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New Data Reveals Enforcement Alone Will Not Solve New York’s Gray Market Cannabis Problem

NuggMD

The recent headline-making raids by law enforcement designed to end illicit cannabis sales in New York are unlikely to work, according to a new, first-of-its-kind survey, because New Yorkers overwhelmingly trust the products they are purchasing in those locations. The survey was conducted by NuggMD, the nation’s leading telehealth platform for cannabis, and first reported by Cultivated, a cannabis newsletter written by Jeremy Berke, an independent journalist who formerly covered the cannabis industry for Insider. According to the survey, 61 percent of respondents who buy cannabis in unlicensed gray market locations said they trust that it has been tested for contaminants, while 22 percent of these respondents indicated they do not trust the safety of gray market products, but that they can’t purchase cannabis anywhere else. (Gray market locations do not have testing requirements.) Additionally, most respondents who purchase cannabis in the gray market reported one or more negative experiences with the products purchased. Thirty percent of these respondents said it made them higher than they expected, while 31 percent said the product looked, smelled, or tasted odd and 65 percent said the product didn’t get them as high as they expected, given the dose they consumed. Most concerning is that nearly 8 percent of respondents reported feeling unwell after consuming cannabis purchased in the gray market. “Our survey shows New Yorkers have an alarming amount of trust in the illicit cannabis products they’re purchasing from unlicensed retail locations. While this trust is misplaced, that doesn’t make it any less real, which is why enforcement alone is not a solution to the state’s illicit cannabis problem,” said Alex Milligan, co-founder and CMO of NuggMD. “So long as consumers trust those products, there will be demand for them.” While New York State legalized recreational cannabis more than two years ago, there are currently just 20 licensed recreational dispensaries open in the state, according to the Office of Cannabis Management. Five are clustered in one three-mile radius in Manhattan, and half have opened during the past two months. According to the NuggMD survey, individuals who hold medical cards were less likely to shop for cannabis in the gray market. Taken together, the data suggests that a combination of more licensed dispensaries and a public information campaign that emphasizes the difference between safe, lab-tested cannabis and cannabis bought in the gray market would slow the consumption of gray-market products and contribute meaningfully to public health and safety. Milligan concluded: “We know that it is difficult to regulate this sector while allowing operators to build a vibrant marketplace. But, as our survey shows, every barrier that impedes new licensed dispensaries from opening quickly where there is demand for them increases risk for many thousands of New Yorkers.” Methodology NuggMD sent a series of questions about cannabis buying patterns and preferences to approximately 70,000 cannabis consumers in New York State and received 354 responses. The survey is non-scientific and contains selection bias. The company hopes the survey prompts further study and ultimately reduces the barriers that impede more licensed recreational dispensaries from opening. About NuggMD NuggMD is the nation's leading medical marijuana technology platform, serving patients in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. They've connected over 1,000,000 patients face-to-face with their new medical marijuana doctors via their state-of-the-art telemedicine platform. They believe every human being has the right to explore the benefits of medical cannabis and are fully committed to helping each patient explore every option in their journey to wellness. For further information, visit NuggMD.com. Contact Details NuggMD Andrew Graham +1 646-385-0189 andrew.g@getnugg.com Company Website http://www.nuggmd.com

July 20, 2023 05:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time

FeganScott Named Consumer Protection Law Firm of the Year at The National Law Journal’s 2023 Elite Trial Lawyers Awards

