Consumer

Baby/Maternity Children Family LGBT Men Religion Teens Women
News Release Digital Asset Direct

Comcast and The Arc Partner to Expand Tech Training and Special Education Advocacy for People with Disabilities

Comcast Colorado

Comcast announced that it is expanding its partnership with The Arc of the United States to foster digital and advocacy skills in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. The expansion comes in the form of Comcast providing two new grants to The Arc totaling $710,000, which includes $22,000 for The Arc of Weld County. The funding will allow The Arc to establish more Tech Coaching Centers at chapters across the country, including one at The Arc of Weld County. The centers will offer The Arc@School special education advocacy curriculum to Spanish-speaking families. These programs have already helped over 3,500 people with IDD develop more independence, equity, and opportunities for their future. “We know and deeply understand that digital access is essential to inclusion and many times it can be the great equalizer to support community participation,” said Amelia Koehmstedt, Executive Director of The Arc of Weld County. “Tech coaching centers address digital inequities while providing a unique niche for learners of all abilities to gain skills that translate into greater independence. Transitioning this opportunity to include family and caregivers allows these individuals to learn alongside those they care for with IDD and maximize opportunities and effectiveness of digital literacy. By supporting all community members, the inclusion of people with IDD and their success with technology grows exponentially. These opportunities support our vision of inclusion, acceptance and belonging for all.” A first grant of $560,000, will support The Arc’s Tech Coaching Centers at 10 locations across the country. It will also expand the training model to include caregivers and family members of people with IDD to ensure they can support in the implementation of technology across all environments, including assistive technology. With technology being an increasingly vital part of navigating and participating in today’s plugged-in world, including transportation, employment, recreation and social interaction, people with IDD face unique barriers to understanding and adopting digital tools, which is exacerbated by a higher rate of poverty and lower overall income. Since 2014, Comcast has supported The Arc’s Tech Coaching Center, reaching nearly 2,500 people with IDD through 19 chapters and giving them access to devices, services, and training that advance measured outcomes in employment, health, independent living, education, and interpersonal connections. “We know that digital skills training can open new doors to opportunity and help people living with disabilities gain independence,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, EVP and Chief Diversity Officer of Comcast Corporation. “That’s why we are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with The Arc to reach even more people with IDD – including their caregivers and families — and to create pathways that can help enrich their lives.” A second grant of $150,000 will go towards advancing efforts to help marginalized communities better advocate for their education. This investment will allow The Arc to fully translate the curriculum into Spanish to better meet this population’s needs and increase access to the content. Academic achievement and graduation rates for students with disabilities lag far behind their peers, trends marked by inordinate discrimination, suspensions, and isolation within school settings across the country. In 2016, The Arc created The Arc@School, an evidence-based, self-paced online training program designed to help families, educators, and advocates navigate the special education system. Since 2021, Comcast has partnered with The Arc to connect underserved communities to these educational advocacy resources. To date, more than 500 families of color and low-income households have been given free access to The Arc@School, in addition to a facilitation guide, Spanish language overview of the special education process, and cultural competency resources and sections. These grants were distributed through Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to reach tens of millions of people in order to advance digital equity and help create a future of unlimited possibilities. About The Arc of the United States The Arc advocates for and serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including Down syndrome, autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, cerebral palsy, and other diagnoses. The Arc has a network of nearly 600 chapters across the country promoting and protecting the human rights of people with IDD and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes and without regard to diagnosis. Visit www.thearc.org or follow us @TheArcUS to learn more. Editor’s Note: The Arc is not an acronym; always refer to us as The Arc, not The ARC and never ARC. The Arc should be considered as a title or a phrase. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on connectivity, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Colorado Leslie Oliver +1 303-810-6326 leslie_oliver@comcast.com Company Website https://colorado.comcast.com/

