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Agora Data Attains SOC 2 Compliance Certification, Also Meets FTC Safeguards Rule for Protecting Customer Information

Agora

Agora Data, Inc., received a compliance certification with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA’s) System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2. Agora Data’s SOC 2 Type II standard for information security was certified by an independent, trusted third party CPA firm on January 13, 2023. The SOC 2 compliance certification is an industry-recognized designation that further reinforces Agora Data’s ongoing commitment to automotive dealer customers, vendors, partners, and personnel connected to Agora Data’s systems. Agora Data met the rigorous and high industry standards set by the AICPA for information security to receive the SOC 2 Type II designation. “Agora Data has always prioritized the importance of protecting customer information. The SOC 2 certification is an industry gold standard for security for technology companies that work with sensitive information,” said Chad Stilwell, Chief Technology Officer, Agora Data. “This accomplishment further validates the security measures we’ve already put in place to protect our infrastructure and is one of many best-in-class initiatives the company has implemented to optimize business security and performance for all stakeholders.” SOC 2 is an auditing measure that ensures service providers securely manage user data and requires a clean audit to receive certification. Compliance of SOC 2 Type II covers multiple categories for operational effectiveness including: Information and systems are protected against unauthorized access, unauthorized disclosure of information, and damage to systems that could compromise the availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of information or systems and affect the entity’s ability to achieve its objectives. Audit controls are in place such as system and security monitoring, employee onboarding and termination processes, background check on all employees, data encryption in transit and at rest, multi-factor authentication, segregation of duties, and ongoing risk assessments. Agora Data’s SOC 2 compliance goes beyond the requirements of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, a congressional law known as the Safeguards Rule overseen by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The Safeguards Rule requires financial institutions – companies that offer financial products or services like loans, financial or investment advice, or insurance – to explain their information-sharing practices to safeguard sensitive data, including personally identifiable information. Under the 2021 amendment to the Act, or Safeguards Rule, U.S. auto dealers are required to undertake a series of procedural, technical, and contractual steps to protect customer and other personal data. The requirements must be in place by June 9, 2023. Information to help auto dealers understand their obligations under the Safeguards Rule can be found on the National Automotive Dealers Association website at this link. Agora Data is a fintech company transforming automotive financing for U.S. auto dealers offering in-house financing for non-prime customers. The company provides auto dealers with access to ample, affordable capital with precision loan performance data and analytics. Agora Data, Inc. Agora Data, Inc., an automotive industry fintech, is the nation’s leading resource for auto dealers and finance companies. Auto loan originators can secure affordable capital to build their own non-prime captive finance solution, obtain actionable loan performance data to improve their lending portfolios, and use other products to grow their business safely. Powered by patent pending technology, originators can access real-time data analytics and planning resources to help optimize the performance of their portfolios. Agora Data made history by closing the first-ever crowdsourced non-prime auto securitization in 2020 and continually brings groundbreaking products to an underserved market. For more information, visit www.agoradata.com or contact us at 1-877-592-4672. # # # Contact Details Shelly Vandeven +1 682-282-4130 media@agoradata.com Company Website https://agoradata.com/

January 24, 2023 09:06 AM Eastern Standard Time

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CARNOW, VINCUE ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO REVOLUTIONIZE VEHICLE BUYING EXPERIENCE

DealerCue Automotive Corp.

