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Transak Secures Key ISO/IEC 27001 Certification, Elevating Standards in Web3 Information Security Management

Transak

Transak, the infrastructure provider for Web3 onboarding, has been awarded ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification. The achievement will bolster Transak’s reputation as an accredited operator of information security management systems (ISMS). ISO/IEC 27001 is the gold standard for ISMS. It defines the requirements a company should meet when establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an information security management system. Receiving the coveted certification is a mark of the high standards Transak adheres to for risk management and data handling. Transak Co-Founder and CTO Yeshu Agarwal said: “Obtaining ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification marks a significant milestone for Transak, reinforcing our commitment to the highest standards of data security in the blockchain and fintech space. This achievement reflects our dedication to building trust and ensuring the utmost security for our clients and partners in the Web3 space.” Companies that are awarded the ISMS certification must show a commitment to maintaining best practice in all aspects of information security. Recipients are able to demonstrate that they have robust systems in place to handle sensitive data and counter cyber threats. Organizations in receipt of ISO/IEC 27001 certification are expected to be proactive in identifying and addressing cyber threats and fortifying their systems to prevent incursion. Within the field of blockchain and fintech, it is imperative that sensitive financial and customer data is safeguarded. Transak’s certification award will give its existing partners confidence in the best-in-class procedures it has in place for data handling. End users of Transak-powered Web3 onboarding platforms will also gain the peace of mind that comes from knowing their data is being handled responsibly and to the highest industry standards. Many Web3 companies working with ISMS have yet to attain ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification. In achieving this, Transak is leading by example while helping to advance industry best practices. Transak’s robust commitment to security and compliance shines through its array of global crypto licenses and compliance certificates it has obtained in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and India. Transak is aiming to obtain the coveted SOC2 Type 2 Certification later in Q2 2024. About Transak Transak is a leading Web3 onboarding infrastructure provider. Its API-driven solutions enable Web3 platforms to onboard users from 150+ countries to crypto while abstracting the complexity of user KYC, risk monitoring & compliance, payment methods and customer support. Transak's on/off-ramp widget can be integrated into an app in just a few lines of code. Transak is a product of the Tachyon accelerator program and is backed by top VCs including Consensys and Animoca Brands. Learn more: https://transak.com/ Contact Details MarketAcross Dan Edelstein PR@marketacross.com Company Website https://transak.com/

January 11, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Ripken Baseball® Expands All-Ripken Games in 2024 – adds Under Armour as Presenting Partner

