Newsroom

Mushrooms Inc. (OTC: MSRM), a leading innovator in biotechnology and sustainable healthcare solutions using mushrooms and mycelium, is pleased to announce that our board director has purchased 5 million shares of stock from an affiliate.

There were no loans or costs to the company for this transaction. The director has allocated this stock for use in advancing the company’s strategic initiatives, thereby preventing further dilution. 

“Our director’s purchase of these shares is a major accomplishment in positioning Mushrooms Inc. for future growth and success,” said Kimberly Carlson, CEO of Mushrooms Inc. “This move is a win for our shareholders, who have shown steadfast support despite stock fluctuations. It underscores our commitment to leveraging our resources effectively to drive the company forward.”

Donald Steinberg, Board Director says “I feel that by purchasing shares from this affiliate will reduce the amount of shares being sold into the market each quarter which was having a negative effect on shareholder value. I intend to use these shares for necessary issuances to new people as they come on board to help the company move ahead”. 

The director is committed to utilizing the acquired shares to support moving the company forward and continuing the trend of non-dilution which the company has upheld since September of 2023. 

In addition to this significant transaction, Mushrooms Inc. is proud to announce the development and upcoming shipment of mycelium-based materials to the research team in Germany, in late July or early August. This shipment marks the first step in the development of our innovative bacterial detection bandage. This groundbreaking product highlights our dedication to creating sustainable healthcare solutions and advancing global health.

Mushrooms Inc. (OTC: MSRM) is a publicly traded company on the OTC Markets with the stock symbol MSRM and is the first industrial mushroom company to be listed on a public exchange. Mushrooms Inc. is a pioneering biotech company, deeply entrenched in the world of mycology. Our primary mission is to harness the transformative potential of Mycelium, especially for groundbreaking applications in the healthcare sector. Our dedicated R&D endeavors are underpinned by advanced technology, ensuring rigorous testing and validation of the manifold health benefits of mushrooms, thereby leading to the formulation of scientifically backed supplements. 

 

Our recent patent underscores our innovation-driven ethos, detailing novel methods for bacterial detection and nutrient delivery using mycelium. This patent stands as a testament to our commitment to intertwining age-old wisdom with contemporary technological advancements, aiming to revolutionize healthcare interventions and amplify overall well-being. Inspired by the vision and resilience of mycology pioneers, Mushrooms Inc. establishes robust partnerships, resulting in products that champion both human health and environmental sustainability. 

This release contains forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations or beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions about future events. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and the assumptions upon which they are based are reasonable, we can give no assurance or guarantee that such  expectations and assumptions will prove to have been correct. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by the use of words like "may," "will," "should," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "intend," or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as these statements are subject to numerous factors and uncertainties, including but not limited to: adverse economic conditions, competition, adverse federal, state and local government regulation, international governmental regulation, inadequate capital, inability to carry out research, development and commercialization plans, loss or retirement of key executives and other specific risks. To the extent that statements in this press release are not strictly historical, including statements as to revenue projections, business strategy, outlook, objectives, future milestones, plans, intentions, goals, future financial conditions, events conditioned on stockholder or other approval, or otherwise as to future events, such statements are forward-looking, and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward looking statements contained in this release are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made.

Kimberly Carlson
+1 239-273-1194
info@mushroomsinc.com

Link to our monthly newsletters: Monthly Newsletters for Mushrooms Inc

For additional information about our products, initiatives, and partnerships, please visit our website or contact our investor relations department.

Ex-Avaya, Five9, Glia, and Talkdesk industry leaders join forces to revolutionize customer experience (CX) with the launch of Zingly, a Collaborative Customer Experience (CCX) Platform. The patented customer-facing technology combines GenAI, digital interactions, and telephony, providing infinite scale to enterprises, and hyper personalization to consumers, resulting in revenue acceleration and lasting customer relationships.

With this launch, Zingly is today announcing it has raised a $10m seed funding round from Dell Technologies Capital, WestWave Capital, Scribble Ventures, Formus Capital, Geekdom Fund, Array Ventures, Firebolt Ventures, Burst Capital, and from leaders in the CX industry.

Today, customers are still primarily required to call 800 numbers and punch numbers into an interactive voice response (IVR) whenever they need to communicate with businesses. For customers, phone calls are an outdated and frustrating experience, and for businesses, they’re an expensive and unscalable method of communication. Meanwhile, businesses are seeing 10x traffic on their website and apps while experiencing declining call center traffic.

Technology advancements in CX have typically focused on operational savings driven by cloud migration and agent support tools, but have often neglected the end customer. Zingly rectifies this imbalance by providing customers with Zingly-Rooms™—a patented, always-on space where customers can instantly connect and collaborate with businesses, eliminating the need for calls.

This is driven by the company’s Generative AI product technologies, including Relationship-AI™ and Zingly-Buddy™. Zingly focuses on eliminating friction and accelerating engagement use cases like customer acquisition, onboarding, customer service and success, and many more. This is done through a modern no-code-low-code platform that integrates into any tech stack (CRM, existing contact center technologies, customer support systems, and core operations) and intelligently combines cutting-edge Generative AI, humans, and data. The end result is an innovative collaborative space that can scale to support service and sales operations for businesses of all sizes, while providing hyper-personalization for customers.

Founded in 2021 by Gaurav Passi, a former executive at Avaya and Five9, Zingly was born out of a recognition that traditional contact center solutions were becoming obsolete. With global inflationary pressures driving up the cost per call and limiting scalability due to the finite number of agents, the need for industry disruption was clear. Passi teamed up with seasoned CX, CRM, and CCaaS leaders from Five9, Talkdesk, and Glia to launch Zingly.

“Traditional contact center solutions are out of date and simply not personable for customers, or scalable for businesses. The math is clear, there are approximately 16.5 million call center agents globally handling potentially billions of customers. More importantly, the frustration and long wait times associated with traditional calling and rigid workflow-driven chatbots have created what we call a fear of reaching out (FORO) among customers. Our vision with Zingly is to destroy FORO and make it collaborative for customers and businesses to come together,” said Gaurav Passi, CEO and founder of Zingly.

“Zingly represents a significant leap forward from the traditional trade-off between personalization and scalability in CX. While traditional calls are unscalable and conversational chatbots can feel too robotic, Zingly offers a new CX paradigm that is faster, cheaper, and more secure than both 1-800 numbers and conversational AI chatbots,” added Gaurav Passi.

Currently focusing on high-value industries such as financial services, healthcare, and product companies, Zingly is able to help organizations modernize their customer experience seamlessly by integrating with their existing technology stacks. As an example, Zingly is working with a Fortune 500 provider to engage with 5x more customers than traditional 1:1 phone conversations, while also reducing typical conversion time from 60 to 18 days, resulting in tens of millions of dollars of revenue uplift. Most importantly, it allowed them to innovate on top of their core infrastructure like Salesforce and Avaya without any disruption.

“To truly revolutionize CX, it needed top industry leaders like those from Zingly to step back and fundamentally reimagine a new approach. Incremental improvements to CX were not enough. A deep technology solution intelligently combining data, GenAI, and humans, as well as a dedicated team of CX experts together with forward looking Fortune 500 design partners was required for such a revolution,” said Zeus Kerravala, Principal Analyst, ZK Research.

“The vision presented by Zingly happens once in a decade. We are excited to partner with the team right from its inception,” said Gaurav Manglik of WestWave Capital. While Gokul Rajaram, Board Member at Coinbase and Pinterest, and former executive at DoorDash and Square added: “What I respect about Gaurav Passi as a leader and Zingly as a company is that they have had the same mission from day 1. They work closely with large complex enterprises to solve deep challenges, and as a result, have built the best platform to disrupt the much needed CX industry with clear ROI. This clarity of mission and singular focus has been a big reason for their continued success.”

