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Renowned Family-Run Hospitality Group Takes Over Three Iconic Virginia Dining Destinations

Pack Brothers Hospitality

Pack Brothers Hospitality is thrilled to announce the expansion of its esteemed portfolio with the addition of three iconic dining establishments, bringing a new level of excellence and personal touch to Virginia’s vibrant culinary scene. The new additions—Decoys Seafood and Bennetts Creek Marina, Vintage Tavern, and River Stone Chophouse—promise to deliver memorable dining experiences, each with its own distinct flavor and atmosphere. A Legacy of Excellence in Hospitality As a family-run duo, Pack Brothers Hospitality has a proven track record of quality, attention to detail, hospitality, and being community-minded. Known for their exceptional restaurants and hotels across Virginia, the Pack Brothers have cultivated a reputation for delivering unforgettable experiences through meticulous attention to detail and a genuine passion for hospitality at properties like Smithfield Station in Smithfield, Virginia, and The Surry Seafood Company in Surry, Virginia. “We are excited to welcome Decoys Seafood, Vintage Tavern, and River Stone Chophouse into the Pack Brothers family,” said Randy Pack, Co-Founder of Pack Brothers Hospitality. “Each of these restaurants has a storied history and a loyal following, and we are honored to build on their success. Our mission is to preserve the unique character of these establishments while infusing them with our commitment to excellence and personal service.” Introducing The Newest Additions in Suffolk, Virginia DECOYS Seafood Restaurant and Bennetts Creek Marina Waterfront Restaurant, Blind Duck Tiki Bar, Bennetts Creek Marina, and Cottages on the Point Escape the hustle and head to Decoys, with its stunning views of Bennetts Creek. This restaurant specializes in an innovative menu that features a range of gourmet comfort foods, from artisanal burgers and hand-cut fries to creative seafood dishes and farm-fresh salads. With its on-site seafood restaurant, 60-slip marina, The Blind Duck Tiki Bar featuring live entertainment on the weekends on its deck, and four luxurious cottages for your overnight stay, Decoys has a warm, inviting ambiance and is set to become the go-to spot for both casual dining and special occasions. VINTAGE TAVERN Step into a restaurant with genuine character where great food is served without pretension. A place that welcomes guests with a relaxed atmosphere and surrounds them with rustic arts and crafts architecture such as exposed beams, Rumsford fireplaces in each dining room, and game trophies in the lounge. From the exhibition kitchen come signature dishes prepared by the culinary team, among them an appetizing Taste of Southern Goodness sampler of homemade biscuits, house-made sausages, shaved Virginia ham, deviled eggs, house-made spreads such as strawberry jam, and seasonal entrees like oven-baked flounder with herb-onion spoon bread and lemon brown butter sauce. Vintage Tavern just received its two-stem award from Wine Spectator, showcasing its deep commitment to wine. The menu is truly Seasonally Southern. RIVER STONE CHOPHOUSE The River Stone Chophouse is Coastal Virginia’s premier Chophouse featuring Steaks, Seafood, and Raw Bar. The only restaurant locally aging Hereford Beef and custom cutting our own steaks to delight every carnivore. Signature dishes include a 22 oz. Dry Aged Ribeye, aged in-house for 28 days, Deviled Crab Dip, and Live Maine Lobsters. A rotating selection of oysters, plus seasonal salads and sides, complete the dining experience. Exceptional service combined with a carefully selected Two Stem award-winning wine list makes dining at River Stone an unforgettable experience. The Arts and Crafts inspired space includes a stone fireplace, romantic booths, dramatic lighting, an oyster and raw bar, and a vibrant bar scene featuring Happy Hour every weekday. A separate bar menu offers more casual selections including a ½ lb burger, House Cut Fries, and a Philly Steak Spring Roll. Outside the bar, the stone patio with a fire pit offers a relaxing atmosphere for an after-dinner cocktail or to enjoy a fine cigar. The second floor offers four private rooms with exceptional audio-visual to accommodate all your meeting needs. A New Chapter for Virginia’s Culinary Scene The acquisition of these celebrated restaurants marks an exciting new chapter for Pack Brothers Hospitality. The Pack brothers' passion for creating outstanding dining experiences and their commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and service will ensure that Decoys Seafood and Bennetts Creek Marina, Vintage Tavern, and River Stone Chophouse continue to be beloved destinations for locals and visitors alike. “We look forward to the dedicated teams at each restaurant and working together to uphold the high standards that these establishments are known for,” said Randy Pack, Co-Founder of Pack Brothers Hospitality. “Our goal is to honor the legacy of these iconic restaurants while introducing new elements that will delight our guests and keep these venues at the forefront of Virginia’s dining scene.” Company Links: Website: Pack Brothers Hospitality Decoys | Instagram Bennetts Creek Marina Vintage Tavern | Instagram River Stone Chophouse | Instagram #PackBrothersHospitality #VirginiaDining #DecoysSeafood #BennettsCreekMarina #VintageTavern #RiverStoneChophouse #SuffolkVirginiaRestaurants #FamilyRunHospitality #CoastalVirginiaCuisine #GourmetComfortFoods #SeasonallySouthern #WineSpectatorAward #HerefordBeef #Chophouse #RawBar #FineDiningVirginia About Pack Brothers Hospitality Experience Exceptional Hospitality: Discover a realm where luxury intertwines with approachability and warmth, where every detail is meticulously crafted to exceed your expectations. Pack Brothers collection of properties offers a sanctuary for those seeking refinement and rejuvenation along the Virginia coastlines. At Pack Brothers Hospitality, hospitality is not just a service—it’s a passion. Our dedicated team is committed to anticipating your every need and ensuring that your experience with us is nothing short of exceptional. Pack Brothers Hospitality is a family-owned and operated company known for its exceptional restaurants and hotels across Coastal Virginia. With a focus on quality, innovation, and personalized service, Pack Brothers Hospitality has established a reputation for creating memorable experiences that reflect a deep passion for hospitality and community. Contact Details Pack Brothers Hospitaltiy Randy Pack +1 757-357-7700 randy.pack@packbrothershospitality.com Company Website https://www.packbrothershospitality.com/

