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Avenue Z Wins AI Breakthrough Award for AI Search Optimization Solution for Brands

Avenue Z

Avenue Z, a tech-driven marketing and communications agency leading AI Optimization, today announced it has been named “Cognitive Communications Solution of the Year” by the AI Breakthrough Awards, honoring its first-to-market AI Optimization (AIO) Solution. The prestigious award - selected from more than 5,000 global nominations - recognizes Avenue Z’s AIO Solution, and its ability to place brands at the top of AI Search. With this award, Avenue Z joins a powerhouse cohort of 2025 winners including NVIDIA, Microsoft, Meta, HPE, EY, Databricks, Honeywell, Arcade, Juniper Networks, and other global innovators. “We launched AIO to solve one of the most important shifts in the history of digital communications: the move from keywords to questions, from links to answers,” said Jeffrey Herzog, Founder and CEO of Avenue Z. “Influence today is more powerful when it’s invisible—architected with strategy, technology, and precision to ensure brands speak the language of generative AI and show up as trusted authorities in the conversations that drive modern decision-making. It’s simple - consumers have shifted to AI search, and we’re helping brands get there.” AIO is the first solution purpose-built for generative search - not a bolt-on to legacy SEO. As platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity shift from listing links to delivering synthesized answers, AI-powered search is surging. By 2027, over 90 million American adults are expected to use generative AI as their primary search tool, with Gen Z and Millennials leading in AI trust. While AI is reportedly set to complement - not fully replace - traditional search, it’s already driving a sharp decline in organic traffic, forcing publishers and marketers to rethink how visibility is earned. Avenue Z’s AI Optimization (AIO) solution solves this challenge for brands with a three-pronged approach: High-authority media placement to establish brand trust in sources large language models (LLMs) cite; Conversational content creation aligned with AI-first query formats and voice; Technical LLM optimization using semantic schema, metadata, and structure designed for machine interpretation. What makes this AI Optimization Solution unique is its cognitive model - a communications framework that ensures clients are not just searchable, but selected, when AI platforms synthesize responses for consumers. “This is not SEO retrofitted for AI,” added Johnny Hughes, Chief Marketing Officer and AI Council Chair at Avenue Z. “This is a new language for influence, blending technical precision with strategic storytelling so our clients own the questions that matter most.” Led by Herzog, who previously revolutionized SEO through iCrossing, Avenue Z is building the new blueprint for how brands succeed in the AI era. “We’re proud to be doing for AI what we once did for Google search: building the map before the rest of the industry knows they need it,” said Herzog. “With AIO, we’re not gaming algorithms, we’re guiding conversations and content at the intersection of influence and machine logic.” The AI Breakthrough Awards, produced by Tech Breakthrough, recognize the world’s most innovative companies, products, and technologies in artificial intelligence. This year’s program included standout entries from startups and tech titans alike, across categories such as machine learning, NLP, computer vision, and cognitive computing. “This award is more than recognition - it’s validation that our commitment to strategic communication in the AI era is working,” said Whitney Hart, Chief Strategy Officer at Avenue Z. “AIO empowers brands to shape narrative and trust in a world where machines mediate influence. We’re proud to lead that transformation.” As part of its broader commitment to market leadership, Avenue Z also recently launched its AI Visibility Index Reports, which help brands assess and improve their presence in generative AI platforms. The reports are publicly available at: https://avenuez.com/ai-visibility-index/ With this award, Avenue Z continues to lead the evolution of strategic communications, helping companies not only keep up with change, but shape it. For more information, visit AvenueZ.com or their media outlet, DrivingInfluence.com. About Avenue Z Avenue Z is a tech-driven marketing and communications agency leading AI optimization, driving influence across all channels - from ChatGPT to The Wall Street Journal to TikTok. With 30 years of leadership in search and digital marketing, we apply strategic communications, high-impact PR, performance media, and AI optimization to help companies build reputation and grow revenue through our proprietary, technology-driven approach. We are the agency for influence. AvenueZ.com About AI Breakthrough Part of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform, the AI Breakthrough Awards honor the industry’s most innovative companies, technologies, and products in the field of artificial intelligence. The program draws entries from companies and research labs across the globe, showcasing AI's most impactful breakthroughs each year. Contact Details Avenue Z +1 407-637-2833 press@avenuez.com Company Website https://avenuez.com/

