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Media Contact

Sara Schiffer
team@proof-pr.com

Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust (“the Trust”) announced today that it will host a live conference call on Monday, March 11, 2024 at 12:00 pm Eastern Time. Members of the Trust’s management team will discuss its recent financial and operating results as reflected in the Trust’s monthly report for the period ended February 29, 2024, and Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2023, both of which are expected to be filed prior to the call. The conference call will include a question and answer (Q&A) session.

Conference Call Details

• Date: Monday, March 11, 2024
• Time: 11:00 am CDT | 12:00 pm EDT
• Dial-in: U.S. & Canada Toll Free: (877) 841-2983 or International (215) 268-9893
• Webcast: www.ctltrust.net via the Investor Relations Section or click here to access
• Replay (available for 30 days): U.S. & Canada Toll Free: (877) 660-6853 / International: (201) 612-7415
• Conference ID #: 13745042

Telephone replays will be made available approximately 3 hours after the conference end time. Participants will be required to state their name and company upon accessing the replay.

Additional information, including the Trust’s Monthly and Quarterly Reports, as well as other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) can be accessed via the Trust’s website at www.ctltrust.net.

About Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust

Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust (the “Trust”) was established to acquire 160 retail properties and 6 warehouse distribution centers (the “Properties”) from J.C. Penney as part of its Chapter 11 plan of reorganization. The Trust’s operations consist solely of owning, leasing and selling the Properties. The Trust’s objective is to sell the Properties to third-party purchasers as promptly as practicable. The Trustee of the trust is GLAS Trust Company LLC. The Trust is externally managed by an affiliate of Hilco Real Estate LLC. The Trust is intended to be treated, for tax purposes, as a liquidating trust within the meaning of United States Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-4(d). For more information, please visit https://www.ctltrust.net.

Forward Looking Statement

This news release contains certain “forward-looking statements”. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “our vision,” “plan,” “potential,” “preliminary,” “predict,” “should,” “will,” or “would” or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology and include, but are not limited to, the Trust’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events and stock price performance. The Trust has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While the Trust believes these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond its control. These factors, including those discussed in the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), may cause its actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, please refer to the Trust’s filings with the SEC that are available at www.sec.gov. The Trust cautions you that the list of important factors included in the Trust’s SEC filings may not contain all of the material factors that are important to you. In addition, in light of these risks and uncertainties, the matters referred to in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release may not in fact occur. The Trust undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.

Media Contact

Jessica Cummins, Investor Relations

+1 847-313-4755

jcummins@hilcoglobal.com

Media Contact

Jessica Cummins
jcummins@hilcoglobal.com

Benchmark is pleased to announce the transaction between GloveIt, LLC and Ruscan Chem Inc. The transaction represents a strategic, vertical expansion for the Ruscan Chem team.

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, GloveIt was established in 2002 by Managing Member and CEO, Karen Gleason. The company is a designer, e-commerce retailer, wholesaler, and international fashion-forward women’s sports accessories distributor. They focus on women’s golf, tennis, and pickleball products and maintain relationships with big box stores, including PGA Tour superstore, Golf Galaxy, and Worldwide Golf.

“The entire Benchmark International team was an absolute pleasure to work with. Throughout the process, they were always available to walk me through each step, and I felt extremely confident in their ability to complete the sale. Emilia was outstanding to work with! I would highly recommend this professional, competent, and thorough group to work with to sell any business.” —Karen Gleason, Managing Member and CEO of GloveIt

based in Ontario, Canada, Ruscan Chem is a CPG distributor, utilizing e-commerce retail to distribute its current product base to over 10 countries worldwide. The acquisition of GloveIt is a valuable addition to their existing portfolio, consisting of products falling into the categories of health, wellness, sports equipment, accessories, and gear.

Benchmark International brought several buyers to the table for this opportunity. Multiple offers were received for the seller’s review, ultimately resulting in an offer that the seller could not refuse and one that she was excited to move forward with, not only for the offer itself but for the growth potential it offers to the company.