August 01, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum to Open Voting by Mail Exhibition

National Postal Museum

Voting by mail did not start during the Covid-19 pandemic. It began in various forms during the Civil War when soldiers could not get home to vote and it picked up steam again during World War II for the same reason. Mail has been and continues to be a method for providing citizens with access to election information and materials. Today, every state has some form of voting by mail. The National Postal Museum’s exhibition “Voting by Mail: Civil War to Covid-19” explores the significant role of voting by mail in America’s democracy. Over time, legislation for both military and civilian voting using the mail has been shaped by events and politics with provisions added, removed and amended. On view Saturday, Aug. 24, through Feb. 23, 2025, “Voting by Mail” invites visitors to explore the changing logistical and political reasons for the various ways mail has been part of the election process, and how it continues to define where, when and how Americans vote in elections. Early methods for absentee voting that used the mail enabled military members to participate in elections when wartime deployments took them away from their polling precincts. The Civil War and World War II caused many states to temporarily establish or expand absentee voting for significant numbers of voters in the military. Allowances for civilians voting absentee grew in the early 20th century and in 1901 Kansas became the first state to permit voting by mail but limited this to railroad employees traveling for work. Since the 1980s, in addition to in-person voting, some jurisdictions, including eight states and the District of Columbia, have instituted all-mail voting with the automatic distribution of ballots to registered voters. The public health emergency of the Covid-19 pandemic brought about temporary procedures, new laws and debates over using the mail for voting. Objects on display focus on the early history of voting by mail in the U.S. and ways the mail is used in modern elections. A Civil War envelope for mailing soldiers’ votes on a tally sheet enabled deployed military service members to participate in the Ohio state election of 1864. World War II absentee voting materials developed for U.S. Armed Forces, including the design of a blank ballot allowed the government to distribute them before specific candidate names became available, thus accommodating weeks-long mailing time for U.S. forces overseas. Examples of modern election mail including an absentee ballot, an envelope for a mail-in ballot, an official election information guide, and notices announcing elections. “We are excited to present the role of mail in U.S. elections for government representatives serving the American public,” said Elliot Gruber, director of the museum. “The history of mail as an official conduit of election information and election voting materials has long been part of our nation’s history.” The exhibition is supported by public and exhibition programming, as well as educational resources for teachers. A special website makes available the stories, themes and historical artifacts presented in the exhibition. About the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum The National Postal Museum is devoted to presenting the colorful and engaging history of the nation's mail service and showcasing one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of stamps and philatelic material in the world. It is located at 2 Massachusetts Ave. N.E., Washington, D.C., across from Union Station. The museum is currently open Friday through Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information about the Smithsonian, call (202) 633-1000. Contact Details Smithsonian National Postal Museum Marty Emery +1 202-431-8963 emerym@si.edu Company Website https://postalmuseum.si.edu/

