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We Need To Shift How Transportation Infrastructure is Viewed to Successfully Transition to EVs - Wallbox is Helping Power This Evolution

Benzinga

By Austin DeNoce, Benzinga Transportation is undergoing an era-defining metamorphosis. With the increased global adoption of electric vehicles, traditional infrastructure – like gas stations – is becoming outdated. This is paving the way for EV charging stations to take center stage. However, whether you’re a driver or investor, a number of questions still remain about exactly how the transportation industry will evolve alongside this new technology. One key factor that’s rapidly changing how we interact with our cars is charging, and companies like Wallbox (NYSE: WBX) are working hard to address the unique challenges the evolution of the industry is presenting. The Electrification Market First, let's take a look at the landscape. The Vehicle Electrification Market – which includes EVs, hybrids, batteries as well as charging infrastructure – is set to reach $215.1 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 9.8%. Driven by an increasing demand for alternative fuels and concerns over carbon emissions, the electrification wave is already in motion. Especially notable is the electric vehicle segment, which already represents 8.6% of new-car sales in the U.S. While other regions like China and the European Union have already surpassed 20% EV adoption, North America is catching up fast, thanks to growing awareness about environmental sustainability and a proactive effort to expand adoption and charging infrastructure through legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act. The Reality Of EV Charging The average U.S. driver covers about 37 miles daily, while all-electric vehicles offer a range of 250 – 500 miles per charge. This suggests that most drivers won't need daily charging, especially when a fast public charger can take up to an hour. Instead of focusing only on public chargers – hubs that resemble traditional gas stations – it may be more practical to focus first on integrating charging at places where vehicles are typically parked for extended periods, like homes and apartments, which will make up 80% of total charging ports in the U.S., as well as offices or malls. By doing so, charging becomes a seamless part of a consumer’s current daily routines without the need for frequent detours. This is where Wallbox solves a major problem. A potential game-changer in the truest sense, Wallbox specializes in creating intelligent electric vehicle charging and energy management systems that fit seamlessly into current infrastructure at homes, apartment buildings, businesses or shared spaces. As the amount of electric vehicles increases, it will be necessary to have infrastructure in place that fits in with consumers' daily routines. Charging while running errands will be the norm, and Wallbox is prepared to meet that need. With a team of over 1,000 professionals, a presence in 9 countries and a customer base in more than 100 countries, Wallbox is dedicated to revolutionizing how the world consumes energy. Their mission is clear – to promote EV adoption globally and pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future. Breaking Down The Numbers Many EV owners charge their cars at home. It’s simple, doesn’t take time out of the day and the majority simply prefer charging their vehicles where they live, utilizing AC Level 2 charging equipment. With EVs consuming roughly 33 kWh over 100 miles and electricity costs pegged at $0.13 per kWh, the U.S. Department of Energy's data suggests that home charging can cost as low as $0.04 per mile. Public stations, in contrast, often have steeper rates. The 2030 National Charging Network report finds that to support a mid-adoption scenario of 33 million EVs on the road by 2030, the nation will need 28 million charging ports. Given already visible shifts in consumer behavior, private residential chargers are expected to form the core of the national ecosystem, complemented by reliable public fast charging. Thus, by encouraging at-home charging, not only are we making the switch to EVs more economical for the end-user, but we're also ensuring that the need for ultrafast chargers on highways remains an outlier scenario, covering only the rare long-distance travels. The Electric Future When it comes to industry-defining changes, what’s being observed in the electrification market is more than a trend; it's a potentially tectonic shift in how we perceive, use and manage transportation. While it's easy to focus only on electric vehicles, the electric future is just as much about intelligent charging solutions that cater to consumers right where they are – at home, at work and in shared spaces. Wallbox, with its innovative technologies and expansive reach, stands at the forefront of this shift, beckoning drivers and investors to be part of this transformative journey in transportation. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 25, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Pet Owners Are Spending More And More On Vet Visits, Meds And Higher Quality Pet Food – Here Are The Key Trends Investors Should Watch

