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How Well Do States Support Small Businesses?

YourUpdateTV

The 2021 Small Business Friendliness Survey results are in from Thumbtack, the only app homeowners need to care for their home. This year, they heard from more than 3,600 small business owners in the home maintenance and construction industries as well as events, lessons, and business services who evaluated federal, state, and local governments on their experiences over the past year and the support they received. In addition, Thumbtack surveyed over 1,150 Americans to learn about the actions they’ve taken to champion local businesses. Recently, David Steckel, Home Expert at Thumbtack, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the survey results and much more. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/XxtlN7bIbPw Cities and states across the U.S. received grades from “A+” to “F” on overall friendliness as well as several other factors including regulations, taxes, training opportunities and more. Here are some of the highlights: Overall Friendliest States for Small Businesses: Maine – A+ New Hampshire – A+ North Carolina – A+ Florida – A Georgia – A- Overall Friendliest Cities for Small Businesses: Jacksonville, FL – A+ Salt Lake City, UT – A+ Orlando, FL – A Baltimore, MD – A Seattle, WA – A- Female-Owned State Support Rank: Maryland – A+ Washington – A+ Massachusetts – A- Georgia – A- Virginia – B- BIPOC-Owned State Support Rank: Virginia – A+ Florida – A+ Maryland – A+ Georgia – A+ New York – A+ For more survey results and to explore services, visit Thumbtack.com About David Steckel: David Steckel is a Home Expert at Thumbtack, with 15 years of experience in the home building industry. At Thumbtack, he provides homeowners with the guidance they need to better plan, budget, and complete home maintenance projects. As a licensed general contractor, David has experience in custom home building as well as residential and commercial building maintenance. Prior to his role at Thumbtack, David founded Setter, a subscription-based home maintenance and repair service. About Thumbtack: Thumbtack is a technology leader building the modern home management platform. Through the Thumbtack app, homeowners can effortlessly manage their homes — confidently knowing what to do, when to do it, and who to hire. Bringing the $500 billion home services industry online, Thumbtack empowers millions of homeowners to fix, maintain, and improve their most valuable asset. Hundreds of thousands of local service professionals, from painters and plumbers to photographers and math tutors, use the Thumbtack platform to grow their business each year. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

September 17, 2021 05:25 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

Israeli SleepX to be merged into AppYea Inc. (APYP)

Appyea

AppYea continues the process of merging SleepX into the company. The merger is expected to be completed by 12/01/2021 in accordance with the model published on 08/02/2021 ( Link ) In parallel, SleepX continues developing and improving its algorithms and planning to start production during 2022. The SleepX product is being designed to provide a unique answer to approximately 90 million Americans who suffer from the problem of snoring. DreamIT The night wrist band will include several sensors and a vibration motor which will operates with an intensity adapted to the user's reactions in real time in order to accustom the user to sleep in the correct position using biofeedback, thereby reducing or eliminating snoring. SleepX solution is being developed in collaboration with the Biomedical department of Ben Gurion University in Beer Sheva, and is patent - protected in the US, EU and Israel. https://www.sleepxclear.com/ipportfolio In addition to reducing snoring and improving sleep quality, users will be able to access important statistics relating to their sleep patterns via an app (Apple and Android) to track over time and detect anomalies. Product Clip The sleep apnea market is projected to reach USD 9.9 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period. Major factors driving the growth of this market include the growing awareness regarding the detrimental effects of snoring, availability, and benefits of anti-snoring treatments, growing geriatric and obese population, presence of a large number of cigarette smokers and alcoholics, and a large pool of an untapped snoring population. However, poor efficacy of current anti-snoring treatments available in the market, high cost of some of the anti-snoring treatments, and lack of reimbursement are major factors restraining the growth of this market. “The SleepX approach should not only solve physiological problems for a great many people, but it may also allow many couples to go back to sleeping together," says Bary Molchadsky, SleepX's entrepreneur and CEO. “The decision to merge with AppYea was made in order to accelerate the start point of production. Lately, we see major players entering the market – Google presented its new Fitbit watch with the possibility to monitor snoring. Amazon presented at the beginning of the year the new Alexa that is supposed to identify sleep apnea. However, we believe that the patent-protected technology underlying the SleepX approach should be accepted in the marketplace.” “The SleepX products are being designed to provide, besides monitoring, biofeedback based individual treatment, adjusted to each user in real-time. Following the launch of the first snoring treatment product, the company intends to start clinical trials in order to receive FDA approval for sleep apnea treatment.” “I’m certain that tens of thousands of academic research hours together with international strong patents, would provide Appyea’s investors a significant advantage over time.” Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This release includes forward-looking statements. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth herein. No statement herein should be considered an offer or a solicitation of an offer for the purchase or sale of any securities. Although APYP believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and the assumptions upon which they are based are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations and assumptions will prove to have been correct. Forward-looking statements, which involve assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies, and expectations, are generally identifiable by use of the words "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, intense competition, entry of new competitors and products, adverse federal, state and local government regulation, inadequate capital, unexpected costs and operating deficits, increases in general and administrative costs, unanticipated losses, financial condition and stock price, inability to carry out research, development and commercialization plans and other specific risks. APYP does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement. Neither APYP nor SLEEPX are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as amended. Contact Details Asaf Porat info@appyea.com Company Website http://www.appyea.com

