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Communication Service for the Deaf Names Amanda Whyrick Division President of California Connect

Communication Service for the Deaf

Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) today announced that Amanda Whyrick has been named the new Division President of California Connect. Whyrick previously served as CSD’s Vice President of Information Technology. In this new role, she will provide leadership support for all California Public Utilities Commission contracts held by Communication Service for the Deaf. California Connect, also called the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP), provides telecommunication access for Californians with hearing, vision, cognitive, mobility, and speech-related disabilities. The program of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) includes accessible telecommunication equipment and devices, relay service, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. The California Connect Division President will provide strategic and operational support for the State’s marketing services, equipment distribution, and field operations contracts. Equitable and accessible communication solutions have been at the core of CSD’s work for the past fifty years. Bolstering our partnership with California Connect is a logical extension of our efforts to remove communication barriers for people with disabilities. “With the rapid advancement of communications technology, the person who fills this role must have extensive experience in accessible technology,” stated Chris Soukup, CEO of CSD. “Amanda is perfectly suited to lead the advancement of our California Connect division as they work towards their goal of providing communication equity for communities with disabilities.” Whyrick joined CSD in 2016 as a Systems Administrator and held various leadership roles until her promotion to Vice President of Information Technology in 2022. During this period, she successfully implemented accessible organizational-wide technology policies, including a transition to work-from-home call centers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before joining CSD, Whyrick provided technology support to organizations including Southeast Community College and Dell Technologies. Now, as Division President for California Connect, Whyrick looks towards modernizing the program in a way that centers on the needs of various communities with disabilities and integrating the most up-to-date technological offerings. “As someone who personally benefits from accessible technologies, I know that access to them is crucial to the health and well-being of the user in all aspects of life. I look forward to extending this same privilege to Californians with different accessibility needs." shared Whyrick. Whyrick will assume the position of California Connect Division President on February 26, 2024. About Communication Service for the Deaf Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) is the largest Deaf-led social impact organization in the world. For more than four decades, CSD has been a leader in creating and providing accessible and innovative solutions for the Deaf community. Today, CSD continues its work to create opportunities for personal and economic growth within the Deaf community, specifically addressing leadership and employment. For more information, please visit CSD and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Contact Details Communication Service for the Deaf Molly Miller +1 315-679-8948 leltouny@csd.org Company Website https://www.csd.org/

February 20, 2024 09:15 AM Eastern Standard Time

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FuelRod Installs Swappable Charger Kiosks at Union Station in DC

Fuel Rod

FuelRod, a leading provider of portable power solutions, today announced the installation of their innovative swappable charger kiosks at Union Station in Washington, DC. FuelRod’s patented two-way exchange mobile charging program will help to keep travelers connected as they pass through the station, and act as the latest addition to their growing network of kiosks both within DC and Nationwide. FuelRod’s installation at Washington Union Station—their second within an Amtrak-serving hub, following a 2023 installation at Los Angeles Union Station—will provide city residents and long-distance travelers alike with portable, environmentally friendly power within the railway station. Visitors will now be able to purchase a FuelRod charging kit or swap an empty charger for a fresh, fully charged replacement at the kiosks to be installed. Washington Union Station is the latest FuelRod location to join an already established network throughout the nation’s capital city. Examples of existing stations in DC include the Walter E Washington Convention Center, Entertainment and Sports Arena, Washington Dulles International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), and Six Flags America. “We are extremely proud of the expansion of our FuelRod mobile charging program into Union Station, Washington DC. We have a strong commitment to the traveling public and are focused on continued growth in transportation hubs across the United States,” said COO Joe Yeagley regarding this newest deployment in the nation’s capital. “Staying connected in today’s fast-paced world is more essential than ever, and people on the go should have convenient access to mobile charging regardless of where they happen to be.” The company’s presence in Washington, in turn, is part of a nationwide effort by FuelRod toward a network that people can rely on to stay powered and connected wherever they go. About FuelRod FuelRod is a California-based portable power solutions company and developer of the FuelRod kit—the first reusable, portable charging system that allows you to charge your mobile device on the go, and then recharge or swap for a fresh one. With a growing network of kiosks nationwide, FuelRod can keep your devices powered virtually anywhere you go. Learn more at www.fuel-rod.com. Contact Details Claudio Frescas +1 423-914-9647 claudio@fuel-rod.com Company Website https://www.fuel-rod.com/