FeganScott

FeganScott is proud to announce that it has been named Law Firm of the Year in the consumer protection category at The National Law Journal’s 2023 Elite Trial Lawyers Awards. FeganScott was selected for its exemplary work serving as a powerful legal ally for consumers, notably in its case against TikTok, in which it secured a groundbreaking $92 million settlement last year. “We’re honored to receive this prestigious recognition from The National Law Journal,” said Elizabeth Fegan, managing partner of FeganScott. “This achievement is a testament to our team’s collective expertise and unwavering commitment to pursuing justice on behalf of our clients.” Since its inception in 2019, FeganScott has established itself as a trusted advocate for consumers across the nation, leading class action cases against corporate giants like Allergan, Hyundai and 3M. The firm made history last year after it secured a groundbreaking $92 million settlement in its case against TikTok. The settlement, one of the largest in data privacy class action cases, resolved claims that the popular video-sharing app illegally collected, used, and stored users’ data without their consent. In addition to creating a cash fund to be distributed among class members, the settlement required TikTok to create a data privacy training and compliance program for employees and contractors. “As exemplified in our case against TikTok, the attorneys at FeganScott aren’t afraid to take on large corporations or industry players to demand accountability,” Fegan said. “Whether we’re fighting on behalf of individuals who’ve suffered damages or injury caused by a defective product or victims of identity theft or deceptive business practices, our team has the experience, skillset, and dedication needed to secure justice for our clients and implement impactful policy changes to protect future generations.” For nine years, The National Law Journal’s Elite Trial Lawyers Awards have recognized U.S. based law firms that have performed exemplary and cutting-edge work on behalf of plaintiffs. The annual awards program spotlights the nation’s top plaintiffs’ firms with major recent wins and impressive track records of success. ### About FeganScott: FeganScott is a national law firm dedicated to helping victims of sexual abuse and sexual harassment. Beth Fegan, the firm’s founder and managing member, represents the group of survivors suing criminally convicted movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. The firm, championed by acclaimed veteran, class-action attorneys who have successfully recovered more than $1 billion for victims nationwide. FeganScott is committed to pursuing successful outcomes with integrity and excellence while holding the responsible parties accountable. Media Contact: Mark Firmani feganscottpr@firmani.com About FeganScott FeganScott is a national law firm dedicated to helping victims of sexual abuse and sexual harassment. Beth Fegan, the firm's founder and managing member, represents the group of survivors suing criminally convicted movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. The firm, championed by acclaimed veteran, class-action attorneys who have successfully recovered more than $1 billion for victims nationwide. FeganScott is committed to pursuing successful outcomes with integrity and excellence while holding the responsible parties accountable. Contact Details Firmani + Associates Mark Firmani feganscottpr@firmani.com Company Website https://feganscott.com

July 20, 2023 11:56 AM Eastern Daylight Time

PRCG’s James F. Haggerty Elected President of the Crisis Protection Network

PRCG | Haggerty LLC

PRCG | Haggerty LLC is pleased to announce that its CEO and Founder, James F. Haggerty, has been named President of the Crisis Protection Network (CPN), an exclusive worldwide association of senior communications professionals in 16 cities across the globe. Based in New York, Haggerty is an attorney, author, and communications consultant who has served on the CPN board since 2019. Through its network of affiliated professionals, CPN offers expertise in high-stakes issues related to reputation management, legal and regulatory communications, crisis planning and response, and other areas. In addition to leading boutique communications consultancies in major cities around the world, CPN member professionals have prior experience in some of the world’s largest public relations agencies, as well as in corporations, major media outlets, and government. In addition to New York, current members are located in cities that include Atlanta, Brussels, Chiasso, Dublin, Los Angeles, London, Melbourne, Munich, New York, Oslo, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, and Zurich. “I am honored to lead such a prestigious organization and look forward to continuing my collaboration with some of the best reputation professionals in the world,” Haggerty said. “We live in a time of radical change in communications and information,” he added. “With Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other new technologies altering perception at an elemental level, clients need senior-level communications counselors with the experience and resources to meet existential reputational challenges. That is what our organization is all about.” More information about the Crisis Protection Network can be found at crisis-protection.net. About James F. Haggerty and PRCG | Haggerty LLC Based in New York, PRCG | Haggerty LLC (PRCG) is a premier specialist communications consultancy with a worldwide reputation for the management of sensitive, high-stakes communications challenges. In 2019, PRCG created PRCG | Sports, a sports marketing and public relations brand involved in reputation management, public relations, and sports-related crisis communications. PRCG and its founder, James F. Haggerty, have been repeatedly ranked by Chambers and Partners, the prestigious international directory, as among the top public relations firms in the United States. Chambers has called Haggerty a “powerhouse” who “thinks on a different level,” bringing a “double barrel of legal and media experience” to his work. In 2017, PR News named Haggerty one of “50 Game Changers” of public relations for his work as a “trailblazer” in litigation communications. Major media have also lauded PRCG | Haggerty for providing “sophisticated,” “round-the-clock” global services to clients in crisis and litigation matters. In addition to his work as a communications consultant and attorney, Haggerty is the author of two landmark books on communications: In the Court of Public Opinion: Winning Strategies for Litigation Communications and Chief Crisis Officer: Structure and Leadership for Effective Communications Response, both published by Hart + Harvest Press. Considered the definitive guide to communicating during litigation and other legal matters, In the Court of Public Edition was first published in 2003 to rave reviews—including in the Financial Times, which called the book “the perfect handbook for this age.” 2023 will see the publication of a 20 th anniversary edition of In the Court of Public Opinion, with new information, strategies, and case histories for a brave new world of litigation communications. Chief Crisis Officer: Structure and Leadership for Effective Communications Response has just been released in a new Hart + Harvest paperback edition, with a provocative new preface covering the communications response to the COVID-19 crisis and Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Chief Crisis Officer has been prominently featured in the Harvard Business Review, Fortune, and Entrepreneur, among other publications. For more information about PRCG | Haggerty LLC, visit prcg.com. Contact Details PRCG | Haggerty LLC Juliette Foyle +1 212-683-8100 jfoyle@prcg.com Company Website https://www.crisis-protection.net/

