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Local author and leadership coach Matt Martin has released a new book, "Notice What Matters: Achieving Success With the Moments, People and Opportunities in Your Life," which has already become a No. 1 bestseller in three categories on Amazon. The book also holds the distinction of being the No. 1 top new release in Christian Business & Professional Growth.

In "Notice What Matters," Martin invites readers to slow down and pay attention to the people and moments that shape their lives. With personal stories, leadership insight, and practical takeaways, it’s a timely message for leaders, professionals, and anyone needing a guide to live more intentionally, lead more effectively, and love more deeply — starting now.

With a diverse background spanning business, nonprofits, and ministry — and a collection of life experiences that continue to shape his perspective — Martin brings a unique and practical approach to coaching leaders, executives, and growth-minded individuals. "Notice What Matters" is available now in hardback, paperback, and Kindle on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold.

To learn more or request an interview, visit www.noticewhatmatters.com or contact matt@noticewhatmatters.com.

About Matt Martin

Matt Martin is on a mission to help others discover and live out their purpose. With more than 30 years of leadership experience across both for-profit and nonprofit sectors, he is passionate about helping individuals unlock their potential and thrive. As a certified John Maxwell coach and a practitioner of Patrick Lencioni’s Six Types of Working Genius, Martin specializes in empowering individuals and teams to understand their strengths, overcome challenges and achieve meaningful success. For more information, visit www.noticewhatmatters.com.

Media Contact

Vanessa Garcia
matt@noticewhatmatters.com

In a world obsessed with youth and productivity, aging has quietly become a marginalized experience. Ageism, though subtle, is everywhere, on screens, in language, in how systems are designed. For Marie-Josée Lafontaine, owner of Scarborough Retirement Residence, that invisibility is one of the most dangerous forms of discrimination. “I once asked my father what it felt like to be old,” she recalls. “And he said, ‘It feels invisible.’ That answer never left me. It ignited something in me.”

Her father, now 102 and still living in the community he helped build, represents a generation that built this country but now often goes unseen. Lafontaine, a second-generation elder care leader, is challenging the structures and language that reinforce this invisibility. “We are taught to fear aging. We hide wrinkles, avoid tough conversations, and ignore the emotional needs of our elders,” she says. “It’s time we start naming ageism for what it is: a systemic failure to respect and recognize the value of aging.”

Residents of Scarborough Retirement Residence

At Scarborough Retirement Residence, Lafontaine’s approach to combating ageism begins with what she calls soul-centered care. It’s a philosophy that transcends the clinical, moving into the realm of human presence, emotional safety, and deep witnessing. “Person-centered care is not enough,” she explains. “It still keeps the focus on ‘fixing’ or managing. Soul-centered care asks: ‘How do I show up for this person’s full humanity?’”

This is more than semantics; it’s a shift in how we train staff, speak to residents, and design care environments. “In this work, people can feel if you are just performing,” she says. “Presence is different. Presence is when you stop, meet their eyes, and allow space for who they are.”

That distinction between performance and presence sits at the heart of Lafontaine’s leadership. She encourages her team to spend at least five minutes a day in real presence with a resident, no chart, no task, just connection. “You would be surprised what those five minutes do,” she says. “They say: ‘I see you. You matter. You are not invisible here.’”

The implications of ageism are not just emotional; they are structural. Seniors make up the fastest-growing age group in Canada. Yet, their representation in media and leadership remains disproportionately low. According to the research in 2024, 1 out of 10 Canadians who are aged 50 or older reported that they have experienced unjust treatment or prejudice within the last year due to their age.

Lafontaine sees this reflected in all institutions and sectors of society. “How many times do people speak to the staff and professionals instead of the individual? Or talk about someone instead of with them?” she asks. “That’s not just bad etiquette. That’s ageism in action.”

Her proposed solution is not just more services; it’s a cultural reorientation. “We need to shift from a clinical to a relational model. From managing care to holding space,” she says. She believes that in doing so, we not only improve outcomes but also restore dignity. “This is about reverence. Indigenous cultures often treat elders as the wisdom holders, the final teachers. Why have we lost that?”

To move in that direction, Lafontaine is urging both policy-level and personal change. She calls for the inclusion of seniors in design discussions, for representation in public discourse, and most importantly, for language that respects their full identities. “We have to stop talking down and start leaning in,” she says. “They are not our clients. They are our future selves.”

Scarborough Boutique Retirement Residence

She also draws a bold line between system design and moral imagination. “If we want to change a broken system, we have to redesign it like we are redesigning it for ourselves,” she says. “That’s the level of empathy required. Because one day, you will be on the other side of the bedrail.”

At Scarborough Retirement Residence, that mindset is operational. Staff undergo immersive training in trauma-informed care and reflective listening. Community spaces are co-designed with residents. And more than once, Lafontaine has personally intervened when communication styles became dismissive or rushed. “I lead by being present,” she says. “And I expect the same of those around me.”

She also reminds us that change doesn’t have to start with grand gestures. “Sometimes it’s as simple as asking a resident, ‘What is one of your favorite vacation memories? What made you laugh as a kid?’ These questions open doors. They bring life back into the room.”

In a society that often defines value by speed, youth, and productivity, Marie-Josée Lafontaine offers a radical invitation: to slow down, to witness, to revere. Her soul-centered leadership is a quiet revolution, but it’s a powerful one, and urgently needed.

About Scarborough Retirement Residence

Scarborough Retirement Residence is a boutique, family-owned community in Toronto, Ontario, offering soul-centered, relationship-based care for older adults. Owned by Marie-Josée Lafontaine, a second-generation elder care leader, the residence champions dignity, visibility, and emotional presence for Canada’s aging population. Lafontaine’s leadership challenges ageism and redefines care as an act of reverence and human connection. For more information, visit scarboroughretirement.com.

Media Contact

Marie-Josée Lafontaine
consciousleadershipinfo@gmail.com

A&D Mortgage, a nationwide wholesale lender, announces the launch of two new VA loan programs designed to help veterans, active-duty service members, and spouses purchase property with greater ease and flexibility. These initiatives are part of A&D's ongoing commitment to expanding access to affordable and streamlined mortgage solutions.

VA Standard: Flexible Financing for Homeownership

The VA Standard Loan allows qualified borrowers to buy, build, repair, maintain, or adapt a primary residence with terms that offer both confidence and convenience.

• Loan amounts up to $2 million
• Minimum FICO score of 580
• Up to 100% CLTV
• $0 down payment required
• No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
• Limited closing costs
• Temporary rate buydown options

VA IRRRL: Refinance Made Simple

The VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) helps existing VA loan holders lower their monthly payments and interest rates with a fast, hassle-free process.

• Loan amounts up to $1.5 million
• Minimum FICO score of 580
• Up to 100% CLTV
• No appraisal required
• High-balance loans allowed
• No income verification, ownership certification only

"At A&D Mortgage, we honor the service of our veterans by helping them to achieve the dream of homeownership. This launch is also a strategic step forward -expanding our product portfolio to include one of the largest and most stable segments in the mortgage market," said Max Slyusarchuk, CEO of A&D Mortgage. "Our broker partners now have even more opportunities to grow their business, backed by the same award-winning service and cutting-edge technology they've come to expect from us."

This expansion marks another step in A&D Mortgage's strategy to meet market demand with smart, scalable lending solutions and to equip brokers with more ways to serve their clients.

About A&D Mortgage

A&D Mortgage is a premier direct mortgage lender offering a full spectrum of conventional, government and non-QM loan products, with 24-hour turnaround times and some of the most competitive rates in the industry. In addition to its prime jumbo loan product, A&D Mortgage offers programs for prime borrowers, foreign national borrowers and those with less-than-perfect credit histories. No-income-verification programs are also available for investment property loans.

The company provides free concierge services, bank statement reviews, marketing tools and other resources to support the brokers it serves.

In 2024, A&D Mortgage received several prestigious industry honors, including being officially verified as the No. 1 non-QM lender and a top three DSCR and bank statement lender by Scotsman Guide. It was also named a top 10 wholesale lender by Forbes, earned a Stevie Award for Innovative Mortgage Technologies and received a Globee Award for Achievement in Artificial Intelligence.

