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U.S. Treasury Department's CDFI Fund Announces Fiscal Year 2023 NMTC Awards

New Markets Tax Credit Coalition

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's CDFI Fund announced the Calendar Year 2023 New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation awards last week. The CDFI Fund awarded $5 billion to 104 Community Development Entities (CDEs) headquartered in 35 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. "For more than two decades, the federal New Markets Tax Credit has been a unique and flexible community development tool, successfully attracting investment capital and boosting economic activity in low-income areas," said Bob Rapoza, spokesman for the NMTC Coalition. "In fact, the NMTC has leveraged an unprecedented level of investment to low-income communities—generating more than $135 billion in total capital investment through public-private partnerships that created more than 1.2 million jobs." The CDFI Fund estimates that the $1.2 billion in NMTC allocations (more than 20 percent) will be deployed to rural America, and at least 85 percent of the $5 billion total will go to severely distressed communities. The CDFI Fund indicated 196 CDEs applied for allocations for a total demand of $14.7 billion in tax credits. However, with 104 successful applications (53 percent) receiving $5 billion, the availability of credits continues to meet only a fraction of the true demand in communities across America. Established in 2000 in the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act (P.L.106-554), the New Markets Tax Credit is a bipartisan effort to stimulate investment and economic growth in low-income urban neighborhoods and rural communities. The NMTC provides a shallow federal tax credit of 39 percent, taken over seven years, for investments in census tracts where the individual poverty rate is at least 20 percent or where the median family income does not exceed 80 percent of the area median. Since its inception, the NMTC program has financed more than 8,500 projects, including nearly 3,000 community services and facilities, such as hospitals, schools, daycare centers, and non-profit service providers – all in areas that lacked access to quality facilities before the NMTC investments. At the end of 2020, Congress extended the Credit through 2025 at $5 billion in annual credit authority, the largest ever NMTC extension. Without congressional intervention, the program may expire, once again, in 2025. “During this Congress, leaders in both the U.S. Senate and House introduced the New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act, H.R. 2539 and S. 234, bipartisan legislation to make the NMTC a permanent part of the Internal Revenue Code,” added Rapoza. “Establishing permanence will provide certainty in delivering resources to low-income and marginalized communities, creating jobs, increasing economic opportunity and improving lives at a time when underserved communities face significant challenges. It’s time for the NMTC program, with its proven track record and its bipartisan, bicameral support, to become permanent.” For examples of how the NMTC is making an impact in each state, see the NMTC Coalition's Project Profile Database. The Coalition also released the 20th anniversary edition of its NMTC Progress Report on June 5 th, which documents the NMTC impact in Calendar Year 2023. The New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) was enacted in 2000 to stimulate private investment and economic growth in low-income urban neighborhoods and rural communities that lack access to the patient capital needed to support and grow businesses, create jobs, and sustain healthy local economies. Since its inception, the NMTC has generated more than one million jobs. Today, due to the NMTC, more than $135 billion is hard at work in underserved communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.NMTCCoalition.org. Contact Details Greg Wilson +1 571-239-7474 gregwilsonpr@gmail.com Company Website https://nmtccoalition.org/

September 24, 2024 02:19 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) an Interesting Option for Technology Investors

Select Sector SPDR

The Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) continues to be a cornerstone in the realm of technology investing, providing comprehensive coverage of the U.S. technology sector. This fund offers focused exposure for both individuals and institutions. Starting with components of the S&P 500 within the technology industry, XLK offers an efficient way to gain exposure to this dynamic sector. This ETF is carefully structured, featuring a roster of technology giants that have shown resilience. The fund's composition reflects substantial holdings in some of the most influential and innovative companies in the United States. Key Holdings* of the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) include: Apple (14.94%) Microsoft (13.94%) Nvidia (12.29%) Broadcom (4.52%) Oracle (3.02%) Salesforce (2.90%) Advanced Micro Devices (2.83%) Adobe (2.60%) Accenture (2.37%) Cisco (2.35%) These key holdings illustrate XLK ETF's significant market position, which mirrors the ongoing relevance and innovation within the technology sector. The fund manages total assets exceeding $69 billion, with an expense ratio of 0.09%**. This balanced portfolio approach allows investors to participate in the potential of the technology sector, leveraging the strength and stability of well-established companies. The XLK ETF continues to serve as a vital tool for those aiming to stay aligned with the technological advancements and economic impacts driven by these leading corporations. Moreover, the XLK fund has been a consistent choice for investors wanting to take part in the innovative edge of the tech industry. By maintaining substantial investments in high value tech companies, XLK is an excellent vehicle for its stakeholders to benefit from advancements in the sector. Investors seeking diversified exposure to the tech sector may find XLK's portfolio appealing. The Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund offers an opportunity to engage with a portfolio comprising these tech giants while ensuring diversification across various technology industries. 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. *Holdings, Weightings & Assets as of 9/23/24 subject to change **Ordinary brokerage fees apply 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. SEL007815 EXP 11/30/24 Contact Details Dan Dolan +1 203-935-8103 dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Company Website https://www.sectorspdrs.com/