April 19, 2023 07:45 AM Mountain Daylight Time

Image

Circles Modernizes Group Support with First Free ‘Audio-Only’ On-Demand Service

Circles

In the middle of the night when you are overwhelmed with grief, reeling from a job loss or just in need of someone who knows what you are going through, where do you turn. Technology company Circles is on a mission to solve that problem. Today, the company announced that Circles On-Demand, the first of its kind on-demand audio support group app, is now available to the general public. Circles fills a void in the e-therapy market by focusing on the therapeutic value of sharing and listening to others with the same pain, issue, or challenge. Circles has modernized the support group by empowering users to find emotional support from people who are dealing with the same issues, in real time. The wide ranging topics of groups includes: single dads rebuilding their lives after divorce, adults coping with disability, women navigating infertility and people grieving the loss of loved ones. Circles taps into the power of finding and giving support to those who are going through the same issues. “ People still need people, and that is especially true when you are faced with life's challenges,” says Irad Eichler, Co-Founder and CEO of Circles. We have learned from our community that although people often have a support system, they still feel alone. It has been our mission to provide a safe place where people feel seen and heard, whether they are going through divorce, experiencing illness, struggling with body image or navigating a layoff. We understand the power of connecting with people who understand exactly what you are going through and with this new offering we are proud to provide easy real-time access to emotional support for anyone who needs it.” Since the company launched in 2020, they have been a source of support for 50,000 people. Circles On-Demand opened to limited users in 2022 and already has 200 and growing support groups. During the beta, divorce and cancer accounted for 35% of all rooms, but in the past two months, demand for groups dealing with narcissistic relationships grew by 100%. Each Circles group is led by a facilitator. Since the beta launch of Circles On-Demand, more than 200 groups have already formed validating the need that people need help and feel better connecting with others that face the same challenges. Circles On-Demand is free of charge and anyone can start or join a group. The app allows people to be anonymous and only requires a first name to sign-up. The company provides training materials to help facilitators be successful, and is currently working on an AI integration that will provide help to guides in real time. Circles On-Demand has helped people to find community and connection when they most need it. During the holidays, groups hosted happy hours to help people feel less lonely. There was even a comedy hour for grief support, providing users with an outlet to laugh through a difficult time. Julie Edstrom has used Circles to support her through grief, and says, “I lost both of my parents 16 days apart in 2021 to COVID. I am a retired Grief and Trauma Therapist so I have high expectations for grief groups. Circles exceeds my expectations.” Circles user, Mark, is healing from a narcissistic relationship and offers, “The group is comfortable and open. Being able to express what's happening and feeling others' stories. There's no judgment nor criticism. People can talk freely and share their pain, their growth and seek that light at the end of the tunnel.” To join or start a support group, download the Circles app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. About Circles Circles was founded in 2020 in Israel with a mission to make support accessible and affordable to everyone. The global company launched in the United States in 2021 and differentiated itself from the e-therapy market by focusing on the therapeutic value of sharing and listening to others with the same pain, issue, or challenge. The company closed a Series A round of $16.5 million in May 2022. Contact Details Circles Karen Swim circles-pr@wordsforhirellc.com Company Website https://circlesup.com/

April 19, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Executive VP & Director of Training Michael Jutt Talks Minuteman As We Celebrate 50 Years of Minuteman Press

