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FeedSpot Recognizes Take Pride in Retirement Podcast as a Leading LGBTQ+ Voice for Pride Month 2024

Retirement.Radio

Retirement.Radio, a premier network dedicated to providing essential retirement planning information, announced today that its Take Pride in Retirement podcast has been recognized as a must-follow Pride-related podcast by FeedSpot, one of the web’s foremost aggregators of the “best of” across the internet. This recognition not only underscores the podcast’s commitment to sharing diverse voices and stories from the LGBTQ+ community but also highlights the importance of empowering and representing this community as it navigates its unique challenges during the golden years of retirement. “I am humbled and honored to receive this recognition,” said Matt McClure, founder and host of Take Pride in Retirement. “I started Take Pride in Retirement because I saw a need in my community for retirement planning, education, and assistance. Knowing that the podcast is reaching its intended audience and making a difference in their lives is extremely fulfilling.” The Take Pride in Retirement Podcast, a one-of-a-kind platform, focuses on financial issues relevant to the LGBTQ+ community. It has had the privilege of hosting distinguished guests such as Gabrielle Claiborne, Co-Founder and CEO of Transformation Journeys Worldwide, who has shared invaluable insights on the unique challenges the trans community faces in retirement planning. The podcast has also featured Katie Leikam, a licensed therapist, who has underscored the importance of living wills and estate plans for the LGBTQ+ community. These unique and insightful perspectives testify to the podcast's importance and relevance. Matt reiterates in every episode that the Take Pride in Retirement Podcast remains steadfast in its mission that everyone, regardless of their background, identity, or who they love, deserves a retirement they can be proud of. This commitment to diversity and inclusivity is at the heart of our podcast. It is a testament to our dedication to ensuring that all voices are heard, and all needs are met, making our audience feel valued and included. “The Retirement.Radio team is deeply committed to amplifying these crucial conversations on our radio shows and affiliated podcasts,” said Sam Davis, executive producer for Retirement.Radio. “Our unwavering mission is to provide essential information, ensuring that every senior citizen and retiree, regardless of their background or identity, has the information they need to navigate retirement confidently and clearly. This recognition by FeedSpot is a testament to our dedication to inclusivity and our ongoing efforts to serve all communities.” FeedSpot’s ranking of the Best Pride Podcasts results from a rigorous evaluation considering podcast popularity, content quality, update frequency, and audience engagement. This recognition places the Take Pride in Retirement podcast in an exclusive league of content creators leading the way in celebrating and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and stories. Other podcasts are available through the Retirement.Radio Network, including the Peak Financial Freedom Hour, Retirement Results, Guaranteeing Your Retirement, and the Federal Retirement Show. For more information, visit TakePrideInRetirement.com and subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcast. ### About Take Pride in Retirement Take Pride in Retirement is Retirement.Radio podcast dedicated to retirement planning solutions for the LGBTQ community. During uncertain economic times, the safety of your principal is critical to planning a successful retirement. Our goal is to help educate you about ways to protect your hard-earned money while experiencing market-like growth at the same time. LGBTQ people face unique challenges when planning for their retirement future. Everyone's situation differs from legal barriers to a potential lack of family support. Tune in each week as we explore these obstacles and give you tips on overcoming them so you can get on the road to success. For more information, visit TakePrideInRetirement.com and subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. About Retirement.Radio Retirement.Radio is dedicated to providing essential retirement planning information to listeners across the United States. Our licensed financial professionals and insurance agents host weekly radio shows and podcasts, offering expert advice on various topics, including smart tax planning, retirement income strategies, and health care planning. Retirement.Radio is powered by national insurance distribution and marketing leader AmeriLife and features wide-reaching and impactful broadcasts. Our commitment is to help listeners invest wisely, plan effectively, and achieve successful retirement outcomes. Contact Details Retirement.Radio Sam Davis sdavis@amerilife.com Company Website https://retirement.radio/

June 26, 2024 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

FIRST AND LAST PR SUPPORTS BEAUTY, LIFESTYLE & WELLNESS BRANDS INTRODUCING NEW PR SERVICES AT BEAUTY INDEPENDENT’S UPLINK EXPO CONFERENCE