June 30, 2025 08:04 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Avenue Z Announces Strategic Promotions Fueling Next Phase of Rapid Growth

Avenue Z

This move reflects Avenue Z’s commitment to cultivating the industry's best talent, promoting three standout team members into roles that lead strategic communications, media relations, and AI Optimization, their award-winning, first-mover solution for brands looking to gain visibility in AI search. Avenue Z, the marketing and communications agency leading AI optimization and influence across all media channels, is proud to announce a new wave of internal promotions, recognizing the exceptional strategic leadership driving momentum across sectors from finance, fintech, AI, and Blockchain to eCommerce. Libbie Wilcox Promoted to Vice President and Managing Director, Avenue Z New York Libbie Wilcox has been appointed Vice President and Managing Director of Avenue Z’s NYC office, where she will integrate strategy across the agency’s New York client portfolio, build high-performing teams, and deliver operational precision. Libbie is known as a trusted advisor, sounding board, and executor to all clients from the earliest stages to IPO, through new ventures or crises. Since joining Avenue Z, she has successfully run many of the company’s high-profile accounts across the Alternative Asset and Venture Capital ecosystem, including Alan Patricof and Primetime Partners. Her leadership and innovation are changing the game for strategic communications, earning past recognition as one of Crain's New York's Twenty in their Twenties. Avenue Z’s New York City office has grown steadily under Libbie’s leadership. She spearheads new business initiatives, consistently winning new clients for the firm. “I’m proud to lead the momentum we’re building at Avenue Z in New York. We partner with the most ambitious funds and founders to turn complex ideas into narratives that drive outcomes and shape market perception. At Avenue Z, strategy isn’t an add-on - it’s the solution. I’m excited to keep building a best-in-class team that knows how to tell the stories that matter most and get them found,” said Libbie Wilcox, VP & Managing Director, Avenue Z New York. Bristol Jones Promoted to Vice President and Managing Director, Avenue Z Miami Bristol Jones has been named Vice President and Managing Director of Avenue Z’s Miami office, where she will oversee one of the agency’s fastest growing communications hubs, leading strategic communications that spans content, media, and PR. Since joining Avenue Z, Bristol has been instrumental in leading communications strategy and PR delivery for breakout Web3, blockchain, emerging tech, and payments clients like Better.com, Cognigy, Sagard, and Fundbox. She makes innovations in crypto, AI, and digital finance headline-worthy, delivering 500+ high-impact media placements in outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, TechCrunch, and Forbes. Her outstanding work has earned several awards, including PRWeek’s Women to Watch, Business Insider’s Rising Stars of PR, and NYC Fintech Women’s Inspiring Fintech Females. Under Bristol’s leadership of Avenue Z’s expansion in the Miami market, the South Florida office has experienced rapid growth and become a key hub in the agency’s national influence, expanding its local footprint by 2025, and landing several local awards “Avenue Z is where innovation and influence converge, and I’m honored to lead one of our most dynamic hubs at such a