February 20, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Price Rally for Cardano (ADA) and Uniswap (UNI) Signals the Start of Alt Season, Everlodge (ELDG) Prepares for Tier-1 Listing

Everlodge

Several tokens in the crypto market are experiencing bullish sentiments, which experts believe could be the start of the alt season. Some of these tokens on a rally include Cardano (ADA) and Uniswap (UNI). Meanwhile, following the end of the Everlodge (ELDG) presale, the token has been listed on Uniswap and looking forward to listing on other tier-1 exchanges. Its surging momentum has put it on the investor's list of top cryptos to invest in 2024. Everlodge (ELDG) Continues its High Sales Despite Conclusion of its Presale Phase Everlodge (ELDG) has continued to see a significant uptrend in the number of investors buying the token on Uniswap. As a result, the Everlodge project is looking to expand its reach by listing on other mainstream tier-1 exchanges in the coming months. Meanwhile, the increased buying by investors is tied to ELDG's massive potential for growth. Having already generated up to 190% ROI for early investors, ELDG is on course to oversee over 350% growth within the year. This makes ELDG one of the top cryptos to invest in 2024. For context, Everlodge is a platform that's looking to positively change the way individuals invest in real estate assets by making them affordable, secure, and profitable. To achieve this, Everlodge has created fractionalized NFTs, which are backed by multimillion-dollar real-world property assets from across the globe. As such, investors who buy these cheap fractionalized NFTs will co-own parts of luxury properties and benefit from the revenue that the properties will generate. With as little as $100, investors can purchase the NFTs that represent these properties. With this investment model, individuals will not need exponential capital before they can invest in real estate. As the value of these properties increases so will the NFT values increase. Meanwhile, the ELDG native token of the Everlodge ecosystem has been making waves in the market, having just concluded its presale phase. With its massive growth potential, investors are buying more ELDG to position for the potential price gains coming soon. At the price of only $0.022, ELDG represents one of the top cryptos to buy now for massive gains in 2024. Positive Price Trajectory for Cardano (ADA) Despite Dwindling Trading Volume Cardano (ADA) is on another round of bullish rallies, having witnessed a retracement in January. While the token has been on a rally in the past week, the Cardano trading volume has been on a negative growth in the same timeframe. For context, the price data from CoinMarketCap shows that Cardano has gained up to 10% within the last week. Meanwhile, the trading volume has been on a 30% decline on a day-to-day average since last week. While the declining market activity is a factor that might impede the growth of Cardano, experts believe the bullish momentum of the token will persist for the time being. As such, experts are predicting a 50% ROI from Cardano tokens before the end of Q2 of 2024. Will Uniswap's (UNI) Current Bullish Sentiment Propel it Above the Resistance Level? The price value of Uniswap (UNI) has been on a significant uptrend trajectory since the start of February. According to the market stats, Uniswap has gained over 16% in price value within the last week. This puts the token on the verge of matching its year-to-date price peak of $7.8, which it attained on December 29th, 2023. Meanwhile, the Uniswap trading volume has been on a decline in the past 7 days, thereby arousing fears of a potential bear trend for the token. Nonetheless, experts believe it is only a matter of time before the Uniswap token surpasses the $8 resistance level. For more information about Everlodge (ELDG) please visit their website. Everlodge provides you with a seamless approach to fractional investing in vacation rentals, eliminating the complexities associated with traditional real estate investment. Our innovative platform revolutionizes the way people invest in second homes. Disclaimer: Digital currencies may be unregulated in your jurisdiction. The value of digital currencies may go down as well as up. Profits may be subject to capital gains or other taxes applicable in your jurisdiction. Contact Details Brett admin@everlodge.io Company Website https://everlodge.io/