First and Last PR

First and Last PR, a communications agency that specializes in public relations, influencer campaigns and social media marketing, renowned for an unparalleled delivery in serving communication solutions to legacy brands announces its two new public relations offerings, tailored specifically to meet the needs of indie and emerging beauty, wellness and lifestyle brands: PR Powerboost for emerging brands and Seasonal Spotlights that will focus on inclusion during key holiday times of the year. “With over 25 years of industry experience, the one thing that remains consistent is that emerging brands need support and should not have to choose between a great communications team and packaging,” said Stephanie Scott-Bradshaw, First and Last PR ’s CEO & Communicator-in-Chief. “When it comes to media relations and digital marketing, we are here to serve. We look forward to seeing more indie and emerging brands grow with our newest service offerings. Whether you're a direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand with hopes of being in store or have recently landed at retail, we know that it's not enough to have shelf space. What you really need, is an experienced team with a strategic plan that will help push your brand’s visibility and awareness so that you remain on shelf. That's why we designed these programs for you.” First and Last PR has developed a proprietary communications formula for success that has been proven with a track record of long standing client relations and a range of case studies highlighting brands within beauty, wellness and lifestyle space and more. Recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities within the industry as of late, First and Last PR is leveraging their years of experience and deep understanding of the market by offering even more comprehensive solutions to new clients with two new offerings designed to cater to the distinct needs of brands: PR Powerboost Program: The new service tailors exclusively indie beauty, lifestyle and wellness brands looking to increase brand visibility and establish a strong presence in this saturated market. The PR Powerboost Program includes representation from First and Last PR’s experienced specialists who will actively craft press releases and media pitches, form media relations, create strategic PR plans including development into industry awards and more. With a focus on amplifying brand narratives and generating impactful media coverage, First and Last PR is committed to becoming a partner and empowering your brands to thrive in a competitive landscape. Seasonal Spotlights Pitch Program: As the holiday season quickly approaches, First and Last PR understands the importance of securing placements in top-tier gift guides, maximizing brand exposure and driving sales during the most important time of year. This exclusive new service offering is available to indie clients only, allowing them to stand out during three key holiday gifting times of the year. Each comprehensive four-month public relations campaign is available throughout key moments of the year such as Holiday season; Black History Month and Women’s History Month; Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Graduation time. This unique program will be highly focused and solely be dedicated to pitching beauty, lifestyle and wellness brands to the most top-tier holiday gift guides. With a strategic approach crafted from our seasoned publicists, this targeted outreach ensures your brands’ products will stand out as must-have gifts during the season. For more information on First and Last PR’s new and existing services, please visit FirstAndLastPR.com/Services. First and Last PR is looking forward to learning more about how they can partner with your brand to drive growth, build brand awareness and receive overall success together. About First and Last PR First and Last PR connects your company to the right people. Founded in 2012 by a frustrated beauty editor that wanted to change how brands were being represented in the market and the client experience, this highly regarded and influential public relations agency specializes in creating exceptional experiences and delivering unparalleled solutions to renowned public relations, social media marketing clients. The award-winning, results-focused and skilled at executing unique and purposeful messaging that leverages the power of connections, collaborations and conversations. Contact Details First and Last PR Camille Gordon hello@firstandlastpr.com Company Website https://firstandlastpr.com/

June 26, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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4 Reasons Grom Social Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: GROM) Could Create Big Returns for Patient Investors.