September 24, 2024 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Taglich Brothers Maintains Speculative Buy Rating On Cosmos Health With $4 Price Target, Highlighting Potential Valuation Upside

Marel Corporation Ltd

By Marel Corp Cosmos Health ($COSM or 'Cosmos') is a global healthcare group that remains significantly undervalued by the market, despite strong execution and broad diversification across multiple sectors. The company boasts an innovative R&D division that leverages AI-driven drug repurposing, along with ownership of proprietary pharmaceutical and nutraceutical brands like Sky Premium Life. As a vertically integrated manufacturer of medicines, Cosmos is strategically positioned within the healthcare industry. Additionally, its logistics arm, CosmoFarm, distributes healthcare products to over 1,000 pharmacies, while its telehealth platform further strengthens the company’s presence in the evolving healthcare landscape. Despite the company generating nearly $60 million in annual revenue—expected to grow to $155.80 million by 2027, according to the company’s guidance for the 2024-2027 period—its market cap remains depressed at just around $20 million. The share price has dropped significantly over the past couple of years, despite notable progress on multiple fronts. Based on the guidance provided issued by the company, it expects to be highly profitable in the coming years, with EBITDA projected to reach nearly $30 million by 2027. Specifically, the company issued the following guidance: The anticipated achievements are expected to result from a combination of strategic initiatives, including a focus on higher-margin business segments, operational synergies, and enhanced cost efficiency. As highlighted by the company, the following key priorities could drive this growth: Expansion of Sky Premium Life's global footprint and product range, introducing new formulas, therapeutic areas, and customized offerings. This will be supported by strategic partnerships with exclusive distributors and digital channels. Global launch of C-Sept and C-Scrub, both of which possess significant market potential and face limited competition. Production is being scaled up, with additional products in the development pipeline. Expansion of generic pharmaceuticals across the EU and international markets, with a focus on advanced generics and innovative OTC products. Optimization of Contract Manufacturing Organization (CMO) operations, prioritizing high-demand medicines and competitive pricing strategies. Progress toward World Medical Organization (WMO) patent approval and completion of clinical trials for the CCX obesity pill by 2025, with commercialization anticipated in 2026. Driving organic growth by integrating the pharmacy distribution network to enhance efficiency and scalability. Corporate reorganization efforts, focusing on cost-cutting initiatives and optimizing asset and resource utilization through the integration of business units. These initiatives aim to propel the company forward while delivering sustained profitability and operational growth. Sharing the company’s optimistic outlook, Taglich Brothers recently published an updated research report on the company's common stock. Taglich maintains a Speculative Buy rating with a $4 price target, implying a nearly four-fold increase in the share price over the next 12 months. Taglich estimates that the company’s valuation should improve alongside revenue growth, which is expected to translate into operating profits and positive cash flow. Currently, Cosmos's price-to-sales multiple (0.3x) significantly trails the sector average of 2.4x for comparable companies in medical distribution and drug manufacturing, indicating a potential catch-up opportunity. Moving forward, investors are likely to assign a valuation multiple closer to industry norms. Even with a conservative approach, applying a lower-than-average price-to-sales multiple of 1.4x to the 2025 sales per share forecast of $3.86 supports the $4 price target, accounting for execution risks and potential warrant dilution. Recently, the company has rapidly secured distribution agreements for its proprietary Sky Premium Life brand across the GCC—including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—as well as in European markets like Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, and Czechia. It has even signed exclusivity agreements to distribute real-time mpox (formerly monkeypox) PCR tests as far as India. In summary, Cosmos Health is a company worth monitoring as it works to position itself for potential alignment with industry peers. Featured image sourced from Shutterstock Marel Corp is an investor in stocks, employing diverse strategies across sectors and company sizes. This post was authored by an external contributor and does not represent Benzinga's opinions and has not been edited for content. This contains sponsored content and is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details BDG Communications +44 20 7097 1653 info@bdgcommunications.com