Today, CarNow and VINCUE announced a new, long-term partnership that will significantly impact the automotive industry. The collaboration combines VINCUE’s powerhouse next-gen inventory management platform capabilities with CarNow’s award-winning Real-Time Retail™ platform. As part of the partnership, CarNow will leverage VINCUE Competitive Pricing & Appraisal comprehensive data with CarNow’s Real-Time Retail platform. VINCUE gains access to CarNow’s advanced messaging capabilities, which will further enhance the user experience on the VINCUE dealer website platform. “With technology playing an increasingly vital role in every aspect of business, VINCUE recognized we could accelerate the development of our digital solution with the right partner,” explained Chris Hoke, VINCUE Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Technology Officer. “We’ve brought together deep skills in business and technology strategy, product ideation, as well as technology development and deployment to help support dealers and their customers across the country.” “The decision to partner with VINCUE was an easy one, as it provided functionality that our dealer partners have been asking for,” said Tim Cox, Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist for CarNow. “This is more than two companies simply integrating products. Our combined values, goals, and strategies are uniquely aligned and we believe this strategic partnership empowers us both to drive far more business impact for our dealers and their customers.” By virtually connecting the two companies, CarNow and VINCUE will be better prepared to address the evolving needs of the market. CarNow customers will benefit from learning their vehicle’s Highest Authentic Value ™ by tapping into the VINCUE database, which indexes more than 40,000 dealer websites on a daily basis. Those who use VINCUE to power their websites will now have the ability to engage with leads in real-time. The ability to instantaneously engage with shoppers at their point of interest, including on their own terms, platform, and device, is proven to increase the opportunity of sale and generate more profits. Leaders at both companies are determined to make the car buying and selling experience easier for dealers and their customers. This integration helps both companies get that much closer to that goal and continues to push others in the automotive industry toward further innovation. Teams from both CarNow and VINCUE will be in Dallas later this week for the National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA) Convention, which is positioned as the top retail automotive event of the year. An average of 10,000 dealerships, including 65% of the Top 150 are expected to be in attendance. About CarNow CarNow is a market leader in digital retailing solutions for the automotive industry. CarNow creates frictionless, real-time enterprise software solutions to facilitate the transaction between dealers and consumers. Through CarNow’s solutions, shoppers receive enhanced virtual showroom services and live support at any time, from anywhere, and on any device. About VINCUE VINCUE is transforming the retail automotive software industry by providing dealers with new, innovative end-to-end inventory lifecycle management and market pricing solutions. This gives dealers access to real-time data and tools in a single system to stock smarter, increase turn, compete effectively, and above all else — maximize profits. Contact Details Chief Marketing Officer Angela Rizzo +1 913-200-3301 angelarizzo@dealercue.com Lou Laste +1 678-492-2737 lou.laste@yahoo.com Company Website https://vincue.com/

January 24, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Autotrader Is UK’s Leading Car Shopping App With 5x More Downloads Than Top Competitor

Finance News

In the UK, one car shopping app stands out above the rest, according to a new study. The data analysts at Fair Betting Sites have crunched the data from AppMagic to uncover the top car shopping app in the UK. Car shoppers in the UK are 5x more likely to use AutoTrader than any other car and car parts app AutoTrader was downloaded 1.3 million times, 472% more than the CarGuru, the next most popular car shopping app. Used car parts app, AUTODOC, was second on the list of car shopping apps with 442,550 downloads US-based competitor CarGurus ranked third with about 275,000 downloads. Check out the complete highlights from the study below. AutoTrader Has Nearly 5x More Downloads Than Leading Car Shopping Apps AUTODOC Is Top App To Shop For Car Parts In The UK AutoTrader Has Nearly 5x More Downloads Than Leading Car Shopping Apps In the UK, car shoppers trust AutoTrader more than any other car shopping app. Recent data from AppMagic reveals that AutoTrader was downloaded nearly 1.3 million times in 2022. Not only was AutoTrade downloaded more than 3x more than any other car shopping app, but it was downloaded 472% more than CarGurus, another app to buy used and new cars. AUTODOC finished second on the list of cars and car parts shopping apps with 442,550 downloads. CarGurus, an app based in the US, was next on the list of most popular car shopping apps in the UK with just under 275,000 downloads. Online auto auction app Copart finished fourth on the list while the Mercedes me Store rounded out the top-five. Check out the complete list of the top car and car part shopping apps in the UK below. AutoTrader AUTODOC CarGurus Copart Mercedes me Store AutoScout24 Cars24 UAE Auto.ru Drom.ru AUTODOC Is Top App To Shop For Car Parts When it comes to buying car parts, one app stands above the rest in the UK. While AutoTrader finished first on the list of car shopping apps, it doesn’t sell car parts. For that, auto enthusiasts have a different solution. AUTODOC has emerged as the best app to shop for car parts, according to a recent study. When combining its Android and Apple Store downloads, AUTODOC was the second-most popular car and car part shopping app with 442,550 downloads. For the full story, visit: https://fairbettingsites.co.uk/blog/2023/01/20/autotrader-is-uks-leading-car-app-with-5x-more-downloads-than-top-competitor/ Contact Details Finance News Alex Brown alex@financenews.com