Minuteman Press International Inc

As Minuteman Press International celebrates 50 years in business, we are continuing the celebration of our history. Michael Jutt first started with Minuteman Press as a press operator in the original Farmingdale shop in October of 1974, which was the second location that opened after Plainview. At just 19 years-old, Mike was hired by Roy Titus, and the rest is history. When Minuteman Press decided to become a franchise, Mike was promoted to Director of Training; he created the first Minuteman Press training program and became an integral part of the company’s expansion into franchising. Mike remains a huge part of our success today as Minuteman Press International’s Executive VP & Director of Training. How did you first get started with Minuteman Press and the Titus family? Mike Jutt: “I was hired in October of 1974 by Roy Titus. George Holzmacher worked for Roy already and he said I should meet with Roy about a job in Farmingdale. At the time, I was working two jobs, one being in printing, and I wanted to be an attorney. I wasn’t sure I wanted to commute to Farmingdale since I lived and worked in Merrick and was attending Nassau Community College. I went to the Farmingdale shop to meet with Roy. When he arrived, we went outside of the shop, behind the building. Roy and I spoke about what he wanted for the Farmingdale shop, as he was looking to make some changes. He asked me how much I was making. At the time, I was making $110/week at the printing job. Roy offered to match, but I explained the extra gas money and time I’d be spending on the commute. He smiled and then offered me $120/week to get started, and I accepted the offer. That’s how my time with Minuteman Press started, working in the Farmingdale shop that Bob Titus was managing. We worked very hard to get the business up and running, it was fun.” What was it like working in the Farmingdale shop when you first started? Mike Jutt: “I had worked in one other neighborhood quick print shop before Minuteman Press, and I was very impressed my first day of employment when I saw Bob Titus come back to the shop with a marketing assistant. The fact that they were out knocking on doors and direct marketing our printing service was to me very different and unheard of at the time for printers. I asked the other press operator who that was that just walked in, and he said that was Roy’s son Bob. The differences between Minuteman Press and other print shops were a few things. First, I saw that they were actively marketing to build the business. We had a ton of work. Second, the type of equipment that we had – Multi-Graphics equipment – had better capabilities than what other quick printers were using. Third, we also had a huge focus on customer service, shop appearance, and quality work. Another game-changer is when Roy came in one day and handed me a brochure for a new piece of equipment made by 3M, which was a superior plate system to enable multicolor printing. This was the missing piece of what we needed to bring Minuteman Press to the next level. We had the press, we just needed a better plate system that could handle color inks as well as it did black ink. We thoroughly tested the plate system with the press and evaluated the cost. The result was that we now had the perfect package to achieve multicolor printing when other quick printers did mostly single-color or just black. The 3M plate was the ticket.” When Minuteman Press started franchising, what was it like for you creating the first training program? Mike Jutt: “The next major thing that happened was Roy discussing expanding the business and moving into franchising. He promoted the business opportunity and brought interested parties into the Farmingdale location to see what we were doing. The interest was really high from the people that Roy brought in, and years later, Roy told me it was during this time where he really noticed and recognized my abilities as a hardworking young man. At age 20, Roy made me Director of Training, and it was my responsibility to teach the new franchise owners everything about our business.” What do you think are the key reasons for the success of Minuteman Press as the franchise kept growing? Mike Jutt: “I credit the success of Minuteman Press as a franchise to leadership, hard work (long days and long weeks), treating the owners as true partners, caring and supporting our owners, and helping them achieve their success. Roy Titus said you need to treat people like you want to be treated. Roy not only preached it, but he also practiced it, and that was one of the biggest keys of our success as we grew and expanded the company.” What are some of the key aspects of the original training program that remain as core principles today? Mike Jutt: “From the launch of the training department, we have focused and communicated the importance of owners becoming experts in 5 major areas: Customer service Marketing their business Delivering quality products Keeping an incredible top appearance of their business and anything that represents their business Management with an emphasis on financial management Within each of these areas, there is extensive training today covering every detail of what these items actually encompass.” What are some of the key ways that the training program and Minuteman Press have evolved over the years? Mike Jutt: “The biggest areas that we’ve always been at the forefront of are research, development, and technology. Printing technology and enhancements with 3M products in the early days got better and better. With that said, one of the big first big efficiencies was added when our first pricing program was developed. In 1977, a new franchise owner from Dallas, Texas named Cal Baker came to the training program. Cal previously worked for EDS (Electronic Data Systems). He noticed that all of our formulas were mathematically logical and that they could be automated to save hours and hours when pricing jobs. I was intrigued by Mr. Baker’s knowledge and what he was going to do, and after he wrote the software, I told Roy I had to go to Dallas to look at what he created. Roy told me, “Whatever you have to spend to research anything that helps our owners and our company, spend it. If it’s going to help our owners, it’s going to help all of us. So, I went to Dallas and saw that the computer was made by Radio Shack. The original model was called a TRS 80 and it had 16K of memory. The program was stored on a regular cassette and at the time, this was a real game changer. After the trip to Dallas, myself and Dave Scadin enrolled in a programming course offered by Radio Shack and we learned basic programming to enhance and modify what we had. We would never ask our owners to buy equipment such as a computer until we tested it. I contacted the Tandy Corporation in Fort Worth, Texas and convinced them to give us 10 computers as a trial, which we distributed to owners to test at 10 locations. We let the owners test it for 60 days and then they had to either give it back or buy the computer. 100% of the owners purchased the computer and none of us have ever looked back. From that point forward, we continued to invest in software development uniquely written to our policies and production. This protected us from software companies going out of business and gave us long-term advantages that we still benefit from to this day.” Mike continues: “Another key milestone for us was the advent of digital printing. The first Apple Mac computer that came with a printer was released in 1984. Digital printing technology emerged with desktop publishing thanks to companies like Apple, IBM, and HP. For our industry, this was great because we could create various different styles and designs on very economical equipment. It also replaced photo typesetting, which took a lot longer and was a very big investment. We quickly recognized that digital printing would evolve. In the beginning, we also recognized that the two technologies could coexist. Today, approximately 40 years later, that is absolutely what happened. The ability, production, and ease of use of the digital equipment has only made Minuteman Press an even better company. And partnering with our key suppliers Xerox, Konica-Minolta, and Hewlett-Packard has brought us improved productivity and profits.” Is there anything else you’d like to share? Mike Jutt: “Minuteman Press today has evolved to be so much more than what it was when we first started. We have developed and refined systems, policies, procedures, and a company that has a long-standing culture of caring for our owners in 5 countries. And from a personal perspective, with the diversity of products and the need for those products, the opportunity for entrepreneurs is incredible. I personally feel honored to be able to experience the emergence of such a fantastic company, Minuteman Press International.” For more information on Minuteman Press products and services, visit https://minuteman.com. Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

April 18, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

A2Z CUST2MART, A LEADER IN SMART CART TECHNOLOGY ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL TRIAL OF COMPUTER VISION PRODUCT RECOGNITION SOLUTION

A2Z Smart Technologies Corp.