Ripken Baseball

Ripken Baseball ® today announced it has expanded its All-Ripken Games in 2024 by increasing the number of facilities and tournaments for top individual youth baseball and softball players to compete at Ripken Baseball’s world-class facilities nationwide. It also confirmed Under Armour® (NYSE: UA, UAA) will be All-Ripken Games’ presenting sponsor in 2024 and will provide custom All-Ripken uniforms and performance wear to participating athletes. All-Ripken Games, which debuted in 2023 at four facilities, will host seven baseball tournaments and two softball tournaments at six facilities in 2024 starting this April. The season will culminate with the All-Ripken Futures Games in December, featuring the top players of the season. Players must be nominated by their peers and coaches for the opportunity to train the Ripken Way, compete against elite young athletes, and receive the ultimate Big League Experience. “The first year of All-Ripken Games was a massive success, and with our partners at Under Armour we are expanding to additional facilities with more tournaments in 2024,” said Ripken Baseball Co-Founder Bill Ripken. “The incredible feedback we received last year has led to a tremendous response for the 2024 nomination process, which is already underway.” All-Ripken players will be evaluated by Baseball Factory scouts, compete in skills challenges, and play for the ultimate team goal, the All-Ripken Games Tournament Championship, which will be awarded at each location. In addition to receiving uniforms, Under Armour will provide participating players with an opportunity to test new Under Armour products and be included in digital playing cards. “As a partner of Ripken Baseball, we are committed to inspiring the next generation of athletes through platforms like All-Ripken Games,” said Craig Cummings, VP, Team Sports & Sport Performance at Under Armour. “What they accomplished with All-Ripken Games in only one year is remarkable, and we look forward to helping them take it to the next level in 2024 and beyond.” 2024 All-Ripken Games powered by Under Armour schedule: April 5-7: The Ripken Experience® Myrtle Beach in South Carolina Baseball 8U-12U July 25-28: The Ripken Experience® Elizabethtown in Kentucky Baseball 8U-14U Softball 10U-16U Aug. 1-4: The Ripken Experience® Myrtle Beach in South Carolina Baseball 8U-14U Aug. 8-11: Sports Force Parks™ at Cedar Point Sports Center in Ohio (a Ripken Baseball facility) Baseball 8U-14U Softball 10U-16U Aug. 15-18: The Ripken Experience® Pigeon Forge in Tennessee Baseball 8U-12U Aug. 29 – Sept. 1: The Ripken Experience® Aberdeen in Maryland Baseball 8U-14U Dec. 19-22: All-Ripken Futures Games Showcasing the top baseball players from the 2024 All-Ripken season (8U-14U) Publix Sports Park in Panama City Beach, FL "The All-Ripken Futures Games in Panama City Beach will be a significant milestone for our athletes," said Scott Hacker, President of YTH Sports and Director of the All-Ripken Games. "This year, players participating in the All-Ripken Game s from April to August will have the unique opportunity to be selected as the season's top performers for the December event. It’s not just a celebration of the year's accomplishments, it’s a platform for outstanding athletes to gain recognition as the season's top players." All-Ripken players must exhibit an elevated level of baseball knowledge, dedication, sportsmanship, and skill. To nominate and register a player for the All-Ripken Games powered by Under Armour, parents, coaches, and leagues can visit www.AllRipken.com or email questions to scout@allripken.com. Any participants of The Ripken Experience who are nominated will automatically be selected for the All-Ripken Games. Families, players, teams, and fans can follow @AllRipken on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest information. About Ripken Baseball Ripken Baseball brings teammates, coaches, and families together through its Big League Experiences while teaching children how to play sports the right way – the Ripken Way. Ripken Baseball continues to innovate the game through tournaments, camps, clinics, and spring training at their state-of-the-art facilities – The Ripken Experience ® Aberdeen Powered by Under Armour® (Maryland), The Ripken Experience ® Myrtle Beach (South Carolina), The Ripken Experience ® Pigeon Forge (Tennessee), The Ripken Experience ® Elizabethtown (Kentucky), Sports Force Parks™ at Cedar Point Sports Center (Ohio), and Cooperstown All Star Village (New York). Ripken Baseball also develops and trains athletes through the acquisition of Baseball Factory™ and Softball Factory™. Learn more at ripkenbaseball.com. About Under Armour, Inc. Under Armour, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, is a leading inventor, marketer, and distributor of branded athletic performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. Designed to empower human performance, Under Armour's innovative products and experiences are engineered to make athletes better. For further information, please visit http://about.underarmour.com. Contact Details Eric Nemeth nemeth@ericpr.com Company Website https://www.allripken.com/

January 11, 2024 08:57 AM Eastern Standard Time

Innovations and policy updates drive equity and a record number of lifesaving organ transplants in 2023