January 23, 2023 05:38 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Cooper Standard Announces Expiration and Final Results of Previously Announced Concurrent Notes Offering, Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation for Existing Senior Notes in Refinancing Transactions

Cooper Standard

Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc. (NYSE: CPS) (“CPS”) today announced that: its previously announced Concurrent Notes Offering, Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation (each as defined below) each have expired in accordance with their terms; $518,296,700 of New First Lien Notes (as defined below) were validly subscribed for in the Concurrent Notes Offering, and an additional $61,703,300 of New First Lien Notes will be issued pursuant to the commitments by the backstop commitment parties; approximately 89.36% of the 2026 Senior Notes (as defined below) were validly tendered and accepted for exchange by the Issuer (as defined below) in the Exchange Offer; the Requisite Consents (as defined below) for the Consent Solicitation have been received; and the Exchange Offer and Concurrent Notes Offering are expected to settle on or about January 27, 2023 (the “Settlement Date”). CPS’s announcement relates to the previously announced commencement by CPS’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc. (the “Issuer”), of certain refinancing transactions (the “Refinancing Transactions”) including (i) a fully backstopped private offering (the “Concurrent Notes Offering”) of $580.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Issuer’s newly issued 13.50% Cash Pay / PIK Toggle Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2027 (the “New First Lien Notes”) to holders of the Issuer’s existing 5.625% Senior Notes due 2026 (the “2026 Senior Notes) or their designees who participated in the Exchange Offer (as defined herein), (ii) an offer (the “Exchange Offer”) to the holders of 2026 Senior Notes who participated in the Concurrent Notes Offering to exchange any and all of the $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2026 Senior Notes outstanding for the Issuer’s newly issued 5.625% Cash Pay / 10.625% PIK Toggle Senior Secured Third Lien Notes due 2027 (the “New Third Lien Notes”, and together with the New First Lien Notes, the “New Notes”) on a par-for-par basis and (iii) a consent solicitation (the “Consent Solicitation”) whereby the Issuer solicited, and holders of 2026 Senior Notes who tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer were required to deliver, consents to amend the indenture under which the 2026 Senior Notes were issued (the “2026 Senior Notes Indenture”) to remove substantially all of the covenants, certain events of default and certain other provisions contained in the 2026 Senior Notes and 2026 Senior Notes Indenture and to release and discharge the guarantee of the 2026 Senior Notes by CPS. In order to approve the amendment to the 2026 Senior Notes Indenture, consents were required to be delivered and not revoked in respect of at least a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the 2026 Senior Notes (the “Requisite Consents”). Each of the Concurrent Notes Offering, the Exchange Offer and the Consent Solicitation was conducted upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in a confidential offering memorandum and consent solicitation statement, dated December 19, 2022 (as so amended, supplemented, modified and updated, the “Offering Memorandum”). The Concurrent Notes Offering, the Exchange Offer and the Consent Solicitation expired one minute past 11:59 PM, New York City time, on January 18, 2023 (such time and date, the “Expiration Time”). As of the Expiration Time, based on information provided by Kroll Issuer Services (US) (“Kroll” or the “Exchange and Subscription Agent”), (i) approximately $518,296,700 in aggregate principal amount of the New First Lien Notes had been subscribed for and accepted in the Concurrent Notes Offering (excluding the additional New First Lien Notes to be issued to the backstop commitment parties), (ii) approximately $357,446,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Senior Notes, representing approximately 89.36% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the 2026 Senior Notes, had been validly tendered and accepted for exchange by the Issuer in connection with the Exchange Offer, and (iii) the Requisite Consents to effectuate the proposed amendments to the 2026 Senior Notes Indenture had been delivered. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offering Memorandum, concurrently with the settlement of the Concurrent Notes Offering and the Exchange Offer, the Issuer expects to issue approximately $61,703,300 in aggregate principal amount of additional New First Lien Notes to certain backstop commitment parties, which New First Lien Notes will be in addition to the pro rata portion of the New First Lien Notes issued to such parties as part of the Concurrent Notes Offering. As a result, on the Settlement Date, the Issuer expects to issue $580.0 million aggregate principal amount of New First Lien Notes. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offering Memorandum, as a result of receiving the Requisite Consents, on January 20, 2023, the Issuer entered into a supplemental indenture to the 2026 Senior Notes Indenture, effectuating the proposed amendments, which amendments will become operative as of the Settlement Date. The Refinancing Transactions may not be consummated on the terms described in this press release or at all. The complete terms and conditions of the Refinancing Transactions are set forth in the Offering Memorandum. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is acting as dealer manager in connection with the Exchange Offer and as financial advisor to CPS and the Issuer in connection with the Refinancing Transactions. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is acting as legal counsel to CPS and the Issuer in connection with the Refinancing Transactions. Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc. is acting as financial advisor and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP as legal advisor to the backstop commitment parties. This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security and does not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale of any security in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The Concurrent Notes Offering and the Exchange Offer were made, and the New Notes are being offered and issued, pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), only (a) in the United States, to holders of 2026 Senior Notes who are “qualified institutional buyers” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) and (b) outside the United States, to holders of 2026 Senior Notes who are persons other than U.S. persons. Forward Looking Statements This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws, and we intend that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbor created thereby. Our use of words “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “outlook,” “guidance,” “forecast,” or future or conditional verbs, such as “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” or “may,” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based upon our current expectations and various assumptions. Our expectations, beliefs, and projections are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, we cannot assure you that these expectations, beliefs and projections will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or achievements to be materially different from the future results or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Among other items, such factors may include: our ability to complete the Refinancing Transactions; impacts, including commodity cost increases and disruptions, related to the war in Ukraine and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; our ability to offset the adverse impact of higher commodity and other costs through negotiations with our customers; the impact, and expected continued impact, of the COVID-19 outbreak on our financial condition and results of operations; significant risks to our liquidity presented by the COVID-19 pandemic risk; prolonged or material contractions in automotive sales and production volumes; our inability to realize sales represented by awarded business; escalating pricing pressures; loss of large customers or significant platforms; our ability to successfully compete in the automotive parts industry; availability and increasing volatility in costs of manufactured components and raw materials; disruption in our supply base; competitive threats and commercial risks associated with our diversification strategy through our Advanced Technology Group; possible variability of our working capital requirements; risks associated with our international operations, including changes in laws, regulations, and policies governing the terms of foreign trade such as increased trade restrictions and tariffs; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; our ability to control the operations of our joint ventures for our sole benefit; our substantial amount of indebtedness and variable rates of interest; our ability to refinance our indebtedness and obtain adequate financing sources in the future; operating and financial restrictions imposed on us under our debt instruments; the underfunding of our pension plans; significant changes in discount rates and the actual return on pension assets; effectiveness of continuous improvement programs and other cost savings plans; manufacturing facility closings or consolidation; our ability to execute new program launches; our ability to meet customers’ needs for new and improved products; the possibility that our acquisitions and divestitures may not be successful; product liability, warranty and recall claims brought against us; laws and regulations, including environmental, health and safety laws and regulations; legal and regulatory proceedings, claims or investigations against us; work stoppages or other labor disruptions; the ability of our intellectual property to withstand legal challenges; cyber-attacks, data privacy concerns, other disruptions in, or the inability to implement upgrades to, our information technology systems; the possible volatility of our annual effective tax rate; the possibility of a failure to maintain effective controls and procedures; the possibility of future impairment charges to our goodwill and long-lived assets; our ability to identify, attract, develop and retain a skilled, engaged and diverse workforce; our ability to procure insurance at reasonable rates; and our dependence on our subsidiaries for cash to satisfy our obligations; and other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in periodic reports filed by CPS with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except where we are expressly required to do so by law. This press release also contains references to estimates and other information that are based on industry publications, surveys and forecasts. This information involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and we have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information. Contact Details Contact for Media: Chris Andrews +1 248-596-6217 candrews@cooperstandard.com Contact for Analysts: Roger Hendriksen +1 248-596-6465 roger.hendriksen@cooperstandard.com Company Website https://www.cooperstandard.com/