McapMediaWire -- A2Z Smart Technologies Corp. ("A2Z") ("Company"), (NASDAQ: AZ ) (TSXV: AZ ), a leader in smart cart technology, announces that it has successfully completed an initial trial of a computer vision product recognition solution, capable of matching the product put into its smart cart with the product scanned. A2Z intends to continue the development of this computer vision software and incorporate it into its Cust2mate smart carts. The solution will supplement the smart cart's numerous anti-theft and fraud protection components, including a security scale. A2Z acknowledges Amazon's recent announcement of their release of the Palm Pay program, using a biometric from the customers palm swipe to pay for groceries, rolling out to Whole Foods and AmazonGo. Cust2Mate believes that it demonstrates greater privacy with its advanced smart cart technology for retailers looking to enhance their customer experience and increase revenue. The market potential for smart carts is vast, with every retail chain in the world seeking a solution for the present sub-optimal shopping experience. With the ability to provide advertisements and promotions to shoppers, smart carts offer an additional revenue source for retailers. "We have a world leading mobile self-checkout shopping cart. It's a one-stop-shop for customers," said Gadi Graus, President of A2Z Smart Technologies. "You scan the goods as you shop, you receive information, promotions, discounts, you pay for your purchases using the smart payment systems on the cart, and you walk out of the store - no waits, no hassle, no bad experiences." Cust2Mate's smart cart can deliver timely coupons, allergy information, product recommendations, optimized list to isle navigation and smart product matching among many other consumer experience features. The technology ensures a more secure and efficient shopping experience while also providing valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. As privacy and security concerns continue to be raised around biometric data collection, Cust2Mate assures customers that its technology is designed with security in mind. Cust2Mate's smart carts have already been successfully deployed in a multi-store chain and are available for implementation at any retail location worldwide. For more information, please visit www.cust2mate.com. "Cust2Mate's technology is scalable and customizable, offering a superior solution for retailers looking to enhance their in-store experience and increase customer satisfaction," concluded Graus. About A2Z A2Z Smart Technologies Corp. creates innovative solutions for complex challenges. A2Z's flagship product is an advanced proven-in-use mobile self-checkout shopping chart. With its user-friendly smart algorithm, touch screen, and computer-vision system, Cust2Mate streamlines the retail shopping experience by scanning purchased products and enabling in-cart payment so that customers can simply "pick & go", and bypass long cashier checkout lines. This results in a more efficient shopping experience for customers, less unused shelf-space and manpower requirements, and advanced command and control capabilities for store managers. Contact Information: Hanover International Inc. Jh@hanoverintlinc.com (1) 760 564 7400 Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the Company and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking information, which involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectation. Important factors - including the availability of funds, the results of financing efforts and the risks relating to our business -- that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time on SEDAR (see www.sedar.com) and with the Securities and Exchange Commission (see www.sec.gov). Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The company disclaims any intention or obligation, except to the extent required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities described herein in the United States or elsewhere. SOURCE: A2Z Smart Technologies Corp. Contact Details Hanover International Inc. Jh@hanoverintlinc.com Company Website https://www.cust2mate.com/

April 18, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

Green Leaf Innovations CEO Robert Mederos Issues Letter to Shareholders and Provides Corporate Update Focusing on Long-Term Growth and Value Creation

Green Leaf Innovations, Inc.

