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CSG to Present at Oppenheimer’s 25th Annual Technology, Internet & Communications Conference

CSG

CSG ® (NASDAQ: CSGS) today announced that the company will present at Oppenheimer’s 25th Annual Technology, Internet & Communications Conference on Wednesday, August 10th. The presentation will be held at 2:05pm EST and will feature comments from CSG chief executive officer Brian Shepherd. The conference presentation will be available via webcast here. About CSG CSG is a leader in innovative customer engagement, revenue management and payments solutions that make ordinary customer experiences extraordinary. Our cloud-first architecture and customer-obsessed mindset help companies around the world launch new digital services, expand into new markets, and create dynamic experiences that capture new customers and build brand loyalty. For 40 years, CSG’s technologies and people have helped some of the world’s most recognizable brands solve their toughest business challenges and evolve to meet the demands of today’s digital economy with future-ready solutions that drive exceptional customer experiences. With 5,000 employees in over 20 countries, CSG is the trusted technology provider for leading global brands in telecommunications, retail, financial services, and healthcare. Our solutions deliver real world outcomes to more than 900 customers in over 120 countries. To learn more, visit us at csgi.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Copyright © 2022 CSG Systems International, Inc. and/or its affiliates (“CSG”). All rights reserved. CSG® is a registered trademark of CSG Systems International, Inc. All third-party trademarks, service marks, and/or product names which are referenced in this document are the property of their respective owners, and all rights therein are reserved. Contacts: John Rea Investor Relations +1 (210) 687-4409 john.rea@csgi.com Contact Details Tammy Hovey +1 917-520-2751 tammy.hovey@csgi.com Company Website https://www.csgi.com

July 28, 2022 07:30 AM Central Daylight Time

Cloudrise announces $10M in total funding

Cloudrise

Cloudrise, a tech-enabled services firm focused on securing data wherever it resides, is pleased to announce it has completed financing to raise the company’s total to-date funding to $10 million. Since launching the company in October of 2019, Cloudrise has worked with 100s of global customers, including numerous Fortune 500 enterprises, on their data protection and cloud security projects. During this time, Cloudrise has continued to exceed all stated financial targets and is investing significantly to expand service delivery and research and development teams, while raising the bar for data protection. To help further growth and innovation, Cloudrise secured additional funding in July from Three Kings Capital, with add-on capital from existing investors Stormbreaker Ventures and the Greater Colorado Venture Fund. With success comes the need to add more talent to Cloudrise’s Board of Directors, and Bill Ryckman, Managing Principal at Three Kings Capital, will join the Cloudrise board. "We are very pleased to be partnering with Cloudrise and its proven management team led by Rob Eggebrecht," Ryckman said. "Cloudrise is a well-known leader in the data protection market, with particular expertise in the cloud, and a reputation for delivering exceptional service. As more and more businesses embrace the cloud, Cloudrise has become an integral partner to a diverse set of clients across the country and around the world, helping to keep their data safe from cyber criminals. With its high-quality team and technology-enabled platform, Cloudrise is well-positioned to serve our collective mission on a much wider scale.” Cloudrise co-founder and CEO Rob Eggebrecht is excited about the future ahead for the company. “Our latest funding venture is a major milestone, allowing Cloudrise to fast-track industry-changing initiatives for how professional services are delivered in the cyber industry via our tech-enablement approach,” Eggebrecht said. “The current status quo for delivering professional services in the cyber industry is outdated, inefficient, and does not scale to the world of cloud computing in global enterprises today. While organizations are contending with the exponential growth of data and an excessive amount of cyber security application/platforms, traditional service providers are stuck in a mindset of a help-desk, ticket-driven world, attempting to throw more people at the problem.” Instead of throwing more time and resources at complex data security challenges, Cloudrise leverages a proprietary service delivery platform to increase efficiencies, enable better collaboration, and reduce time needed to deliver high-value outcomes. By bundling software and humans, Cloudrise delivers tech-enabled services that allow customers to realize an immediate impact for their business. Cloudrise continues to build on what has been a groundbreaking 2022, in which the company announced: The acquisition of CyberOrchard, an information security managed service organization located in the United Kingdom Jason Bird, CyberOrchard’s founder and CEO, as CTO at Cloudrise Cloudrise named as Netskope’s Global Services Partner of the Year Placement on the Managed Security 100 on CRN’s Managed Service Provider 500 list for 2022 ‘Best Solution in Data Security’ at Global InfoSec Awards by Cyber Defense Magazine Hiring Rob Zillioux as CFO The opening of a new global headquarters facility in Grand Junction, Colorado About Three Kings Capital Three Kings Capital is a mission-driven, family office-backed private equity platform that invests exclusively in cyber security companies. Its mission is to protect the world's assets, critical infrastructure, and personally identifiable information from cyber threats. Aided by an Advisory Board of government and private sector cyber security experts, Three Kings seeks to enable and partner with mission-driven companies at any stage of development. Its permanent, flexible capital base allows Three Kings to invest in any type of security within the capital structure. Three Kings is headquartered in New York City but seeks investment opportunities from around the country and certain other parts of the world. For more information, please visit www.ThreeKingsCapital.com. About Cloudrise Cloudrise is a technology-enabled services firm, specializing in delivering data security services customized to meet organizations’ business needs. Drawing from 20+ years of experience in the field, we have tailored our services to be laser-focused on securing organizations’ data wherever it resides. Cloudrise helps organizations elevate their data protection and privacy programs through assessments, technology enablement, and managed services. Cloudrise can be found at www.cloudrise.com or on LinkedIn. Contact Details Cloudrise Robert McLean +1 800-917-7619 sales@cloudrise.com Company Website https://cloudrise.com/