pivotal time. Miami’s energy is unmatched, and so is our opportunity to shape the future of finance, tech, and culture from here,” said Bristol Jones, VP & Managing Director, Avenue Z Miami. Vincent Nezzer Promoted to Vice President, Strategic Delivery - Connecting Strategic Communications and Content for AI Solutions Vincent Nezzer has been appointed Vice President, Strategic Delivery, where he will oversee cross-functional initiatives, including integrated media campaign execution and Avenue Z’s award-winning solution, AI Optimization. In this role, he leads a team of top talent at Avenue Z, guiding delivery for complex, high-visibility projects across multiple disciplines - from thought leadership content to AI ad creation to analytics. With deep experience across digital marketing and SEO, Vincent’s career is shaped by a belief in continuous learning and a refusal to coast. He has driven digital transformation for clients like Carter’s, Kaplan Higher Education, and Groupon - building and scaling lead-generating SEO and content programs. Vincent consistently delivers end-to-end campaign execution that integrates brand strategy, performance media, and technical innovation. “Today, strategic communications is about more than storytelling; it’s about systems thinking. At Avenue Z, we are merging brand strategy, media execution, and AI-powered delivery into one seamless engine that’s setting a new standard for agency-client engagements. I’m excited to help scale that vision and redefine what world-class campaign delivery looks like,” said Vincent Nezzer, VP, Strategic Delivery A Culture of Influence, Leadership, and Growth These promotions reflect Avenue Z’s ongoing commitment to nurturing AI talent from within, while continuing to attract top-tier leaders from across the industry. Alongside their already formidable executive team, these additions strengthen a leadership bench known for aligning around a shared, innovative vision - a hallmark of Jeffrey Herzog’s ability to unite top industry talent under a common mission. “Influence is more powerful when it’s invisible,” said Jeffrey Herzog, CEO of Avenue Z. “It’s architected - with strategy, technology, and precision - across every channel. People rarely notice the work behind the scenes, but make no mistake: influence is built, not born.” Jeff’s message to CEOs: “As a CEO and a three-time founder, I’ve learned this firsthand: with the right team around you, you don’t just react - you shape outcomes. And when you control outcomes, you create real impact. The stakes have never been higher, and the edge goes to those who know how to activate every channel with precision.” With more than 30 years of experience leading the evolution of search, content, and media, Avenue Z delivers high-impact results across strategic communications, PR, and digital marketing. For more information, visit AvenueZ.com or their media outlet, DrivingInfluence.com. Avenue Z is a tech-driven marketing and communications agency leading AI optimization, driving influence across all channels - from ChatGPT to The Wall Street Journal to TikTok. With 30 years of leadership in search and digital marketing, we apply strategic communications, high-impact PR, performance media, and AI optimization to help companies build reputation and grow revenue through our proprietary, technology-driven approach. We are the agency for influence. AvenueZ.com Contact Details Avenue Z +1 407-637-2833 press@avenuez.com Company Website https://avenuez.com/

