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Geoff Reiss, Former GM of Yahoo Sports, Named Chairman of StreamLayer

StreamLayer

StreamLayer, a leader in the monetization of live OTT sports content, has appointed Geoff Reiss, the former GM of Yahoo Sports, as the company’s new chairman. Reiss, who also served as Head of Sports at Twitter and CEO of the Professional Bowlers Association, has an extensive record of leading groundbreaking sports media businesses, including his role in launching ESPN.com and ESPN's fantasy platform. As StreamLayer experiences a surge in demand for its video monetization technology, Reiss's timing couldn't be more opportune. The company's technology is increasingly sought after for its ability to unlock new revenue sources and attract younger audiences, a necessity as the industry undergoes a difficult transition from linear TV to streaming. StreamLayer is also planning to unveil a groundbreaking event-triggered, in-game advertising solution later this year, and Reiss will play a key role in its introduction to the market. "We're honored to have Geoff on board,” said John Ganschow, StreamLayer CEO. “His expertise in commercialization and partnership development will be invaluable as we tap into these new opportunities and expand our global reach across the sports media sector." “StreamLayer is at the forefront of developing new and incredibly exciting ways for fans to engage with live sports, and I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to help them become a fixture within the industry,” said Reiss. About StreamLayer: StreamLayer is revolutionizing the economic model for OTT providers around the globe. The Company’s proprietary Video Engagement Operating System (VEOS) enables content programmers and broadcast rights holders to transform linear streaming video feeds into highly monetizable interactive viewing experiences, seamlessly integrated into their own native app environments to facilitate valuable first-party data collection. StreamLayer is headquartered in Chicago, IL. Contact Details StreamLayer John Ganschow +1 312-543-0488 john@streamlayer.io Company Website https://www.streamlayer.io/

February 09, 2024 07:00 AM Central Standard Time

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First-Ever Risk Retention Group for the Cannabis Industry Launches with CLIC RRG

IMA Financial

Cornerstone Risk Solutions, a subsidiary of IMA Financial Group, today announced the launch of CLIC Risk Retention Group Inc. (CLIC RRG), the first and only risk retention group designed specifically for the unique needs of the burgeoning cannabis industry. The member-owned insurance solution is now available to cannabis-related businesses (CRBs) nationwide. “We are very proud to announce the launch of CLIC Risk Retention Group. We are the first and only insurer in the cannabis space that is owned exclusively by its policyholders,” said Chris Payne, founder of CLIC RRG. “This allows us to offer risk management and profit-sharing opportunities that are unavailable anywhere else in the industry.” The product represents a significant step toward comprehensive insurance solutions tailored to the needs of CRBs across the United States. CLIC members gain access to general liability and product liability coverage from anywhere in the nation, which until now has been out of reach in this high-risk, heavily legislated sector. Tris Felix, Managing Director of Cornerstone Risk Solutions, highlighted the product’s significance: “A member-owned insurance solution is a game-changer for CRB owners whose growth has been historically limited by lack of liability coverage. CLIC RRG owners can build — and benefit from — products that meet the industry’s unique needs, leveling the playing field in a competitive and evolving industry.” As the cannabis industry continues to grow, Cornerstone and CLIC RRG are committed to assessing market responses and potentially introducing additional cannabis industry-specific insurance solutions. “Historically, CLIC RRG coverage lines have been profitable for carriers, yet restricted the policyholders,” said IMA Vice President and Cannabis National Practice Leader Michael Hennessey. “By coming together in a risk retention group, cannabis businesses set their own direction and claim their due benefit.” About Cornerstone Risk Solutions and IMA Financial Group Cornerstone Risk Solutions, a subsidiary of IMA Financial Group, specializes in providing innovative insurance and risk management solutions. IMA Financial Group, a North American insurance brokerage firm, is renowned for its commitment to protecting assets and making a difference in the lives of its clients, associates and communities. About CLIC Risk Retention Group Inc. (CLIC RRG) CLIC Risk Retention Group Inc. (CLIC RRG) is a private insurance company owned by and operated solely for the benefit of participants in the legalized cannabis industry. The company serves businesses and individuals involved in the sale, manufacture, cultivation, transportation and testing of legalized cannabis-based products. The company’s operations are controlled by policyholders who are licensees in the cannabis industry. Contact Details CLIC Risk Retention Group Inc. Chris Payne +1 858-260-9000 chris@clicrrg.com IMA Financial Group Sean Hanft +1 203-313-3205 Sean.hanft@imacorp.com Center Reach Communications Alexandra Campbell alexandra@centerreachcommunication.com Company Website https://cornerstonerisksolutions.com/