July 20, 2023 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies Empowers Students with National Contract Management Association's Contract Management Standard

National Contract Management Association

The University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies (UVA SCPS) and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) have forged a partnership to enhance student success and drive excellence in contract management education. UVA SCPS is proud to announce the adoption of the ANSI-Approved Contract Management Standard™ (CMS™) as the foundation of its graduate Procurement and Contracts Management Certificate online program and course curricula. “Our alignment with the CMS™ and the Contract Management Body of Knowledge ® enables us to prepare our students for NCMA certifications which serve as a as a strong steppingstone into the contract management profession," said Jimm Rich, MPA, Ph.D., Faculty Program Coordinator at UVA SCPS. “UVA SCPS and NCMA have a shared commitment to student success, built on the understanding that we must equip our students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the contract management profession,” stated Melissa M. Lubin, Ph.D., Dean of the University of Virginia’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies. “By aligning our curriculum with the CMS™, UVA SCPS will ensure that our students are well-prepared for the demands of the industry.” "We couldn’t be happier to have University of Virginia’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies as an official Contract Management Standard adopter," stated Kraig Conrad, Chief Executive Officer of NCMA. "This collaboration not only prepares students for success but also positions UVA SCPS as a champion of the contract management workforce." The adoption of the Contract Management Standard™ ensures that UVA SCPS students are exposed to the industry's best practices, fostering their professional growth, and preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. By integrating the CMS™ into their program, UVA SCPS offers a comprehensive and robust educational experience that empowers students to excel in the field of contract management; all while continuing to set a new standard in contract management instruction. For more information about the Higher Education Institutions that have adopted the Contract Management Standard™ of the Contract Management Body of Knowledge into their curriculum, please visit www.ncmahq.org/adopters. The National Contract Management Association (NCMA), a nonprofit professional society founded in 1959, is an important resource in the field of contract management. With nearly 20,000 members, NCMA is dedicated to promoting excellence in the practice and profession through education, certification, and networking opportunities. NCMA serves through an open exchange of ideas in neutral forums of buyers and sellers. Visit www.ncmahq.org to learn more. About University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies The University of Virginia’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies provides transformative educational experiences for lifelong learners who seek to complete degrees, certificates or professional programs to advance their careers, enrich their lives, and impact their communities. More information is available at scps.virginia.edu. Contact Details NCMA Holly DeHesa +1 281-865-3296 holly.dehesa@ncmahq.org Company Website https://www.ncmahq.org/