September 24, 2024 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Blue Trust Selects Vident, Brightlight, and Mammoth Technology to Launch Revolutionary Faith-Based Private Investing Platform

Mammoth

Blue Trust selected Vident Asset Management (“Vident”) to build a new platform for Blue Trust advisors and clients that provides specialized due diligence and state-of-the-art technology. This platform is designed to provide a unique opportunity for advisors to offer their clients investments that align their financial goals with their faith and values. This first-of-its-kind platform is set to transform the landscape of private investing by offering a comprehensive, faith-driven approach. Brightlight and Mammoth Technology were invited to participate due to their capability of providing a highly curated catalog of private investment funds designed for Blue Trust clients on an innovative technology platform. Blue Trust Sought Due Diligence that Ensures a Faith-based Alignment of Values Due diligence on each private fund is performed by Brightlight, an industry leader in investment research and analysis. Brightlight is renowned for its ethical evaluation processes, ensuring that all investment opportunities meet the highest standards of impact-driven criteria. Its expertise provides an added layer of trust and integrity to the platform, making it a reliable choice for advisors when working with their clients to pursue aligning their money with their faith. Technology Powered by Mammoth Mammoth Technology brings cutting-edge technology and innovative processes, enabling seamless workflows and user experiences. The flexibility of its platform allows for a variety of funds to be offered through a unified experience while keeping the costs low for end investors and optimizing the process for the advisory firms that manage the investments. Mammoth works alongside each firm's tech stack to ensure accurate reporting and improve the confidence and scalability of allocating to private markets. Blue Trust advisors apply biblical wisdom and technical expertise Blue Trust, an Atlanta-based wealth management firm and trust company, oversees $59 billion in assets under advisement serving for more than 10,000 individuals and families. This endeavor with Vident, Brightlight, and Mammoth Technology underscores Blue Trust's commitment to offering clients innovative and values-aligned investment opportunities. “We are thrilled with this relationship, which empowers our advisors to better serve our clients that desire to more fully integrate their faith with their finances. This collaboration will enhance our ability to deliver exceptional investment opportunities with best-in-class service,” said Brian McClard, Chief Investment Officer of Blue Trust. A Platform for RIAs and Broker-Dealers The platform is designed for use by registered investment advisors (RIAs) and broker-dealers, providing them with access to a carefully curated catalog of private funds. Funds selected for the platform have undergone due diligence and are seamlessly integrated into a process tailored for advisors to guide client allocations. This process ensures that advisors remain at the center of transactions throughout the life of the investment, strengthening their client relationships and enhancing service delivery. A Unique Approach to Alternative Investing What sets this platform apart from other alternative investing platforms is Mammoth's ability to work with a wide range of fund managers while simultaneously creating a standardized, white-labeled process for advisors and their clients. This approach reduces the cost to end investors and allows advisors to scale the onboarding process, reducing not in good order (NIGO) errors and building trust with their clients. "It’s all about helping deepen the relationship between an advisor and their client. When a client completes a subscription agreement on Mammoth, they experience their advisor’s brand and guidance every step of the way," said Steve Zuschin, Chief Revenue Officer at Mammoth. Flexibility in Investment Structures Mammoth Technology offers flexible processes for private fund limited partner engagement or works with financial advisors and emerging fund managers to create special purpose vehicles that pool client assets. This flexibility allows advisors to tailor investment structures to meet the specific needs of their clients, further enhancing the platform's appeal and usability. The goal is to create an efficient path to allocating to private vehicles while keeping the cost to the end investor down. About Mammoth Technology Mammoth Technology is at the forefront of financial technology innovation, delivering cutting-edge solutions that streamline operations, enhance user experiences, and support the unique needs of advisors and their clients in the alternative investing space. Visit mammothtechnology.com for more information. About Vident Vident Asset Management (“Vident”) brings expert thinking, technical and operational capability, and seamless execution to a diverse set of partners so they can provide their clients with specialized exposure solutions. The cornerstones of Vident are its accumulated knowledge, technical and operational expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit centered around its people, capabilities, and long-standing relationships with what Vident believes are best-in-class service providers. About Blue Trust Blue Trust advisors apply biblical wisdom and technical expertise to help clients make wise financial decisions to experience clarity and confidence and leave a lasting legacy. With $59 billion assets under advisement and a nationwide network of 17 offices, we offer comprehensive financial services and objective advice to more than 10,000 clients across the wealth spectrum in all 50 states. (As of 6/30/24 and subject to change.) Contact Details For Mammoth Technology Steve Zuschin, Chief Revenue Officer steve@mammothtechnology.com Company Website https://mammothtechnology.com/