September 17, 2021 08:47 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Today is National Pet Bird Day

BEAK

Contact Details Jamie Baxter +1 775-322-4022 jamie@theimpetusagency.com

September 17, 2021 08:08 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Celebrate National Pet Bird Day on September 17

BEAK

The Bird Enjoyment & Advantage Koalition (BEAK), a concentrated effort to educate on and grow responsible bird ownership, is excited to announce the 3 rd annual National Pet Bird Day, which will take place Friday, September 17, 2021. Pet bird owners are encouraged to share stories, photos and videos of their birds using the hashtag #NationalPetBirdDay, while others can learn more about the joys and benefits of bird ownership. “Birds are amazing companion animals and are actually very connected to their owners,” said Brent Weinmann, BEAK Chairman. “National Pet Bird Day serves as a day to celebrate all the amazing ways pet birds enrich our lives, educate on responsible bird ownership and encourage others to consider adding a feathered family member to their flock.” What is it exactly that bird owners love most about their beloved companions? According to the American Pet Products Association, bird owners say the top benefits are that birds are fun to watch/have in the household, they provide love, companionship, company and affection, and even relieve stress. But there’s more, studies show birds can also increase social interaction, which is very important to mental health and wellbeing, and pets can be instrumental in teaching children empathy and responsibility. Currently, Millennials represent the largest demographic of bird owners with 45 percent of bird owners being Millennials. For those interested in adding a bird to their home, BEAK offers an interactive quiz at www.myrightbird.com where a series of questions help match users with the right bird for their lifestyle. Quiz questions range from time and financial commitments, living arrangements and noise tolerance, to birds’ level of affection and expected lifespan; all key factors for potential bird owners to consider. “We understand that birds like any pet can be a big commitment and through our resources like the quiz, bird locator, species information and avian vet locator we hope to provide new bird owners the information they need to enjoy the happiness and beauty they bring to a home,” said BEAK president, Dean Reyes. Follow @MyRightBird on social media leading up to National Pet Bird Day for live educational demonstrations, giveaways, photo contests and more! To learn more about National Pet Bird Day visit www.nationalpetbirdday.com for a downloadable toolkit and other ways to participate. About BEAKFounded in 2016, the Bird Enjoyment and Advantage Koalition (BEAK) consists of bird product manufacturers, associations and caregivers with shared interests to address the need for increased, responsible bird ownership. BEAK’s mission is to conduct research, identify existing resources, opportunities and challenges, and educate and drive awareness of the benefits of bird ownership through strategic communications, marketing, collaborations and initiatives. www.MyRightBird.com Contact Details Impetus Agency Jamie Baxter +1 775-322-4022 jamie@theimpetusagency.com

