News Hub | News Direct

Professional Services

Architecture CRM/Customer Service Consulting Government & Policy Human Resources Intellectual Property/Trademark/Patent Law Legal
Article thumbnail News Release

Volatus Aerospace Corp. Announces Record Fourth Quarter and Record 2021 Annual Sales

Volatus Aerospace Corp.

Volatus Aerospace Corp. (TSXV: VOL) (OTCQB: VLTTF) ("Volatus" or "the Company"), a leading drone solutions provider, is pleased to announce record sales for Q4 2021 and financial year 2021. The financial year 2021 was a tremendous year of expansion and growth for the Company. The revenue witnessed a growth of 161x, and gross margins grew by 271%. Key Financial Highlights for 2021: Total reported revenue increased by $9,852,723 in 2021. The company reported total annual audited revenue of $9,913,953 in 2021 (proforma revenue in 2021 was $16,723,432). The growth was driven by expansion across Canada and the United States, new strategic partnerships and acquisitions completed in 2021. The blended gross margin of the Company was 26% in 2021 compared to 7% in 2020. The Company reported a total gross margin of $2,528,710. The increase in gross margin is due to scale in product and service activities. The Company recorded a comprehensive loss of $3,678,734, including non-cash items like impairment of goodwill of $1,399,029 recognized due to the reverse acquisition of Partner Jet Corp. in 2021. On December 31, 2021, the Company's cash balance was $8,806,836 compared to $189,973 in 2020. The cash balance increased due to two successful funding activities in 2021. Key Financial Highlights for Q4 2021: The revenue for the fourth quarter increased by $2,870,462 compared to Q4 2020. The growth was due to acquisitions and scale in operational activities across Canada, the US, and parts of Latin America. The gross margin increased by $672,931 compared to Q4 2020. The increase was due to accelerated sales activities in the product and service segment. The total comprehensive loss in Q4 2021 was $2,744,770, including non-cash items like impairment of goodwill of $1,399,029 recognized due to the reverse acquisition of Partner Jet Corp. in 2021; otherwise, it would be $1,345,741. Operational Highlights: The Company achieved significant milestones in 2021. Vertical Integration enables the Company to serve the drone industry in various forms: selling drone technologies, providing drones-as-a-service, drone training, customized solutions, and integrations. This strategy has enabled the Company to capture a larger market share and provide complete solutions to our customers with strong repeat business potential. Volatus has created a network of drone pilots. This enables the Company to keep costs low and increase the speed of executing the missions with minimum overhead costs. With 1,200+ drone pilots spread across the Americas, the Company can serve significant market segments in various geographical locations. The Company has entered numerous strategic partnerships with drone technology companies across the globe that provide unique capabilities in different sectors. The partnerships vary from being an exclusive global distributor to a manufacturing partner. These partnerships enhance the capabilities for service inspections, surveillance, and cargo operations. Volatus entered into a joint venture agreement with Orijinative Holding Ltd. to provide RPAS (remotely piloted aircraft system) services to Canadian First Nations communities and formed Indigenous Aerospace. The Company intends to create sustainable growth, gainful employment, and a national appreciation of how Indigenous-owned and operated businesses and employees can contribute to the economy through this partnership. In Q4 2021, Volatus invited technology companies from Israel, Canada, and the US to participate in an open technological discussion and enabled the creation of its UAV technology hub at its Simcoe Centre of Excellence. This initiative enabled the Company to lay the groundwork for creating drone technology bundled solutions. In October of 2021, Volatus successfully demonstrated the delivery of a defibrillator using drone technology. This test was conducted to improve the emergency response time by the County of Simcoe Paramedics. The delivery demonstrated the ability of drones to save lives and the capabilities of Volatus and its technology. The company also launched its Industrial and Defence sales team. In November 2021, the company announced its exclusive global distribution of Avidrone sophisticated fleet of autonomous cargo drones. On December 22, 2021, Volatus completed the reverse takeover of Partner Jet Corp. This transaction provided Volatus with operating licenses and certificates to carry out commercial operations in manned aviation and established the base to evolve in unmanned aircraft operations. The audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021, and associated management discussion and analysis, are made available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. CONFERENCE CALL AND PRESENTATION In conjunction with this release, Volatus will host a conference call tomorrow at 11 AM ET that will be a webcast live. Glen Lynch, Chief Executive Officer and Abhinav Singhvi, Chief Financial Officer and Investor Relations, will host the call. Investors are invited to register for the webinar tomorrow, April 29, 2022, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Edcz8-_nQCOqh1gEorIn8Q After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Investors with Internet access may listen to the webcast live via the Investor Relations page of the Volatus Aerospace Corp. website. Please allow 15 minutes before the call to download and install any necessary audio software. Audio Replay Options An audio replay of the event will be archived on the Investor Relations page of the company's website. About Volatus Aerospace: Volatus Aerospace Corp. is a leading provider of integrated drone solutions throughout Canada, the United States, and Latin America. Operating a vast pilot network, Volatus serves commercial and defense markets with imaging and inspection, security and surveillance, equipment sales and support, training, and design, manufacturing, and R&D. Through its subsidiary Volatus Aviation, Volatus carries on the business of aircraft management, charter sales, and cargo services using piloted, remotely piloted, and autonomous aircraft. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statement This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Corporation with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” (or other variations of the foregoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking information includes information regarding (i) the business plans and expectations of the Corporation; and (ii) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and operating plans, strategies or beliefs as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to the Corporation, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources, and are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Forward-looking information reflects the Corporation’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to it and on assumptions it believes to be not unreasonable in light of all of the circumstances. In some instances, material factors or assumptions are discussed in this news release in connection with statements containing forward-looking information. Such material factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Corporation; meeting the continued listing requirements of the TSXV; and anticipated and unanticipated costs and other factors referenced in this news release and the Circular, including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Circular under the caption “Risk Factors”. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and, other than as required by law, the Corporation disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Source: Volatus Aerospace Corp. TSXV: VOL Contact Details Rob Walker +1 514-447-7986 rob.walker@volatusaerospace.com Company Website https://volatusaerospace.com

