Digital Asset DirectSmall Business Week: Tech Tools
News Media Group, Inc.
Contact Details News Media Group, Inc. Karl Wayne +1 334-440-6397 karl@newsmg.com Company Website https://newsmg.com/
April 29, 2024 10:18 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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Digital Asset Direct
Digital Asset DirectFamily Tech Trends – Spring 2024
News Media Group, Inc.
Contact Details News Media Group, Inc. Karl Wayne +1 334-440-6397 karl@newsmg.com Company Website https://newsmg.com/
April 26, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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News ReleaseShareholder to Return to Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting One Year After Arrest in Omaha
NLPC
As the annual meeting for Berkshire Hathaway Inc. on May 4 in Omaha approaches, National Legal and Policy Center Chairman Peter Flaherty plans a return to the same stage where last year, while presenting NLPC’s shareholder proposal, Warren Buffett cut off his speech and Flaherty was arrested. Trumped-up charges against Flaherty were later dropped. NLPC has another proposal on Berkshire’s 2024 proxy statement and Flaherty is scheduled to speak on the measure for his allotted five minutes. The nonprofit corporate watchdog released a short video that briefly recounts last year’s incident and points out Mr. Buffett’s contradictory positions on how he manages shareholder meetings. The video may be found on NLPC’s website: https://nlpc.org/corporate-integrity-project/video-nlpc-returns-to-berkshire-hathaway-annual-meeting-one-year-after-chairmans-arrest/ The video highlights a past statement Mr. Buffett made to CNBC. Responding to an interviewer’s question about Berkshire allowing investors who attend the popular annual meeting to ask any question they want, Mr. Buffett responded, “We’ve got a partnership feeling toward the people who have given us their money, and we don’t screen ‘em, and they can ask whatever’s on their mind.” However, last year Mr. Buffett made an exception to that principle when Peter Flaherty – during his official remarks presenting NLPC’s shareholder proposal, which was on the meeting agenda – brought up Mr. Buffett’s relationship with billionaire Bill Gates, their shared philanthropic efforts, and Mr. Gates’s troubling relationship with deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. At that point, Flaherty’s microphone was silenced, and security and Omaha law enforcement forcibly walked him out of the arena and to a local police precinct, where he was arrested, booked, fingerprinted and held for about three hours. As NLPC argued last year in a report to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Berkshire’s identity is inextricably linked with Mr. Buffett’s. As such, his philanthropic activities and personal associations are fair targets for criticism, unlike those of nearly any other corporate Chairman/CEO. NLPC also filed a complaint with the SEC late last year over Berkshire’s inappropriate treatment of Flaherty at the meeting. “Warren Buffett boasts that shareholders can ask questions on any topic they desire, but I guess that doesn’t include questions about Bill Gates or Jeffrey Epstein,” Flaherty said. This year’s shareholder proposal addresses concerns about Berkshire’s risk vulnerabilities over the amount its sales and supply chain depend on China. Subsidiaries such as Duracell and Fruit of the Loom, and significant investments such as Apple and Coca-Cola, substantially depend on access to the communist nation. NLPC also filed a proxy memo with the SEC in support of this year’s proposal. The video released by NLPC concludes by wondering if Mr. Buffett will keep his word, and let all Berkshire investors say “whatever is on their mind.” For more information or to schedule an interview with Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Founded in 1991, the National Legal and Policy Center promotes ethics in public life through research, investigation, education and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org
April 24, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
News ReleaseToolsGroup Launches PromoAI, Revolutionary New Retail Promotions Optimization Solution
ToolsGroup
ToolsGroup, a global leader in retail and supply chain planning and optimization software, today announced the launch of their PromoAI Solution, a new promotions optimization solution in the greater JustEnough retail planning and execution suite. This solution allows retailers to maximize the sales lift created by promotions while minimizing margin sacrificed to do so. The PromoAI tool is built on ToolsGroup’s patented and award-winning pricing algorithm, and introduces additional features and planning workflows to build scenarios to optimize every aspect of promotions. With the PromoAI solution, retailers can instantly simulate the impact of multiple promotional strategies at once to choose the best outcome for their business priorities. This new solution empowers retailers to ensure that every promotion delivers on promised returns—something critical to profitability, especially with working capital invested in inventory at a premium. “Promotions are often frustratingly inconsistent, sometimes delivering the expected sales, but other times eroding margin without sufficient returns. Being able to use PromoAI to optimize the critical elements of promotions, from the timing to the discounts will make a huge difference to our bottom line,” said Elisabetta Urbani, Merchandising Manager at Conbipel, an early adopter of the PromoAI solution. Core Benefits of PromoAI: 360-degree promotional optimization An end to the deadly cycle of ever-increasing