Looking ahead, Zingly is rapidly expanding its teams in data science and engineering, sales, and marketing with plans to double its headcount by the end of next year. On track to be driving millions of quality customer interactions this year, Zingly is accelerating its mission to help companies collaborate with their customers and build relationships bigger than business.

Zingly.ai is the new way for businesses to meet, onboard and build lasting relationships with customers. Built by industry insiders in collaboration with Fortune 500 service providers, Zingly is a faster, cheaper, more secure, and better-organized solution than today's chatbots and 1-800 calling, eliminating friction and accelerating use cases like customer acquisition, onboarding, and support. Zingly makes online customer experiences delightful and personal by intelligently combining GenAI + Humans + Data to provide infinite scale for businesses and hyper personalization for customers to drive revenue acceleration and create exceptional customer experiences.

Zingly serves businesses across multiple industries including Banking and Financial Services, Insurance, Education, and Healthcare. Visit https://www.zingly.ai/ to learn more.

Deep-Tech takes deep partnerships. Founded by former entrepreneurs, WestWave knows that founders need more than just capital. WestWave Capital invests in market defining pre-seed, seed and series A enterprise start ups.

DTC invests in determined early-stage founders who push the envelope on technology innovation for the enterprise, connecting them to the capital, expertise, and customers they need to take a company from start to scale. Since its inception in 2012, DTC has backed more than 150 startups, a list that notably includes Arista Networks, Cylance, DocuSign, Exotec, JFrog, MongoDB, Nasuni, Netskope, Nutanix, Nuvia, Redis, Xometry, and Zscaler. DTC has offices in Palo Alto (HQ), Boston, and Tel Aviv.

Scribble Ventures is an early-stage venture firm started by operators and investors from Instagram, Twitter, & A16z. We invest in Pre-Seed and Seed, and write initial checks of up to $1.5M. This allows Scribble to collaborate and co-invest with other angel investors and early-stage funds, so founders can bring the best partners into their round. We work closely with our founders alongside The Scribble Network - a curation of world-class operators across sectors and stages - for guidance on product, growth, hiring, fundraising, and more. We aren’t just investors to our founders - we are teammates. More info: scribble.vc

Formus Capital is a global technology investment firm backed by a network of family offices across various sectors & geographies. Our mission is to partner with exceptional, mission driven teams transforming industries and building world-impacting companies.

Geekdom Fund is a venture capital fund that invests in early stage tech startups led by the strongest founders. Our partners are in the trenches with our companies. Whether it be hiring, channel development, fundraising, executive coaching, or brainstorming sessions with your team, our goal is to help founders avoid costly mistakes and make high impact decisions.

Array Ventures invests in founders passionate about solving problems for businesses. We partner from first round of your journey and help companies hone their go-to-market /10x growth journey.

Firebolt Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on all things software (enterprise b2b application/infrastructure layers, fintech, consumer) to help extraordinary founders build enduring companies. We partner with founders early, invest throughout the lifecycle of the company and aim to be your most impactful investor.

Burst Capital invests in early-stage software and service companies, primarily those with marketplace and SaaS business models. As operators turned investors, we provide our portfolio company founders with on-call operating advice as we support their rapidly scaling businesses.

Bilal Mahmood

+44 7714 007257

Clarified Precision Medicine, the only company that provides oncologists with prioritized therapy options via a combination of expert medical provider review and underlying artificial intelligence (AI) computational algorithms, and xCures, a healthcare technology company that delivers real-time clinical data to power precision medicine support, today announced a strategic partnership to dramatically advance the field of precision oncology.

The two companies will come together to enhance cancer-care delivery and personalized patient treatment recommendations through precision medicine and data-driven analysis. The goal of the alliance is to better identify and understand current gaps in providing precision medicine and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Oncology faces an immediate need to improve access to precision medicine. In the United States, there are 18 million patients with a history of cancer and 1.9 million new cancer diagnoses each year. Patients who receive precision therapies have survival rates that are three times greater than those who do not. However, 75% of doctors say they need help interpreting the genomic tests that make precision medicine possible—which, in turn, leads to more effective utilization of these powerful 21st-century tools.

To that end, Clarified and xCures will collaborate on patient-level data analytics and work together to improve provider support, education, and communication. The two organizations will develop learning systems focused on innovative solutions in precision oncology, such as predictive analytics and treatment optimization.

Clarified will contribute its specialized treatment recommendation system, which combines insights from experienced medical professionals with support from its AI-driven treatment algorithm. The company’s team of expert medical reviewers will provide clinical oversight. xCures will provide its AI-driven technology platform, which excels at extracting the critical information needed for care among the complex cancer patient data and enhancing access to medical records.

“This partnership unites two of the most innovative leaders in the field of precision oncology,” said Clarified Precision Medicine CEO Rajni Natesan, MD, MBA. “Clarified is the leading expert in closing gaps at the last mile of precision oncology, with an AI platform and the greatest understanding of physician needs and individual patient outcomes. xCures is a leader in data and technology that transforms clinical efficiency and patient care. This powerful alliance enables us to overcome obstacles in cancer care that can only be addressed by an advanced, data-driven understanding of oncology at the patient level.”

"We are excited to partner with Clarified Precision Medicine to harness the power of real-time clinical data and advanced analytics,” said xCures CEO Mika Newton. “This collaboration will enable us to deliver highly personalized and effective treatment recommendations, ultimately improving patient outcomes in precision oncology. By combining our strengths, we can address the critical need for better access to precision medicine and support oncologists in making data-driven decisions that enhance patient care."

In addition to improving the utilization of precision medicine, the alliance will have significant capabilities in data collection and analytics to drive precision oncology research. The technology integration between Clarified and xCures will facilitate retrospective and prospective data analysis to improve treatment strategies and patient care outcomes.

Clarified Precision Medicine is the first scalable molecular tumor board with a combination of ML-based platform plus medical group, offering expert clinical somatic and pharmacogenomics consultations through its ClarifiedSelect™ and OncoGuardian™ solutions. Clarified accelerates the delivery of guidelines-based genomic insights to patients and providers by bringing together nationally recognized experts in medical oncology, oncology pharmacy, data integration, and molecular pathology who have over 100 years of collective experience in the application of precision oncology. For more information, visit clarifiedprecisionmedicine.com

Launched in 2018, xCures Inc. operates an AI-assisted platform that automatically retrieves and aggregates medical records from any US care site. Data is extracted and structured within 15 minutes, to offer a sophisticated view of a patient’s fully longitudinal health journey that encompasses everything from genomics to social determinants of health. Through a variety of tools and data products, xCures provides clinically actionable, real-time insights that facilitate clinical research and care for patients, providers, and partners. For more information, contact info@xcures.com, or visit www.xcures.com

White Bridge Capital, a cross-border real estate investment firm, is extending its reach to Texas to cater to global family offices, high-net-worth individuals, and overseas entities seeking to benefit from the state’s robust economic expansion and the resulting impact on its flourishing real estate market. The portfolio encompasses multi-family residences, build-to-suit properties, industrial facilities, and commercial developments across the state.

In Texas, White Bridge Capital will be spearheaded by newly appointed Partner Nat Parsons, a third-generation developer by training and leading real estate and construction veteran with nearly two decades of experience, including the banking sector.

Co-founded by Tommy Campbell and Regina Garcia Handal, with headquarters in Miami, Florida and operations in Mexico City, White Bridge Capital sources real estate deals, structures investments, secures financing for underlying assets, and manages client investments throughout the real estate development cycle.