July 20, 2023 07:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time

News Release

5 Reasons Why Crypto Investors Are Bullish on InQubeta (QUBE)

Blockchain Digest

InQubeta, the AI-focused crypto crowdfunding platform, has been gaining significant attention in the crypto community. With over $1,500,000 raised in its presale, the project has demonstrated strong investor interest and support. Furthermore, industry experts have predicted that InQubeta has the potential to experience a remarkable 40x increase in value. Let’s explore the reasons why veteran crypto investors are bullish on InQubeta and see why it is attracting attention as a top crypto investment. 1. Unique Value Proposition One key reason for investor bullishness on InQubeta is its unique value proposition. The platform focuses on the AI industry, which is experiencing rapid growth and innovation. By offering fractionalized NFT-based crowdfunding, InQubeta provides a transparent and inclusive opportunity for investors to support promising AI startups. This distinct approach differentiates InQubeta from other crypto projects, making it an attractive investment option for those seeking exposure to the AI revolution. 2. Strong Ecosystem Development The substantial funds raised during the presale indicate a robust ecosystem development for InQubeta. The project has attracted a diverse and engaged community, fostering an environment of collaboration and support. The growing network of investors, developers, and AI enthusiasts provides a solid foundation for InQubeta's long-term success. This strong ecosystem is crucial for driving innovation, expanding partnerships, and attracting further investment, all of which contribute to the project's potential growth. Visit InQubeta Presale 3. Expert Auditing and Security InQubeta has taken significant measures to ensure the security of its platform and users' funds. The project has undergone thorough auditing by reputable smart contract auditing firms, providing investors with confidence in the project's reliability and safety. In an industry marred by security concerns, InQubeta's commitment to transparency and robust security measures sets it apart as a trustworthy investment option. 4. Promising Roadmap InQubeta's roadmap outlines a series of exciting developments that further enhance its appeal to investors. The project has plans to launch the InQubeta launchpad NFT Marketplace, creating a platform for AI startups to showcase their projects and attract funding. Additionally, a staking dApp will enable users to stake their assets and earn rewards from the dedicated reward pool, offering an additional incentive for long-term investors. These forward-looking initiatives demonstrate InQubeta's commitment to continuous innovation and value creation. 5. Potential for Long-Term Growth Veteran crypto investors are attracted to InQubeta due to its potential for long-term growth. The AI industry is poised for substantial expansion, with AI technologies being adopted across various sectors. As InQubeta connects investors with promising AI startups, early adoption of the platform can position investors for significant returns as the AI market matures. The ability to participate in the growth of the AI sector through InQubeta's unique crowdfunding model is seen as a lucrative opportunity by seasoned investors. Visit InQubeta Presale Conclusion InQubeta's impressive presale performance and the reasons outlined above have solidified its position as an enticing investment opportunity for veteran crypto investors. The project's focus on the AI industry, strong ecosystem development, expert auditing, promising roadmap, and potential for long-term growth make it a standout choice in the crypto market. With over $1,500,000 raised and industry experts predicting a substantial increase in value, InQubeta has piqued the interest of experienced investors looking for the next promising opportunity. As the AI sector continues to flourish, InQubeta's innovative approach positions it as a key player in shaping the future of AI-powered solutions and offers an avenue for investors to capitalize on this growing market. Visit InQubeta Presale Contact Details Blockchain Digest Team noreply@blockchaindigest.net Company Website http://blockchaindigest.net