promotions Streamlined processes and less manual labor Growth in brand value Delight customers and drive loyalty “With PromoAI, retailers no longer have to worry about their promotions strategy being a net negative on GMROI. With this prescriptive AI solution, it’s easy to tailor promotions to appeal to the unique customer base of each channel and ultimately maximize profits,” said Pierre Custeau, Chief Product and Technology Officer at ToolsGroup. ToolsGroup PromoAI Solution is an integral part of JustEnough solution that has long delivered unparalleled value and results to retailers around the world. With over 400 customers optimizing inventory with its solutions, ToolsGroup enables intelligent real-time decision-making that transforms retail planning and execution. Current pricing customers report a 6% average growth in revenue and 15% growth in volume. We’re excited to talk to you about our new PromoAI solution. If you’re in London this week at the Retail Technology Show, come talk to us about it at ToolsGroup’s Booth: 6B68. Interested in how ToolsGroup can help you maximize your GMROI through more profitable promotions? Read more HERE. About ToolsGroup ToolsGroup’s innovative AI-powered solutions enable retailers, distributors, and manufacturers to navigate through supply chain uncertainty. Our retail and supply chain planning suites empower a new level of fast, intelligent decision-making and unlock powerful business improvements in forecast accuracy, service levels, and inventory – delighting customers and achieving financial and sustainability KPIs. Stay in touch with ToolsGroup on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, or visit www.toolsgroup.com. Contact Details Meir Kahtan +1 917-864-0800 mkahtan@rcn.com Company Website https://www.toolsgroup.com
April 24, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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News ReleaseSIGMA Launches Interchangeable Lenses for Canon RF Mount System
SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA
SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki) is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of interchangeable lenses for Canon RF Mount system. This addition allows users to enjoy high performance, and high quality SIGMA lenses in native mount on their Canon RF Mount system. [Lineup] For detailed product information, please refer to the link below. < Launch in July, 2024 > SIGMA 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary Petal Type Lens Hood (LH582-02) supplied Product information： https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/c021_18_50_28/ < Launch in fall of 2024 and onwards > SIGMA 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary Push-on Petal Type Lens Hood (LH706-02) supplied Product information： https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/c023_10_18_28/ SIGMA 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary Petal Type Lens Hood (LH716-01) supplied Product information： https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/c017_16_14/ SIGMA 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary Petal Type Lens Hood (LH554-01) supplied Product information： https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/c023_23_14/ SIGMA 30mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary Lens Hood (LH586-01) supplied Product information： https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/c016_30_14/ SIGMA 56mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary Lens Hood (LH582-01) supplied Product information： https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/c018_56_14/ * These products are developed, manufactured and sold under license from Canon Inc. [Main specifications and features] Control algorithm including AF drive and communication speed optimization has been developed specifically for Canon RF Mount interchangeable lenses. In addition to realizing high-speed AF, the lens also supports AF-C (Continuous AF), in-camera aberration correction* and in-camera image stabilization. The mount is rubber-sealed to cater for use in a variety of environments. * Available on supported cameras only. Download Product Images: https://sigmaphoto.canto.com/b/KD3FM [Contact] For US press inquiries, please contact Jack Howard: SIGMA.pr@sigmaphoto.com For further information outside the US, please contact your local authorized SIGMA Service Station listed at the link below: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/corporate/world-network/ [Information] SIGMA Corporation｜ https://www.sigma-global.com/ Contact Details Jack Howard +1 631-201-7381 sigma.pr@sigmaphoto.com Company Website https://www.sigmaphoto.com/
April 23, 2024 12:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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News ReleaseToolsGroup Reimagines Supply Chain Decisions: Unveiling Decision Hub and GenAI-Assisted Planning at Hannover Messe
ToolsGroup