McapMediaWire -- Green Leaf Innovations, Inc., (“Green Leaf” or the “Company”) (OTC: GRLF), an emerging growth company engaged in the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of handmade premium cigars, today issued the following letter to its shareholders from Green Leaf Innovations CEO Robert Mederos: Dear Fellow Green Leaf Innovations Shareholders, I hope this letter finds you in good health and in high spirits. On behalf of our employees, partners, and other key stakeholders, I am delighted to have you as shareholders and valued members of our corporate family, and it is my pleasure to provide you with this update to share our vision for the future of our company. Who We Are For investors new to our company, our business focuses on marketing and distributing handmade premium cigars manufactured in Nicaragua. We strategically import and distribute premium cigar brands and private label brands to cigar lounges, smoke shops, convenience stores, and vape shops across the United States and in international markets. Additionally, we distribute packaged whole-leaf tobacco to other wholesale distributors of consumer tobacco products. The Importance of Our Foundational Operations in Nicaragua Nicaragua is a land rich with volcanic soil, which gives our tobacco its unique character. The fertile valleys of Jalapa and Estelí and the increasing tobacco cultivation in Condega and Ometepe have provided us with exquisite filler, binder, and wrapper leaves essential for our premium cigars. The importance of having a long-standing operation in Nicaragua cannot be understated. In fact, during the first eight months of 2022, Nicaragua-based cigar firms shipped 167 million cigars to the United States, an 8.9 percent increase over the same period in 2021. Our partnership with a third-generation, family-owned Nicaraguan business has been instrumental in crafting high-quality boutique cigars. Their passion and attention to detail have allowed us to maintain consistency and deliver unique flavors to our customers. Our production process, from greenhouse seedlings to fermentation and final product, is carefully managed to ensure the highest quality of cigars. We employ traditional techniques, such as row plowing with oxen and eucalyptus stick curing, alongside modern technology, like custom water filtration and drip irrigation systems, to balance tradition and innovation perfectly. Every cigar product I ship out reflects my commitment to delivering the best possible customer experience. I would even say I am obsessed with our quality control, rooted in being from a third-generation Cuban tobacco family. My cigars reflect the pride of my family, and I will never compromise quality for a quick buck. A Growing Industry on the Rise The global luxury cigar market was valued at USD 11.61 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2021 to 2028. According to Cigar Aficionado Magazine, more than 307 million imported handmade, premium cigars were shipped to the United States in just the first eight months of 2022, an increase of 4.3 percent. Shipping 300 million cigars was once considered the benchmark for a good year in the cigar business: now, it’s just a starting point. In fact, according to the Cigar Association of America, imports through November 30, 2022 have continued an upward trend for premium cigar imports at a 2% year-over-year growth rate, while imports of popular price cigars are down 12% in the same period. Key Growth Initiatives for Green Leaf Looking ahead, we see significant growth potential in the premium cigar market. We will continue to strengthen our partnerships, expand our distribution network, and explore new domestic and international markets. We have discovered unattended markets ripe for growth, including targeting golf courses, hotels and resorts, sporting events, and business gatherings. These markets have untapped potential, ignored by major brands and large industrial producers who continue to focus on traditional channels. Nearly 10% of all U.S. premium cigar sales occur on golf courses or in relation to golf. Yet, point-of-sale displays at golf clubs are generally ignored by major brands. We have the capabilities to deliver bespoke, white-label orders that meet the customer’s unique specifications for style, volume, and quality. We have been approached by several large potential customers in the wine and liquor industry, along with retailers that are interested in pairing our cigars with complementary products. Our cigars can pair with other premium products for an all-encompassing customer experience. Our B2B customers in the market are increasingly launching e-commerce websites in large, lucrative markets owing to the rising internet penetration and increasing propensity for mobile shopping among consumers. Our cigars can pair with other premium products for an all-encompassing customer experience. Corporate Updates It is fair to say that up to this point, we have not made any public comments or addressed investors, only making our regulatory filings and issuing occasional press releases. Going forward, Green Leaf will be more transparent in our investor communications. As we announced earlier this month, I have hired an investor relations agency to address investor concerns, answer questions, and help bring new investors to our company. Running this operation between our offices in Florida and our factory in Nicaragua, I’ve had to wear many different hats, and regretfully I couldn’t keep up with all the investor inquiries. This will no longer be the case, and I urge everyone to contact our investor relations agency with their questions. I invite everyone to subscribe to our distribution list to stay informed on upcoming developments. Please visit: https://greenleafinnovations.co/subscribe-for-free-newsletter/. In the coming weeks, we will update everyone on the progress we’ve made in growing our business. We intend on actively marketing our company, putting more resources into social media and popular online investor forums to generate greater awareness of our story. We are working on updating our investor presentation and website. We will inform everyone of these updates in a timely manner. Regarding our tier 1 Regulation A Offering, we recently filed an amended Offering Circular where we amended the final pricing of the offering to a price of $0.08 per share of Series B Preferred Stock (from $0.10) for a total aggregate offering amount of $8,000,000. The cigar manufacturing and distribution business is capital-intensive, from raw materials and equipment to SG&A (and being a public company). We need growth capital to fulfill purchase orders and scale our business through the growth initiatives I’ve described. I don’t take stock dilution lightly and will only look to raise capital to grow our business and deliver value to shareholders. Going Forward Our commitment to providing exceptional cigars remains unwavering, and we are confident that our products will continue to delight cigar enthusiasts around the world. In closing, I would like to express my gratitude for your ongoing support and investment in Green Leaf Innovations, Inc. Our success is a testament to your belief in our vision, and I remain committed to delivering outstanding returns for our shareholders while preserving the rich tradition of hand-crafted, premium cigars. Sincerely, Robert Mederos Chief Executive Officer Green Leaf Innovations, Inc. About Green Leaf Innovations, Inc. Green Leaf Innovations, Inc., a Florida corporation, is an emerging growth company engaged in the marketing and distribution of handmade premium cigars. The Company strategically imports and exclusively distributes some of the best-known premium cigar brands in the marketplace. The Company was created by the Mederos family, a third generation Cigar maker with Robert Mederos at the helm, who has owned and operated handmade cigar operations in Nicaragua and the U.S. for over 20 years with a rich family history in the craft dating back to the 1800s in Cuba. Green Leaf features brands such as CUBANACAN, MEDEROS, and TABACALERA SERRANO. The Company also distributes packaged whole leaf Tobacco to cigar lounges, smoke shops, C-stores, and vape shops across the United States and soon in international markets. Additional information can be found on our website, www.greenleafinnovations.co, or follow us on Twitter @otcgrlf. Safe Harbor Statement Certain statements, other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives, and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words believes, project, expects, anticipates, estimates, intends, strategy, plan, may, will, would, will be, will continue, will likely result, and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and future prospects on a consolidated basis include, but are not limited to: changes in economic conditions, legislative/regulatory changes, availability of capital, interest rates, competition, and generally accepted accounting principles. These risks and uncertainties should also be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Company Contact: info@greenleafinnovations.co Investor Relations Contact: Matthew Abenante, IRC President Strategic Investor Relations, LLC Tel: 800-303-6268 x4 Email: matthew@greenleafinnovations.co Contact Details Green Leaf Innovations, Inc. info@greenleafinnovations.co