Benzinga

By Rachael Green, Benzinga Pet ownership is on the rise in the United States, with an estimated five million more pets today than there were before the pandemic. But this isn’t just a pandemic boom that’s doomed to fade. The number of homes with pets has been trending upward for decades. As the number of pets grows, so, too, does the demand for supplies and services to care for them. According to Morgan Stanley, the pet services industry is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% over 2022-2030, reaching a projected total of $277 billion. Here are some of the key trends to watch in the booming pet services industry. More Pets And More Spending On Those Pets Is Creating A Surge In Demand Morgan Stanley pegs that 8% CAGR not just to the rise in the number of pets but to the rise in how much owners are willing to spend on them. The annual spend per pet is expected to increase from $980 million in 2020 to $1.9 billion in 2030 as owners take pet health and wellness more and more seriously. In addition to the increased spending, that piece of the household budget is becoming increasingly inelastic. Nearly half of pet owners in a recent Ally Consumer Research survey said they would cut spending on themselves or take on debt before cutting their pet budget. That increased pet spend isn’t just going to higher quality food or dog sweaters. It’s going toward more frequent visits to the vet, increased spending on prescription medications, pet insurance premiums and a more proactive routine of preventative and surgical care for pets. These trends have sparked a wave of new companies entering the space or expanding their reach. In April, PetMed Express (NASDAQ: PETS) acquired PetCareRX for $36 million in a bid to add new health and wellness verticals to its business. The online pet pharmacy will now add PetCareRX’s marketplace of pet wellness supplements and nutritious food to its portfolio. In September, Walmart (NYSE: WMRT) opened its very first pet services center, providing both veterinary care and grooming services to Walmart customers. The Dallas, Georgia location is Walmart’s pilot initiative, but the company says it plans to expand it to other locations in the future. In August, Wag! Group Co. (NASDAQ: PET) expanded its online platform for comparing and buying pet insurance, finding dog walkers or sitters, and getting one-on-one training into Canada as the company eyes global expansion. That same month, the vet services segment saw its first publicly traded company enter the market with the closing of Inspire Veterinary Partners Inc.’s (NASDAQ: IVP) $6.4 million IPO. The owner and operator of vet hospitals is strategically building a nationwide network of hospitals and clinics, with 13 locations across nine states so far. The fast-growing company plans to acquire 10 locations per year while also expanding into related services like emergency care, pet boarding, lab testing, and more. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 25, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Roberts & Ryan partners with Allspring Global Investments to launch a new Money Market Fund share class to benefit military veterans

Roberts & Ryan, Inc.

Roberts & Ryan Inc, America’s first service-disabled veteran-owned broker-dealer, announced a partnership with Allspring Global Investments (Allspring), launching Roberts & Ryan share classes in all three of Allspring’s Government and Treasury Money Market Funds. Allspring is a global asset management firm with $551 billion* in assets under advisement. The share classes will be available on market leading cash management platforms. “Roberts & Ryan is honored to partner with Allspring and its leading Money Market Funds’ team. This addition to our suite of services provides our institutional customers with a way to manage their liquidity and generate competitive returns while also having a positive impact on the veteran community, which has provided all of us the freedoms we enjoy every day,” said Ed D’Alessandro, Roberts & Ryan Chief Executive Officer and a U.S. Navy veteran. Roberts & Ryan specializes in underwriting and executing debt and equity capital markets transactions for corporate treasuries, hosting corporate access events, and secondary fixed income and equity trading. Through its social mission, the firm donates a portion of its top-line revenue to world-class nonprofits and foundations that focus on supporting veterans in general wellness, mental health, and career transition through partner nonprofits. “We’re excited to provide cash management solutions to Roberts & Ryan’s clients,” shared Andrew Owen, President of Allspring Funds. “We are proud to work with an organization committed to supporting the veteran community.” “As part of Roberts & Ryan’s social mission and corporate ethos of supporting the veteran community, we will be donating 10% of the gross revenue from our share classes to support our nation’s veterans through our nonprofit partners like Boulder Crest, The Children of Fallen Patriots, and The Robert Irvine Foundation,” said Ed D’Alessandro. About Roberts and Ryan, Inc. Roberts & Ryan, Inc. is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned (SDVO) broker dealer providing services in debt and equity capital markets, equity and fixed-income secondary trading, as well as corporate access events. The firm was founded in 1987 by a United States Marine Corps Vietnam combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient. With over $1.8 million in committed donations since 2018, Roberts & Ryan is active in donating to charitable foundations that make significant positive impacts in the lives of Veterans and their families, focusing on general wellness, mental health, and career transition. To learn more about Roberts & Ryan, please visit www.roberts-ryan.com. About Allspring Global Investments Allspring Global Investments ™ is an independent asset management firm with more than $551 billion in assets under advisement*, over 20 offices globally, and investment teams supported by more than 460 investment professionals. Allspring is committed to thoughtful investing, purposeful planning, and inspiring a new era of investing that pursues both financial returns and positive outcomes. For more information, please visit www.allspringglobal.com. *As of September 30, 2023. Figures include discretionary and non-discretionary assets. This material is provided for informational purposes only and is for professional, institutional, or qualified clients/investors. Not for retail use outside the U.S. THIS MATERIAL DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION AND IN ANY CASE IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED IN ANY JURISDICTION OR TO ANY PERSON WHERE IT WOULD BE UNAUTHORIZED OR UNLAWFUL TO DO SO. Contact Details Roberts & Ryan, Inc. Michael C. Del Priore +1 646-859-4061 mdelpriore@roberts-ryan.com Company Website https://www.roberts-ryan.com