January 23, 2023 08:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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The Aircraft Company Giving You Wings

LIFT Aircraft

By David Willey, Benzinga 11,000 on the waitlist. The crown Prince of Dubai vowing he will be the first in his emirate. Upcoming locations across the globe. LIFT Aircraft is spreading its wings and bringing a new era to travel with its human-capable drone aircraft. Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes recently got to fly LIFT’s single-seat semi-autonomous personal aircraft, HEXA, and he’ll soon be joined by 4,000 people with prepaid reservations as LIFT takes its electrical vertical takeoff and landing (eVTL) vehicles on tour. LIFT Aircraft is an Austin-based company looking to make something previously reserved for the privileged mega-wealthy - private flight - accessible to everyone. Its goal is to make the safest ultralight aircraft, and now it is making numerous partnerships as it looks to take its exciting product out into the public. Joining State-of-the-Art Safety And Sky-High Applications Safety is a fundamental priority for LIFT, whose board includes former Chief of Aviation Safety at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Dr. Charles Justiz. The aircraft have multiple, state-of-the-art safety features including a triply redundant autopilot computer, 18 independent rotors (it can fly with the loss of up to 6), as well as a whole-aircraft ballistic parachute effective at altitudes as low as 40 feet. 7 floats also give HEXA amphibious landing capability and can deploy an emergency landing cushion. These ultralight aircraft can be flown without an expensive pilot license or certification under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 103. LIFT provides ground school and virtual reality (VR) flight simulator training that easily teaches how to fly these intuitive drones. This allows the company to offer recreational flights out of its vertiport locations. LIFT’s exciting plans for HEXA - with its numerous applications - are galvanizing others. LIFT has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with an international vertiport operator, with the option of creating 10 vertiports and supplying 100 HEXA globally. It is creating what it believes will be the largest global vertiport network. Alongside this private sector MOU, the company can tout a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract with the United States Air Force, with the potential for a military acquisition program for LIFT. It has also been selected for an Air Force Strategic Financing (STRATFI) contract that, if awarded, matches dollar-for-dollar funding of up to $30 million for Research and Development (R&D) purposes. HEXA’s cabin and floats can also be swapped with a payload, meaning it has first response applications with the military, search and rescue, disaster response and more. This broad scale of uses - from public to private sector, and from recreation to first response - means LIFT Aircraft is optimistic that with HEXA, the sky's the limit. After a highly successful Reg CF fundraise, LIFT has now launched a Reg A+ stock offering. Other companies developing eVLT or similar products have gone public with strong market caps of up to $2.5 billion. These include Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY), EHang Holdings (NASDAQ: EH), and Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR). Interested in the opportunity to invest? Click here. Learn more about LIFT Aircraft by visiting its website. This article was originally published on Benzinga here. Austin, Texas-based LIFT Aircraft is leading the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) revolution. LIFT is working with the US Air Force and first response organizations to utilize their aircraft for defense and public service while also launching the world’s first flight training and pay-per-flight operation centers business, based on an entirely new type of personal, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. HEXA, LIFT Aircraft’s multi-rotor, amphibious, ultralight vehicle democratizes the experience of piloting an aircraft, making the joy and utility of personal, vertical flight accessible to all. Find out more at www.liftaircraft.com Contact Details Kenny Miller, CFO Kenny@LIFTAircraft.com

January 20, 2023 08:45 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Ilika starting 2023 "on the front foot"

Ilika PLC

Ilika PLC (AIM:IKA, OTCQX:ILIKF) CEO Graeme Purdy speaks to Proactive's Thomas Warner about how the company is performing at the beginning of the new year. Purdy reveals why he believes Ilika starts the year "on the front foot" before giving the highlights from a half-year report out this morning. He goes on to describe 2023 as "an exciting year for us" as Ilika makes the transition to commercialisation. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

January 20, 2023 07:12 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Longing for Pristine Beaches and Turquoise Waters?