United Network for Organ Sharing

Today, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) announced another record year for organ transplants, with 46,632 transplants performed in 2023 thanks to the selfless and generous gifts from donors. In addition, 10,824 Black patients received transplants last year, more than any year prior. UNOS, the engine that powers the national organ donation and transplantation system under contract with and oversight from the federal government, manages the national transplant waitlist that matches patients with lifesaving organs. UNOS tracks the number of transplants performed for each organ and identifies trends in organ donation and transplantation. Last year marked the 13 th consecutive year of a record number of deceased donors. Additional milestones reached include: More than 16,000 individuals became deceased donors, making 39,679 deceased donor transplants possible. That's nearly a 9% increase from 2022. There were 10,660 liver transplants performed in 2023 – the most ever performed in a single year. A 30% increase from 2022 in donors aged 65 years and older, representing a greater acceptance by the transplant community and candidates to receive organs from medically more complex donors. “It is important to remember that these milestones are more than just numbers – they reflect real people who can go on hikes with their spouse again and got to spend the holidays with their loved ones,” said Maureen McBride, Ph.D., CEO of UNOS. “I also want to recognize the selfless donors whose generosity made these life-changing transplants possible. I am grateful and thankful for each donor and know that as long as we remember the profound ripple effect of their decision, we will never lose sight of our mission.” The increase in transplants in 2023 is the result of several initiatives that have helped increase equity and enhance patient access to transplants, which were driven by the organ donation and transplant community and the Health Resources and Services Administration, the federal government agency overseeing the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). Some of these policy updates and technological advancements include removing race from kidney function measurements, increasing equity in lung transplants through continuous distribution, and making it easier for transplant programs to filter organ offers so an available organ is transplanted more quickly. The transplant community’s commitment to continuous system improvements drives the year-over-year increases in the number of lifesaving and lifechanging transplants performed. These improvements are necessary to ensure that each of the more than 103,000 patients on the national waitlist has an opportunity to receive a transplant. UNOS continues to work with the organ donation and transplant community and the federal government to advance its Action Agenda, a series of reforms to improve the organ donation and transplant system. This includes advocating for access to pre-waitlist data to enhance equity and to make it easier for organs to be transported in the cabin of commercial airplanes to help reduce the time it takes for an organ to get to a patient. Additionally, the OPTN is spearheading the Expeditious Task Force that is taking massive steps forward to reduce organ non-use. “Patients and donors motivate us to work collaboratively with the organ donation and transplant community and the government to strengthen the system,” continued McBride. “That way even more patients can access and receive high-quality and equitable transplant care.” For more information on 2023’s organ donation and transplant numbers and to learn more about the patients and donors, please visit: unos.org. About UNOS United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is a non-profit, charitable organization that serves as the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) under contract with the federal government. The OPTN helps create and define organ allocation and distribution policies that make the best use of donated organs. This process involves continuously evaluating new advances and discoveries so policies can be adapted to best serve patients waiting for transplants. All transplant programs and organ procurement organizations throughout the country are OPTN members and are obligated to follow the policies the OPTN creates for allocating organs. Contact Details United Network for Organ Sharing Anne Paschke +1 804-782-4730 anne.paschke@unos.org Company Website https://unos.org

January 11, 2024 08:51 AM Eastern Standard Time

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News Release

Stria Lithium Inc. Announces Appointment of New Director

Stria Lithium Inc.