July 31, 2024 09:26 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Benchmark International Unveils the 2024 Global Technology, Media & Telecom Industry Report

Benchmark International

Benchmark International, the leading middle market mergers and acquisitions firm, announces the release of its 2024 Global Technology, Media & Telecom Industry Report. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the current landscape and future outlook for the technology, media, and telecom sectors, offering valuable insights for industry stakeholders. The report covers critical areas, including: Market Dynamics: A deep dive into the evolving trends within the technology, media, and telecom industries, including the impact of digital transformation and emerging technologies. Financial Performance: Examination of key financial metrics, investment patterns, and revenue growth across the TMT sectors. Innovation & Disruption: Analysis of the latest technological innovations driving change and disruption, from artificial intelligence and 5G to streaming services and digital advertising. Consumer Behavior: Insights into shifting consumer preferences and their implications for businesses within these industries. M&A Trends: A detailed exploration of mergers and acquisitions activity, highlighting key deals, strategic motivations, and future trends in the TMT space. Benchmark International's Technology, Media, and Telecom report is an indispensable tool for business leaders, investors, and industry analysts seeking to understand the forces shaping the future of these dynamic sectors. For more information and to access the full 2024 Global Technology, Media & Telecom Industry Report, please visit: https://www.benchmarkintl.com/insights/featured-content/2024-global-Technology-Media-Telecom-industry-report/ ABOUT BENCHMARK INTERNATIONAL: Benchmark International is a global M&A firm that provides business owners with creative, value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. Benchmark International has handled over $11 billion in transaction value across various industries from offices across the world. With decades of M&A experience, Benchmark International’s transaction teams have assisted business owners with achieving their objectives and ensuring the continued growth of their businesses. The firm has also been named the Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor and the Global M&A Network as well as the #1 Sell-side Exclusive Privately-held M&A Advisor in the World by Pitchbook and Refinitiv's Global League Tables. Contact Details Brittney Zoeller +1 813-898-2350 zoeller@benchmarkintl.com Company Website https://www.benchmarkintl.com/

July 30, 2024 11:14 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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BRIGHTSPEED LAUNCHES MYBUNDLE PLATFORM TO PROVIDE BRIGHTSPEED FIBER INTERNET CUSTOMERS WITH MORE TV CHOICE AND VALUE

MyBundle

MyBundle, the premier online platform connecting consumers, streaming services and broadband providers with tools to simplify streaming television, and Brightspeed, the nation’s fourth largest fiber broadband builder focused on empowering more homes with ultrafast, reliable internet, today announced they have entered into an agreement to provide content options to Brightspeed customers. Brightspeed has launched the MyBundle platform to give its Brightspeed Fiber Internet customers more choice and value through streaming in this era of changing video consumption. Brightspeed has deployed Find My Bundle, MyBundle’s critically acclaimed personalized recommendation tool to fiber internet service shoppers and customers. Brightspeed will also launch MyBundle’s suite of marketing tools and educational resources to help customers navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic streaming marketplace. Brightspeed Fiber Internet customers now also have access to a co-branded version of MyBundle’s recently launched mobile app. The Brightspeed MyBundle mobile app makes it easy for those already streaming to make the most of their streaming services through optimized content search and recommendations. “Our state-of-the-art multi-gig-speed fiber network has reached more than 1.2 million homes and businesses and counting, and now the launch of MyBundle will help more of those households transition from their current TV service provider to streaming with Brightspeed Fiber Internet,” said Brightspeed Vice President of Marketing Steve DeCaspers. “We tapped MyBundle for its depth and breadth of resources to help our customers across our 20-state footprint better navigate the ever-changing world of streaming and enable them to make a more seamless transition from traditional cable service to streaming channels.” MyBundle now partners with 250 broadband providers, serving more than 13 million households in the United States. “MyBundle is perfectly suited to work with broadband leaders serving a wide range of demographics and we are thrilled to share news of our launch with Brightspeed,” said MyBundle Co-Founder and CEO, Jason Cohen. “With 250 broadband partners, MyBundle is leading the way by helping broadband providers and streaming networks grow their businesses and educate and inform consumers on ways to optimize their video consumption. Find My Bundle and the new MyBundle mobile app are two of the vehicles MyBundle offers to increase value, and for most consumers, save lots of money compared to legacy pay TV.” More on Find My Bundle and The MyBundle Mobile App Find My Bundle is MyBundle’s free, easy-to-use personalized streaming TV recommendation engine that enables and streamlines the migration from traditional pay TV to streaming alternatives. Find My Bundle guides customers through a step-by-step process to specify all of their television needs, including live locals, news and sports, and then recommends the simplest, most affordable streaming alternative. The recently launched free MyBundle mobile app helps consumers build and maintain a list of movies and TV shows they want to watch, with synopses, ratings, trailers and “where to watch” all in one place. About MyBundle MyBundle is the industry-leading consumer and enterprise platform simplifying streaming TV. MyBundle’s free and easy-to-use tools help consumers discover and manage their streaming service subscriptions, watch free live TV, and find content to watch across their services. Incorporating more than 150 streaming services and partnering with 250 broadband providers serving more than 13 million customers and growing, the MyBundle platform helps consumers navigate the streaming video world and creates new growth opportunities for programmers and high-speed data distributors alike. About Brightspeed Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. and with assets and associated operations in 20 states, Brightspeed provides broadband and telecommunications services through a network platform capable of serving more than 6.5 million homes and businesses. Our more than 4,000 employees are committed to building a future where more communities benefit from a more connected life, deploying a state-of-the-art fiber network and a customer experience that makes being connected as simple as it should be. For more information please visit www.brightspeed.com. Contact Details Becker PR for MyBundle Eric Becker +1 303-638-3469 press@mybundle.tv Brightspeed Gene Rodriguez Miller, director, PR pr@brightspeed.com Company Website https://mybundle.tv/