April 28, 2022 05:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Texas Car Accident Data Reflects Worrisome Trend

Justinian & Associates

Vehicle accidents and fatalities in Texas have continued on a worrisome trend upward in 2022 according to recent data compiled by Justinian & Associates, an Austin personal injury lawyer firm. The trend is not only reflecting an increase in the number of overall accidents and deaths, it’s contributing to a growing economic loss for the state, up significantly from the $43-billion loss from vehicle accidents alone reported just over a year ago. “The worrisome trend of increased Texas car accidents and fatalities, particularly here in the general Austin area and surrounding communities of Round Rock and Pflugerville, is something that can’t be ignored,” said Dustin Fox, lead attorney for Justinian & Associates. “While not all car accidents result in fatalities,” said Fox, “they can result in catastrophic injuries and huge losses for those involved who don’t know what to do after a car accident occurs. This knowledge gap is one of the reasons why we’ve prepared a list of top things to do immediately after an accident occurs, to help Austin area residents limit potential losses and medical bills.” Fox has six primary tips for drivers who have been in an Austin car accident. “First, know that you have the right to know the other driver's information. Other parties involved are required to share specific information with you, and it's important that you get that information as soon as possible after the accident. Second, be cautious about what you say or share with the other driver or passengers involved. Any comments can be used against you later in court. For this reason, it’s best not to discuss the accident with the other driver at the scene.” The third tip has to do with paying medical bills, a topic many accident victims worry about. “Some personal injury lawyers will work with medical providers under a Letter of Protection after the accident,” says Fox. “If you've been injured in a car accident in Austin, this will delay the need for you to pay medical bills you might incur until after a settlement. A good personal injury lawyer will negotiate with medical providers on a client’s behalf.” Texas Department of Transportation data shows that 2021 was the deadliest year on record for Austin’s roads, with more than 106 deaths reported by year-end. This number reflects the danger of driving in Texas statewide, where, on average, more than 11 people died each day in traffic-related accidents in 2021. The record deaths-from-accidents data led one state official to lament the worrisome trend: “We have a real crisis in our state,” said Bob Kaufman, chief communications officer with the Texas Department of Transportation. The three most common causes of vehicle accident deaths in Texas shed some light on where Austin area drivers need to exercise more caution and restraint: Driving while intoxicated, not wearing a seatbelt, and speeding. “Oftentimes, the cases we see and try are situations that could have been avoided if drivers exercised more caution before getting on the road,” said Fox “That’s the general message we want to convey — be careful on the road because, while an Austin personal injury lawyer is there to help you navigate the challenges of the legal system, the best approach is to avoid having to deal with the hassles and potentially catastrophic consequences of a car accident in the first place.” Listen to a podcast interview with Dustin Fox on Six Things To Do after a car accident. Justinian & Associates is an Austin personal injury law firm with offices in Round Rock and San Antonio, Texas. www.justinian.com -###- Contact Details Threlkeld Communications, Inc. Bill Threlkeld bill@threlkeldcomm.com Company Website https://www.justinian.com