For more information, visit admortgage.com.

Disclaimer

For important disclosures and state licensing information, visit: admortgage.com/important-disclosures/

A&D Mortgage LLC is an Equal Housing Lender. NMLS ID 958660. 1040 S. Federal Highway, Hollywood, FL 33020.

Media Contact

Eugene Ponomarenko
eugene.ponomarenko@admortgage.com
+1 855-760-7600

Historic Neir’s Tavern is thrilled to announce that over 200 people have already registered—in just under three weeks—to attend its annual "Road to 200" Block Party, happening Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. in front of the historic tavern.

This year marks Neir’s 196th year of continuous operation, placing it just four years away from its monumental 200th anniversary in 2029. With good weather, the event aims to draw over 700 attendees for an unforgettable afternoon of food, live entertainment, local pride, and historic celebration.

Each registered guest will receive a special commemorative souvenir at the event to mark their participation in preserving this living piece of NYC history.

Thanks to the major title sponsorship from the Kiwanis Club of Ozone Park-Woodhaven, led by President Shamika Narain, Neir’s Tavern was able to secure a street closure permit to safely accommodate the large expected turnout.

“As a community-centered organization, the Kiwanis Club of Ozone Park-Woodhaven is proud to support Neir’s Tavern in its mission to preserve local history and bring neighbors together,” said Shamika Narain, president of the Kiwanis Club.

“Helping make this street closure possible is about more than a party—it’s about honoring a nearly 200-year-old institution that continues to anchor and uplift our neighborhood. We’re honored to be a part of it.”

Neir’s Tavern owner and community advocate Loycent Gordon added:

“I am emboldened by the continued energy after nearly closing in 2020—because with short attention spans, we’re supposed to be forgotten. But I’m grateful to the journal ad purchasers and community leaders who are making this event possible and free for the public.”

He extended special thanks to the 196th Anniversary Planning Committee and the many dedicated volunteers, whose tireless efforts are helping bring this historic celebration to life.

Gordon also acknowledged key supporters including Senator Joe Addabbo, Sherry Algredo (Chair, Queens Community Board 9), Kerstin Nordin (Global Marketing Initiatives), Vance Barbour, Rob Mackay, and Richie and Donna Salmon, saying their belief in the mission by sponsoring pages in the Anniversary Journal gives him hope that Neir’s will not only celebrate 196 years—but reach its 200th milestone in 2029.

Register now at: roadto200.eventbrite.com

Place an ad in the commemorative Journal at: https://neirstavern.com/queens-woodhaven-neirs-tavern-gift-shop

For premium sponsorship opportunities—including highly visible branding, multiple recognitions, and stage presence before 500+ guests—please contact Kim Chereveas at info@neirstavern.com.

Let’s make history—together.

About Historic Neir's Tavern

Established in 1829, Neir's Tavern is one of the oldest continuously operating taverns in the United States and a historic cornerstone of the Woodhaven, Queens, NYC community. Known as "the most famous bar you've never heard of," Neir's has hosted everyone from Civil War soldiers to movie stars Robert DeNiro in "Goodfellas" and remains a symbol of neighborhood pride, resilience, and cultural heritage. For more information, visit neirstavern.com.

About Kiwanis Club of Ozone Park-Woodhaven

The Kiwanis Club of Ozone Park-Woodhaven is a volunteer-led service organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in our local community and around the world. Through hands-on service projects, fundraising, and community partnerships, the club works to create positive, lasting change in the neighborhoods it serves.

Media Contact

Kim Cherevas
info@neirstavern.com

BlackWood Ventures, a network- and technology-driven early-stage fund focused on European founders, announces today the final close of its debut $25 million (USD) fund.

Since its first close in April 2023, BlackWood has made 19 investments spanning nine countries, with a plan to build a portfolio of around 30 fintech, cleantech, and Web3 companies.

“Europe is not short on talent; it’s short on conviction capital. That’s the gap we’re here to fill,” said Bastian Larsen, founder and CEO of BlackWood Ventures. “We built BlackWood to be truly European in scope and disciplined in approach, seeing hundreds of opportunities each month and backing founders whose ambition and focus stand out.”

Investments include:

• Dutch company beSirius, a B2B SaaS platform for the mining and metals industry that recently raised an up-round led by Berlin-based NAP and is already used by global leaders such as ArcelorMittal;
• IVM Markets from London, a fintech SaaS company transforming structured products distribution for financial institutions founded by ex-Deutsche Bank executives; Sidekick in the UK, a wealth management platform for mass-affluent customers recently surpassing £100 million in assets under management;
• Yonder, a UK-based rewards card company valued at over £100 million, named to the 2025 Future Fifty cohort, Tech Nation’s flagship programme for late-stage UK tech scaleups; and
• Particula from Germany, a provider of AI-driven risk intelligence for digital assets, enabling institutional adoption of tokenized finance through real-time, automated risk ratings across DeFi and TradFi.

Matthew Ford, founder and CEO of Sidekick: "BlackWood backed us early last year and has been fantastic to work with. They invest with conviction and it’s refreshing how fast and efficient they were throughout. Their fintech-experienced team has been hands-on at every turn and supported us throughout. Whether that’s in fundraising processes, helping with sales, or general support and guidance. It’s been a great partnership!"

BlackWood’s sourcing model combines a network of over 1,000 angel investors with systematic screening of hundreds of opportunities each month, increasingly supported by tech-enabled sourcing platforms. Frequent co-investments with leading firms such as LocalGlobe, Y Combinator, Seedcamp, Northzone, Octopus Ventures, Firstminute Capital, RTP Global, Giant Ventures, Norrsken and others demonstrate the fund’s ability to identify and back high-quality opportunities.

“I continue to be impressed by the clarity of the strategy and intensity of execution this team has demonstrated,” said Steffen Saltofte, a limited partner and board member at BlackWood, and CEO of Zentiva, a multinational pharmaceutical company with more than 5,000 employees. “BlackWood has built a strong European footprint, moves quickly, and is backing companies many Nordic VCs overlook due to geographic constraints. This ambition and focused execution is exactly what we aimed for with Fund I, and I’m excited to see it continue.”

About BlackWood Ventures

BlackWood Ventures is a network- and technology-driven early-stage venture capital firm headquartered in Copenhagen with team members across Europe. The firm backs visionary fintech, cleantech, and Web3 founders from pre-seed to seed with a disciplined, pan-European approach. For more information, visit www.blackwood.vc.

Media Contact

Rasmus Holt
rh@blackwood.vc

Women Road Warriors, a women’s empowerment talk show podcast, is proud to announce that its hosts have been chosen for two prestigious Influential Businesswoman Awards for 2025 by Acquisition International magazine. Shelley M. Johnson has been named the Most Empowering Podcast Host (USA), while Kathy Tuccaro has received the Excellence Award for Female Empowerment Podcasting.

Acquisition International has showcased influential businesswomen with these awards for 10 years. The magazine recognizes cutting-edge leadership and excellence across all business sectors, including the media. A panel of judges conducts a thorough review of all nominees for their outstanding contributions before bestowing the awards. The accolades are based solely on merit and are awarded for people’s ingenuity and hard work in their chosen fields. The panel chooses women most deserving of commendation for their commitment to excellence, distinguishing them from their competitors.

Women Road Warriors co-host and executive producer Shelley Johnson says she and her co-host are ecstatic to receive these accolades. “Kathy and I are over the moon with this wonderful distinction. It is a tremendous honor and recognition of our work as talk show hosts with our program, which features celebrities and experts with topics designed to empower and inspire women and future generations. We feel very privileged to be officially recognized on an international level and to know we are making a difference. We look forward to continuing to be the vanguards of empowerment for women. We humbly thank Acquisition International magazine for this commendation.”

In an official press release, Acquisition International's Awards Coordinator Melissa Bramall said it was fitting to celebrate all the award winners. “It has been a pleasure to work with such spectacular women who are continually altering the business landscape. Guiding their teams to success time and time again, we thought it fitting to showcase their contribution to companies of all sizes and calibers. Congratulations again! Long may your success continue.”