July 28, 2022 05:00 AM Mountain Daylight Time

7 Mistakes People Make When Choosing a Financial Advisor

Benzinga

Choosing a financial advisor is a major life decision that can determine your financial trajectory for years to come. A 2020 Northwestern Mutual study found that 71% of U.S. adults admit their financial planning needs improvement. However, only 29% of Americans work with a financial advisor.1 The value of working with a financial advisor varies by person and advisors are legally prohibited from promising returns, but research suggests people who work with a financial advisor feel more at ease about their finances and could end up with about 15% more money to spend in retirement.2 Consider this example: A recent Vanguard study found that, on average, a hypothetical $500K investment would grow to over $3.4 million under the care of an advisor over 25 years, whereas the expected value from self-management would be $1.69 million, or 50% less. In other words, an advisor-managed portfolio would average 8% annualized growth over a 25-year period, compared to 5% from a self-managed portfolio.3 SmartAsset’s no-cost tool simplifies the time-consuming process of finding a financial advisor. A short questionnaire helps match you with up to three fiduciary financial advisors that serve your area, legally bound to work in your best interest. The whole process takes just a few minutes, and in many cases you can be connected instantly with an advisor for a free retirement consultation. Advisors are rigorously screened through our proprietary due diligence process. Being aware of these seven common blunders when choosing an advisor can help you find peace of mind, and potentially avoid years of stress. 1. Hiring an Advisor Who Is Not a Fiduciary By definition, a fiduciary is an individual who is ethically bound to act in another person’s best interest. Fiduciary financial advisors must avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any potential conflicts of interest to clients. All of the financial advisors on SmartAsset’s matching platform are registered fiduciaries. If your advisor is not a fiduciary and constantly pushes investment products on you, use this no-cost tool to find an advisor who has your best interest in mind. 2. Hiring the First Advisor You Meet While it’s tempting to hire the advisor closest to home or the first advisor in the yellow pages, this decision requires more time. Take the time to interview at least a few advisors before picking the best match for you. 3. Choosing an Advisor with the Wrong Specialty Some financial advisors specialize in retirement planning, while others are best for business owners or those with a high net worth. Some might be best for young professionals starting a family. Be sure to understand an advisor’s strengths and weaknesses – before signing the dotted line. 4. Picking an Advisor with an Incompatible Strategy Each advisor has a unique strategy. Some advisors may suggest aggressive investments, while others are more conservative. If you prefer to go all in on stocks, an advisor that prefers bonds and index funds is not a great match for your style. 5. Not Asking about Credentials To give investment advice, financial advisors are required to pass a test. Ask your advisor about their licenses, tests, and credentials. Financial advisors tests include the Series 7, and Series 66 or Series 65. Some advisors go a step further and become a Certified Financial Planner, or CFP. 6. Not Understanding How They are Paid Some advisors are “fee only” and charge you a flat rate no matter what. Others charge a percentage of your assets under management. Some advisors are paid commissions by mutual funds, a serious conflict of interest. If the advisor earns more by ignoring your best interests, do not hire them. 7. Not Hiring a Vetted Advisor Chances are, there are several highly qualified financial advisors in your town. However, it can seem daunting to choose one. Our no-cost tool makes it easy to find a qualified financial advisor. The entire matching process takes just a few minutes. Click here to get matched with up to three financial advisors who serve your area. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