RazorPitch - GROM

With a market cap under $5 million and a stock price under $1.00, Grom Social Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: GROM) is a kid-friendly stock that deserves a place on any savvy investor's watchlist. Successful IPs, strong acquisitions, many diverse revenue streams, and a management team filled with notable Hollywood names all read like a recipe for what could infuse significant upside ahead. Below are four catalysts that could fuel a boost in share price for this full-service kids entertainment company. 1. There may be a lot of discourse in Washington, but one thing the far right and the far left will agree on is to keep kids safe. Lawmakers are pushing to amend legislation reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration to include two major children's online safety and privacy bills, known as the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act, known as COPPA 2.0. This bodes well for GROM, whose founder Zach Marks saw a problem many years ago and created a solution. It was in 2013, when Marks was only 12 years old, that he had a vision: an online place for children that is much like Facebook and Instagram but is safe, kid-friendly, and anti-bullying. Grom Social, which began as a website in 2012, quickly grew to millions of users and was upconverted to a mobile app in 2018. The app has been recognized by the John Walsh Foundation, the PTA, and even the White House which invited the company in 2020 to share their mission to the administration. One of Grom Social's users and original ambassadors includes Marks' sister, Caroline Marks, who is the 2023 WSL (World Surfing League) Women’s World Champion. With a big fan following, Caroline is soon on her way to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and will be sharing her experience on the highly anticipated redesigned Grom Social app that is debuting this summer. The redesigned Grom Social app will feature a new, updated version of Grom Educational’s proprietary Digital Citizenship License (DCL) course, offered to schools nationwide, as part of the app’s new offerings. GROM's corporate sibling Grom Educational Services, offers the Digital Citizenship Licensing (DCL) course for K-12 school customers nationwide who utilize the company’s NetSpective web filter solution. With tens of thousands of schools across the nation, the value of this web filter solution is unmatched. 2. While GROM has its roots in its social media site, the company has strategically found other profitable venues. The company owns Philippines-based Top Draw Animation and a majority of Curiosity Ink Media. If Disney has shown the world anything, it is that animation, children's books, and toys have a very big market. Top Draw provides award-winning premium animation production services for global and international entertainment companies. How big are these entertainment companies? Think Disney… Nickelodeon… Dream Works… and the Cartoon Network, just to name a few. Named as one of Business Worldwide Magazine’s “20 Most Innovative Companies to Watch” in 2022, Curiosity Ink Media is a global media company that develops, acquires, builds, grows and maximizes the short, mid, and long-term commercial potential of Kids & Family entertainment properties and associated business opportunities. Driven by a best-in-class leadership team, Curiosity Ink Media’s multi-faceted IP library is designed to amass ongoing value through strategic stewardship, partnerships, and highly targeted market entry. Curiosity Ink owns two IPs that are currently in production. To get even one in production and distribution is a big deal and Curiosity Ink has two. This leads to GROM's Toon2Tango connection. Curiosity Ink Media has joined forces with Toon2Tango GmbH & Co. KG, a kids and family entertainment venture headed by long-time television and movie industry experts Ulli Stoef and Jo Daris. Hollywood-based Curiosity Ink Media and Germany-based Toon2Tango are readying a film called Santa.com for a 2025 fall release. The Santa.com film takes place in a world where Santa's Workshop has undergone a technological revolution. Magic and tradition have been replaced with automation and efficiency. Toon2Tango and Curiosity have also entered into a co-production relationship, with an equity stake in Hey Fuzzy Yellow!, a preschool series that will serve as a launchpad for what Curiosity and Toon2Tango envision will be an entertainment franchise property. The series has already secured financial backing and distribution agreements with several international programming services. Hey Fuzzy Yellow! is set to launch in Spring, 2025. 3. A strong management team is leading GROM into profitability and the company is armed with Nickelodeon veterans. The company’s Executive Vice President, Paul Ward, helped guide Nickelodeon’s family programming as its Executive Vice President, Primetime. Ward was one of the original architects of TV Land, which remains the highest-rated cable network in the Paramount (formally Viacom/CBS) family. Earlier this year, former Technicolor executive Cyrus Mistry was named COO of Top Draw Animation. Mistry was the former VP of Technicolor’s Animation Games & Production (India). 4. The final puzzle piece that could bring it home for GROM this year is an exciting LOI that positions the company for stellar growth in the gaming industry. The company has entered into a non-binding letter of intent to acquire Texas-based Arctic7, to tap into the $180 billion gaming market — $20B of which is gaming for kids — and explore synergy opportunities across Grom’s subsidiaries. Arctic7, which was created by gaming industry veterans from Microsoft, EA Sports, and Activision, provides a robust suite of full game and co-development services alongside its own intellectual property development within gaming, and virtual production services for the movie and TV industry. Narwhal Studios, a wholly owned subsidiary of Arctic7, recently revealed its role in the highly anticipated David Ayer TV project ‘Lollipop’ and Francis Ford Coppola movie ‘Megalopolis.’ Narwhal Studios, acquired by Arctic7 in 2023 and famed for its virtual production and VFX work on multiple Lucasfilm properties such as The Mandalorian, Ahsoka and Obi-Wan Kenobi, as well as Marvel’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender, has been heavily involved in Lollipop since early its design phases. Acrtic7 is making multi-millions in revenues and has a vision to become a leader in transmedia entertainment. Grom aims to complement its existing entertainment offerings of safe social media for kids and its growing catalog of original intellectual property with a move into gaming and its attendant revenue growth opportunities. Keep an eye out for developments on this budding acquisition. Summary There is no denying that Wall Street is filled with numerous promising companies. But one that merits considerable attention right now is Grom Social Enterprises (NASDAQ: GROM), which has seen some unforgivable carnage in recent months. Fortunately, this presents a rare opportunity for investors to witness what may be one of the biggest underdog comebacks of 2024. While big names like Disney and Hasbro dominate the kid-friendly space, GROM looks to be at a value right now and is at the early stages of its narrative. This small-cap NASDAQ-traded company may emerge as the next leading destination for kids entertainment while building maximum shareholder value. Disclaimers: RazorPitch Inc. "RazorPitch" is not operated by a licensed broker, a dealer, or a registered investment adviser. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investment advice. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides investors a safe harbor in regard to forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, goals, assumptions, or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact may be forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on expectations, estimates, and projections at the time the statements are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. Forward looking statements in this action may be identified through use of words such as projects, foresee, expects, will, anticipates, estimates, believes, understands, or that by statements indicating certain actions & quote; may, could, or might occur. Understand there is no guarantee past performance will be indicative of future results. Investing in micro-cap and growth securities is highly speculative and carries an extremely high degree of risk. It is possible that an investors investment may be lost or impaired due to the speculative nature of the companies profiled. RazorPitch has been retained and compensated by WFM Inc to assist in the distribution of this content. RazorPitch is responsible for the distribution of this content. It should be expressly understood that under no circumstances does any information published herein represent a recommendation to buy or sell a security. This content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by RazorPitch or any third party service provider to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments. All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in this article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. RazorPitch is not a fiduciary by virtue of any persons use of or access to this content. Contact Details RazorPitch Inc Mark McKelvie +1 585-301-7700 mark@razorpitch.com Company Website http://razorpitch.com