October 25, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

FUZE Technology Acquires MobileQubes Expanding its chargeFUZE network in Transit, Gaming & Healthcare

Full Scope PR

Los Angeles, CA - FUZE Technology (“FUZE”), a distinguished IoT company recognized for seamlessly merging hardware and software technology, has revealed its strategic acquisition of MobileQubes, a pioneering entity in portable charger vending solutions. This acquisition marks a significant expansion of FUZE Technology's network of smart charging stations, firmly establishing it as a leading provider of out-of-home mobile charging solutions across North America. FUZE, operating under its prominent brand chargeFUZE, is already a significant player in the out-of-home mobile charging landscape. Their portfolio includes extensive partnerships with Live Nation Entertainment, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), ASM Global, Simon Property Group, and more. FUZE also powers guest experiences for the majority of professional sports organizations in North America, spanning all five major sports leagues. Furthermore, FUZE is a prominent presence at various festivals and large flagship events nationwide, including F1, US Open, Live Nation, Insomniac and C3 events. MobileQubes, widely acknowledged for pioneering portable charger vending, has made remarkable strides in mass transit by securing partnerships with major public transit operators in the US. Their influence also extends into the casino, gaming, and healthcare industries, showcasing their exceptional prowess in portable charging solutions over the past decade and earning them recognition as the original vending solution. Co-Founders Brandon Afari and Ryan Levy expressed their enthusiasm regarding the acquisition, stating, " We are thrilled to welcome MobileQubes into the FUZE family. Their expertise in portable charging and strategic partnerships in transit and gaming perfectly align with our objectives in expanding into IoT and other hardware/software avenues, including the healthcare sector." With this strategic acquisition, FUZE Technology aims to combine its strengths with those of MobileQubes, creating synergies across large-scale distribution verticals that encompass public transit systems, digital out-of-home solutions, and now healthcare. Sean Carrigan, Co-Founder and CEO of MobileQubes, stated, " This merger is a significant step forward for MobileQubes, aligning perfectly with our vision to innovate and provide accessible mobile charging solutions to a diverse range of users, particularly in the transit and gaming sectors, as well as in healthcare." This acquisition signifies more than just a merger of two innovative companies; it represents a strategic move to connect brands and advertising, offering unprecedented opportunities for businesses to engage with consumers through the widespread deployment of mobile charging solutions in high-traffic areas, including healthcare facilities. The combined strengths of FUZE Technology and MobileQubes will undoubtedly drive future innovation and redefine the landscape of out-of-home mobile charging, encompassing various sectors, including healthcare. FUZE Technology looks forward to a future of enhanced offerings and expanded reach, continuing to revolutionize the way people stay charged on the go. Contact Details Charge Fuze Press press@chargefuze.com