YourUpdateTV

Recently, the Commissioner for the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, Joseph Boschult conducted a satellite media tour to share tips on how to best experience the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you are longing for pristine beaches and turquoise waters, the U.S Virgin Islands offers some of the best beaches and resorts found anywhere in the world. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/V2al2NCSyZQ New year, new outlook, new travel plans! About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. Major U.S airlines offer direct daily flights from the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico to the islands. The islands are perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Resilience in Tourism During Covid and the Great Comeback With three to four ships visiting per day, the USVI is one of the largest cruising destinations in the Caribbean. Before the pandemic, cruising injected over $300 million into the local economy and accounted for about 70% of the tourism business. Unlike other islands in the Caribbean, the airports in the USVI never closed. In addition, implemented an online travel screening portal and worked closely with all of their local partners, including restaurants, hotels, excursion companies, and other tourism-related businesses. The USVI is gearing up for a very successful 2023. USVI had the highest increase of visitors in the Caribbean from 2019 vs 2022. Best Places to Travel to in 2023 The editors of Conde Nast Traveler put the USVI at the top of its Best Places to Go in 2023 citing the islands’ new hotels, resort openings, the national park, and Carnival festivals. The editors at Travel + Leisure ranked USVI as one of its 50 best 2023 destinations in its “For Beach Vibes” section. Yahoo! Life listed the USVI as one of the top ten tropical islands to get to in under three hours from the U.S. Readers of Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine voted USVI as the Best Caribbean Cruise Destination for 2023. Frommer's also gave the island territory top billing in its annual Best Places to Go in 2023 list. New Brand Campaign: Naturally in Rhythm, what that Means for the USVI The campaign is designed to supports the hotel recovery and to inspire visitors to fall naturally in rhythm with the diverse culture, natural wonders, and beautiful hotels and resorts of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. The new campaign also reminds visitors that they can come again to escape the stresses of city lifestyles and to invite newcomers to imagine tasting our unique cuisine, laying on our powdery beaches, swimming in our pristine waters, and exploring our historic cobblestone streets and protected national parks. It speaks to travelers seeking an authentic Caribbean experience comprising food, heritage, culture, and nature without having to leave U.S. soil. Among other aspects of the campaign is the revamped USVI tourism website, which contains a more comprehensive trip- planning section that highlights restaurants, shops, services,and other businesses that cater to tourists in the destination. In addition to dynamic content, the site uses new imagery that keeps it authentic and enthralling at the same time. Food- Sharing and Culture Local signature USVI dishes include Johnny Cakes, deep-fried bread made from cornmeal; pate, a ground beef, chicken, or salted cod wrapped in dough and deep-fried; peas and rice, kidney beans with brown rice; or fungi, the Caribbean version of polenta. Locally made fish soup is served for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner. Another popular dish is callaloo soup, which is made with daheen plant leaves, okra, local herbs, and sometimes meats or seafood. Wash it all down with a local Cruzan Rum signature cocktail. The USVI is rich with historic and cultural influences include Danish, French, Spanish and African - Danish the most prevalent. Carnivals are celebrated in the USVI in December/January on St. Croix, June/July on St. John, and April/May on St. Thomas. For more information visit: visitusvi.com BIO: JOSEPH BOSCHULTE Joseph Boschulte is the Commissioner for the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Commissioner Boschulte brings over 30 years of experience in business, finance, and government to the tourism department. The Commissioner has held high-level positions in transportation, utilities, telecommunications, finance, government development and investment banking with a proven track record of improving organizational performance and growth. Boschulte formerly served as President and CEO of The West Indian Company Limited (WICO), Chief Financial Officer of both the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, the Government of the Virgin Islands Employees’ Retirement System, and chaired the VI Public Services Commission. Additionally, Boschulte serves as the former Vice President of Institutional Advancement at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), Executive Director for UVI’s Reichhold Center for the Arts, Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance with Wachovia Securities in Atlanta, and Vice President of Banc of America Securities in Charlotte and New York City. Currently, Boschulte serves as the Chairman for the Board of Directors of The West Indian Company Limited (WICO) and sits on the board for the Virgin Islands Port Authority. He is also a member of the US Travel Association. Commissioner Boschulte earned his MBA from Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. A family man first, Commissioner Boschulte is a husband to his wife Aisha, and proud parents of children Jaeden and Janae. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