July 25, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Over 25,000 Individuals Demand FCC Hearing on Petition to Deny FOX Affiliate Broadcast License

Media and Democracy Project

Today, the Media and Democracy Project (MAD) was backed by 25,532 concerned individuals demanding that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) hold a hearing to investigate whether FOX and its leadership violated long-standing FCC rules on the character required for broadcast licensees. The 611-page filing includes signatories from all fifty states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. It marks the one-year anniversary of MAD’s Petition to Deny the broadcast license renewal application for FOX Corporation-owned television station FOX 29 Philadelphia (WTXF). “Rarely does an FCC proceeding generate such a groundswell of public engagement, and we’re thrilled to have so many supporters joining our effort,” said Milo Vassallo, the executive director of MAD. “While FOX has peppered this proceeding with politicians and sports teams, we have dedicated our efforts to educating everyday Americans about the FCC’s role in determining whether FOX's leadership meets the character expected of a broadcast licensee.” The filing represents the views of concerned citizens joining MAD in demanding a hearing and according to the filing, “petitioning their government to investigate FOX, a greedy corporation that did incalculable harm when it actively sought to undermine the 2020 presidential election for the sake of its corporate profits.” They join a growing bipartisan chorus of former FCC officials, media veterans, and a noted First Amendment scholar supporting MAD’s petition. MAD’s Petition to Deny documents serious character and rule violations relating to WTXF’s parent corporation’s egregious conduct—spreading dangerous misinformation about the 2020 election all to protect the FOX media empire’s profits. The intentional distortion of news, authorized at the highest levels of FOX’s corporate structure, and fabricated by management and on-air personalities, represents a severe breach of the FCC’s policy on licensee character qualifications. Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch’s actions outlined in the court decision in Dominion v. FOX “shock the conscience.” The people deserve to know the full truth about FOX’s decisions, which showed discord in the 2020 election and contributed to the attack on our nation’s Capitol on January 6, 2021. In light of serious allegations of rule violations and concerns regarding character, on October 9, 2023, MAD filed a motion requesting the FCC to compel FOX to produce key nonpublic discovery from its various lawsuits to ensure full transparency and accountability for its actions. “Never in the history of the Commission has the agency been confronted with a license renewal applicant whose parent company was found by a court of law to have repeatedly presented false news,” said former FOX Broadcasting executive Preston Padden. “We are proud to be joined by so many in calling for a hearing and urge the Media Bureau to compel FOX to produce key discovery that has been withheld from the public.” It’s been nine months since the motion for discovery was filed, and outside opening the petition for Public Comment, the FCC has been silent. Today’s filing says this of the 25,532 individuals: “Petitioners have each volunteered their names in support of this effort because they believe that owning a broadcast station is more than a business—it is a public trust.” Now, it is more important than ever for the Commission to move swiftly to investigate and designate this matter for a hearing. To join this effort, visit foxpetition.com. The Media and Democracy Project: MAD is a non-partisan, all-volunteer, grassroots organization focused on strengthening a free and independent media in the public interest. MAD aims to improve our national discourse so that American voters can engage in informed decision-making. As part of that goal, MAD has an interest in the responsibility of journalists and media to report fully, accurately, and fairly on the electoral process and the outcome of elections. Additional information is available at www.MediaAndDemocracyProject.Org. To sign up for more information from The Media and Democracy Project, click here. Contact Details Raynor Ave. Aaron Alberico +1 202-744-0786 aalberico@raynoravenue.com Company Website https://www.mediaanddemocracyproject.org/