April 18, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

GBB Drink Lab Sends a Cease-and-Desist Demand

GBB Drink Lab

McapMediaWire -- GBB Drink Lab (“GBB” or the “Company”), a maker of the world’s first formulated drink that aids in rapid blood alcohol detoxification has issued a cease-and-desist demand to FSD Pharma (NASDAQ: HUGE) (“FSD”) a publicly traded biotechnology company that operates in the pharmaceutical research and development business. GBB has a patented formula that accelerates the process of converting alcohol to sugar in the body. By enhancing the metabolic pathways that facilitate this process, the formula can help the body clear alcohol much faster than normal. The Company has been working on a proprietary drink for several years using its patented formula. FSD Pharma entered into a binding Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with GBB. The companies had ongoing discussions about an acquisition for many months that GBB has since terminated. Mr. John Gulyas, Co-Founder of GBB Drink Lab, met with FSD and its principals over many months and shared proprietary information with the company that included without limitation, information created and developed by the company relating to composition, formulation, and methods of using the composition and formulations for reducing the effects associated with alcohol consumption in drink and other edible and nonedible forms. Per the cease and desist letter sent to FSD, "Not only has FSD and its principals committed fraud by way of wrongfully inducing GBB Drink Lab into providing the Product and other confidential information, but FSD and its principals have also committed multiple breaches of the Agreement, including, but not limited to: (i) reverse-engineering the Product and/or other confidential information provided, in violation of Section 3 of the Agreement; and/or (ii) wrongfully asserting dominion over the Product and/or other confidential information (and all intellectual property rights pertaining thereto) by using such information to launch FSD’s recently announced Program”. Mr. Jarrett Boon, Co-Founder and CEO of GBB Drink Lab, states that “FSD Pharma has violated the NDA, developed a product using the Company's formula, trade secrets, methods, and has used the stolen information to gain investors for its own stock. GBB is aggressively taking legal action against the theft of its confidential information and has demanded that FSD halt its product from being launched”. Further evidence is supported that FSD Pharma has publicly announced the launch of a new research and development program targeting unmet medical needs for alcohol misuse. FSD Pharma has also announced the addition of Shark Tank investor and pitchman Kevin Harrington, and former Celsius (NASDAQ: CELH) CEO Gerry David to its Advisory Board to help commercialize its efforts. GBB has demanded that "FSD immediately cease and desist the program, including, but not limited to, use of all confidential and/or proprietary information provided by GBB Drink Lab relating thereto." About GBB Drink Lab GBB Drink Lab started with a vision of making a positive impact by offering practical, evidence-based solution to reducing Blood Alcohol Content. The company’s product has been meticulously crafted to optimize your ability to sober up thus enabling you to escape an inebriated state. GBB Drink Lab leadership team includes accomplished serial entrepreneurs, a former senior executive from one of the world’s largest beverage companies, and an industry-leading expert in flavoring science and product formulation. Contacts Jarrett Boon, Co-Founder, CEO, GBB Drink Lab, Inc Email: Jarrett@gbbdrinklab.com Telephone: 602-456-1555 Contact Details GBB Drink Lab Jarrett@gbbdrinklab.com Company Website https://gbbdrinklab.com/

April 17, 2023 04:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time

USMJ Kicks off their Week Long 4/20 Sale

North American Cannabis Holdings, Inc.

