think that workers and businesses alike may continue to take up permanent residence in the area. When it comes to real estate, luxury homes and condos continue to be in high demand through the fall months and with listings moving fast and limited availability, average home prices have risen exceptionally in the last year. Miami recently surpassed L.A. as the most expensive housing market, coming in second only to New York City. Florida has seen a massive trend of transplants from big cities, including New York & California, where homeowners are used to paying top-dollar for real estate and higher taxes. As such, luxury properties have been flipping for record profits with some garnering nearly three times the original investment within a short span. Last month, a waterfront estate in Miami Beach was flipped for nearly a 50% gain in just 4 months. It sold for $19 million in May of 2021 and for $28.1 million in September. Flips for luxury single-family homes are becoming more common due to the low inventory of houses available for sale in South Florida. "This market is truly unique," says Samantha Joelle Elenson, a realtor with ONE Sotheby's International Realty for nearly a decade. Miami is thriving with its growing population. The local entertainment and culture scenes are expanding to accommodate the city's newest residents. "Miami is at the forefront for the place to be," Elenson says. The city saw a surge of restaurants open and supper clubs are gaining momentum. Last season, New Yorkers notoriously booked reservations in Miami's top restaurants months in advance so locals planning a night out would be wise to book ahead — something Miami locals may need to adjust to. "Our city is attracting various industries and people for different reasons," Samantha explains. "I was getting calls from out-of-state clients looking to escape to Miami for their freedom as they put it. There was also a tech wave and all of a sudden Silicon Valley was looking at Miami. After the Presidential election and proposed tax adjustments, we began seeing a migration of billion-dollar businesses relocate headquarters here along with their employees. The surge of new residents caught the attention of top hospitality groups like Major Food Group from New York, which opened the almost impossible to get into Carbone and ZZ's. The city is evolving quickly and as a result new opportunities are emerging." When it comes to real estate pricing, it's clear to see this trend continuing well into the fall of 2021 according to the data presented by Samantha's Brokerage, ONE Sotheby's International Realty, which is a leading luxury firm in South Florida. The Trends report can be viewed at https://www.onesothebysrealty.com/trends. It presents the only market report focused on Florida’s East Coast. Data is presented from a macro perspective down to a city level from Miami to Cocoa Beach. October is now well underway and although the market in neighborhoods throughout South Florida shows signs of a shift toward seasonal trends, buyer competition, particularly among domestic newcomers, is expected to continue. Pricing for single-family homes and condominiums should hold steady or see a slight decrease through the remainder of 2021. Thanks to buyer competition, in August 2021, more than 27% of homes were sold above the asking price. By comparison, February 2021 saw just 13% of the area's homes sold above asking. In August 2021, Miami-Dade County saw the highest average sales price. Single-family homes sold for an average of $995,538 — a 32% increase over the August 2020 average, while condos sold for an average of $556,225 — also a 32% increase over August 2020 numbers. "Buyers are struggling to get properties at asking with phenomenal terms," Samantha shares. The county saw more than 1,247 transactions close in August after an average of 41 days on the market. Homes in neighborhoods such as South Miami, Miami Beach, Surfside, Golden Beach and Bay Harbor had average sales prices exceeding $1 million with luxury homes Bay Harbor Islands boasting the highest average sales price at $8.625 million and homes in South Miami selling for an average of $1,184,063 — 26% more than in August 2020. Throughout Miami-Dade County, available listings have increased slightly over the past few months, with 3% more available listings in August than in July 2021, when available listings hit a record low. As the availability of homes for sale increases in South Miami and other neighborhoods throughout Miami-Dade, average sales prices are seeing a slight downward trend. However, the Miami housing market remains hot and competition among buyers is at an all-time high, meaning homes are selling fast and sellers are seeing full-price offers and bidding wars over properties. As fall progresses, it's expected that competition for luxury homes in South Miami and other sought-after communities in the area will continue. "Clients traveled this summer as countries reopened but the housing demand remained high even without their presence," she says. "I expect as the season approaches those who were unsure of an address in Miami, will return to the sunshine state where they happily found refuge last season with all of their friends." Overall, the South Florida real estate market continues to thrive in the fall of 2021. Competition is at all-time highs while average sale prices remain among the highest in the country. About Miami Luxury Waterfront Homes One of ‘America’s Best Real Estate Agents’ as ranked by REAL Trends WSJ, native Floridian Samantha Joelle Elenson specializes in waterfront luxury properties, beachfront condominiums, and upscale property developments in and around Miami and Broward County. Raised in Golden Beach, Florida, Samantha is a third-generation real estate professional who draws on more than 40 years of family real estate development and investment experience. Since joining ONE Sotheby’s International Realty in 2012, Samantha has achieved residential real estate sales totaling more than $75 million. Her goal is to connect clients with the finest real estate properties in South Florida and provide each buyer or seller with personalized customer service complemented by her exclusive network, shrewd negotiating skills, and professional expertise. Her concierge approach to her clients and unrelenting passion for real estate are hallmarks of her service. Visit https://www.miamiluxurywaterfronthomes.com/. Contact Details Miami Luxury Waterfront Homes Samantha Joelle Elenson +1 786-393-4793 selenson@onesothebysrealty.com Company Website https://www.miamiluxurywaterfronthomes.com/