July 27, 2022 02:48 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Hong Kong Chronicles Institute Debuts First Volume of English Edition of Hong Kong Chronicles on 7,000 Years of Local History in a Dedicated Ceremony

Hong Kong Chronicles Institute

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 27 July 2022 - Hong Kong Chronicles Institute (HKCI) today marked the historic launch of the first volume of the English edition of Hong Kong Chronicles in a ceremony at the Government House with the release of Overview & Chronology as part of a bilingual book series on Hong Kong's local history. HKSAR Chief Executive Mr John Lee Ka-chiu and Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the HKSAR Mr Liu Guangyuan were keynote speakers in the presence of HKSARG principal officials, Central government officials based in the HKSAR, more than 40 consuls general/deputy consuls general, over 10 representatives of international chambers of commerce and global institutions, among local community leaders and scholars, in Hong Kong. HKCI marked the historic launch of the first volume of the English edition of Hong Kong Chronicles in a ceremony at the Government House about Hong Kong's 7,000 years of history. From left to right in the first row, officiating guests at the ceremony are: Mr Sun Yu, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of BOC Hong Kong (Holdings) Limited; Mr Ronnie Chan Chi-chung, Chairman of Hang Lung Group Limited; Mr Philip Chen Nan-lok, Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Mr Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of HKSAR; Ms Lu Xinning, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR; Mr John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the HKSAR; Mr Liu Guangyuan, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the HKSAR; Mr Li Jiangzhou, Deputy Director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China in HKSAR; Mr Bernard Charnwut Chan, Vice Chairman of Our Hong Kong Foundation and HKCI Executive Committee Chairman; Dr Tung Chee-chen, Representative of The Tung Foundation; Ms Pansy Ho Chiu-king, Group Executive Chairman and Managing Director of Shun Tak Holdings; and Mr Daryl Ng Win-kong, Deputy Chairman of Sino Group and Chief Convenor of Development Committee at HKCI. Guests in the second row from left to right are: Dr Li Feng, Chairman of China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited; Mr Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, Vice President of the Fok Ying Tung Group; Mr Augustus Tang Kin-wing, Director of John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Limited; Mr Christopher Kwok Kai-wan, Executive Director of Sun Hung Kai Properties and HKCI Convenor of Development Committee; Mrs Eva Cheng Li Kam-fun, President of Our Hong Kong Foundation; Prof. Lawrence J. Lau, Vice Chairmen of Our Hong Kong Foundation; Prof. Lee Chack-fan, HKCI Chief Convenor of Academic Review Committee; Prof. Elizabeth Sinn Yuk-yee, HKCI Chair of Translation Committee; Prof. Wong Yuk-shan, HKCI Chief Convenor of Promotion Committee; Mr Oscar Chow Vee-Tsung, Non-Executive Director of Chevalier Group; Ms Gao Ming, Chairman & Executive Director of ICBC; and Mr Deng Renjie, Executive Vice President of China Merchants Group Limited. Mr John Lee Ka-chiu and Mr Liu Guangyuan were joined by Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR Ms Lu Xinning, Deputy Director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government of the PRC in the HKSAR Mr Li Jiangzhou, HKSAR Chief Secretary for Administration Mr Chan Kwok-ki, as well as Vice Chairmen of Our Hong Kong Foundation and HKCI Executive Committee Chairman Mr Bernard Charnwut Chan in officiating at the ceremony under the theme "Chronicling the Ages, Connecting with the World" – dedicated to telling a global audience about 7,000 years of Hong Kong history from its early days to becoming a cosmopolitan city with prestigious international status under the framework of "One Country, Two Systems." HKSAR Chief Executive Mr John Lee Ka-chiu delivers a keynote speech in the launch ceremony of the first volume of the English edition of Hong Kong Chronicles. Among the guests in attendance were diplomatic missions in Hong Kong, including 41 consuls general and deputy consuls general from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Canada, Dominican Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela, Vietnam and Zimbabwe. Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the HKSAR Mr Liu Guangyuan delivers a keynote speech in the launch ceremony of the first volume of the English edition of Hong Kong Chronicles. "The first English volume, Overview & Chronology, traces the footsteps of the 7,000-year history of Hong Kong – replete with folktales and cultural stories on local traditions and customary practices. The sweeping history tells the stories of Hong Kong's roots, and its political, social and economic development into the 'Pearl of the Orient' and gateway to China," said Mr Bernard Charnwut Chan, Vice Chairmen of Our Hong Kong Foundation and HKCI Executive Committee Chairman. "Hong Kong Chronicles – both the Chinese and English versions – seeks to recover the collective memories shared by the people of our dynamic city we call home." Mr Bernard Charnwut Chan, Vice Chairman of Our Hong Kong Foundation and HKCI Executive Committee Chairman, said in his welcome remarks, "Hong Kong Chronicles – both the Chinese and English versions – seeks to recover the collective memories shared by the people of our dynamic city we call home." Overview & Chronology – comprising an "overview" on Hong Kong’s local history and a "chronology" of more than 6,500 major historical events spanning 7,000 years – is the first volume in the first and largest translation project of any Chinese local chronicles in history. The ceremony, under the theme "Chronicling the Ages, Connecting with the World," is dedicated to sharing with the world 7,000 years of Hong Kong history from its early days to becoming a cosmopolitan city with prestigious international status under the framework of "One Country, Two Systems." Hong Kong-based consuls, representatives of global institutions and guests visit an exhibition at the Government House. Hong Kong Chronicles as a book series consists of 54 volumes with 25 million words in 10 content categories, namely Overview, Chronology, Nature, Economy, Culture, Society, Politics, Notable People, Appendices and Special Topics. The series is funded by private donations from more than 50 corporations, charitable foundations and NGOs, including the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust as the principal benefactor. HKSARG principal officials, Central Government officials based in the HKSAR, more than 40 consuls general/deputy consuls general, over 10 representatives of international chambers of commerce and global institutions, as well as local community leaders and scholars, witness the historic launch of the first volume of the English edition of Hong Kong Chronicles. " Hong Kong Chronicles is the first series of local chronicles to officially adopt name 'Hong Kong' in its title. It is the largest of its kind in Hong Kong and reflects significant historical and cultural value," said Prof. Lee Chack-fan, Chief Convenor, HKCI Academic Review Committee. "It is a community-wide academic project with the participation of nearly 370 scholars, historians and experts under the guiding principle of recounting historical facts without interpretation." "The compilation of local chronicles is an age-old Chinese tradition. However, the making of an English edition of is not part of that tradition – or any tradition. It is a unique and unprecedented venture," said Prof. Elizabeth Sinn Yuk-yee, HKCI Translation Committee Chairman and Academic Review Committee Convenor. "Being an integral part of Chinese tradition and, yet, having room to bring in new elements, is a reflection of Hong Kong's own unique position as a part of China and a key player of the global community." Hong Kong Chronicles is available on a global basis through worldwide distribution. Hard copies are available for purchase from bookstores under Sino United Publishing Holdings, including Chung Hwa Book Company (Hong Kong) Limited, and its online portal My Book One. E-books are available in more than 30 countries/regions through platforms such as Amazon Kindle, Google Book, Huawei Books, JDRead, Kobo, Overdrive, Rakuten, Readmoo, and Yuewen. The book series is also viewable for all readers and downloadable for universities, public libraries, national archives, government agencies and think tanks worldwide upon registration at www.hkchronicles.org.hk. About Hong Kong Chronicles Institute Hong Kong Chronicles Institute was established by Our Hong Kong Foundation in August 2019. The Institute brings together community leaders, experts and scholars to undertake the historic mission of compiling the first-ever Hong Kong Chronicles. The book series covers a period from the ancient era about 7,000 years ago to the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR on 01 July 2017. It Edmond Siuconsists of 10 content categories and is scheduled for completion by 2027. An English edition of the entire series is also scheduled for completion by 2032. More information is available at https://www.hkchronicles.org.hk or by connecting with the Institute on: Facebook: fb.com/hongkongchronicles Instagram: instagram.com/hongkongchronicles Contact Details Hong Kong Chronicles Institute Edmond Siu edmond.siu@hkchronicles.org.hk

July 27, 2022 09:57 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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5 Ways to Get the Best Bang for Your Buck on Gas While Prices Remain High

