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Volatus Aerospace Provides Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Drones to Support Ukraine

Volatus Aerospace Corp.

Volatus Aerospace Corp. (TSXV:VOL, OTCQB:VLTTF) ("Volatus" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has begun delivery of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (“ISR”) drones to a consortium of organizations that are focused upon the three critical areas of support to Ukraine: medical supplies, non-lethal military equipment, and assistance to displaced persons. In addition to the ISR unmanned aircraft, Volatus is providing anti-drone systems and training. Under the terms of various supply agreements, Volatus has made initial shipments to humanitarian organizations like Mriya Aid, and Second Front Ukraine Foundation - a registered Canadian not-for-profit corporation working with trusted partners across North America and in Ukraine to deliver goods necessary to protect the lives of Ukrainians in the face of Russian aggression. To meet the growing need for this equipment, Volatus is prepared to fulfill continuing requirements for its products. Volatus CEO, Glen Lynch, commented: "We are honoured and proud to support Second Front, Mriya Aid, and others. This technology provides accurate real-time intelligence while reducing risk to the people who have chosen to serve, and, as recent videos have highlighted, civilians who are at significant risk." Source: Volatus Aerospace Corp. TSXV: VOL About Volatus Aerospace: Volatus Aerospace Corp. is a leading provider of integrated drone solutions throughout Canada, the United States, Latin America and most recently in Europe. 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 Information: 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 Volatus Aerospace Rob Walker +1 514-447-7986 rob.walker@volatusaerospace.com Company Website https://volatusaerospace.com

April 11, 2022 07:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Kivvit Earns Top 5 Spot In Multiple Specialty Categories In O’Dwyer’s 2022 Rankings

Kivvit

Kivvit previously announced it once again ranked among the top 20 largest firms overall, driven by revenue growth of 12.9% to $39.8 million last year. The latest specialty rankings from O’Dwyer’s showcase Kivvit’s leadership in a diverse array of categories, demonstrating our depth across critical industries and issue areas, as well as our ability to apply innovative approaches and achieve outcomes in any context. Kivvit landed in the top 5 for the following specialty categories: #1 Real Estate Finance & Development #2 Energy #2 Non-Profit #3 Education #4 Purpose/Corporate Social Responsibility “From wind and solar to transmission or utilities, Kivvit teams worked with clients in every area of clean energy in 2021. We also supported a number of innovative companies in the greentech space that are helping support the transition to a clean energy economy,” said Maura Farrell, Managing Director and co-leader of Kivvit’s energy working group, which convenes subject matter experts from across the firm to address the industry’s most pressing issues. “We are so proud to work in this industry during this most dynamic time.” “2021 was the year for colleges and universities to get their students back on campus after the turmoil of 2020. Higher education took the largest hit to their revenue model since the financial crisis. Through Kivvit’s crisis communications capabilities, reputation management insights, and an “audience first” approach to student enrollment, we worked with elite universities and access oriented colleges and universities to boost enrollment with innovative advertising and creative content to help them stand out from their peer institutions.” said Managing Director Kent Holland, who co-leads Kivvit’s higher education working group. Kivvit also achieved top rankings in several other categories, including Environment, Sustainability, and Greentech (#6); Sports (#6); Automotive and Transportation (#7); Industrial (#10); and Healthcare (#18). 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 Non Profits, #2 for Energy, #3 for Corporate Social Responsibility, #3 for Real Estate, and #4 for Education. 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 07, 2022 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Minuteman Press Franchise in Bath, England Moves to New Location, Lands Bath City FC Sponsorship