October 14, 2021 08:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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KOAN CORDIALS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR DELIVERY THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA

Resonate Blends, Inc

Koan, a Resonate Blends brand, is leading a new area of plant-based wellness with the direct-to-consumer launch of the world’s first cannabis cordials - non-alcoholic, single-dose, plant-derived liquids designed to help mindful consumers to find inspiration, restore balance, and improve the quality of their lives. By combining the wisdom of traditional, holistic wellness practices with cutting-edge science and technology, Koan has developed a brand-new way to harness the wide-ranging benefits of cannabis, utilizing various ratios of THC and CBD, along with botanical terpenes, adaptogens, and other plant extracts to deliver precise and consistent life-enhancing experiences. The six cordials - Calm, Balance, Play, Create, Delight, and Wonder – have the fast on-set of a tincture, the long duration of an edible, and the ease and social benefits of a beverage all in one single-dose bottle. Calm, for example, has a large concentration of CBD with low levels of THC ensuring a profoundly calming experience without getting you high. The low level of THC amplifies the benefits of natural plant extracts including Linalool—known to help treat anxiety, depression, and insomnia—Beta-Caryophyllene, an anti-inflammatory, and Limonene—a naturally-derived anti-depressive—to help ease stress and return to a comfortable and functional mind/body state. On the other extreme is Koan's Wonder formulation carefully crafted to support consumers in every way when their goal is to ponder the infinite. Wonder has higher levels of THC with low levels to CBD designed to help refine the powerful experience. Koan's other blends of Cordials enhance creativity, bring a feeling of enchantment, or unleash a feeling of energy, joy, and more. The full range of products is designed to help those using cannabis in an intentional way to find what they are looking for with precision, consistency, and refinement. “At Koan we’re mastering the art of experience. It’s more than science, it’s our passion - refining, amplifying, and calibrating cannabis so you can always find what you are looking for. We are deeply enmeshed in the science, we have two patents pending supporting our formulations, processes, and bioavailability to ensure that consumers get exactly what they expect, every time, from our products,” said Geoff Selzer, CEO and Founder. “We are delighted to partner with Grassdoor for our direct to home delivery ensuring that all of our customers can get our products whenever they choose in the most convenient, safe, discrete, and reliable fashion possible.” Koan is committed to demystifying cannabis and harnessing its impactful ingredients to create products that support intentional and mindful use as a core part of daily wellness—physical, spiritual, and most importantly, emotional. Through precision crafting, Koan invites a general sense of well-being, lean-in awareness and presence rather than the “check-out high” normally associated with most cannabis-based products. The single-dose cordials are artfully designed to be both portable and discrete, with fast-acting ingredients that allow a quick onset for a long-lasting experience of up to four hours. The delightful citrus and botanical notes of the cordials can be enjoyed directly out of the bottle or poured into any beverage or one of Koan’s signature cannabis cocktail recipes. Koan Cordials are now available for purchase directly at https://koan.life. Koan provides the option to order individual cordial three packs, or in themed bundles such as the Serenity Bundle, Engage Bundle, or the Experience Bundle. Koan has proudly partnered with Grassdoor, the premier direct-to-consumer e-commerce solution for cannabis brands in California, to allow consumers to shop Koan’s portfolio of Cordials with same-day delivery across Southern California (including Los Angeles and San Diego) and Northern California (including San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland). Grassdoor is one of the largest end-to-end delivery solutions in cannabis, providing same-day delivery to 75% of the population of California. ABOUT RESONATE BLENDS, INC. Resonate Blends, Inc. (OTCQB:KOAN) develops Koan Cordials, meticulously formulated blends of THC, CBD, Terpenes, and Botanicals that provide a refined cannabis experience. Unlike strain-based or full-spectrum products, Koan Cordials are scientifically crafted to highlight specific cannabis characteristics, with predictable experiences and intensity allowing people to tap into specific feelings in a new, better way. ABOUT GRASSDOOR Grassdoor is the premier delivery marketplace and direct-to-consumer ecommerce platform in cannabis, providing customers same-day delivery of top brands in 45 minutes or less throughout California, including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Ventura, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, and more. In addition to being the fastest licensed delivery service in the state, Grassdoor aims to be the safest, friendliest, and most reliable cannabis delivery solution worldwide. This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding guidance relating to net income; anticipated customer onboardings; and expected operating results, such as revenue growth and earnings. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the Company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set out in the Company's SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Contact Details BPCM Katie Bell +1 323-655-5541 koancordials@bpcm.com Company Website https://www.resonateblends.com

