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Comcast RISE Awards An Additional 19 BIPOC-Owned, Small Businesses in Twin Cities with Marketing and Technology Resources and Makeovers

Comcast West Division

Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA) today announced the second round of Comcast RISE award recipients in the Twin Cities—19 businesses will receive consulting, media and creative production services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, or technology upgrades from Comcast Business, based on the specific needs. To date, the Twin Cities has announced 32 recipients including a diverse roster of small business, from Duck Donuts in Woodbury, The Zen Bin in Minneapolis, and The Creative Studio in St. Paul. The new Comcast RISE recipients in the Twin Cities include: AG on the Cut, St. Paul Alma Flor Ada Spanish Immersion Early Learning Academy, Woodbury Atrebla Early Learning Center, Minneapolis Big Cutz Barbershop, Columbia Heights Center for Communication & Development – KMOJ-FM, Minneapolis Cilantro Restaurant, Woodbury Cravings Wine Bar & Grille, Woodbury DFS Consultants LLC, St. Paul H & S Booking LLC, New Hope HercLÃ©on, St. Paul K & M Construction of MN LLC, Lake Elmo Lions Gym and Wellness Center, Robbinsdale Morris Services LLC, Minneapolis Premiere Staffing Group, St. Paul Queen Anna House of Fashion, Minneapolis The Black Threadist, Brooklyn Park The Pole Barn Studio LLC, Stillwater Urban Mass Media Group/BMA, Minneapolis Work of Art Barbershop & Shave, Robbinsdale Comcast RISE, which stands for “Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment,” focuses on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned, small businesses in the U.S., those hit hardest by the pandemic according to a recent study from the National Bureau of Economic Research. New applications are now open to eligible BIPOC-owned, small businesses through May 7, 2021 at www.ComcastRISE.com. “At a time when so many in our small business communities are struggling, it’s incredibly humbling to be able to give back and share our knowledge and resources with those hit hardest by the pandemic. We want to help our partners and communities rise,” said J.D. Keller, regional senior vice president, Comcast Twin Cities. “I could not be more pleased to be supporting the BIPOC community and continue this positive momentum.” “The past year has seen unprecedented challenges for our business community, especially for those small-to-medium size operations owned by BIPOC entrepreneurs,” said B Kyle, president and CEO, St. Paul Area Chamber. “That’s why we’re so pleased that Comcast is offering valuable support through Comcast RISE with marketing, advertising and technical expertise. We stand behind their efforts and encourage our local businesses to apply for this important program.” Comcast RISE provides the opportunity for BIPOC-owned, small businesses nationwide to apply for one or more of the following support focus areas: Marketing Services: The following services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, and its creative agency, Mnemonic, are designed to help recipients with their marketing and media campaigns, including: Media: A linear TV media campaign to run over a 90-day period. Creative Production: Turnkey:30 TV commercial production, plus a media strategy consultation and 90-day media placement schedule. Consulting: Advertising and marketing consultations with local Effectv marketing, research and creative teams to gain insights on how to drive business. Technology Makeovers: The state-of-the-art equipment and technology upgrade from Comcast Business includes computer equipment as well as Internet, Voice and Cybersecurity services for up to a 12-month period. (Taxes and other fees may still apply for technology makeover services.) Comcast RISE is part of a larger $100 million Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative that Comcast launched in 2020. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. About Comcast Business Comcast Business offers Ethernet, Internet, Wi-Fi, Voice, TV and Managed Enterprise Solutions to help organizations of all sizes transform their business. Powered by an advanced network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is one of the largest contributors to the growth of Comcast Cable. Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and has emerged as a force in the Enterprise market; recognized over the last two years by leading industry associations as one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services. For more information, call 866-429-3085. Follow on Twitter @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social. About Effectv Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, helps local, regional and national advertisers use the best of digital with the power of TV to grow their business. It provides multi-screen marketing solutions to make advertising campaigns more effective and easier to execute. Headquartered in New York with offices throughout the country, Effectv has a presence in 66 markets with nearly 35 million owned and represented subscribers. For more information, visit www.effectv.com. Contact Details Comcast Jill Hornbacher +1 651-425-1695 Jill_Hornbacher@comcast.com Comcast Dave Nyberg 651-341-6401 Dave_Nyberg@comcast.com Company Website https://twincities.comcast.com

April 08, 2021 10:00 AM Central Daylight Time

How Much Would Your Home Be Worth on Airbnb?

