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MarketFinance Business Booster Fund announces first winners of grants

Stockwood Strategy

Fintech business lender MarketFinance has today made three grants of £5,000 each to winners of the MarketFinance Business Booster Fund. Over 500 virtual pitches were received and 5 were shortlisted. These businesses were put to a social media vote before three winners were selected. The three winning entries came from ethical breastfeeding clothing brand The Bshirt, smart food labelling specialist BlakBear and independent children’s literacy charity The Economist Educational Foundation. Inner city young people’s charity XLP and creative agency Collaborative Creations were the other two businesses to make the shortlist. Anil Stocker, CEO of MarketFinance commented: “We launched this initiative as a small boost to help the successful businesses pivot, scale or grow in 2021. We want to support more of the UK’s hardest working and most exciting SMEs. In addition to the grant, we will offer the time and skills of our expert staff to help their leadership teams. Whether they need tech, marketing, finance or communications support, we will provide the resources to help them get to where they want to go. The winners' applications were highly commended and we wish them all the very best for the year ahead. ” On being the first beneficiaries of grants from the MarketFinance Booster Fund, the winners’ comments: Lisa Lessaware, co-founder of The Bshirt said: “This means so much to our business. This grant will be used to launch exciting new ethical products to help women breastfeed more comfortably and ultimately for longer.” Michael Kasimatis, co-founder at BlakBear said: “We’re thrilled to receive this grant. It will help drive the technical and regulatory development. Initiatives like this truly help deliver research and innovation to the market. Thank you, MarketFinance". Harriet Boland, Fundraising & Partnerships manager, at The Economist Educational Foundation said: “We are delighted to receive a grant from the MarketFinance business booster fund! This money will help us grow and reach thousands more young people and enable them to have inspiring discussions about current affairs in schools." The Business Booster Fund was established in December 2020 and forms part of a commitment from MarketFinance to SMEs. The Fund makes grants of £5,000 available to UK small businesses, along with expert advice from MarketFinance’s team. The fund has been designed to develop innovative entrepreneurs even further. MarketFinance looked for entrepreneurs that represent our community as a whole, and is keen to support companies that value diversity, inclusion and giving back. Anil Stocker added: “We know that the winners, and all SMEs in general, face challenging times as we deal with both the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic challenges ahead. For that reason, it has been exciting to see a very wide range of innovative approaches from so many applicants to grow their businesses. It was difficult to narrow the awards down to a small number of outstanding winners and we look forward to supporting them with a variety of talent and resources at MarketFinance”. ENDS About MarketFinance MarketFinance is a business finance company with offices in London and Manchester. The online platform enables businesses to access a range of flexible finance solutions - quickly and easily. This smart technology is backed by help from real people so business owners can save time and focus on growing their business. Since 2011, MarketFinance has advanced over £3 billion to companies across a range of sizes and sectors, providing working capital and finance for everything from paying staff and suppliers to launching new products or services and accelerating growth. MarketFinance is backed by Barclays, Santander InnoVentures, European venture capital fund Northzone (invested in Klarna, iZettle and Trustpilot), and private equity group MCI Capital (also invested in iZettle, Azimo and Gett). Contact Details MarketFinance Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@marketfinance.com Company Website https://marketfinance.com/

February 03, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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A Toast to the Big Game: Celebrate the Big Game from Home and Help Out Local Businesses While You Do

YourUpdateTV

On a night when many would typically be flocking to their favorite bars and restaurants to watch the Big Game, this year will be a little different. Recently, Emily Arseneau, Director for Collectif 1806, teamed with Cointreau and YourUpdateTV on a satellite media tour to discuss what people can do to support local bars and restaurants. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/6yqrz1ggz1k It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a calamitous effect on local bars and restaurants, with the industry facing a long road to recovery. 1 in 6 restaurants have closed since March and 85% of local establishments are still at risk for permanent closure. Local bars and restaurants and their staff are core to the memorable experiences we all hold near and dear and these cherished establishments remain at risk for closures and jobs lost. So, on one of the biggest nights of the year, Cointreau is lending its microphone and raising awareness for the industry with its first ever Big Game campaign in partnership with the Independent Restaurant Coalition for “Love Letter,” which encourages people to express gratitude to their favorite places on social media. It’s a testament to our love for the industry and we’re looking forward to seeing love letters from people nationwide. For everyone enjoying the game at home this year, try the Original Margarita with Cointreau. It’s easy to make and will be sure to elevate any game day celebration. Here’s how to do it: Ingredients: 1 oz Cointreau 2 oz Blanco Tequila 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice Steps: Combine all ingredients in a shaker and add ice Shake and strain into a salt-rimmed rocks glass Garnish with a lime wheel For more information, visit Cointreau.com/SaveRestaurants About Emily Arseneau: Based in NYC, Emily Arseneau is the Director for Collectif 1806, Remy-Cointreau USA's flagship bartender engagement program. Emily has consulted on concepts and menus all across the United States and has been a guest on streaming platforms for Bustle, Refinery 29, and more as a cocktail expert. She has hosted cocktail master classes throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and China. Emily and her creations have been featured in publications such as Food & Wine, Modern Luxury, American Airlines Magazine, and Liquor.com. Currently, her career focuses on people management and the development and recommendation of incredible heritage brands. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