“Working with Karen and her team to complete this transaction was such a joy. We wish her the best in the future and are excited to see GloveIt and Ruscan Chem continue to grow together.” —Emilia Muniz, Senior Transaction Associate

Americas: Sam Smoot at +1 (813) 898 2350 / Smoot@BenchmarkIntl.com

Europe: Michael Lawrie at +44 (0) 161 359 4400 / Lawrie@BenchmarkIntl.com

Africa: Anthony McCardle at +27 21 300 2055 / McCardle@BenchmarkIntl.com

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.

Media Contact

Brittney Zoeller

+1 813-898-2350

zoeller@benchmarkintl.com

Media Contact

Brittney Zoeller
zoeller@benchmarkintl.com

1. Human-led AI methodology that draws subject matter expertise and tacit knowledge from users, infusing each sentence with key insights. 
2. Narrative algorithms that are proven to spark buy-in for innovative products, ideas, processes, and methodologies.
3. A user-friendly interface facilitates editing and collaboration for content teams.
4. Developed by PhDs in scientific and technical writing with over a decade of experience crafting mission-critical white papers for fast-growth startups and Fortune 1000 brands.

Media Contact

Kate Greulich
kate@narratize.com

Media Contact

Graceann Bennett
g@agholywater.com

ATFX proudly announces the appointment of Drew Niv, a distinguished pioneer and thought leader in the FX industry, as its Chief Strategy Officer. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Drew Niv brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role at ATFX.

Drew Niv is widely recognized for his pivotal role in co-founding FXCM in 1999 and serving as its CEO for 19 years. During his tenure, he fostered strategic partnerships with institutional clients, including major hedge funds, prominent banks, and renowned financial institutions worldwide. His visionary leadership has left an indelible mark on the FX industry, with notable contributions to groundbreaking initiatives such as the development of FastMatch in collaboration with Credit Suisse and the establishment of Grid Sight as a forerunner in Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence for analysing and predicting price movements in CFD prices.

In his new capacity as Chief Strategy Officer at ATFX, Drew Niv will report directly to Joe Li, Chairman of ATFX Group. Joe Li expressed his enthusiasm for Drew Niv’s appointment, stating:

“We are delighted to welcome Drew Niv to the ATFX team. His extensive experience and strategic insights will be invaluable as we chart the course for our future growth and development. With Drew Niv on board, we are poised to revolutionize the landscape of financial services. His wealth of experience and strategic insights will play a crucial role in guiding our efforts to introduce groundbreaking financial products and advanced tools into the existing ATFX ecosystem. Moreover, Drew’s expertise will be instrumental in forming strategic partnerships that will drive our commitment to delivering unparalleled services that cater to the dynamic requirements of individual and institutional customers globally.”

ATFX’s commitment to innovation is evident in its track record of introducing pioneering technologies such as applying blockchain technologies in loyalty program, and AI-based solution in e-KYC workflows. These advancements reflect ATFX’s proactive approach to staying at the forefront of the industry and commitment to empower traders by enhance their trading experiences.

Drew Niv’s appointment comes as part of ATFX’s broader strategy to onboard elite professionals and expand its global footprint. Recent appointments include Linton White as Regional Head for ATFX Africa, Hormoz Faryar as Managing Director of Institutional Sales and Aditya Singh as the new Business Development Director International at ATFX MENA respectively. By recruiting highly experienced professionals like Drew Niv and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, ATFX is poised to achieve long-term success and solidify its position as a dominant player in the global financial marketplace.

About ATFX

ATFX is a globally leading fintech broker, holding licenses in multiple countries, including the UK's FCA, Cyprus's CySEC, UAE's SCA, Australia's ASIC, and South Africa's FSCA. With a strong presence in Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, APAC, and South Africa, ATFX is committed to delivering exceptional trading experiences to clients worldwide. The company prioritizes customer satisfaction, innovative technology, and strict regulatory compliance, positioning it as one of the top choices for traders seeking reliable and sophisticated trading solutions.

For further information on ATFX, please visit: https://www.atfx.com

Contact Details

Weems Chan

sales.uk@atfx.com

Media Contact

Weems Chan
sales.uk@atfx.com

Media Contact

Bernardita Calinao
bcalinao@walkspan.com

NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA) proudly unveils Brian Fielkow, safety expert and leader, as a keynote speaker for the upcoming NAFA 2024 Institute & Expo. The event, renowned as the premier gathering of fleet and mobility professionals, will take place from April 22-24 in San Antonio, TX.