YourUpdateTV

As people are yearning to get out of the house and connect after months of pandemic-caused isolation, more prospective Airbnb Hosts are looking to benefit from this travel rebound. And now, those looking to join other new Airbnb Hosts can easily see their estimated monthly income from hosting. Recently, Christopher Nulty, Head of Global Public Affairs at Airbnb, teamed with YourUpdateTV on a satellite media tour to discuss the new tool and other travel trends. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/JYPG2N9GA90 According to recent consumer polling, there is pent-up demand for travel as people yearn to get out of the house and connect after months of pandemic-caused isolation, especially in light of new CDC guidance indicating that it is safe to travel once vaccinated. And travelers are seeking the kind of travel experiences Hosts can provide: Airbnb listings are better equipped to handle group travel than hotels, and visiting with family and friends is the type of travel people have missed the most. The ‘What's My Place Worth’ interactive tool computes the estimated income through inputs for geography, type of listing and space and factors in prior Airbnb booking data in the area. As demand for travelling increases, for those considering becoming a Host, the time to take advantage of this economic opportunity is now. For more information, visit Airbnb.com/host About Christopher Nulty: Christopher Nulty is Airbnb's Head of Global Public Affairs. Prior to joining Airbnb in 2015, Christopher led public relations for Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer. Christopher started his career in Washington, D.C., where he worked on Immigration and Healthcare Policy at the 2.2 million member Service Employees International Union (SEIU). A proud native of upstate New York, Christopher is a graduate of Colgate University where he currently serves as a director on the Alumni Council Board of Directors. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

April 06, 2021 04:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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How Medicaid Compliant Annuities Work by: Jennifer Lang Financial Services

Jennifer Lang Financial Services, LLC

Contact Details Jennifer Lang Financial Services, LLC. Jennifer Lang +1 877-487-8926 mail@jenniferlangfinancialservices.com Company Website https://www.jenniferlangfinancialservices.com

April 06, 2021 10:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

Velocity Global acquires iWorkGlobal to accelerate remote work and global expansion platform; receives $100M growth investment from FFL Partners