About Women Road Warriors

Women Road Warriors is a multiple award-winning women’s empowerment talk show hosted by Shelley Johnson and Kathy Tuccaro. The show features trailblazers, experts and celebrity guests on a variety of topics that empower women. As a vanguard for change, the program "powers women on the road to success."

The show is humorous, entertaining, educational and sometimes quirky, with a lively banter between Shelley, Kathy and their guests. Women Road Warriors has been ranked in the top 2% of podcasts globally by Listen Notes. FeedSpot has listed it among the top 10 in its Top 100 Best Women Empowerment Podcasts worldwide. It was recently named Self-Improvement Podcast of the Year by Corporate LiveWire.

Women Road Warriors airs on WNEW-HD3 (102.7-3) in New York City and is available on demand via all major podcast channels, as well as at https://women-road-warriors.captivate.fm.

For more information, visit womenroadwarriors.com.

About Acquisition International

Acquisition International is an international, monthly digital business magazine dedicated to providing its readers with up-to-the-minute news, commentary and analysis. As the voice of modern business, the staff is dedicated to delivering vital updates to their corporate readers so they remain ahead of the curve. Each month, the magazine delivers the latest news across the corporate world that focuses on excellence, innovation, and evolution through business. To learn more, visit www.acquisition-international.com.

About AI Global Media

Since 2010, AI Global Media has been committed to creating engaging B2B and B2C content that informs readers and helps businesses market to a global audience. They create content for and about firms across a range of industries to ensure they are recognized and rewarded for their commitment to their causes, teams, and clients, no matter the challenges their industries may face. For more information, visit www.aiglobalmedialtd.com.

Media Contact

Shelley Johnson
sjohnson@womenroadwarriors.com

Facing the complex international landscape and mounting challenges, China International Import Expo (CIIE) consistently acts as a platform for global business exchange. With only 100 days to go, the 8th CIIE is set to take place in Shanghai from November 5 to 10.

As of now, over 50 countries and international organizations have confirmed their participation in the Country Pavilion. Sweden and the United Arab Emirates will serve as guest countries of honor at the 8th CIIE, while Kyrgyzstan will make its debut.

To help global enterprises across sectors better integrate into the Chinese market, the Corporate Pavilion features six major exhibition areas — encompassing Medical Equipment and Healthcare Products, Automobile and Smart Mobility, Intelligent Industry & Information Technology, Consumer Goods, Food and Agriculture Products, and Trade in Services — and will continue hosting its Innovation Incubation Special Section. Driven by strong interest and participation from overseas companies, total booked exhibition space has surpassed 330,000 square meters, with 170 companies and 26 institutions becoming eight-time full-attendance exhibitors. 

Notably, this year’s Corporate Pavilion introduces four fresh innovations, demonstrating its vibrant energy and vast collaboration opportunities for participants.

l A special section for the least-developed countries products will launch alongside an upgraded Africa products section, helping 53 diplomatic African partners leverage zero-tariff treatment to enter the Chinese market. 

• A new section for overseas provinces and cities stands as another highlight.
• Focused on global premieres, a dedicated trail for exploring debuts and a section amplifying exhibitors’ presence are introduced.
• A cross-border e-commerce platform will be established for specialized promotion, matching, and livestreaming.

The 8th Hongqiao International Economic Forum (HQF) will convene under the theme “Opening-up for New Opportunities, Cooperation for a Shared Future”. Alongside the release of the World Openness Report 2025 and the latest World Openness Index, the HQF will host over 20 parallel sessions on revitalizing multilateral cooperation, empowering digital intelligence, green and sustainable development, and a more open China.

Side events will retain previous categories, while people-to-people exchange activities will add a new “Charming Friends of City” zone, inviting international friendly provinces and cities to set up their booths.

Stay tuned for the 8th CIIE — secure your spot now!

Sign up as an exhibitor: https://www.ciie.org/exhibition/f/book/register?locale=en

Sign up as a professional visitor: https://www.ciie.org/ciie/f/visitor/pre-book?locale=en

About China International Import Expo (CIIE)

The China International Import Expo (CIIE) is a trade fair held in autumn annually since 2018 in Shanghai, China. It is the world's first import-themed national-level expo, featuring exhibitions of multiple countries and businesses and the Hongqiao International Economic and Trade Forum. The expo is co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the Shanghai Municipal Government. Its partners include World Trade Organization, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and United Nations Industrial Development Organization. For more information, visit www.ciie.org/zbh/en/.

Media Contact

Cui Yan
cuiyan@sinoexpo.cc

This week, hired actors were spotted protesting 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) outside the CHAMPS Trade Show in Las Vegas in a desperate attempt by Big Kratom to manufacture support for their campaign to pit kratom and 7-OH customers against each other. This ridiculous incident reveals just how far industry insiders will go to manipulate public perception and protect their own profits, even if it means faking public outrage and dividing the very community they claim to serve.

A now-deleted Craigslist ad (see attached image) offered $100–$150 per day to “peaceful protesters” for a one-day gig on July 23, calling for 75–100 “reliable individuals” to stage a “high-visibility protest action.” The actors had matching t-shirts, but, according to people who engaged them, they did not have the slightest idea of what they were protesting.

The paid actors had signs featuring a QR code (see also attached image) leading to a petition organized by John Ramsay, who works for MIT45: which is a founding member of the American Kratom Association (AKA) and a part of the Global Kratom Coalition (GKC). Both AKA and GKC are Big Kratom lobbying groups that have been attacking 7-OH in the media and with legislators across the country.

Jeff Smith, national policy director of the Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust (HART), had the following statement:

“Buying protestors proves it: the war on 7-OH is a completely manufactured controversy. When you have to stage a protest,  you don’t have a real movement. Donors to the American Kratom Association and Global Kratom Coalition should be mortified that this is the kind of action that their donations are being spent on.

“Kratom in general, not just 7-OH, is facing an existential threat in state legislatures. Consumers lost kratom access in two more states this year, mostly because of a botched kratom industry strategy attacking 7-OH instead of promoting the positive about their own products. The evidence is clear: when the industry tries to divide customers into kratom and 7-OH blocks, we all lose. This industry has to accept that we succeed or fail together. I’d rather succeed.

“Big Kratom seems to think they can save their members’ bottom line by burning the whole industry down, no matter how much their misguided strategy backfires. At HART, we fight for the rights of kratom and 7-OH users alike because we think people are more important than a silly industry turf war. 

“HART is in Las Vegas this weekend at CHAMPS to call on the kratom industry to stop the infighting and join the push for evidence-based and reasonable regulations that protect access for everyone who relies on kratom and 7-OH, before it’s too late.”

About Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust (HART)

Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust (HART) is a national nonprofit organization advocating for science-based policy, regulatory transparency, and access to safe, plant-based alternatives to opioids and other pharmaceuticals. 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a metabolite of mitragynine, the most abundant alkaloid found in kratom, is a new tool being used to combat opioid misuse and improve public health. HART strongly supports robust regulation to mandate that all 7-OH products are manufactured safely, are marketed transparently, and are kept out of the hands of children. Learn more at hartsupporter.com.

Media Contact

HART Media
media@hartsupporter.com

Construction Insurance Risk Education (CIRE), a leading provider of innovative training at the intersection of construction and insurance, has announced it is actively seeking a National Education Provider to deliver its educational platform across all 50 U.S. states.

Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic by an insurance veteran, Treacy Duerfeldt, CIRE was born out of a frustration with traditional, outdated educational models. “After taking the same insurance courses for nearly 30 years, reading PDFs and answering repetitive questions every two years, I realized the industry wasn’t helping professionals grow, it was just checking boxes,” said Duerfeldt. “CIRE is here to change that.”

The company’s mission is clear: offer engaging, story-driven education that brings construction professionals and insurance agents together in a shared language. “One of the biggest reasons for uncovered claims or overpriced premiums is a fundamental lack of mutual understanding,” Duerfeldt added. “CIRE’s model doesn’t just inform, it unites.”