October 13, 2021 08:03 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Global Energy Leader Chevron Shipping joins NAMEPA, Demonstrating its Dedication to Save Our Seas.

North American Marine Environment Protection Association

Carleen Lyden Walker, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), announced that Chevron Shipping has joined NAMEPA as its newest corporate member. NAMEPA is proud to be partnering with Chevron Shipping in making strides to Save Our Seas and towards a cleaner future. “We are delighted that our discussions with Chevron Shipping have resulted in their decision to join NAMEPA’s efforts towards sustainability,” stated Ms. Walker. NAMEPA’s mission of preserving the marine environment and promoting sustainable marine industry best practices is aligned with Chevron Shipping’s goals. “Protecting people and the environment has always been a core value of Chevron Shipping. We are pleased to join NAMEPA and its likeminded members striving for a safer, ever-cleaner environment and marine industry,” said Mark Ross, President of Chevron Shipping. NAMEPA proudly welcomes Chevron Shipping to its global and diverse network of individuals and companies in a new partnership that will help progress towards a greener future. About Chevron Shipping: Chevron Shipping Company LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chevron U.S.A. Inc. (NYSE: CVX). Chevron’s fleet has provided a vital link between our operations and the marketplace for more than 125 years. Today, Chevron Shipping Company is an industry leader in safely and reliably transporting crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and refined products that power the world. Learn more. The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is a marine industry-led organization of environmental stewards preserving the marine environment by promoting sustainable marine industry best practices and educating seafarers, students and the public about the need and strategies for protecting global ocean, lake and river resources. Visit us at: www.namepa.net Contact Details NAMEPA Carleen Lyden Walker +1 203-255-4686 executivedirector@namepa.net Company Website https://namepa.net/

October 13, 2021 10:26 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Holland & Barrett backs Floe Oral Care to tackle gum disease via salivary biomarkers