September 24, 2024 10:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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fpPathfinder Partners with MoneyTree Solutions to Create Knowledge Integration

Moneytree Software

fpPathfinder and Moneytree Solutions are excited to announce their Knowledge Integration partnership, bringing together their powerful tools to enhance the financial planning experience. As part of this strategic collaboration, Moneytree Solutions' robust financial planning tools will be seamlessly integrated with fpPathfinder’s comprehensive checklists, flowcharts, and summary guides. These guides are designed to help advisors feel confident navigating complex planning concepts, ensuring they can provide precise and personalized advice to their clients. The integration will exist in Moneytree’s new financial planning platform for Elite-package users. Elite is Moneytree’s most comprehensive package with both goal-based and cash-flow-based planning and a host of specialized planning tools that cover areas such as retirement distribution, tax planning, and estate planning. “Unlike a traditional data integration which shares data between two tech companies, we have created a Knowledge Integration with Moneytree to share information to help explain planning concepts to the advisor and their client,” said Michael Lecours, fpPathfinder co-founder. Patrick Spencer, Managing Director of Moneytree Solutions, added, “This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to give planners and advisors the engagement tools they need to build stronger client relationships founded on trust and understanding. fpPathfinder’s guides will provide users of the new Moneytree Elite platform with an invaluable resource to dig deeper into planning concepts and more easily help clients achieve their financial goals and lifestyle dreams.” This partnership underscores both companies' dedication to helping advisors look and feel smarter while providing thoughtful, comprehensive financial advice. About fpPathfinder fpPathfinder was founded in 2018 to bridge the gap between complexity and clarity using topical checklists, flowcharts, and summary guides. Our team is dedicated to helping advisors unravel the intricacies of financial planning concepts and translate them into actionable steps that you can implement with confidence. For more information about fpPathfinder, visit www.fpPathfinder.com. About Moneytree Solutions Founded in 1981, Moneytree has been developing financial planning solutions for over 40 years, and continuously refining their software to help advisors grow their firms and become the trusted advisor for their clients. For more information about Moneytree, visit www.moneytree.com. Contact Details For Moneytree Software Lisa Aldape laldape@vocatusllc.com Company Website https://moneytree.com/

September 24, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Green Lantern Solar Hires Site Acquisition Specialist to Support Company’s Expansion of Renewable Energy Projects