February 19, 2024 09:00 AM Central Standard Time

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Standard Chartered: Ethereum (ETH) Could Hit $4,000 By May – All Eyes on Dogecoin (DOGE) and KangaMoon (KANG)

Kangamoon

Following the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, all attention turned to Ethereum (ETH). With the first spot ETFs for ETH expected by May 2024, Standard Chartered has predicted that the altcoin price could surge above $4,000. In other developments, Dogecoin (DOGE) has captured attention, with its network hitting a new milestone. Meanwhile, KangaMoon ( KANG ) is fast becoming the preferred meme coin in the crypto community thanks to its community-driven approach. Read on to find out more. Ethereum (ETH) To Hit $4,000 in May – Standard Chartered As the leading altcoin, a spot ETF for Ethereum (ETH) was expected to follow after Bitcoin got it. However, not many expected it to come just months after Bitcoin's ETF approval. Standard Chartered predicts that the US SEC will approve ETH ETFs in May. This expected clearance might significantly increase Ethereum's market value. According to reports, the bank projected a potential increase to $4,000 by May 23. With the Ethereum price hovering around $2,800, this rally could make it one of the top crypto coins to buy. Another factor that could influence the altcoin price is the recent Dencun upgrade. Dencun has gone live on two Ethereum testnets already. With the promise of reducing the cost of transactions for ETH L2 blockchains and making data availability cheaper, Dencun on the mainnet could spark a rally. Dogecoin (DOGE) Network Hits New Milestone, Analyst Expects Price Hike While its price performance hasn't met the expectations of investors, Dogecoin (DOGE) has been growing behind the scenes. The number of new addresses on the Dogecoin network reached a new high on January 29. According to data from IntoTheBlock shared by Ali Charts, users created 247,240 new Dogecoin addresses. This breaks the previous record of approximately 160,000 addresses set in 2014, shortly after the meme coin was launched. The network growth and recent price upswing have piqued the interest of crypto trader and analyst Crypto Patel. According to Patel, DOGE has formed a historic pattern last witnessed in 2021. Crypto Patel stated that if Dogecoin can replicate this incredibly bullish pattern, it may finally break above $1 for the first time. KangaMoon (KANG) Captures the Interest of the Crypto Community Amidst the growing positive sentiments of Dogecoin and Ethereum, KangaMoon (KANG) has become one of the most talked-about memecoins. KangaMoon has gained massive attention for attempting to do things differently in the meme coin space. The project represents the next generation of memecoins with its focus on utility as well as meme culture. KangaMoon is a social-fi project that aims to bring together the meme community under one umbrella. Not only will the project unite meme coin enthusiasts, but it will also create an opportunity for them to earn, adding more excitement to KangaMoon. KangaMoon will reward users based on their participation and activity within the ecosystem. The more you participate, the greater your earnings. Crypto experts have predicted that KangaMoon could become the next big meme coin, making it one of the top crypto coins to buy now. Many believe that KANG has the potential for a 100x surge in the 2024 bull market. With the altcoin price at just $0.005 per coin, now is the best time to join KangaMoon. Discover the Exciting Opportunities of the Kangamoon (KANG) Presale Today! Website: https://Kangamoon.com/ Join Our Telegram Community: https://t.me/Kangamoonofficial Integrating GameFi and Play To Earn. Embark on your quest for glory. Assemble your champions, engage in epic battles or bet on your favorite fighters to earn $KANG tokens and exclusive rewards. Gain control of rare NFTs, unlock exclusive content and build alliances with fellow gamers as you ascend the ranks and leaderboards. Disclaimer: The following disclaimer is important to read and understand before engaging with Kangamoon, a play-to-earn meme coin. By accessing or participating in any activities related to Kangamoon, you acknowledge and accept the terms outlined below: No Financial Advice: The whitepaper and any associated content do not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or solicitation to purchase Kangamoon tokens. The information provided is for informational purposes only. It is your responsibility to conduct thorough research and seek professional advice before making any financial decisions. No Financial Advice: This whitepaper and any associated content do not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or solicitation to purchase Kangamoon tokens. The information provided is for informational purposes only. It is your responsibility to conduct thorough research and seek professional advice before making any financial decisions. 2 Volatility and Risks: Cryptocurrencies, including Kangamoon, are volatile and subject to significant price fluctuations. Investing in or holding Kangamoon tokens involves substantial risks, including the possibility of total loss. Past performance is not indicative of future results. 3 Regulatory Compliance: The regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrencies is evolving and varies across jurisdictions. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations in your country or region before engaging with Kangamoon. 4 Uncertain Market: The market for meme coins and play-to-earn platforms is highly speculative and subject to rapid changes. There is no guarantee of market demand, liquidity, or utility for Kangamoon tokens. Token values may fluctuate drastically and may not reflect the intrinsic value of the project. Contact Details Kangamoon marketing@kangamoon.com Company Website https://kangamoon.com/