Floe Oral Care

Floe Oral Care, the oral healthcare business dedicated to improving oral and systemic health by means of a direct-to-consumer subscription, has secured £350k from a group of high profile investors including Holland & Barrett, Lord Mervyn Davies, Tim Farazmand, Professor John Deanfield CBE, Sir Nigel Rudd, and Julio Bruno. Existing shareholders Stephen Welton, Dr. Jose Navarro, and Charles Southey are also following on. Founded by Anglo-Spanish duo Will Welton and Javier Navarro, Floe is an online subscription service on a mission to address the UK’s ‘dental care timebomb’ by building a preventative routine for consumers and providing vital insights into undetected gum disease. Will Welton, Co-founder at Floe Oral Care said: “If your mouth is the gateway to your body, then protecting it requires not only using the right products but also visibility of what condition your gums are in. The impact of gum disease is significant, and the prevalence of periodontitis has barely changed over the last 20 years. Our mission is to build a service that both tracks and improves oral and systemic health. We want to encourage a pro-active relationship with dental care by capturing and contextualising oral health data, and are thrilled to be bringing on board a fantastic group of investors from business and healthcare as well as an excellent and highly relevant corporate partner. This is a great platform for the next stage of our development” Periodontitis is now the sixth most prevalent disease in the world, and according to research led by The Economist Intelligence Unit (IEU), costs the UK £6.4bn a year in treatment. Nearly half the adults in the UK have some form of periodontal disease, which has increasingly been shown to raise the risk of serious health conditions including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Its awareness has remained low however amongst the general public and other health professionals - it’s often referred to as a silent killer - with the study showing that three out of four adults with periodontitis do not know they have the condition at all. Tamara Rajah MBE, Chief Business & Science Officer, Holland and Barrett: “H&B are committed to making health and wellness a way of life for everyone, and to supporting early-stage innovation in wellness as part of our strategy. Recognising that effective oral health management can disproportionately impact an individual’s overall health and wellness, coupled with our interest about the potential of diagnostics, makes Floe very exciting for us. We look forward to working with Will, Javier and the team at Floe to optimise the way we manage our oral health and improve lives.” Floe is building a data driven approach, designed to cast light on untreated periodontitis and put the right measures in place to improve it. The service will track gum health via proprietary at home saliva testing whilst delivering essential products to support your oral health. Floe launched their core dental kit in August 2020, delivering their own unique toothpaste formulations (Dusk and Dawn), an ultra-soft toothbrush, and charcoal dental floss, delivered every three months to improve preventative habits in a more sustainable way. The products are all built with the environment in mind, including a free-returns service collecting used products for specialist recycling when subscribers' new boxes arrive. Julio Bruno, CEO of Time Out Group plc, will be joining the board as a Non-Executive Director whilst Stephen Welton, founder and Executive Chairman of BGF, the UK’s largest growth capital investor, will remain as the Chairman. Professor John Deanfield CBE joins Floe as Chief Medical Officer, to put together a world leading Advisory Board to inform the strategy of the saliva testing and future healthcare products. Professor Deanfield is one of the leading cardiologists in the UK and has published several papers on the linkage between oral and systemic health. Professor John Deanfield CBE commented: “We now understand the big impact oral health can have on important diseases in the rest of the body. This underpins a new opportunity to benefit from a change in approach to oral health – I am excited to be joining Floe to help address this.” About Floe Oral Care Floe Oral Care is a subscription service providing core dental products/ services on a quarterly basis with a closed loop recycling process to ensure that plastic doesn’t end up in the ocean. It was co-founded by William Welton and Javier Navarro to deliver technology enabled dental healthcare solutions whilst protecting the planet’s environment. Javier comes from a family of dentists and spent the first part of his career in banking. Will’s background is in consumer goods with commercial roles within the drinks industry and e-commerce. For careers please get in touch via CV and covering letter to hello@getfloe.com. About Holland & Barrett Holland & Barrett is the UK’s leading wellness retailer* and one of the largest in Europe. We make health and wellness and way of life for everyone, with a leading range of own brand, innovative vitamins, supplements, specialist food, sports nutrition and ethical beauty brands. Established in 1870, Holland & Barrett has been trusted for wellness for over 150 years and is owned by the Letter One Retail Group (L1 Retail). Holland & Barrett has a retail presence of more than 1000 stores across 16 countries worldwide, including over 800 in the UK and Ireland**, as well as a rapidly expanding e-commerce business. Holland & Barrett’s colleagues are “qualified to advise” with in depth training in nutrition and supplements to give accessible personalised advice to customers on their individual needs. *Kantar Brand Tracking – health and wellness retailers March 2021 ** up to 30 September 2020. Contact Details Floe Oral Care Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 bilal@getfloe.com Company Website https://getfloe.com/

October 13, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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HowToBet.com Reviews Betting Trends of the NFL Season