Green Lantern Solar

Green Lantern Solar, an innovative and trusted renewable energy developer, has announced the addition of Brian Pugmire as Site Acquisition Specialist. Pugmire, based in Boise, Idaho, will play a critical role in Green Lantern Solar’s site acquisition strategy. “Brian has unparalleled expertise in geographic information systems, which makes him an ideal addition to the team as we look to expand Green Lantern Solar’s footprint,” said Dave Carpenter, VP of Development and Chief Legal Officer at Green Lantern Solar. “Not only is he incredibly skilled, but Brian is also an incredibly cool guy, and we're excited to welcome someone of his caliber and character. With a fully virtual team, we can hire top talent from anywhere in the country, ensuring we have the best people in place for maximum success. We welcome Brian’s technical expertise to help us rapidly expand our sustainable solutions and continue to deliver innovative and impactful renewable energy projects.” Pugmire previously worked for Enel Green Power and Clenera, evaluating opportunities for wind and solar projects for development, and most recently served the Idaho Transportation Department, where he focused on geographic information systems (GIS), building, exploring and visualizing data for the state. “I’m excited to work with our partners and landowners to advance even more exemplary solar projects, especially where agrivoltaics or dual-use is possible,” said Pugmire. “I believe Green Lantern Solar has the right blend of innovation, experience, flexibility, and drive to be a major player in providing our communities with sustainable energy solutions.” About Green Lantern Solar Since 2011 Green Lantern Solar has advanced the development, construction and operation of more than 125 community solar projects and commercial solar solutions for municipal, education, healthcare and government entities. Green Lantern Solar works with landowners to revitalize and re-develop low-value sites such as brownfields, landfills, quarries/pits/extraction sites and other challenging real estate. For more information, visit www.greenlanternsolar.com on LinkedIn. Contact Details Leah Wilkinson +1 703-907-0010 leah@wilkinson.associates Company Website https://www.greenlanternsolar.com/

September 24, 2024 09:17 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Gordon Marketing Acquires SeniorHealthPro

AmeriLife

Gordon Marketing, a national, independent, and family-owned field marketing organization (FMO) and an affiliate of AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), announced today that it had acquired SeniorHealthPro Corporation (“SeniorHealthPro”), an independent marketing organization (IMO) and call center started by husband and wife team, Juan Carlos and Nohemi Mendez, focusing solely on Medicare Advantage products. Per the agreement, terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to partner up with Juan, Nohemi, and the team,” said Rebecca Gordon, president of Gordon Marketing. “Their continued passion for serving the Hispanic senior market is unparalleled. Not only are they incredibly successful, but they are also kind people with integrity and a passion for the business. We are stronger together, and our future looks very bright!” Motivated by the experience of caring for his parents and helping them navigate the complexities of Medicare, Juan Carlos launched his company to help other families gain the proper guidance to help their loved ones make essential healthcare and financial decisions. “Our company was born from the love of family and the passion for helping others understand their options when making important health and financial decisions,” said Juan Carlos Mendez, owner and president of SeniorHealthPro. “That passion grew, and as we welcomed more employees and partnered with more insurance companies, it became clear that the next level of growth required deeper integration and innovation. AmeriLife’s focus on culture, best-in-class business environment, and extensive customer-centric distribution network was the best choice for us in the market.” SeniorHealthPro has over 35 full-time employees and more than 60 agents licensed in nearly all 50 states, capturing leads through direct mail, social media, and radio advertising. With Gordon Marketing and AmeriLife, SeniorHealthPro will enjoy expanded access to tools and resources to boost its reach, productivity, and profitability. "Juan Carlos and Nohemi's commitment and drive for SeniorHealthPro’s success truly inspire us," said Scotty Elliott, Chief Distribution Officer of Health for AmeriLife. "This collaboration underscores the strength of our growing Health Distribution network, allowing us to support more diverse beneficiaries to secure their health insurance needs through exceptional dedication and customer service." ### About SeniorHealthPro Corporation Founded in 2008 by Juan Carlos Mendez and his wife, Nohemi Mendez, SeniorHealthPro is a leading health insurance agency based in Houston, TX. Inspired by his personal experience assisting his parents, Juan Carlos established the agency to empower seniors by providing clear understanding and access to Medicare benefits. SeniorHealthPro partners with numerous insurance companies across more than 30 states. With offices in Houston and Katy, TX, the company continues to grow, driven by its mission to offer expert guidance for seniors' health and financial decisions. For more information, please visit SeniorHealthPro.com About Gordon Marketing Founded in 1980 by Dick and Margaret Gordon, Gordon Marketing is an award-winning field marketing organization (FMO) committed to serving thousands of independent insurance agents nationwide. A third-generation, family-owned and operated company, Gordon Marketing specializes in senior-related health and life insurance products and offers a complete portfolio of annuity, Medicare Supplement, and Long-Term Care solutions. From Medicare Basics and Advanced Compliance to other in-depth learning and development opportunities, Gordon Marketing offers the best-in-class training agents need to stay in business and succeed in the ever-changing insurance industry. For more information, visit GordonMarketing.com. About AmeriLife AmeriLife’s strength is its mission: to provide insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. In doing so, AmeriLife has become recognized as the leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees across the United States. For over 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers through a distribution network of over 300,000 insurance agents, financial professionals, and over 100 marketing organizations and insurance agency locations nationwide. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact Details Jeff Maldonado media@amerilife.com Partnership Inquiries Patrick Nichols corporatedevelopment@amerilife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