June 26, 2024 06:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Influencers Are Driving Consumers To Discount Clubs And Major Retailers Like Costco Finds IZEA’s Latest Survey

Benzinga

By James Blacker, Benzinga As digital marketing continues to evolve and consumer behavior is increasingly swayed by social media personalities, influencer marketing has become a critical strategy for brands aiming to expand their reach. Recent research by IZEA Worldwide (NASDAQ: IZEA) sheds light on the powerful impact that influencers have on purchasing decisions at discount clubs and major retailers, driving sales in brick-and-mortar stores such as Costco (NASDAQ: COST), Sam’s Club (NYSE: WMT) and BJ’s (NYSE: BJ). Based on a survey of over 1,100 U.S.-based consumers, the report reveals that 68% of respondents have an active membership at a discount club store. The percentage of influencers with an active membership is a notable 81%, of whom 93% have recommended a product they purchased inside a store to someone else. This shows that influencers not only promote these clubs to drive consumer interest but also participate in these clubs themselves. Influencer-Driven Purchasing Decisions IZEA’s report underscores how effective influencers can be in getting people to buy products. Among the respondents, 58% said they had purchased a product after seeing it being used by an influencer. Broken down by the discount club, 74% of BJ’s members have made an influencer-driven purchase, compared to 68% of Sam’s Club shoppers and 66% of Costco shoppers. Interestingly, influencer posts were shown to have the greatest impact on product consideration compared to other forms of marketing. This is the case across all age groups, but especially so for the 18-29 age group, with 39% of this demographic saying influencer posts are the most likely to persuade them to try a product. In terms of content preferences, short video content emerged as the most influential medium, with 41% of respondents in the 18-29 age group saying it is the type of content most likely to drive them to a store to make a purchase. Another revelation was that discount club members are also likely to search on social media before making a purchase, with 41% of BJ’s club members indicating that they do this. YouTube was the top platform used for this kind of product research. “Our latest report provides fascinating insights into the intersection of influencer marketing and discount club memberships,” said Ted Murphy, IZEA CEO and founder. “When it comes to shopping at brick-and-mortar locations, Influencers are significantly more likely to drive purchases at discount clubs among club members. This is especially true for Costco members, who are 2.3 times more likely to make their influencer-inspired purchases at the store vs. Target or Walmart.” Strategic Opportunities For Brands With IZEA The findings from this report highlight the significant opportunities available for companies to partner with influencers to boost sales through discount clubs. As a trailblazer in the influencer marketing space, IZEA offers a suite of tools and services designed to facilitate these partnerships and help make the most out of them. The company’s award-winning, next-gen influencer marketing platform, IZEA Flex, connects creators with brands to facilitate collaborations. Brands can also use it to track and measure campaign performance with detailed analytics. IZEA furthermore offers a suite of AI tools called FormAI, which brands and creators can use to create high-quality content. IZEA's recent research underscores the growth potential of influencer marketing. As a leader in the space, IZEA seems well-positioned to continue helping brands leverage this increasingly relevant form of digital marketing. To read the full report and learn more about IZEA’s services, visit the company’s website. Featured photo by Grant Beirute on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

June 25, 2024 08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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SIGMA Announces Launch Schedule of SIGMA 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary for Canon RF Mount