Brian is an esteemed leader in safety-sensitive industries, and brings over thirty years of executive leadership experience, particularly in transportation and logistics, to the I&E stage. As the Executive Vice President of Risk Resources at Acrisure, Brian provides strategic guidance to select companies, drawing from his distinguished career dedicated to fostering robust safety cultures. His expertise has earned him accolades such as the Distinguished Service to Safety Award from the National Safety Council.

“NAFA is thrilled to welcome Brian Fielkow as a keynote speaker for our 2024 Institute & Expo,” said Bill Schankel, CAE, CEO of NAFA. “Brian’s wealth of experience in safety-sensitive industries and his commitment to cultivating safety cultures align perfectly with NAFA’s mission. His session promises to equip attendees with actionable strategies to enhance safety and drive success within their organizations.”

During his keynote address, titled "The Roadmap to Fleet Safety," Brian will share invaluable insights into cultivating a safety-driven environment within organizations. Attendees can expect to gain practical tools and concepts to instill a behavior-based culture of safety, enhancing accountability and operational excellence.

Brian’s session will delve into key topics such as distinguishing safety as a core value, the pivotal role of leadership in driving safety initiatives, and strategies for inclusive engagement across all levels of an organization. Attendees will also learn about deploying metrics, breaking down silos and fostering a "just culture" that prioritizes prevention.

I&E attracts thousands of fleet professionals from a variety of fields, including corporate, government, public safety, utility, education and more. The three-day conference offers a blend of education, impactful conversations, networking opportunities, and products and services from the industry’s leading suppliers. More information about the I&E schedule can be found here.

Prospective exhibitors are encouraged to secure their space early to ensure prime placement in the I&E Expo Hall. For more information about reserving an exhibit booth, please visit NAFA’s website. Sponsorship opportunities can be secured here. This year’s current sponsors include Bestpass Inc., FASTER Asset Solutions, Geotab, Holman, Legend Fleet Solutions, Merchants Fleet, Motive, Samsara, Shell Fleet Solutions, Stellantis, U.S. Bank Voyager, WEX and Wheels, Inc.

About NAFA Fleet Management Association

NAFA Fleet Management Association is the membership organization for professionals who manage the mobility requirements of vehicle fleets that include commercial, public safety, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes, and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for corporations, governments, universities, utility fleets, and law enforcement in North America and across the globe. NAFA’s members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance, repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 4.8 million vehicles that drive an estimated 84 billion miles each year. NAFA’s members control assets and services well above $122 billion each year.

For more information, please visit www.nafa.org, and communicate with NAFA on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

Media Contact

Keaveny Hewitt

+1 919-622-5276

khewitt@onwrdupwrd.com

Media Contact

Keaveny Hewitt
khewitt@onwrdupwrd.com

Entre Mujeres LIVE!, the acclaimed bilingual event series known for its commitment to empowering Latina entrepreneurs in the US, is thrilled to announce its latest innovation: The Compass Society. This new, exclusive membership community is tailored specifically for Latina entrepreneurs who are bilingual and seeking opportunities for growth, learning, and collaboration. The inaugural event for The Compass Society is set to offer an intimate learning experience for a limited group of 40 attendees, featuring workshops, networking, and a marketplace, all culminating in an exquisite brunch. This unique event will take place at the Serena Hotel in Aventura, aligning with Women’s History Month, and is proudly presented in partnership with Genesis Motor America.

Event Highlights:

• Date & Time: March 6, 2024, 10:30 AM – 2 PM ET
• Venue: SERENA Hotel Aventura, a distinguished Tapestry Collection hotel by Hilton

Featured Workshop: The premiere session, “Discover the Secret Path to Double Your Sales,” led by Solangelie Molina, a seasoned digital strategist and television producer, is designed specifically for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs. This workshop will delve into strategic sales planning, leadership, and overcoming growth-related challenges.