October 25, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Southern University’s World-Famous “Human Jukebox” Marching Band Partners with SIGMA to Elevate Video Production Quality

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA

Southern University’s esteemed Human Jukebox Marching Band has entered into an exciting and exclusive partnership with SIGMA Corporation of America, a leading camera and lens manufacturer for both photography and cinema applications, to enhance the quality of their video production when chronicling and producing their prestigious performances. This is the third academic year that SIGMA has sponsored the Human Jukebox. A world-famous marching band with a rich history of performances at prestigious events such as the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, and college and professional football games’ halftimes, the Human Jukebox is known for its captivating shows and choreography, which includes the talented Dancing Dolls ensemble. The band's reputation plays a vital role in attracting students to Southern University and cultivating valuable partnerships, and sharply capturing their performances is of utmost importance. In 2014, Eric Johnson, the Human Jukebox’s Marketing and Brand Manager, along with Jabari Morgan (marketing) and Media Director Garrett Edgerson, embarked on a journey to develop a strong brand identity and elevate the band's presence in the world of collegiate marching bands. Their success in building an impressive online presence on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and beyond has garnered attention from notable artists such as Lizzo, Adele, 50 Cent, DJ Khaled, and Janet Jackson. The Human Jukebox's ability to capture their performances and share them with the world relies heavily on consistent high-quality video production. In 2020, the band turned to SIGMA, drawn to SIGMA's reputation for providing premium yet affordable lenses. SIGMA's dedication to customer service and a shared passion for creative excellence led to the establishment of a productive partnership. "An appreciation for art is cultivated during a person’s formative school years and is something SIGMA has always been passionately supportive of," says Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of SIGMA America. "Having the opportunity to help bring the Human Jukebox’s work to life for the past three years with crisply captured video, and to contribute to the long-term growth of this HBCU, has been an honor.” Southern University’s Media Director Garrett Edgerson, a photographer and filmmaker, heads a team of four students and three alumni responsible for creating captivating content for the Human Jukebox. To ensure top-notch video quality, Edgerson and his team have embraced SIGMA lenses as their go-to choice for capturing the band's performances. "Like many HBCUs, Southern University's marching band plays a crucial role in attracting students from all over the world," said Eric Johnson, the Human Jukebox's Marketing and Brand Manager. “SIGMA lenses have taken our production level to a whole new height with compact form factor, lighter weight, and excellent build, making it easier for the team to capture stunning footage during performances and events. Hollywood-quality video has advanced our reputation, leading to additional sponsorships and partnerships that help support students' education and band expenses.” To learn more about how the Southern University Marching Band Media team utilizes SIGMA gear for their work, please visit this behind-the-scenes piece. About SIGMA Corporation of America SIGMA Corporation of America, founded in 1984, is the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation, a family-owned manufacturer of lenses, cameras and photo accessories. With U.S. headquarters in Ronkonkoma, NY, SIGMA Corporation of America expanded with a showroom and office in Burbank, CA in 2018 to support the Hollywood filmmaking industry. Craftsmanship. Precision. Dedication. Since 1961, SIGMA has been devoted to the pursuit of advancing photographic technology. Unique to the industry, the family-owned business produces its high-quality, award-winning still photo and cinema camera lenses, DSLR and mirrorless cameras, flashes, filters and accessories from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Aizu, Japan. In 2012, the company introduced SIGMA Global Vision with three distinct lens lines: Art, Contemporary and Sports. Designed for industry camera mount systems including Canon, Leica, Nikon, Panasonic, Sony and SIGMA, each lens is handcrafted and tested in Japan to ensure a high-performance, premium product that is purpose-built to last. In 2016, the SIGMA Cine lens lineup was launched, further cementing SIGMA as an innovator in imaging engineering. Embodying the core optical DNA that has defined the SIGMA benchmark of excellence, SIGMA Cine lenses meet the needs of advanced 6k and 8k cinema production. Forming the landmark L-Mount alliance alongside Leica and Panasonic in 2018, SIGMA continues its storied tradition of imaging excellence through groundbreaking innovations such as the native L-mount SIGMA fp and fp L full-frame mirrorless digital cameras, announced in July 2019 and March 2021 respectively. These products, along with over 35 award-winning SIGMA Global Vision lenses available in native L-Mount format, demonstrate SIGMA's continued commitment to the creative community through expanded product offerings. With the fp, fp L and these lenses, even more users can now leverage SIGMA's renowned optical formula to achieve their creative vision with ease. For information about SIGMA America, please visit sigmaphoto.com and SIGMA Blog for helpful information about our products. Follow SIGMA America on social media! SIGMA Photo: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram SIGMA Cine: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Contact Details SIGMA +1 631-201-7381 SIGMA.PR@Sigmaphoto.com Company Website https://www.sigma-global.com/en/