Velocity Global

Velocity Global, the leading provider of global expansion solutions, today announced its acquisition of iWorkGlobal, a wholly owned subsidiary of Gary D. Nelson and Associates, and a $100 million growth investment from private equity firm FFL Partners. The combined company, under the Velocity Global name, creates the largest U.S. domestic and global Employer of Record (EoR) and accelerates the future of remote work for companies around the world. The investment from FFL Partners, a firm focused on growth investments in middle market companies, will also be deployed by Velocity Global to support additional strategic acquisitions, technology development, and to further expand the company’s global footprint. “This strategic acquisition combines scale and expertise in a single platform for companies to employ top talent in another state or another country, quickly and compliantly,” said Ben Wright, Velocity Global founder and CEO. “We welcome the iWorkGlobal team, its clients, supported employees, and partners to the Velocity Global family at an inflection point for companies as we exit a pandemic that fundamentally removed the worker from the workplace.” “At iWorkGlobal, we viewed ourselves as a strategic partner to our clients and this outlook aligns with the ‘People First’ brand of Velocity Global,” said Jeff Phelps, iWorkGlobal co-founder and CEO. “Combining our strengths allows us to deliver complementary expertise, capabilities, and new geographies to clients and their supported employees in the U.S. and around the globe.” “As workforces have become more distributed, iWorkGlobal positioned itself as a leader in talent engagement solutions,” said Craig Nelson, Board Chairman of Gary D. Nelson and Associates. “It’s a testament to Jeff's leadership and the hard work and dedication of the iWorkGlobal team that Velocity Global proactively sought out this combination of market leaders." Expanded Services in Domestic U.S. and Globally Brands rely on Velocity Global’s expertise and global infrastructure to hire compliantly without the cost or complexity of setting up their own foreign legal entities or state registrations. As the Employer of Record, Velocity Global manages in-country and in-state compliance, payroll, and benefits for its clients’ supported employees. As a result of this transaction, Velocity Global expands its offering to include EoR services in all 50 United States in addition to its industry-leading EoR capabilities in more than 185 countries. The combined company also offers Independent Contractor Compliance to assess a workforce and Agent of Record (AoR) to streamline payments to contractors globally. Velocity Global’s platform combines these elements with a personalized customer experience, best-in-breed technology, and increased scale for companies to grow their remote workforce. Velocity Global now guides, counsels, and serves more than 700 brands and their 4,000 supported employees. Clients include small start-ups to enterprise businesses. The combined company has supported remote teams for hundreds of public companies with an aggregated market capitalization of more than $2 trillion, and private companies funded by more than $60 billion. “We serve as a single partner for a business to scale its remote workforce from one employee to multinational teams,” said Wright. “We have a global footprint that will grow to nearly 50 wholly-owned foreign legal entities in the most desired international markets by year’s end, and now in all 50 states, to enable companies to compliantly employ top remote talent across a state line or country border.” Market Growth The rapidly maturing global EoR and AoR industries are key drivers of the “future of work” or gig economy worth $4.5 trillion according to a 2020 report from Staffing Industry Analysts. The investment from FFL Partners will help ensure Velocity Global is able to not just meet demand, but extend its market leadership position. “We have all seen the nature of work evolve drastically over the past 12 months, and we are very excited to make this investment in Velocity Global, a pioneer in this space fast-tracking the future of work,” said Cas Schneller, FFL Managing Partner. “Velocity Global achieved a 400% organic growth rate over the past three years while maintaining disciplined financials and delivering an exceptional customer experience. We are confident FFL’s deep business services experience can help accelerate this remarkable success.” Combined Company Velocity Global welcomes 40 iWorkGlobal employees as part of the transaction, growing its team to approximately 300 employees worldwide. Ben Wright leads the company headquartered in Denver with regional headquarters in Amsterdam, Bogotá, and Singapore. The combined company operates additional regional offices in Bangalore, Dubai, London, Mexico City, São Paulo, and Toronto. Local Velocity Global employees in 16 countries contribute cultural and market knowledge for clients and a personalized supported employee experience. Maria Goyer joins the Velocity Global executive team as Chief Innovation Officer, reporting to Wright, after serving as senior vice president of Strategy for iWorkGlobal. She will drive strategic initiatives and innovative best practices across the organization to serve the growing global customer base. Goyer applies more than 20 years of industry and strategic expertise in the development of all aspects of Business Process Outsourcing, including pioneering work in the Managed Service Providers (MSP), Vendor Management Systems (VMS), payroll, and compliance industries through Software as a service (SaaS) applications for global contingent workforce programs. View Velocity Global leadership here. ABOUT VELOCITY GLOBAL Velocity Global accelerates the future of work beyond borders. Its platform enables businesses to employ remote teams and expand internationally through global expertise, best-in-breed technology, and scale. More than 700 brands rely on its Employer of Record model and infrastructure in 185 countries and all 50 United States to compliantly employ thousands of supported employees, access global talent, and grow revenue. Named a “Leader” in Global Employer of Record services by prominent analyst firm NelsonHall, Velocity Global is a strategic partner to its clients through additional comprehensive services including Immigration, Independent Contractor Compliance to assess a workforce, and Agent of Record (AoR) to streamline payments to contractors globally. Founded in 2014, the company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with regional headquarters in Amsterdam, Bogotá, and Singapore, with local employees in 16 countries. ABOUT FFL PARTNERS Founded in 1997, FFL Partners is a San Francisco-based private equity firm with over $4.5 billion under management. FFL pursues thematic investments in business services and healthcare services partnering with exceptional management teams where the firm's high engagement operating model and extensive network can help accelerate growth and unlock value. Growing our businesses has provided over 75% of the value created by FFL for its investors. For additional information please visit  www.fflpartners.com. Contact Details Velocity Global John Hall +1 720-650-4348 johnhall@velocityglobal.com For FFL Partners Kelly Holman +1 (646) 502-3509 KHolman@Stantonprm.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