ToolsGroup, a global leader in supply chain planning software, is set to unveil its latest innovations in decision-centric planning at Hannover Messe. As a pioneer in adopting AI-driven solutions that enable supply chain executives to navigate uncertainty, ToolsGroup has long been on the cutting edge, enabling smarter, faster decisions that drive profit. With the release of Decision Hub, ToolsGroup now makes continuous, collaborative and asynchronous decision-making in response to supply chain volatility simple. Supply chain leaders face unprecedented and increasing supply chain disruptions. They need a more effective and efficient way to evaluate options, mitigate risks, and exploit opportunities as situations arise. Decision Hub transforms traditional supply chain decision-making by bringing together the right stakeholders at the right time, armed with the right information to make better decisions faster. Rather than struggling to find a time for a meeting or collaborating piecemeal in chats and a rapidly expanding email thread to make delayed decisions informed by outdated and cobbled-together data, supply chain executives can leverage Decision Hub to collaborate asynchronously in a virtual situation room, run multiple scenarios, evaluate potential impacts, and decide on the most profitable response. ToolsGroup is revolutionizing customer productivity and value delivery through GenAI, reshaping the user experience within the SO99+ suite. This cutting-edge chatbot, integrated as a beta solution, integrates Microsoft AI Services, including Azure OpenAI Service in addition to Azure Kubernetes Service to offer unprecedented visibility into ToolsGroup’s proprietary engines’ autonomous decisions. Available for testing at Hannover Messe, it allows users to harness Natural Language Processing to interact with the solution effortlessly. This ensures seamless alignment with business objectives and facilitates critical decision-making. As the feature evolves, users will effectively have an SO99+ expert at their fingertips. These innovations lay the groundwork for ToolsGroup’s vision of decision-centric planning. "Today, data latency, poor collaboration, and rigid decision-making processes all work against companies trying to make the right decisions in the face of uncertainty. Supply chain leaders must collaborate seamlessly and respond in real-time to critical events, adapting production and distribution plans to changes in demand and supply. Decision Hub reimagines this process, innovating decision collaboration for the speed of today’s supply chain,” said Robert Kaufholz, Senior VP of Product Management at ToolsGroup. “We are thrilled to unveil our latest innovations for true decision-centric planning with Microsoft at Hannover Messe. Together we are helping customers transform their businesses and are delivering impactful, human-centered solutions to the market.” Dominik Wee, Corporate Vice President, Manufacturing and Mobility at Microsoft added, “Microsoft AI capabilities provide ToolsGroup access to powerful language models, effortlessly tailored to specific tasks. This integration enables ToolsGroup to provide solutions that ensure seamless coordination between business goals and human-focused solutions.” Find out more about ToolsGroup’s solutions for manufacturing here. Join ToolsGroup at Hannover Messe to experience firsthand how Decision Hub and GenAI are reshaping the future of the supply chain - Find us in the Microsoft Booth, Hall 17 Stand G06, April 22-26. Book a meeting with our experts. About ToolsGroup ToolsGroup’s innovative AI-powered solutions enable retailers, distributors, and manufacturers to navigate through supply chain uncertainty. Our supply chain planning suites empower a new level of intelligent decision-making and unlock powerful business improvements in forecast accuracy, service levels, and inventory - delighting customers and achieving financial and ESG KPIs. Stay in touch with ToolsGroup on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, or visit www.toolsgroup.com. Contact Details Meir Kahtan +1 917-864-0800 mkahtan@rcn.com Company Website https://www.toolsgroup.com
April 18, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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News ReleaseComtex Launches Omnia: A Cutting-Edge News API Platform leveraging NLP and AI
Comtex
Comtex News Network, Inc (Comtex), a leading provider of news aggregation and distribution services to top firms in financial services, news publishing, syndication, and analytics, proudly announces the launch of its innovative API platform, Omnia. Omnia is a state-of-the-art API platform designed to revolutionize the way businesses access and utilize news content. Omnia empowers users with instant access to real-time streaming news, AI-generated article summaries, enhanced tagging and categorization based on NLP, advanced filtering, and access to an extensive catalog of curated news sources. Key Features of Omnia Include: Real-time Streaming News: Omnia provides real-time streaming news via websockets push and REST API for seamless integration into existing systems. Enhanced Tagging and Categorization: Leveraging AI and proprietary NLP-based algorithms, Omnia offers enhanced tagging and categorization of content, including press releases, earnings releases, product categories, and more. AI-Generated Article Summaries: Omnia utilizes AI to generate concise and searchable article summaries, enabling users to quickly grasp an article before reading it. Advanced Filtering: Omnia's advanced filtering capabilities allow users to customize their news feeds based on specific criteria, ensuring they receive only the most relevant content. Access to an extensive collection of curated, high-quality sources used by top companies in financial services, analytics, research and a broad range of industries. Omnia is designed for rapid integration and serves a variety of use cases, including training of LLMs, financial platforms, asset management, trading, academic research, legal research, market research, and much more. Commenting on the launch, Comtex CEO Kan Devnani said, "We are pleased to bring a flexible, state-of-the-art news platform with access to curated, premium news sources to market. Omnia is an extendable platform, combining AI with our rich experience applying NLP to news content. This will allow clients to derive more intelligence and insights from the news content we offer and help clients curate and identify the content most relevant to them. Comtex will use Omnia to deliver evolving analytics and insight to its users." Access to Omnia can be trialed by visiting https://www.comtex.com/api. Comtex encourages users to explore its features and capabilities. To learn more about Omnia and request a demo, please contact sales@comtex.com or visit https://www.comtex.com/api. About Comtex News Network, Inc (Comtex): Comtex News Network Inc (Comtex) is a leading provider of news aggregation services to top firms in financial services, news publishing, syndication, and analytics. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Comtex delivers comprehensive news solutions that empower businesses to make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition. Comtex also offers syndication services to content providers and platforms to generate traffic to online content. Contact Details Comtex News Network Media Relations sales@comtex.com
April 12, 2024 02:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time
News ReleaseSelect Sector SPDR ETFs: A Strategic Approach to Precision Investing and Customized Portfolios
Select Sector SPDR
In the dynamic world of investing, Exchange-Traded Funds ( ETFs ) have proved to be a powerful tool for investors seeking diversification, flexibility, and potentially a more sector-driven approach. Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer a focused approach to sector investing, enabling investors to specifically target sectors within the broader market. This method of investment strategy is designed to arm investors with greater control and flexibility over their portfolios. Select Sector SPDR ETFs segment the S&P 500 into 11 investable sectors, covering all broad market segments. They provide access to various industries, allowing investors to craft a diversified portfolio that aligns with their unique investment goals. This approach presents an excellent opportunity for both individual and institutional investors to effectively navigate the financial markets. Each ETF comprises well-known, large-cap companies from the S&P 500, ensuring broad exposure and diversification. The transparent nature of ETFs allows for daily disclosure of portfolio holdings and weightings, providing investors with visibility into their investments. The full lineup of Select Sector SPDR ETFs includes: Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC) Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY) Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) Financials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) Industrials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLB) Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) These ETFs provide flexible, transparent, and low-cost investment options to both retail and institutional investors. The flexibility offered by these ETFs empowers investors to make strategic adjustments in their portfolios as market conditions change. This flexibility, combined with the transparency of daily disclosure of portfolio holdings, allows investors to always be aware of where their money is invested. Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer a unique opportunity to invest in various sectors with precision and flexibility. They provide a simplified approach to sector investing, allowing investors to customize their portfolios to meet their specific investment objectives. DISCLAIMER: This is a work of research and should not be taken as investment or financial advice. Therefore, Select Sector SPDRs or the publisher is not liable for any decision made based on the publication. About the Company: Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer flexibility and customization opportunities. Many investors have similar outlooks, but no two are exactly alike. Select Sector SPDR ETFs let investors select the sectors that best meet their investment goals. DISCLOSURES The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 common stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. The index is heavily weighted toward stocks with large market capitalizations and represents approximately two-thirds of the total market value of all domestic common stocks. The S&P 500 Index figures do not reflect any fees, expenses or taxes. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, fees and expenses before investing. One may not invest directly in an index. Transparent ETFs provide daily disclosure of portfolio holdings and weightings All ETFs are subject to risk, including loss of principal. Sector ETF products are also subject to sector risk and nondiversification risk, which generally will result in greater price fluctuations than the overall market. Diversification does not eliminate risk. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus, which contains this and other information, call 1-866-SECTOR-ETF (732-8673) or visit www.sectorspdrs.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust. Media Contact: Company: Select Sector SPDRs Contact: Dan Dolan* Address: 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203 Country: United States Email: dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Website: https://www.sectorspdrs.com/ *Dan Dolan is a Registered Representative of ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is the distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust. SEL007439 EXP 5/31/24 Contact Details Dan Dolan +1 203-935-8103 dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Company Website https://www.sectorspdrs.com/
April 12, 2024 05:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
News Releasekevin. Triumphs with First Account-to-Account NFC iPhone Transaction
kevin.