October 24, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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News Release

India's MAJOR Gaming Growth!

QYOU Media Inc

ValueTheMarkets News Commentary - The Indian gaming market is projected to rapidly grow in size, nearly tripling from $2.6bn to $8.6bn between 2022 and 2027 according to projections from Statista. Perhaps this is no surprise, considering the country's huge population of young consumers and rapid adoption of tech. This article will discuss the issue with reference to Alphabet Inc ( NASDAQ: GOOGL ), Tencent Holdings Ltd ( OTC: TCEHY ), Microsoft ( NASDAQ: MSFT ) and QYOU Media ( TSXV: QYOU ) ( OTCQB: QYOUF ). As this article has already shown, gaming is set for a massive uplift in India. A major part of this opportunity is the mobile gaming market, with the vast majority of gamers in the country using their smartphone to play. Indeed, 94% of gamers use their phones in India according to KPMG, compared to less than 10% using PC or consoles respectively. That's why we're looking at QYOU Media, Tencent, Microsoft and Alphabet from a largely mobile perspective. QYOU Media ( TSXV: QYOU ) ( OTCQB: QYOUF ) is an entertainment company with a focus on bringing creator-led content to the Indian market. While the business already owns a slew of successful TV channels across traditional and app-based platforms, it took the jump into the mobile gaming space at the start of this year. In January, the business acquired Maxamtech, a specialist in free-to-play mobile games and owner of the Gaming360 platform. Now, the business is moving into the real-money gaming space, taking advantage of its huge popularity in India. The business will launch a new version of its casual mobile gaming app, QGAMESMELA, which comes with 'freemium' capabilities. Players will be able to win cash prizes and awards via both free and real-money gaming engagements. With India's real-money gaming market expected to reach 60bn rupees by 2025, this looks like it could be an astute move from this rapidly evolving business. Alphabet Inc ( NASDAQ: GOOGL ) has a major opportunity in India due to the strong growth of app users in the country. Indeed, according to 42Matters, India is the top country in the world in terms of number of apps installed and used per month. The company has enjoyed huge growth in India, with its mobile play store seeing a 200% increase in active monthly users and an 80% jump in consumer spending in 2021 compared to 2019. While a large amount of app downloads are by gamers, with titles like Ludo King exceeding 500 million downloads, the company said in 2022 that it had also seen "stupendous growth" across categories like education, payments, health and entertainment. With 2022 representing the first year of declines in Google App Store revenues, the company could decide that focusing on a major potential market like India is a route to strong future growth. Tencent Holdings Ltd ( OTC: TCEHY ) is an absolute titan when it comes to mobile gaming. In India, the company owned PUBG Mobile, which WAS the top mobile gaming IP back in 2021. The company also owns Finnish videogame developer Supercell, makers of the Clash of Clans titles. This further demonstrates the Chinese multinational's tight grasp on the nation's mobile gaming space at the time. So, what's changed? September 2020 saw the Indian government banning titles like PUBG Mobile and other Chinese-owned apps, citing data privacy issues. Replacement versions of some titles have resurfaced, but the ban has damaged Tencent in the country. But Tencent is wading back into India, having launched new mobile title Undawn in the country back in June 2023. With no bans in place yet, despite noise from some interest groups, this could be the start of a new concerted push into the territory. Tech giant Microsoft ( NASDAQ: MSFT ) is another outfit which is pushing into the Indian mobile gaming market. This is largely due to the company's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which bolsters its PC and console gaming offering but also crucially offers major new inroads into the mobile gaming space. As one of the biggest markets in the world for mobile gaming, India is sure to be a target for the company. The company will already have a strong presence in the nation. Research published by Statista in 2021 indicated that Activision Blizzard's growing share of the Indian gaming market would represent more than 14% of the total in 2022. Indeed, immensely popular mobile titles like Candy Crush are already under the company's wing and offer it significant opportunity. Additionally, the clear challenges already in place for Chinese competition mean that further growth is a realistic possibility. While its clear that India presents a huge opportunity for gaming companies, this article has outlined the radically different states some of the main competitors find themselves in. Tencent is dogged by uncertainty as it attempts to bounce back from mass bans, while Microsoft has suddenly become a key player. Alphabet's platform is seeing major growth and new kid on the block QYOU Media is astutely swooping in to corner the real-money gaming opportunity. IMPORTANT NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER PAID ADVERTISEMENT This communication is a paid advertisement. ValueTheMarkets is a trading name of Digitonic Ltd, and its owners, directors, officers, employees, affiliates, agents and assigns (collectively the "Publisher") is often paid by one or more of the profiled companies or a third party to disseminate these types of communications. In this case, the Publisher has been compensated by QYOU Media Inc. to conduct investor awareness advertising and marketing and has paid the Publisher the equivalent of one hundred and twenty five thousand US dollars to produce and disseminate this and other similar articles and certain related banner advertisements. 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Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.ValueTheMarkets do not hold any position in the stock(s) and/or financial instrument(s) mentioned in the above piece. ValueTheMarkets have been paid to produce this piece by the company or companies mentioned above. Digitonic Ltd, the owner of valuethemarkets.com, has been paid for the production of this piece by the company or companies mentioned above. Contact Details ValueTheMarkets +44 141 530 4080 editor@valuethemarkets.com Company Website https://www.valuethemarkets.com