HowToBet.com

HowToBet.com has released its latest overview of betting trends for the 2021 to 2022 NFL Season. By analyzing a multitude of data points, HowToBet.com provides its audience with expert insight on how to bet on the current NFL landscape and where to focus. In its annual study entitled Americans' 2021 NFL Betting Plans, the American Gaming Association reported that a record 45.2 million Americans will wager on the 2021 NFL Season. This is a 36% increase from the year prior. The same study showed that 19.5 million will place a bet online, up 73% from 2020. 14.6 million will participate in a paid fantasy contest or other type of pool competition (a 69% year-over-year increase), while 10.5 million will place a bet at a physical casino sportsbook and 6.7 million will place a bet with a bookie. "We are excited to see numbers go up year after year, with more states opening their doors to legal and regulated gambling," said Cristian Campan, Product Owner of HowToBet.com "The number of Americans that will be acquainted with legal gambling is set to increase exponentially. We feel it is important to educate people on how to take calculated betting decisions. This comes with a great level of responsibility, as it is crucial for new participants to understand the importance of betting with their head rather than with their hearts. Doing the former will allow them to develop a healthy relationship with sports betting and gambling." The HowToBet.com team is committed to creating educational content that helps guide newcomers in making smarter betting decisions. The team recently launched its very first video podcast in partnership with gambling media veterans Daryl Fein and Sean Miller, who have more than 50 years of combined experience. On the show, Fein and Miller explain how to bet, where to bet it, and who to be on. They take the time to explain where to find the best odds, how to make educated decisions and the thought process necessary to make weekly predictions on teams from across the league. In short, the podcast truly helps newcomers learn how to bet. The spike in sports gambling over the past year has mostly been attributed to the increase in legally licensed U.S. betting jurisdictions from 19 to 24, which account for 111 million Americans being able to bet legally within their home state lines. High levels of sports fan enthusiasm for the season is also projected to be a major factor, as fans are excited to return to stadiums after COVID-19 had a major impact on their participation in 2020. The online sports handle was up 6% in July (and +2% year-over-year) to $613 million, while the sports gross gaming revenue (GGR) was -5% lower at $48.2 million. iGaming revenues in Michigan hit a new high in August and were up 2% in July ($97.2 million). The sports handle was 2% higher at $192 million, but the GGR dropped by -19% to $15.9 million. Tune in to the HowToBet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and HowToBet.com to get more betting tips. Please visit howtobet.com for more information on sports betting. About HowToBet.com HowToBet.com offers the world's most comprehensive betting encyclopaedia that can be accessed via a user-friendly web app. Its mission is to help make online betting safe, fun and as easy as performing a search on the web. There are already more than 500 how-to guides freely available, all written by seasoned betting professionals. More guides are being added on a weekly basis in a continued effort to educate anyone interested in what is now a $199 billion betting industry. For more details, visit: https://www.howtobet.com/about-us/ About Raketech Raketech was founded as an online poker affiliate that focused on lead generation for the Scandinavian market. Today, Raketech is an award-winning iGaming affiliate company with its sights set on areas that the team finds fun, exciting, and important. Contact Details HowToBet.com Cristian Campan +45 50 30 42 66 cristian.campan@raketech.com Company Website https://www.howtobet.com

October 13, 2021 07:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Graton Resort & Casino Names Industry Veteran William Becker Vice President of Food and Beverage

Graton Resort & Casino

Graton Resort & Casino has named William Becker as vice president of food and beverage. Becker will oversee all food, beverage and restaurant facilities at the 65-acre resort. “William will spearhead culinary innovations at Graton and we’re excited to implement his strategy and expansion ideas in our restaurants and lounges,” said Lana Rivera, vice president and general manager at Graton Resort & Casino. “Graton Resort & Casino is a premier Sonoma County destination, and our guests enjoy the wine country experience they expect when they walk through our doors. William’s 20-plus years of experience helps us to continually exceed guest and team members’ expectations in food and beverage.” “Graton Resort & Casino is truly a place where creativity in food and beverage can bloom and the team here is amazing,” said Becker. “I look forward to leading a new era of excellence for a destination that is already highly acclaimed for its dining, resort, gaming and amenities.” Guests at Graton Resort & Casino have a complete range of dining options to satisfy every appetite, in addition to multiple lounges: 630 Park Steakhouse - fine-dining steak and seafood, with an extensive wine list Tony’s of North Beach and Tony’s Slice House - Italian fare with pastas, pizzas, antipasti, and salads all prepared from Tony’s famous recipes. Tony’s was recently awarded “Best Pizzeria in America” by Forbes. Daily Grill - classic, fresh American fare Boathouse Asian Eatery - fresh Asian cuisine Marketplace - fast-casual dining Lounges and bars: Sky Lounge, G Bar, Lobby Bar, Pool Bar, 8 Bar and 630 Park Bar (located in the 630 Park Steakhouse) “We are so pleased to have William Becker join our wonderful team,” said Greg Sarris, tribal chairman for Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. “We have done an excellent job thus far earning us a Four Diamond rating and William Becker is the man who can take us even higher to the next level of excellent service.” For more information on Graton Resort & Casino or to book a stay, visit www.gratonresortcasino.com. ### MEDIA, PLEASE NOTE: To request further information and interviews or for additional images, please contact Robin Carr at graton@landispr.com or (415) 971-3991. About Graton Resort & Casino Located in Sonoma County, Graton Resort & Casino has a commanding presence among 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. Robin Carr +1 415-971-3991 graton@landispr.com Company Website https://www.gratonresortcasino.com/