February 18, 2024 08:00 AM Central Standard Time

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Argentina Is On Its Way To Dollarization And Here's How Gaucho Group Holdings (NASDAQ: VINO) Is Set Up To Capitalize

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga Earlier in November, Argentina elected right-wing libertarian Javiar Milei as president; he ran on the promise of economic shock therapy, which resonated with voters. One of his biggest action items was to adopt the U.S. dollar and leave Argentina’s peso behind. This solution is seen by Milei’s supporters as a way to reduce the country’s runaway inflation and minimize the government’s overspending. While there is criticism of this plan, certain factions of the country support it full-heartedly. Some Argentinians have already adopted the U.S. dollar for domestic transitions like Airbnb rentals and even wages. Individuals in the real estate market have been supportive, especially as property prices are on the rise and there was a 53.3% increase in property deeds signed in October compared to the previous year. For some of these investors, dollarization equates to increased profit. Argentina’s Gaucho Group Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: VINO), which focuses on luxury industries and luxury real estate, seems well-positioned to be a leader in the space as Argentina’s economy rebounds. Gaucho Holdings has been investing in the Argentinian market since 2007 and has long understood the power of dollarization. The company currently charges in USD while incurring expenses in pesos so that if dollarization comes to fruition, the company would be positioned to realize a potential hundreds of thousands per year in revenue increase. The global luxury market is witnessing growth in light of a resurgence of social interactions and travel. The global luxury market is expected to reach $1.6 trillion in 2023, witnessing 8-10% growth over 2022. Despite macroeconomic challenges, the luxury market has shown resilience, and companies like Gaucho Group Holdings seem to be gearing up for growth. Scott Mathis, Chairman and CEO of Gaucho Holdings, shared, "In the immediate future, spanning about 6 to 8 months, we anticipate a substantial benefit from our USD rates against our labor costs in ARS, which represent a significant portion of our expenses. However, looking ahead to the next 10 to 12 months, we expect these advantages might reduce or possibly even disappear as labor unions in Argentina are likely to seek wage increases in response to economic changes. Despite these challenges, the first 8 months should witness a positive economic impact due to President Milei's pivotal reforms. The year 2024 is shaping up to be challenging, yet it presents opportunities, particularly in the real estate sector, which is poised to become a key driver of economic activity. Additionally, the banking sector's role in offering reasonable lending rates will be crucial during this period. We are committed to playing a significant role in this dynamic and evolving economic landscape, contributing to and thriving amidst these transformative changes." Gaucho Holdings emphasizes a critical aspect of the potential benefits of dollarization in Argentina, particularly in the realm of banking and real estate financing. A significant shift would occur if Argentine banks transitioned from dealing predominantly in pesos to using U.S. dollars. This change could pave the way for the reintroduction of traditional lending practices, including mortgages, which are currently almost non-existent in the country. In Argentina's current economic landscape, real estate transactions are predominantly cash-based. This is a concept that often seems foreign to Americans and Europeans, who are accustomed to financing such purchases through mortgages. Gaucho Holdings posits that allowing banks to offer lending in U.S. dollars could revolutionize the Argentine real estate market. It would not only provide a more accessible path for property acquisition but also potentially lead to a stabilization of the currency. The implications of this shift could be profound. By facilitating easier access to property ownership through bank lending, there could be a significant increase in real estate values. Gaucho Holdings suggests that the impact on the real estate market could be stratospheric, marking a transformative change in how properties are bought and sold in Argentina. Gaucho Holdings has emerged as a prominent player in the Argentine real estate market due to its strategic entry, well-established operations and diverse portfolio. Backed by a highly experienced management team, the company possesses a deep understanding of the market dynamics. With a focused mission to identify and cultivate opportunities in the undervalued luxury real estate sector of Argentina, Gaucho Holdings stands at the cusp of potential success amidst the recent political and socioeconomic changes in the country. If Milei can make good on his promise of dollarization, Gaucho Holdings is confident that profit will follow. Featured photo by Angelica Reyes on Unsplash Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored 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