“The expansion to Texas marks a significant step in the firm’s growth and its intent to have a strategic physical presence to look after our clients’ overall interests,” said Tommy Campbell, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, White Bridge Capital. “Investors are focused on long-term appreciation and greater control, and White Bridge Capital, with our ‘boots on the ground’ approach, stands ready to source real estate investments in Texas that offer clients active management.”

Cross-border family office real-estate investments across the Americas are on the rise, propelled by macroeconomic and geopolitical drivers. White Bridge Capital is bridging this investment opportunity with its unique customized investment platform underpinned by high-touch, local intelligence, and a robust network of experts across the Americas.

“Nat is an outstanding business leader. His extensive experience and strategic vision in managing complex real estate deals, leading construction projects and teams, will be invaluable to our firm and clients,” said Regina Garcia Handal, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, White Bridge Capital. “In partnership with Nat, we look forward to our Texas office thriving into the future.”

A graduate of Texas A&M University, Nat holds a master’s in business administration and a bachelor’s in construction science, focusing on business, project planning, and construction management of high-quality facilities. A proud and devoted father, Parsons is a U.S. rugby player, the son of architects and grandson of Nathaniel E. Parsons, president of N. E. Parsons Sheet Metal and Roofing Company.

“White Bridge Capital’s leadership, client base, and market reach are unparalleled,” said Parsons. Together with Tommy, Regina, and Texas’ pro-business and investor-friendly policies, I look forward to serving new and existing clients. The opportunities to grow in Texas are endless.”

Texas is an appealing destination for investors, particularly those from Latin America, given its overall business-friendly environment, infrastructure development, technological advancements, and strong economic growth—accelerated by trade with Mexico—attracting diverse industries to the state, resulting in population growth and an attractive real estate market.

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, with operations in Mexico City, White Bridge Capital sources compelling real estate deals, structures investments, secures financing for underlying assets, and manages client investments throughout the real estate development life cycle. To learn more, visit White Bridge Capital.

Pia De Lima

+1 305-794-1231

Dan Diaz

+1 347-673-3555

DPH Biologicals, a leading developer and supplier of agricultural biologicals, announced its new Prime platform that uses a patented production process for Bacillus spp., a leading plant growth rhizobacterium, to accelerate the germination of bacteria spores, supporting overall plant development while providing crops with more consistent resilience against heat, drought, and alkaline and saline soil conditions.

“Historically biologicals have been dinged for inconsistent performance when used in a variety of environmental conditions. By utilizing a unique manufacturing process, we’ve enabled Bacillus spores to germinate faster resulting in more consistent performance especially in stressful conditions. Ultimately, Prime gives channel partners and growers more confidence in biologicals and allows them to differentiate from the plethora of microbial-based products on the market,” said Mick Messman, DPH Bio President and CEO.

Kept in a dry, dormant state to germinate quicker, Prime spores colonize the root zone faster, capturing nitrogen while solubilizing potassium and phosphorus for more effective nutrient uptake. In a lab trial, Prime enabled more than 70% of Bacillus spores to germinate at temperatures as high as 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, while those without Prime germinated less than 10% after 50 minutes. Additionally, nearly all spores with Prime germinated in high salt environments, while those that were not treated with Prime did not germinate.

With exclusive rights, DPH Bio is the first to offer Prime-based products and has recently integrated Prime into several existing biofertilizers in its TerraTrove™ product line, including Envelix Prime available this fall and Essential™ Prime PAK available for the 2025 crop season.

“We are excited to see results coming through our science-based approach to support our channel partners and growers. Powered by Prime, the next generation of biologicals delivers higher quality sustainable options that consistently work," said Messman.

For more information about DPH Bio’s technology platforms – RegenAphex™ and Prime, as well as DPH Bio’s expanded product portfolio, visit www.dphbio.com.

DPH Biologicals, LLC attracts, develops and scales technologies improving broad market access and simplifying the grower experience with biologicals. Based on investments in scientific research, field testing, partner relationships and product development, and leadership-owned since 2024, DPH Bio yields success through science and relationships, standing at the leading edge of clarity, trust and proven, profitable solutions for agricultural biologicals. For more information, visit www.dphbio.com.

Georgie Smith

AGC Biologics, a leading global Biopharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), today announced at BIO International the completion of its new manufacturing building at the AGC Biologics Copenhagen campus. The completed work doubles the site’s single-use bioreactor capacity for mammalian services and allows it to produce 150 more batches of drug product each year.

The expansion adds 19,000 m2 of space in an ultramodern building that houses a large manufacturing floor, expanded quality control and process development lab space, utilities to support all operations and prevent outages caused by natural disasters, and a fully dedicated warehouse to serve the entire AGC Biologics Copenhagen campus.

The new AGC Biologics Copenhagen manufacturing building is already in production with its first customer, a phase II/III clinical product. AGC Biologics announced the planned expansion in November 2020, investing roughly $200 million into the work.

The new manufacturing area offers 8 x 2,000 L single-use bioreactors with two seed trains, as well as two independent downstream suites—more than doubling the existing capacity offered at this site for mammalian-based projects.

AGC Biologics Copenhagen is now one of the only sites in the world with multiple single-use bioreactor systems of this magnitude capable of producing batches at high-levels of clinical and commercial production. Further, for developers needing to transfer in an existing process, AGC Biologics Copenhagen’s multiple single-use suites give the site greater flexibility to take on technical transfers and perform like-for-like process and knowledge activities for products entering the facility, eliminating lag time associated with onboarding a new CDMO.

AGC Biologics has been a leader in single-use technology over the last decade, and it is one of the largest CDMO networks in the industry offering flexible and scalable single-use bioreactors systems.

The news comes after AGC Biologics announced an end-to-end protein biologics drug product partnership with Dutch-based BioConnection in late May. The alliance provides a secure and full-service “gene-to-vial” offering for biopharma developers with drug substance development, manufacturing and aseptic fill and finish capabilities for drug products.

“AGC Biologics Copenhagen site continues to be one of the most active in our network with all the necessary commercial approvals—FDA, EMA, HCA, PMDA, ANVISA, etc.—and we are more than happy to offer the capacity and capabilities our current and future customers will look for with this completed expansion,” said Christoph Winterhalter, CBO, AGC Biologics. “The expansion, combined with our new drug product alliance, demonstrates AGC Biologics’ agility to meet all the needs developers may have, from pre-clinical through commercial.”

AGC Biologics’ Copenhagen site core teams of scientists have more than 25 years of expertise in biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing, including seven commercial products brought to market. The site offers pre-clinical through commercial production for protein biologics services using mammalian and microbial systems. It has a gold EcoVadis Sustainability Rating for its environmental, health and sustainability practices.

“I am extremely proud of the work and collaboration of everyone at our site over the last several years, it is truly remarkable to see what we can accomplish by working together. We are eager to offer more of the important capabilities the industry is looking for to support patients in need,” said Andrea C. Porchia, General Manager, AGC Biologics Copenhagen.

To learn more about AGC Biologics Copenhagen, visit www.agcbio.com/facilities/copenhagen. For more information about AGC Biologics’ global CDMO services go to www.agcbio.com.

AGC Biologics is a leading global biopharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with a strong commitment to delivering the highest standard of service as we work side-by-side with our clients and partners, every step of the way. We provide world-class development and manufacture of mammalian and microbial-based therapeutic proteins, plasmid DNA (pDNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), viral vectors, and genetically engineered cells. Our global network spans the U.S., Europe, and Asia, with cGMP-compliant facilities in Seattle, Washington; Boulder and Longmont, Colorado; Copenhagen, Denmark; Heidelberg, Germany; Milan, Italy; and Chiba, Japan. We currently employ more than 2,500 Team Members worldwide. Our commitment to continuous innovation fosters the technical creativity to solve our clients’ most complex challenges, including specialization in fast-track projects and rare diseases. AGC Biologics is a part of AGC Inc.’s Life Science Company. The Life Science company runs more than 10 global facilities focused on biopharmaceuticals, advanced therapies, small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients, and agrochemicals. To learn more, visit www.agcbio.com.