CIRE’s platform already includes over 24 hours of polished and accredited video-based material, featuring dynamic instruction, scenario-based quizzes, and segmentation designed for better retention and real-time learning verification. “We interrupt the passive experience,” said Duerfeldt. “Our quizzes don’t just follow the lesson; they are integrated within it to ensure knowledge is actually being absorbed.”

Through a previous regional education provider, CIRE has already operated successfully in 30 states. That partnership allowed the platform to earn certification even in rigorous jurisdictions like California and Florida. But now, with growing national demand and strong endorsements from industry leaders, the time has come to scale.

“We have validated our content through regulators and real users,” Duerfeldt said. “The next step is to find a platform partner who shares our passion for verified learning and has the infrastructure to operate nationwide.”

The ideal national education provider, according to Duerfeldt, will have experience working with state insurance regulators and be prepared to manage course availability, administrative compliance, and distribution logistics. CIRE will continue to provide all core content and will lead community-based live sessions, advanced seminars for alumni, and ongoing curriculum updates.

CIRE is particularly seeking a provider with the capability and the commitment to recertify its program across all 50 states. “We are not looking for someone to coast,” said Duerfeldt. “We are looking for a platform provider who’s invested in the mission of bridging the gap between construction and insurance through real education, not just checking a box.”

The company’s philosophy of “verified learning” underpins every aspect of its offering. “We don’t hand out certificates just for showing up. We want learners to actually know what they are doing,” he emphasized. “That’s how we shift the culture, lower risk, and ultimately improve outcomes for the entire construction ecosystem.”

CIRE’s offerings span a wide array of construction-specific topics, including cyber liability, general liability, workers’ comp, automobile insurance, builders’ risk, bonding, and coverage planning, each designed to be both accessible to contractors and technically robust for agents.

With its innovative format, proven course content, and industry endorsements already in place, CIRE’s next chapter hinges on the right partner.

“Our curriculum is ready. Our mission is clear. Now we need a provider who’s ready to help us bring real education to the people building America, and the people protecting them.”

About Construction Insurance Risk Education (CIRE)

Founded by insurance veteran Treacy Duerfeldt, Construction Insurance Risk Education (CIRE) delivers innovative, verified learning programs that bridge the gap between construction and insurance. Based in Olympia, Washington, CIRE offers accredited, story-driven courses designed to transform industry understanding nationwide. For more information, visit: cire.learnworlds.com/home

Media Contact

Treacy Duerfeldt
treacy2@cirelearning.org

Classful, the educator-first digital marketplace trusted by more than 150,000 teachers, tutors, and creatives, today announced its expansion into the booming self-paced learning sector with the debut of Teach on Classful, a streamlined platform for creating and selling on-demand video courses. Official public rollout is slated for the beginning of September 2025, giving educators access to start adding their courses and a fresh revenue engine just as the new school year begins.

Teach on Classful removes the common barriers to online course creation:

• Unlimited video hosting with no extra fees.
• Flat 20 % platform commission-creators keep 80 % of every sale.
• Integrated Stripe payouts (2.9% + $0.30) for global reach.
• Analytics, messaging, and course-management tools.
• Flexible pricing-most courses should be listed between $10 and $30.

Educators simply open a free Classful account, navigate to Settings > Integrations, toggle "Sell Courses," connect Stripe, and start uploading lessons. No live sessions, credentials, or external plugins required.

Beta Program Now Open

Early adopters can join the beta starting this August 5, 2025. Participants who publish a course before full launch will receive priority placement in the public catalog.

Meeting Surging Demand for Self-Paced Learning

Analysts project the global e-learning market will exceed $400 billion by 2026, and self-paced formats account for roughly 77% of that demand. Classful's new functionality positions educators to capture their share without expensive software stacks or marketing overhead.

"Teachers already rely on Classful for fundraising and digital resources," said the spokesperson, Connor Clem. "Expanding that trust to self-paced video courses was the logical next step. With one dashboard, educators can now raise funds, sell resources, and earn recurring course revenue-all in one place."

Why Classful Stands Apart

Unlike broad marketplace platforms that prioritize algorithmic ad spend, Classful focuses exclusively on educator-centric content, ensuring:

• Relevant discovery for learners seeking academic, creative, and life-skill instruction.
• Full ownership of pricing, branding, and learner relationships.
• A supportive community committed to educational impact.

Educators, coaches, and creatives eager to diversify income are invited to sign up today at classful.com. Publish your first course during the beta to secure front-row visibility for the official launch in September 2025.

About Classful

Based in Las Vegas, Classful provides a unified platform for classroom fundraising, digital resource sales, and now self‑paced video courses. By simplifying technology and amplifying reach, Classful empowers educators to maximize earnings and impact in the digital age. For more information, visit classful.com.

Media Contact

Connor Clem
support@classful.com
+1 725-550-5661

TRIO, the longest-running, full-service woman-owned marketing agency in Mount Pleasant, is proud to announce the expansion of its team and several key promotions that mark the agency’s continued growth as it approaches its 25th anniversary in 2026.

Kevin Sninsky has been promoted to senior copywriter. A longtime team member, Sninsky’s deep understanding of traditional writing and strategic use of AI tools has enhanced client deliverables, earning him a promotion last month. His ability to blend timeless writing techniques with modern technology has been instrumental in TRIO’s success over the past four years.

Shaniequa Washington has been promoted to director of marketing and community relations. Formerly TRIO’s equity partner manager, Washington brings over 20 years of corporate leadership experience at Walmart, where she managed store expansions and team development across the Southeast. Her strong ties to the community, built through years of entrepreneurial and influencer work, have positioned her to help TRIO expand its brand across the region and beyond.

TRIO also welcomes Lauren Brownrigg to the team as a junior account manager. Brownrigg joined the agency as an intern after graduating from St. Louis University last year. After relocating to Charleston, she joined TRIO full-time earlier this year and works alongside TRIO’s client services team to support account strategy and the implementation of marketing plans and projects.

Two new digital marketing specialists have also joined the agency. Sai Krisha now leads TRIO’s paid digital and email marketing programs. He recently earned recognition as a LinkedIn Marketing Insider—an achievement held by fewer than 6,000 professionals worldwide. Devyani Pathak leads TRIO’s SEO program and serves on the agency’s AI leadership team, helping integrate automation and innovative tools into marketing strategies that drive client success.

In April, during Charleston Tech Week, TRIO announced its new focus on being an AI-powered marketing partner, helping brands thrive in a rapidly transforming marketplace and technology-driven world. The agency's team changes are essential to serving its clients in this capacity.

In addition, TRIO has welcomed Julie Pearson as chief financial officer. Pearson brings more than three decades of corporate finance and human resources experience and now plays an integral role on the agency’s leadership team.

“Our people are our greatest asset,” said Jessica Munday, TRIO’s founder and CEO. “This growth reflects our commitment to providing smart, strategic marketing services while building a team equipped for where the industry is heading. We are all ready and excited for our next chapter.”

TRIO was named the 2025 Small Business of the Year by the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and continues to provide brand strategy, digital marketing, public relations, advertising and web services to clients throughout the region.

About TRIO Solutions

TRIO is an award-winning, woman-owned, full-service marketing communications agency based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. For nearly 25 years, TRIO has been a trusted advisor for small to midsize businesses and nonprofits, delivering strategic marketing solutions that elevate brands for clients across the U.S. Guided by the philosophy to “work hard, enjoy life, and make a difference,” TRIO is driven to identify, educate, and implement marketing solutions that help clients achieve their business goals by staying true to its purpose of making a positive impact through transformative marketing.

To learn more about TRIO and its suite of full-service marketing solutions, visit trio-solutions.com and follow the agency on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and TikTok.

Media Contact

Ellen Rose
ellen@trio-solutions.com

In a significant alignment between global finance and next-generation blockchain infrastructure, Apex Group — a $3.4 trillion fund administrator — and ZIGChain have announced a strategic alliance to launch the region’s first fully regulated, on-chain fund ecosystem focused on real-world asset (RWA) tokenization. The initiative is being launched in partnership with founding members Truleum Venture Partners, Tokeny, Disrupt.com, and Zamanat.