July 19, 2023 07:20 PM Eastern Daylight Time

‘AI Can’t Replace Creativity’ finds Freelancer.com’s latest job trends report

FREELANCER.COM

Freelancer.com (ASX: FLN) (OTCQX: FLNCF), the world’s largest freelancing marketplace by number of users and jobs posted, today released new figures revealing a surge in freelance creative writing jobs, growth in business marketing activities, and an increase in on-site photography and videography gigs. The Fast 50 Q2 2023 report, a quarterly dataset ranking the fastest growing and falling jobs on the platform, analyzed over 280,000 jobs posted to Freelancer.com between April and June 2023. According to the data, the fastest growing freelance jobs by percentage growth in Q2 2023 were: 1. Creative Writing - up 58% (from 1,868 to 2,961 jobs) 2. User Interface Design - up 52% (from 2,017 to 3,075 jobs) 3. Twitter Marketing - up 41% from (1,650 to 2,334 jobs) 4. Photography - up 40% from (2,101 to 2,945 jobs) 5. Writing (Microsoft Word) - up 38% (from 3,175 to 4,401 jobs) While the world debates whether AI will take human jobs or not, and therefore dramatically hit the labor indexes, the latest figures reviewed by Freelancer.com’s data science team revealed interest for freelance writing jobs are increasing on the platform over the last quarter. Other writing related skills also saw growth across the quarter, including Copy Typing (up 31.2%, 4,867 to 6,389 jobs) and Ghostwriting (up 22.8%, 5,212 to 6,404 jobs). Other jobs which have been deemed as ‘at risk’ of being automated by AI, such as data entry, have also seen an increase over the quarter. Projects for Data Processing were up 21% (from 9,076 to 11,024 jobs) and projects requiring Excel as a skill also saw a 15% increase (from 13,246 to 15,301 total job postings). “AI can’t replace creativity yet. While workers and businesses are benefiting from productivity gains offered by generative AI, the data suggests that the technology in its current form isn’t able to replace creative work. We saw a similar trend occur in the first quarter of the year, as creative design jobs were flourishing despite interest for generative AI tripling,” said Matt Barrie, Chief Executive at Freelancer.com. The Fast 50 Q2 2023 report also reveals an increase in businesses investing heavily in freelance marketing support. This trend comes off the back of an unprecedented rise in jobs usually associated with the creation of new businesses and new ventures as found in the Fast 50 Q1 2023 report. In addition to Twitter Marketing ranking as the third fastest growing job, growth also surged for the following marketing skills: ● Search Engine Marketing (SEO) - up 26% (from 1,840 to 2,328 jobs) ● Sales - up 23% (from 2,614 to 3,233 jobs) ● Marketing - up 19% (from 8,269 to 9,867 jobs) ● Social Media Marketing - up 16% (from 6,524 to 7,574 jobs) ● Facebook Marketing - up 14% (from 5,602 to 6,410 jobs) Marketing jobs are some of the highest earning on the platform per project. Projects seeking SEO experts typically pay US$2,231 per project. General marketing jobs on average pay US$1,422 per project, while Social Media Marketing pays $584 per project. Local jobs, which is where employers hiring freelancers in their local area to do service or physical-based jobs, are growing across the platform by 37%, from 2,122 to 2,905 total projects. The two key drivers for growth for these types of jobs relate to Photography and Videography which are up by 40% (from 2,101 to 2,945) and 32% (from 3,095 to 4,097), respectively. On average, projects for Videography attract US$70 per hour. Fastest Falling Jobs of Q2 2023 The most significant declining trend observed in the Q2 2023 report shows that employers are easing their interest for tech and IT related skills. The Fast 50 report for Q3 2022 highlighted significant growth in a number of highly specialized and niche tech skills, such as software development, android app development, programming, and others. The catalyst for demand being global mass layoffs and hiring freezes across the tech sector towards the end of 2022. The latest Fast 50 Q2 2023 data shows interest for niche tech skills is beginning to slow down, with software development (down 28%, from 1,308 to 942), API (down 26%, from 1,516 to 1,109), iOS Development (down 26%, from 1,220 to 894) and Microsoft SQL Server (down 25%, from 1,309 to 975) all decreasing over the last quarter. Easing of these types of skills also aligns with Layoff.fyi’s tech layoff tracker also showing a reduction in the number of layoffs occurring globally. Fast 50 Q1 2023 - Data Analysis Relief For Writers As Data Suggests AI Can’t Replace Creativity The main trend from the Freelancer.com Fast 50 Q2 2023 report shows freelance writing jobs, specifically those seeking journalists and editors, increasing on the platform over the last quarter. Despite having access to freely available generative AI tools, employers are turning to on-demand freelancers to help write creative content for their websites and blogs. Creative Writing jobs were the number one fastest growing job on Freelancer.com in Q2, growing 58% from 1,868 to 2,961 jobs posted. Other writing related skills, such as Writing (Microsoft Word) (up 38.6%, 3,175 to 4,401 jobs), Copy Typing (up 31.2%, 4,867 to 6,389 jobs) and Ghostwriting (up 22.8%, 5,212 to 6,404 jobs), also saw an increase over the quarter. Interestingly, other skills which experts predict will be overtaken by AI are also increasing on the freelancing platform. Data processing grew by 21%, from 9,076 to 11,024 in Q2. Jobs with Excel as a key skill also increased by 15.5%, from 13,246 to 15,301 jobs. Data entry recently ranked as the World’s Most Boring Job in Freelancer.com ’s global survey measuring attitudes towards work. Data entry is also one of the most popular jobs that employers tend to delegate to on-demand freelancers. Businesses Focus On Growth, Following Startup Boom, By Investing In Marketing Jobs seeking Sales experts grew 23.6% and Business Analysis increased by 21.4% over the last quarter. This is another indication that businesses are focusing heavily on growth and strategy alongside promotion. In Q1 2023, Freelancer.com observed an unprecedented rise in jobs usually associated with the creation of new businesses and new ventures. This was apparent with projects for logo design, corporate identity design and eCommerce all growing simultaneously and aligning with new business formation statistics released by the US Census. While there isn’t data supporting another rise in new businesses in Q2 2023, what Freelancer.com is seeing is businesses now doubling down on marketing, sales and social media efforts to increase business. This aligns with global trends of big consumer brands, such as ones reported in Australia, slashing their marketing spend and look towards more self-driven or low budget or organic marketing efforts. Twitter Marketing, which ranks third in the most in-demand skills for Q2 2023 after growing 41% over the quarter, is growing to become a popular option for businesses looking for social media support. Social Media Marketing as a skill increased by 16% and Facebook Marketing increased by 14%. Marketing, as a skill generally, is up 19.3%, growing from 8,269 to 9,867 total jobs in Q2. Classic marketing tactics such as Search Engine Marketing (SEO) and Web Search grew by 26% and 21%, respectively. SEO and Web Search are both budget friendly ways for businesses to maintain a competitive advantage in search engines results. A similar trend was observed in the Q3 2022 as many tech companies began mass layoffs and cut Search Engine Marketing spend as a way to reduce marketing spend. As a result, Freelancer.com observed growth in SEO related projects or social media marketing as both are cost effective marketing strategies. Jobs seeking Sales experts grew 23.6% and Business Analysis increased by 21.4% over the last quarter. This is another indication that businesses are focusing heavily on growth and strategy alongside promotion. Demand For Tech Jobs Slows Down As Layoffs Reduce Worldwide Freelancer.com is beginning to see interest for niche tech and IT related skills reduce on the platform. A sudden surge in technology related skills was observed all throughout 2022, however, was largely apparent in the Fast 50 report for Q3 2022 which saw a significant increase in jobs relating to niche IT-related projects all being driven by a surge in tech layoffs. The latest figures from the Fast 50 report for Q2 2023 shows interest is beginning to slow down as 16 of the top 25 fastest falling jobs are related to tech, which are the same jobs which climbed heavily towards the end of last year. Software Development, which had sustained growth quarter-on-quarter throughout 2022, saw a decline of 28% from 1,308 to 942 jobs. Projects requiring API as a skill are down 26% (from 1,516 to 1,109) and iOS Development jobs are also down 26% (from 1,220 to 894). Location-Based Photography & Videography Jobs Are Booming Local Jobs are a specific type of job which are location based and are specific to a location. These jobs are typically service or physical jobs, such as local pick up, delivery, photography, gardening or cleaning services. This quarter saw Local Jobs grow by 37%, from 2,122 to 2,905. The two key drivers for growth for these types of jobs relate to Photography and Videography which are up by 40% (from 2,101 to 2,945) and 32% (from 3,095 to 4,097), respectively. Visual content will always be in-demand for any business, regardless of size. Whether it’s capturing an event or shooting footage to use for ads, real-life imagery will always be an important part of promoting businesses. ##### Freelancer Fast 50 The Freelancer Fast 50 report is the world’s largest forward indicator of trends in online jobs related to industries, technologies, products, and companies. The data is based on 280,000 jobs posted to the Freelancer platform between April 1 to June 30 2023. Fast 50 Q2 2023 Data About Freelancer Freelancer.com is the world’s largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace by total number of users and projects posted. More than 67 million registered users have posted over 22.7 million projects and contests to date in over 2,000 areas as diverse as website development, logo design, marketing, copywriting, aerospace engineering and manufacturing. Freelancer also owns Escrow.com and Loadshift. Freelancer Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ticker ASX:FLN and is quoted on OTCQX Best Market under the ticker FLNCF. Contact Details Freelancer.com Marko Zitko +61 404 574 830 marko@freelancer.com