September 16, 2021 11:45 AM Pacific Daylight Time

OKY and SUZUKI Guatemala form Strategic Alliance

OKY

OKY, a cross-border e-commerce fintech platform, and Suzuki Guatemala have announced the formation of a strategic alliance for the Guatemalan marketplace. Suzuki Guatemala, one of the country’s leading companies, will now be selling their products through OKY’s innovative platform. The addition of Suzuki to the OKY network of over 100 leading brands enables immigrants in the United States to purchase Suzuki motorcycles in Guatemala through a variety of payment options, including cash, credit card, or direct transfer from a banking account. In addition, this partnership allows OKY users in the U.S. to give their loved ones increased mobility which opens new opportunities for economic advancement. The alliance came into effect on July 16, 2021. To use the service, the user must download the application and create an account. Then, they can make a purchase directly through the application or go to one of the 1,380 points of sale in more than 250 cities in the United States and add funds with cash. Once the recipient in Guatemala has received their digital voucher, they can present it to a salesperson at their nearest Suzuki branch and choose from more than 30 motorcycle models Suzuki Guatemala offers. The entire process is safe and immediate. “As immigrants, we understand what the needs of the region are, the challenges they face, and the type of support that is required from family or friends who are currently in the United States,” said Víctor Unda CEO of OKY. “Through this alliance, Guatemalans abroad will be able to offer their loved one’s access to one of the most popular and important motorcycle brands in Guatemala. This collaboration between OKY and Suzuki is unique. We will be able to observe the positive impact of the application of technology as a tool to promote inclusion and provide a better quality of life for all,” he added. Beyond providing them access to an effective, safe, and less expensive method of transportation, the alliance between OKY and Suzuki Guatemala allows immigrants in the United States to offer an indispensable work tool to their parents, children, or friends. In turn, this will enable them to continue the path toward financial independence. OKY is the only fintech platform designed to give immigrant communities the ability to digitize cash and engage in cross-border e-commerce activities. Through OKY, users can send funds directly to family members in their home country to make purchases at participating retailers such as Suzuki. By removing these barriers, a motorcycle company like Suzuki can now sell products to Guatemalans in the United States who do not have access to traditional financial tools, making it a unique alliance for immigrants and their families in the region. This alliance not only adds a leading global brand to OKY’s network but also aligns itself with the mission of providing immigrants in the United States with a greater number of resources that contribute to closing the geographic divide with more appropriate and equitable financial solutions. Through OKY, users can continue to participate and contribute in a meaningful way to the lives of those they had to leave. “Suzuki is one of the most popular motorcycle brands in Guatemala, and we are committed to the progress and economic development of the communities we serve. We are proud to be a part of the OKY network,” said Ing. Balmory Leck, Suzuki Sales Manager in Guatemala. “The work and dedication of the immigrant community in the United States is admirable and we are confident that, together with OKY, we can continue to support and have a positive impact on the economic development and growth of their home countries,” he added. ABOUT OKY OKY was launched in the summer of 2020 for immigrants and by immigrants, with the vision of helping underserved communities achieve financial equity and overcome common financial barriers through the use of technology. OKY achieves this by enabling users to make e-commerce transactions without the support of financial institutions, which often impede the immigrant community from attaining financial stability. Today, OKY users across the United States and other countries have access to a marketplace that connects the Central American region including retail service providers in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and some offerings for México. For more information, please visit the company’s website, https://okyapp.com/en/ ABOUT SUZUKI SUZUKI, with more than 50 years in the Guatemalan market, currently being the leader of Motorcycles in Guatemala. It has the largest stock of Parts and Accessories in Central America. Its mission is to be a comprehensive and productive organization for Guatemalans, sell motorcycles and high-quality products with the best support, generating business opportunities through a network of employees, trade agents, and satisfied customers. Contact Details Julio Ligorria julio@balserapr.com Company Website https://okyapp.com/en/