Minuteman Press International Inc

After 23 years in business and now entering their 24 th year, the long-time Minuteman Press franchise in Bath England has moved to a beautiful new location located on Pines Way Industrial Estate in central Bath. Since the move, Minuteman Press in Bath has nearly doubled production capacity and produced quicker turnaround times for their clients. In what has been a busy year for Minuteman Press in Bath, they have also landed a back of shirt sponsorship for Bath City FC. Throughout the 2021/2022 season, Minuteman Press in Bath has had their logo on player uniforms to increase their brand awareness and visibility. Managing Director David Ghent and Marketing Director Dave Dixon talk about the history of the business as well as what the future holds for Minuteman Press in Bath. What is the history of the business? Dave Dixon: “It all started in 1998 when our MD David Ghent had a vision to provide the best printing services in Bath. He saw a gap in the market for a city-centre location to offer on-site print and copying services. We’ve since outgrown our Walcot Street site and have developed into a commercial, print and signage service in our new facility at Pines Way.” How has the business grown and what are the keys to your success? David Ghent: “For us it’s always been about putting our customers first. We like to help them stretch their marketing budgets as far as possible. Sometimes it’s not about finding the cheapest option, it’s about the maximum return on investment. The success of our customer base is our success. We still have customers today that placed their first orders back in 1998!” What would you say have been the major changes to the printing industry over the past decade? Dave Dixon: “Speed and print enhancements! Sure, if you want a simple brochure to go through the door or get picked up with a load of other flyers that’s great, we can produce thousands of those and you’ll get a small percentage return rate. However, we find that once we add a spot of gloss, gold ink or foil it stands out from the crowd. We’ve also invested heavily over the years in the most up to date technology and most reliable kit to ensure that we can produce great results on time and quickly. After all you’ve seen it on your screen and you are keen to have it in your hand.” How do you set yourself apart from the competition especially online suppliers? David Ghent: “Online print is great if you want cheap bulk printing and you’re 100 percent sure that your artwork is designed well, you’re not too concerned about the final colours and you don’t need any advice or are not expecting a long term relationship with a local supplier. Most of our clients value business relationships and like to discuss their print job and how they might make it look as good as possible. Alongside that excellent level of customer service, we are also able to meet almost any deadline; most of our work is produced the same day on site here at Pines Way, with real people checking your artwork, colours and print quality. We are also a one stop shop. We will deal with your business forms, flyers and brochures, and we can also produce shop signage, vehicle graphics and exhibition displays. You really don’t need to go to many sources for your marketing materials. That’s how we differentiate ourselves.” How did you adapt over the past two years and diversify your offerings? Dave Dixon: “We very soon discovered the joy of floor and wall graphics! We did a little but of that pre-pandemic, but then we had to take it to another level. Our Large Format Studio Manager was in fact working hard during the first lockdown producing a catalogue with a full range of social distancing signage. We also had to test the materials to ensure that they were safe enough for installation on the ground – we really didn’t want people slipping on our floor graphics! We produced thousands of linear metres of floor and wall graphics. We continue to do so now, but for marketing purposes rather than safety.” Why did you decide to move to your new location and what does it mean for your clients and your future? David Ghent: “In reality, we outgrew Walcot Street and we really could not reach our full potential there. The new location represents a €1 million investment in the business. We have two of Xerox’s top end presses and we have added the full range of specialty colours to those, this includes white, fluorescent, gold, silver and clear toners, the range of colours we can really achieve is impressive. We’ve added short run foiling in house and of course our huge vehicle bay means that we can now do signwriting on cars and vans. Our signage team is expanding our offerings further. Interiors will be a big growth area for us including printed graphics on walls, floors, and windows. Window blinds are very popular at the moment and a really cost-effective way to keep your branding visible.” What makes you most proud as you reflect on the past 24 years? Dave Dixon: “We are proud of our level of customer retention. We work closely with our client base to ensure that they are always happy. We are also always happy to give back to our local community through supporting charities and clubs with free or heavy discounted pricing, as well as being proud to be a local business taking part in the civic life of our city.” What’s next for Minuteman Press in Bath? David Ghent: “We are in the right premises at last, so we now need to consolidate and plan for expansion. We need to continue strengthening our print and signage offerings and ensure that we are seen locally as Bath’s number one printer, as well as growing our online sales.” For more information on Minuteman Press in Bath, England, visit https://minutemanbath.co.uk. Learn more about Minuteman Press UK franchise opportunities at https://minutemanpressfranchise.co.uk. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

April 06, 2022 10:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Ukraine and Libya conflicts microcosms for upending today's world order