Networking Brunch: A delightful brunch awaits attendees, providing an ideal setting for building meaningful connections with fellow entrepreneurs.

Marketplace Showcase: Discover products and services from women-led businesses and new Compass Society members in a specially curated marketplace.

Why The Compass Society?

Entre Mujeres LIVE! is rooted in its mission to support immigrant women by offering a platform for resources and inspiration as they transition to life in the United States. The founders, Cristy Clavijo-Kish, Michelle Rodríguez-Tápanes, and Anabelle Blum, recognize the need for Latina entrepreneurs to develop critical business skills. The Compass Society’s custom programming focuses on in-depth topics with ample time for strategic networking and showcasing products at the marketplace.

“With approximately 5 million Latino/a-owned businesses in the U.S. generating over $800 billion annually, our community is experiencing significant growth,” the founders share. “The Compass Society aims to support this vibrant sector by providing at least three tailor-made workshops this year, alongside our annual conference. This initiative is a testament to our dedication to serving Latina entrepreneurs, particularly those who prefer to think and operate in Español.”

Secure Your Spot:

Availability is limited for this exclusive event. To secure your place and learn more about The Compass Society and its offerings, please visit entremujereslive.com.

Entre Mujeres LIVE! is not just an event; it’s a movement. Join us as we continue to empower Latina entrepreneurs, fostering a community of growth, learning, and success.

About Entre Mujeres LIVE!

The founders of Talento Unlimited– an award-winning, Latina-led boutique content marketing and talent management media company, partnered with Latina TV Host and expert lifestyle content creator Anabelle Blum to launch ENTRE MUJERES LIVE! in 2023 as a new venture producing dual-language events that allow attendees to Learn, Influence, Visualize, and Engage as a community through a curated agenda of conversation and educational moments. Following its successful, sold-out inaugural event in June and subsequent Wellness Luncheon in November, the trio is rapidly expanding new programming experiences and content campaigns under the Entre Mujeres LIVE! brand centered around crucial themes for Latina entrepreneurs and business managers.

For more information and sponsor partnership opportunities visit the event website at: https://entremujereslive.com or contact team@talentounlimited.com via email.

About Genesis Motor America

At Genesis, we put the customer at the center of every decision we make. Genesis is a global automotive brand that delivers the highest standards of performance, design, safety, and innovation while looking towards a more sustainable future. Genesis designs customer experiences that go beyond products, embodying audacious, forward-thinking, and distinctly Korean characteristics within its unique Athletic Elegance design identity. With a growing range of award-winning models—including G70, G80, and G90 sedans, along with GV60, GV70, and GV80 SUVs—Genesis aims to lead the age of electrification, starting with its Electrified G80, GV60, and Electrified GV70 models. Genesis has stated its commitment to becoming an all-electric vehicle brand by 2030 and to pursuing carbon neutrality by 2035. www.Genesis.com

Follow Genesis Motor America on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | YouTube

Media Contact

Cristy Clavijo-Kish

cristy@talentounlimited.com

Media Contact

Cristy Clavijo-Kish
cristy@talentounlimited.com

Ben Brunton, co-founder of Prestige Motorsports in San Antonio, is a prolific entrepreneur with multiple successful business ventures under his belt. Ben has an extensive background in business, specifically healthcare. He is a founding partner of Medical Facilities Holdings (MFH), PSN Affiliates, and, most recently, BE Enterprises, LLC.

Ben’s most recent venture, BE Enterprises, encompasses his and his business partner’s luxury lifestyle brands. Ben spends much of his time curating these unique lifestyle brands, ranging from luxury estate experiences with Edward Anthony Lifestyles, a bed and breakfast vineyard in Napa, Chateau De Vi, and most recently, opening a motorsports club and luxury car service, storage, and leasing business, Prestige Motorsports.

“Since childhood, I have had a massive passion for vehicles, cars, and motorsports. I saw a need in Texas, nationally, and globally with people like myself who have a car collection. These folks want to ensure each vehicle is serviced well, all while showing off their collection. This niche brings like-minded people together, and we saw an opportunity to create a country club-esque membership for people with this shared passion. That was the impetus for starting my storage and service facility. It allows me to enjoy my cars while giving back to the larger vehicle-loving community,” says Brunton.