April 28, 2022 08:42 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Axiom Consulting Partners’ Study of Law Firms Reveals 89% of Clients Are Seeking Specialized Legal Talent

Axiom Consulting Partners

· 63% of law firms rank “highly specialized legal talent and capabilities” as top Staffing & Expertise strategic priority · 70% of respondents rated productized offerings as lowest ‘Service Offerings & Positioning’ priority · 68% of respondents say their clients are likely to look for legal technology development and/or distribution solutions from their legal advisor A new research study looking into law firm capabilities was released today by Axiom Consulting Partners (“Axiom”), an advisory firm integrating strategy, artificial intelligence (AI) and behavioral science to help clients grow and transform their businesses. The report, Staying Relevant: Specialized Talent and Technology Move Front and Center, found that law firms have significant gaps in fulfilling constantly changing client needs. In particular, clients are looking for more specialized talent for their most critical matters, along with legal-centric technology solutions. Firms have made some progress with talent and leveraging data for insights, but most have more work to do in order to meet client needs. “According to leaders from the top U.S. and global law firms that we surveyed, firms are increasingly asked to provide very specialized legal talent and capabilities, adding to the pressures they already face from their highly demanding clients,” said Axiom partner and study leader Mark Masson, who heads the firm’s Professional Services practice. “Amid that, we are seeing that they face a clear challenge to find and retain the right talent required to address these needs.” Axiom’s analysis suggests that there are three ways that firms can address the challenges they face: 1. Develop improved strategies to acquire specialized talent 2. Devote meaningful resources to developing and deploying the specialization that the market requires 3. Optimize teams to maximize the impact of specialist talent 4. Develop a holistic strategy around technology and data-based offerings The research further showed a dichotomy in the industry’s approach to legal technology development and so-called ‘productized’ services, that is, more automated or remotely available offerings, with 70 percent ranking productized services lowest in their priorities while 68 percent admit that clients are likely to look for data-backed solutions. “To succeed, firms will need to combine a thoughtful, consistent investments in talent acquisition and development while also developing more full-view, data-supported technology offerings,” Masson noted. “Better data utilization can also help them improve the staffing model so they can make better use of their existing in-house expertise.” Firms that stay close to clients, show an understanding of their evolving needs, and take the initiative to change their approach to the client experience will succeed and continue to serve clients the right way, at the right time, and for the foreseeable future, suggests Axiom’s research. To access the Axiom Consulting Partners Law Survey report, please visit: https://axiomcp.com/idea/staying-relevant-specialized-talent-and-technology-move-front-center/ Methodology The researchers asked a series of questions focused on the most salient industry trends in client needs, their strategic focus, and the challenges to making change and progress. Particular focus was placed on questions related to Service Offerings and Positioning, Digital Transformation, Pricing and Contracting, and Staffing and Expertise priorities. Chiefs and heads of functional areas from 27 firms of the AmLaw and Global Top 100 responded. The survey was fielded in Q1, 2022. Axiom Consulting Partners help clients accelerate growth and transform their organization and workforce to improve execution. We leverage expertise in behavioral and data science to establish strategic direction and improve organizations alignment and execution. We measure our value by the impact we create, evidenced in our clients’ sustained results. Unique to our solutions, we combine deep analytical capabilities, technology-based tools, and practical experience, helping clients to determine priorities and then focusing our work on developing and sustaining excellence in those areas. Contact Details Meir Kahtan +1 917-864-0800 mkahtan@rcn.com Company Website https://axiomcp.com