July 25, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

The Fastest Growing Entertainment Concept In The World Opens Today In Roseville, Minnesota!

Activate

Activate, the world’s first active gaming facility, and TikTok viral sensation, is thrilled to have opened its doors in Roseville, Minnesota today. Riding high on the wave of success from its openings in Chicago, New Jersey, Atlanta, Dallas, and Kansas City, Activate delivers an unparalleled entertainment experience that captivates gamers' imaginations everywhere. Activate Roseville, MN is located at 1955 County Road B2 W, Unit 10, Roseville, MN 55113, United States. Activate is reshaping the gaming frontier, spanning 12 sites across the United States and 14 across Canada, with its momentum only gaining. With a global community of over 2.6 million players, and a massive global social media following, this immersive experience merges state-of-the-art technology with heart-pounding challenges, delivering an adventure fueled by adrenaline. “Launching our interactive and immersive gaming universe in Roseville marks a pivotal moment as we step into the Minnesota market," said Adam Schmidt, Founder & CEO of Activate. "We're thrilled to invite locals into our world of high-octane, tech-infused adventures that seamlessly blend physical prowess with digital thrills. This debut signals our entry into a vibrant new arena, reaffirming our dedication to crafting unforgettable journeys.” With over 9,750 square feet of fun, Activate Roseville’s new state-of-the-art gaming facility welcomes all skill levels, encouraging players to explore and create their unique experiences. Through progress tracking via Activate’s high-tech electronic RFID wristbands, players can rack up points, level up, and earn prizes along the way. Here’s what to expect: Each game lasts 1-3 minutes, 10 different game rooms to conquer; with the full gaming experience lasting 75 minutes. Top gaming rooms include the TikTok viral sensation Mega Grid with 500+ multi-activated rainbow-colored tiles, blasting the beaming bullseye in a game called Strike, and feeling like a modern-day spy in the Laser room Wear activewear and indoor runners. When: Mon-Thurs: Sun-Thurs 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., Fri-Sat 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Where: 1955 County Road B2 W, Unit 10, Roseville, MN 55113, United States. Guests can sign up in groups of two to five players Additional Activate locations are set to open in 2024 across the United States in markets such as New York (Roosevelt Field), and Detroit, MI, along with internationally, including Dubai opening in the Fall, 2024 and launching in the UK in 2025. Activate operates over 30 locations across Canada, and the U.S. For a sneak peek into Activate’s dynamic gaming experience, click here. Join the Inner Circle to be the first to hear about new locations, behind-the-scenes information, deals, and more. Please find imagery assets here. Activate is the world’s first active gaming experience where players #EnterTheGame. Activate offers a unique blend of physical activity and gaming that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Each Activate location provides fun and interactive rooms for players to compete, earn stars and track achievements. With the global headquarters located in Winnipeg, Canada, Activate has grown to 30 locations across Canada, the U.S. and now the world! To join the active gaming movement, visit playactivate.com. Follow Activate on social media: Facebook: Activate Instagram: @activategames TikTok: @activategames Contact Details Jalila Singerff +1 613-614-6777 jalila@jiveprdigital.com Company Website https://playactivate.com

July 24, 2024 09:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time

BestGrowthStocks.Com Outlines Which Sectors and Companies Stand to Benefit Most from the AI Revolution Highlighting Serve Robotics

Serve Robotics Inc

Contact Details Media Source LLC Steve Macalbry +1 989-274-7778 editor@bestgrowthstocks.com

July 23, 2024 09:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Comcast NBCUniversal Teams Up with Exchange to Provide Service Members with Free Streaming of the Olympic Games Paris 2024