McapMediaWire - - North American Cannabis Holdings, Inc. (OTC: USMJ ) - USMJ.com an online retailer of premium cannabis products, is excited to announce its week-long 4.20 celebration. From April 17th to April 23rd, customers will receive 25% off their orders of $100 or more. "At USMJ.com, we believe in celebrating the culture and community that surrounds cannabis," said Steven Rash, CEO of USMJ.com. "We're thrilled to offer this promotion as a way to share our passion with our customers and help them stock up on their favorite products." USMJ.com offers a wide range of premium legally cultivated hemp derived products, including flower, concentrates, edibles, and more. The online retailer is committed to providing high-quality products from trusted brands and delivering a seamless shopping experience. To take advantage of the 4.20 celebration, customers can simply visit USMJ.com and add their desired products to their cart. Add the discount code 420SAVE at checkout and the discount will be aplied for orders of $100 or more. "Whether you're a seasoned cannabis enthusiast or a newcomer to the scene, we have something for everyone," said Rash. "We invite all our customers to join us in celebrating 4.20 and enjoying some of the best hemp derived products on the market." Surprise Specials: USMJ has also noted they are going to be unique specials on top of the standard weeklong promotion. But, these promotions will only be announced via email and only email. If you are reading this and want to subscribe, follow these instructions below to subscribe to our mailing list. How to subscribe: Head to Enter your contact details Get notified about details and information related to the sale and future sales. You may also find a newsletter signup on any page on USMJ.com. In The Shop, What’s New: We are thrilled to announce the addition of exciting new products to our online store! In response to our customers' requests, we have expanded our offerings to include a range of hemp-derived products, including delta-8 and delta-10 THC, as well as high-quality vapes and gummies. These products are perfect for individuals who are looking for a unique and enjoyable way to experience the benefits of CBD and other cannabinoids. Our team has carefully selected these products from trusted brands in the industry, ensuring that they meet our high standards for quality and effectiveness. So, whether you're looking for a new way to unwind after a long day or simply want to try something new, we invite you to explore our new product offerings and discover the many benefits of hemp-derived products for yourself! USMJ announced the partnership with Nature’s Perfect Hemp out of Nashville, TN. Nature’s Perfect Hemp has expanded our customer offering to allow our customers to choose from a variety of cannabinoid related products. The latest addition to the shop is Wasatch Hemp Farm. Wasatch Hemp Farm brings their powerful products to the USMJ marketplace with four new creams, gel capsules, containing not only CBD but CBG in certain cases. Some key facts about these new products: 1500mg of CBD in all products Pain cream contains an additional 750mg of CBG Athlete’s looking for a post workout muscle rub use the CBD Freeze roll on gel USMJ Partnerships We are excited to announce our new partnership with a marketing agency specializing in the cannabis industry. This partnership has allowed us to tap into their wealth of knowledge and experience to help us improve our customer experience, benefits, and journey. The agency has been instrumental in advising us on our communication strategy, ensuring that we are providing our customers with clear and concise messaging that accurately represents our brand and values. By partnering with this agency, we are confident that we will be able to enhance our overall appearance and better connect with our customers. We are committed to providing our customers with the best possible experience, and we are confident that this partnership will help us achieve that goal. We look forward to working closely with this agency and continuing to improve our services and offerings for our valued customers. New Shop Programs We are excited to announce the launch of two new programs that will enhance our customers' experience and help us to better connect with them. After taking advice from our new marketing agency, we have decided to launch a referral program ( USMJ Rewards ) and a collaboration program ( USMJ Collabs ). Our referral program allows customers to earn rewards for promoting USMJ.com products. Once a customer has created a free account on USMJ.com, customers can share a unique referral link with their friends and family and earn on their purchases. This program is a great way for customers and shareholders to spread the word about our products while earning rewards for their efforts. In addition, we are launching a collaboration program for customers who have social media influence. This program allows customers to earn benefits from USMJ by promoting our products through their social media outlets. Customers with a strong social media presence can earn discounts, free products, and even cash back for their efforts. We believe that these two programs will help us to better connect with our customers and improve their overall experience with our ecommerce store. By working together with our customers and rewarding them for their loyalty, we are confident that we can continue to grow and improve. We are committed to providing the best possible service to our customers, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of these programs. Disclaimer/Safe Harbor: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act. The statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Among others, these risks include the expectation that any of the companies mentioned herein will achieve significant sales, the failure to meet schedule or performance requirements of the companies' contracts, the companies' liquidity position, the companies' ability to obtain new contracts, the emergence of competitors with greater financial resources and the impact of competitive pricing. In the light of these uncertainties, the forward-looking events referred to in this release might not occur. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For More Information Contact Steven Rash North American Cannabis Holdings, Inc +1 888 694 8765 info@shopusmj.com Contact Details USMJ info@shopusmj.com Company Website https://usmj.com/

April 17, 2023 01:42 PM Eastern Daylight Time

As He Pretends Anheuser-Busch is an American Company, CEO Brendan Whitworth Fails Leadership Test