February 08, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Goodway Group Selects FreeWheel As First Video-Only Ad Partner

Goodway Group

Today, Goodway Group, a leading, data-driven and technology-enabled digital media and marketing services firm, announced its first, video-only partnership for premium video ad inventory with FreeWheel, a global technology platform for the television advertising industry. The two companies are teaming up to help further scale and open up access to premium, connected television ad inventory for marketers. They are doing so to help tackle some of today’s most pressing industry challenges: access to premium, brand-safe ad inventory, a need for greater transparency into the ad buying process, as well as greater media efficiencies. This partnership aims to address several of those challenges by offering publishers working with Goodway Group many key benefits: First, they can tap into FreeWheel’s direct connection – and access – to a large array of premium video ad inventory. Secondly, publishers will now have greater transparency into the ad buying process, as FreeWheel has one of the industry’s most direct, efficient and simplest paths to premium video ad inventory. Lastly, per the partnership, Goodway Group has first access to test out new betas and innovations, so that its clients can stay differentiated and nimble in today’s complex ad marketplace. “As the TV advertising ecosystem continues to fragment and evolve, we sought a partner with a steady commitment to infusing simplicity, transparency and innovation and FreeWheel clearly stood out,” said Andrea Kwiatek, Director, Partnerships, Goodway Group. “FreeWheel has consistently driven greater innovation and better business results for their clients, and this is fueled by a deep understanding of the challenges that the industry faces today. We look forward to working together with them to help raise the bar for TV advertising for our clients and across the ecosystem.” The partnership comes at a time when, as more video investments shift toward programmatic activation, marketers want even greater transparency on advertising ROI. This partnership aims to address that demand by providing a more enhanced way to streamline marketers’ workflow, thereby allowing greater insight into where and how media dollars are being spent. The savings that are derived from that improved workflow, in turn, are invested back into the TV ad marketplace, allowing marketers to drive even more ad results. “At FreeWheel, we are challenging ourselves, our clients, and the broader marketplace to treat professionally produced commercial break ad inventory different from standard banner ads. This means we need to find innovative ways to make the TV ad buying process simpler and more direct, predictable and effective to buy programmatically,” said Jon Mansell, VP, Head of U.S. Programmatic Demand, FreeWheel. “These are the same guiding principles that are powering our partnership with Goodway and our goal is to help better improve the industry, on all of these pillars, by teaming up with them.” About Goodway Group Goodway Group is a leading data-driven and technology-enabled digital media and marketing services firm with teams in the U.S. and the U.K. Our diverse team of digital strategists, media practitioners, technologists and data scientists have won the most prestigious awards for innovative marketing technology, impactful work and inclusive remote-first places to work including being honored as a multiyear Ad Age Best Places to Work, AdExchanger’s Best Use of Technology by an Agency Award and three MarTech Breakthrough Awards. The firm deploys deep expertise across both consumer and B2B marketing, including brand-performance advertising, retail media and commerce, and advanced analytics using proprietary digital programmatic technologies, data, analytics methodologies, and consultation. Goodway Group is an independent and remote-first media and marketing services firm with a 90+ year history. Find Goodway Group online at Goodwaygroup.com. About FreeWheel FreeWheel empowers all segments of The New TV Ecosystem. We are structured to provide the full breadth of solutions the advertising industry needs to achieve their goals. We provide the technology, data enablement and convergent marketplaces required to ensure buyers and sellers can transact across all screens, across all data types, and all sales channels, in order to ensure the ultimate goal – results for marketers. With offices in New York, Chicago, London, Paris, Beijing, and across the globe, FreeWheel, A Comcast Company, stands to advocate for the entire industry through the FreeWheel Council for Premium Video. For more information, please visit https://www.freewheel.com/, and follow us on X and LinkedIn. Contact Details Alexandra Morrison +1 214-604-9658 alexandra@kitehillpr.com FreeWheel FreeWheel elaine_wong@comcast.com Company Website https://www.goodwaygroup.com/