September 24, 2024 09:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Vertical IQ Selected as NC State Master of Science in Analytics Practicum Sponsor

Vertical IQ

Vertical IQ, a leader in Industry Intelligence, is proud to announce its selection as a sponsor of the Master of Science in Analytics (MSA) Practicum at North Carolina State University’s Institute for Advanced Analytics. This partnership will connect NC State MSA students with Vertical IQ’s team to collaborate on a range of data-driven projects that will contribute to the company’s ongoing commitment to real-time data and the support of aspiring data professionals. Vertical IQ joins an impressive roster of 18 organizations sponsoring projects for the university’s MSA Class of 2025. As part of the collaboration, student teams will work with Vertical IQ to apply their advanced analytics skills to real-world challenges over the next eight months, all while gaining valuable hands-on experience in the Industry Intelligence space. The MSA practicum, a core component of the MSA program at NC State, challenges students to solve real-world problems for sponsor organizations, helping them to develop critical skills in analytics, data science, and teamwork. Since 2007, over 150 organizations have participated in the practicum, providing students with invaluable experience in tackling complex, data-driven challenges. “We are excited to support NC State’s MSA program and to provide students with the opportunity to collaborate on innovative projects that will ultimately benefit our Vertical IQ end users as well,” said Matt Redding, chief technology officer at Vertical IQ. “The practicum aligns perfectly with our mission to leverage data to empower businesses, and we’re thrilled to contribute to their professional development.” This marks Vertical IQ’s first sponsorship of the MSA practicum, and the collaboration will focus on projects that sync with the company’s data-centric approach, driving new insights and opportunities for growth within its platform. For more information on Vertical IQ or to request a demo, please visit https://verticaliq.com/demo/ ABOUT VERTICAL IQ Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., Vertical IQ is a nationally recognized leader in Industry Intelligence. Whether they’re pitching a local brewery or a national biotech company, successful sales, marketing and customer success teams use Vertical IQ to better understand a prospect’s or client’s business challenges before, during and after meetings. Covering more than 560 distinct industries, 3,400 local economies and more than 97 percent of the U.S. economy and Canada, Vertical IQ equips users with the confidence and credibility to make memorable first impressions and sustain enduring relationships. Contact Details Vertical IQ Jessica Teal +1 919-787-4600 jteal@verticaliq.com Company Website https://verticaliq.com/

September 24, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Independent Living And Safety: How LogicMark's Innovations Are Helping To Address The Needs Of An Aging America