April 06, 2021 05:30 AM Mountain Daylight Time

Video

Auto Theft on The Rise: Surge in Both Auto Theft and Carjacking's

YourUpdateTV

There is a new warning for anyone who owns or leases an automobile: Auto Theft and Carjackings are on the rise. An analysis by the National Insurance Crime Bureau shows auto theft took a dramatic leap upward in 2020 compared to 2019, reversing two years of auto theft declines. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/PnrnGr-_fXc According to this initial study, NICB found that there were 873,080 auto thefts in 2020, a 9.2 percent increase over 2019, and recorded the most thefts for a single year the past decade. Further, every month from June through December 2020 saw theft increases ranging from 11 to 18 percent over 2019. Overall, 38 states witnessed increases in auto thefts in 2020 over 2019. NICB CEO David Glawe conducted a nationwide media tour in conjunction with Your Update TV and D S Simon Media to discuss the rise in auto thefts and the fight to stop the criminals who commit them. Mr. Glawe shared tips on what actions car and truck owners should take to prevent theft and offered insights on macro trends surrounding insurance crimes during a time of COVID-19. During the TV interviews across the country Glawe also highlighted: Recent numbers NICB released when it comes to auto theft After two consecutive years of declining theft, whether these new numbers are the start of an upward trend or merely an aberration Why we are seeing such an increase What can people do to protect themselves from these types of thefts, and what should you do if you are a victim of any of these crimes REPORT FRAUD: Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 800.TEL.NICB (800.835.6422)or submitting a form on our website. Media: Tully Lehman 925.758.0744 tlehman@nicb.org Brooke Kelley 847.544.7085 bkelley@nicb.org About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

April 05, 2021 02:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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CMMC Center of Excellence Announces Engagement Agreement with Ordr