Benzinga

Save your wallet from sky-high gas prices by researching money-saving tips and tricks. For many drivers, gas remains a necessity, so make the most out of each trip to the pump by using fuel rewards, strategic driving, paying in cash and remaining open to new money-saving options such as mobile applications. Strategic spending such as getting the most out of rewards programs and cash-back credit cards can lessen the financial strain created by high gas prices. Consider combining strategies with mindful driving habits to save money before you even open your wallet at the gas pump. Fuel prices are high, but your overall gas pump anxiety doesn't need to be. Consider using one or all of these helpful tips to try to bring down the final price that you will pay at the pump. Use Those Fuel Rewards Credit cards, gas brands and grocery stores offer discounts, rewards or cash-back offers tied to paying for gas. Credit cards can offer fuel-related rewards that decrease your final total at the pump while offering rewards. Stronger credit cards provide fuel rewards such as up to 5% in savings. Top credit cards for fuel rewards usually do not charge annual fees. Fuel rewards offered by traditional credit cards can extend beyond the pump by offering cash-back and bonus rewards. In contrast, credit cards intended to be used at specific gas stations will likely be easier to obtain than a traditional credit card. For example, the credit card application for specific gas brands will most likely have more relaxed requirements than those associated with typical credit cards. Gas brand-specific credit cards offer rewards designed to incentivize individuals to visit frequently and can quickly add up to large savings for frequent drivers. A potential drawback for people interested in obtaining a credit card associated with a certain gas station is that such cards often only work at affiliated locations. >> Click Here for the Best Gas Credit Cards of 2022 If you have lower credit, secured credit cards can allow you to obtain rewards on gas payments. Secured credit cards are credit cards that need a deposit to determine your credit line. For example, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card provides 3% back on select purchases such as gas and dining. A secured card is typically easier to obtain for individuals with a low credit score because it requires a minimum deposit that acts as a form of collateral for the bank. Drive Strategically Drive strategically to reduce the amount of gas that you use throughout the week. Before heading out on the road, consider combining errands that are close together or purchasing items from a one-stop shop to decrease the amount of time spent driving between places. In addition, consider exactly how you drive in terms of your level of forcefulness. Aggressive driving — hard acceleration and rough braking — tends to use fuel less efficiently and more quickly wear down your car. Simple maintenance tips can also improve fuel efficiency, so be aware of your tire pressure when out on the road. Deflated tires can lower fuel efficiency and decrease the longevity of your vehicle while also being unsafe. For example, low tire pressure increases the likelihood of your tires overheating, which can potentially blow a tire. Proper maintenance saves money while also increasing your safety on the road. Use Mobile Apps to Find Cheap Gas Take advantage of technology and use a mobile application to help save money on gas. Certain mobile applications like GasBuddy allow you to find specific gas stations in your area with lower prices that meet your specific needs. For example, the mobile app allows users to filter the results using specific interests such as the type of fuel or brand of gas. Mobile apps can prove beneficial when heading out on a road trip or deciding which gas pump will offer you the most bang for your buck. If you are interested in helpful discounts, consider the benefits of joining a rewards program or signing up for a mobile app that has a sign-up bonus. Pay Cash for the Savings Paying in cash often lowers the price per gallon that a person spends at the pump. Usually, gas stations display a sign that explains the difference in prices between paying using debit or credit as well as paying using cash. For example, many gas stations have lower prices for a person that intends to pay cash. The lower prices are offered as an incentive for individuals to purchase gas using cash so that the gas station can avoid paying the processing fees associated with credit cards. Although lowered prices provided on all fuel types when paying in cash are typically only a few cents, the discounts have the potential to accumulate over time for a person that continuously pays for gas using cash. Refuel at Night or in the Early Morning Fueling up your tank at night or in the early morning can help with fuel efficiency because fuel tends to expand with heat. When gas becomes heated, it tends to expand and the vapor increases. However, at many gas stations, gas is stored in underground tanks, so the temperature variation throughout the day mildly impacts the gas stored within the actual tanks. Filling up in the early morning or late at night can save you from the longer gas pump lines that tend to happen during more highly trafficked hours of the day. Avoiding peak fill-up times has the ability to save you time as well as gas that would likely be spent idling as you wait in line for the pump. Save Money at the Gas Pump Saving money at the gas pump can reduce the financial burden on your shoulders and better safeguard your wallet from overspending. Take advantage of the wide range of fuel rewards programs associated with specific gas companies, grocery stores and traditional credit cards. Such rewards programs can reduce your bill over time and allow you the freedom to spend your money elsewhere. Small actions have the ability to add up, so keep your car in good working order, have your tires properly inflated and drive in a mindful manner. Frequently Asked Questions When deciding how to put gas in your tank, contemplate the benefits of fueling up your tank all the way. Examine your specific car to understand if it requires a certain type of fuel while researching local gas stations with the lowest prices. Why should you fuel your tank all the way up? It’s recommended to completely fill your tank when you are at the pump. The initial fee might seem substantial given the current price of gas, but it’s still considered better in the long run. Fully fueling your tank can help you in a sudden emergency or unforeseen event by allowing you to travel farther without needing to waste time stopping for gas. Avoid overfilling your tank because that has the potential to harm your engine. Should you drive your car until the tank is almost empty? For multiple reasons, it’s not recommended to drive your car to the point that your tank is almost empty. One key reason is that the sediment that’s settled to the bottom of your gas tank could get pulled into the motor. In addition, having minimal gas in your tank could ruin your fuel pump if you end up running out of gas. Over time, running out of fuel will decrease the lifespan of certain car parts. If possible, try to keep your gas tank above 25% full to avoid having your motor suck in sediment and to also account for unplanned or extended drives. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