April 28, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Velocity Global adds Lina Szaks to lead Employer of Record Operations

Velocity Global

Szaks joins Velocity Global from ADP Over 15 years of in-depth expertise in global payroll Will be scaling the company’s Employer of Record, Contingent Workforce and Employee Experience organizations Velocity Global, the leading provider of global talent solutions to work with anyone, anywhere, anyhow announced today it welcomed Lina Szaks as senior vice president of Employer of Record. Szaks brings over 15 years of in-depth industry expertise in global payroll to apply to her new role. “We already are in a market-leading position as the largest Employer of Record and just came off a year of triple-digit growth,” said Eric Schroeder, Velocity Global chief operating officer. “Lina has a proven ability to lead large high-performing teams and serve global clients in a complex industry at the highest level. I’m thrilled she joined our leadership team to take the business to new heights during these transformative times.” Prior to joining Velocity Global, Szaks held various senior leadership positions with industry powerhouses ADP and Celergo where she led large teams and oversaw every aspect of the product and service life cycle including technology releases, migrations and creating new services, always with a focus on providing exceptional support to customers. In her new position, she will focus on scaling and further developing Velocity Global’s Employer of Record, Contingent Workforce, and Employee Experience organizations. She leads a growing distributed team to ensure that clients receive best-in-class service. “I personally love contributing to transformation and change and this industry is currently driving a paradigm shift in how we work and live,” said Szaks. “Enabling a reality of work where businesses can both expand internationally and hire the best talent anywhere in the world is an exciting opportunity. I look forward to working with a passionate, talented, and fast growing team that’s always eager to deliver an exceptional customer experience.” Velocity Global is the largest global Employer of Record in 185 countries and all 50 United States. Clients use its solutions to onboard, manage, and pay talent with in-country and in-state compliance, payroll, and benefits without the need for businesses to set up their own legal entities or state registrations. Szaks is based in Illinois as part of Velocity Global’s work anywhere policy with hundreds of team members in approximately 50 countries across the globe. Szaks and her team are actively hiring to further build out and scale her organization across the globe based on customer footprint and needs. The organization is looking for dynamic, agile, tech-focused team members that are passionate about customers and their supported employees. Positions are posted with other Velocity Global opportunities at https://velocityglobal.com/about-us/careers/. About Velocity Global Velocity Global accelerates the future of work for anyone, anywhere, anyhow. Its Global Work PlatformTM simplifies the employer and talent experience through its proprietary cloud-based talent management technology, backed by personalized expertise and unmatched global scale. The platform offers a full suite of talent solutions, including global Employer of Record and Contractor Management, to help companies onboard, manage, and pay talent in more than 185 countries and all 50 United States. Thousands of brands rely on Velocity Global to build international teams without the cost or complexity of setting up foreign legal entities or state registrations. Velocity Global was named a "Leader" in Global Employer of Record Services by prominent analyst firm NelsonHall. Founded in 2014, the company has hundreds of employees across six continents. For more information, visit velocityglobal.com. Contact Details Velocity Global Anja Koltes +1 720-650-4348 news@velocityglobal.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

April 28, 2022 07:01 AM Mountain Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Shareholder Activist Wants Independent Chairman at Goldman Sachs