At their state-of-the-art facility spanning 19,000 square feet in the northern part of San Antonio, members can enjoy a wide array of amenities. Provided by their in-house boutique dealership, car enthusiasts have the opportunity to purchase, sell, trade, or consign their vehicles. The members-only clubhouse boasts an opulent viewing lounge situated on a 3,000-square-foot mezzanine, complete with a full-service bar, large-screen TVs, a cutting-edge realistic Formula 1™ simulator, and more.

A range of services is offered to their members to ensure their vehicles remain in optimal condition. The Prestige Performance Shop, their official service and performance provider, can provide a spectrum of detailing services, from routine maintenance washes to comprehensive paint correction and ceramic coating. Also, the climate-controlled and secure storage facility presents an enticing and distinctive option for the storage needs of car collectors.

Moreover, members gain access to an array of social events, including Formula 1™ and other major sports viewing parties, poker nights, networking events, and more. Prestige Motorsports also holds exclusive access to Edward Anthony Lifestyles' property portfolio in Napa Valley. With every curated experience and event, the Prestige team takes care of every detail for an elevated excursion.

Prestige Motorsports continually hopes to expand its offerings for its members and strives to continue to give back to the San Antonio community. The team is highly focused on their commitment to customized customer services. Bruton hopes that Prestige Motorsports will leave a legacy and open up opportunities for community, partnership, and connections with shared vision and passions. He wants Prestige Motorsports to cultivate a place where people can connect and make memories.

About Prestige Motorsports

Prestige Motorsports is the premier automotive social club in the San Antonio area. Surround yourself with the most “prestigious” people and cars San Antonio has to offer. Our beautiful dealership, storage facility, and lounge are the ultimate places for motorsports enthusiasts and car lovers to enjoy. Whether you’re coming by to have a drink, enjoy the clubhouse, or network with our membership community—Prestige Motorsports has you covered. From drive days and watch parties to members-only events with special guests, we are more than just a show gallery for your vehicles. We are a group where you can connect and build friendships. With our full-service bar, state-of-the-art Formula simulator, and luxurious automotive-themed lounge, members are sure to enjoy their time at Prestige Motorsports.

Media Contact

Madison Baber

+1 210-213-2426

madison@rprfirm.com

Media Contact

Madison Baber
madison@rprfirm.com

AdvicePay, the leading platform for processing payments and overseeing compliance of fee-for-service financial planning so advisors can get paid for their advice, announced today that it has launched new integrations with eMoney, a leading provider of technology solutions that helps people talk about money, that will offer efficiencies for joint customers navigating between the two platforms.

With the integration, advisors can eliminate redundant tasks like logging in or creating client profiles in each platform. Advisors will also be able to send AdvicePay-generated documents, such as planning agreements or invoices, directly to their client’s eMoney vault, centralizing all important information related to their engagement with the advisor.

“As more and more financial advisors charge standalone fees for their financial planning services, existing AUM-based workflows for billing from portfolio management systems may not work anymore. Instead, as financial planning becomes the central value proposition, financial planning software like eMoney becomes the central hub for clients… and so it’s only natural that financial planning fee billing capabilities become more deeply integrated to financial planning software,” said AdvicePay co-founder Michael Kitces. “We view the eMoney partnership as a unique opportunity to join forces with another leader in this space. Together, we are building an entire fee-for-service planning ecosystem to help advisors capitalize on the growing demand from consumers to be able to simply pay one-time or ongoing subscription fees for the advice relationship they want.”

For AdvicePay and eMoney, the integration creates a natural synergy. The idea for the integration originated with AdvicePay clients, who expressed interest in having a tie-in between the two systems, and will be available to all eMoney advisors looking to begin charging financial planning fees (or to expedite their billing workflows if they already charge for financial plans.)

“We look forward to helping advisors simplify and streamline their workflow so they can more easily get paid fees for their value, and spend their time doing what matters most: working with their clients to plan for the future,” said Ricky Illigasch, VP, Product Management at eMoney Advisor.