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA

SIGMA Corporation of America, the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki. Headquarters: Asao-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan) is pleased to announce pricing and availability of the SIGMA 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN |Contemporary for the Canon RF Mount System. It is the smallest and lightest F2.8 standard zoom for crop-sensor mirrorless cameras*. This is the first lens from SIGMA to be released for Canon RF Mount, and the lens offers a 28.8-80mm full-frame equivalent focal range on Canon APS-C format mirrorless cameras. R etail price is $599 through authorized US retailers, and the lens will be available in mid-July 2024. The SIGMA 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary is currently available for Sony E-mount, L-Mount, and Fujifilm X Mount camera systems. *since time of original release in October 2021, and effective June 2024. Launch schedule of SIGMA 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary for Canon RF Mount SIGMA Corporation is pleased to announce the launch schedule of SIGMA 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN｜Contemporary for Canon RF Mount. Supplied accessories: PETAL-TYPE HOOD LH582-02, FRONT CAP LCF-55 III, REAR CAP LCR II Mount: Canon RF Mount Launch: July, 2024 * Product appearance and specifications are subject to change. #SIGMA #SIGMA1850mmF28Contemporary #SIGMAContemporary #SIGMADCDN #SIGMARFMount A large F2.8 aperture zoom lens that need never leave your camera. This exceptionally light, bright, and sharp standard zoom for crop-sensor mirrorless cameras is the ultimate workhorse lens. 【Long-awaited Canon RF Mount addition】 SIGMA's first APS-C size mirrorless dedicated zoom lens, the SIGMA 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary, will now be available for the Canon RF Mount. This addition allows users to enjoy high-performance, and high-quality SIGMA zoom lenses in native mount on their Canon RF Mount system. A control algorithm including AF drive and communication speed optimization has been developed specifically for Canon RF Mount interchangeable lenses. In addition to realizing high-speed AF, the lens also supports Servo AF and in-camera aberration correction*. The mount is rubber-sealed to cater for use in a variety of environments. * Available on supported cameras only. Mount Conversion Service is available to convert other mounts of SIGMA 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN｜Contemporary to Canon RF Mount. 【Features】１．Large F2.8 aperture and superb image quality The compact body offers a versatile full-frame equivalent zoom range of 28.8mm to 80mm, a wide aperture of F2.8 throughout the entire zoom range that allows you to enjoy bokeh expressions, and sharp images achieved by the latest optical design technology. With a minimum focusing distance of 12.1cm and a maximum magnification of 1:2.8 *1, it allows photographers to take advantage of the compact shooting system, such as shooting close-ups of your subject. ２．Exceptionally compact and lightweight body ideal for mirrorless cameras The main feature of the SIGMA 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary is its overwhelmingly compact and lightweight body that maximizes the excellent portability and advantages of an APS-C mirrorless camera. Despite its large aperture of F2.8, it is the smallest and lightest in its class *2 boasting a maximum diameter of φ69.2mm, a length of 74.5mm and weight of 300g. *3 This makes the large-aperture standard zoom easy to carry around in daily life. *1 The minimum focusing distance and maximum magnification ratio are both values at the wide end. *2 As an AF compatible, F2.8 constant aperture standard zoom lens for APS-C (as of June 2024, by SIGMA). *3 Size and weight measurements given for Canon RF Mount version. 【Specifications】 Values are for Canon RF Mount Lens Construction：10 groups, 13 elements (1 SLD and 3 aspherical lenses)｜Angle of View (APS-C)：73.4°(W)-30.0°(T)｜Number of Diaphragm Blades：7 (rounded diaphragm)｜Minimum Aperture：F22｜Minimum Focusing Distance：12.1 (W) -30 (T) cm / 4.8 (W) -11.9 (T) in.｜Maximum Magnification Ratio：1:2.8 (W) -1:5(T)｜Filter size：φ55mm｜Dimensions (Diameter × Length)：φ69.2mm × 74.5mm / φ2.7in. x 2.9in.｜Weight：300g / 10.6oz. 【 Product Barcode 】 Canon RF Mount: 00-85126-58572-3 【 Accessories (Supplied) 】 Name of product / Product Barcode LENS HOOD LH582-02: 0085126 939694 FRONT CAP LCF-55 III: 0085126 930066 REAR CAP LCR II: For Canon RF Mount 0085126 941468 【 Accessories (Optional) 】 Name of product / Product Barcode SIGMA WR PROTECTOR 55mm: 0085126 930912 SIGMA PROTECTOR 55mm: 0085126 931049 SIGMA WR UV FILTER 55mm: 0085126 930653 SIGMA WR CIRCULAR PL FILTER 55mm: 0085126 930783 【Contact】 For further information, please contact your local authorized SIGMA representative listed in the link below: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/about/world-network/ 【Information】 SIGMA GLOBAL VISION： https://www.sigma-global.com/ SIGMA 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary product information： https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/c021_18_50_28/ SIGMA Canon RF Mount special page： https://www.sigma-global.com/en/contents/sigma_rfmount_lenses/ Contact Details SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA Jack Howard +1 631-201-7381 sigma.pr@sigmaphoto.com Company Website https://www.sigmaphoto.com/

June 25, 2024 01:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Apple Becomes Latest Giant To Adopt AI, But Risks Persist – Brand Engagement Network May Have The Solution To Ensure Security In The Age Of AI