Benzinga

By Gerelyn Terzo, Benzinga Check out LogicMark’s investment deck here. In America, more than 10,000 Baby Boomers reach the milestone age of 65 each day. By 2040, 25% of the American population will be over the age of 65. Meanwhile, senior citizens are choosing to live life independently more than ever before, a shift that has gained momentum in the wake of the pandemic. These days, nearly three-quarters (70%) of Americans shudder at the thought of being admitted into a nursing home, a Gallup poll revealed. Additionally, almost two-thirds of families would hesitate to admit a loved one to a nursing home facility. However, living independently introduces a host of other challenges that must be overcome. While emergency and safety needs have evolved over the past several decades, personal safety solutions often lag behind and don’t keep pace with modern technological standards. This has an impact on vulnerable communities, as well as the “sandwich generation” – many of whom are caring both for their own children as well as their aging parents. Why Seniors Are Vulnerable To Falling In reality, the leading cause of injury and death for senior citizens over the age of 65 is falling, and with more of the aging population living independently, the trend is only getting worse, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, of the roughly 58 million Americans age 65 or older, one in four report experiencing a fall, based on historical data from the CDC, a growing problem they admit can be prevented. Dr. Esiquio Casillas, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for the AltaMed Health Services Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, explained the cause, saying, “That’s because aging affects our muscle strength and flexibility, making it more challenging to maintain balance and stability. Older adults are also more likely to have chronic conditions that can affect their mobility, coordination and overall stability. Plus, age-related vision changes and hearing loss can make it harder to navigate and identify potential hazards.” Recognizing these concerns, LogicMark (NASDAQ: LGMK), with nearly two decades in the personal safety products market, has developed an entire suite of solutions, including personal emergency response systems (PERS), health communications devices and internet-of-things (IoT) technologies for a connected care platform. LogicMark says its technology harnesses data to identify risks while anticipating needs and protecting data privacy. It carries the potential to reverse a troubling and dangerous trend of death from accidental falls. Considering the growth that the senior medical alerts/PERS market is set to experience, with the market opportunity projected to reach $17.26 billion by 2028 – reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 10.6% – LogicMark could be strategically positioned to capitalize on this trend. LogicMark’s Business Evolution Since its founding in 2006, LogicMark has become a leader in personal safety. Early in its inception, the company relied heavily on reactive medical alert hardware, products that generated one-time revenue and were predominantly targeting the business-to-government (B2G) market, which LogicMark says it has not only penetrated but is strong in despite fierce barriers to entry. Since 2021, the company’s transformation has been in full gear, coinciding with the appointment of CEO Chia-Lin Simmons, who remains at the helm. LogicMark reports that it has since expanded from a one-time revenue model to one that includes recurring subscription revenue with a very good lifetime value. Its latest products exist in white-hot areas such as AI, software-as-a-service and mobile applications, while it has also broadened its reach to include business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) channels. The LogicMark ecosystem integrates proprietary AI and machine learning technologies, facilitating ongoing connectivity and scalability. How LogicMark’s Products Can Be A Lifeline In Distress LogicMark has no shortage of products and solutions from which senior citizens and others can choose that could serve as a lifeline in times of distress. While LogicMark offers numerous products and services, here are a couple that are uniquely fit for seniors: Freedom Alert Mini: The newest in its line of mobile medical alert devices, Freedom Alert Mini brings revolutionary technology to medical alert devices. 24/7 monitoring means this device will always reach help and ensure wearers receive critical assistance. Fall detection will alert emergency services even when the fallen can't speak. GPS location services allow caregivers to monitor device location at all times. Caregivers can set geofencing boundaries to receive alerts when those under their care may wander. The Care Village app provides ultimate reassurance as a hub for emergency alerts, device status and geofencing boundary management. Guardian Alert 911 Plus: Guardian Alert 911 Plus is a 4G LTE technology that gives wearers peace of mind to travel anywhere within range of a cellular network. An industry-leading battery life means Guardian Alert 911 Plus only needs to be charged every 3-6 months, based on battery monitoring settings. LogicMark brought two-way voice communication to medical alert device technology. Guardian Alert 911 Plus can be worn on a lanyard, in a belt clip or on a wrist strap. This device is a one-time purchase, requiring no monthly monitoring fees. Aster: For aging adults who have a cell phone and are not ready for a traditional medical alert device, LogicMark offers Aster, a personal safety app that connects directly to a monitoring service to ensure the user's safety. In an emergency, a swipe will immediately connect them to monitoring professionals who will stay on the line and dispatch emergency services to help. A press and hold will allow all aging adults to arm the app when they don't feel safe and call help when they release. The follow me feature allows users to schedule events or appointments that they would like a check-in after, to make sure they have left safely. The Bluetooth button can be clipped to a keychain or purse to call emergency services immediately when help is needed. Freedom Alert Plus: Freedom Alert Plus is an in-home, Wi-Fi-powered medical alert device. LogicMark reports that it is the first of its kind with a touch screen and fall detection, making the device the ultimate safety companion for around the home and yard. 24/7 monitoring means emergency professionals are always available to dispatch help when wearers need it. Care Village provides caregivers with peace of mind, knowing they will always receive alerts when their loved one needs assistance. They can monitor device battery life and Wi-Fi connection to make sure Freedom Alert Plus will connect to emergency services. The issues around personal safety and independence are not going to disappear by themselves. Investors who are interested in participating in this digitization of the personal safety market can check out LogicMark’s investment deck here. Featured photo by Oppo Find X5 Pro on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

September 24, 2024 08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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