September 15, 2021 01:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time

NSI Insurance Group Acquires Fourth Agency in 15 Months

NSI Insurance Group

NSI Insurance Group, a leading independent insurance agency specializing in risk management, employee benefits, and insurance services for businesses and individuals, recently made its third and fourth acquisitions in the past 15 months, with the purchase White Cloud Insurance and Express Insurance, both in Miami. NSI Insurance Group now has four offices throughout South Florida. NSI Insurance Group, founded in 1958, ranks among the largest privately owned firms in Florida and operates within five business segments including personal and commercial insurance, employee benefits, and specialty programs. The company has achieved robust growth, driven by a combination of expansion in existing verticals and strategic acquisitions. The company has been continuously recognized as a “Best Practices” agency in a survey of the largest insurance agencies in the United States. “We have continued our long-standing pattern of consistent yet conservative growth through growing our existing client base and making strategic acquisitions of top-quality insurance companies throughout South Florida,” said NSI Insurance Group CEO Oscar Seikaly. “We believe our strategy brings exceptional new opportunities for our clients and our employees as we continue to develop our firm.” Last year, NSI Insurance Group acquired Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based Pallant Insurance, one of the largest LGTBQ-owned and managed agencies in the state. The Pallant brand continues under the same leadership as a subsidiary of NSI Insurance Group. Last summer, the company acquired Ensurgroup, based in South Miami, while the Express Insurance and White Cloud acquisitions closed in the past few months. “As the South Florida population grows and density increases, we must become more geographically diverse and reinforce our back-office operations,” said Seikaly. “The acquisitions enable us to move quickly and improve our leverage with major carriers, which is critical during a tight market.” According to Seikaly, the acquired agencies were all excellent cultural fits, and each firm brings expertise that benefits the entire organization. Executive leaders of each firm have been retained and continue to work with the company. Contact Details David PR Group John P. David +1 305-274-3903 john@davidpr.com

September 15, 2021 10:59 AM Eastern Daylight Time

ThriveFantasy Closes $3M Funding Round as Platform Continues to Experience Sizable Growth

ThriveFantasy

ThriveFantasy, the leading player prop daily fantasy sports and esports platform, announced today the closure of its latest funding round, raising $3 million (USD). The round will be used to acquire strategic talent, solidify numerous sports/esports partnerships and continue its aggressive marketing programs to exponentially increase strong user growth. ThriveFantasy was created to give everyday fans a better chance at winning by challenging them to pick simple player props for sports or esports contests such as, over/under of yards, catches, touchdowns, assists or kills and more. The platform’s ease of use and focus on both sports and esports contests continues to attract many different types of users and led to significant growth over the past 12 months. “We are excited to see how ThriveFantasy has become the prop game of choice for the exploding number of fantasy players”, said Adam Weinstein, CEO of ThriveFantasy. “Our investors truly understand this unique value proposition and enthusiastically helped us complete this round very quickly to help supercharge our ongoing growth.” The round was led by Cardinal Sports Capital Inc. (formerly, Shore Capital Sports & Entertainment LLC), an advisory and investment firm with offices in Toronto and New York. As part of its strategic investment, Cardinal Sports Capital Inc. will take an active role assisting ThriveFantasy with business development, strategic partnerships as well as financial advisory services. Scott Secord, Managing Partner, will also join the ThriveFantasy Board of Directors. Mr. Secord is the former President/CEO of Gaming Nation Inc., a publicly traded company on the TSXV, which was acquired in 2018 by a private equity firm. Prior to Gaming Nation, Mr. Secord held the position of President/CEO of Pointstreak Sports Technologies Inc. from 2009 until 2015. “ThriveFantasy is exciting because it is a unique fantasy platform that gives both esports and traditional sports fans a fun and easy playing experience,” said Secord. “The opportunities in the sports and gaming industry seem limitless, but we understand that one of the strengths of this market lies in the quality and experience of the platforms. Thrive’s is one of the best we’ve seen. Our investment in Thrive shows our commitment to continually improving how these games are offered to the growing number of fantasy fans.” Due to ThriveFantasy’s popularity, current and former professional athletes participated in this investment round. Notable investors include: New York Angels members, Yolo Investments, Reflect Ventures and Stage 1 Ventures. For more information, please visit www.Thrivefantasy.com About ThriveFantasy ThriveFantasy is a Daily Fantasy Sports and Esports App for Player Props. Thrive eliminates the countless hours of research users have to spend, by only focusing on the top-tier athletes that have the biggest impact on the game. Follow ThriveFantasy on Instagram (@ThriveFantasy), Twitter (@ThriveFantasy) and Facebook (ThriveFantasy). Contact Details Michael Adorno madorno@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://www.thrivefantasy.com/