National Legal & Policy Center

Paul Kamenar, Counsel to the National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC), made the following statement today in support of the group’s shareholder proposal to separate the roles of Chairman and CEO, both posts currently held by David Solomon: I am Paul Kamenar, Counsel to the National Legal and Policy Center, the sponsor of the Corporate Integrity Project. Goldman Sachs has been a public company since 1999 but it is still run like a private firm. Separating the roles of Chairman and CEO will enhance accountability to shareholders, and help create clearer lines between the corporate and personal interests of executives. At the World Economic Forum in Davos last year, Mr. Solomon proclaimed that Goldman would not take companies public unless they had at least one “diverse” board member. As NLPC pointed out last year in a public comment to the Securities and Exchange Commission, such board “diversity” requirements violate the Constitution’s equal protection clause as well as statutory provisions prohibiting discrimination. When it comes to public policy issues, I can’t think of a company that is less diverse. Goldman jumps on every cause that is advanced by the “woke” activists. There’s a reason for this. When you have so much money, your fortune is going to come under scrutiny. The best way to insulate yourself and keep anti-business activists off your back is to embrace their causes, even if in the process you undermine the system that produces your wealth. Goldman claims that Biden’s so-called Build Back Better boondoggle will help economic growth, on the theory that any spending is good spending. Well, maybe it’s good for Goldman Sachs. But this kind of irresponsible, debt-fueled spending by politicians, not to mention the unprecedented money printing by the Federal Reserve, have artificially inflated asset values. So those who already have assets benefit the most. The rich get richer. And wage earners get ruinous inflation. And now ordinary people face sky-high gas prices. Why are they going up? Because Goldman Sachs and all the other financial institutions were stampeded into the war on fossil fuels. But now starving oil and gas producers of capital doesn’t look so good. Even before Russia invaded Ukraine, the world was on the verge of an energy crisis brought about by First World activists. The result will be food shortages and social unrest in poor countries. Now the folly of the West’s dependence on Russia for energy is obvious. Will Mr. Solomon ramble on about sustainability and ESG, or will he allow the free market to operate and help our country to re-achieve energy security? At the very least, he should stop taking trips on private jets provided by Goldman shareholders. Come to think of it, shouldn’t he cut out private jet travel completely if he believes what he says about the threat of climate change? Maybe if we had a separate Chairman and CEO, one could alert the other to such hypocrisy and bad judgment, sparing the company public embarrassment. Last year, Goldman signed on to an advertisement criticizing QUOTE, UNQUOTE “discriminatory legislation” that suggested Republican efforts in Georgia and elsewhere to ensure voting integrity were aimed at obstructing ballot access based on race. Yet Goldman has big plans to expand its business in China, which has never had a free election, and which pursues genocidal policies toward the Uyghur minority. So Goldman is hard on Georgia, soft on China. Goldman is very proud of its new partnership in a wealth management venture with the Industrial & Commercial Bank of China. This bank is a state-owned enterprise, with capital provided by the Ministry of Finance of China. So Goldman doesn’t just do business in China, it also partners with the Communist Chinese government, following in the footsteps of John Thornton, former Goldman co-president. Let’s hope that China’s pledge of QUOTE, UNQUOTE “limitless friendship” with Russia is not fulfilled, and that it does not invade Taiwan. Maybe if there were more viewpoints in the Goldman executive suite, someone would question whether this partnership with mass murderers is a good idea. Activism by “woke” CEOs may be reaching its limits, as Disney CEO Robert Chapek is finding out the hard way. Goldman bankrolls the groups that claim gender is a form of oppression, and that kindergarteners must be forced to confront it against their parent’s wishes. Public opinion polls show dissatisfaction with big corporations is at an all-time high. Goldman may consider itself too big and powerful to be affected by public wrath. But I warn you that something is brewing out there. Corporate America has placed itself at odds with the economic and cultural interests of the American people. Maybe it’s time for some diversity of thought at Goldman Sachs. END Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education, and legal action. Contact Details Paul Kamenar +1 301-257-9435 paul.kamenar@gmail.com Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

April 28, 2022 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

State of Texas Selects Comcast Business to Offer High-Speed Networking Solutions Throughout the State