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga OpenAI, the brains behind ChatGPT, is taking off as companies like Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT), Shutterstock Inc. (NYSE: SSTK) and Bain & Company adopt this game-changing technology. Even Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL), which has been relatively slower to embrace AI, seems to be going all in, recently announcing a partnership with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into Siri and other areas of its operating system. That will undoubtedly bring more convenience and assistance to Apple’s millions of users, but this technology is not without risks. In the wrong hands, AI can be used to create fake videos and content, spread incorrect news and information, enable plagiarism and provide biased results. High-profile lawsuits lodged by celebrities and artists have highlighted AI's negative aspects and are raising awareness about the dark side of AI. A survey conducted in August by Pew Research shined a light on this. It found that 52% of Americans are more concerned than excited about the increased use of AI. That wariness is up from 2022 and coincides with an uptick in awareness about AI. Pew found individuals who heard a lot about artificial intelligence are 51% more likely to express more concern than excitement about AI. Among those most aware, concern outweighs excitement by 47% to 15%. On the topic of privacy, 53% of Americans polled said AI is doing more to harm than help keep people’s personal data private. “Americans’ concerns about AI include a desire to maintain human control over these technologies, doubts that AI will improve the way things are now, and caution over the pace of AI adoption in fields like health and medicine,” wrote the researchers. In The Right Hands, AI Can Improve Life In the right hands, however, AI isn’t as scary as it seems to many. Companies using it responsibly and securely can transform industries with AI. Take Brand Engagement Network Inc. (NASDAQ: BNAI) – or BEN – the developer of generative AI and AI avatars, for one example. With its human-like AI assistants, BEN enhances customer service, productivity and overall performance for businesses, targeting markets facing significant workforce gaps and presenting an opportunity to transform how consumers engage with networks, providers and brands. The company’s secret sauce is a broad portfolio of conversational AI applications that drive better customer experience, increased automation and operational efficiencies. BEN uses much smaller data parameters than larger models like ChatGPT – enabling it to offer companies AI that is scalable and can be tailored to specific use cases. At the heart of its business model is a security-first approach. Unlike many of the unsecured AI systems that rely on unknown data sources and unverified information, BEN trains its AI on client-provided data and follows clients' internal client data management and privacy protocols. It’s also HIPAA and SOC 2 Type 1 compliant, and its AI platform is deployed and secured in an Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) Web Service environment, enabling BEN to support multiple companies securely. BEN Has To Be Secure Focusing on security is particularly important to BEN, given that its AI solutions are quickly finding their way into many data-sensitive areas like healthcare and finance. In healthcare, BEN says its conversational AI can improve patient experiences and medication understanding, leading to better outcomes. BEN takes the importance of security very seriously. Take Skye, BEN’s AI assistant that can assist patients taking Metformin, the diabetes drug, for another example. The assistant doesn’t claim to know everything, nor does it “hallucinate,” which occurs when generative AI gives incorrect answers. A big reason for that is that Skye is loaded with very specific pharmaceutical data provided by the drug maker, results from clinical trials and data from accredited medical groups like the American Diabetes Association. One of the biggest risks posed by generative AI in industries like healthcare is the risk of “hallucinations,” where the AI gives misleading or outright false answers because it is built on unknown data sources and designed to generate a response no matter what. This is where BEN may have the solution to the AI reliability and safety problem. BEN’s AI assistants won’t answer a question if it doesn’t know the answer. It is not connected to unverified information sources like the web, so when a patient asks a question, BEN’s AI, using what is known as RAG, draws from carefully selected and validated data sets. “More than generative AI, we like to call it retrieval AI,” said Paul Chang, BEN's Co-CEO, in a recent interview. The approach BEN is taking with Skye could be replicated over and over for the tens of thousands of drugs on the market. Healthcare is a big opportunity for BEN, given the company reports 145,000 organizations can benefit from BEN’s AI. In the financial market where security and data protection are top of mind all the time, BEN says its addressable market is over 227,000 organizations, while in automotive, there are over 450,000 companies that can leverage BEN’s platform. Businesses Are Taking Notice BEN’s focus on security and reliability seems to be proving to be a differentiator. It is why MedAdvisor Solutions (ASX: MDR), a global leader in pharmacy-driven patient engagement solutions, is partnering with BEN to bring BEN’s AI assistants to certain pharmacies to help enhance patient outcomes. Or why Provana, a highly specialized knowledge process management provider, is integrating BEN’s AI assistants into its contact center solutions. The list goes on, with all of BEN’s customers having one thing in common: a need for secure, reliable and responsible AI. AI is clearly taking off and will only get bigger as more companies embrace it. The ones who do it responsibly and securely like BEN will not only improve the quality of life for the masses but do it without infringing on their privacy and or compromising their data. Can the same be said about some of the other players in the AI marketplace? Featured photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

June 24, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Select Sector SPDR ETFs: A Focused Approach for Sector-Specific Portfolio Management