Morgan Marketing & Communications

Speakers JASON PACK ( Senior Analyst at the NATO Foundation and President of Libya-Analysis LLC ) and Ambassador Jonathan Winer (Former US Special Envoy to Libya and Non Resident Fellow at the Middle East Institute) will be illuminating today's dis-order in today's geopolitics at the National Press Club in Washington, DC on the occasion of the launch of Mr. Pack's new work, Libya and the Global Enduring Disorder, being held on Monday, April 11th from 3-5PM in the Zenger Room. The world seems to have gone directly from a hegemonic US-led international system to an interregnum in global order. The traditional phase of multipolarity—or a restoration of the balance of power, or even a struggle among rival systems of order, has been skipped. Jason Pack's Libya and the Global Enduring Disorder (Hurst/Oxford University Press) presents the Libya and Ukraine conflicts as an ideal microcosms for examining the collective action failures typical of our new geopolitics. Jonathan Winer's Afterword contextualizes what the Libya conflict reveals about today's international arena. Their talk is an examination of the current state of the world and American and Western policy towards key geostrategic hotspots framed in light of Jason Pack's Enduring Disorder concept. Broadening out from the discoveries of his core research on Libya, he will discuss how the West's response to the Ukraine crisis highlights where today's geopolitics seem to be headed -- bringing into sharp focus the need for a Western-led, rules-based global order. For more background on the book's main argument and its applicability to the current Ukraine crisis consult, Jason's recent pieces in New Lines Magazine Why Putin Is Playing Poker, Not Chess or with Foreign Policy ' Libya’s Chaos Is a Warning to the World '. For Mr Pack's, argument for a more robust transatlantic approach to order the current disorder, see his: When the US shrinks from the stage, things fall apart --- lead article Boston Globe IDEAS Section. For more information on the event, go to https://www.press.org/events/ukraine-libya-and-global-enduring-disorder Morgan Marketing and Communications is a client-based, retained marketing and communications agency in the maritime industry committed to providing its clients with the highest quality professional marketing and communications services available. Our mission is to partner with our clients to meet their needs, and exceed their goals. Contact Details Morgan Marketing & Communications Carleen Lyden Walker +1 203-260-0480 c.walker@morganmarketcomm.com Company Website https://morganmarketcomm.com/

April 05, 2022 04:12 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Kivvit Named Finalist in 26 Categories at the 2022 Reed Awards

Kivvit

Kivvit has been named a finalist in 26 categories at Campaigns & Elections magazine’s 2022 Reed Awards, including Public Affairs Firm of the Year. The firm’s client work has also been shortlisted for a wide range of notable awards, including Best Public Affairs Campaign, Best Online Advertising Campaign, Most Daring and Successful Tactic, as well as categories spanning television, radio, social media and digital, media buying, and more. Taken together, these recognitions demonstrate Kivvit’s versatility, creativity, and commitment to innovation across formats, tactics, and sectors. The winners will be announced at the 2022 Reed Awards & Conference on May 4 th & 5 th in Nashville, TN. Below are all of the categories Kivvit was shortlisted for: Overall Public Affairs Firm of the Year Best Public Affairs Campaign Best Online Advertising Campaign Most Daring And Successful Tactic Best Radio Ad Best Online Video – Public Affairs Digital Advertising & Targeting: Best Use of OTT - Connected TV Advertising & Targeting: Best Use of a Social Platform Online Video: Most Original Online Video Online Video: Best Online Video Series Online Video: Best Online Video - 30 Seconds or Under Online Video: Best Online Video - Snackable (6 Seconds or Under) Online Video: Best Online Video for Public Affairs Campaign or Issue Advocacy – Infrastructure Online Video: Best Online Video for Independent Expenditure Online Video: Best Online Video for Public Affairs Campaign or Issue Advocacy - Public Health (COVID) Online Video: Best Use of 360, VR or AR Television Best TV Ad for Public Affairs Campaign or Issue Advocacy - Public Health Best TV Ad for Independent Expenditure Campaign – Mayoral Best Spanish Language TV Ad Best TV Ad - 15 Seconds Best TV Ad - 30 Seconds Radio & Podcasts Best Use of Radio Targeting Best Radio Ad for Public Affairs/Issue Advocacy Campaign or Ballot Initiative Media Buying Most Innovative or Layered Media-Mix OTT & CTV Best OTT/CTV Video for Public Affairs Campaign or Issue Advocacy Best OTT/CTV Video for Independent Expenditure 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 Non-profits, #2 for Energy, #3 for Education, and #4 for Purpose & CSR. 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 05, 2022 02:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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ShipIn Systems Secures Funding for Innovative Visual Fleet Management Platform from Munich Re Ventures