Interoperability Clearinghouse

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Center of Excellence (CMMC COE), hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public-private partnership serving the public and private sectors for more than 15 years, is excited to announce a partnership with Ordr, an industry leader in continuous discovery, device asset inventory visibility and security of all connected devices, including unmanaged IoT, IoMT, and OT devices. This unique partnership will extend efforts by providing complete device asset inventory discovery for compliance within the CMMC COE Marketplace to improve cybersecurity protection and resilience for the global defense industrial base network of contractors, vendors, and suppliers. “We are excited to embark on this journey with Ordr”, said John Weiler, Chairman of the Board at CMMC Center of Excellence, “The foundation of CMMC starts with visibility into devices in the network and the risks they bring. This new partnership will further help advance the goals and objectives for improving the supply chain security and resilience for the US Department of Defense (DoD)”. Ord provides a purpose-built platform for asset inventory and security. It discovers and secures all connected devices -- from traditional servers, workstations and PCs to IoT, IoMT and OT devices. Using agentless and passive methods of data collection, connected devices can be automatically discovered and classified. Devices with vulnerabilities, weak ciphers/certificates or are subject to recall are identified. Ordr’s machine learning engine also maps and baselines device communication patterns to establish “Flow Genomes”. Ordr can then alert on anomalous behavior and dynamically generate micro-segmentation policies to allow devices only appropriate access. “The Ordr team is thrilled to be joining the pioneering organizations and innovators that make up the CMMC COE,” said Greg Murphy, Chief Executive Officer at Ordr. “We are working with DIB contractors, vendors, and the supplier community to enable them to meet CMMC regulations quickly and efficiently. Being a part of the CMMC COE accelerates that effort.” The executed Engagement Agreement establishes a collaborative engagement between Ordr and the CMMC COE to partner in the furthering of their respective and complementary missions and objectives regarding the adoption, use, and expansion of CMMC based cybersecurity practices, risk management, and compliance for the DIB contractor, vendor, and supplier community of providers creating a broader CMMC ecosystem globally to improve security and resilience. Specific actions will include: The co-development of CMMC advisory services, cyber training and education programs to accelerate CMMC certification, increase cyber adoption and improve cyber protection & resilience. Co-sponsor symposiums, training programs and podcasts leveraging their combined cyber and IT expertise. Host regular working groups, with other partners, to enable collaboration and communications. Establish an independent Industry Cyber Security Advisory Council with peer organizations to advise and educate leaders across government and industry on the continued evolution and effectiveness of CMMC. The CMMC-COE ( http://cmmc-coe.org ) and Ordr partnership will focus on bringing together the many disparate cyber and national security communities of interest to reduce complexity, improve awareness, and accelerate industry effort to become more cyber resilient against the growing threats from nation states and criminal enterprises. The CMMC-COE establishes both a Market Place and Knowledge Clearinghouse that will include resources that support the overall effort, including white papers; tutorials; recorded webcasts; presentations; and more that will help reduce the cost and burden on small and medium size contractors already struggling from the impact of COVID. For more information on the CMMC COE, please visit http://cmmc-coe.org, email info@cmmc-coe.org or call 703-863-3766. For more information on Ordr, please visit https://ordr.net/solutions/cmmc/, email info@ordr.net or call 833.673.7999 #### Contact Details John Weiler Executive Director, IT-AAC Chairman, CMMC COE john.weiler@it-aac.org 703-863-3766 Monica Wallace for Ordr Monica.Wallace@ruderfinn.com 650-346-8994 About Us ---------- CMMC-COE.ORG is a unique non-profit public-private partnership, with a vision to accelerate Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMM) adoption, and reduce time & cost for security compliance for our partners by leveraging commercial best practices, CMMC standards, and innovative solutions for a measurable success. Our mission, focused on DOD mission objectives, cost containment and expeditious CMMC compliance, is to help the DIB improve cyber posture and resilience, and simplify its acquisition. The CMMC-COE is hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public/private partnership (P3) chartered in 2007 as an honest broker to reach outside the confines of the Federal IT advisories that lack dynamic reach into the Global IT Market, and dedicated to the adoption of commercial IT management standards of practice and innovations emanating from the Global IT market. Team IT-AAC has already demonstrated the value of its decade long investment, and provides a unique value to agencies seeking to achieve accelerate the transformation of legacy processes and systems. Our Just-in-Time SMEs apply an innovative suite of Technology Business Management and Agile Acquisition Processes needed to assure the business value of commercial IT. The Interoperability Clearinghouse (ICH), is the managing partner that make up the 24 NGO/SDO organizations that make up the IT-AAC. ICH provides the contract vehicles, clearances, and critical resources proven to guide sustainable, measurable and repeatable processes needed to drive better investment decisions as the speed of mission need, while aligning existing processes, methods and workforce with IT reform mandates contained in Clinger Cohen Act, FITARA, IT MGT Act, EO13838. About Ordr ------------ Digital transformation has led to the inevitable explosive increase of connected devices. The scale and diversity of these devices, and the capacity for network connectivity introduces risks. Every single device is a potential attack vector and must be secured. Ordr delivers visibility and security of all connected devices -- from traditional servers, workstations and PCs to IoT, IoMT and OT devices. Ordr discovers what devices are in the network, profiles device behavior and risks, and then automates appropriate action. Contact Details CMMC Center of Excellence Bob Dix +1 703-975-6633 bob.dix@it-aac.org Company Website https://cmmc-coe.org

March 30, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Osmo For Schools Celebrates Five Years and Upgrades to Plastic Manipulatives in School Bundles for Classroom Hygiene & Safety