February 08, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

COMCAST OPENS LATEST XFINITY STORE IN EDEN PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA

Comcast Twin Cities

Comcast today announced the opening of its newest Twin Cities area Xfinity Store in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Located off bustling Commonwealth Drive, the space is thoughtfully designed with the customer experience at the forefront, providing an opportunity to explore and interact directly with the latest Xfinity products and services. The store is located at 8266 Commonwealth Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55344, and is now open to the public. This opening marks the 15 th Xfinity Store in the Twin Cities metro area. With a modern and open environment that highlights Comcast’s entertainment and technology offerings, the new store encourages customers to work with dedicated store employees and interact with the latest Xfinity products. Products range from internet, video, connected home solutions, Xfinity Mobile, a flexible and affordable wireless plan, and Comcast Business solutions, including new mobile offerings for any size business. The store is equipped to host live demos and provide hands-on account management services. Customers can also conveniently book appointments online ahead of time through Xfinity’s website. “We are happy to welcome Comcast to Eden Prairie as the location for their newest Xfinity store,” said Pat MulQueeny, President of the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber knows how important access to the newest technology is, and with the store’s prime location, it is easier than ever for Eden Prairie customers to access the latest technology and stay connected.” Comcast has also further invested in the Eden Prairie community by donating $5,000 to the Eden Prairie Crime Prevention Fund for their annual youth Safety Camp, where children learn about safety from local police, fire, and recreation departments. “We are thrilled to bring this new state-of-the-art store to Eden Prairie,” said Rachel Johnson, vice president, Sales and Marketing, Comcast Midwest. “Xfinity’s unprecedented coverage is only getting faster, smarter and more reliable, and it is exciting to see more and more communities taking advantage of our unmatched products and services.” The store is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Jill Hornbacher +1 651-425-1695 Jill_Hornbacher@comcast.com Company Website https://midwest.comcast.com

February 08, 2024 08:00 AM Central Standard Time

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Roberts & Ryan Inc., America's first Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVO) broker-dealer, is pleased to welcome Mark DeVito as its Senior Director of Equity Trading.

Roberts & Ryan, Inc.

Mr. DeVito joins Roberts & Ryan as a seasoned business veteran, whose 35-year career has included leadership roles in investment banking, corporate finance, capital market transactions, alternative investments, and corporate boards. Prior to joining Roberts & Ryan, Mr. DeVito was Managing Director of the Global Investment Banking Group at Bank of America Securities, where he developed key client relationships and originated investment banking transactions. Before Bank of America Securities, Mr. DeVito was Managing Partner at JCS Partners LLC. Prior to that, he was Managing Director of Global Energy and Power Investment Banking at Merrill Lynch. Additionally, while at Merrill Lynch, he was the Global Head of their Alternative Investments Group and Managing Director of their Debt Capital Markets Group. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President of Investment Banking and Capital Markets at Lehman Brothers and Assistant Vice President at Shearson Lehman Hutton. Mr. DeVito served as a member of the Board of Directors of Nextremity Solutions, the Board of Trustees of Rumson Country Day School and the Executive Board of Family and Children’s Services. When asked to share his thoughts on Roberts & Ryan's latest appointment, Chief Executive Officer Ed D'Alessandro remarked, “I am very excited to welcome Mark to our team. His extensive experience and distinguished investment banking career will be a tremendous asset to Roberts & Ryan. Mark is committed to our social mission of supporting Veterans and their families, and his investment banking experience will be instrumental in helping us grow. We are truly fortunate to have someone of Mark’s caliber join our team to help us get to the next level.” Mr. DeVito is a graduate of Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business, where he received an MBA in Finance, and a graduate of Seton Hall University, where he received a BA in Finance. About Roberts and Ryan, Inc. Roberts & Ryan, Inc. is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned (SDVO) broker-dealer with execution capabilities in the capital markets, equities, and fixed-income trading. 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, Roberts & Ryan is active in donating to charitable foundations that make significant positive impacts in the lives of Veterans and their families, primarily focusing on general wellness, mental health, and career transition. To learn more about Roberts & Ryan, please visit www.roberts-ryan.com. Contact Details Michael C. Del Priore +1 646-859-4061 mdelpriore@roberts-ryan.com Company Website https://www.roberts-ryan.com