February 01, 2021 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Taste of the NFL Goes Virtual to Feed 30 Million School Kids

YourUpdateTV

America’s children are facing a severe hunger crisis, which has been made worse by the pandemic. Nearly 1 in 4 U.S. children under the age of 18 are food insecure – they wake up hungry every day. For many kids, school meals are the only adequate meal they get each day. To help, GENYOUth has partnered with the 30th Annual Taste of the NFL event taking place on Super Bowl Sunday (February 7th). Recently, Alexis Glick, the CEO of GENYouth teamed with celebrity chefs Tim Love and Andrew Zimmern on a satellite media tour to discuss the important initiative. GENYOUth, the nationally recognized leader in creating healthier school communities, is helping schools feed America’s kids. GENYOUth’s COVID-19 Emergency School Meal Delivery Fund has raised over $10.5 million to support 8,800 schools with grants to fund their emergency meal delivery programs. Live from the Tampa Bay Super Bowl, Taste of the NFL @Home will feature super chefs like Carla Hall, Tim Love, Andrew Zimmern and Lasheeda Perry as they help viewers plan the perfect game day menu at home. The purpose is to help provide funds to schools across the country and specifically in your community. The event will also include chalk talk with legendary athletes with experience performing on the biggest stage. “A Hunger to Win” will be hosted by three-time Emmy-award winning broadcaster, James “JB” Brown, host of “The NFL Today” on CBS-TV, “Inside the NFL” on Showtime, Special Correspondent for CBS News and GENYOUth board member. This engaging and entertaining “Chalk Talk” will offer Taste of the NFL livestream viewers a candid conversation with three of the world’s top athletes. Joining Mr. Brown will be two-time Super Bowl-Winning Quarterback, Peyton Manning, five-time World Series Champion, Derek Jeter, and decorated U.S. boxer, Claressa Shields. For information on how to get involved, please visit tasteofthenfl.com About Alexis Glick: A veteran media executive, television personality and former Wall Street executive, Glick helped launch the Fox Business Network, the largest cable news launch in history, where she served as Vice President of Business News and anchored “Money for Breakfast” and “The Opening Bell” before taking on the role of CEO at GENYOUth. GENYOUth, a nonprofit organization, Glick created in partnership with the NFL, all 32 NFL teams, and America’s dairy farmers, is the largest in-school health and wellness program in the nation whose mission is to create healthier school communities. Glick recruited a world-class board of directors comprised of some of the nation’s most powerful leaders in business, sports, academia and politics. GENYOUth supports 40 million kids daily in 73,000 of our nation’s schools and has raised well over $100M in funds for schools. Glick has been called one of the top “business of philanthropy rock stars” by Forbes. About Andrew Zimmern: An Emmy winner and four-time James Beard Award-winning TV personality, chef, writer and teacher, Andrew Zimmern is regarded as one of the most knowledgeable personalities in the food world. In February 2020, Andrew returned to television with What’s Eating America, which premiered on MSNBC, and in 2021, he will premiere Family Dinner on Chip & Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Network.As the creator, executive producer and host of Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods franchise, Andrew Zimmern’s Driven by Food and Emmy award-winning The Zimmern List, he has devoted his life to exploring and promoting cultural acceptance, tolerance and understanding through food. About Tim Love: Chef Tim Love is known as much for his vibrant personality as he is for his signature urban western cuisine, creating inspired and innovative dishes that have earned critical and popular acclaim. With restaurants spanning the nation from Seattle to Knoxville, Love’s roots remain in Texas, where he is chef and owner of seven beloved Texas restaurants. Host of CNBC’s show Restaurant Startup, he and co-host Joe Bastianich vie against each other to invest their own money in restaurant concepts they believe will make them millions. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