October 12, 2021 04:36 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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WATCHDOG GROUP URGES STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DIVEST FROM UNILEVER

National Legal & Policy Center

The National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC), an ethics watchdog group, released a letter today that it sent to North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell. The letter requests that the Tar Heel State join others in “the immediate divestiture of Unilever holdings in all public pension funds managed and controlled by the State of North Carolina….” An earlier letter was sent by NLPC to New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, and the Falls Church, Va.-based nonprofit also filed a complaint was filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Arizona and New Jersey have already announced intentions to withdraw investments from their states’ holdings, due to Unilever subsidiary Ben & Jerry’s plans to discontinue selling its products in Israel’s so-called “occupied territories.” More than 30 states, including North Carolina, have laws that prohibit state investments in companies that engage in boycotts against the nation of Israel. “So far Unilever has refused to do anything about the anti-Israel and anti-Semitic actions of its wholly-owned subsidiary Ben and Jerry’s,” said Peter Flaherty, NLPC Chairman. “Until Unilever changes its policy, it must pay a price.” The letter, signed by NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project Director Paul Chesser, explains how Anuradha Mittal – the Chair of Ben & Jerry’s Board of Directors – was the architect of the ice cream company’s policy to end sales in Israel’s “occupied territories.” “Mittal proposed a boycott of all of Israel. Her Twitter account has many anti-Israel tweets and as Chair of the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation may have steered funds in a self-dealing scheme,” stated Chesser. “We urge North Carolina to join other states in divesting from Unilever.” A complete copy of the letter is below: Dear Treasurer Folwell: We write to respectfully request that you affect the immediate divestiture of Unilever holdings in all public pension funds managed and controlled by the State of North Carolina, under your authority. In July New York’s Office of the State Comptroller warned Unilever that its Ben & Jerry’s subsidiary, by its decision to stop selling ice cream in Israel’s “occupied territories,” jeopardized its Common Fund’s ability and willingness to invest in Unilever. Since that time, the states of Arizona and New Jersey have announced their intention to divest themselves of Unilever stocks and bonds. Under its current law, Florida is reportedly discontinuing further investments in Unilever. Illinois is considering the same, and other states are reportedly reviewing their investment holdings in Unilever under their existing anti-Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) laws. More urgently, Unilever’s position that it is opposed to anti-Semitism is belied by the actions and associations of Anuradha Mittal, the Chair of Ben & Jerry’s Board of Directors. The Ben & Jerry’s Board is not an actual governing board, but holds special control under its agreement with Unilever that is “empowered to protect and defend Ben & Jerry's brand equity and integrity.” Mittal is the architect of the ice cream company’s policy to end sales in Israel’s “occupied territories.” Reportedly, Mittal also proposed a boycott of all of Israel. Her Twitter account has many anti-Israel tweets, and contains specific endorsements of the BDS movement. Mittal is also a trustee of the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation – listed as vice president of the four-member board as recently as 2019 – which reportedly has made $170,000 in grants to a nonprofit called the Oakland Institute, of which Mittal is the paid executive director. In August, the National Legal and Policy Center filed a Complaint with the Internal Revenue Service, alleging that this arrangement may violate the Internal Revenue Code’s prohibition on self-dealing. In 2017, the Oakland Institute reportedly made a sub-grant to the so-called Badil Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights. Last year, the European Union ended its funding of this Center after it refused to agree to an “anti-terror” clause in its funding contract. If Unilever were truly opposed to anti-Semitism – as well as the appearance of unethical self-dealing between Ben & Jerry’s corporate, its foundation, and organizations it supports – then it would have already severed its relationship with Mittal. Moreover, Unilever’s anti-Israel bias is underscored by the fact that it has announced no intention to end ice cream sales in China, where it is a leading foreign brand. National Legal and Policy Center promotes ethics in public life, and sponsors the Corporate Integrity Project. We are heartened to see state officials of both political parties in different states defending Israel and taking a strong stand against anti-Semitism. Unilever was given the opportunity to do the right thing, but instead the company doubled down on defending the indefensible. It is time for investors to do the right thing and divest from Unilever. If I can be of further assistance or answer any questions, please feel free to contact me at pchesser@nlpc.org. Sincerely, Paul Chesser Director, Corporate Integrity Project ### Please visit http://www.nlpc.org Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Paul Chesser +1 703-237-1970 pchesser@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

October 12, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Bask in Moonlight in Belmont, N.C.