February 08, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Thumzup Media CEO Robert Steele's Vision for 2024 with Opportunity in Social Media Advertising

Thumzup Media Corporation

Thumzup Media CEO Robert Steele recently joined Steve Darling from Proactive to discuss the company's exciting developments and unique approach to digital advertising. Thumzup Media has launched the Thumzup mobile app, which allows advertisers to leverage user-generated content from customers and fans by compensating them for becoming social media advocates for their favorite brands. Steele reveals that the company has experienced remarkable growth, with a 10x increase in users and a 6x rise in advertisers over the past year. Thumzup's innovative approach aims to revolutionize digital advertising by democratizing brand promotion, enabling any business to reward individuals for posting about them on their personal social media accounts. Steele emphasized the company's Instagram-first strategy, taking advantage of the platform's vast user base of 3 billion people and substantial ad revenue, which is six times greater than that of TikTok. Thumzup targets a broad demographic, envisioning participation from anyone aged 18 and above in this new form of advertising. Looking ahead to 2024, Thumzup Media Corp, traded under the symbol TZUP, is in the midst of a unique equity crowdfunding campaign. The funds raised will support Thumzup's plan to uplift its listing to a senior exchange, potentially NASDAQ or NYSE, facilitating a national expansion to 20 cities and integration with platforms like Facebook and TikTok. Exciting times await Thumzup Media Corp as it strives to redefine social media advertising and empower individuals to advocate for the brands they love while earning rewards. Contact Details Proactive Canada Proactive Canada +1 604-688-8158 action@proactiveinvestors.com

February 07, 2024 11:33 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Revolutionizing rewards: KwikClick CEO unveils game-changing platform for brands and influencers

KwikClick

KwikClick Inc CEO Fred Cooper discusses the company's unique software platform in an interview with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion. KwikClick serves as a comprehensive rewards program for brands, catering to those without existing programs or seeking customization. The platform offers modules for loyalty points, cashback, rewards, and lottery giveaways. It also monetizes word-of-mouth marketing through an affiliate program. Cooper emphasized tailoring rewards programs to individual companies, ensuring they align with customer acquisition goals. Influencers play a crucial role, earning commissions for driving sales and generating new customers. KwikClick's growth is notable, with one brand experiencing a 250% increase in sales within the first week of adopting the platform. Recent enhancements, including Zapier integration and improved checkout, aim to simplify the rewards process. Cooper hinted at a potential uplisting and expressed optimism for KwikClick's 2024 focus on client adoption and sales growth. The platform's ease of use and innovative approach position it as a promising player in the rewards program market. Contact Details Proactive Canada Proactive Canada +1 604-688-8158 action@proactiveinvestors.com

February 07, 2024 11:10 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Oreo Called Out for Backing PFLAG’s Agenda; Supporter of Gender Ideology, Explicit Books in Schools