July 26, 2022 10:38 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Comcast RISE, National Initiative to Support Small Businesses, Awards Another 100 Twin Cities Businesses with $10,000 Grants

Comcast Twin Cities

Comcast today announced it will award an additional $1 million in total grants as well as technology and marketing resources to more than 100 Twin Cities small businesses owned by women and people of color, including Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Asian American owners, among others. The recipients are among more than 9,500 entrepreneurs nationwide who have been selected through the Comcast RISE program, which provides marketing, technology, and capital support to small business owners. Comcast RISE and the Comcast RISE Investment Fund initially launched in 2020 as a response to help small business owners of color who were hardest hit by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In November 2021, Comcast announced a major expansion to eligibility, enabling all women-owned small businesses nationwide to apply. This expansion built on the program’s success and aims to help address the persistent inequities women continue to face in accessing the resources and funding that are critical to success. With today’s announcement, 100 selected businesses will each receive a $10,000 grant, bringing the total to $2 million in grants awarded to Twin Cities small businesses since the program’s inception. An additional 48 small businesses will receive marketing or technology support such as a TV campaign, production of a TV commercial or consulting services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, or computer equipment, internet, voice or cybersecurity services from Comcast Business. Twin Cities grant recipients include: Ambiance Spa and Salon, Burnsville Hijab Shack, Maple Grove Mad Clean, Champlin Primitiva LLC, Minneapolis ROMI LLC, St. Paul A full list of Comcast RISE recipients from the Twin Cities can be found here. “I am so thankful to be a recipient of the Comcast RISE Investment grant,” said Amy Wagner, owner of Mad Clean in Champlain. “The $10,000 will help me tremendously as I grow my business. It will help me hire employees as my business expands and to put a down payment on a more reliable work vehicle. At the moment, I am only able to take on so much work on my own. Being able to hire someone will allow me to take on more clients in the community and expand my business to more commercial clients.” “As we continue to rebuild from the effects of the pandemic, small businesses still need our support. They are the backbone of our local communities, and we must take every opportunity to help them not only survive, but to thrive,” said Kalyn Hove, Regional Senior Vice President, Comcast Twin Cities. “When we launched Comcast RISE in 2020, we knew a profound need existed in many of the communities we serve, and we have now seen firsthand how the resources from Comcast RISE are continuing to benefit small businesses two and a half years since the program’s inception.” To date, Comcast RISE has awarded more than $16 million in grants and $75 million in in-kind support for marketing and technology services, impacting more than 9,500 entrepreneurs in 704 cities across 37 states. By the end of 2022, 13,000 businesses across the country are expected to benefit from the Comcast RISE initiative, either through the grant program or from the resources provided through Effectv, the advertising division of Comcast Cable, and Comcast Business. In addition to the financial and business support services provided, a key part of the program is ensuring the long-term sustainability of businesses. To help address this, Comcast invests in and partners with organizations such as Ureeka to provide ongoing mentorship and resources to help small businesses succeed over the long term. Comcast RISE stands for Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment and is part of Project UP, the company’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. More information and the applications to apply for either the grant program or marketing and technology services are available at www.ComcastRISE.com. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with 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. About Comcast Business Comcast Business offers a suite of Connectivity, Communications, Networking, Cybersecurity, Wireless, and Managed Solutions to help organizations of different sizes prepare for what’s next. Powered by the nation’s largest Gig-speed broadband network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and one of the leading service providers to the Enterprise market. Comcast Business has been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services. For more information, call 866-429-3085. Follow on Twitter @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social. About Effectv Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, helps local, regional and national advertisers use the best of digital with the power of TV to grow their business. It provides multi-screen marketing solutions to make advertising campaigns more effective and easier to execute. Headquartered in New York with offices throughout the country, Effectv has a presence in 66 markets with nearly 35 million owned and represented subscribers. For more information, visit www.effectv.com. Contact Details Jill Hornbacher +1 651-425-1695 Jill_Hornbacher@comcast.com Company Website https://twincities.comcast.com/