February 01, 2021 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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JUDGE SLAPS WRIST OF FORMER FBI ATTORNEY KEVIN CLINSEMITH WITH PROBATION FOR ALTERING CIA EMAIL TO SPY ON CARTER PAGE

National Legal & Policy Center

Federal Judge James E. Boasberg, who also presides over the secret Foreign Surveillance Intelligence Court (FISC), sentenced former FBI attorney Kevin Clinesmith to probation instead of prison as he had requested at his sentencing hearing this morning. The National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC), an ethics watchdog group, filed a sentencing memorandum with the court earlier in the week calling upon the judge to incarcerate Clinesmith The government requested three-to-six month prison sentence. Instead, the judge sentenced him to community service and imposed no fine. In an August 14, 2020, plea agreement with Special Counsel John H. Durham, who was appointed by Attorney General William Barr to investigate the origins of the 2016 Russia collusion probe known as “Crossfire Hurricane,” Clinesmith admitted that he doctored a June 15, 2017, CIA email by adding that Dr. Carter Page, “was not a source” for the CIA in his contacts with Russian sources, when in fact he was a source helping the CIA and had said so publicly. This doctored email led to the issuance of the fourth surveillance warrant against Carter Page. The judge also allowed Dr. Page to address the court at the hearing to describe the injuries he suffered to his reputation by the illegal surveillance warrant. Dr. Page recounted how the FBI spied on his every move, and how the liberal media, including Rachel Maddow, had referred to him as a traitor. But Dr. Page recommended mercy, which the Judge cited in imposing probation. In late 2019, both the Inspector General Michael Horowitz and the FISC subsequently blasted the FBI for its error-ridden process for obtaining surveillance warrants, including the use of the infamous and unverified “Steele Dossier.” After the 2016 election, Clinesmith texted a colleague “ the crazies won finally,” and calling Vice President Mike Pence “stupid.” Asked by a colleague whether he intended to stay in government, he wrote, “viva la resistance.” Similar anti-Trump messages were made by FBI officials Peter Strzok and Lisa Paige. In its memorandum, NLPC argued that the judge should reject Clinesmith’s plea for probation because he has suffered enough and that his wife is expecting their first baby. Judge Amy Berman Jackson rejected a similar plea by attorney Alex van der Zaan, the first person to be sentenced by Special Counsel Mueller in 2018 for a similar crime (and whose wife also was expecting) and sentenced him to 30 days in prison and a fine. The government cited van der Zaan’s sentence in its argument to the court today. “This was a total miscarriage of justice,” fumed NLPC Counsel Paul Kamenar who attended the hearing. “Equal justice demanded at least the same sentence for Clinesmith as was given to van der Zaan, and more, since he held a position of trust,” said Kamenar, who drafted the sentencing memorandum. NLPC also recommended that any probation include requiring Clinesmith to make a video expressing his remorse to be shown to all Department of Justice and FBI attorneys in their ethics training to act as a general deterrence. “Hopefully, this is just the first of many prosecutions by the Special Counsel of those who abused their powers and committed criminal acts in initiating the Russia collusion probe, and hopefully with harsher results” said Peter Flaherty, Chair of NLPC. NLPC also filed a bar complaint against Clinesmith last September seeking his disbarment. Now that he has been sentenced, the D.C. Bar is expected to move swiftly to disbar Clinesmith, but may go soft on him as did Judge Boasberg. A copy of that bar complaint along with the NLPC’s sentencing memorandum can be found at http://www.nlpc.org. ### Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education and legal action. NLPC also filed an ethics complaint last year against a former Mueller prosecutor with the Office of Professional Responsibility To schedule an interview with a NLPC spokesperson, please contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or danrenejr@gmail.com Contact Details NLPC Counsel Paul Kamenar +1 202-329-8357 paul.kamenar@gmail.com Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