RELEASE: Ottawa, ON – TheNewswire - January 11, 2024 - Stria Lithium Inc. (TSXV:SRA) (“Stria” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Donald Birak as a new Director of the Company. Donald J. Birak is a senior geologist with over 45 years of experience in the minerals industry. Mr. Birak currently consults on mineral property evaluation, regulatory compliance, and greenfield/ brownfield exploration programs. Mr. Birak has and continues to serve on numerous boards of publicly traded mining companies. In his past managements positions Mr. Birak was Senior Vice President of Exploration for Cœur Mining Inc. with responsibility for the design and guidance of all aspects of the company’s global exploration activities and served as Vice President of Exploration for AngloGold Ashanti North America (formerly Independence Mining Co. Inc.) as well as Hudbay Minerals Inc. (formerly Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Co. Ltd.). In 2000 he received the “Bill Dennis Prospector of the Year” award presented by the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, along with his key exploration team members, in recognition of discovery of the 777 copper and zinc deposits and several others in the Flin Flon-Snow Lake Greenstone Belt of Manitoba, Canada. Mr. Birak earned a Master of Science degree in Geology from Bowling Green State University, Ohio, with a thesis on the geology of the Groveland Iron Mine in northern Michigan, USA. He has authored and co-authored several professional publications on the geology and metallurgy of sediment-hosted and epithermal precious metal deposits and on the use of geostatistics in resource modeling and grade control. He is a Senior Fellow of the Society of Economic Geologists (SEG) and is currently a member of the Budget and Investment committees of SEG. He is a Registered Member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) and a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM). Donald Birak stated, “Dean Hanisch, CEO, and I met when we had mutual connections in Sierra Nevada in Mexico. I look forward to working with Dean and the board of Stria Lithium to help bring value to the shareholders and stakeholders via exploration and development of their properties in the emerging lithium district of Western Quebec. Most of the global reserves of lithium in 2022 were in just 3 countries - Chile, Australia, and Argentina - followed by China, USA and Canada. Stria's foray into lithium in the Li-pegmatites of Quebec is timely as both Canada and the US seek to expand internal sources of this critical commodity.” Jeff York, Chairman of Stria Lithium said today: “Mr. Birak brings a strong depth of geological, and operations governance required for Stria establishing itself as a key exploration player in the critical minerals space within Canada.” About Stria Lithium Stria Lithium (TSX-V: SRA) is an emerging resource exploration company developing Canadian lithium reserves to meet legislated demand for electric vehicles and their rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Stria’s Central Pontax Lithium Project covers 36 square kilometres, including 8 kilometres of strike along the prospective Chambois Greenstone Belt. The region, known as the Canadian “Lithium Triangle,” is one of only a few known sources of lithium available for hard rock mining in North America. Stria’s Pontax Central Project Joint Venture with Cygnus Metals now has a maiden JORC inferred resource Estimate (MRE) of 10.1Mt at 1.04% Li 2 O based on the central area of the known mineralisation. This JORC estimate establishes Pontax Central as a serious player in the Canadian Lithium James Bay region. Cygnus Metals being an ASX issuer, they adhered to Australian JORC Code 2012 guidelines, meaning that such mineral resource estimate is not necessarily current in regard of the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 code. Cygnus Metals is committed to fully funding and managing the current two-stage exploration and drilling program to a maximum of $10 million at Stria’s Pontax property, and will also pay Stria up to $6 million in cash. In return, Cygnus may acquire up to a 70% interest in the property. Cygnus has fulfilled its stage 1 requirements within the agreement and has now earned its 51% interest in the property. Stria’s other significant project, Pontax II covers 55 square kilometres, approximately 25 kilometres to the west-south-west of Pontax Central and is located adjacent to the Billy-Diamond paved highway. Stria has added to this project by recently acquiring 24 claims, for 1276.5 hectares that are strategically located northeast of Stria’s Pontax II claims. Stria Lithium previously reported highly anomalous tantalum oxide grain counts in till samples up to 797 grains, the highest count ever recorded by the laboratory. The Pontax II grain counts stand at the 97.6 centile of the regional population with an average of 156 grains per sample as a comparative basis, a regional survey in the same area conducted by the Ministère de l’Énergie et des Ressources Naturelles du Québec, processed a total of 5950 tantalum oxide grains yielding an average count of 36 grains per samples. The conclusion being the grain counts are suggestive of the proximity of lithium bearing pegmatites. Pontax II claims are in highly active prospective zones, situated to the west southwest of Stria/Cygnus lithium discovery and situated to the west of the Patriot Battery Metals (PMET.V) Pontax project, and south of Brunswick Exploration (BRW.V). Stria’s Pontax properties are both situated close to an industrial powerline and a major paved highway, about 310 km north of the North American rail network that leads to the industrial heartland. As momentum builds for the green energy revolution and the shift to electric vehicles, governments in Canada and the U.S. are aggressively supporting the North American lithium industry, presenting the industry and its investors with a rare, if not unprecedented, opportunity for growth and prosperity well into the next decade and beyond. Stria is committed to exceeding the industry’s environmental, social and governance standards. A critical part of that commitment is forging meaningful, enduring and mutually beneficial relationships with the James Bay Cree Nation (Eeyouch), and engaging openly and respectfully as neighbours and collaborators in this exciting project that has the potential to create lasting jobs and prosperity for Eeyou Istchee and its people. The technical content disclosed in the current press release was reviewed and approved by Réjean Girard, P.Geo and president of IOS Services Geoscientifiques Inc, a qualified person as defined under National Instrument NI-43-101. For more information about Stria Lithium and the Pontax Lithium project, please visit https://strialithium.com Follow us on: Twitter @StriaLithium Instagram @strialithium Facebook http://www.facebook.com/strialithium LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/company/stria-lithium/ For more information on Stria Lithium Inc., please contact: Dean Hanisch CEO Stria Lithium dhanisch@strialithium.com +1(613) 612-6060 Investors Relations, Stria Lithium Inc. ir@strialithium.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Please refer to the risk factors disclosed under our profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in our expectations except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