Comcast Houston

The State of Texas’ Department of Information Resources (DIR) has selected Comcast Business as one of its providers in delivering high-capacity, fiber and broadband services to state agencies and public sector entities throughout the state. This new agreement provides agencies an additional set of diverse network solutions statewide. “We understand how critical it is for Texas’ agencies and educational institutions to stay up-to-date on, and connected to, some of the latest network solutions, particularly as reliance on them has increased exponentially in recent years,” said David Cross, Vice President of Public Sector Sales for Comcast Business. “We are proud to be able to offer a convenient and quick path to network connectivity for the State of Texas. We look forward to future partnerships, and to building the future of Texas’ network.” About Comcast Business: Comcast Business offers a suite of Connectivity, Communications, Networking, Cybersecurity, Wireless, and Managed Solutions to help organizations of different sizes prepare for what’s next. Comcast Business offers an expansive portfolio of services through the TEX-AN Program, including offerings such as Metro Ethernet, Dedicated Internet Access, SDN, software-defined wide-area-network (SD-WAN), network function virtualization, and network virtualization. Comcast Business has also been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest-growing providers of Ethernet services. Contact Details Comcast Houston Foti Kallergis +1 832-986-0196 foti_kallergis@comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

April 27, 2022 02:22 PM Central Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Kivvit Named a Finalist for PRovoke Media’s North America Digital Agency of the Year

Kivvit

Kivvit has been chosen as a finalist for North America Digital Agency of the Year as part of PRovoke Media’s annual Agencies of the Year review – an exhaustive research process involving more than 150 submissions and 50 meetings with agencies across the U.S. and Canada. In announcing the recognition, PRovoke praised Kivvit for “bringing the tenacity—and results-orientation—of political campaigns” into its work with partners across sectors and for its “outstanding digital operations—including an investment in proprietary data and analytics that powers its campaigns and enables it to demonstrate real business impact.” PRovoke unveiled its 2022 agencies of the year and awards short list ahead of its SABRE North America gala, which will be held in New York City on May 4 th. Kivvit has been among PRovoke’s North American agencies of the year for the past 5 years and previously won Digital Agency of the Year in 2020. In the lead up to SABRE, PRovoke has also named Kivvit partner Anheuser-Busch the Diamond SABRE award winner for Company of the Year, pointing to the company’s innovative data-driven corporate reputation campaign, which Kivvit is proud to support. This prestigious award recognizes an organization that has embraced public relations as a key management discipline and can demonstrate that public relations has made a significant contribution over the course of the year to its overall performance. Additionally, Kivvit’s industry-leading work earned finalist recognition in several other SABRE award categories, including: The Diamond SABRE Award for Superior Achievement in Research and Planning, which recognizes public relations campaigns that draw on original research and modern data and analytics to develop critical insights into the client and its audience, and use formal planning techniques to devise the most appropriate strategic approach to address a challenge or seize and opportunity; The Diamond SABRE Award for Superior Achievement in Measurement and Evaluation, which recognizes campaigns focused on specific metrics to achieve a meaningful and measurable contribution to an organization’s bottom-line results; Educational & Cultural Institutions, which recognizes leading work on behalf of schools, universities, museums, and art galleries; and Issues Management, which recognizes advocacy campaigns that effectively shape attitudes and outcomes related to public policy. You can find the full list of this year’s finalists here. DIGITAL AGENCY OF THE YEAR PROFILE Below is an excerpt from PRovoke’s profile of Kivvit as an Agency of the Year finalist: Backstory Kivvit was created in October of 2015 through the merger of ASGK Public Strategies and M Public Affairs, with the goal of bringing the tenacity—and results-orientation—of political campaigns into corporate and nonprofit sectors to corporate clients. It is best known for public affairs and issues management work, as well as for its outstanding digital operations—including an investment in proprietary data and analytics that powers its campaigns and enables it to demonstrate real business impact. Locations Kivvit has operations across the United States, with offices in Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York, New Jersey, and Washington, DC. Performance Kivvit reported a very respectable 13% increase in revenues in 2021, ending the year just a little short of the $40 million mark and consolidating its position as one of the largest independent public affairs firms in the US. Driving the growth was the doubling of the firm’s advertising and research and insights revenue. Kivvit continued its work for blue-chip brands like Abbott, Anheuser-Busch, Google, the New York League of Conservation Voters, Tesla, The Nature Conservancy and the University of Chicago, while adding new assignments from the American Library Association, the Asian American Federation, the National Brain Tumor Society, and Similarweb. People & Culture Kivvit expanded its management team and increased the diversity of its leadership corps in 2021, most notably with the addition of four new managing directors: Arielle Goren, an executive and crisis communications expert who previously headed her own firm; Aaron Mays, who also led his own business; Terri Sanders, who joined from HIMSS, where she was chief marketing and communications officer; and Jalisa Washington-Price, a veteran of iHeartMedia and the Biden presidential campaign. The firm also doubled the size of its digital and insights teams. And the firm partnered with consultant Ivy Planning Group and talent firm Offor to ensure that it remained on the leading edge in terms of inclusion. Thought Leadership & Work Kivvit’s best work is driven by insights derived from data—an area in which it excels. This includes a Covid-19 vaccination effort for New Jersey’s Department of Health that included a survey examining all the reasons for vaccine hesitancy and then produced highly targeted messaging that helped the state achieve one of the highest vaccination levels in the country. On the corporate front, meanwhile, Kivvit helped Anheuser-Bush rethink its reputation strategy, focusing on its major economic investments, game-changing commitments to sustainability, and product innovation to maximize favorable opinions. But Kivvit also works on big issues, expanding harm reduction services in New Jersey and securing investment in New York’s disabilities sector. And the firm’s interest in the most critical progressive issues of the day also extends to its own thought leadership, highlighted by research into corporate support for Black Lives Matter. - Paul Holmes About Kivvit Kivvit is one of the largest and fastest-growing independent strategic communications and public affairs firms in the United States, with over 130 professionals across six offices in Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. Kivvit has earned over 60 awards and recognitions in the past 5 years, including Public Affairs of the Year (Reed Awards), Digital Agency of the Year (PRovoke SABRE North America), Most Innovative Agency (Bulldog Stars of PR Awards), and a Best Agency to Work For (PRovoke). Kivvit also leads O'Dwyer's national rankings of independent communications firms across multiple categories, including #1 for Real Estate Finance & Development, #2 for Energy and Non-Profit, #4 for Purpose and Corporate Social Responsibility. To learn more and see what we do, visit www.Kivvit.com and follow us @TeamKivvit. Contact Details Zach Silber +1 212-929-0669 zsilber@kivvit.com Company Website https://www.kivvit.com/