Osmo for Schools

Osmo for Schools, the educational division of Tangible Play that promotes in-classroom usage of Osmo’s award-winning educational systems, celebrates its fifth anniversary March 30, 2021 and highlights recent achievements. These include upgrading to plastic pieces in all its school bundles to maintain the highest standards of classroom hygiene, along with reaching 100,000 downloads of the Osmo Projector App intended for teachers, which helped grow Osmo’s community of active users. “Osmo for Schools began thanks to all the incredibly enthusiastic teachers across the U.S. and Canada who adopted Osmo as an educational device for classroom settings, promoting its usage, so that schools and districts started to purchase it,” explains Jan Richards, head of education sales and marketing at Osmo for Schools. “In early 2016, Osmo began our division by forming a sales team, a conference strategy, plus a Classroom Kit for schools, which really took off. It’s come a long way since!” The division now has 15 sales and consulting executives who work under Richards, offers nine different learning system bundles, and works with thousands of school districts. All Learning System Bundles Upgraded To Plastic Manipulatives for Effective Sanitization In January 2021, Osmo for Schools upgraded all nine school bundles to include plastic pieces across the board, replacing ones made of cardboard. This makes it easier for schools to disinfect and clean Osmo’s manipulatives, which are used in conjunction with Osmo’s technology inside classrooms, and allows schools to maintain the highest standards of classroom hygiene. Osmo for Schools’ plastic pieces are long-lasting, easy to sanitize when using EPA-registered disinfectant spray, and dishwasher-safe. “The entire world holds a mirror to each school’s hygiene standard and methods of cleaning and disinfection--this is especially true in classrooms where several hands are touching different items every day,” says Richards. “Our plastic pieces are an excellent educational tool, now made even safer for classrooms, and only teachers have access to them. Teachers are so excited to have all-plastic pieces in their sets!” “In all my years teaching, I’ve always sanitized my teaching tools as a STEAM teacher; from robots, to iPads and now my Osmo for Schools kits--this is a life saver for my students and myself,” says Frances Amato Dominguez, Ed Tech Model and STEAM Teacher in New York. Adds South Carolina kindergarten teacher Keri Lewis, “I love how durable these pieces are. Being plastic, they are able to be cleaned thoroughly between uses without fear of damaging the pieces.” These bundles featuring all-plastic pieces are exclusive to Osmo for Schools, and educators who previously purchased bundles with cardboard manipulatives can now buy the plastic piece sets separately, with a 25-percent discount. Projector App Reaches 100,000 Downloads Due to the sudden transition to virtual learning one year ago, Osmo reacted to teachers’ cries for a more effective means of engaging students in a virtual classroom, by offering Projector App. The app began as a free download to all thanks to Osmo Cares, the charitable arm of Osmo. Launched in late March, the app is now being used by teachers of all levels (pre-K to university) across the country to make the virtual learning environment more fun, appealing, and similar to an actual classroom; it recently reached 100,000 downloads, and helped to grow Osmo’s community of active users. Projector App employs a powerful reflective AI technology that allows the camera to “see” the desktop in front of the screen and project a teacher’s real world text, notes and drawings onto the screen, even 3-D models they hold in their hand, while being compatible with Zoom and other video conferencing technologies ( video ). Projector App is the 2020 recipient of EdTech Breakthrough Awards’ “eLearning Innovation of the Year.” “It’s wonderful that the free download of Projector App introduced many teachers to Osmo for the very first time, who were previously unaware of the great variety of educational products we offer,” says Richards. Carol Argumaniz, Assistant Principal at Lillie Jackson Early Childhood Center in Lewisville, Texas, speaks about the success her teachers are having with virtual learning, thanks to Osmo Projector App. “It allows teachers to deliver the same quality lesson through virtual learning, as they would deliver through in-person learning at school,” says Argumaniz. “And it allows them to conduct small group lessons with very high quality pictures so students feel like they are actually next to the teacher.” About Osmo for Schools Osmo for Schools, a division of Tangible Play, Inc., focuses on building in-classroom usage of Osmo’s award-winning educational systems. Using proprietary AI technology, these systems help teachers foster collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, and increased engagement in learning, in students. Osmo is used in more than 30,000 schools in North America. Tangible Play is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. For more information about Osmo for Schools and its products, visit schools.playosmo.com. Contact Details Carolyn Kamii PR Carolyn Kamii +1 310-251-0550 carolynkpr@gmail.com Company Website http://schools.playosmo.com

March 30, 2021 04:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Hong Kong Baptist University-led research unlocks the genomic secrets of organisms that thrive in extreme deep-sea environments

Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 29 March 2021 - A study led by scientists at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has decoded the genomes of the deep-sea clam ( Archivesica marissinica ) and the chemoautotrophic bacteria ( Candidatus Vesicomyosocius marissinica) that live in its gill epithelium cells. Through analysis of their genomic structures and profiling of their gene expression patterns, the research team revealed that symbiosis between the two partners enables the clams to thrive in extreme deep-sea environments. The research findings have been published in the academic journal Molecular Biology and Evolution. Due to the general lack of photosynthesis-derived organic matter, the deep-sea was once considered a vast "desert" with very little biomass. Yet, clams often form large populations in the high-temperature hydrothermal vents and freezing cold seeps in the deep oceans around the globe where sunlight cannot penetrate but toxic molecules, such as hydrogen sulfide, are available below the seabed. The clams are known to have a reduced gut and digestive system, and they rely on endosymbiotic bacteria to generate energy in a process called chemosynthesis. However, when this symbiotic relationship developed, and how the clams and chemoautotrophic bacteria interact, remain largely unclear. Horizontal gene transfer between bacteria and clams discovered for the first time A research team led by Professor Qiu Jianwen, Associate Head and Professor of the Department of Biology at HKBU, collected the clam specimens at 1,360 metres below sea level from a cold seep in the South China Sea. The genomes of the clam and its symbiotic bacteria were then sequenced to shed light on the genomic signatures of their successful symbiotic relationship. The team found that the ancestor of the clam split with its shallow-water relatives 128 million years ago when dinosaurs roamed the earth. The study revealed that 28 genes have been transferred from the ancestral chemoautotrophic bacteria to the clam, the first discovery of horizontal gene transfer—a process that transmits genetic material between distantly-related organisms —from bacteria to a bivalve mollusc. The following genomic features of the clam were discovered, and combined, they have enabled it to adapt to the extreme deep-sea environment: (1) Adaptions for chemosynthesis The clam relies on its symbiotic chemoautotrophic bacteria to produce the biological materials essential for its survival. In their symbiotic relationship, the clam absorbs hydrogen sulfide from the sediment, and oxygen and carbon dioxide from seawater, and it transfers them to the bacteria living in its gill epithelium cells to produce the energy and nutrients in a process called chemosynthesis. The process is illustrated in Figure 1. The research team also discovered that the clam's genome exhibits gene family expansion in cellular processes such as respiration and diffusion that likely facilitate chemoautotrophy, including gas delivery to support energy and carbon production, the transfer of small molecules and proteins within the symbiont, and the regulation of the endosymbiont population. It helps the host to obtain sufficient nutrients from the symbiotic bacteria. (2) Shift from phytoplankton-based food Cellulase is an enzyme that facilitates the decomposition of the cellulose found in phytoplankton, a major primary food source in the marine food chain. It was discovered that the clam's cellulase genes have undergone significant contraction, which is likely an adaptation to the shift from phytoplankton-derived to bacteria-based food. (3) Adaptation to sulfur metabolic pathways The genome of the symbiont also holds the secrets of this mutually beneficial relationship. The team discovered that the clam has a reduced genome, as it is only about 40% of the size of its free-living relatives. Nevertheless, the symbiont genome encodes complete and flexible sulfur metabolic pathways, and it retains the ability to synthesise 20 common amino acids and other essential nutrients, highlighting the importance of the symbiont in generating energy and providing nutrients to support the symbiotic relationship. (4) Improvement in oxygen-binding capacity Unlike in vertebrates, haemoglobin, a metalloprotein found in the blood and tissues of many organisms, is not commonly used as an oxygen carrier in molluscs. However, the team discovered several kinds of highly expressed haemoglobin genes in the clam, suggesting an improvement in its oxygen-binding capacity, which can enhance the ability of the clam to survive in deep-sea low-oxygen habitats. Professor Qiu said: "Most of the previous studies on deep-sea symbiosis have focused only on the bacteria. This first coupled clam–symbiont genome assembly will facilitate comparative studies that aim to elucidate the diversity and evolutionary mechanisms of symbiosis, which allows many invertebrates to thrive in 'extreme' deep-sea ecosystems." The research was jointly conducted by scientists from HKBU and the HKBU Institute for Research and Continuing Education, the Hong Kong Branch of the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, City University of Hong Kong, the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, the Sanya Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, and the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey. Contact Details Communication and Public Relations Office Wong Suk-ling +852 3411 2119 hkbunews@hkbu.edu.hk Company Website https://www.hkbu.edu.hk/