ShipIn

ShipIn Systems, the world’s first Visual Fleet Management Platform, today announced an investment by Munich Re Ventures, the venture capital arm of Munich Re Group, one of the world’s leading providers of reinsurance, primary insurance, and insurance-related risk solutions. “By partnering with Munich Re Ventures, we are helping to build a safer and more productive future for the maritime industry,” said Osher Perry, Co-Founder and CEO of ShipIn Systems. “The reality is that as ships are getting bigger, crew are getting smaller. ShipIn’s mission is to give seafarers the advanced digital tools required to do their jobs better and fleet managers the experience and benefits of working ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ with their seaborne teams. We believe every ship will have Visual Fleet Management in the near future.” By deploying AI-powered cameras and real-time visual analytics, ShipIn proactively alerts shipowners, managers, and seafarers to onboard anomalies around bridge activities, safety and security, cargo operations and maintenance. With real-time notifications, benchmarking of vessel performance, and remote audits, ShipIn delivers a reduction of 40% in incidents and increase of cargo operations efficiency by 8%, directly improving financial performance of global fleets. "By investing in ShipIn, Munich Re Ventures has clearly shown their belief in the platform and the power it has to reduce incidents onboard ships, making voyages safer with AI technology,” said Dr. Kirsi Tikka, ShipIn Advisor and Maritime Leader. “I can foresee a future where having ShipIn onboard may reduce the cost of insurance for ship owners and will benefit the insurance industry as well." The maritime industry transports more than 90% of the world’s goods and energy, accounting for $14 trillion in world trade. The partnership with Munich Re Ventures will support ShipIn’s expansion, broadening access to Visual Fleet Management for fleets worldwide. “ShipIn’s patented platform brings the vision and capability to support the broader digitalization of the marine and cargo shipping industry,” said Timur Davis, Investment Principal, Munich Re Ventures. “We see this trend as an important enabler for marine organizations to make more informed decisions in managing assets at sea. Munich Re Ventures looks forward to collaborating with ShipIn to reduce incidents on a ship, improve overall safety and operations, and ensure effective and timely resolution to on-board incidents.” With more than $1 billion in assets under management, Munich Re Ventures invests in the most innovative startups engaged in developing new technologies and business models that will transform the future of risk and risk transfer. With its inaugural maritime investment, Munich Re Ventures supports a future of marine insurance and reinsurance driven by ShipIn’s innovative AI solutions to de-risk the future of transportation. “It’s clear to see the potential in ShipIn’s advanced AI technology for the maritime industry.” said Ronald Kargl, Chief Underwriting Officer for Marine Reinsurance, Munich Re. “We’re excited to see a solution that can make shipping safer for all onboard.” ShipIn Systems is the world’s first Visual Fleet Management Platform, enabling seamless ship-to-shore collaboration for maritime fleets. By deploying AI-powered cameras and real-time visual analytics, ShipIn’s platform proactively alerts shipowners, managers, and seafarers to onboard anomalies, reducing incidents onboard and increasing cargo operations efficiency. Creating a digital bridge between ship and shore, ShipIn provides objective insights into safety, security, cargo operations, maintenance, and more. With all tracking rolling up to an analytics dashboard, the platform makes it easy to benchmark performance, conduct remote audits, and improve the operational ROI of your entire fleet. Learn more at ShipIn.ai. Contact Details ShipIn Carleen Lyden Walker +1 203-260-0480 c.walker@morganmarketcomm.com

April 05, 2022 12:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Stagwell’s (STGW) Flagship Media Agency Assembly Selected by Lenovo as Global Agency of Record For EMEA, North America, & Latin America