Belmont Tourism Development Authority

On average, the moon sits a whopping 226,000 miles away from Earth. But this autumn, the moon comes closer than ever before as Moonlight on Main shines in Belmont, N.C. For three consecutive weekends this October and November, Moonlight on Main will bring a warm glow to chilly nights in historic downtown Belmont. Museum of the Moon is an international touring exhibition from U.K. artist Luke Jerram featuring a seven-meter detailed NASA image of the lunar surface. Traveling across global public spaces, this astounding artwork will take center stage at the Stowe Park amphitheater Thursdays to Sundays from Oct. 22 to Nov. 7. “We hope the exhibit will be an educational experience of a lifetime and inspire the next generation of scientists, artists, poets, writers, and musicians from Gaston County,” said Phil Boggan, downtown director for the City of Belmont. “The evenings and weekends will evoke passion and exploration as the ethereal blue light cast by the full moon serves as the perfect environment for art exhibitions, theater performances, and a variety of musical concerts.” In addition to the glowing and gleaming moon itself, lunar-inspired events unfold throughout the three-weekend presentation. A free Opening Night Art Exhibit and Downtown Art Tour will take place on Oct. 21, 7-9 p.m., ushering in Moonlight on Main with original art pieces and a guided outdoor walking tour. Other festivities include kid-friendly Boo Fest on Oct. 23, a Halloween Bar Crawl on Oct. 30, Howl at the Moon for furry friends on Oct. 31 and a Moon Educational Program on Nov. 7, presented by The Schiele Museum of Natural History. Live music also will infuse life into the lunar occasion; from the Charlotte Jazz Band to Noel Freidline and Maria Howell, Villains Cabaret and the Pink Floyd Experience, tunes of various genres will accompany and fill the moonlit Belmont sky. For the full three weeks of the exhibition, downtown Belmont will radiate as an outdoor art gallery with projected art and lights around Main Street. Additionally, nine outdoor mural installations representing the moon’s role in the Underground Railroad will be displayed daily in Stowe Park with guided tours available on Oct. 22. Added Ted Hall, chairman of the Belmont Tourism Development Authority, “Moonlight on Main is a family friendly opportunity for visitors across the Charlotte region and well beyond to be awed by the moon and by Belmont, N.C. It’s a perfect time to discover Belmont’s mouthwatering restaurants, local businesses, renowned destinations and, above all else, its small town charm.” Moonlight on Main is presented by the Downtown Belmont Development Association and free to attend. Ticket prices for select events vary. Additional details about Moonlight on Main, artist Luke Jerram and the numerous events throughout the downtown exhibit are available at MoonlightOnMain.com. About Belmont, N.C. Belmont, N.C., is located in Gaston County, 15 minutes west of Uptown Charlotte. Whether you’re visiting us for the first time for a vacation getaway or returning for a daytime adventure, you’re sure to enjoy a truly unique experience in Belmont. Once a place where textile industries served as the lifeblood of the community, the city now stands as a successful example of commerce and redevelopment, while maintaining charm and hospitality. With picturesque nuances brushed throughout the town, Belmont offers a scenic view of historical homes, vintage streetlamps, red brick sidewalks and memories of a simpler time. It’s a community that embraces entertainment, the arts, unique local retail, destination restaurants and a variety of special events. For more information, visit us online at www.visitbelmontnc.org. About Museum of the Moon Museum of the Moon is an international touring artwork by U.K. artist Luke Jerram. The exhibit is co-commissioned by a number of creative organizations brought together by Jerram and the Norfolk & Norwich Festival. These organizations include Greenwich+Docklands International Festival, Brighton Festival, Without Walls, Cork Midsummer Festival, We The Curious, Lakes Alive, Provincial Domain Dommelhof, Les Tombées de la Nuit, Rennes and Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. The artwork has been created in partnership with the U.K. Space Agency, University of Bristol and The Association for Science and Discovery Centres. Contact Details Lyerly Agency Melinda Skutnick +1 704-525-3937 mskutnick@lyerly.com

October 12, 2021 08:17 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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