Unveiled at an exclusive gathering in Dubai, the alliance brings together industry leaders in fund administration, tokenization compliance, asset management, and regulatory design. Its goal is to deliver a modular, Shariah-compliant infrastructure for launching and managing trillions in tokenized funds — deployed natively on ZIGChain and built to meet institutional standards.

This marks a major turning point in the institutional adoption of tokenized finance. By tokenizing entire fund structures rather than individual assets, blockchain integration becomes more operationally viable for large financial institutions. For Apex Group, this move reflects a clear strategic trajectory in Web3 infrastructure, following its acquisition of Tokeny and now expanding into fully on-chain fund ecosystems, where permitted in terms of the applicable regulatory frameworks.   

“This is the institutional blueprint for unlocking the global fund market,” said Abdul Rafay Gadit, co-founder of ZIGChain. “Apex Group’s reach, Tokeny’s compliance architecture, and Truleum’s regulatory expertise — tied together on ZIGChain — form an institutional-grade foundation for a new era of on-chain capital markets. It’s not every day that a pre-launch chain partners with one of the biggest financial institutions in the world. This is how tokenization goes mainstream, and we are honoured to help make it happen.”

Apex Group is a leading provider of fund administration, financial infrastructure, and regulatory services, with operations in over 50 countries and $3.4 trillion in assets under administration. Its subsidiary Tokeny — recently acquired by Apex Group — is the creator of ERC-3643, the leading global standard for permissioned digital securities.

“This alliance is a natural extension of Apex Group’s mission to modernize fund infrastructure globally,” said Christiane El Habre, managing director at Apex Group – Middle East. “We’re proud to support this first-of-its-kind initiative and help drive compliant tokenization across new markets and asset classes.”

The alliance represents a long-term commitment to embedding tokenization into the global fund ecosystem. By enabling programmable, compliant fund structures with built-in regulatory guardrails, asset managers gain the tools to operate more efficiently, scale globally, and access new distribution channels in accordance with regulatory frameworks.

“Tokenization introduces a structural shift in fund management by enabling programmability, transparency, and near-instant settlement without compromising regulatory oversight. When implemented within a robust regulatory framework, it allows asset managers to launch compliant, modular funds with greater operational efficiency and global distribution potential. This alliance is a decisive step toward embedding these capabilities at an infrastructure level.” said Dr. Bhaskar Dasgupta, chairman of the Middle East Stablecoin Association (MESA) and member of the UAE Securities & Commodities Authority’s Asset Management Industry Panel.

The alliance reflects a broader shift underway in institutional finance, where traditional asset managers are increasingly exploring blockchain-native infrastructure to modernize fund operations. With the global asset management industry reaching $128 trillion in assets under management in 2024, the opportunity for tokenized, programmable fund structures is significant, and rapidly gaining traction.

Zamanat, a founding member and native ZIGChain dApp, is currently pursuing over $3 billion in tokenized fund strategies to be executed through this framework. Additional institutions and service providers are in active discussions to join the alliance, signaling accelerating interest across the Middle East and beyond.

As momentum builds, ZIGChain is positioning itself as the default programmable settlement layer for compliant, institution-ready fund infrastructure, anchoring the next phase of growth in on-chain asset management.

About ZIGChain

ZIGChain is a purpose-built Layer 1 blockchain designed to democratize access to investment opportunities, facilitate financial inclusion regardless of income level, technical skill, or geographic location. ZIGChain enables developers and institutions to launch scalable, compliant protocols for profit-sharing, fund tokenization, and real-world asset management.

Its ecosystem includes Zignaly, a licensed social investment platform connecting over 600,000 users with more than 150 professional portfolio managers. ZIGChain also supports Zamanat, the world’s first Shariah-compliant real-world asset (RWA) tokenization platform, combining ethical finance with programmable blockchain infrastructure.

For more information, visit zigchain.com.

About Apex Group

Apex Group is dedicated to driving positive change in financial services while supporting the growth and ambitions of asset managers, allocators, financial institutions, and family offices. Established in Bermuda in 2003, the Group has continually disrupted the industry through its investment in innovation and talent.  Today, Apex Group sets the pace in fund and asset servicing and stands out for its unique single-source solution and unified cross asset-class platform which supports the entire value chain, harnesses leading innovative technology, and benefits from cross-jurisdictional expertise delivered by a long-standing management team and over 13,000 highly integrated professionals.

Apex Group leads the industry with a broad and unmatched range of services, including capital raising, business and corporate management, fund and investor administration, portfolio and investment administration, ESG, capital markets and transactions support. These services are tailored to each client and are delivered both at the Group level and via specialist subsidiary brands.

The Apex Foundation, a not-for-profit entity, is the Group's passionate commitment to empower sustainable change.

To learn more, visit www.apexgroup.com.

Media Contact

Isabel G., Luna PR
isabel@lunapr.io

Elsass Financial Group is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest office in Fort Mill, South Carolina. This was celebrated with a ribbon cutting by the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The office is located at 135 Confederate Street, Suite 107, Fort Mill, SC 29715, in the heart of downtown.

This expansion marks the firm’s first location outside of Ohio and represents a significant step in their long-term vision to serve clients across the Southeast.

“We’ve always believed in helping people find clarity and confidence in their financial future,” said Karl Elsass, President of Elsass Financial Group. “Opening a South Carolina office allows us to bring that same client-first philosophy to Fort Mill, a thriving community that shares our values and energy. We couldn’t be more excited to grow here.”

The celebration included the launch of Liquid Asset, a custom-labeled Fort Millsner brewed in collaboration with Amor Artis Brewing, as well as gourmet charcuterie from local favorite Tega Graze.

Brad Stoehr, CIMA®, CEPA®, who is leading the Fort Mill office, shared his personal connection to the expansion: “This community has been our home since 2008. It’s where we’ve raised our children, built friendships, and contributed to local causes. I’m proud to bring Elsass Financial Group’s expertise and heart to a place we deeply care about. Giving back and helping others make smart financial choices is what drives us.”

Elsass Financial Group also extends a heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors who helped make this event possible: Horizon Investments, Ocean Park Asset Management, iM Global Partners, and Cyndi Clowney of The Bovender Team and Compass Realty.

About Elsass Financial Group

Elsass Financial Group is a client-centered wealth management firm focused on helping individuals, families, and business owners gain control over their financial lives. With services ranging from retirement planning to business transition consulting, the firm is known for its commitment to clarity, community, and long-term results. For more information, visit www.elsass-efg.com.

Disclaimer

Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. EFG and Cambridge are not affiliated. Not NCUA insured, not credit union guaranteed, may lose value.

Media Contact

Brad Stoehr
brad@elsass-efg.com
+1 704-464-4024

On July, 2025, during the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, Dr. Zhang Qihua, President of the Global Alliance for Sustainable Development Foundation, pointed out in an interview: “As focus stays on air and water, WHO ranks urban noise as the second-biggest environmental health risk.”

Noise Pollution: A Neglected Global Health Threat

“In megacities over ten million, long-term noise exposure raises cardiovascular disease risk by 27%. This directly hinders the achievement of SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities),” added Dr. Zhang.

He emphasized that the acoustic environment is gaining attention in public health and governance.

With 48% of residents suffering sleep disturbances, improving tranquility is no longer just technical—it’s a systemic social task.

Scenario-Based Innovation: A Chinese Breakthrough Approach

In the relevant discussion, Dr. Zhang pointed out several outstanding cases from Chinese enterprises in reducing residential noise:

“We have observed that some Chinese companies are exploring more adaptable noise-reduction solutions tailored to the structural characteristics of local housing. For example, the Chinese brand TATA Wooden Door has developed quiet products tailored to family needs in small apartments, multi-generational homes, and elderly-friendly spaces. Such approaches also offer reference value for other developing countries.”

He believes that the process of enabling residential scenarios through technology is not only a response to real pain points in families but also promotes the shift of "quietness" from a single function to a lifestyle component.