June 25, 2025 07:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Comcast Connects More Than 4,000 Homes and Businesses in Paola and Hillsdale, Kansas to Reliable, High-Speed, Symmetrical Internet (Photos)

Comcast Greater Kansas City

Contact Details Comcast Jill Hornbacher +1 651-425-1695 jill_hornbacher@cable.comcast.com Venice Communications Jayne Siemens +1 816-289-1109 jsiemens@vencomm.com Company Website https://midwest.comcast.com/

June 24, 2025 07:35 AM Central Daylight Time

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Comcast Connects More Than 4,000 Homes and Businesses in Paola and Hillsdale, Kansas to Reliable, High-Speed, Symmetrical Internet

Comcast Greater Kansas City

Comcast is connecting more than 4,000 new homes and businesses in Paola and Hillsdale, Kansas to reliable, high-speed, symmetrical Internet through the completed expansion of its next-generation network to the region—enhancing digital infrastructure, promoting economic growth, and positioning residents and local businesses for success in an increasingly digital world. The completed network expansion brings Internet, mobile, entertainment, and security services from Xfinity and Comcast Business services to residents and businesses for the first time. “The completion of Comcast’s expansion project is a milestone for Miami County. With their reliable, high-speed connections, they provide our residents and businesses with a full-service, digital option within the City of Paola and Hillsdale area,” said Janet McRae, Economic Development Director for Miami County. “Construction of their service and transmission lines required coordination with numerous utilities providers within the city and unincorporated area. We appreciate Comcast’s dedication to safety during that process, and we look forward to the new opportunities our residents and businesses will enjoy with this launch.” Comcast, who over the past three years has invested more than $38 million in technology and infrastructure in the state, celebrated its expansion into Paola and Hillsdale during a ribbon cutting at Paola’s Town Square—the same location the company celebrated the groundbreaking at the start of the project. During the event, Comcast donated $2,500 to local nonprofit, My Father’s House, whose mission is to value the underserved rural population by assisting and empowering individuals and families to overcome life's challenges. "The expansion of Comcast's broadband network in the City of Paola marks a significant investment in our city's future—one that will improve access, foster economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for our residents and businesses,” said Randi Shannon, City Manager of Paola. “High-speed Internet is essential infrastructure, and we’re proud to see this project completed. On behalf of the City of Paola, I want to thank Comcast for their commitment to our community and for helping us move Paola forward." "Comcast's high-speed internet expansion is a significant step towards bridging the digital divide and fostering local economic growth,” said April Damron, Executive Director, Paola Chamber of Commerce. “Reliable internet is crucial for families accessing education, healthcare, and remote work, and for businesses to compete and serve customers. This infrastructure investment will enable innovation, entrepreneurship, and an improved quality of life for our community. We welcome Comcast and are grateful for their contributions to our community." A Network You Can Trust to be Reliable, Fast and Secure Comcast’s state-of-the-art network is built to enable residents and businesses to thrive in today’s constantly connected world. Paola and Hillsdale join the 64 million homes and businesses across the country to have access to a network that is trusted by essential community organizations like hospitals, schools, transportation systems and first responders. It delivers multi-gigabit Internet speeds, 99.9 percent reliability and security built in from the ground up to keep customers safe from cyber threats. Introducing Xfinity for Consumers Comcast’s residential services are marketed under the Xfinity brand, and consumers in Paola and Hillsdale can now take advantage of Xfinity’s full suite of products, including Internet, video, mobile, voice and home security. With multi-gigabit Internet speeds, powerful WiFi that reaches every corner of the home, and super-responsive connections with low lag available with its plan, customers have a great experience using their connected devices to stream their favorite sports and entertainment content, video chat with coworkers and friends, learn from home or simply surf the web. Residents can visit xfinity.com/mytown and enter their address for additional details on construction timing and upcoming service availability. Comcast Business to Power Local Workforce For local businesses, Comcast Business offers a suite of connectivity, communications, networking, cybersecurity, wireless, and managed solutions to help organizations of all sizes achieve their business goals. Industry analysts and associations have consistently recognized Comcast Business as a leader and innovator in flexible, scalable options as well as one of the fastest-growing providers of Ethernet services. What it Means for the Local Community Comcast’s commitment to communities goes beyond building the network and aims to increase economic mobility for the local community and its residents. That’s why Comcast created Internet Essentials, a broadband adoption program that offers eligible households low-cost, high-speed Internet and affordable computers. Additionally, Comcast is excited to support the community by sponsoring several events, including Miami County Fair and Paola Roots Festival. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Jill Hornbacher +1 651-425-1695 Jill_Hornbacher@comcast.com Venice Communications Jayne Siemens +1 816-289-1109 jsiemens@vencomm.com Company Website https://midwest.comcast.com/

June 24, 2025 07:00 AM Central Daylight Time

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SFAA Members Elect Board, Leadership Outlines Vision and Path Forward