In November, AdvicePay announced that it had completed its one-millionth transaction since its launch in 2018. Over the past two years, AdvicePay has experienced a 102% increase in advisors added to the platform and a 193% growth in transaction volume. In 2023, for the second straight year, AdvicePay was named one of America’s fastest-growing private companies on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list.

Want to know more?

Check out our blog post, “Introducing the eMoney and AdvicePay Integration” for more insights and how to get set up.

To learn more about the AdvicePay platform, head to www.AdvicePay.com.

About AdvicePay

Established by well-known financial advisors Michael Kitces and Alan Moore, AdvicePay is the industry-leading billing and payment workflow solution created specifically for fee-for-service financial planning. Financial services firms and their advisors benefit from efficient workflows designed exclusively to support their fee-for-service financial planning revenue, including up-to-date compliance and data security management, all in one unified platform.

Media Contact

Shannon Beck

406-412-2047

media@advicepay.com

Media Contact

Shannon Beck
media@advicepay.com

Cognia®, the leader in school improvement and evaluation, announced today that it is acquiring fellow nonprofit CenterPoint Education Solutions, which supports educators in their use of assessment and curriculum. This acquisition, which was approved by Cognia’s board of directors Tuesday, enables Cognia to expand its assessment program to offer curriculum-based assessments offered at multiple intervals during the year.

The new assessments and aligned professional learning offered by CenterPoint provide an alternative for state education agencies, districts, and schools that want something more than traditional large-scale summative assessments. The assessments used by most states today for accountability purposes are not designed to help improve teaching and learning because they are given at the end of the year and do not reflect the curriculum that has been taught.

Based in Washington, D.C., CenterPoint has an extensive K-12 assessment item bank in mathematics, English language arts, and science. “CenterPoint is one of the most highly regarded curriculum-based assessment providers,” said Dr. Mark A. Elgart, president and CEO of Cognia. “This acquisition allows Cognia to be competitive in an emerging market immediately—this will have a direct impact on our existing summative work.” Cognia now offers options for next-generation assessment of learning for students across K-12 with learning alignment between classroom instruction and student assessments that are aligned to state standards and meet accountability requirements.

“CenterPoint has an important resource in curriculum-based assessments that are of great value to schools, districts, and states,” said Sue Krause, interim CEO of Center Point. “Cognia has a vast network of schools, districts, and states that are committed to improvement and want their assessments to reflect what students are learning.”

CenterPoint works with schools, districts, and states to provide reliable curriculum-based assessments, high-quality academic services, and expert professional learning solutions. This acquisition primes Cognia for growth and expands what Cognia offers states and districts that are looking to improve and be more responsive to students, parents, and teachers.

“These are two like-minded, mission-driven organizations that together will develop opportunities for states to align assessment with curriculum, improve their accountability systems, and drive improvement,” said Laura Stover, managing director, ETS and former CEO of CenterPoint.

The acquisition expands Cognia Assessment Solutions from grades 3 to 8 in English language arts, mathematics, and science to a full complement of K-12 summative and interim curriculum-based assessment solutions. The important grant-funded work CenterPoint is doing in K-12 science assessment will continue. CenterPoint staff will become a part of Cognia to support the design and delivery of curriculum-based assessments, and professional learning training on assessment use and literacy. The acquisition is expected to be finalized by June 30, 2024. Cognia will assume responsibility for the operation of CenterPoint on July 1.

About CenterPoint

CenterPoint Education Solutions is a nonprofit organization that supports schools, districts, and states in designing and implementing aligned systems of high-quality curriculum, assessments, and professional learning that drive high achievement for all children.

About Cognia

Cognia® is a global, nonprofit improvement organization dedicated to helping schools and other education providers grow learners, teachers, and leaders. Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment, and professional services within a framework of continuous improvement. Serving 40,000 public and private institutions from early learning through high school in more than 90 countries, Cognia brings a global perspective to advancing teaching and learning. Find out more at cognia.org. The news release can be found on the website here.