Nick McDonald

+1 425-419-3555

Our Authors Study Club, an organization dedicated to making the world more aware, connected, and invested in the African American and African diaspora experience, has announced the call for its 2024 entering freshmen scholarship applications and inaugural graduate applications for the Dr. Toni-Mokjaetji Humber Scholarship Award. The deadline to apply for both is midnight on June 30, 2024.
 
High school seniors from Southern California accepted to a college or university and entering during the fall of 2024 are eligible to apply. A combination of GPA, awards, community service essay and interview will be considered in the selection process. It is imperative that the applicants complete all information and submit it before or by the deadline. Complete information and the application can be found online at www.oasc.org/scholarship-information. 
 
OASC also revealed the naming of the new graduate “Mokjaetji” (meaning illuminate) Scholarship Award in memoriam of lifetime member Dr. Toni-Mokjaetji Humber, vice president and scholarship chair. This award celebrates Dr. Humber's lifelong love for history, learning, and exploration. As the first graduate to receive scholarship support from OASC many years ago, she spoke frequently about the experience and how it influenced her passion to support students during her career serving as scholarship chair to the very end. The award is a fitting tribute to remember Dr. Humber and her contributions, and all graduate-level are eligible to apply.
 
As a crucial component of its mission, OASC plans to continue to offer scholarships in honor of its fundamental belief in the importance of promoting access to education for Black Americans and to provide resources for students to attain their educational goals and amplify their impact on society. 
 
According to Paqueta Davis, Scholarship Chair/Treasurer of Our Authors Study Club, "Our scholarships continue to demonstrate the commitment of Our Authors Study Club. By recognizing the legacy of Dr. Humber, we spotlight a prominent modern Black history figure and highlights the importance of investing in the education and future of young scholars from the African American community. It is a testament to our commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders." 
 
As OASC looks to take on new students, the club is proud to congratulate two of their scholars who have recently graduated:

George plans to work in the sports and entertainment industry and co-founded a basketball website and podcast in college titled the "Four Out, One In", which has become a website for all things entertainment. As George puts it, "I am heavily involved in my community because my parents taught me at a young age that if I help others who are less fortunate than I am, then God will bless me in the future. A goal that I have prided myself on is before I die, I want to make the world a better place for the next generation of Black people." 

 
In the future, Our Authors Study Club plans to expand its scholarship program and continue to create opportunities for students to pursue their academic goals and make a positive impact on society.

Located in Los Angeles, Our Authors Study Club is a community of dedicated individuals who are passionate about Black history: past, present, and future. Our mission is to promote awareness, connection, and investment in the African American and African diaspora experience by providing opportunities for everyone to engage with our history through culture, scholarship, technology, and research. We foster meaningful conversations around the African and African American experience that inspire new books, films, artistic expressions, music, podcasts, blogs, and social interactions across diverse communities.

OASC is committed to preserving our heritage and legacy, which has often been underrepresented in mainstream history, literature, and media. We strive to ensure that libraries, museums, schools, and media that participate in institutionalized bias do not ignore Black lives. We believe that Black history is not just a part of American history, but it is American history. We take pride in recognizing, amplifying, and honoring the contributions of Black Americans.

For more information, visit https://oascla.org. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OurAuthorsStudyClub.

Media Contact

Lura Ball

Orbital Kitchens, a company that is known for pushing the boundaries of culinary innovation in the food delivery industry, announced the launch of their new Chinese takeout concept called Lucky Māo on all major delivery platforms. Lucky Māo offers an affordable yet premium Chinese takeout experience, curated by Executive Chef Tommy Lai, a Michelin star chef.

This announcement is significant as Orbital Kitchens continues to innovate and provide customers with a unique dining experience. Lucky Māo combines traditional Chinese dishes with modern twists, appealing to a wide range of palates and preferences.

The impact of this new concept is clear—Orbital Kitchens is setting a new standard for Chinese takeout by offering a curated selection of high-quality dishes that are both delicious and accessible to all. Customers can expect a culinary journey like no other with Lucky Māo.

According to David Richer co-founder and CEO of Orbital Kitchens, "We’re thrilled to unveil Lucky Mao to the world. This concept is the epitome of our relentless pursuit of culinary excellence and innovation. We can't wait to see the response from our customers."

Looking ahead, Orbital Kitchens plans to expand their reach and introduce more unique dining concepts to the market, continuing to redefine the food delivery experience.

For more information, please visit Orbital Kitchens at https://orbitalkitchens.com and https://www.luckymao.com/

New York-based Orbital Kitchens is redefining the food delivery scene with its array of tech-enabled, delivery-focused restaurants. By leveraging technology and culinary expertise, Orbital Kitchens delivers an exceptional dining experience to its customers, with a promise of quality, speed, and affordability. For more information, visit https://orbitalkitchens.com.

Media Contact

Victoria Garcia

Brooklyn En Vogue Fashion Show, a collaborative effort between The Bonello Foundation and Politically Urban, will take place on June 8, 2024. This dynamic event will showcase up-and-coming fashion designers and models while promoting confidence-building initiatives for young people. The show will also feature original art by former NBA player and artist Neil Edwards, along with poetry, singing, and performances by award-winning young musicians.

Founded by Stacey Bonello, CEO of The Bonello Foundation, and Quinnell Williams, CEO of Politically Urban, the Brooklyn En Vogue Fashion Show aims to change the negative narrative surrounding Brownsville and highlight the positive aspects of the community. By bringing together beauty and art in this vibrant neighborhood, the event seeks to celebrate the creativity and talent that thrive within Brooklyn.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Politically Urban and showcase the incredible talent that exists within our community," said Stacey Bonello, CEO of The Bonello Foundation. "Through this fashion show, we hope to inspire confidence in young people and foster a sense of pride in their achievements. Beauty knows no bounds!"

In addition to the fashion show and art exhibition, the event will feature delicious food, raffles, and vendors offering a diverse array of products and services. Attendees can expect an immersive experience that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Brooklyn while highlighting the innovative spirit of its residents.

"We believe in the power of art and creativity to bring about positive change," said Quinnell Williams, CEO of Politically Urban. "The Brooklyn En Vogue Fashion Show is an opportunity to showcase the beauty and diversity of our community while empowering young people to pursue their dreams."

The Brooklyn En Vogue "Pieces with Purpose" Fashion Show will take place on June 8, 2024 at Seeds to Roots, located at 179 Livonia Avenue in Brooklyn, NY. Doors will open at 1:00 p.m., with the fashion show beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Tickets are available for purchase at http://BrooklynEnVogue2024.eventzilla.net.

For more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities, please contact brooklynenvogue@gmail.com.

About The Bonello Foundation

The Bonello Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women, men and children, with a strong focus on the youth, through education, mentorship, and community outreach programs. Founded by Stacey Bonello, the foundation aims to create opportunities for underserved youth and adults to thrive and succeed as well as to amplify the voices of marginalized communities.

About Politically Urban

Politically Urban is a social enterprise focused on promoting civic engagement and community development through art, fashion, and culture. Led by CEO Quinnell Williams, the organization seeks to drive positive change through creative expression.

Media Contact
  
Stacey Bonello
brooklynenvogue@gmail.com

Quinnell Williams

+1 917-870-4806

Michele Benjamin, a renowned New York-based Artist known for her nature-inspired and activist creations, is thrilled to announce her participation in the "Constellations of Creativity" art exhibition. The exhibition will be held at B.J. Spoke Gallery, located at 299 Main Street in Huntington, NY. Presented by Women In the Arts Foundation Inc. and curated by Helaine Soller, the exhibition will run from May 29 to June 30, 2024, with an opening reception on Saturday, June 1, 2024, and a closing reception on Sunday, June 30, 2024.