Assembly

Global omnichannel agency Assembly has been named a Media Agency of Record for Lenovo, one of the world’s largest technology companies. Assembly will lead Lenovo’s full-funnel paid media program for its consumer (including Yoga and Lenovo Legion gaming), commercial (including ThinkPad), and small and medium-sized business segments (including ThinkBook) across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Lenovo has brought Assembly on to strengthen its audience-centric and insight-led media approach, with an emphasis on data convergence, performance measurement, and technology, to drive greater marketing effectiveness. The appointment supports the operationalization of Lenovo’s global marketing strategy, which sees agency partners and Lenovo’s Global Media Strategy Center of Excellence working together in an innovative hybrid model. “As the technology and marketing industries undergo a profound transformation in an increasingly fragmented digital ecosystem, marketing needs to adapt and modernize as we navigate this new environment,” said Gina Qiao, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Lenovo. “We look forward to working with our new agency partners to continue innovating how and where we tell Lenovo’s vision of smarter technology for all, and to further advance the industry.” Lenovo represents one of the world’s widest portfolio of technology devices, solutions and services, with a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, from smarter supply chains to human-centered technology that improves the lives of communities everywhere. “It's such an exciting time to partner with Lenovo. With huge opportunities for transformation and growth, we look forward to bringing data, technology, and omnichannel media solutions to Lenovo’s global marketing strategy,” said James Townsend, Global CEO of Assembly and Global CEO of Stagwell Media Network. “This is a partnership aligned in the ambition to continue transforming marketing and we’re grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the whole Lenovo team.” Assembly is part of Stagwell, the challenger network built to transform marketing. “Lenovo is a world-class, globally-recognized brand, and we look forward to growing their business and transforming their marketing capabilities for the future,” said Mark Penn, Stagwell CEO and Chairman. Assembly’s appointment is effective April 2022. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. ABOUT ASSEMBLY: Assembly is made of the ingredients of the modern agency, bringing together data, talent, and technology to deliver a connected set of solutions for media + more to the best brands on the planet. We're home to more than 1,500 of the industry's top talent, who bring unmatched global omnichannel media expertise + data, technology, and business consulting capabilities that help brands find the change that fuels growth. Assembly is a proud member of Stagwell, the challenger network built to transform marketing. Visit www.assemblyglobal.com for more information. ABOUT LENOVO: Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$60 billion revenue Fortune Global 500 company serving customers in 180 markets around the world. Focused on a bold vision to deliver smarter technology for all, we are developing world-changing technologies that power (through devices and infrastructure) and empower (through solutions, services and software) millions of customers every day and together create a more inclusive, trustworthy and sustainable digital society for everyone, everywhere. To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com and read about the latest news via our StoryHub. ABOUT STAGWELL: Stagwell is the challenger network built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world's most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing. Led by entrepreneurs, our 10,000+ specialists in 34+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for their clients. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com. ABOUT STAGWELL MEDIA NETWORK: Stagwell’s Media Network is a group of leading multichannel agencies home to more than 3,000 experts with an expansive global footprint across 40+ offices in 20 countries, managing close to $5 billion in media. Agencies include Assembly, MMI Agency, Goodstuff and Grason, creative consultancy GALE, B2B specialist Multiview, multi-lingual content agency Locaria, and travel and media experts Ink. The network offers marketers a more dynamic partner for global B2B and B2C solutions spanning data, technology, media, and creativity aimed at accelerating business growth for brands worldwide. Contact Details Assembly Sara Pollack, VP of Marketing +1 917-438-4922 sara.pollack@assemblyglobal.com Company Website https://www.assemblyglobal.com/

April 04, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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ECI Report Shows That the Size of an Organization Affects Reporting of Misconduct and Efficacy of Ethics & Compliance Programs

Ethics & Compliance Initiative

The Ethics & Compliance Initiative™ ( ECI™ ) has released a report that shows that ethics & compliance (E&C) programs operate differently in small- and medium-sized organizations compared to large enterprises. The strength of an E&C program is critical to decreasing the likelihood of misconduct, increasing reporting of misconduct and decreasing retaliation in an organization. The report - State of Ethics & Compliance in the Workplace, Differences between Small, Medium and Large Enterprises - outlined seven key findings, including that ethical culture strength is similar, regardless of the organization’s size; E&C program elements are increasingly embedded as organizational size increases; and employees at medium-sized and large organizations are better prepared to handle potential misconduct. Other key findings showed that – although all organizations can benefit from an enhanced E&C program to temper pressure and misconduct – medium-sized organizations have a more urgent need to develop their E&C programs if they are not already formalized. “In medium-sized organizations that are transitioning to a large-sized enterprise, more employees feel pressure, and observe misconduct and perceive retaliation after reporting misconduct compared with employees in small- and large-sized enterprises,” said Evren Esen, ECI Vice President of Research & Analytics at ECI. "Medium-sized organizations often still have the advantage of being nimble, agile and more interconnected. They may need, however, to establish ethical practices and programs that are more sophisticated and have a broader reach.” “ECI encourages organizations that are growing to be aware of a ‘tipping point’ at which informal ways of doing things give way to formal programming and support to help guide employees on workplace ethics standards and how to address wrongdoing,” Esen concluded. The State of Ethics & Compliance in the Workplace, Differences between Small, Medium and Large Enterprises report examines data from the ECI’s Global Business Ethics Survey® (GBES®). Data from more than 5,000 employees in the United States were analyzed by the size of the enterprise in which they work (i.e., organizational staff size). For the purposes of the report, small-, medium- and large-staff-sized organizations were defined by the following categories: Small organizations: Fewer than 500 employees Medium organizations: 500 to 999 employees Large organizations: 1,000 or more employees Results discussed include ethical culture strength and four major ethics outcomes that are connected to E&C program implementation: pressure, observed misconduct, reporting misconduct and retaliation. Additional comparisons are made to show the impact of a strong versus a weak ethical culture on ethics outcomes. ECI will hold an ECI Live event during which E&C professionals will discuss the State of Ethics & Compliance in the Workplace, Differences between Small, Medium and Large Enterprises report. The event is scheduled for April 27, 2022, and panelists include Alistair Raymond, VP and Chief Compliance officer, AVANGRID; and Elizabeth Simon, VP of Compliance for FirstKey Homes. Register for the event here. The Business Ethics Resource Center (BERC), powered by U.S. Bank; and the Melrose & The Toro Company Center for Principled Leadership at the Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, Minnesota funded the report. About ECI Established in 1922, the Ethics & Compliance Initiative™ (ECI™) comprises the two oldest nonprofits in the ethics & compliance industry; the Ethics Resource Center® (d.b.a. the Ethics Research Center) and the Ethics & Compliance Officer Association (d.b.a. the Ethics & Compliance Association). Through its research, ECI identifies the practices that improve ethics & compliance program effectiveness and build institutional culture strength. As an association, ECI brings together ethics & compliance professionals and academics from all over the world to share techniques, resources and exciting new ideas. ECI also has an established track record of providing support to organizations seeking to transform their cultures, often in the wake of significant challenges with noncompliance. Contact Details Florence Sumaray +1 301-717-9063 florence@ethics.org Company Website https://www.ethics.org