March 29, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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EagleTEQ Advisors Joins as Consulting Partner for Cloud Conventions 2021

Convey Services

The Cloud Conventions 2021 virtual trade expo is teaming up with EagleTEQ Advisors, a consulting group of senior channel executives, to help direct event strategy and program design for the largest and most innovative virtual event in the telecom/cloud channel, running virtually May 12-14. In its second year, Cloud Conventions 2021 connects channel partners and professionals in the telecommunications, cloud and IT services industries to information, strategies, and insights to navigate the “New Normal” as business emerges from the pandemic. EagleTEQ joins media partner, TR Publications and event management firm MCI Group in supporting this one-of-a-kind channel expo. “There are no more highly-qualified industry strategists than the partners at EagleTEQ Advisors,” said Carolyn Bradfield, CEO of Convey Services, the platform provider for Cloud Conventions 2021. “In a time of accelerated changes that dramatically impact both channel sellers and providers, EagleTEQ’s real-world experience in addressing industry business challenges will be key in ensuring Cloud Conventions 2021 delivers the right message, at the right time, to our attendees.” “Virtual events in this industry have often missed the mark in providing attendees and sponsors with an engaging, connected and information-rich experience,” said Curt Allen, partner in EagleTEQ Advisors. “The ‘New Normal’ dictates a business environment where digital transformation and channel engagement is even more critical. Our team is excited to provide resources and guidance to strengthen the mission and ensure that every participant walks away with strategies to grow their business in a scalable and sustainable way.” Cloud Conventions 2021 is co-sponsored by TR Publications and managed by the MCI Group. MCI is committed to growing the Cloud Conventions 2021 event and returning in the spring of 2022 with a live, plus hybrid industry-focused experience. Attendance at Cloud Conventions 2021 is free to qualified industry professionals. Exhibitors and attendees can sign up at the Cloud Conventions 2021 site. The Cloud Conventions 2021 expo is hosted and managed on the industry-leading Cloud Conventions™ virtual event platform, powered by Convey Services. XXX About EagleTEQ Advisors EagleTEQ Advisors is focused on enabling technology solution providers and distributors to grow revenue, expand distribution channels, and transform market position. The EagleTEQ Advisors team has over 150 years of combined real-world experience and expertise in addressing virtually every business opportunity and challenge. With proven leadership in sales, marketing, product, channel, and go-to-market planning and execution, we help businesses with profitable revenue growth strategies supported with executable, repeatable tactics. EagleTEQ founding partners include Curt Allen, Ken Bisnoff, Steve Braverman, Mike Cromwell and Cardi Prinzi. www.eagleteq.com About Cloud Conventions Cloud Conventions is a Virtual Trade Show and Conference Platform from Convey Services that brings new capabilities to a marketplace looking for solutions to replace the thousands of live trade shows, annual conferences and association meetings cancelled in the wake of COVID-19. Originally launched as ConveyLive, Cloud Conventions automates exhibitors and virtual booths, attendee registration, speaker sessions and reminders, invitations and email communication, while at the same time producing detailed analytics on attendee, session and exhibitor activity. Trade Associations and event managers can explore all of the Cloud Conventions solutions by visiting https://cloudconventions.com or contacting info@cloudconventions.com or call 888-975-1382. Cloud Conventions™, Community™, Cloud Kickoffs™, Conduct™, One-Touch Email Share™, Hub & Spoke™, 360° Virtual Exhibit Hall & Lobby Experience™ and ListLock™ are trademarks of Convey Services LLC Contact Details Bruce Ahern +1 770-580-0810 bahern@conveyservices.com Company Website https://cloudconventions.com

March 24, 2021 12:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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