Select Sector SPDR

In the ever-changing landscape of the financial markets, Select Sector SPDR ETFs present a method for investors looking to engage in sector-specific investments. By breaking down the S&P 500 into distinct sectors, these ETFs provide a pathway for both individual and institutional investors to craft more targeted and strategic investment portfolios. The Select Sector SPDR ETFs encompass a range of sectors, each represented by a dedicated ETF. This structure allows investors to focus their investments on specific areas of the economy, depending on their investment objectives, risk tolerance, and market outlook. Overview of Select Sector SPDR ETFs: Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC): Focuses on telecommunications and media companies. Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY): Targets companies focused on non-essential goods and services such as luxury items, travel, and leisure. Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP): Concentrates on essential consumer goods and services like food, clothing, and personal products. Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE): Dedicated to the energy sector, focused on oil and natural gas. Financials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF): Encompasses banking, investment, and insurance industries. Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV): Focuses on pharmaceuticals, healthcare equipment, and services. Industrials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI): Includes manufacturing, construction, and logistics firms. Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLB): Covers the chemicals, construction materials, and packaging industries. Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE): Targets commercial real estate services and REITs. Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK): Concentrates on the information technology, semiconductor, and electronics sectors. Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU): Dedicated to electric and gas utility companies. By offering a straightforward and transparent approach to investing in specific sectors, Select Sector SPDR ETFs enable investors to adapt their investment strategies in response to changing market conditions. The Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer a focused approach to investment, allowing for detailed sector analysis and strategic portfolio management. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, these ETFs provide a valuable tool for investors looking to refine their investment strategies through sector-specific allocations. DISCLAIMER: This is a work of research and should not be taken as investment or financial advice. Therefore, Select Sector SPDRs or the publisher is not liable for any decision made based on the publication. About the Company: Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer flexibility and customization opportunities. Many investors have similar outlooks, but no two are exactly alike. Select Sector SPDR ETFs let investors select the sectors that best meet their investment goals. DISCLOSURES The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 common stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. The index is heavily weighted toward stocks with large market capitalizations and represents approximately two-thirds of the total market value of all domestic common stocks. The S&P 500 Index figures do not reflect any fees, expenses or taxes. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, fees and expenses before investing. One may not invest directly in an index. Transparent ETFs provide daily disclosure of portfolio holdings and weightings All ETFs are subject to risk, including loss of principal. Sector ETF products are also subject to sector risk and nondiversification risk, which generally will result in greater price fluctuations than the overall market. Diversification does not eliminate risk. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus, which contains this and other information, call 1-866-SECTOR-ETF (732-8673) or visit www.sectorspdrs.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust. Media Contact: Company: Select Sector SPDRs Contact: Dan Dolan* Address: 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203 Country: United States Email: dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Website: https://www.sectorspdrs.com/ *Dan Dolan is a Registered Representative of ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is the distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust. SEL007597 EXP 8/31/24 Contact Details Dan Dolan +1 203-935-8103 dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Company Website https://www.sectorspdrs.com/

June 24, 2024 05:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Inc. Magazine Names Goodway Group One of the Best Places to Work for Third Year in a Row

Goodway Group

Goodway Group, a leading independent digital marketing agency, is proud to announce that it has been recognized as one of Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces for the third consecutive year. This prestigious award honors companies that have created exceptional environments where employees are engaged, motivated, and committed to their work. Goodway Group continues to lead how the future of work evolves. With a steadfast commitment to a 100% remote workforce since 2008, the company’s values are rooted in employee well-being, continual learning, and unparalleled flexibility. By embracing work-life integration, teams are encouraged to bring their authentic self to work each day to deliver exceptional outcomes for clients. "Our approach, inspired by the infinity loop, is both simple and transformative: By prioritizing our employees, we ignite client success, creating an endless cycle of shared prosperity," said Kandi Gongora, Chief Transformation and People Officer at Goodway Group. "We are unwavering in our commitment to our team, offering flexible scheduling and fully remote work to support their personal and professional aspirations. Our dedication to continuous skill development ensures our employees remain relevant and future-ready, evolving alongside the ever-changing needs of our clients." Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces 2024 list is the result of a rigorous evaluation process, including a comprehensive survey of employees and an evaluation of company policies, practices, and culture. The winners are chosen based on their ability to create a positive and productive work environment, as well as their commitment to employee satisfaction and engagement. The selection process involves the following steps: Employee Survey: Inc. Magazine conducts an anonymous survey of employees at participating companies, asking questions about their job satisfaction, company culture, and overall work environment. Company Evaluation: Inc. Magazine's editorial team evaluates the company's policies, practices, and culture, including factors such as employee benefits, professional development opportunities, and work-life balance. Data Analysis: Inc. Magazine analyzes the survey data and company evaluations to identify the top-scoring companies in each category. Final Selection: The top-scoring companies are selected as Inc. Magazine's Best Places to Work. "Our infinity loop principle ensures that everything we do for our clients makes Goodway a great place for employees to grow their career, and everything we do for our employees grows our clients’ business," said Jay Friedman, CEO of Goodway Group. " When thousands of companies’ employees are asked anonymously by an outside party to rate their workplace, these are results worth paying attention to and for us, something to be proud of." About Goodway Group Goodway Group is a leading independent digital marketing agency fueled by data, technology and a dedicated purpose of making your media investment perform. Goodway Group’s Outcome Engineering™ powers our full ecosystem, a proprietary philosophy that connects strategy, analytics and precise execution for measurable growth. Goodway Group ranks among the top North American agencies, earning prestigious awards for innovative marketing technology, impactful work and fostering inclusive, remote-first workplaces. We've been honored as a multiyear Ad Age Best Places to Work and received AdExchanger’s Best Use of Technology by an Agency award among other accolades. Our collective media buying power has led to industry-renowned partnerships. We hold certifications and are recognized with preferred partner status across the Triopoly and all major marketing and media platforms. This ensures that our clients' media investments are optimally managed, minimizing fraud and waste, and maximizing effectiveness and value. Our company encompasses five distinct divisions: CvE, a marketing advisory firm; G-Comm, a retail media accelerator; TUFF, a performance marketing agency; Goodway, a managed service media and analytics partner; and GRADIANT, a modern funnel digital media agency. Together, we make up Goodway Group, the marketing engine that unlocks measurable growth for the world's most progressive brands. Learn more: www.goodwaygroup.com Follow us: Insights | X | LinkedIn | Facebook About Inc. Media The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com. About Quantum Workplace Quantum Workplace, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee-engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visit QuantumWorkplace.com. Contact Details Kite Hill PR for Goodway Group Alexandra Morrison goodway@kitehillpr.com Company Website https://www.goodwaygroup.com/