February 16, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Gordon Ramsay-Backed, Mission-Driven Borealis Foods Goes Public

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga There is an undeniable, growing need for access to nutritious, high-protein meals at an affordable price in our society. With the rise in health concerns and the importance of a well-balanced diet, not to mention higher grocery bills, many Americans are struggling to meet their dietary needs. According to a recent survey, 1 in 8 American households struggles with malnutrition and food insecurity. This issue is especially prevalent in marginalized communities where poverty and issues like food deserts contribute to the issue. The issue is not just domestic. The global population is expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, and as it stands, the current food production systems cannot support that many people. Conflicts in places like Ukraine and the Middle East have created restricted global food supplies, driving up prices, and presented a major threat to vulnerable segments of the population like children and the elderly. One of the ways scientists are looking to remedy this issue is through the promise of innovative solutions like food tech to solve rising concerns around global food insecurity. Food tech involves leveraging innovative techniques, tools and infrastructure to enhance food composition, production efficiency, sustainability and safety. One pioneering company making strides in food tech is newly publicly listed Borealis Foods (NASDAQ: BRLS), led by founder and CEO Reza Soltanzadeh. The company focuses on high-quality, plant-based, shelf-stable meals containing complete protein with all essential amino acids and other key ingredients. There has certainly been a trend towards healthy food, as seen with the success of Simply Good Foods (NASDAQ: SMPL) and its healthy offerings. With all the advanced science in Beyond Meat (NASDAQ: BYND) products, price point has been a concern, and Borealis reports it has found a solution for the price point – offering more accessible products. So far, its efforts have focused on creating ramen, which is one of the most popular foods with 121 billion servings in 2022. Those instant packs of noodles that recall college dorms and kettles of hot water are the single most eaten food on the planet. Consumed by over 7 billion people, ramen represents both the scale of demand and potentially also the solution to a hungry planet. “Global and humanitarian food programs are in desperate need of help from companies like ours to help solve this issue,” said Soltanzadeh. “With food science, world class manufacturing, and the aspirations of many dedicated people, we’re on that path.” Soltanzadeh added, “Finding solutions to deal with malnutrition, for the people who need it most, has been at the front and center of our mission. We continue to develop meals that offer the highest quality protein and the right amount of fiber, while eliminating saturated fat content. In our experience, healthy food isn’t always the tastiest. However, with Master Chef Gordon Ramsay inspiring our culinary science team, our healthy food is also deliciously made. We believe food is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated.” World-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay, an investor and brand ambassador, previously shared, "With the current cost-of-living crisis on everyone's minds and rising food prices being a worldwide problem, now more than ever, households across America face the very real issue of food insecurity. In conversation with Reza, I discovered we share a similar vision on how important it is to make nutritious and delicious options that are readily available, and more importantly, affordable. I've already got some big ideas, and I'm really looking forward to collaborating with the Borealis Foods team on their Chef Woo products in the coming months." Influencer-driven marketing has proven quite successful with brands such as PRIME energy drink (Logan Paul x KSI), Teremana Tequila (Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson), and Feastables (Mr. Beast), and Borealis has that at the centerpiece of their marketing strategy. Borealis Foods began trading on NASDAQ under the symbol BRLS on February 8, 2024. This achievement marks a key step in the company’s expansion – with the company having only been set up in 2019 – manufacturing plant-based instant noodles from a state-of-the-art U.S. factory in Saluda, South Carolina. Borealis Foods reports that its products are currently in over 20,000 stores across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and it recently began distributing products in Europe. In 2022, the packaged food market was valued at $181.3 billion, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 8% between 2023 and 2032. Consumer demand, paired with growing food insecurity, could position companies like Borealis Foods ideally to expand in the coming years. And Borealis Foods isn’t alone; Pitchbook estimated that in 2020, private equity invested $18.1 billion in food tech-related companies which compares to less than $500 million in 2010. Food tech may very well usher in a new age of food production with higher-quality meals for people everywhere. As Soltanzadeh looks forward to developing new food solutions, he has a vision and a mission. “We’re just scratching the surface of the 70 billion dollar Total Addressable Market (TAM) that is growing by double digits. This is where the opportunity lies for Borealis.” Gordon Ramsay image property of Borealis Foods Inc. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored 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