Michele Benjamin's inclusion in the "Constellations of Creativity" art exhibition is significant as it showcases her newest work showing Arizona subject matter. Benjamin's unique artistic vision combines jewelry, sculpture, painting, digital photography prints, and wearable art. Her work not only highlights her creative talent but also sheds light on important social causes such as women's empowerment, wildlife conservation, sustainability, and youth education.

Michele Benjamin's artistic creations have made a lasting impact on the art community, bridging the gap between art and activism. Her pieces serve as a visual representation of her dedication to promoting positive change and raising awareness for important societal issues.

In the future, Michele Benjamin plans to continue creating art that not only captivates the audience but also sparks meaningful conversations about the world around us. She is committed to using her art as a tool for social change and hopes to inspire others to do the same.

For more information about Michele Benjamin and her work, please visit https://www.michelebenjamin.com.

In preparation for summer, Turtle Wax is continuing its collaboration with Netflix star Mister Cartoon – the legendary tattoo artist and lowrider builder – to introduce three new car care products to its popular Art of Car Care™ line. Each of these will leave your car shining and protected all season long. The new products, developed with Mister Cartoon's expertise and passion for cars, are now available in-store or online at O'Reilly's or TurtleWax.com.

Designed to elevate the aesthetic of your ride while also leaving it properly protected, these innovations expand upon the seven detailing products the duo launched in 2023, along with numerous air care products. The innovations include:

All Metal Polish (SRP $13): This is not your average metal polish; it's a comprehensive solution for all your metal polishing needs, designed to bring out the best in your vehicle's metal surfaces.

Quick Wax (SRP $12): Achieving the perfect, glossy shine for your ride is now a breeze, and it will remain fully protected, too.

Tire Coat (SRP $14): Thanks to ceramic and acrylic infusion, your tires will experience unmatched, lasting brilliance and protection for up to a year, giving you peace of mind that your car's appearance is maintained for an extended period.

With a rich history of involvement in the automotive industry, Turtle Wax and Mister Cartoon are not just names but symbols of quality, artistry, and innovation. They bring a product line that caters to all car enthusiasts, whether they own a daily driver, lowrider, custom rims, whitewalls, or custom paint jobs. No matter what type of vehicle you own, you can trust the combined expertise of Turtle Wax and Mister Cartoon to deliver exceptional car care products, ensuring your car’s appearance is in safe hands.

For more product information, visit TurtleWax.com or their YouTube page. To purchase, visit O'Reilly's Auto Parts online or in-store or TurtleWax.com. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the Art of Car Care line, a game-changer in car care.

Click here for product photos.

The Turtle Wax story started with the launch of the first-ever bottled car wax in 1944. More than 75 years later, the 'Most Innovative Brand in Car Care' is still capturing the attention of the auto appearance industry with a cross-category assortment of No. 1 selling products. With product distribution in more than 120 countries, the Turtle Wax brand resonates globally. Still, the brand's heart remains in its hometown of Chicago, where award-winning innovation is still developed. For an inside look at the brand's breakthrough product development process or how Turtle Wax supports car culture worldwide, visit TurtleWax.com

Glenda Vaquerano

Avenue Z, a leader in performance marketing and social commerce for direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, has partnered with SourceMedium to introduce their new Convergence Dashboard and Data Analytics Solution. This innovative collaboration merges SourceMedium's advanced data infrastructure with Avenue Z's expertise in data visualization and strategy, redefining holistic, data-driven decision-making. Avenue Z’s new dashboard platform allows you to see performance from all marketing channels, down to specific ads by the hour, with customizable views for faster insights into trend analysis, creative performance, customer lifetime value (LTV), profitability, and contribution margin, website performance, merchandising, and more.

As consumer behavior shifts and the market evolves, DTC brands confront challenges in optimizing marketing strategies. Avenue Z excels in driving profitable growth for DTC brands through performance media, digital marketing, PR, and strategic communications. With this collaboration, Avenue Z will leverage SourceMedium's proprietary data & technological infrastructure to optimize a brand's performance across the entire ecosystem, from The Wall Street Journal to Shopify and TikTok.

“The DTC reporting landscape has often been fragmented, with brands grappling to piece together a coherent narrative from myriad data points. Our collaboration with Avenue Z aims to change this narrative. By merging our advanced data infrastructure with their adeptness in data visualization and interpretation, we’re setting a new gold standard in DTC analytics. It’s about connecting the dots in ways that were previously unimaginable,” said Fei Wang, Founder of SourceMedium.

SourceMedium, a DTC data management, and AI infrastructure leader, equips brands with tools for digital success. Their robust infrastructure integrates seamlessly, ensuring efficiency and scalability in media buying. In building the Convergence Dashboard, a proprietary analytics dashboard with unmatched flexibility, Avenue Z is enhancing its capabilities to deliver even better client results. DTC brands that are clients of Avenue Z will now gain exclusive access to this proprietary tool and expert network.

“We are excited to partner with SourceMedium to develop proprietary omni-channel analytics dashboards that leverage source-of-truth cohort data,” said Jonathan Snow, Author of the DTC and digital trends newsletter In The Snow, President and Founder of The Snow Agency, and Chief Innovation Officer at Avenue Z.

The collaboration between Avenue Z and SourceMedium aims to create a third-party partnership focused on delivering unparalleled data-driven insights and strategies to its clients.

“This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission of driving profitable growth for DTC brands through the utilization of the most advanced tools and tactics available. In an ever-evolving market that emphasizes the efficiency of media dollars, we will now be able to provide our clients with an integrated, modeled data set that paints a clear picture of their entire digital ecosystem,” said Snow.

Avenue Z and SourceMedium are working on integrating an additional technology partner to inject AI-driven predictive forecasting and a recommendation engine into the proprietary tool. This modernized approach to performance marketing is long-awaited and will level up the meaning of “data-driven” for the entire DTC industry.

“The term ‘data-driven’ has been used and sometimes overused in the DTC space. However, with this partnership, we’re elevating its meaning. Being data-driven is no longer just about having access to numbers; it’s about understanding those numbers, predicting trends, and making informed decisions. By integrating AI-driven forecasting and recommendation engines, we’re pushing the boundaries of what it means to be truly data-driven, ensuring DTC brands not only stay ahead of the curve but redefine it,” Wang said.

As the DTC market continues to evolve, Avenue Z introduces Convergence Analytics, a Data Analytics solution that transforms cross-channel reporting through customized data modeling. This innovation equips marketing teams with advanced tools for detailed insights into customer journeys, enhancing decision-making and strategic control.

"Convergence Analytics, Avenue Z’s new Data Analytics solution, is revolutionizing cross-channel reporting by offering customized data modeling that delivers unparalleled accuracy for DTC media and marketing teams. We built this solution because our clients demanded better revenue attribution than what is typically available. By leveraging our platform, we can attribute clicks beyond standard tools like Meta, activating data that helps pinpoint the visits that yield more sales," said David Corchado, Chief Strategy & Technology Officer at Avenue Z. "This solution not only removes the guesswork from the path to conversion but also equips teams with control through focused dashboards, providing deep insights into the entire customer journey."

Demos of the Data Analytics solution and Convergence Dashboard are available now at AvenueZ.com.

Avenue Z is a strategic marketing and communications company breaking traditional boundaries between marketing, advertising and PR. From the Wall Street Journal to TikTok, PR to social and search, we create narratives that drive commerce, connections, and conversion, across all channels. With experts, tech and teams based in New York, Boston, Orlando, Miami and global reach, we drive influence. Visit www.avenuez.com.