January 11, 2024 08:31 AM Eastern Standard Time

Codego Group Launches CodegoPay - An All-In-One Payment App with IBANs, Cards, and Crypto-EURO Conversions

Codego

Codego Group - a company issuing all types of white-label crypto cards - launched CodegoPay, an innovative payment solution comprising the most sought-after services, including IBANs, cards, and crypto. The app makes it easy for anyone to open a personal or corporate European IBAN bank account with any entity worldwide. Crypto-friendly banking services are on the rise, and Codego Group meets this high demand with a new payment solution. CodegoPay enables users to send and receive instant SEPA/SEPA payments from virtual asset exchanges in real time. The company ensures high-security standards by following the most rigid anti-money laundering and transaction monitoring rules. However, it does not limit the users' accounts for investments or trading, enabling residents of any state (except sanctioned countries) to use the app. A CodegoPay personal account comes with several benefits and utilities, such as: Users can open a European IBAN with a prestigious European banking entity quickly and easily. Engage in secure SEPA/SEPA INSTANT transfers across 33 countries. High safety standards with biometric authorization payments. A Direct Debit IBAN feature to automate recurring transactions. Low-cost operations thanks to CodegoPay's guarantee for some of the best fees on the market No setup costs or monthly fees. 3 types of CodegoPay personal accounts, depending on the country of residence's risk level (Low, Medium, and High). The CodegoPay team developed its product to be more than a crypto-friendly IBAN. For instance, personal account users can buy and sell cryptocurrencies directly from the CodegoPay dashboard with their own IBANs. More importantly, they can convert crypto assets like Bitcoin to EURO directly within the app. As a result, users no longer require accounts on crypto exchange platforms, as they can rely on CodegoPay to have their banking account and crypto wallet in the same place. Alternatively, users can open a dedicated CodegoPay Business Bank Account in Europe to send and receive instant SEPA/SEPA EURO payments. The app's smart routing system enables safe and instant EURO transfers in the EU and EEA. Moreover, the company ensures maximum security, and it is EMI-regulated under the National Bank of Belgium as an agent with a European passport. Opening a CodegoPay Business account is quick and easy, requiring only 10 minutes to complete the process. It is free to set up and enables users to have a multi-IBAN account, including a local BE IBAN and a direct debit IBAN, while paying some of the lowest fees available. About Codego Codego provides financial solutions and issues all types of cards, including prepaid, debit, and corporate. It is licensed in several countries as an agent providing wallet custody, exchange services, virtual asset services, and more. The Codego team boasts 12 years of experience in programming, finance, cryptocurrencies, and authentication systems. Codego Group is present in 12 countries with physical offices and related licenses. While each local company is owned and operated independently, they provide a single comprehensive service, including the experience of financial services, financial platforms, and financial licensing. Furthermore, it has over 35 redundant service providers, including card processors, issuer cards, banks, and SEPA gateways. Users can learn more about Codego at these links: Website | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn Contact Details Codego Salvatore C. banking@codegotech.com

January 11, 2024 08:01 AM Eastern Standard Time

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ATH Vodka Releases Crypto-Powered Rewards App Using Tidepay