January 29, 2021 02:16 PM Eastern Standard Time

WATCHDOG GROUP URGES JUDGE TO INCARCERATE FBI ATTORNEY FOR ALTERING CIA EMAIL TO SPY ON CARTER PAGE

National Legal & Policy Center

The National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC), an ethics watchdog group, filed a sentencing memorandum with the federal court in Washington, D.C., calling upon Judge James E. Boasberg, who also presides over the secret Foreign Surveillance Intelligence Court (FISC), to sentence former FBI attorney Kevin Clinesmith to prison instead of probation at his public virtual sentencing hearing Friday morning at 11:00 a.m. NLPC also called upon the judge to require Clinesmith to make a video about his crime and express remorse to be used by the Justice Department for their ethics training program for all DOJ and FBI attorneys. In an August 14, 2020, plea agreement with Special Counsel John H. Durham, who was appointed by Attorney General William Barr to investigate the origins of the 2016 Russia collusion probe known as “Crossfire Hurricane,” Clinesmith admitted that he doctored a June 15, 2017, CIA email by adding that Carter Page, “was not a source” for the CIA in his contacts with Russian sources, when in fact he was a source helping the CIA. The judge will allow Carter Page to speak at the sentencing hearing to describe the injuries he suffered to his reputation by the illegal surveillance warrant. In late 2019, both the Inspector General Michael Horowitz and the FISC subsequently blasted the FBI for its error-ridden process for obtaining surveillance warrants, including the use of the infamous and unverified “Steele Dossier.” After the 2016 election, Clinesmith texted a colleague “ the crazies won finally,” and calling Vice President Mike Pence “stupid.” Asked by a colleague whether he intended to stay in government, he wrote, “viva la resistance.” Similar anti-Trump messages were made by FBI officials Peter Strzok and Lisa Paige. In its memorandum, NLPC argued that the judge should reject Clinesmith’s plea for probation because he has suffered enough and that his wife is expecting their first baby. Judge Amy Berman Jackson rejected a similar plea by attorney Alex van der Zaan, the first person to be sentenced by Special Counsel Mueller for a similar crime (and whose wife also was expecting) and sentenced him to 30 days and a fine. “Equal justice demands at least the same sentence for Clinesmith and more since he held a position of trust,” said Paul Kamenar, counsel for NLPC who drafted the memorandum. “NLPC agrees with the Special Counsel that a three-to-six-month sentence is warranted under the Sentencing Guidelines for a first offender,” Kamenar added. “Hopefully, this is just the first of many prosecutions by the Special Counsel of those who abused their powers and committed criminal acts in initiating the Russia collusion probe,” said Peter Flaherty, Chair of NLPC. NLPC also filed a bar complaint against Clinesmith last September seeking his disbarment. A copy of that complaint along with the recent sentencing memorandum can be found at http://www.nlpc.org ### Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education and legal action. NLPC also filed an ethics complaint last year against a former Mueller prosecutor with the Office of Professional Responsibility To schedule an interview with a NLPC spokesperson, please contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or danrenejr@gmail.com Contact Details NLPC Counsel Paul Kamenar +1 202-329-8357 paul.kamenar@gmail.com Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

January 28, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

D S Simon Media Announces Content Strategy Veteran Mike Bako to Senior Vice President Key Team Member Lauren Campbell Promoted to General Manager

YourUpdateTV

D S Simon Media has announced promotions to key team members that have been integral to the company’s strong continued performance. Mike Bako has been named Senior Vice President, Media and Broadcast Services. “What D S Simon Media is about is evolving in real time to meet the needs of our clients and embrace that challenge, all while creating the highest caliber and most creative work,” said Bako. “I look forward to continuing to lead and grow our team of seasoned media and production veterans,” he added. Bako has been with the company for 9 years. “Mike has been critical to our 30% growth over the last two years. He has a unique understanding of the broadcast news environment, storytelling and client messaging. He’s a fantastic leader,” said CEO, Doug Simon. Additionally, Lauren Campbell has been named General Manager. “I am very excited to be continuing my career at D S Simon Media in my new role as General Manager,” said Campbell. “I am thankful to be part of such a talented group and am very much looking forward to leading the team to growth and success in 2021,” she added. Campbell has been with the company for 15 years. CEO, Doug Simon, said, “Lauren was vital in helping us successfully navigate the financial challenges posed by COVID while building, maintaining and leading our outstanding team.” Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

January 28, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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D S Simon Media Announces Promotions to Key Team Members Mike Bako and Lauren Campbell