February 15, 2024 08:15 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Nextdoor Helps Share Kindness in Your Neighborhood

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/Ks0CSHf9e3Y Everyone loves a random act of kindness – from a stranger paying for your coffee or giving you a seat on the bus– these little spontaneous actions make a big impact. Small and spontaneous gestures matter even more than we may think. Too many times we forget the impact that simple gestures can make –this is exactly why National Random Acts of Kindness Day is being celebrated – to encourage everyone to spread kindness. Nextdoor wants you to know that it’s not just about spreading kindness, this winter season you should not be shy about making an ‘ask for’ kindness too; often, if you ask a neighbor for help shoveling snow, or cleaning storm drain - they’ll step in and help. Simply giving recognition to someone is another great way to brighten their day. Nextdoor has a new product feature called #ThankANeighbor, that provides a thoughtful prompt to celebrate the displays of kindness you see in your neighborhood. You can read more about it here: https://blog.nextdoor.com/2023/11/03/nextdoor-thank-a-neighbor/ On February 6th, Caty Kobe, Nextdoor US Market Lead, conducted a nationwide media tour to discuss National Random Acts of Kindness Day and these topics: · Provide neighbors with tips about how to celebrate kindness in their neighborhoods, · Advise viewers that 'asks for' kindness are often welcomed by neighbors, particularly during winter weather events. · Highlight new features on Nextdoor that help neighbors recognize and honor one another. To connect with your neighbors on Nextdoor.com, download the app on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or visit nextdoor.com Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

February 14, 2024 12:09 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Kirk Morrison Helps Launch 29th Annual Kickoff to Rebuild Event During Super Bowl Weekend