SFAA

The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA), a nonprofit, nonpartisan trade association representing all segments of the surety and fidelity industry, held its 117 th Annual Meeting this past week, an event focused on advancing the industry’s future. SFAA Chair Mike Keimig, President & CEO of Markel Surety, and SFAA President & CEO Ryan Work highlighted the critical role of collaboration, innovation, and sustained engagement in capitalizing on opportunities within today’s dynamic marketplace. They also outlined a forward-looking vision for the association, aimed at increasing impact by leveraging new staff expertise, enhanced data analytics, research capabilities, and emerging technologies. SFAA members were also on hand to recognize the achievements and leadership of several individuals and organizations: Ralph Pulver – Winner of the 2025 Surety Platinum Award, the industry’s highest individual honor, recognizing his decades of leadership, mentorship, and service. The 2025 Silver Surety Awards were presented to the Surety Association of Ohio and the San Diego Surety Association for excellence in member engagement, education, and advocacy. Keynote speaker Sam Jordan, head of the technology and computing practice at the Future Today Strategy Group, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the intersection of technology, trust, and transformation. Her insights challenged members to consider how emerging technologies and data-driven strategies can shape the future of the surety industry. The session concluded with a featured discussion with U.S. Congressman Addison McDowell of North Carolina, an emerging legislative voice focused on advancing the nation’s infrastructure priorities. Importantly, SFAA Members unanimously elected the following 2025–2026 Board of Directors and Executive Committee. SFAA Executive Committee/ Board Members Michael Keimig, SFAA Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer, Markel Surety Corporation Stephen Ruschak, SFAA Vice Chair, Executive Vice President, Surety, Arch Insurance Group Inc. Antonio C. Albanese, Executive Vice President, Head of Surety, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company Bryce Grissom, Senior Vice President, Surety, Travelers Bond and Specialty Insurance Timothy Mikolajewski, President, Global Surety, Liberty Mutual Insurance John F. Welch, President & CEO, CNA Surety Group Gary Stumper, National Surety Leader, Westfield Group Ryan C. Work, President & Chief Executive Officer, SFAA SFAA Board Members Ken Bearley, President, Bond Division, Great American Insurance Companies Carolina DiGiacomo, Head Credit & Surety Americas, Swiss Re America Holding Corporation John Guglielmo, Head of Surety, North America at Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions Stephen M. Haney, Division President, North America Surety & CUO, Global Surety, Chubb Surety Michael Heidrick, Vice President, Head of Bond, The Hartford James Kawiecki, President of Surety, Hanover Insurance Group Matt Lubin, President, Surety Division, Crum & Forster Chris Nolan, Head of Surety, Zurich North America Alan Pavlic, President & Chief Operating Officer, Old Republic Surety Group Larry Taylor, President, Merchants Bonding Company Mike Zurcher, Executive Vice President, Surety, IAT Insurance Group The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan trade association representing all segments of the surety and fidelity industry. Based in Washington, D.C., SFAA works to promote the value of surety and fidelity bonding by proactively advocating on behalf of its members and stakeholders. The association’s more than 425 member companies write 98 percent of surety and fidelity bonds in the U.S. For more information visit www.surety.org. Contact Details Peter Roth +1 703-401-0676 proth@surety.org Company Website https://surety.org/

June 18, 2025 02:04 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Modern Fortis Secures Bipartisan Passage of H.R. 2096 – Protecting Our Nation’s Capital Emergency Act

Modern Fortis

Modern Fortis, a national public safety government affairs firm, applauds the bipartisan House passage of H.R. 2096, the Protecting Our Nation’s Capital Emergency Act. Authored and led by Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) and managed by House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY), the legislation passed the United States House of Representatives with the support of thirty (30) Democrats—a powerful statement that public safety comes before politics. “When we undermine law enforcement, we embolden the criminals. This legislation restores fairness and support for the men and women who risk their lives to keep our capital secure. If Washington, D.C. won’t fix this problem, it’s our job to,” said Congressman Garbarino. Steered by Chairman Gregg Pemberton and the DC Police Union, H.R. 2096 restores basic rights and protections for Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers, reversing radical anti-police, anti-public safety provisions enacted by the D.C. Council in 2022. “Thirty Democrats joined Republicans because supporting police officers and public safety is not a partisan issue—it’s common sense,” said Joe Cameron, CEO of Modern Fortis. “We thank Congressman Garbarino for his leadership, and we look forward to reinstating key protections for our MPD officers, so they can keep us safe.” H.R. 2096 now heads to the U.S. Senate, and Modern Fortis urges swift action so the measure can be sent to President Donald J. Trump to be signed into law. Modern Fortis continues to chart new maps in the public safety sectorâturning advocacy into action and ensuring that the voices of Americaâs law enforcement professionals and those who support them are heard at every level of government. Contact Details Modern Fortis Joe Cameron +1 202-800-1015 joe@modernfortis.com