Global Collaboration to Promote the Popularization of the “Quiet Lifestyle”

On how to promote the global adoption of the “quiet lifestyle,” Dr. Zhang stated that the key lies in experience sharing and local adaptation.

He believes that mature markets can share acoustic standards and governance mechanisms, while emerging markets offer valuable practices in product innovation and application scenarios.

“Cases like TATA Wooden Door show that acoustic optimization isn’t limited by technology and can be implemented sustainably based on needs. Sharing practical cases through forums helps regions find suitable paths. When people begin choosing quiet products aligned with their lifestyles, it becomes a meaningful step toward better living environments,” Dr. Zhang concluded.

About TATA Wooden Door

TATA Wooden Door, established in 1999 in Beijing, has emerged as one of China’s foremost wooden-room-door manufacturers. Renowned for its expert craftsmanship, environmental innovation, and stylish designs, TATA offers a wide selection of interior doors—painted, paint‑free, glazed, or fully solid—all engineered from premium fir, plywood, MDF, or oak. Utilizing urea‑free adhesives, hot‑pressed veneers, imported PU coatings, and patented magnetic seals, their products resist warping, termites, moisture, and noise. Backed by over 25 years of expertise, BIM-support, free quoting, precise installation, and award-winning quality (including use in the National Stadium and a Luban Award), TATA delivers reliable performance for modern residential and commercial projects. For more information, visit www.tata.com.cn.

Media Contact

Jiang Yutong
service@tata.com.cn

Unlisted, a real estate technology company on a mission to unlock the full potential of every home, today announced that Rosaria Becker of @properties Christie’s International Real Estate has published an agent profile on the platform, representing the Hinsdale area.

Unlisted’s technology is designed to allow agents, buyers, and homeowners to see beyond the MLS. Agents have long searched the tax records to identify homes for clients when nothing on the MLS worked. Unlisted elevates that process and makes the data organized and searchable for everyone.

The platform utilizes publicly available real estate data to create a digital property profile for every home in the country. The real estate records can be quickly searched and organized into curated lists of homes that fit a buyer’s criteria. While the buyers and their agents realize the homes are not for sale, it provides a list of properties they may approach about a potential offer.

Unlisted is unveiling a new feature that leverages the expertise of thoughtfully vetted, proven real estate professionals in the local market to support users. Unlisted is a powerful way to stay connected with both buyers and homeowners,” says Becker. “I want to be a visible, accessible resource for anyone exploring a move in the 60521 area, whether they're ready to take action or just weighing their options.”

The agent profiles are designed to highlight a local agent with a track record in that neighborhood and someone with niche expertise that can truly offer guidance. Unlike other online platforms, the agents for each ZIP code on Unlisted are vetted and must be able to offer true value to a prospective buyer or seller. The ethos of Unlisted is different from other real estate websites, the platform is designed to offer information and connection. Becker’s deep understanding of the Hinsdale market makes her the ideal partner for Unlisted.

"We are thrilled to launch Unlisted in the Hinsdale market with Rosaria Becker as our agent of record. Her track record of trusted service, thoughtful guidance, and consistent success reflects the standard we aim to bring to every off-market experience," said Katie Hill, founder and CEO of Unlisted. "With Rosaria’s expertise we are confident this partnership will bring incredible opportunities for buyers and homeowners in Hinsdale."

To learn more about Becker's work and Unlisted, view her Unlisted profile, rosariabecker.com, or UnlistedHomes.com.

For Unlisted for Agents, visit UnlistedHomes.com/Agents.

About Unlisted

Unlisted unlocks the potential in homes that aren’t for sale—yet. The platform empowers buyers to join a Waitlist for homes they love, even if they’re not on the market. At the same time, homeowners build a private list of interested buyers, giving them a head start if and when they decide to sell. Unlisted also gives homeowners control over how their property is presented online, with a customizable profile that highlights the home’s best features and attracts more interest. With more time, more transparency, and more connection, Unlisted offers a more human way to explore real estate—one that leads to better outcomes for everyone. For more information, visit UnlistedHomes.com.

Media Contact

Sophia Jacomet
sophia@unlistedinc.com

Wyatt Foundation and Conceive Fertility Foundation, two national nonprofit organizations dedicated to furthering access, education, and research in fertility care, today announce the 2025 recipients of their national IVF Grant Program.

Five recipients will receive a $15,000 grant to offset IVF treatment costs. Additionally, each recipient will also receive $1,000 to be used towards preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), courtesy of CooperSurgical, a leader in the fertility and women's health fields for nearly 35 years. The national campaign and partnership launched in April 2025 during National Infertility Awareness Week and drew in over 600 applicants from across the country, each with moving stories of their journeys.

“Each applicant shared her own unique story of infertility, but what united them all was a journey marked by heartbreak, stress, and profound disappointment. This reinforces that the emotional toll of infertility is both real and powerful,” says health psychologist Dr. Alice D. Domar, chief compassion officer at Inception Fertility and director of the Inception Research Institute. “We hope that through this program, we are able to further the conversation around fertility care and the need for greater access to it.”

Recipients of the grant program include aspiring parents who each carry powerful stories of perseverance through the heartbreak of infertility. Their journeys reflect a wide range of challenges, including pregnancy and infant loss, failed IVF cycles, genetic conditions, and male factor infertility. Despite these obstacles, they remain determined to build their families.

The nonprofit arm of Inception Fertility, the largest provider of fertility services in North America, the Wyatt Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and couples achieve their dream of building a family through assisted reproductive technology (ART). The organization was started by TJ Farnsworth, the founder and CEO of Inception Fertility, and his wife Margaret Farnsworth, who successfully conceived their first child, Wyatt, through IVF.

“Inception Fertility and the Wyatt Foundation are honored to once again support this program, which provides recipients with access to the essential care they need on their family-building journeys,” says Margaret Farnsworth, executive director of the Wyatt Foundation. “We extend our heartfelt wishes to each recipient as they continue on their path to parenthood.”

Conceive Fertility Foundation is the nonprofit arm of Caden Lane, a direct-to-consumer lifestyle brand of baby products focused around the birth of a child. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Conceive Fertility Foundation aims to support patients who have been impacted by the struggle of infertility through education and grants. Katy Mimari, CEO of Caden Lane, launched Conceive Fertility Foundation after her own experience with infertility and understanding the financial barriers that prevent some aspiring parents from building their families. A percentage of Caden Lane's profits go to the Conceive Fertility Foundation.

"Conceive Fertility Foundation and the Caden Lane family are thrilled to once again work alongside Inception Fertility and provide women with the opportunity to experience the extraordinary joy of having a baby,” says Mimari. "We look forward to following each recipient’s journey and send our warmest wishes as they move forward."

About Wyatt Foundation

Wyatt Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and couples achieve their dream of building a family through assisted reproductive technology (ART) by reducing the financial barriers to IVF through scholarships awarded based on financial need and clinical factors determining potential success. The foundation has two main goals: to provide financial assistance to individuals and couples who cannot afford fertility treatments and to fund research in the field of infertility.

The organization was started by TJ Farnsworth the founder and CEO of Inception Fertility™ and his wife Margaret who successfully conceived their first child through IVF. Upon the birth of their son Wyatt, TJ reflected back on his family's experience as patients. He realized that many aspiring parents were carrying the same emotional burden that he and his wife had — and that few fertility clinics took a holistic approach to consider the physical, psychological, financial and mental aspects of infertility.

To learn more, visit: inceptionfertility.com/wyatt-foundation/

About Conceive Fertility Foundation

Founded by Katy Mimari, CEO of Caden Lane, Conceive Fertility Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to supporting individuals affected by infertility through education and grants. Despite insurance covering diagnostics, treatment costs are a significant financial burden and Conceive Fertility is a non-profit organization that exists to help couples who are struggling to conceive. A portion of sales from Caden Lane go to support the mission of the Conceive Fertility Foundation.

To learn more, visit conceivefertilityfoundation.com.

About Inception Fertility

Inception Fertility™ (Inception) is a family of fertility brands committed to helping patients build their own families. Built by patients for patients, Inception's purpose is to achieve the highest bar in experience, science and medicine in an effort to enhance each patient's experience and achieve better outcomes.