April 27, 2022 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Volatus Aerospace Becomes Exclusive Global Marketing and Distribution Partner for Full Throttle Aerial

Volatus Aerospace Corp.

Volatus Aerospace Corp. (TSXV:VOL) (OTCQB:VLTTF) ("Volatus" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has signed an exclusive sales and distribution agreement with American UAV manufacturer Full Throttle Aerial ("Full Throttle"). "We are thrilled to have signed this exclusive agreement with Full Throttle. They produce a fleet of heavy lift, high endurance, robust drones that meet our clients' needs for infrastructure inspection and cargo delivery," stated Glen Lynch, Volatus CEO. "Our clients are looking for North American manufactured drone options and the Full Throttle line-up can fill this important niche in the enterprise and industrial UAV market and clients can be assured that the data they collect is secure". "Signing a strategic partnership with Volatus will allow us to concentrate on our development and design capabilities. We produce heavy-lift, long-range and high endurance drones with payloads from 12.5 lbs to 1,000 lbs, and many customized solutions created for specific use cases," said Steve Dixon, CEO and Founder of Full Throttle Aerial. "Volatus have the global reach to optimize the marketing and distribution of our production line drones." The announcement was made at the industry leading exhibition hosted by the AUVSI - Exponential 2022 where Volatus presented two of the aircraft from the Full Throttle line - Stealth and Cetan. About Volatus Aerospace: Volatus Aerospace Corp. is a leading provider of integrated drone solutions throughout Canada, the United States, and Latin America. Operating a vast pilot network, Volatus serves commercial and defense markets with imaging and inspection, security and surveillance, equipment sales and support, training, and design, manufacturing, and R&D. Through its subsidiary Volatus Aviation, Volatus carries on the business of aircraft management, charter sales, and cargo services using piloted, remotely piloted, and autonomous aircraft. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statement This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Corporation with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” (or other variations of the foregoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking information includes information regarding (i) the business plans and expectations of the Corporation; and (ii) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and operating plans, strategies or beliefs as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to the Corporation, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources, and are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Forward-looking information reflects the Corporation’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to it and on assumptions it believes to be not unreasonable in light of all of the circumstances. In some instances, material factors or assumptions are discussed in this news release in connection with statements containing forward-looking information. Such material factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Corporation; meeting the continued listing requirements of the TSXV; and anticipated and unanticipated costs and other factors referenced in this news release and the Circular, including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Circular under the caption “Risk Factors”. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and, other than as required by law, the Corporation disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Source: Volatus Aerospace Corp. TSXV: VOL Contact Details Rob Walker +1 514-447-7986 rob.walker@volatusaerospace.com Company Website https://volatusaerospace.com