July 19, 2023 12:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Minuteman Press Franchise in Cranberry Township, PA Moves to New Location

Minuteman Press International Inc

The Minuteman Press franchise in Cranberry Township has moved to a brand new facility located at 1185 Freedom Road, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066. Rich Coyner has owned the business for six years, while the shop itself has been operating for over 20 years. Rich shares, “Our original location was initially setup to accommodate offset presses and a backroom operation with little retail-facing space. We moved away from the offset press business five years ago and needed a fresh look that allows our customers to see how technology has changed the way we deliver printed services to them.” He continues, “We moved into a larger space that is wide open and enables our clients to see more of our operation and capabilities. Our digital presses are near the front of the store and clients can see how we move a job from print to completion. We also added a larger lobby area with display racks for logo apparel and a display case for our promotional products lines. Our lobby is also wide open and accessible for customers in accordance with ADA guidelines.” Growing the Business When asked how he’s grown Minuteman Press in Cranberry Township since purchasing the business six years ago, Rich highlights the following: “ Diversification / Expansion of Products – When I purchased the business, the focus was only on printing paper products. We have expanded into promotional products, logo apparel, EDDM and direct mail, wide format printing, and more. I eliminated our offset presses, purchased a Xante Envelope Press, added 2 new digital presses and upgraded all of our equipment by purchasing a new challenge cutter, Baumfolder Folding Machine and Graphic Whizard Perf & Scoring machine to ensure we could provide quality products in a timely manner. We also expanded our marketing efforts to pursue promotional products and apparel opportunities from our existing customer base. Acquisition – I acquired an independent print shop that was a few miles north of me and rolled his business into our existing operation. Networking – I am a Board Member on the largest Chamber of Commerce group in the Greater Pittsburgh area – The Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber – and I leverage these networking opportunities and relationships to market my business. Community Welcome Wagon – I’ve also partnered with the local Welcome Wagon business – North Pittsburgh Greeting Co. – who welcomes all new businesses to the area and provides them a list of local businesses and goodies to help them get their business off the ground. We offer 500 Free Business cards and 500 Envelopes as a way of welcoming them to the area and letting them know we can support their printing and marketing needs.” Rich adds, “We have a great team that enjoys meeting the needs of our customers. I know that if I continue to invest in good people, new technology and keep things moving forward, the customers will stay with us. At Minuteman Press, we continue to evolve and strive to get better at everything we do to make sure our customers are happy and satisfied with our work. If we can provide a solution, we do it! And if for some reason we can’t, we’ll point them in the right direction.” Career Change & Franchise Support Prior to buying the business, Rich shares, “I spent over 30 years in the transportation & logistics industry, 20-plus years working in Corporate America for three Fortune 500 companies and the last 12 years running a privately held third-party logistics organization. I knew how to run a company but was not sure what I wanted to do so I became involved in franchise consulting as a Certified Franchise Consultant. I came across Minuteman Press in Cranberry Twp and decided to purchase it. I knew how to run a company but knew nothing about the printing industry, so I did some research and worked with the local SBDC to better understand the industry and its future potential.” Over the past six years, Rich has continued to receive ongoing franchise support from Minuteman Press International. He explains, “Minuteman Press provides a great platform to run your business along with a diverse vendor base to meet just about any needs a customer may have. Their FLEX software is a great tool for managing day-to-day operations and my central facility work is about 35%-40% of my business because we have such great vendors in the Minuteman Press program. I can do more sales with less staff using the central facility model.” Advice for Others As for what advice he would give to other business owners, Rich says, “The best advice I can give is run your business – don’t let it run you. It’s important to not let the business run you as you need to let your employees run the day-to-day and you need to be thinking big picture. Know what you want to be today, tomorrow and the next day – the world does not stand still so if you slow down it will pass you by.” Rich adds, “Also, treat your employees well! Without your team, you cannot meet the challenges of being a successful business owner.” For more information on Minuteman Press in Cranberry Township, PA, visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/pa/cranberry-township/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