SourceMedium is a pioneer in DTC infrastructure and data transformation. Their comprehensive suite of tools and solutions empowers brands with the insights and capabilities needed to navigate the digital landscape successfully. With a commitment to scalability and efficiency, SourceMedium provides the foundation for brands to thrive in the competitive DTC market. For more information, visit: https://www.sourcemedium.com/

+1 407-637-2833
press@avenuez.com

With hurricane, tornado, and wildfire seasons in full swing in many parts of the country, property damage and loss will be unavoidable in affected areas.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau is warning those living in areas that could suffer from a natural disaster to not only be prepared for the disaster but to be aware of the potential for fraudulent contractors and vendors taking advantage of victims in its aftermath.

Last year was a historic year for billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in the U.S., with 28 separate events costing at least $1 billion. In the 1980s, the average time between billion-dollar disasters was 82 days. In 2023, it was just 12 days, with these disasters totaling more than $93 billion in catastrophe losses. Upwards of 10% or $9.3 billion is lost to post-disaster fraud, which not only impacts individuals, but also impacts insurance premiums throughout the industry.

Oftentimes, these deceitful actors target neighborhoods affected by disasters and make an unsolicited stop at your home. They will take your money—often overcharging—and do shoddy or no work at all, promising that your insurance company will pay for it all.

On Tuesday, May 21, a nationwide media tour was conducted featuring NICB President & CEO David J. Glawe discussing how to avoid home repair fraud after a natural disaster and many other consumer friendly topics.

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/dJPZJMemFCA

NICB recommends following these tips before hiring a contractor:

Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it by calling toll-free 800.TEL.NICB (800.835.6422).

About the National Insurance Crime Bureau

Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is the nation's leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to combatting and preventing insurance crime through Intelligence, Analytics, and Operations; Education and Crime Prevention; and Strategy, Policy, and Advocacy. NICB is supported by more than 1,200 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. To learn more, visit NICB.org

YourUpdateTV
+1 212-736-2727
yourupdatetv@gmail.com

Today, CA Water For All shares research, "The Magnitude of California’s Water Challenges" by Jay Lund (UC Davis), Josué Medellín-Azuara (UC Merced), and Alvar Escriva-Bou (UCLA), that identifies significant future water supply losses annually for California, estimating that by 2050, the Golden State is projected to lose between 4.6 and 9 million acre feet of annual water—equivalent to 10–20% of its supply for California’s communities and farms.

 

This research supports the estimates in the Governor’s Water Supply Strategy and amplifies the urgent need to set necessary statewide targets in statute that will extend beyond any one Administration to create a sustainable and long-term water supply for all Californians and future generations, as established in SB 366 (Caballero).

"As water uses consistently change over time, our research points to future water supply losses from several changing conditions, a growing population, an expanding economy, increased needs for environmental uses, reduced Colorado River supply, and groundwater overdraft," stated Jay Lund, UC Davis. "Proper preparations and planning by the state, water providers, and all stakeholders will be critical to how California adapts to ongoing deficits and anticipated loss in supplies."

As a result of changing and worsening climate conditions, an aging water infrastructure, a growing population, a global economy, and antiquated state policies, California is facing an ongoing water supply shortage of historic proportions.

The research highlights the following consequences of continued inaction:

"The findings of this important research reinforce what the Governor and his Administration have asserted in their Water Supply Strategy, and calls for policymakers to take action to codify water supply targets capable of advancing policy solutions that will address and implement new approaches to modernizing water management and planning," stated Danielle Blacet-Hyden, Deputy Executive Director of California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA). "As a proud co-sponsor of SB 366, and on behalf of our statewide coalition of more than 150 organizations, we are eager to continue our work this legislative session to pass much-needed legislation and establish clear and necessary targets to address the perpetual water supply threat that grows worse every year."

Without clearly defined water supply targets and strategically planning the appropriate projects to achieve those targets, the state will continue to experience devastating water shortages in the future. SB 366 will secure an adequate water supply to preserve the California way of life, support economic vitality, and achieve food security, reliable energy supplies, support housing needs, ensure environmental uses, replenish underground and surface water storage, and maintain recreational activities. 

"As a water manager on the frontlines every single day, this research underscores the critical importance of not just planning for long-term loss but also short-term, extreme drought. SB 366 accounts for an annual loss of 10 million acre feet, setting the target in statute, allowing policymakers, regulators, and water managers to work together on how to make up for this anticipated deficit," stated Paul Cook, General Manager of Irvine Ranch Water District. "We are at a crossroads with our future water supply, we cannot afford to wait for the next crisis before making much-needed improvements in the system. The time to act is now to protect and support our future, the California economy, its environment, and our way of life."

SB 366 will be heard in the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee on June 25, 2024. 

To read the full report and supporting materials, click here. 

CA Water For All is a statewide effort made up of more than 150 organizations seeking to educate policymakers on the urgent need for a legislative solution to address California’s ongoing water supply challenges. We are focused on bringing together the water community, policymakers, and stakeholders to collaborate on ensuring Californians have a sustainable and reliable water supply for all beneficial uses now and for future generations. To learn more or become a supporter, visit www.CaWaterForAll.com.

Media Contact

Kaitlyn Bryson
kbryson@ka-pow.com
+1 916-639-3227

PathAI, a global leader in AI-powered pathology, unveiled two novel AI products, PathExplore™ Immuno-Oncology Profiling (IOP) and IHC Explore™ (1) to empower cancer drug developers and clinical researchers with AI-powered insights. The product pairing provides unprecedented single-cell and spatial resolution of the tumor microenvironment from routine pathology samples to facilitate biomarker discovery and deeper understanding of treatment response for the next generation of cancer therapeutics. The expansion of the Explore™ portfolio comes at a time when AI-pathology is experiencing accelerated large-scale adoption across the diagnostic and biopharma industries.

“As cancer rates continue to rise, the demand for advanced precision medicine tools that provide accurate biological insights has never been greater. Our mission to make a difference in patient lives is unwavering, and these new products showcase our commitment to providing researchers with the tools they need to make meaningful advancements in cancer research, treatment and care,” said Andy Beck, PathAI CEO. “We're thrilled to introduce these two groundbreaking products ahead of the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting.”

The composition of the tumor immune microenvironment plays a crucial role in characterizing tumors likely to respond to immunotherapy. PathExplore IOP expedites characterization of immune phenotypes by quantifying tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and their spatial distribution using routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) samples. With this new product, researchers have the ability to quantify TIL spatial arrangements within tumor core and periphery, and gain insights around the sample’s immune inflamed, desert, or excluded characteristics.

PathExplore IOP was designed specifically to quantify patterns of immune infiltration characteristic of a strong immune response, and ultimately improved patient survival. Immune infiltration has been previously shown to be prognostic of positive outcomes, however; standardized and scalable approaches for investigating these phenotypes remained elusive.

“PathExplore IOP illustrates the power of AI by visually interrogating the dynamics between cancer cells and immune cells with unparalleled resolution for highly accurate and efficient immune phenotype classification,” said Benjamin Glass, VP of Product & Translational Research. “Researchers can now access insights at scale to better inform biomarker strategies for patient stratification and mechanisms of response and resistance.”

PathExplore IOP will be featured in a poster presentation at the upcoming ASCO 2024 meeting, demonstrating the product’s application for stratification of patient response to checkpoint inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a widely utilized approach for identifying biomarkers unique to certain cancers, informing treatment strategies, measuring prognosis, and patient classification for clinical trials. IHC scoring in the early clinical settings can be time-consuming, subjective, and low-resolution. Especially in early stage biomarker development, defining an optimal scoring system for a novel IHC assay can be complex. IHC Explore™ fills a need for spatial quantification of IHC biomarkers in single-cell resolution with broad target compatibility.