Inception's medical experts are leading pioneers in fertility care. Our doctors are some of the first to use breakthrough assisted reproductive technologies (ART) — including in vitro fertilization (IVF), preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and fertility preservation services — and they continue to lead the industry by building on these technologies through development, research and thought leadership.

Through its growing family of national organizations — which includes The Prelude Network®, the fastest-growing network of fertility clinics and largest provider of comprehensive fertility services in North America; MyEggBank®, one of the largest frozen donor egg banks in North America; BUNDL Fertility™, a multi-cycle fertility service bundling program; HavenCryo™, a long-term reproductive preservation and storage solution provider and NutraBloom®, a premium lifestyle brand with expertly formulated supplements to support individuals' health and wellness goals for preconception — Inception is working to deliver on its promise to push the envelope of what is possible for exceeding patient expectations.

For more information, visit inceptionfertility.com.

About CooperSurgical

CooperSurgical is a leading fertility and women's healthcare company dedicated to putting time on the side of women, babies, and families at the healthcare moments that matter most in life. CooperSurgical is at the forefront of delivering innovative assisted reproductive technology (ART) and genomic solutions that enhance the work of ART professionals to the benefit of families. We currently offer over 600 clinically relevant medical devices to women's healthcare providers, including testing and treatment options.

CooperSurgical is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CooperCompanies (NASDAQ: COO). CooperSurgical, headquartered in Trumbull, CT, produces and markets a wide array of products and services for use by women's healthcare clinicians.

More information can be found at coopersurgical.com.

About CooperCompanies

CooperCompanies (NASDAQ: COO) is a leading global medical device company focused on helping people experience life's beautiful moments through its two business units, CooperVision and CooperSurgical. CooperVision is a trusted leader in the contact lens industry, helping to improve the way people see each day. CooperSurgical is a leading fertility and women's healthcare company dedicated to putting time on the side of women, babies, and families at the healthcare moments that matter most.

Headquartered in San Ramon, CA, CooperCompanies has a workforce of more than 16,000, sells products in over 130 countries, and positively impacts over 50 million lives each year.

For more information, visit coopercos.com.

Media Contact

Mia Humphreys
mhumphreys@kruppagency.com
+1 239-297-6592

NextFour announces the official launch of its online platform to help students seeking admission to the most selective U.S. colleges. Featuring AI-powered personalized advice, exclusive data-driven insights, and on-demand access to human experts, the innovative NextFour solution expertly guides families through the key aspects of the college planning process to maximize their chances of being admitted to their top-choice schools.

NextFour was founded in 2023 by Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and husband-and-wife team Samir Kothari and Benita Daryani. As technology industry veterans (formerly with Meta and Google) and parents familiar with the complexities of college admissions, they created NextFour to address the challenges they encountered firsthand. The bar for gaining admission to top-ranked colleges has never been higher, underscoring the importance of a thoughtful application strategy and prompting anxious families to seek guidance. However, with high school counselors facing overwhelming caseloads and traditional private counseling services often being expensive and inconsistent, many families struggle to find help that is reliable, easily accessible, data-driven, and affordable. NextFour uniquely solves for these problems by democratizing access to knowledge and tools that give students a critical edge in the college admissions process.

How It Works

The core of NextFour’s college planning service is an exclusive data analytics platform featuring a comprehensive and structured dataset covering the college admissions ecosystem. This proprietary information (representing thousands of data sources) powers advanced metasearch interfaces, easy-to-understand visualizations, and AI-driven guidance. These features analyze the user’s individual profile to provide personalized, evidence-based advice to help them make well-informed, data-driven college planning decisions, such as:

• Strategically selecting intended majors based on personal interests, competitiveness, and career outcomes
• Identifying extracurricular activities based on alignment with application themes and impact in college admissions
• Determining whether to submit SAT/ACT scores based on evolving school-specific test policies and benchmarks
• Building a college list (and early application strategy) based on personal preferences, proprietary rankings, and individualized likelihood of admission

NextFour’s suite of automated capabilities is complemented by seamless connectivity to humans with relevant domain expertise. The NextFour Advisors Network allows users to easily connect one-on-one with current college students who have recent, firsthand experiences with specific extracurricular activities, colleges, and majors. NextFour also offers a unique messaging-based Q&A service where NextFour experts are available to answer questions in real-time at a fraction of the cost of traditional counselors. NextFour’s hybrid approach combines innovative technology with human experts on an on-demand basis, ensuring families can efficiently access the help they need to feel confident in their decision-making.

A growing number of students and parents have already benefited from a beta version of the NextFour platform. Class of 2025 parent Paula S. shares her experience: “NextFour was invaluable to us! We got incredible insights and advice that were critical in supporting our son’s college admissions journey. We previously tried other online products, and even hired private college counselors, but NextFour was simply better, faster, and cheaper. And now we are thrilled that our son was accepted into several top schools, including his first choice!”

“Getting into a highly ranked college doesn’t happen overnight; it requires strategic planning and thoughtful decision-making throughout the high school years to build the strongest applications. We recognize that the process can be intensely challenging, which is why we specifically designed our service to help students (and their parents) throughout that journey and into their dream schools,” stated Samir Kothari, co-founder and co-CEO of NextFour. “The feedback from our early users has been great, and we are excited to now extend the platform to more families. We will continue to innovate and execute on our mission to provide users with a trustworthy solution that reduces anxiety, saves money, and enhances college admissions outcomes.”

Visit www.nextfour.ai to receive data-driven, actionable insights for developing a compelling application profile and enhancing your chances of admission to selective colleges. Most platform features are free, ensuring easy accessibility for all users. Optional, fee-based features — such as real-time access to human experts — are offered individually at a fraction of the cost of traditional college counseling services.

About NextFour

NextFour delivers an industry-leading technology platform designed to assist students seeking admission to the top 100-ranked colleges in the U.S. The online service features AI-powered personalized advice, proprietary data-driven insights, and on-demand access to human experts. Founded in 2023 by technology entrepreneurs and husband-and-wife team Samir Kothari and Benita Daryani, NextFour leverages data and AI to strategically guide families through the key aspects of the college planning process and maximize their chances of being admitted to their top-choice schools. Learn more at www.nextfour.ai.

Media Contact

Gina Rezendes
gina@big-swing.com
+1 617-640-9278

Best Prop Firms, a website that independently reviews and compares proprietary trading firms, recently launched regional rankings focused on the United States and Canada among others. The expanded coverage is designed to help traders evaluate firms based on region-specific funding models, platform compatibility, and challenge structures.

With more traders seeking firm conditions tailored to their location, the new guides offer side-by-side breakdowns that reflect local payout cycles, platform access, and rule transparency. Online traders can now easily explore the best prop firms in the United States and other key regions by challenge type, profit split model, and funding timelines.

Hands-On Testing for Accurate Comparisons

Unlike directories that rely on self-reported data, Best Prop Firms uses a structured testing process to assess each firm listed. The team opens real accounts, completes full evaluations, and monitors payout delivery, platform usability, and rule enforcement under real conditions.

“Many prop firms look similar on the surface, but when you go through the full challenge yourself, the differences become clear,” said Noam Korbl, co-founder of Best Prop Firms. “We test every firm hands-on to uncover the details that actually affect a trader’s experience.”

This approach allows the site to highlight factors that are often difficult for traders to verify upfront, such as how long it takes to receive a first payout, whether account types are matched to trading style, and how firms handle support or disputes during the evaluation.

Helping Traders Navigate Complexity

The prop trading industry has become more competitive over the past year, with firms offering a wide range of models from instant funding accounts to structured two-step challenges with scaling plans. These changes have increased trader choice but also added complexity.

“Clear challenge rules and realistic expectations matter more than flashy promises,” Korbl said. “Traders want to know what they’re signing up for and how the process works before they commit. That’s what we aim to provide.”

Each regional page includes overviews of challenge type, payout schedule, trading platform support, and evaluation limits, giving users a way to find firms that align with their goals and location. It also explains which allows for certain strategies such as scalping, high frequency trading, or automation.