July 26, 2022 08:30 AM Central Daylight Time

Minuteman Press Million-Dollar Circle Member Michael Levy Grows Sales for Levittown and Farmingdale Franchises

Minuteman Press International Inc

Michael Levy owns Minuteman Press in Levittown, NY located at 3000 Hempstead Turnpike. In June 2021, he also purchased the original Minuteman Press franchise in Farmingdale, NY located at 324 Main St. Already a member of the Minuteman Press International President’s Million-Dollar Circle, Michael has continued his strong sales growth in the first two quarters of 2022, including record monthly gross sales in March 2022. Key Drivers of Growth When asked about the key drivers of his growth in 2022, Michael shares, “Some would say luck, I would say persistence, perseverance and simply being known to be someone who gets things done. While there have been many challenges due to supply chain issues for the past year or so, I was able to use that to my advantage.” Michael further explains how he has been able to manage and overcome supply chain issues, saying, “For example, I had a customer contact me for a job I had never done before but I had done other jobs for this customer. It was a huge job, for 150,000 each of two envelopes. Someone else, who normally does this job for them, was not able to get the stock. So, the customer called me and told me what happened and asked if I can help.” He continues, “I spent two days researching and I was able to get both items for them and deliver them when they needed. One of the suppliers was through one of the field reps at Minuteman Press International, so it was great I could leverage that connection with my franchisor. I ended up producing $25,000 worth of envelopes I had never done before, and they just recently asked me to quote their next order of 200,000 of each one.” Michael sees the wide variety of products offered by his two Minuteman Press franchises as another competitive advantage. He says, “It’s examples like that envelope order plus the other items we offer that most other printers do not, such as in-house screen printing, embroidery, dye sublimation, and stamp production, that allows us to stay busy and grow. Another key is to have enough customers ordering products that when one is slow, others are not. This is a key ingredient, especially with my larger clients.” Promoting the Return of Live Events on Long Island As more live events, concerts, ball games, and trade shows return to Long Island, Minuteman Press is well-positioned to pitch in and help promote them. Michael shares, “It is very nice to be getting orders for tickets, programs, journals, and most importantly, items for trade shows and community events. Promotional items and apparel have really picked up over the past 6 months and that is because these events are happening again. That certainly gets me excited to be able to offer such a wide range of products that cater to all of my customers.” As for what advice he would give to other Long Island business owners right now, Michael shares, “Of course, every business is different, but one thing all businesses must do is to market themselves. Marketing is a very wide-ranging word and can be done in many different forms. Simply wearing a logo polo shirt is marketing. In addition, advertising, mailings, flyers, business cards, promotional items, apparel, and anything you can put your company logo on are all forms of marketing.” He adds, “That is exactly where I, as the owner of two Minuteman Press franchises, come in and help. We can put your logo on just about anything that allows you to market your business. I always tell my customers when they ask, ‘What type of marketing should my business do?’, to try a little bit of everything and see what works best for your specific business.” To find your local Minuteman Press on Long Island, visit their brand new consumer website, https://minuteman.com. For Minuteman Press franchise opportunities on Long Island, visit https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

July 25, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Theorem Names Reem Al-Basri as New Head of Digital Media Strategy, Expanding DTC Capabilities Globally