IHC Explore provides a panel of standardized and structured features that quantify IHC stain abundance within and around cells of the tumor microenvironment, enabling drug developers to build biomarker scoring strategies from scratch for most IHC stains – and to precisely find those patients most responsive to treatment. PathAI’s partnership with Roche streamlines the translation of these AI insights and scoring strategies into companion diagnostic development.

“Drawing on our advanced computational pathology expertise, we're extending the impact of our Explore product suite, which enables us to seamlessly support AI-powered assay development,” said Hisani Madison, VP of Precision Medicine and Medical Device Development. “This advancement is poised to revolutionize biomarker-based drug development for new immunotherapies, antibody drug conjugates, and paving the way for the analysis of the next generation of targeted cancer therapies.”

PathAI will be attending and presenting abstracts at the upcoming ASCO event in Chicago, IL. Visit PathAI’s booth in the Innovation Hub (IH18) May 31 to June 4, 2024 to meet our team, learn more about AI-powered pathology, and engage with our scientists and collaborators at their respective posters.

PathAI is the leading precision pathology company providing software and AI-enabled solutions to all pathologist stakeholders including laboratories, research institutions, and the biopharma industry. Developed with the input of hundreds of pathologists, PathAI’s digital pathology Image Management System, AISight, is the solution of choice for laboratories transitioning to digital workflows. Rigorously trained and validated with data from more than 15 million annotations, its AI-powered models can be leveraged to optimize the analysis of pathology samples to improve efficiency and accuracy of pathology interpretation, as well as to better gauge therapeutic efficacy and accelerate drug development for complex diseases. For more information, please visit www.pathai.com.

Media Contact

Maggie Naples

+1 401-490-9700

Encouraged by the passage of California Assemblymember Matthew Haney's AB 2365 out of the Assembly to the Senate, the Global Kratom Coalition today urges support from Senate legislators, advocates, industry, and consumers. The groundbreaking bill, aimed at regulating the kratom industry in California, sets the course for ensuring the safety, quality, and responsible sale of kratom products. 

"Moving out of the California Assembly for hearings in the California Senate is a major step in the march to make AB 2365 law," said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition. "The Assembly's action shows they are serious about consumer safety first—through well-researched, science-backed standards that account for the ever-evolving kratom marketplace and the fact that not all kratom is equal. We urge the California Senate and kratom supporters from all circles to support this bill."

AB 2365 introduces comprehensive regulations designed to protect consumers while preserving access to leaf kratom and kratom extracts. The bill includes key provisions such as defining what constitutes leaf kratom and kratom extracts, banning synthetic kratom derivatives, setting packaging and labeling standards, enforcing age restrictions for purchases, requiring registration and strict testing protocols for kratom processors, and specifying enforcement measures for violations.

Implementing this well-rounded approach not only prioritizes consumer safety by establishing reliable safety measures but also guarantees their access to accurately labeled kratom products.

Support for AB 2365 is vital to its success. The Global Kratom Coalition urges all stakeholders to voice their support and advocate for its passage. 

For Californians interested in sending a letter to local legislators, click here.  

To sign up for regular email updates from the Global Kratom Coalition on AB 2365, click here.  

The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) exists to protect and expand access to leaf-based kratom around the world. The organization represents the interests of advocates committed to positive change benefiting consumers. The organization supports education and the development of kratom science, which is central to the GKC’s mission—to empower individuals worldwide with access to safe and responsibly sourced kratom products by advancing scientific research and sensible regulation.

The GKC operates on five key values:

Please follow us at:

Website: https://globalkratomcoalition.org

Twitter: @kratomcoalition 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/globalkratomcoalition

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalkratomcoalition

Media Contact

Byron Johnson
bjohnson@globalkratomcoalition.org
+1 202-680-8129

Activate Games Inc., the pioneering force behind the world's first active gaming experience, is thrilled to announce its expansive venture into the United Kingdom and Ireland markets with the opening of 30 new stores in partnership with We Do Play.

Following the resounding success of Activate's innovative gaming concept across North America and the MENA region, the company is poised to revolutionize the entertainment landscape in the UK and Ireland. With a commitment to promoting physical activity while offering unparalleled gaming experiences, Activate is set to captivate audiences across these vibrant regions.

"This expansion marks a significant milestone in Activate's journey," said Adam Schmidt, Founder and CEO of Activate Games Inc. "The UK and Ireland have long been on our radar as markets ripe for Activate's unique blend of interactive gaming and physical activity. We are excited to bring our adrenaline-pumping adventures to communities across these regions and provide an unforgettable entertainment experience for players of all ages."

Each Activate location offers an immersive gaming environment where players can #EnterTheGame and compete in a variety of interactive challenges. Activate promises an experience like no other, where players can unleash their competitive spirit while staying active.

"We are committed to diversifying leisure offerings and providing our guests with innovative entertainment experiences," said Richard Beese, Co-Owner of We Do Play. "With the launch of 30 new stores in the UK and Ireland, we are thrilled to introduce Activate to a new audience and create lasting memories for families, friends, and gaming enthusiasts alike."

The expansion into the UK and Ireland marks a significant milestone in Activate's global growth strategy. Activate is poised to unveil more than 20 new stores across the United States and Canada in 2024, including an expansion into the MENA region this Fall. Furthermore, Activate has strategic plans for international growth, with aspirations to establish 70 stores in 10 countries over the next 5-10 years. With locations worldwide and a dedicated community of fans, Activate continues to push the boundaries of traditional entertainment and redefine the gaming experience for the modern era.

For more information about Activate Games Inc. and to stay updated on the latest news and store openings, visit Activate or follow Activate on social media:

Facebook: Activate
Instagram: @activategames
TikTok: @activategames

Activate is the world’s first active gaming experience where players #EnterTheGame. Activate offers a unique blend of physical activity and gaming that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Each Activate location provides fun and interactive rooms for players to compete, earn stars and track achievements. With the global headquarters located in Winnipeg, Canada, Activate has grown to 30 locations across Canada, the U.S. and now the world! To join the active gaming movement, visit playactivate.com.

We Do Play specializes in creating unforgettable, immersive leisure and hospitality concepts. It started as a single brand, eventually incorporating Flip Out and Putt Putt Social. Boom Battle Bar was also previously co-owned by We Do Play.

Flip Out is a global indoor adventure park business and is currently the largest in the UK. Since 2015, Flip Out has catered to 8 million customers a year. Putt Putt Social is the UK’s leading Asian-inspired adventure golf, drink and dining experience. We Do Play is continuing to expand its footprint in the leisure and entertainment space, with its partnership with Activate being the latest addition to its portfolio. www.wedoplay.co.uk

Follow We Do Play on Linkedin: We Do Play
Follow Flip Out on Instagram: @flipoutuk
Follow Putt Putt Social on Instagram: @puttputtsocial

Jalila Singerff
+1 613-614-6777
jalila@jiveprdigital.com

The New York State sections of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW), comprising 17 dedicated sections across the state, triumphantly hosted the 50th anniversary gala of the Bethune/Height Recognition Program (BHRP) on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

With the theme "Advancing Our Mission, Strengthening Our Message, Refining Our Method," the event commemorated five decades of the BHRP's unwavering dedication to empowering African American women and girls. Held at Leonard's Palazzo in Great Neck, the afternoon celebration brought together distinguished guests, community members, and program beneficiaries from New York and beyond. The spirit of unity, reflection, and inspiration filled the room as attendees acknowledged the BHRP's significant impact over the past half-century.