Comcast California

Once again, service members and honorably discharged Veterans worldwide will enjoy free access to NBCUniversal’s full coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, courtesy of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Comcast NBCUniversal. Military members will be able to stream all the action from Paris using their personal devices and computers through ShopMyExchange.com. The Paris Olympics take place July 26 to Aug. 11. More than 5,000 hours of the Paris Olympics will be available to U.S. service members and honorably discharged Veterans. Throughout the Games, the comprehensive offering features live competition across all 39 sports and all 329 medal events, top stories and moments, as well as live streams of select practice and warm-up sessions and extensive video content including event recaps, highlights, viral moments, interviews and more. “We value our relationship with Comcast NBCUniversal and are thrilled to once again be able to team with them to bring the Olympic Games to service members and their families, wherever they are called to serve,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “The Olympics are one of the biggest events in the world, and we’re excited to play a role in helping our military community cheer on Team USA.” “We’re thrilled to once again partner with The Exchange for the Olympic and The Paralympic Games in Paris. It’s our privilege to provide unprecedented access to this historic event to U.S. military service members and veterans, where the world's greatest athletes will compete against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.” – Mona Dexter, VP of Military & Veteran Affairs at Comcast NBCUniversal. Service members can access NBCUniversal’s coverage from their computers or personal devices by visiting NBCOlympics.com (desktop) and the NBC Sports App (U.S. only) and choosing the Exchange as their service provider. Because of content rights restrictions, an active ShopMyExchange.com account is required. OCONUS viewers must also be physically located on-installation at a military location with internet service through an authorized internet service provider to gain access. Authorized providers have partnered with the Exchange on technical solutions to allow streaming on U.S. military installations in OCONUS. They include: 101 GLOBAL, Allied Telesis, Americable, Babtel, Basefix, Boingo, DHI/TravelWiFi, DSN, LG Uplus, Mediatti Broadband, Solutions by STC, Telecom Italia, TKS and US Wicom. Additional information is available at https://www.shopmyexchange.com/fullpage/static-content/specialty-pages/olympics2024. For more information on how to watch NBCUniversal’s coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics, click here. -- 30 -- Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 54 th -largest retailer in the United States. 100% of Exchange earnings support military communities. In the last 10 years, your Exchange benefit has provided $3.7 billion in earnings that support the military community, including through contributions to critical military Quality-of-Life programs. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on X at https://x.com/ExchangePAO. ABOUT NBCUNIVERSAL NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our theme parks and consumer experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group, and have world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. ### About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on connectivity, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Adriana Arvizo +1 925-200-1919 Adriana_Arvizo@comcast.com Company Website https://california.comcast.com/

July 18, 2024 08:15 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Freelance jobs grow despite AI, finds new data from Freelancer.com