April 01, 2022 02:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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WATCHDOG GROUP SAYS FOREIGN AGENT INVESTIGATION OF HUNTER BIDEN SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO NONPROFIT GROUP AND UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

National Legal & Policy Center

The National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC), an ethics watchdog group, called upon U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware David C. Weiss to investigate the Truman National Security Project, the University of Pennsylvania and its Penn Biden Center to determine whether they violated the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) for engaging in political activities on behalf of Burisma and Chinese interests. Recent press reports indicate a Delaware grand jury is looking into possible violations of FARA by Hunter Biden, and whether foreign payments received from CEFC China Energy, which paid $4.8 million to entities controlled by Hunter Biden and his uncle, should have triggered registration. NLPC’s 12-page complaint originally filed in October 2020 with the Department of Justice’s FARA Unit, draws upon press reports and other evidence that disclose incriminating emails and text messages on Hunter Biden’s laptop computer and statements against Hunter and his father President Biden by Tony Bobulinski, Hunter’s partner on Burisma, the Ukrainian oil company. Bobulinski was interviewed by the FBI in a criminal investigation into activities that most likely involve money laundering, tax evasion, wire fraud, and other crimes, and implicates his uncle James Biden, and his father, President Biden. The complaint cites one such text message on May 1, 2017 by Hunter to Bobulinski regarding their Chinese energy client, CEFC, “We don’t want to have to register as foreign agents... which is much more expansive than people who should know choose not to know.” In another email dated April 17, 2015, Burisma’s Vadym Pozharski thanks Hunter for arranging a meeting with his father, who was then Vice President. Hunter served as a board member until 2019 on the liberal Truman National Security Project along with Sally Painter, COO of Blue Star Strategies, a lobbying firm retained by Burisma to promote its interests before the State Department. The Truman Project, which endorsed Kamala Harris in 2016 for her Senate race, failed to note on its 2017 tax filing that Hunter and Painter had a business relationship with each other through Burisma. Finally, NLPC demands that U.S. Attorney Weiss investigate the source of over $22 million in anonymous donations from China to the University of Pennsylvania and its Penn Biden Center that may have been earmarked to promote Chinese interests and thus trigger registration as foreign agent. NLPC’s complaint cited prior FARA rulings in similar cases. “Hunter Biden did not act alone in a crack-induced fog. He was part of a network of individuals and institutions that received millions from foreign interests,” said NLPC Chairman, Peter Flaherty. “U.S. Attorney Weiss should pursue the larger Biden family influence-selling operation without any political pressure from the Merrick Garland Justice Department,” said Paul Kamenar, NLPC’s counsel who drafted the complaint. Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education, and legal action. www.nlpc.org. Contact Details Paul Kamenar +1 301-257-9435 paul.kamenar@gmail.com Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

April 01, 2022 12:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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