July 17, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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San Diego Wave FC Announces Multi-Year Partnership with Trust & Will

Trust & Will

San Diego Wave FC is proud to announce a multi-year partnership with Trust & Will, the leading digital estate planning and settlement platform in the U.S. This partnership marks Trust & Will's first venture into the world of professional sports sponsorships and reinforces the club's commitment to empowering its athletes to create lasting legacies, on and off the field. As the Official Estate Planning Partner of San Diego Wave FC, Trust & Will will provide invaluable resources and guidance to the club's players, staff, and fans. Through customized estate planning, such as wills and trusts, the partnership aims to empower Wave FC players and staff to take control of their financial affairs and protect their loved ones. “Trust & Will is an industry leader who shares our vision of providing a legacy on and off the field in San Diego,” said San Diego Wave FC President Jill Ellis. “We’re excited to welcome them to the club and the Wave Family.” Nearly 60% of American adults do not have a will or trust. Trust & Will provides an easy and secure way to create estate plans and settle estates online, with the ability to customize legal documents that adhere to individual state and county guidelines. Creating an estate plan allows you to specify your wishes when distributing assets, making healthcare decisions, and designating guardians for children and pets. In addition to being the Official Estate Planning Partner of the club, Trust & Will will be prominently featured at all of the Wave's home games at Snapdragon Stadium, serving as the presenting sponsor of all San Diego's goals. "We are proud to partner with the Wave; they embody everything that Trust & Will stands for, like legacy, family, fun, and a bit of a competitive spirit," said Cody Barbo, Founder and CEO of Trust & Will. "We’re honored to take this partnership to the next level with a multi-year commitment to one of the best teams in the country and are grateful to work with such a talented group of individuals. Furthermore, congrats and good luck to all of the Wave players who will be representing Team USA in the World Cup this summer." San Diego Wave FC and Trust & Will are excited to embark on this journey together, championing the importance of estate planning and empowering athletes with financial tools to help achieve their goals. ABOUT TRUST & WILL Trust & Will is simplifying estate planning and settlement with attorney-approved, legally valid documents and processes designed to adhere to individual state guidelines. Since 2017, we’ve helped hundreds of thousands of Trust & Will members leave their legacy with an affordable way to create an estate plan or settle the estate of a loved one. Our platform uses bank-level encryption that protects customer data and complies with the highest security standards, including SOC 2 and HIPAA. Trust & Will is the official estate planning benefit provider for AARP members, along with several leading financial institutions, who all believe in our mission of helping every family leave their legacy. ABOUT SAN DIEGO WAVE FC San Diego Wave FC is currently in its second season as a club after historic success in its inaugural campaign. In 2022, the San Diego Wave made history as the NWSL’s first expansion team to reach the playoffs and advanced all the way to the Semi-Final. In its first-year, the Wave won four out of five of the 2022 NWSL End of Season Awards with Casey Stoney winning Coach of the Year, Kailen Sheridan as Goalkeeper of the Year, and Naomi Girma becoming the first rookie to win two awards, Rookie and Defender of the Year.San Diego also shattered both the NWSL’s regular-season and playoff attendance records, with 32,000 and 26,215 fans at its home of Snapdragon Stadium. To kick off the 2023 season, the Wave broke another attendance record for the largest home opener in league history with a crowd of 30,854. Contact Details Trust & Will Danielle Nuzzo +1 631-807-7772 danielle@trustandwill.com Company Website https://trustandwill.com