April 27, 2022 07:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

IMPROVING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN

Maple

Maple, a provider of reliable, remote online access for students, announced the availability of its fully portable and pocket-sized connectivity solutions for closing the digital divide in rural and low-income communities. School leaders throughout the United States can partner with Maple to take advantage of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) to give students a safe and reliable home internet connection that promotes online learning and unlocks opportunities. Remote and hybrid learning is here to stay, making technology and at-home internet access essential for students to access academic resources. These basic tools that millions of students need are often unavailable to children in underserved and low-income communities, creating gaps in learning, reducing opportunities to advance, and threatening future goals. According to the Federal Communication Commission, nearly 17 million students lack at-home internet access —many of whom are from minority, low-income, and rural communities. "Education is a human right," stated Michael Kadisha, Chief Executive of Maple. "Equal access to education is, in my view, the defining civil rights issue of our time. Regardless of location or economic status, all students today must have equal access to the internet to succeed.” Maple and its leadership team have a proven history of creating solutions for education and serving students. At the outset of the pandemic, Maple provided Chromebooks and other technologies to support remote learning. They quickly realized that a computer or tablet is of little use without reliable internet access. To solve this, Maple partnered with StratusX to build the Maple Hotspot, a cellular, cloud-managed personal WiFi solution that connects students and educators to their digital classrooms from anywhere. Maple hotspots eliminate the frustration associated with slow or 'spotty' service. When students in areas with limited mobile service utilize the Maple hotspot, they can reliably access the internet whenever and wherever they want. "We are proud to partner with StratusX in this critical endeavor," Kadisha said. “Their unique patented technology prevents service disruptions as devices switch seamlessly between mobile carrier networks to capture the optimal signal at all times. This benefit is critical as it gives high-speed connectivity while avoiding downtime for students from any carrier facing weather disruptions, technical issues, or even poor reception in the students' location." "With Maple's insights, experience, and guidance in the education sector, our team designed many specific features, including cloud-managed CIPA compliance to ensure safe access to content authorized by schools," explained Raviv Laor, StratusX's CEO. "With Maple, connecting online is always available, safe, and compliant." While several other hotspot providers exist, Maple's school-centric solution uniquely addresses the needs of educators, students, and school leadership. "This turnkey connectivity solution meets the specific demands of the education sector: schools have customized features to implement certain web surfing restrictions and verification options that ensure students have safe experiences online. Most importantly, the device's proprietary SIM management technology allows schools to connect, manage, configure and operate their fleets 100% remotely," said Laor. "It is a win-win situation. Schools save time and students learn with the technology they need," Kadisha continued. "We are proud of our role in eliminating these easily addressable inequities that arise from a lack of online access and improving learning outcomes for all students." Schools may use the funds they secure through the ECF program to procure Maple hotspots. A new application window opens on April 28 and runs through May 13, where schools may request 100% funding for student connectivity needs. Maple also provides schools with white-glove service, with end-to-end assistance from government funding applications to hardware setup and device deployment. “We know that the Homework Gap is a financial and emotional burden for students," Kadisha said. "We can and will do better." About Maple Maple provides trusted technology solutions for schools, students, and libraries that bridge the digital divide by delivering high-quality internet access that unlocks valuable educational experiences for students. Please visit https://www.mapleconnect.co/. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with a Maple spokesperson, please contact Dan Rene of kglobal at daniel.rene@kglobal.com or 202-329-8357 Contact Details Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 daniel.rene@kglobal.com Company Website https://www.mapleconnect.co/

April 26, 2022 12:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time

1 ... 9394959697 ... 167