YourUpdateTV

Rebuilding Together, a leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to repairing the homes of people in need, partnered with Lowe’s, the Official Home Improvement Sponsor of the NFL, for the 29th annual Kickoff to Rebuild event during Super Bowl weekend. As part of the event, former NFL player, Kirk Morrison, teamed up with Rebuilding Together President and CEO, Caroline Blakely, and Lowe’s Home Improvement District Manager, John Sayre, on a satellite media tour to discuss the event and the important work being done nationwide. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/trwi5JJf4JY In neighborhoods nationwide, more than 2.6 million homeowners live in deteriorating, physically inadequate homes that threaten their health and safety, including those near Allegiant Stadium, the site of Super Bowl LVIII. Having a safe and healthy home is foundational to so many aspects of our lives, from a sense of community and safety to physical and mental well-being, to economic security and independence. Through its national network of affiliates, Rebuilding Together works proactively and collaboratively with community leaders, long-term residents, funders, and volunteers to foster dialogue and create safe, healthy communities across the country. Kickoff to Rebuild represents Rebuilding Together’s belief that every neighbor should have the opportunity to live in a safe and healthy home and community, and to remain in the places they call home. To date, through Kickoff to Rebuild, Rebuilding Together has made improvements to more than 176 homes, engaged 5,200 volunteers, and invested $6 million to communities in need. Lowe’s has partnered with Rebuilding Together since 2007, and has worked together to revitalize communities and improve the lives of thousands of our neighbors over the years. In 2023, Lowes announced a two-year, $6 million donation to Rebuilding Together to address urgent housing challenges by providing safe homes for veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, and neighbors impacted by disaster. This year’s event was led by the nonprofit’s local affiliate, Rebuilding Together Southern Nevada, which has helped provide more than 7,800 Las Vegas families with safer community spaces and healthier homes over the past 30 years. As part of this project, volunteers, local contractors and members of the community came together to provide essential repairs including roof and door replacements, extensive bathroom upgrades, exterior painting, landscaping improvements, and new water heaters all at no cost to the homeowners. Additionally, the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Nevada’s John C. Kish Club received a fresh coat of paint to its large gymnasium to provide a safe and enjoyable place for youth to play, learn, build relationships and grow. To learn more, and to find out how to get involved, visit rebuildingtogether.org Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

February 13, 2024 11:53 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Türkiye’s First Direct NYSE-Listed Company, Marti Technologies, Benefits As Ride Hailing Takes Off