July 17, 2023 07:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time

DealMaker Ranks No.2 on Fast Company’s 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators

DealMaker

Fast Company ’s Best Workplaces for Innovators issue (Summer 2023) is available online now, and the print issue will be on newsstands beginning July 18, 2023. Join the Best Workplaces for Innovators conversation using #FCBestWorkplaces. Fast Company today announced its fifth annual Best Workplaces for Innovators list, honoring organizations and businesses that demonstrate an inspiring commitment to encourage and develop innovation at all levels. DealMaker has earned the position of No. 2 on Fast Company ’s 2023 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators list as well as winning the International title for Best Workplace for Innovators. Developed in collaboration with Accenture, the 2023 Best Workplaces for Innovators ranks 100 winners from a variety of industries, including entertainment, biotech, consumer packaged goods, marketing, education, healthcare, and many more. Fast Company editors and Accenture researchers collaborated together to score nearly 1,000 submissions, and a panel of eight distinguished judges reviewed and endorsed the top 100 companies. The 2023 awards feature workplaces from around the world. “As a company driven to disrupt the decades-old antiquated industry of the capital markets, it is an absolute honor to be recognized as an innovative workplace by Fast Company. We fully embrace our value of ‘Our Business is Change’. It reinforces the belief that we’re comfortable where others are not - we need to constantly live in the mindset of adaptation and agility,” says DealMaker CEO and Co-Founder Rebecca Kacaba. DealMaker has embraced the new global, remote workforce and the result is a group of exceptional subject matter experts and top tier talent. With investment and dedication to expanding their team across internationally, DealMaker is growing by about 89% across North & South America. “As a tech company, we thrive outside the box and truly embrace the idea of a global tech company. A steadfast value of DealMaker developed early on is to “move fast and break things” - if you fall, you get up and try again. From day one, all team members are empowered to move fast and own their impact - without the fear of making mistakes. ” says Co-Founder and CSO, Mat Goldstein. DealMaker is on a mission to make online capital raising mainstream. DealMaker’s platform is tearing down barriers to entry for the underfunded, while permitting consumers access to new investment opportunities in private companies and startups - which previously was available only to a very few Wall Street insiders. Access to pre-IPO investment opportunities are the biggest opportunity for wealth building that were previously typically reserved for the very few. Our tech along with regulation crowdfunding exemptions such as Reg CF and Reg A, will open up these opportunities to everyday average citizens. In only five short years, DealMaker has powered over 770 offerings for founders and brands and has processed over 1 Million investments totaling over $1.84 Billon (USD) - outperforming all competitors in North America. DealMaker has been trusted by brands like Parker Clay, Pacaso, Miso Robotics and Monogram which recently listed on Nasdaq following their Reg A raise on DealMaker’s platform. Learn more about DealMaker at https://www.dealmaker.tech/. To see the complete list, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/best-workplaces-for-innovators/list. Fast Company ’s Best Workplaces for Innovators issue (Summer 2023) is available online now, and the print issue will be on newsstands beginning July 18, 2023. Join the Best Workplaces for Innovators conversation using #FCBestWorkplaces. About DealMaker DealMaker is on a mission to create the most sophisticated capital markets tools on the planet, empowering capital to flow faster. It offers a suite of primary issuance, shareholder management, and capital raising solutions that includes equity crowdfunding, investor ranking algorithms, and data/analytical tools to support all capital raise types and all securities. Its innovative technology was designed to enable organizations to own and control exempt market raises to get the money they need, faster. DealMaker works for their issuers: putting brands and founders back in control to run streamlined, successful capital raises. Its mission is to turn the process of raising capital into simple eCommerce. The company’s offices are located in Toronto, Austin, Texas and Tampa, Florida. Visit DealMaker.tech for more information. About Fast Company Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com. Contact Details Natasha Jose +1 416-726-5374 natasha.jose@dealmaker.tech Company Website https://www.dealmaker.tech/

July 11, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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