New York, NY – In a groundbreaking event set to disrupt the in-store payment landscape, kevin., a pioneer in payment technology, has successfully conducted the first-ever account-to-account NFC transaction on an iPhone. Video of transaction: link In a financial world where convenience and security are paramount, kevin. has established a new pinnacle by executing the first non-Apple Pay account-to-account near-field communication (NFC) payment on an iPhone. This technological leap forward follows the European Commission’s pressure on Apple to democratize NFC access. It comes after years in which Apple's strict control over NFC technology in iOS devices had stifled third-party competition. Pavel Sokolovas, co-founder of kevin., articulates the magnitude of this moment: “Breaking through the final barriers of NFC payments on iOS devices represents a true watershed moment. We’re immensely proud to be the first to provide account-to-account transactions using Apple’s NFC, giving consumers the power to choose how they pay.” In January 2022, kevin. made waves by enabling this innovative payment method for Android users, a move lauded for its originality and drive towards an open payment ecosystem. Now, with regulatory changes in stride, kevin. swiftly attained authorization under Apple's NFC Entitlement Program and embarked on development in their controlled environment. Just six weeks following Apple's program launch, kevin. celebrated the successful execution of the experimental transaction in development mode, setting the stage for what could revolutionize Point of Sale (POS) interactions. Sokolovas outlined the technical journey: “We’ve been rigorously developing within Apple’s architectural framework. Our team worked tirelessly to integrate our kevin. technical solution within Apple host card emulation (HCE), including security standards, transaction validation and so much more to create a seamless experience allowing users transactions from within their banking or wallet apps.” The European Commission continues to monitor feedback from early developers like kevin. while anticipating the official commencement of broader NFC implementation. This scrutiny underscores the Commission's dedication to nurturing innovation and equitable competition in the mobile payment sphere. Looking ahead, the industry anticipates a surge in similar payment solutions following this initial success. kevin. has indeed set a dominant precedent, promising an open market where consumers are no longer limited by device-specific payment platforms — a fundamental reshaping of how transactions are conducted worldwide. kevin. is a visionary technology firm reshaping payment systems for tomorrow’s needs. From their global headquarters in Europe to the recent expansion into the bustling financial hub of Dubai, kevin.’s mission has been consistent: to offer reliable end-to-end technology and significant savings on transaction fees without changing the way people pay. The introduction of their multi-tenant, brand-agnostic payment acceptance network marks a significant shift for consumers and businesses alike, granting autonomy and value unimpeded by the constraints of legacy technology. Download: Kevin logo, image of Pavel Sokolovas and iOS transaction video: link About kevin. kevin. is a pioneering technology firm on a mission to revolutionize legacy payment systems. With a newly built infrastructure, kevin. makes transactions more efficient, secure, and convenient for both digital and physical sales. The company's multi-tenant payments acceptance network is white-label, brand-agnostic, and intermediary-free, offering partners complete control of their in-store payment processes. This empowers them to unlock greater value through new services, enhanced conversion rates, and strengthened customer loyalty. The kevin. network redefines international payments, ensuring a seamless, secure account-to-account NFC payment infrastructure for POS terminals worldwide. This innovation offers a 'tap and go' experience, compatible with both Android and iOS devices, making international payments as familiar as local ones. kevin. is backed by Accel, Eurazeo and other investors, including OTB Ventures, Speedinvest, Open Ocean, and Global Paytech Venture. Commitment to the Ecosystem kevin.'s goal is to empower all players in the payment ecosystem, including banks, digital wallets, retailers, and others. The company enables these entities to launch their own independent non-card schemes or to expand their services by connecting with an existing network on the kevin. platform. Contact Details NettResults Public Relations Nick Leighton +1 949-478-5880 nick.leighton@nettresultsLLC.com Company Website https://www.kevin.eu/
April 11, 2024 10:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time