Tidepay

Global spirits brand ATH Vodka has launched a customer loyalty app that dispenses user-focused lifestyle rewards. The ATH Rewards app is built and powered by Tidepay, a B2C engagement solution. High-end drinks brand ATH (All Time High) is famed for its premium vodka made using French grain and eight times distilled. The forward-thinking company has embraced web3 as a means of driving greater customer engagement while unlocking new ways to reward loyalty and deliver memorable experiences. ATH has elected to utilize Tidepay to deliver its web3 strategy. The B2C application enables brands to use emerging technology to forge deeper connections with consumers. This includes the use of tokenization to sustain greater engagement and drive positive behaviours. The app is powered by the ATH token, which serves as the primary incentivization and rewards mechanism. The Tidepay app enables businesses to create a Whitelabel rewards app that carries their branding whilst giving their consumers access to rewards across a selection of industries. ATH customers can use the app to experience an array of features and benefits. These include discounts on products ranging from ATH Vodka, to live events, experiences, and sporting events. “When we started ATH Vodka, we not only wanted it to be the most premium Vodka in the world but also a company at the forefront of bringing value to our customers. The ATH rewards app built by our partners at Tidepay has done exactly that. Bringing consumer engagement to the next level. Clients can not only purchase ATH Vodka through the app but have access to many more offers such as music events, holiday retreats and Supercar event days.” James Waldie Cofounder of ATH Vodka. Other benefits of the ATH Rewards app include unlocking access to exclusive music events such as Strawberries and Cream festival, exclusive supercar trips with Cannon Run, weekends away, and yacht hire. These features can be accessed exclusively through the ATH Rewards app using the ATH token. Customers can acquire rewards from each bottle of ATH purchased and use them in the ATH Rewards app. The ATH token is also available on Uniswap. https://www.geckoterminal.com/eth/pools/0x3f4a4bfdc76b0bd3f890db7e69304303d0f9571a https://info.uniswap.org/#/pools/0x3f4a4bfdc76b0bd3f890db7e69304303d0f9571a In a show of commitment to optimizing its web3 strategy, ATH Vodka will use 10% of its revenue to buy back and burn ATH tokens. This will increase demand for the token, which has a maximum supply of 1 billion. As part of the initiative, a portion of ATH Vodka’s profits will also be donated to charity. The ATH Rewards app demonstrates the ways in which brands can successfully increase customer loyalty, offer exclusive experiences, and experiment with new technology while remaining true to their core products and principles. In the process, it showcases Tidepay’s suitability for providing global brands with a web 3.0 incentive layer housed within a white label application. About ATH Vodka ATH Vodka is handcrafted and produced with the utmost care to ensure it meets the highest standards. ATH sources the best quality French grain to create a truly exceptional ultra premium vodka with the smoothest finish. ATH Vodka is produced in a small batch process using the highest grade of grain grown, the spirit is then distilled eight times and triple filtered using charcoal to create incredible clarity, before being meticulously mixed and blended with the purest water possible using reverse osmosis. Learn more: https://athvodka.com/ About Tidepay Tidepay was founded with the goal of allowing businesses' to harness the power of technology to forge deeper connections with their consumers. While traditional marketing methods remain effective, embracing tokenization offers new avenues for engagement beyond social media. Learn more: https://tidepay.app Contact Details Daniel Elsawey daniel.elsawey@semantic-network.com

January 11, 2024 08:01 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Vertical IQ Kicks Off 2024 Focused on Customer-Centric Enhancements, Partnerships