June 12, 2025 08:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Super Football Conference and Accelerate Sports Ventures Launch SFC Network

Accelerate Sports Ventures

The Super Football Conference—the largest high school football conference in the country—in collaboration with Accelerate Sports Ventures, one of the leading NIL strategy, revenue generation and, innovation advisory firms for colleges and high schools, announced the launch of the SFC Network, the official streaming home for premier high school football starting in New Jersey. Recognized as one of the top high school football conferences in the nation, The SFC Network will stream coverage of New Jersey’s top-tier programs including, Bergen Catholic, Delbarton, Paramus Catholic, St. Joseph Regional, Don Bosco, Seton Hall Prep, St. Peter’s Prep, Pope John, DePaul, and others. “We know how important New Jersey high school football is in our communities and can’t wait for our student-athletes, coaches, parents, alumni, and fans to experience the SFC Network,” said SFC President Tom Mullahey. In partnership with the new venture with the Super Football Conference, Accelerate Sports Ventures will strategically advise the league by creating the operational engine behind the streaming platform. This includes securing corporate partnerships and investing capital as well as executing strategic branding and marketing efforts for the platform. In addition, Accelerate will also work with technology and production partners to deliver the highest quality production and customer experience. “Now is absolutely the perfect time to launch the SFC Network,” said Doug Fillis, CEO of Accelerate Sports Ventures. “With the evolution of NIL and college football programs on the verge of revenue sharing, we must deliver a high-quality production so student-athletes in the SFC can take advantage of these new opportunities. The SFC Network and the high-quality content will not only help athletes find opportunities with NIL and revenue-sharing at the next level but also help players begin building their personal brands.” The SFC and Accelerate have partnered with Varsity Media, a leading high school sports production company based in Long Island to produce each game. Hudl, the industry leader in sports technology, will act as the technology backbone of the platform for subscribers to watch on SuperFootballConferenceNetwork.com. “The game production that Varsity Media will deliver for SFC athletes will be outstanding. They bring a first-class reputation from the work they’ve done in Long Island and beyond,” the conference said. “Each game will feature professional announcers, multiple camera operators, a scoreboard, graphics, and a sideline reporter.” Fans who subscribe to the network will receive access to a minimum of 40 games this fall, available both live and on-demand. Additional shoulder programming will be announced at a later date. Season passes are available now with promo code SFC for $79 at SuperFootballConferenceNetwork.com. ABOUT ACCELERATE SPORTS VENTURES Accelerate Sports Ventures is one of the leading NIL strategy, revenue generation, and innovation advisory firms for colleges and high schools. Accelerate works directly with premier collegiate brands Penn State, Boston College, UConn, Utah and NC State among others to provide strategy and advice on executing the most complex issues involving NIL, revenue sharing infrastructure, revenue generation, and strategic and corporate partnerships. For more information visit: https://www.acceleratesportsventures.com/. Contact Details Digital Sport by Hot Paper Lantern Sterling A. Randle srandle@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://www.acceleratesportsventures.com/

June 11, 2025 10:50 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Sheon Karol Joins West Lane Partners as Senior Advisor