FREELANCER.COM

Freelancer.com (ASX: FLN), the world’s largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace by number of users and jobs posted, today released its quarterly Fast 50 Index for Q2 2024 based on data from 251,000 jobs posted to the platform. Computer Security (up 27.1% from 868 to 1,103 jobs) emerges as the fastest-growing freelance skill on Freelancer.com, based on job postings across more than 2,000 skill categories from April 1 to June 30, 2024. This trend in cybersecurity skills suggests more small-to-medium businesses are turning to freelancers for cyber security support, further backed by Network Administration (up 9.9%, from 1,229 to 1,351) also placing in the top 25 fastest growing jobs on the platform. The data also shows no negative impact on generative AI tools on freelance jobs, evident in the growth of Writing, Business Service, and Legal Skills seen in this quarter’s Fast 50 report, all of which were predicted to decrease with the rise in generative AI. PDF writing (up 26.7%, from 2,533 to 3,210) was the second fastest growing job, followed by third place being Microsoft Word (up 23.9%, from 3,368 to 4,173) projects which are also associated with content writing. Writing job Copy Typing came in at the 16th place, growing 11.6% (from 4,428 to 4,941). Legal jobs, which were expected to have been ‘at threat’ to AI, have also increased (up 12.0% from 1,138 to 1,274), as well as Legal Research (up 10.8% from 917 to 1,016). In addition to the index, Freelancer.com ’s annual AI survey, which surveyed more than 4,100 workers globally, investigated AI impact on income and the initial results are shedding light on earnings. When asked how the introduction of AI tools have impacted earnings, more than half of workers (52.5%) reveal they’re earning either the same or more. One fifth (19.2%) say that they’re earning a lot more since generative AI tools were introduced, while only one sixth (17.7%) admit to earning less. “AI is creating more jobs than it takes. While many critics continue to speculate which jobs will be made redundant with AI tools, the data shows that freelance jobs which are labeled as the ‘most at risk to AI disruption’ are in fact growing. The preliminary results from our AI survey also dispel the myth that freelancer are earning less since the introduction of generative AI as more three quarters of workers we surveyed are either earning the same or earning more, with a subset taking advantage of AI and earning a lot more.” said Matt Barrie, Chief Executive at Freelancer.com. Cybersecurity threats are on the rise across all organizations, but are particularly harmful for small-to-medium sized businesses (SMBs) which have little-to-no security expertise and usually minimal protection. As a result, businesses turned to freelancers for help. In 2Q24, Computer Security jobs ranked as the fastest growing skills (up 27%), indicating there has been an uptick in cyber security threats targeting SMBs. Many of the projects posted throughout the quarter require help with network security, security assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities, and creation of cyber security response play books. General business services are also increasing on the platform as more employers are hiring freelancers to support their small businesses. A clear indication of this is the popularity of Market Research and Telemarketing jobs coming in as the fourth and fifth fastest growing skills in Q2 2024, up by 21.1% (from 1,525 to 1,859) and 19.4% (from 1,177 to 1,405), respectively. Other business related skills grew in Q2 2024, including Sales (up 15.5% from 3.467 to 4,005), Lead Generation (up 12.2% from 1,802 to 2,021) and Business Plans (up 10.9% from 1,197 to 1,328). A sudden increase in General business services means that many of the new businesses, which are usually started at the beginning of the year, now require further assistance in helping grow and scale their business. Fastest Falling Skills for Q2 2024 The main category of jobs that fell in Q2 2024 was eCommerce related jobs, which saw a significant increase in Q1 2024. Shopify Templates, ranked as the fastest falling skill and was down by 13% (from 1,476 to 1,284). CSS, which is commonly used in website development, was also down (11.8% from 9.486 to 8,368). Both WooCommerce (from 1.072 to 952) and Shopify (2,545 to 2,269) also fell in the quarter. The easing of eCommerce jobs in this quarter was mainly due to seasonality. Typically, entrepreneurs will start a business at the beginning of the year, requiring help to set up their websites or eCommerce platforms. From there, the entrepreneur either pivots to hiring freelancers for other business services, such as sales or research which we’ve seen in Q2 2024 fastest growing jobs, or are equipped with enough to run their business without any further help. Fastest Growing Overall Job The most popular online freelancing job by total volume is currently Graphic Design with almost double the amount of projects than the other top skills. Graphic Design is followed by PHP (programming), Photoshop, Website Design and HTML (programming). These are typically the best skills for any new freelancer to focus on initially when starting their freelancing journey. How Electronic Repairs Are Becoming the Fastest Growing Skill Globally Electronic Repairs has emerged as one of the fastest-growing job categories on the platform over the past year. In Q2 2024, it ranked 19th among the top 25 fastest-growing jobs, with a 10.7% increase (from 14,945 to 16,548 jobs). However, its most impressive growth is evident in the year-over-year comparison, where Electronic Repairs jobs surged by 162%, from 6,315 in Q2 2023 to 16,548 in Q2 2024. Electronic Repairs are in-person jobs where freelancers are deployed across select countries and cities to fix laptops, printers and computer hardware as part of the Freelancer Global Fleet Program. ##### Freelancer.com Fast 50 The Freelancer.com Fast 50 index is the world’s largest forward indicator of trends in online jobs related to industries, technologies, products, and companies. The data is based on 251,000 jobs posted to the Freelancer.com platform between 1st April to 30th June 2024. Data: Fast 50 Quarterly Index – Q2 2024 2023 Q2 v 2024 Q2 Fastest Growing Jobs for Q2 2024 Fastest Falling Jobs for Q2 2024 About Freelancer Twelve-time Webby award-winning Freelancer.com is the world’s largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace by total number of users and projects posted. More than 74 million registered users have posted over 23.8 million projects and contests to date in over 2,000 areas as diverse as website development, logo design, marketing, copywriting, astrophysics, aerospace engineering and manufacturing. Freelancer owns Escrow.com and Loadshift. Freelancer Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ticker ASX:FLN and is quoted on OTCQX Best Market under the ticker FLNCF. Contact Details Freelancer.com Marko Zitko +1 650-800-6863 mzitko@freelancer.com

July 18, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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