September 15, 2021 09:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Knowledgehook enters Mexico to level up math attainment

Knowledgehook

Knowledgehook, the world’s most comprehensive mathematics learning platform, has launched in Mexico as the country fights back from the devastating impact of COVID-19. It is now available to schools across the country for children in Year 3 to Year 9 classes, through RadIx Education, a change consultancy working with local governments and schools across Mexico. Knowledgehook’s proprietary technology harnesses the power of data to track where students are on their math journey. Their programmes connect a child’s at-home learning with in-school education, providing real-time insights to teachers on learning gaps. The platform empowers teachers to develop an understanding of the maths concepts related to their students’ challenges, enabling them to adjust instruction and monitor student progress. The launch of Knowledgehook in Mexico comes at a time when Mexican teachers and officials are working hard to improve math outcomes for their students. Math achievement is at a low ebb with 35% of 15-year-olds not achieving the minimum level of proficiency in math, according to the recent International Student Assessment (PISA) 1. Indeed, Mexican 15-year-olds rank last among students in the 36 OECD member countries in mathematics, reading and science, according to a recent International Student Assessment (PISA) survey. Moreover, UNICEF reported that, on average, schools in Latin America were closed longer than any in any other region as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Qamar Qureshi, President of Knowledgehook, commented:“This is an amazing opportunity for everyone involved in education in Mexico to turn the tide and accelerate change in math outcomes for young people. Having the right, personalised guidance for teachers makes all the difference. Every student deserves to have a teacher who has access to the best pedagogical tools, and parents who have insights into their learning. Our platform is not a game, it pulls together a 360 view on a child’s learning journey, enabling people around them to improve the child’s math experience and outcomes”. Knowledgehook’s AI-enabled platform has grown to support schools across the US, Mexico, and the UK. It is designed to scale across multiple countries and languages, developing teacher capacity while engaging students and providing actionable insights for parents. Over the years, Knowledgehook’s research-based solution has garnered industry-leading partnerships and investments from the most recognised global education bodies, notably from the University College of London (UCL), the global leader in education research. In launching Knowledgehook across Mexico, Erik Ramírez Ruiz, founder of Radix Education, commented: “Despite the historical lows in math attainment levels for Mexican children, we know that the gap between the top and bottom performers in math and science has shrunk over time. It’s now time to accelerate this change and move the needle further. Knowledgehook has proven across the world it makes a difference. We have already seen this first hand during the testing phase and are optimistic the technology will help teachers and improve the life chances of many young people ''. Knowledgehook actively collaborates with governments around the world while also working directly with schools and their suppliers, to offer curriculum-aligned solutions. The company currently empowers teachers in more than 100,000 schools. In 2021, it is anticipated the solution will reach 50,000,000 students globally. Launching Mexico is the first time Knowledge will be available in Spanish. The solution is also available in French. We have received growing interest for our technology and expertise to be applied to other subjects and we look forward to expanding our solution to empower more educators and support the learning of students to become the problem-solvers of tomorrow,” Qamar Qureshi added. Ends 1 Based on the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) survey. It is conducted once every three years and is the most extensive and widely accepted measure of academic proficiency among lower secondary school students around the world. About Knowledgehook Knowledgehook, a leading educational technology company, empowers hundreds of thousands of teachers and parents to collaboratively support the mathematics learning journey of millions of students worldwide. Winner of Google’s Game Changer Award and named Top Disruptor by BNN, its platform analyses student understanding through engaging assessments, providing real-time personalised solutions to close learning gaps between classroom teaching and at-home learning. Designed by leading numeracy and research experts, Knowledgehook’s Instructional Guidance System is known for reinventing how online technology supports education and educators, while inspiring the problem solvers of tomorrow. Knowledgehook is backed by UCL’s VC fund Discentia Capital, Mesoamerica’s Alexandria Corp., Nelson Education and John Abele’s North Point Ventures. Contact Details Knowledgehook Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com