Vertical IQ

Industry Intelligence leader Vertical IQ is well-positioned to build on 2023’s momentum and growth as they head into the new year. Bolstered by an array of new strategic partnerships and innovative product enhancements, the company will continue its focus on customer experience and targeted new markets as they continue to expand usage of their Industry Intelligence platform. Enhancements fueled by collaboration, unbiased data Over the course of 2023, Vertical IQ launched several key product enhancements, which were fueled by acquisition and new partner-relationships. “Each of these strategic collaborations was scoped and brought to fruition with the goal of making Vertical IQ’s Industry Intelligence more actionable and tailored to users’ needs,” explains Vertical IQ CEO and cofounder Bobby Martin. “Thanks to these strategic alliances we built in 2023, we were able to make several game-changing enhancements to Vertical IQ that can truly move the needle for our current customers and broaden our target market going forward,” says Martin. For example: Localized data In May, Vertical IQ acquired Local Market Monitor, which provides timely assessments and forecasts of more than 300 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), 2,000 counties, and 20,000 ZIP codes across the U.S. While Vertical IQ has previously incorporated the local economic data provided by Local Market Monitor, this acquisition allowed Vertical IQ to better showcase the local economic conditions that drive success for a particular industry at the MSA and even the county level – key drivers such as wages, housing prices, construction, and employment. This localized, microeconomic data also enables bankers and investors to better-analyze real estate values using Local Market Monitor’s stand-alone product that includes its award-winning Equilibrium Home Prices. SBA lending data Thanks to a recent partnership with small business data analytics firm Lumos Technologies, Vertical IQ has added key data sets of Small Business Administration (SBA) lending trends and industry performance insights to its platform. This highly actionable content is particularly valuable to bankers for sizing market competition, analyzing loan conditions on various industry segments, loan assessment, risk profiling and predictive credit modeling. Tapping into government data and other third party sources, Vertical IQ was able to implement a number of additional site enhancements designed to provide users with even more actionable, unbiased, reliable content. For instance: Enhanced economic data Additional Industry Indicators were added to each Industry and Sector Profile. This graphical economic dataset includes as much as 10 years worth of information on employment, wages, pricing, trade, expenditures, inventory, sales, shipments, population projections, housing, mortgage rates, personal income, healthcare spending, and more – all pulled from unbiased government sources. Geographic Breakdown chapter Using data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this new chapter within Industry and Sector Profiles features a breakdown of the industry or sector establishments per state, each state’s percentage of total establishments, and the annual change in establishment count by state. This content highlights how large an industry’s presence is in a state and whether it has expanded or contracted. Expanded industry coverage In 2023, Vertical IQ continued to build their already expansive coverage of industries and sectors in the U.S. and Canada. They added numerous new Industry Profiles, now featuring more than 920 industries and covering over 97% of the U.S. economy and Canada, as well as more than 3,400 Local Economies reports. They also added several new Canada-specific Sector Profiles including the Canadian Professional and Technical Services Sector, Canadian Real Estate and Product Rental Sector, and Canadian Finance and Insurance Sector. Providing Industry Intelligence to new markets In addition to the acquisition of Local Market Monitor and collaboration with Lumos, Vertical IQ notched several key wins in 2023 that also will help fuel growth in new markets in 2024. For instance, in February, Vertical IQ was chosen by the America’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network as its provider of choice for Industry Intelligence, granting Vertical IQ access to nearly all SBDC business counselors in the network of state offices across the country. Vertical IQ’s Industry Profiles, financial data and Local Economic Data can be used to help counsel business owners of all types – from auto parts manufacturers to veterinarians, as well as hundreds of others. Vertical IQ also expanded their reach into several key industries, inking a deal with one of the nation’s largest insurance carriers, and several new accounting firms/associations. “These are just a few of the exciting wins we captured in 2023, positioning us to pursue even more segments as we head into this new year,” notes Vertical IQ president David Buffaloe. “We are excited about new partnerships and relationships that are on the horizon that will allow us to continue to enhance our product offering.” An integral partner on your team Even as Vertical IQ expands its footprint, Buffaloe emphasizes that they remain mindful that it is not only award-winning Industry Intelligence but renowned customer experience and service that set Vertical IQ above the competition. “We work closely with our customers to focus on how they can get the most out of actionable Industry Intelligence,” says Buffaloe. “Through a white glove onboarding process and ongoing training opportunities, we show each and every customer that we are there to support their success.” Start to finish, Heather Sperduto, vice president of Channel Sales, Small Business Services at ADP, was impressed by Vertical IQ’s meticulous sales and service processes. “I like to say that the customer service experience is best when you don't need it. The term ‘user-friendly’ really permeated all aspects of our experience with Vertical IQ, from our exploration of the product, through our transition, to the onboarding, and for the ultimate rollout and the training. They simplified it in a way that it became very natural for us to be able to embark on utilizing the tool.” To learn more about Vertical IQ or to request a demo, visit www.verticaliq.com. ABOUT VERTICAL IQ Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., Vertical IQ is a nationally recognized leader in Industry Intelligence. Whether they’re pitching a local brewery or a national biotech company, successful sales, marketing and customer success teams use Vertical IQ to better understand a prospect’s or client’s business challenges before, during and after meetings. Covering more than 97% of the economic revenue in the U.S. and Canada through more than 920 Industry Profiles and 3,400 local economic reports, Vertical IQ equips users with the confidence and credibility to make memorable first impressions and sustain enduring relationships. Contact Details Julie Gilbert +1 919-787-4600 jgilbert@verticaliq.com Company Website https://verticaliq.com/

January 11, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

CES 2024 Latest Trends

News Media Group, Inc.