Keynote Address by Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Elizabeth Boyd

The esteemed Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Elizabeth Boyd, a distinguished scientist, engineer, civic leader, and lifelong advocate for STEM education, served as the event's keynote speaker. Dr. Boyd's impressive background includes her tenure as the former national president of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. from 2000 to 2004 and her role as the former president of Alabama State University. Her inspiring address resonated with the audience, emphasizing the importance of continued progress for African American women and girls.

Leadership and Recognition

Johnnie M. Walker & Dawna M. Fields, National BHRP Co-Chairs, alongside Carol E. Moore, NYS BHRP Chair, and Gladys Keller & Evelyn Kinsey, NYS Luncheon Co-Chairs, led the organization of this historic event.

A Commitment to Continued Impact

The BHRP Gala serves as the pinnacle fundraising event for the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) by the New York State NCNW sections as a whole. Funds raised will directly support programs and services dedicated to empowering African American women and girls throughout the state.

The 17 participating sections are:

Looking Forward

The 50th anniversary celebration marked a significant milestone for the BHRP. The event not only commemorated the program's past achievements but also fueled the organization's passion and commitment to shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

Full list of NCNW Affiliate organizations:

About the Bethune/Height Recognition Program

The Bethune/Height Recognition Program (BHRP) was founded in 1974 and has grown into a great national movement. Its uniqueness comes from the annual opportunity it gives individuals to live the legacy of NCNW’s founder, Mrs. Mary McLeod Bethune by contributing to the work for which she dedicated her life. Proceeds from the Program help to undergird the vital work of the National Office by broadening and strengthening the financial base that is so crucial to NCNW's survival and its ability to affect much needed change. For more information, visit https://ncnw.org/bhrp or on Facebook.

Media Contact

Michelle Mitchell

+1 516-387-2227

Entrefiliate, a company that specializes in supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, today announced that Entrefiliate is preparing to relaunch our new website including a featured section for small business and entrepreneur stories and we're loaded up with free resources to help small businesses.

The decision to revamp the website and add a dedicated section for small business and entrepreneur stories comes as Entrefiliate aims to provide even more valuable resources and inspiration to its audience. By offering a platform for these stories, Entrefiliate hopes to showcase the resilience and creativity of small business owners and entrepreneurs.

This announcement underscores Entrefiliate's commitment to supporting and empowering the small business community. With a focus on providing free resources and a platform for sharing stories, Entrefiliate continues to be a valuable resource for small businesses looking to grow and succeed.

Looking ahead, Entrefiliate plans to continue expanding its resources and offerings for small businesses, with a focus on providing practical tools and insights to help entrepreneurs thrive in today's competitive landscape.

For more information on entrefiliate and the upcoming website relaunch, please visit https://www.entrefiliate.com.

Entrefiliate, based in Salisbury, MA, is a specialized blog and media platform focused on helping small businesses thrive. We cater to individuals poised to embark on their entrepreneurial journey, offering a curated collection of resources tailored for businesses at every level. Our unique approach provides the tools and resources necessary for anyone to take the first step toward entrepreneurship. With a bold vision to create 10,000 new entrepreneurs over the next five years, Entrefiliate is committed to being the catalyst for innovation and growth. Discover how we can help launch and grow your business by visiting https://www.entrefiliate.com.

Media Contact

Timothy Borthwick

NAVEX, the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software, has released its 2024 Regional Whistleblowing & Incident Management Benchmark Report. A deeper dive into the global data, it offers valuable insights into workplace culture by analysing 1.86 million global reports spanning 3,784 organisations that together employ more than 50 million employees. NAVEX analysed its global 2023 data by four main regions: Europe, North America, South America, and Asia Pacific (APAC).

“Understanding how regional differences may impact the level and types of incident reporting is a key component of evaluating the effectiveness of a whistleblower program. Consistent analysis and benchmarking of whistleblowing hotline data empowers organisations to take action and evaluate their risk and compliance programs,” says Carrie Penman, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at NAVEX.

“NAVEX remains the gold standard in risk and compliance data analytics, continually innovating our benchmarks to enhance corporate compliance programs and offer insights into the trending risk areas. New this year, we analysed critical third-party reporting trends in our research to involve a group that represents a diverse and distinct view. In this way, business leaders will better understand how to nurture ethical culture throughout the business including the supply chain.”

In a first for this report, NAVEX analysed its database by both employees and third-party reporters. Europe-based organisations appear to have received a larger share of their reports from third parties than peers based elsewhere in 2023 (apart from South America, where some metrics in this analysis are subject to greater swings). This may be related to a greater focus on third-party due diligence in Europe driven by regulations such as the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (commonly referred to as LkSG), the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, and sanctions regimes.  

Third-party reporters are less likely to be anonymous than employees across almost all measures, but some nuances remain. For example, organisations based in Europe and APAC have roughly the same anonymity rate for employees, but third parties were more likely to stay anonymous when reporting to an organisation based in APAC.  

The Substantiation Rate (the rate of reports that when investigated prove to be correct or partially correct) for third-party reports made to organisations based in Europe was actually better than the rate for employees in 2023—a surprising finding given the decreased proximity third-party reporters have to the organisation, its policies, and training.  

European headquartered organisations received the greatest share of reports of Bribery and Corruption 

The greatest share of reports pertaining to Bribery and Corruption by headquarters were for those based in Europe, which also showed a 10% year-over-year increase; 1.78% of reports in 2023 compared to 1.62% in 2022. Conversely, when looking at this category by report origination, reports in North America and Europe were far less likely than in APAC and especially South America to involve this Risk Type. 

March and October are peak months 

Interestingly, report volume is typically lower in the summer months. This appears true when looking at reporting by company headquarter location and by the region in which a report originated. Reporting shows two peaks across regions and measures—March and October. 

Europe shows increase in reporting…except the UK 

There were expectations that the implementation of the European Union Whistleblower Protection Directive would increase internal reporting activity across Europe, given that the regulation requires a wide swath of organisations to implement internal reporting systems. Data shows median Reports per 100 Employees is indeed increasing across mainland Europe.  

However, for the UK—notably not an EU member state and thus not subject to the Directive—report volumes fell. Comparing 2022 to 2023, organisations based in Europe saw median Reports per 100 Employees increase from 0.53 to 0.63, while in the UK, those values decreased from 0.53 to 0.43. This trend may change as the nation considers updates to its own internal reporting regulations, a process still under discussion in Parliament. 

Workplace Civility reports for European-based organisations more than doubled 

Workplace Civility issues (bad behaviour, bullying or abuse of power) experienced a major increase in frequency for organisations based in Europe; reports jumped 123% (2022 versus 2023). This trend was also evident in Europe by region of report origination, which experienced an 83% increase. By both measures, all regions saw this Risk Type grow year-over-year, yet Europe was particularly notable. 

Retaliation reports still low but are on the rise  

Finally, although always relatively low, retaliation reports represented a greater share of reports made for all four geographies in 2023 than in 2022, both in terms of headquarters and report origination region. Among the greatest increases were for organisations based in Europe, which saw a noticeable rise in frequency. Individuals who experience retaliation are much less likely to report again to the same channel, and this is likely a factor in the low overall volume of these types of reports. 

When reporters feel they cannot safely speak up internally, they may turn to an external regulator, revealing the need to address misconduct directly and for organisational change. Noting the protections provided to whistleblowers in various regulatory regimes, and that the EU Directive places the burden of proof on the organisation—not the reporter—proactive retaliation prevention processes are becoming more important than ever.  

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About NAVEX 

NAVEX is trusted by thousands of customers worldwide to help them achieve the business outcomes that matter most. As the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software and services, we deliver solutions through the NAVEX One platform, the industry’s most comprehensive governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) information system. For more information, visit NAVEX.com and our blog. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Anita Lo
anita.lo@navex.com