Regional Differences Now Easier to Compare

The new U.S. and Canada rankings account for location-specific considerations such as regulation, supported platforms, and acceptable funding methods. Some prop trading firms serve one country but not the other, or offer faster payouts and certain platforms in one region only.

By expanding region-specific content, Best Prop Firms aims to give traders more confidence in selecting a prop firm that fits both their trading style and jurisdiction, such as up to date shortlists of the best prop firms in the U.S. and Canada.

About Best Prop Firms

Founded in 2023 by Justin Grossbard and Noam Korbl, Best Prop Firms was created to address the needs of a growing community of retail traders. With prop trading now accessible to more traders than ever, the choices can be overwhelming. Our goal is to streamline the process of comparing prop firms by focusing on what’s important: transparency, quality information, and an understanding of what different firms offer to traders at every level.

Our team’s mission is to simplify the trader experience, breaking down complex information into accessible, actionable insights. We provide clear comparisons across key factors, from platform usability and evaluation fees to payout policies and firm reputation, so you can confidently choose a prop firm that aligns with your trading style.

For more information, visit www.best-propfirms.com.

Media Contact

Tegan Miller
tegan@bestpropfirms.com

As the global economy enters a year of recalibration, Canadian investors and households are bracing for a volatile but navigable 2025. According to Kate Leaman, AvaTrade’s chief market analyst, Canada’s economy is expected to post modest gains this year, growth hovering around 1.8%, but that calm surface belies a more turbulent undercurrent: trade friction with the United States, creeping inflation, and a changing global investment landscape.

A major flashpoint is the return of tariffs. In 2025, both Canada and the U.S. slapped 25% duties on a range of goods, from steel to everyday consumer products. While aimed at addressing trade imbalances, these tariffs have created a ripple effect that’s beginning to show up where it matters most your grocery bill. According to forecasts, tariffs will impact nearly 9% of the consumer price basket tracked by Statistics Canada, with price hikes filtering through to households over the next 12 to 18 months.

Tariffs and Your Wallet: The New Inflation Driver

By mid-2025, Canada’s inflation hovered around 2.3–2.5%, but that’s set to change. Bank of Canada now predicts a temporary spike above 3% in 2026, largely driven by tariff-induced price increases. The impact will be most acute in non-energy consumer goods: groceries, household items, and apparel. For the average Canadian, that means $100 worth of groceries today could cost $103 or more within the year, small increments that add up across a family’s monthly budget.

This inflationary jolt comes at a time when consumer confidence is slowly recovering, bolstered by wage growth and easing interest rates. But as AvaTrade analysts point out, shoppers should prepare for “several choppy quarters in the aisles,” as tariffs push costs higher before supply chains fully adjust. The long-term upside? A potential reshoring of production and more “Made in Canada” goods, though these may not come cheap, at least initially.

Market Strategy: Diversify and Stay Nimble

Despite the friction, Canada’s financial markets remain resilient. The TSX is expected to grow, though more slowly than in 2024, with double-digit earnings growth led by energy, materials, and financials. Infrastructure projects like LNG terminals and high commodity prices are fueling optimism in key sectors. But volatility remains a theme, and AvaTrade suggests Canadian investors diversify, across geographies, sectors, and asset classes to weather potential shocks.

Meanwhile, export trends are likely to be erratic: a short-term surge in shipments as firms race to beat new tariffs, followed by potential declines if trade barriers persist. Canada's strategic pivot to the Indo-Pacific, however, offers hope for exporters seeking new markets beyond the U.S.

The Bigger Picture: Resilient, But Tested

The Canadian economy is not in crisis but it is at a crossroads. Tariffs, inflation, and geopolitical tensions will challenge both households and investors to adapt. For Canadians, 2025 is not the year to expect explosive growth but it is a year to plan smart, shop strategically, and watch global headlines closely. As AvaTrade's market outlook notes: Canada remains fundamentally sound, but navigating the months ahead will require patience, adaptability, and a clear-eyed view of risk.

This analysis was written by Kate Leaman, chief market analyst at AvaTrade.

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In the past few years, semiconductor technology has advanced rapidly — so much that Nvidia recently became the world’s first $4 trillion company, thanks to the huge demand for AI chips. Today’s top GPUs and AI accelerators can process massive amounts of data incredibly fast. But this brings up an important question: Can our networks keep up and deliver data quickly enough to keep these powerful chips working at full speed? In many cases, the answer is no.

A growing performance gap means high-end processors often sit idle, starving for data, while relatively sluggish networks struggle to keep up. Bridging this gap will require new strategies — from intelligent proxy servers to massive infrastructure upgrades — to ensure the AI revolution isn’t bottlenecked by bandwidth and latency.

Proxy Servers Step In to Balance Load and Manage AI-Era Latency

When real-time AI applications demand instant responses, clever use of proxy server platforms and gateways has become essential. Unlike a basic intermediary, modern AI proxies do far more than pass along traffic. They perform smart routing, load balancing, and caching to optimize data flow between users, devices, GPU clusters, and cloud APIs. For instance, an AI gateway can direct your request to the least busy or closest server, manage timeouts and retries, and monitor performance — all in the blink of an eye. By pushing computation to the edge of the network, self-driving cars can avoid round-trip delays to distant data centers — the goal is to eliminate every unnecessary nanosecond from vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication.

Services like Webshare make this architecture easier to deploy by offering scalable proxy infrastructure with configurable bandwidth, rotation, and geolocation. Instead of creating a proxy system from the ground up, teams can quickly tap into a large pool of IP addresses designed for tasks like AI inference, data collection, or edge delivery.

Let’s talk about another aspect. Semantic caching of LLM (large language model) responses can transform response times from seconds to milliseconds. In other words, answers that once took a few seconds on a busy model could be delivered near-instantly from a proxy’s cache. Similarly, content delivery networks (CDNs) function as proxy layers across the globe, bringing data physically closer to users to speed up streaming and video AI processing. And when fresh computation is needed, proxies help balance the load. They distribute incoming requests across fleets of GPUs so no single server gets swamped, preventing slowdowns.

Compute Power Meets Network Limits: A Growing Bottleneck

Despite these optimizations, the broader problem remains — today’s chips are outrunning the networks that feed them. We see it clearly in advanced AI training, which often spreads one job across hundreds of GPUs in parallel. Those GPUs need to swap results continuously over the network to synchronize with each other.

If the interconnect is too slow, the GPUs end up idle, twiddling their thumbs as they wait for data. “Job completion time is determined by how quickly GPUs can turn out results and how quickly the network can synchronize those results,” the source explains. Improving network throughput and latency can thus unlock hidden performance. In fact, even small upgrades to network infrastructure can “bring up [GPU utilization] rate” and yield “millions of dollars in savings” by avoiding wasted idle time.

Looking further ahead, entirely new network paradigms are emerging to keep pace with Moore’s Law. One promising route is optical interconnects. Today’s server racks still rely on copper wires, but electrical signaling is nearing its limits for high bandwidth over distance. Companies like Ayar Labs are pioneering in-package photonics to beam data as light. Their optical chiplets can blast terabits of data per second between chips with dramatically lower latency and power draw than copper traces. As the professionals put it, the conventional electrical architecture is “rapidly approaching the end of its roadmap,” and future chip-to-chip links will require photonics.

By converting electronic signals to light right at the source, these optical networks could prevent tomorrow’s ultrafast CPUs and AI accelerators from being starved for data. In summary, a multi-pronged effort — faster switch silicon, smarter network cards, and even lasers in our chips — is underway to close the gap between what our chips can chew through and what our networks can supply.

As chips get faster and more powerful, our networks are struggling to keep up. But progress is being made. New technologies, as we see these days, are helping close the gap between computing and data delivery. The fact that companies put all the effort into improving not only the hardware which are chips but also the way data is transferred, talks about their dedication to avoid slowdowns and make sure AI reaches its full potential. That means delivering real-time, smart performance everywhere — from data centers to self-driving cars. In the end, success will go to those who build not just the fastest processors, but also the fastest systems to connect them.

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