October 24, 2023 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Shareholder Urges Microsoft to Boot Jeffrey Epstein Pal from Board of Directors

NLPC

In a letter to the lead independent director for Microsoft Corporation, National Legal and Policy Center has asked for the removal of billionaire Reid Hoffman from the company’s board of directors, due to his hyper-partisan political activities and his connections to the late convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, whose private island Hoffman visited in 2014. NLPC owns stock in Microsoft and is also sponsoring a shareholder proposal at this year’s annual meeting, which will be held on December 7, 2023. LinkedIn, which was co-founded by Hoffman, was acquired by Microsoft in December 2016. He joined Microsoft’s board in March 2017. As NLPC’s Paul Chesser wrote in his letter to the company’s top independent director, Sandra Peterson, Hoffman has shown poor discernment in his associations, poor judgment in his political and social actions, and utter disregard for Microsoft’s reputation and shareholder value. “Reid Hoffman’s wealth and arrogance have clearly gone to his head and he appears to think he doesn’t have to be accountable to anyone,” said Chesser, who is director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project (CIP). “Whether its visiting ‘Pedophile Isle’ with Jeffrey Epstein, or calling the likely 2024 Republican presidential nominee ‘The Disease President,’ or simply advising aspiring entrepreneurs to ‘ignore your customers,’ Hoffman obviously would rather satiate his sensual impulses than properly oversee the fiduciary responsibilities of a major technology company,” said Luke Perlot, associate director and chief researcher for the CIP. In the heavily footnoted letter to Microsoft, NLPC pointed out three major reasons that make Hoffman unsuitable for the board: his close association with Epstein; his unrestrained, hyper-partisan political urges; and his hypocritical views regarding “civic participation” and his own company’s censorship practices. Excerpts from the letter: According to Axios, Mr. Hoffman and Mr. Epstein both aggressively fundraised for the [MIT Media Lab], with Mr. Hoffman also inviting Mr. Epstein to join him at an August 2015 dinner in Silicon Valley that included tech entrepreneurs Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Peter Thiel. In an email to Mr. Thiel, according to the Wall Street Journal, “Hoffman wrote that Epstein was a ‘mostly fun, very interesting guy, you may find him perverse, but very smart on biology, computation, macro econ.’”… Mr. Hoffman’s extremely poor judgment leaves many unanswered questions. Recognizing Mr. Epstein as “perverse,” how did Mr. Hoffman justify ongoing collaboration with the convicted pedophile, who maintained his own luxury island to traffic underage girls to fulfill the sexual desires of himself and his associates? How could a highly educated, savvy and instinctive tech billionaire agree to visit such a place, with such a person, with such a detestable reputation, unless it was intentional, showing utter disregard for his own image and that of the businesses and organizations with which he is identified? … MotiveAI, another firm credited with “with backing from billionaire LinkedIn chairman Reid Hoffman,” ran ads through associated limited liability companies that featured offensive content and disinformation…. Facebook pages with MotiveAI associations made sexist comments about former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Republican megadonor Rebekah Mercer. One such page called Rep. Gabbard a “C.W.I.L.F.,” which stands for a “Congresswoman I’d like to f---”… Mr. Hoffman…could easily advocate for [LinkedIn] to remain open to all for reasoned political debate, but there is no evidence that he does. In fact, his own history indicates that he encourages such snubs. As a self-styled expert on venture capital-funded startups…Mr. Hoffman recommends one counterintuitive business practice for an alleged path to success: “Ignore your customers.” Is this an image that Microsoft wishes to project? NLPC called for Peterson to ask for Hoffman’s resignation, and if he refuses to do so, then to seek his removal. Hoffman is listed as a nominee for re-election to the board on the company’s proxy statement. “Reid Hoffman has been very successful in business but he has shown very poor judgment,” said Peter Flaherty, chairman of NLPC. “Wealth should not be an exemption from decent behavior. Microsoft will be a better company when Hoffman leaves the board.” Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education, and legal action. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 danrenejr@gmail.com Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