Contact Details Karl Wayne +1 334-440-6397 karl@newsmg.com Company Website https://newsmg.com/

January 11, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West Presents New Exhibition of Contemporary Western Master Artist Tom Gilleon

Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West announces today the debut of Inner Light: The Art of Tom Gilleon, celebrating a painter who has become one of the most respected masters in contemporary Western art. Before dedicating himself to fine art in the 1990s, Gilleon was an accomplished illustrator who worked on NASA’s Apollo and Saturn space programs and then embarked on a successful career with Walt Disney Imagineering, where he was mentored by several of their master artists. The exhibition opens on January 16, 2024, and will continue through August 2024. Inner Light: The Art of Tom Gilleon features luminous colors and authentic portrayals of Native Americans and iconic Western structures and landscapes. The exhibition presents a 70-painting career retrospective featuring 12 original paintings on special loan from Walt Disney Imagineering. Gilleon worked alongside Walt Disney Imagineering art legend Herb Ryman and other greats, and his art helped develop the concepts for Imagineering’s projects worldwide. Inner Light: The Art of Tom Gilleon is co-curated by Tim Peterson, Western Spirit Trustee, and Richard King of KingArts art agency, in collaboration with Western Spirit. Noted writer, Gilleon collector, and friend Patrick Hemingway described Gilleon’s sophisticated use of colors as “magical elegance” and compared him to modern greats Edward Hopper and Mark Rothko. In addition to showcasing paintings created throughout Gilleon’s Western art career, the exhibit also presents the world premiere of Spirit Catcher, his stunning 22-minute digital painting triptych that magically morphs before viewers’ eyes, created with former Disney Imagineer and concept designer Marshall Monroe of Marshall Monroe Magic. Western Spirit’s CEO and Executive Director Todd Bankofier says, “Tom Gilleon’s mastery of light and the emotional resonance it brings to his art is remarkable. Inner Light is a testament to his profound ability to infuse his creations with the very essence of the American West, inviting viewers to explore hidden treasures of the soul within the landscapes we often take for granted.” “The Tom Gilleon retrospective will be a major exhibition by one of the greatest living American artists today,” notes Tim Peterson. “His artistic odyssey is a brilliant fusion of nature, light, and spirit that transcends traditional artistic boundaries.” Inner Light: The Art of Tom Gilleon promises to be an immersive experience, allowing visitors to delve into the heart of the American West and discover a world where nature and the human spirit are harmoniously intertwined. Wall signage throughout the show features Gilleon’s own words, explaining his life and work directly to museum visitors. Western Spirit features regularly changing and permanent exhibits of Western and Native American art and artifacts, entertaining events, and informative programs that bring the West’s heritage, culture, and community to life. Other current special exhibitions are Werner Segarra: Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo, through February 25, 2024; William Matthews: Decades, through April 28, 2024; the Elliott Southwest Women Art collection preview, through Fall 2023; and “Dazzling Array: The Richard A. Gates Collection of Native American Jewelry,” currently on display. Permanent exhibitions continuously on display include Canvas of Clay: Hopi Pottery Masterworks from The Allan and Judith Cooke Collection, featuring 65 of the finest examples of Hopi pottery spanning six centuries; the Frankie and Howard Alper Collection of John Coleman Bronzes; and The Abe Hays Family Spirit of the West Collection, a showcase of more than 1,400 saddles, spurs, cowboy gear and other Old West objects. For more information on Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, visit Scottsdalemuseumwest.org. About Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West Western Spirit is located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. Within months of opening in January 2015, Western Spirit qualified as a Smithsonian Affiliate. The museum has also received the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, enjoys a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on both TripAdvisor and Yelp, and is continually recognized as one of the “Nation’s Best Western Museums” by True West magazine, most recently named the #1 Western Museum in the United States for 2023. Also, named to Phoenix Magazine’s 2022 Best of The Valley Readers' Choice: “Best Museum You Probably Don’t Know About”, Arizona Foothill’s Best of Our Valley: “Best Museum” & “Best Annual Charity Event: Saddle Up” and the winner of Your Valley’s “East Valley Favorites” for the museum category. For more information, visit www.scottsdalemuseumwest.org. Contact Details 48 West Agency Alison Rose +1 602-300-3433 alison@48westagency.com

January 11, 2024 06:22 AM Eastern Standard Time

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