June 20, 2024 04:42 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Comcast Partners with Legendary Mexican Rock Band EL TRI to Provide Sign Language Interpretation for the First Time at Upcoming Music in the Park Concert

Comcast California

Comcast has partnered with legendary Mexican rock band, EL TRI to provide sign language interpretation for their June 22 Music in the Park performance at Plaza de Cesar Chavez in San Jose. This marks the first time that EL TRI, whose lyrics are in Spanish, will perform with sign language interpreters to provide greater accessibility to deaf and hard-of-hearing, fans. Comcast recently announced the availability of live American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services at eight Bay Area Xfinity Store locations. Customers who need ASL support can visit any of the eight Bay Area Xfinity Stores, where representatives will utilize ASL Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) to access a live interpreter provided by partner, Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD). EL TRI, one of Latin America's most iconic rock bands, will perform as part of San Jose’s popular Music in the Park summer concert series. The addition of ASL interpreters underscores Comcast’s dedication to accessibility and community engagement. "We are thrilled to be part of this wonderful initiative," said Alex Lora, lead singer of EL TRI. "Music is a universal language, and it’s important that everyone, regardless of their hearing ability, can share in the experience and energy of our live performances. We can’t wait to rock out with all our fans in San Jose!" In addition to the interpreting services at the concert and in its stores, Comcast recently announced $60,000 in grants to three community partners: San Francisco LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, California School for the Deaf and the World Institute on Disability. These grants aim to broaden the scope of digital inclusion and accessibility to deaf and hard-of-hearing students, families, seniors, and community members. The American Community Survey (ACS) estimates that 3.6% of the U.S. population is “deaf or have serious difficulty hearing.” Additionally, according to Pew Research Center, 23% of people with disabilities say they never go online, with 57% saying they do not have a home broadband connection. That’s why, through its Project UP initiative, Comcast is working to address and eliminate the unique barriers to connectivity through a series of efforts, including Internet Essentials, Lift Zones, and skill development and training. Continuing Comcast’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, this event, in collaboration with Pro Bono ASL, aims to make the EL TRI concert more inclusive for the deaf and the hard-of-hearing. “This historical event is meaningful because these interpreters are trilingual. They know Spanish, English and American Sign Language which is creating inclusivity within the Latino deaf community which often tends to be left behind,” said Rorri Burton, Founder and Director of Pro Bono ASL, an organization that specializes in bringing immigrant, first-gen, transracial adoptees, queer, multilingual and multicultural ASL interpreters to concerts, festivals and events across the U.S. “We are grateful to Comcast for demonstrating inclusivity and commitment to the Latino deaf community.” In addition to interpreting the iconic lyrics of EL TRI to fans at the concert, interpreters from Pro Bono ASL will translate the announcers of the traditional Lucha Libre matches that Music in the Park will offer as entertainment to attendees before the concert. The matches will feature local wrestlers such as "El Gladiador del aire” El Viento and "Rey de las pesadillas” El Cucuy. Music in the Park details: • Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024 • Time: Doors open at 4:00 PM • Location: Plaza de Cesar Chavez, San Jose, CA • Special Feature: ASL interpretation provided by Pro Bono ASL, sponsored by Comcast About Pro Bono ASL Pro Bono ASL prioritizes ASL access via culturally qualified interpreters. We work with Deaf, hearing and Deaf-parented sign language interpreters; those who are immigrant, first-gen, transracial adoptees, queer, multilingual and multicultural. Representation is vital, and so are the nuances of culture that impact language. Pro Bono treasures the unique intersectionalities that make our interpreters the perfect fit for the spectrum of members in the Deaf community. As our name, "pro bono" indicates, we work "for the good" of the community. About Comcast’s Accessibility Program For more than a decade, Comcast has invested in making its products, technology, and experiences accessible to the widest possible audience while opening new doors to independence for people with disabilities. These innovations include the Large Button Voice Remote, voted USA Today’s Best Accessible Design remote in 2023, and the Xfinity Adaptive Web Remote. To learn more about Comcast’s groundbreaking accessibility work, visit corporate.comcast.com/accessibility. 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 connectivity, aggregation, and streaming with 57 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. Contact Details Adriana Arvizo +1 925-200-1919 Adriana_Arvizo@comcast.com Company Website https://california.comcast.com/

June 20, 2024 09:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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