Media Contact

Shep Ranbom

+1 202-365-4774

sranbom@communicationworks.com

Media Contact

Shep Ranbom
sranbom@communicationworks.com

The Backpack ecosystem of companies, creators of the Backpack wallet, the Mad Lads NFT collection, and Backpack Exchange, today announced the first joint closing of their $17 million strategic Series A round at a $120 million combined valuation. The round was led by Placeholder VC, with participation from a select group of other strategic investors including Hashed, Robot Ventures, Amber Group, Wintermute Ventures, Selini Capital, Delphi Digital, and founders of leading web3 ecosystems such as Solana, Tensor, Jito, Zeta, Marginfi, Drift, Monad, Galxe, and other influential supporters worldwide.

Armani Ferrante, CEO of Backpack commented on the news:

“The history of finance is littered with scandals, but Backpack is doing things differently. Over the past year, we’ve set the foundation to build a crypto-native financial institution, and with the conclusion of this round, with trust minimization and compliance as foundational principles, we begin a new chapter for ourselves and, hopefully, for the rest of the industry.”

The Backpack ecosystem comprises several products and services, including the popular Backpack noncustodial wallet, Backpack Exchange, a fully regulated global cryptocurrency exchange with industry-leading speed, security and functionalities, and Mad Lads, currently the top NFT community in the Solana ecosystem. Backpack is also the creator and developer of Anchor, the Solana smart contract framework, the executable NFT (xNFT) token standard, and others.

Backpack’s strategic fundraising was led by Placeholder VC. “We’ve been impressed with Backpack’s ability to not only deliver high-quality applications, but also build a strong community around their ecosystem,” said Joel Monegro, General Partner at Placeholder VC. “After building a relationship with the team over the past year, we’re convinced they have the skill, ambition and drive to create one of the most trustworthy global exchanges in the industry with a strong focus on performance, compliance, and auditability.”

“The Backpack team is an all-star team that really understands the community with a focus on building compliant services. Their ability to create the best user experience is top notch, and the synergies within their ecosystem are evidenced by their strong track record of user acquisition within the industry to date.” Baek Kim, General Partner at Hashed said. “We are very excited to work with the team and resonate deeply with their compliance standpoint in terms of being optimally regulated and entering the mainstream of the global financial infrastructure.”

The round also attracted strong interest from other leading web3 ecosystem players. “The Backpack team is a great example of what happens when crypto natives are also strong builders. They understand that crypto is not just the underlying technology, it is also the culture that forms around it,” said Evgeny Gaevoy, founder of Wintermute Ventures, one of the largest liquidity providers in digital assets, “For me, Backpack is having the success I would expect, when a team figures out the intersection of tech and culture. I’m excited to see them continue to grow.”

Backpack’s fundraising was applauded by the Solana ecosystem as well. “Backpack has not only pioneered exceptional products such as the Backpack Wallet but has also cultivated a remarkable community through the Mad Lads. Armani and the Backpack team have exemplified what it means to focus on great products and user experiences and iterate relentlessly,” said Anatoly Yakovenko, founder of Solana Labs, “Watching Backpack build a global exchange that stands out for its user experience and trustworthiness has been truly inspiring.”

About Backpack Wallet

Backpack Wallet is an all-in-one web3 app that functions as a noncustodial wallet, allowing users to buy, hold, sell, and transfer cryptocurrencies, as well as interact with xNFTs, a popular NFT standard that tokenizes applications. Backpack Wallet is also the creator of Mad Lads, the top NFT collection in the Solana ecosystem. For additional information on Backpack Wallet, visit https://www.backpack.app.

About Backpack Exchange

Backpack Exchange is a fully regulated global cryptocurrency exchange innovating to provide an exciting, fun, and easy-to-use trading platform for both experienced and new web3 users worldwide. For more information, visit backpack.exchange.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Backpack

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BackpackExchange

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/backpackexchange

Media Contact

Qimei Luo

press@backpack.exchange

Media Contact

Qimei Luo
press@backpack.exchange

Media Contact

Brayden Pierce
brayden@soundromeda.com

"Being part of this lunar legacy is an honor that transcends words, to have 'Capture the Moon' play among the stars is a dream realized."