YourUpdateTV

January 28, 2021 09:40 AM Eastern Standard Time

Velocity Global welcomes tech leader and ‘Shark Tank’ investor Robert Herjavec as global brand ambassador

Velocity Global

Velocity Global, the leading provider of global expansion solutions, today announced a partnership with Robert Herjavec to serve as an international brand ambassador for the company. Herjavec is a leading investor on the Emmy Award-winning show, “Shark Tank,” and founder and CEO of global cybersecurity firm, Herjavec Group. “As an entrepreneur and investor, I want other business leaders to know there are efficient and agile global expansion options for immediate, streamlined growth,” said Herjavec. “My own business experience taught me firsthand about the challenges of growing on a global scale. Velocity Global simplifies global expansion. Fast-growing businesses gain the ability to test new markets without a long-term investment, bring on top talent anywhere around the globe, and protect valuable intellectual property. Its focus on the customer experience approach is what sets it apart and I’m excited to help businesses grow.” Clients rely on Velocity Global’s expertise and global infrastructure to hire internationally without the cost or complexity of foreign legal entity establishment. As a strategic partner, Velocity Global manages in-country compliance, payroll, and benefits for its clients’ supported employees so that businesses can focus on growth. “A rise in demand for tech services is spurred by the pandemic, and growth happens now,” said Rob Wellner, Velocity Global chief revenue officer. “Robert relates with other business leaders as a peer. He grew his cybersecurity company into a multinational firm and is passionate about helping others recognize the benefits of global business. He embodies the entrepreneurial journey as an immigrant with a paper route to the launch of his own successful global company from his basement. He shares our vision and our values, and we welcome him to the Velocity Global team.” Herjavec contributes his insights on the outlook of global business in Velocity Global’s 2021 State of Global Expansion ™ report scheduled to be released in February. Sign up here to receive a copy of the report upon launch. Herjavec joins former FedExCup and five-time PGA TOUR champion, Billy Horschel, as a global brand ambassador for Velocity Global. Both exhibit the values of the company and reinforce Velocity Global’s People First approach to global expansion. ABOUT ROBERT HERJAVEC Robert Herjavec is one of North America’s most recognizable business leaders. A dynamic entrepreneur, Robert has built and sold several IT companies and is the Founder & CEO of Herjavec Group, a global cybersecurity operations leader specializing in managed security services, compliance, identity services and incident response for enterprise-level organizations. He shares his expertise with other entrepreneurs each week as a leading Shark on ABC’s Emmy Award-winning hit show, Shark Tank. For more information visit www.robertherjavec.com. ABOUT VELOCITY GLOBAL Velocity Global helps companies grow globally. Founded in 2014, Velocity Global’s clients rely on its expertise and global infrastructure in 185 countries to hire compliantly around the world, increase revenue, scale efficiently, and access global talent. Named a “Leader” in Global Employer of Record services by prominent analyst firm NelsonHall, Velocity Global is a strategic partner to its clients with comprehensive services led by its core offering of International PEO as well as Immigration, Entity Setup and Support, Global Talent Acquisition, and Consulting. Velocity Global is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with regional headquarters in Amsterdam and Singapore, and local employees in 14 countries. Contact Details Velocity Global John Hall +1 720-650-4348 johnhall@velocityglobal.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

January 28, 2021 07:02 AM Mountain Standard Time

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U.S. Chamber of Commerce Report: State of American Business

YourUpdateTV

The pandemic has caused unprecedented economic disruption. In conjunction with the State of American Business, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has released a new economic report on the outlook for and challenges facing key industries across the country. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/uTchoM1ZxrQ The Chamber has released its annual policy agenda, detailing the most important legislative and regulatory priorities for the American business community. It includes how business is ready to work with the new Biden Administration and the new Congress to rally for recovery as we continue to battle the pandemic. Neil Bradley, Exec VP and Chief Policy Officer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, conducted a nationwide media tour from Washington, DC in conjunction with D S Simon Media and YourUpdate TV to address results of a new economic report on the business outlook for recovery in 2021. During interviews with TV and radio stations across the country, Neil Bradley discussed: Results of the new economic report on the business outlook for recovery in 2021 What local businesses can do to rally for recovery post pandemic How business hopes to work with the Biden Administration to get things done on issues including infrastructure, immigration, and the workforce. The Chambers most important legislative and regulatory priorities to help local businesses recover. The latest on support available for local businesses About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

January 25, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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