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Ride-hailing is taking off in Türkiye, particularly in cities from Istanbul to Izmir to Antalya, as the middle class grows, the population increases and people trade private vehicles and public transportation for on-demand rides. Marti Technologies Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN: MRT), the leading mobility app company hailing from Türkiye, is capitalizing on that growing demand. The company, which launched its app in 2019, matches riders with car and motorcycle drivers and operates a large fleet of rental e-mopeds, e-bikes and e-scooters. Marti Technologies reports that it became the number one mobility app in Turkiye in 2020, a year after its application launch, and has retained that position every year since. The company also reports that it has over 4.5 million unique riders on its application, and its ride-hailing service boasts 452,000 unique riders and 100,000 registered drivers. All of Marti’s offerings are serviced by proprietary software systems and IoT infrastructure. Trailblazing With Its U.S. Listing Another important milestone, one that's rare for a Turkish company, is a direct U.S. listing. But that’s exactly what Marti accomplished this past summer, debuting on the NYSE. Marti was able to pull off the U.S. listing by merging with Galata Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: GLTA). The deal was first announced in August of 2022, and Marti began trading about a year later. Marti reports that its NYSE debut was the first direct listing of a company in Türkiye, and it is expected to serve as a model for other companies in Türkiye and the region that want to tap the public markets in the U.S. The fact that Marti chose this pioneering financing model underscores the growth potential for ride-hailing in the country, particularly in the Turkish metropolises. Marti’s public listing was recognized as the International Equity Capital Markets Deal of the Year by Bonds, Loans, and ESG Capital Markets CEE (Central and Eastern Europe), CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) & Türkiye Awards 2023. McKinsey & Company, the consulting firm, estimates the taxi market size in Türkiye was between $9 billion to $12 billion as of 2021. By 2030, McKinsey & Co. forecasts that the ride-hailing market could grow to between $15 billion and $20 billion. Checking Off All The Boxes When the deal was first announced, Marti said the U.S. listing would help it go after the fast-growing Türkiye market, maintain its leadership position, expand its scale and reach to retain customers – and do all of it in an environmentally friendly way. “In its first four years, Marti has achieved significant traction for its mobility products, strong growth and best-in-class unit profitability,” Alper Oktem, Founder and CEO of Marti, said at the time. “We are privileged to have the support of top-tier investors and access to the U.S. capital markets following the closing of this proposed transaction, which will leave Marti well-capitalized to seek to become Türkiye’s first mobility super app by expanding into other attractive adjacencies, leveraging our growing and loyal customer base.” Since that announcement, Marti seems to have checked all those boxes and then some, showcasing growth that seems similar to ride-hailing leaders in the U.S. such as Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE: UBER). Month-over-month in December Marti saw ride-hailing riders grow 19% and registered drivers grow 11%. Both areas grew faster than the company expected, underscoring how big of an unmet need it serves. Given the growth in riders and drivers, the company expects to have more than 700,000 riders and over 120,000 registered drivers by March 31, 2024. If Uber is any evidence, those double-digit growth rates may continue as Marti establishes itself as a leader in the region. For Uber’s third quarter, which it announced in November, the ride-hailing leader posted a 31% year-over-year increase in mobility gross bookings – and that’s in saturated markets. More importantly, it was able to achieve profitability in its ride-hailing business, the largest part of its operation. While Marti is currently in a legal battle with the taxi association of Istanbul, the notoriously poor quality of service of taxis in the city clearly suggests that an alternative solution is necessary. The UEFA Champions League final, soccer's most prestigious club event globally, took place in Istanbul in 2023, and the competition's governing body UEFA advised all fans and tourists visiting the city to not use taxis for transportation. The problems endemic to the taxi sector in Turkey range from not picking up locals to charging exorbitant unmetered fees to tourists to verbal and physical violence. Future Plans And Growth Potential Marti may be focused on ride-hailing for now, but the company plans to expand into other areas of mobility and services, which will increase sales and improve its bottom line. While it's sporting a market capitalization of around $40 million as of mid-January 2024, Marti recently launched a share buyback program, and there may be a lot of potential. One only has to look at the valuations of some of Türkiye’s successful online to offline services businesses including e-commerce giant Trendyol, grocery delivery company Getir and food delivery app Yemeksepeti, for evidence. Trendyol, which is majority-owned by Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (NYSE: BABA) – China’s leading e-commerce company, which is one of the country’s first decacorns with a valuation of more than $16 billion – while Getir sports a valuation of around $2.5 billion and Yemeksepeti was acquired by Delivery Hero in a $589 million deal. Türkiye is reportedly unique in that local players, not international ones, tend to lead in the market and grow organically through investments and via M&A. Over the years Alibaba has invested $1.4 billion into Türkiye and plans to invest as much as $2 billion more. Given Türkiye’s strategic location between Europe and Asia, Alibaba sees Türkiye as the perfect pit stop to fuel the e-commerce giant’s expansion in Europe. As a result, it has been investing to build up logistics and data centers in key locations in the country. It’s not just Alibaba that is eyeing Türkiye for expansion. Shein, the fast-fashion brand, recently started manufacturing in Türkiye, and in the fall, Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) opened its first logistics center. All of that could fuel the rise of the middle class in Türkiye and the need for rides in cities, which means potentially more business for Marti. The ride-hailing market seems to be taking off in Türkiye, and Marti seems well-positioned to capitalize. It's already a leading app and has the name recognition of a U.S. listing and the backing of investors in U.S. markets. It doesn’t yet boast the market valuation of its larger rivals in the U.S. and can’t claim decacorn status in Türkiye, but that also indicates room to grow. Marti has the pedal to the metal and plans to stay in the lane for the years to come. Featured photo by Anna Berdnik on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored 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

February 13, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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