"What's truly special about our work and this historic moment is our passion for sharing this incredible journey with the world, to foster unity, belief, and mutual respect. Through the Modernist collection's inclusive art, the MoonRider's celebration of collective contributions, and Capture the Moon's musical bridge to space, we aim to cultivate a sense of global connection. MOOON.PARTY transcends mere events—it's about crafting a lasting community, inviting all to embrace this new viewpoint. Our vision of Earth from the moon inspires us to dream bigger and offer a unifying perspective for humanity. The Moonview."

Media Contact

Claudia Safavi
claudia@taraink.com

Media Contact

Diana Ciechorska
info@parkslopecleaning.com

• Access: The belief that individuals should have a choice as to how they look after their health, informed by the latest unbiased information available.
• Education: Providing accurate, evidence-based information about kratom (including on our website), allowing consumers to make informed decisions.
• Advocacy: Serving as a united voice for kratom consumers worldwide, seeking fair and sensible regulations that prioritize consumer safety, freedom of information, and good sourcing and manufacturing practices.
• Community: Fostering a global group of enthusiasts, experts, vendors, and advocates to promote the benefits of kratom and fight for informed and responsible use.
• Responsibility: Promoting the responsible use of kratom and encouraging vendors to adhere to strict quality and safety standards so that consumers have access to products that are safe, well-manufactured, and appropriately labeled.

Media Contact

Matthew Lowe
mlowe@globalkratomcoalition.org

Media Contact

Cyrus Shaoul
cyrus@leela-ai.com

The University of Texas at Austin College of Liberal Arts will host BIPOC Pop 2024, a three-day event, March 7–9, that will create an extraordinary space for BIPOC creators, scholars, students, teachers, librarians, and industry innovators to explore and share as well as to build and solidify BIPOC alliances and strengthen community through the sharing of cutting-edge, creative, critical knowledge-making practices in the graphic storytelling arts. Awards will be given for Best Student Essay, Best Emerging Creator, Best Animated Short, Best Animated Doc., and Best Student Animated Short.

Workshops and panels will focus on topics such as Chicanofuturism, stories for youth empowerment, performing pop culture, history telling through zines, life tales, shaping new K–12 learning spaces, and more.

Esteemed presenters, workshop leaders, expo guests, and facilitators include high-profile players in the industry such as Chispa/Scout Comics publisher, Veronique Medrano, publisher; White House consultant and CEO of Ad Astra Media, José Morey, M.D.; award winning filmmaker and CEO of L21 Consulting, Ben Lopez; Marvel creator Kevin Garcia; award winning author, Harvard professor, and member of the Cherokee Nation, Daniel Justice; and, Angélique Roché, producer of Marvel’s Voices; among many others.

The event is the brainchild of Professor Frederick Luis Aldama, the Jacob & Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at UT Austin, who is also widely known as Professor Latinx. Aldama is a prolific writer, documentary filmmaker, and founder and director of UT Austin’s Latinx Pop Lab as well as the Latinx Pop Magazine.

BIPOC Pop came as a natural strategic move to put UT Austin on the map for the creating, teaching, and studying of Latinx/BIPOC comics, gaming, animation, and multimedia storytelling arts.

Dr. Aldama describes the impact of this trailblazing event: “We have lots of big cons across the country, but nothing that brings creatives, scholars, teachers, librarians, and industry leaders under one roof—and certainly nothing that puts BIPOC pop culture front and center. BIPOC POP shouts from rooftops that our stories matter. That we are vital shapers of culture at large!”

The symposium will take place March 7–9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Patton Hall Glickman Conference Center on the UT Austin Campus at 305 E. 23rd St. Partners include Ad Astra Media, UT’s Latino Studies, Project Males, University of North Texas, Texas Orange Jackets.

For more information on the event schedule and how to attend, visit the event website at www.bipocpop.com.

About the University of Texas at Austin College Liberal Arts

The University of Texas at Austin College of Liberal Arts is dedicated to promoting cutting-edge research that helps people better understand human history, society, and culture. With over forty majors, it is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive academic community in which all members are equally respected and valued.

Media Contact

Frederick Luis Aldama

+1 510-367-9112

aldama@utexas.edu

Media Contact

Frederick Luis Aldama
aldama@utexas.edu

Media Contact

Sarah Mack
hello@drinkvinat.com