October 24, 2023 10:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

National Survey Reveals Women of All Ages Cite Mental Health as Their Number One Health Concern

LevLane

LevLane Advertising, an award-winning full-service agency headquartered in Philadelphia, has released the results of its 2023 Women’s Health Concerns Survey of 400 women, ages 18+, which explores how women are approaching various aspects of their health and wellness. The survey, which was conducted by a market research provider on behalf of LevLane, paints a concerning picture, as women report deprioritizing sexual/reproductive health and almost every other aspect of their well-being, while mental health concerns take priority. This is true even in the younger age groups where sexual health is traditionally considered as a primary concern (ages 18-34). Across all ages 18+, just 6% of all women reported sexual health as their number one priority. The majority of women (53%) reported mental health as one of their top three health concerns, with 26% saying that it was their number one concern. Stress management (45%), sleep health (33%) and heart health (32%) were among the other top concerns, while reproductive/sexual health (19%), diabetes (18%), pregnancy/post-partum (11%) and menopause/perimenopause (11%) were ranked lowest overall. Women 55+ were the only age group to report something other than mental health as their top concern. That cohort reported both heart health and stress management as tied for their number one priority. “Coming out of COVID, we expected to see a bump in mental health as a concern, but we were all taken aback by just how many women across all age groups cited it as their top concern,” said Liz Weir, chief marketing officer at LevLane. “Even in younger age groups, where we would expect to see more of an emphasis on sexual and reproductive health or pregnancy and post-partum, we found that women are putting those things on the back burner to prioritize mental health.” The study is the first in a series planned by the agency. The forthcoming surveys will continue to focus on specific aspects of women’s health with the goal of better understanding the broader women’s healthcare landscape. “In their efforts to address mental health concerns, an unintended consequence could be neglecting other very critical aspects of their well-being,” said Karla Loken, DO, OBGYN, FACOOG and chief medical officer for FEMSelect. “We need to address women’s health comprehensively; neglecting one area will ultimately lead to consequences in another. Women are juggling a lot of things, and this research is signaling that women need more support, including education and awareness on promoting a balanced approach to physical, mental and emotional health.” The study also found that many women are opting out of support, with half (50%) of the respondents saying they are not seeking support for their top concern/priority and have no intention of doing so. Additional Survey Findings: - 10% of Women 18-24 reported sexual and reproductive health as a top priority - 35% of women 35-44 said mental health was their top priority - Women 18-24 were the age group most concerned with cancer as a top 3 priority - Women 35-44 were the only age group to include obesity as a top 3 priority or concern - Women in the 18-34 bracket tend to start their health journeys with online search or through friends and family - Women 34+ tend to start their health journeys with their primary care physicians (PCPs) For complete survey results, please contact Lauren Stralo below. About LevLane LevLane Advertising is a full-service independent advertising agency headquartered in Philadelphia and has been building brands people love for nearly 40 years. The award-winning agency integrates traditional creative expertise with cutting-edge digital capabilities in its menu of services, including search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), programmatic media, strategy, creative and branding, media and analytics, social media, content marketing, and public relations. For more information about LevLane and its capabilities, connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Contact Details LevLane Advertising Lauren Stralo +1 484-747-0172 lweir@levlane.com Company Website https://www.levlane.com