September 15, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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ThriveFantasy Partners with NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers for 2021 Season to be Daily Fantasy Sports Partner

ThriveFantasy

ThriveFantasy, the leading player prop daily fantasy sports, announced today it has signed on as a proud daily Fantasy Sports partner of the Los Angeles Chargers. The partnership provides Chargers fans with opportunities to participate in Thrive’s customized daily fantasy contests throughout the season. Of equal importance, ThriveFantasy will donate $25,000 to the Chargers Impact Fund to help those within the greater Los Angeles community who are most in need. “The Chargers are a great organization in so many ways,” says Adam Weinstein, founder and CEO of ThriveFantasy. “This partnership allows us to both give back to those who need it most, at a time when so many are hurting, as well as offer creative ways to help the Chargers engage their fanbase.” ThriveFantasy was created to give everyday fans a better chance at winning by challenging them to pick Chargers-only contests within its app to offer Chargers fans the chance to win tickets to Chargers Games at SoFi Stadium. Fans can visit their mobile app store to download the ThriveFantasy app today. “We’re excited to welcome ThriveFantasy into the Chargers family, especially as fantasy sports continues to grow in popularity. We also thank them for this wonderful donation to the Chargers Impact Fund which will truly help so many in the Los Angeles Community,” said A.G. Spanos, Chargers President of Business Operations and the Chargers Impact Fund. “Thrive will give our fans a unique and engaging way to interact with their favorite team and, in this case, win cash prizes and tickets to Chargers Games at SoFi Stadium.” In the coming months, Chargers fans can download the ThriveFantasy app and keep an eye out for: Match first time deposits up to $100 Custom Chargers-only contests throughout the 2021-2022 season About ThriveFantasy ThriveFantasy is a Daily Fantasy Sports and Esports App for Player Props. Thrive eliminates the countless hours of research users have to spend, by only focusing on the top-tier athletes that have the biggest impact on the game. Follow ThriveFantasy on Instagram (@ThriveFantasy), Twitter (@ThriveFantasy) and Facebook (ThriveFantasy). Download the app today via the App Store and Google Play. App Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/thrivefantasy/id1240062484 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appster.p2f&hl=en_US About the Chargers Impact Fund The Chargers Impact Fund is committed to helping families thrive in and around Southern California. The Fund focuses on four pillars in the community – youth empowerment, supporting families, animal welfare and emergency response – to help families thrive in their community. Over the years, the Fund has awarded more than $12 million in direct community assistance, including more than $6 million to public schools for badly needed physical fitness, nutrition and athletic programs and equipment. Today, in partnership with Chargers fans, volunteers and donors, the Chargers Impact Fund continues to honor Alex and Faye Spanos’ legacy by helping to build strong support structures for youth, families, and their communities across Southern California. For more information on the Chargers Impact Fund, please visit www.chargers.com/community/impact-fund/. Contact Details Hot Paper Lantern for ThriveFantasy Michael Adorno madorno@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://www.thrivefantasy.com/

September 09, 2021 09:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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