Theorem Inc

Theorem, a full-service flexible digital marketing solutions provider, has expanded its senior team with the addition of Reem Al-Basri, who joins to lead in the company’s London office as the Head of Digital Media Strategy. Reem’s focus is on growing Theorem’s global business with a particular emphasis on expanding Theorem’s client base in the retail and DTC sectors. Theorem has a strong foothold in the media industry, working with brands such as Dow Jones, Hearst, New York Times, Salesforce and Amazon, among others. Al-Basri is responsible for driving growth globally through Theorem's key DTC, retail and automation solutions and media, creative, marketing, CRM, custom-built technology and data services. Coupled with strategic partnerships with Salesforce, LinkedIn, Sailthru and Selligent, Theorem’s offerings enable brands and upstreaming companies to excel across industry-leading platforms. Theorem is also unique in that it operates on an agile purpose-led working model that is firmly rooted in supporting clients’ overall business goals and marketing strategies, resulting in scalability, productivity and enhanced revenue flow. “As inflation increases and the cost of living rises, brands in the retail sector require an agile, solutions-driven partner who can quickly pivot to where there are opportunities,” said Al-Basri. “With Theorem’s unique approach to pioneering the future of full-service flexible marketing solutions, I am excited to work alongside the leadership team with a shared vision of expanding Theorem’s client portfolio and continue offering best-in-class marketing solutions to our clients.” Al-Basri’s strategic appointment comes at a critical time for the business, with the digital advertising market projected to reach $602.25 billion globally this year. A media expert with more than 14 years of experience in the marketing industry, Al-Basri brings a proven track record of building and leading successful integrated digital, content and social strategies that drive revenue and support business growth for some of the largest global brands in the luxury, fashion and beauty, CPG, retail and DTC industries. Previously, Al-Basri held several different titles while working at Publicis Group including business managing director of media, head of integrations, content strategy and development as well as social and influencer marketing. Al-Basri brings with her experience and a true affinity for driving strategic brand integrations, delivering data-driven omnichannel strategies and content solutions to the largest portfolio of clients in the EMEA region. “Reem has the impressive expertise and background needed for the demanding Head of Digital Media Strategy role and she will play an integral role in driving the growth for the UK market and the overall D2C solutions to help offer brands and clients an optimized ecommerce ecosystem, while future-proofing their businesses for scale,” said Jay Kulkarni, CEO and founder of Theorem. “We are thrilled to have such a marketing powerhouse join our team as we strive to pioneer the future of digital marketing solutions.” About Theorem Founded in 2002, Theorem creates, delivers and optimizes digital marketing campaigns for some of the world's most successful brands. By offering scaled technology, media, operations, marketing, CRM, and creative solutions under one roof, Theorem can provide flexible, full-service marketing solutions to their clients. Theorem’s consultancy teams and operational expertise helps brands simplify, streamline and automate complex digital tasks. This value exchange saves clients time, reduces their costs, and increases their revenue. For more information, visit www.theoreminc.net. Contact Details Kite Hill PR Isabella Roy +1 843-693-7161 isabella@kitehillpr.com

July 25, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

NORTH SIXTH GROUP ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC EQUITY INVESTMENT FROM STABLE VENTURES

North Sixth Group

North Sixth Group, a family office operating company with wholly owned and minority interests in a variety of investments across media, marketing, technology and sports and entertainment, today announced the closing of a strategic equity investment from Stable Ventures. “We have been impressed by North Sixth Group’s vision, operating skills and relationship access,” said Joe Greco, Managing Partner of Stable Ventures and CEO of Palio, Inc. “We are excited to be a supportive partner as North Sixth Group continues to expand its portfolio and bring impact-driven investments to life in a meaningful way.” Stable Ventures is the investment arm of Palio, Inc., a leading performance coaching and executive development organization based in New York. “We are honored to welcome Stable Ventures to our family of investment partners,” said Matt Rizzetta, Chairman of North Sixth Group. “I have had the privilege of getting to know Joe and his team for several years. Joe has been instrumental as we have built a portfolio of assets focused on Passion, Purpose and Progress and we look forward to a prosperous future together.” North Sixth Group LLC is a family office operating company. The company has wholly owned and minority interests in a variety of investments across multiple sectors all sharing a common vision of Passion, Purpose and Progress. Included in the North Sixth Group family of companies are leading public relations firm N6A; modern marketing and content house Studios; professional European football club SS Campobasso; and other holdings across media, marketing, technology, sports and entertainment, and emerging markets. Additionally, North Sixth Group dedicates financial, networking and human capital resources to community-based and philanthropic initiatives geared toward Passion, Purpose and Progress. For more information, visit www.northsixthgroup.com Contact Details Carrie Booze +1 619-450-3743 cbooze@n6a.com Company Website https://northsixthgroup.com/

July 22, 2022 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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