January 19, 2023 03:20 PM Eastern Standard Time

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VINCUE HIGHLIGHTS NEXT-GEN PLATFORM AT NADA 2023

DealerCue Automotive Corp.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DealerCue Automotive Corp., the maker of VINCUE, the unified inventory lifecycle solutions for dealers, today announced it will roll out impressive new features at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention. “These three new weapons will dramatically change how dealers operate in their day-to-day,” Danny Zaslavsky, Managing Partner at VINCUE and Dealer Principal at his own dealership in Kansas City explained. “Separately, each of these innovations are powerful in their own way, and combined, they’re just unstoppable in addressing critical needs for dealers to optimize their overall operations.” VINCUE Performance Managers and Data Scientists have unlocked what dealers need to gain a competitive advantage in today’s economy, and used that insight to continually enhance and create new, intelligent, capabilities - Boost, Re // Engage, and “Highest Authentic Value” Merchandising. Boost: The only automated digital advertising capability focused on promoting low-performing or dealer-specified vehicles directly to local market consumers. Boost spends less than a dollar per VDP view compared to current industry standard advertising vendors and channels, which can be three times higher or more. Boost delivers an average of a 396% lift in VDP views to low-performing inventory and an average of 435% more impressions directly to local, in-market shoppers. Re // Engage: A new tool that connects active clients in a dealers CRM (leads) to fresh inventory - putting supply in front of the demand. VINCUE works with a dealer’s CRM to identify customers that either just missed out on the vehicle of their dreams or didn’t quite get a deal put together - and matches them with fresh inventory. When VINCUE notices a car similar to the one a client missed out on has appeared in inventory, that customer is alerted via text automatically. This new capability increases sales conversion rates without the need to spend additional money on marketing. “Highest Authentic Value” Merchandising: To sell inventory at its highest authentic value, dealers have to be able to unlock and then present each and every vehicle’s unique value to its customers. VINCUE now has the tools to do just that, empowering dealers to differentiate VDPs with complete creative control. With Dynamic and teachable vehicle photo overlays, custom banners, fully programmable descriptions, and more - all underpinned by each vehicle’s build data - communicating the highest authentic value of each piece of merchandise. “VINCUE exists to improve gross profits and operational efficiency for dealers,” said Chris Hoke, VINCUE Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Technology Officer. “The VINCUE next-gen platform is the only solution that encompasses all inventory management, market pricing, private party acquisition, and digital advertising capabilities, created for dealers by dealers. It is the foundation we are built on and we are committed to keeping it that way.” Hoke concluded. In addition to the new products, VINCUE is excited to share that Zaslavsky, a highly sought after speaker and visionary, was selected by the NADA team to speak at this year’s conference. He’ll share his extensive knowledge about how dealers can compete and win in any circumstance, detailing his first-hand experience. He’ll also weigh in on the specific data dealers need to know to stay ahead of the curve. The convention, which attracts industry leaders and dealers from around the world, is considered to be the top retail automotive event of the year with an average of 10,000 dealerships, including 65% of the Top 150, represented at the conference. “I’m honored I’ve been asked to share my unique perspective on the automotive industry,” Zaslavsky said. “I’ve learned so much both in owning and operating an independent dealership while also providing leadership to VINCUE as we work together to develop, test, and deliver new capabilities dealers need to stay competitive.” NADA 2023 takes place January 26 - 29 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. Those interested in attending can register here. To schedule a test drive with VINCUE at NADA, reserve a time here. About VINCUE VINCUE is transforming the retail automotive software industry by providing dealers with new, innovative end-to-end inventory lifecycle management and market pricing solutions. This gives dealers access to real-time data and tools in a single system to stock smarter, increase turn, compete effectively, and above all else — maximize profits. Contact Details Chief Marketing Officer Angela Rizzo +1 913-200-3301 angelarizzo@dealercue.com Company Website https://vincue.com/

January 19, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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American Equipment Expands National Field Service and Equipment Offerings With Acquisition of Shannahan Crane & Hoist