West Lane Partners

West Lane Partners, a private equity firm focused on special situations in middle market companies spanning healthcare, tech, financial services and industrials, is pleased to announce that Sheon Karol, a nationally recognized investment banker and restructuring advisor, has joined the firm as a Senior Advisor. Mr. Karol brings over three decades of experience in investment banking, restructuring, and senior corporate leadership, with deep expertise in complex M&A, capital raises, and operational turnarounds. Skilled in de-risking situations, he brings a flexible yet disciplined approach that favors iterative decision-making over rigid or binary choices. His ability to surface a range of strategic options, often under pressure, has made him a trusted advisor to owners navigating both opportunity and uncertainty. His contributions to the field have earned national recognition, including the “Boutique Investment Banker of the Year” award from the Atlas Awards. “Sheon and I have been in the trenches together on complex deals. He’s masterful at aligning stakeholders, cutting through noise, and adapting in real time to keep transactions on course. Where others see roadblocks, he sees possibility—and responds with clarity and flexibility,” said Deryck Palmer, Founder and Managing Partner at West Lane Partners. “His dynamic approach, experience, and deep market insight into the industries on which we’re focused, and an instinct for what owners value most, makes him an exceptional addition to our firm.” “I think of the middle market as the river less fished” said Mr. Karol. “Middle market companies are often overlooked, undercapitalized, and underserved by institutional talent. At West Lane Partners, our focus on investments between $25 million and $75 million is about more than deal size—it’s about bringing high-caliber insight to businesses at pivotal moments and tailoring strategic options to match the evolving goals of owners and the realities of the market. The result is not just getting deals done, but generating long-term value others might miss.” Mr. Palmer added, “I’ve always been impressed by Sheon’s expertise, creativity, positivity and determination to get the best for his clients. These qualities enable him to inexorably bring difficult situations to their best possible conclusion and there are few who bring such capabilities to the middle market.” About Sheon Karol Mr. Karol has advised on high-stakes transactions across a myriad of industries in the middle market, including manufacturing, biotech, pharma, for-profit education, medical research, agriculture, consumer goods, food & grocery, sports, and technology. Mr. Karol has successfully executed a wide range of strategic transactions, including M&A advisory, capital raises, and restructurings, for both healthy and distressed businesses and their stakeholders. He has also served in executive capacities, including as Chief Restructuring Officer of a $1 billion company, for which he renegotiated the company's debt and avoided a bankruptcy filing. Many of Mr. Karol’s transactions, including Violin Memory and Peekay Boutiques, have won awards. He served as SVP of Winn-Dixie and managed the company's sale of assets in excess of $200 million and the disposition of 326 stores (in a 90-day period); guided the auction and sale of Farmland’s nitrogen fertilizer business that exceeded the “stalking horse” bid by $25 million; advised the CRO in the sale of the Texas Rangers baseball team; and advised foreign buyers in their U.S. expansion. Trustee positions include the Violin Memory and Lily Robotics Trusts. A middle market M&A thought leader, he writes and lectures widely, including on entrepreneurship, auction theory, sale processes, the middle market and foreign buyers. He holds FINRA SIE, Series 63 and Series 79 certifications. Mr. Karol received a J.D. from Yale Law School and a B.A. from Yeshiva College. About West Lane Partners West Lane Partners is a private equity firm whose senior leadership has over 150 years of collective restructuring and private equity experience working with underperforming, stressed and distressed companies across a range of industries in both large cap and middle market companies. In addition to providing capital, the firm combines decades of restructuring, private equity, legal and financial expertise to collaborate with management in developing and executing bespoke solutions that deliver mutually beneficial outcomes. Contact Details Curtis Johnson, Investor Relations +1 973-404-0999 cjohnson@westlanepartners.com Meir Kahtan Public Relations, LLC Meir Kahtan +1 917-864-0800 mkahtan@rcn.com Company Website https://www.westlanepartners.com

June 11, 2025 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

The NAVEX 2025 Regional Whistleblowing Benchmark Report Highlights the Rise in Anonymous Reports