National Legal & Policy Center

Anheuser-Busch has finally addressed the controversy that has embroiled the company since April 1 when it centered a Bud Light promotion around transgender “influencer” Dylan Mulvaney. Only problem is, Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth released a statement Friday addressing the issue by not addressing it, accomplishing nothing but to underscore his own helplessness and guaranteeing that the conflagration will continue. Whitworth’s statement asserted that “we never intended to be part of a discussion that divides people.” But nowhere could he even say what the “discussion” is about, as if the topic was too hot to even mention. He doesn’t say it was a mistake for a beer company to promote transgenderism, nor does he defend the ad campaign. It is as if he had to say something if only to quiet his coterie of underlings and PR consultants who were no doubt urging him to say something. He took the faintest stab possible to assuage consumers who might most object to the promotion by saluting “military, first responders, sports fans and hard-working Americans everywhere.” But he could not state the obvious about why all these great people might object to Dylan Mulvaney, namely that men cannot become women, and that it is a folly for anyone, much less a beer company, to advance this lie. Unfortunate for Whitworth, he is handcuffed by the company’s long association with activists who would turn on him as quickly and eagerly as they have accepted his company’s support and money over the years. Anheuser-Busch gets a perfect 100 score on the Human Rights Campaign so-called Corporate Equality Index, and the company promotes gender ideology in its internal training programs. Whitworth fails the leadership test. It’s easy to lay claim to effective institutional management when all the choices are good. Real leadership becomes evident, however, when the choices are bad. But maybe we shouldn’t be so hard on poor Whitworth because his authority as CEO is not what is seems. Whitworth, whose actual title is “CEO North American Zone,” proudly reports that Anheuser-Busch was “founded in America’s heartland more than 165 years ago,” but he does not mention that the company was sold to the multinational InBev in 2008. The company is now known as Anheuser-Busch Inbev SA/NV, and is incorporated and headquartered in Belgium. In addition, CEO Michael Doukeris is a Brazilian citizen. According the company’s website, nine of its 12 directors are appointed by something called “Stichting Anheuser-Busch InBev,” which it describes as “a foundation organised under the laws of the Netherlands, which represents an important part of the interests of the Belgian founding families of the Company and the interests of the Brazilian families previously shareholders of AmBev.” So, Whitworth’s real bosses are a group of ultrarich Europeans and South Americans, who will ultimately act in what they perceive to be their own interests, not those of American beer drinkers. These plutocrats attempt to keep the attention off their wealth by buying off the activists who might challenge it. That is why the company panders to, and bankrolls, a host of woke causes worldwide. Like Unilever, another Europe-based multinational whose American subsidiary Ben & Jerry’s plunged it into controversy (when it ended ice cream sales in the disputed territories of Israel), Anheuser-Busch InBev abets social and political causes that undermine the cultural values and economic interests of the consumers they purport to serve. National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC) sponsors the Corporate Integrity Project. When Anheuser-Busch was still an independent company, NLPC filed a series of shareholder proposals seeking disclosure of its financial support for political and social activist groups. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

April 17, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Branded Legacy, Inc. Announces 2022 Revenues Surpass 2021 by Over 335%

BRANDED LEGACY INC.

McapMediaWire -- Branded Legacy, Inc. (OTC: BLEG ), a holding company specializing in growth through acquisitions with a focus on the CBD industry, announced today that its 2022 revenues surpassed 2021 by over 335%. The company's subsidiaries have made significant strides, and 2023 is expected to set record revenues for the company. "This is a tremendous achievement for Branded Legacy, and we are proud to see our hard work paying off," said Jermain Strong, the CEO of Branded Legacy. "We have been committed to driving growth and profitability in the CBD industry, and our efforts are starting to pay dividends. The CBD industry is expected to continue its growth trajectory, and we are well-positioned to take advantage of this trend." Branded Legacy's subsidiaries have contributed significantly to the company's revenue growth. The company's acquisition of a CBD brand in early 2022 has proven to be a successful move, with the brand's products experiencing strong demand in the market. The company's other subsidiaries have also performed well, contributing to the overall revenue growth. "We have a clear strategy in place to continue our growth trajectory and further increase our market share," said Strong. "We will continue to seek out acquisition opportunities and invest in our subsidiaries to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed." Branded Legacy expects 2023 to be another record year for the company, with continued revenue growth and profitability. About Versatile Industries: Versatile Industries, LLC is an acquisition company used to incubate companies to eventually spin off into their own public vehicles. About Alpha Growers, LLC: Alpha Growers, LLC is a hemp farm in Newberry, FL. They grow and sell hemp flower, providing some of the highest quality plants in the industry. Its current operations are under Kamino Propagation and Research, LLC. Currently Alpha Growers has $320,000 in assets and is in contract to purchase the remaining assets of Kamino over the next few years. About Total Refinement Solutions, LLC: Total Refinement Solutions, LLC has developed no less than four potential standard operating procedures for extraction, refinement and synthesis of any given target alkaloid. It has secured inputs of raw plant material, crude extracts for refinement and a demand for the output. The Company currently has operational labware as assets. Safe Harbor Statement: The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by the use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, and various other factors beyond the Company's control. www.brandedlegacy.com (407) 337-0642 info@brandedlegacy.com Contact Details Branded Legacy, Inc. info@brandedlegacy.com

April 14, 2023 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

1 ... 81 82 83 84 85 ... 195