October 24, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Meet CenterPoint Securities, Broker To Your Favorite Traders

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Day traders like Humbled Trader, Madaz Money and Kristjan Kullamägi have an almost cult-like status among their followers even if their approaches differ. One thing they do have in common is their reliance on CenterPoint Securities to execute their trades. The brokerage, which just entered the Canadian market, is loved by many active traders, particularly those interested in complex trading strategies. Humbled Trader, for example, just ranked it best brokerage for shorting for those with large accounts (over $30,000). So what’s so great about this broker getting attention from your favorite traders? A lot, according to its fan base. A Fast And Reliable Trading Platform Take its advanced trading platform for starters. It offers active traders and investors a sophisticated trading screen that includes advanced charting, level 2 data and 30+ unique order routing options. It's a favorite with traders because of its specialized routes, smart routing technology and direct market access. It's fast, reliable and fully customizable, which is what active traders need. Large Inventory Of Hard-To-Borrow Stocks CenterPoint is designed for the serious trader. It is built from the ground up for active traders and investors, which is why its list of hard-to-borrow stocks is a big draw. These are stocks that traders want to short but find that borrowing the shares needed is difficult. It often means having a broker locate the shares which takes time and added fees. CenterPoint relies on its in-house stock loan desk along with multiple outside resources, giving traders multiple options. CenterPoint makes it easy, too. All you have to do is enter the ticker and number of shares to borrow, and the short locate tool does the work. If there are shares available, you will know how much it costs to borrow them before executing the trade. You don’t pay any fees unless you accept the locate. The hard-to-borrow list is updated daily as is its list of over 5,000 easy-to-borrow stocks. With both lists, traders have a lot of options to potentially make money. The locate tool is backed by an in-house securities lending team that’s skilled at finding hard-to-borrow stocks. CenterPoint also has over a decade of experience, which attracts active traders who want to deal with professionals. At CenterPoint, over 100 million shares are located monthly, and more than 20,000 locate orders are filled. The average order fill size is over 4,000. Experience Matters Being able to lend customers hard-to-borrow stocks is a big reason traders come, but that’s not the only reason they stay with the brokerage, which is backed by ClearStreet – the fintech with over $400 million in capital. CenterPoint has top-notch customer support that often gets accolades in reviews. The company requires only $30,000 to open an account and gives customers a 14-day free trial. You can test drive it without any upfront costs. CenterPoint may not offer commission-free trades, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t cheap. Commissions are as low as $0.001 per share. Locate fees vary by time, stock and how many shares are available. Active traders are also rewarded for trading – as trading volume increases, commission fees decrease. Every CenterPoint client is also eligible for the company’s locate discount program, with discounts of up to 30%. CenterPoint may not be for the casual trader, but active ones seem to be flocking to it thanks to its reputation for finding hard-to-borrow stocks, its advanced trading platform and competitive pricing. For those active investors looking to short a large variety of stocks, it can be just the tool they need. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 24, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Meet CenterPoint Securities, Broker To Your Favorite Traders