NAVEX Global

NAVEX, the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software, announces the findings of its 2025 Regional Whistleblowing & Incident Management Benchmark Report. It features an in-depth analysis of 2.15 million reports (the highest level ever) from NAVEX customers that received 10 or more internal reports in 2024. The analysis and report cover over 4,000 organisations across Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), North America and South America, representing nearly 70 million employees covered by their programs. Key findings include: Report Volume: Organisations headquartered in North America received more than twice the report volume of those in Europe and Asia Pacific. When comparing 2023 and 2024, Europe saw the largest increase (0.49 to 0.67 reports per 100 employees) to the highest reporting levels seen for this region. It is notable that all four geographies in the NAVEX analysis have seen a general increase in median reports per 100 employees over the last four years. Case Closure Time: While organisations in Europe and APAC received fewer reports, they are taking far longer to investigate and close them with the highest median case closure times (Europe at 69 days, APAC at 56 days). In comparison, North America was at 19 days. This data may be influenced by differences in the types of reports received in each region. However, in all regions, regardless of the time to close a case, the substantiation rate of cases consistently ranged from 45% to 48%. It is important to highlight that nearly half of all reports received globally are substantiated. Time to Report: Organisations based in Europe and APAC saw a higher time difference between incident and report date (the number of days between when the matter occurred or was witnessed and when the report is filed). In Europe, the median time difference between the incident and the report was 13 days, for APAC it was 12. The time difference in North America was 8 days. This is important because reporters who delay reporting may fear retaliation or not know where to make the report. In addition, Europe, APAC, and South America had the highest median rates of anonymous reports (65%, 67%, and 70% respectively), compared to just over half (52%) in North America. Higher levels of anonymous reporting can also be an indication of fear of retaliation making this a metric to watch. Retaliation Cases: With the EU Directive’s focus on whistleblower protection, it is important to note that by headquarters region, Europe-based organisations substantiate retaliation cases at 32%, nearly double the rate of North America which achieved a four-year high of retaliation substantiation of 17% in 2024; APAC had a substantiation rate for retaliation reports of 28% for 2024. Reporting Channels: The NAVEX report looked at reports received via a phone channel (hotline), web-based reporting, and “other” which can be walk-ins to compliance or human resources. In North America, by frequency, the hotline is used for 31% of reports – significantly above Europe (18%) and even more than APAC (11%). Reporting by Ownership Type: Finally, new this year, NAVEX analysed internal reporting data for different structures of company ownership – publicly traded companies, private organisations, government entities and education entities – to show how reporting metrics differ within these groups with notable findings. Privately owned companies are more likely to substantiate reports across the board, with Europe and APAC at 50%, North America at 49%, and South America at 67% substantiated. Conversely, public companies’ substantiation rate was below 50% for all regions – Europe at 45%, APAC at 47%, North America at 42%, and South America at 43%. “Creating trusted channels for internal reporting is one of the most effective ways to prevent small issues from becoming major liabilities,” said Carrie Penman, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at NAVEX. “Organisations with robust internal and third-party reporting programs have real-time intelligence to understand emerging risk and cultural health within their workforce and supply chains.” For more exclusive insights, join the 2025 Regional Whistleblowing & Incident Management Benchmark Report webinar at 1pm BST on 5 June. Andy Noble, Head of Whistleblowing at NatWest Group, will be joined by NAVEX experts, Carrie Penman, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, and Jan Stappers, Director of Regulatory Solutions, to host an informative discussion on the results of this year’s analysis. Trusted by over 13,000 organizations, including 70 percent of Fortune 100 and 500 companies, NAVEX is the global leader in risk and compliance solutions. Its NAVEX One platform strengthens risk and compliance programs, empowering organizations with unparalleled industry benchmark data and insights. NAVEX One provides a 360-degree view of enterprise, third party and ecosystem risk for enhanced regulatory compliance and proactive risk management. Based in Lake Oswego, OR, with a global presence, NAVEX continues to shape the future of governance, risk and compliance. Visit our blog or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube. Contact Details NAVEX +1 617-388-5773 anita.lo@navex.com Company Website https://navex.com

June 03, 2025 07:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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