NLPC

As Oreo prepares to make a splash with its first Super Bowl commercial in 10 years, National Legal and Policy Center today released a 30-second video that delivers stinging criticism of the cookie brand over its longtime partnership with PFLAG. The LGBTQ advocacy group condones gender transition treatments for children as young as three years old, and battles to make sure books with explicit content are allowed in public schools and libraries. You can watch the video here. NLPC owns stock in Oreo’s parent company, Mondelez International, and will sponsor a shareholder proposal at the annual meeting in May. The nonprofit corporate watchdog and shareholder activist initiated its campaign to highlight the cookie-maker’s inappropriate relationship with PFLAG after it noticed the brand’s social media accounts – primarily on X.com (formerly Twitter) – were heavily populated with posts in support of PFLAG’s various narratives, causes and social advocacy. Oreo has promoted various short films, special packaging and fundraisers, utilizing the company’s popularity and resources to advance PFLAG’s agenda. The pro-transgender ideology group lobbies against laws that seek to protect children from indoctrination efforts and so-called “gender affirming” medical treatments before they are mature enough to make such decisions, and also laws that protect kids from so-called “transition care” without their parents’ consent. In October Oreo also co-sponsored PFLAG’s National Convention, where the theme was “ Learning with Love.” The meeting’s first session was titled, “Let Freedom Read! Read with Love to Support Inclusive Books and Education.” PFLAG characterizes its gender ideology indoctrination efforts in schools as a so-called prevention against alleged “censorship.” PFLAG co-sponsors a “banned books” website as part of a coalition that includes the Marxist-led American Library Association. Titles such as “ This Book is Gay,” “ Gender Queer,” “ All Boys Aren’t Blue,” “ Flamer,” and “ Lawn Boy ” are among the stories with explicit content that PFLAG and its allies believe should be easily accessed by kids. “Oreo is a beloved brand with a strong identity and a reputation for connecting with all ages, especially kids, because it’s not only delicious, but fun,” said Paul Chesser, director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project. “Now the cookie’s image-managers are taking it down the same dangerous path that Bud Light, Disney and Target have trodden, which led to extensive brand destruction. We urge Mondelez to terminate Oreo’s controversial relationships before it’s too late.” NLPC’s shareholder proposal asks the Board of Directors “to examine the risks and consequences of the Company’s associations with external organizations, to determine whether they threaten the growth and sustainability of the Company.” “We call upon our fellow shareholders to join us to express concern to the Mondelez board and to Chairman/CEO Dirk van de Put over this treacherous direction in which Oreo has turned,” Chesser added. “If they don’t, perhaps parents and consumers will have something to say about it.” ### For more information or to schedule an interview with Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Founded in 1991, the National Legal and Policy Center promotes ethics in public life through research, investigation, education and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 703-237-1970 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

February 07, 2024 09:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

FuelRod Deploys Swappable Charging Program at Miami International Airport

Fuel Rod

FuelRod, a leading provider of portable power solutions, announced today that Miami International (MIA) is the latest airport to deploy their innovative charging service with the installation of ten automated kiosks in select locations throughout the airport. By implementing the FuelRod program, the airport now provides the more than 50 million annual passengers with an environmentally friendly, portable option to power their devices—helping to eliminate “low power anxiety” and creating a more connected and less stressful traveling experience. FuelRod kiosks allow travelers to buy a kit with a fully charged FuelRod and all necessary cables to support any phone or pad. The rods may be recharged by the user or swapped for a fresh, fully charged replacement at any one of the many kiosk locations nationwide so travelers never need to worry about running out of power on the go. MIA is the newest addition to a rapidly growing list of more than fifty U.S. airports that have adopted the patented FuelRod two-way exchange mobile charging program, which includes major hubs such as Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), John F. Kennedy (JFK), Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Boston Logan (BOS), and Harry Reid Las Vegas (LAS). “We're thrilled to kick off 2024 with the installation of FuelRod kiosks at Miami International Airport,” said FuelRod COO Joe Yeagley. “This latest expansion to our kiosk network at MIA highlights our commitment to providing travelers with easily accessible and reliable power solutions. We believe that staying charged should be easy and convenient, and our continued focus on expanding our presence in airports reinforces this belief.” It is FuelRod’s hope that their collaboration with airports such as MIA will improve the overall quality of the traveling experience and allow passengers to focus on the matters that are most important to them. About FuelRod FuelRod is a California-based portable power solutions company and developer of the FuelRod kit—the first reusable, portable charging system that allows you to charge your mobile device on the go, and then recharge or swap for a fresh one. With a growing network of kiosks nationwide, FuelRod can keep your devices powered virtually anywhere you go. Learn more at www.fuel-rod.com. Contact Details FuelRod Claudio Frescas +1 423-914-9647 claudio@fuel-rod.com Company Website https://www.fuel-rod.com/

February 07, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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