Rotunda Capital Partners LLC

American Equipment Holdings (“American Equipment”), a Rotunda Capital Partners portfolio company, has acquired Shannahan Crane & Hoist (“Shannahan Crane”), a leading provider of engineered overhead crane systems and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) field services. Shannahan Crane is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, with an additional field office in Kansas City, Kansas. The acquisition of Shannahan Crane marks the 14 th add-on acquisition completed by American Equipment since partnering with Rotunda in May 2021. Founded in 1961, Shannahan Crane delivers comprehensive overhead crane and hoist solutions to a loyal customer base, including regional and blue-chip companies, covering an array of strategic end markets. Shannahan Crane has endeared itself to customers with its responsive, customer-first approach and innovative material handling solutions that include an extensive set of turnkey engineering, installation, and service offerings that effectively guide customers through the entire lifecycle of their assets. “We couldn’t be happier to have Shannahan Crane join the American Equipment family. We now have a physical presence in 45 cities throughout the United States,” said American Equipment CEO Adam Zimmerman. “This vast network brings us closer to more customers than ever before and I’m excited to take advantage of the many collaboration opportunities that await us.” “We are very proud of what Shannahan Crane has been able to accomplish over the last 60 years and we look forward to writing the next chapter of our story with American Equipment,” said Bill Shannahan, owner of Shannahan Crane. “This partnership will bring many opportunities for growth and improvement that I cannot wait to begin sharing with both our customers and our employees.” “I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Bill and the Shannahan team. They have built a wonderful company with a strong work ethic and fantastic culture,” said American Equipment President and COO Troy Vellinga. “I look forward to bringing our teams together so we can begin leveraging the expertise and capabilities of these great organizations.” About American Equipment Holdings American Equipment Holdings is an organization of leading overhead crane and hoist, weighing and measurement distributors and field service providers, including American Equipment, Allied Crane, Eastern Crane & Hoist, Facilities Engineering, Kanawha Scales & Systems, Kistler Crane & Hoist, Pacific Crane & Hoist, Patriot Crane & Hoist, Shannahan Crane & Hoist, Systems Specialties, and Washington Crane & Hoist. The consolidated entity is one of the largest independently owned overhead crane and hoist, weighing and measurement solution providers in the country, serving over 7,000 customers nationwide. Together, American Equipment Holdings companies provide comprehensive solutions for everything related to customers’ overhead crane and hoist, weighing and measurement needs, including OSHA mandated inspections, preventative maintenance and repair field services, parts, engineering, ISO certified fabrication, new and replacement equipment, automated systems, system modernizations and training. American Equipment Holdings represents leading manufacturers such as Avery Weigh-Tronix, Detroit Hoist, Columbus McKinnon, ACCO, R&M, Demag, Gorbel, Spanco, IMS, Rice Lake, Harrington, Conductix, Magnetek & PE and Mettler Toledo, among others, and customers rely on its service, design, engineering, fabrication, and installation capabilities to meet their unique application needs. American Equipment Holdings serves local, regional and national customers across a variety of end markets, including light & heavy industrial, automotive, mining, public utilities, military, aerospace & defense and energy, among others. For more information, visit www.amquipinc.com. American Equipment is aggressively seeking to acquire other overhead crane, industrial scale and material handling equipment, parts and service solution providers and is interested in acquisition opportunities presented by business owners, management, or M&A intermediaries. Please contact Ryan Aprill, principal at Rotunda Capital Partners, regarding acquisition opportunities. About Rotunda Capital Partners Rotunda Capital Partners is an operationally oriented private equity firm focused on transforming family-founder owned companies into dynamic, data-driven platforms able to achieve and manage significant growth. Since its founding in 2009, Rotunda has partnered with management teams to build great businesses within three primary sectors: value-added distribution, asset-light logistics and industrial & business services. Rotunda strives to achieve replicable results by implementing its Rotunda Performance System to create strategic alignment, develop lean processes and create robust, data-driven infrastructures. For more information, visit www.rotundacapital.com. Contact Details Rotunda Capital Partners Jill Lafferty +1 847-280-1295 jill@rotundacapital.com Company Website https://www.rotundacapital.com

January 17, 2023 07:46 AM Eastern Standard Time

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