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SKYX Platforms Corp. (NASDAQ:SKYX), a smart home technology leader with over 100 issued and pending patents globally, announced a global sales and marketing collaboration agreement with Parrot Uncle, a world-leading manufacturer of ceiling fans and home décor products. The agreement will support the U.S. and international rollout of SKYX’s new all-in-one smart turbo heater and ceiling fan, along with other patented plug-and-play smart home technologies.

Parrot Uncle, which has sold millions of ceiling fans in the U.S. and global markets, will partner with SKYX to bring this innovative multi-functional product to a broad consumer and commercial audience. The product line launch is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025, aligned with the upcoming winter season.

The SMART SkyFan, which combines a ceiling fan, heater, and light into a single smart fixture, is being produced in multiple versions and available in 6 to 8 color options to meet diverse residential and commercial demands. Production is currently underway with SKYX’s manufacturing partners.

The ceiling fan and space heater category represents a multi-billion-dollar annual market, with tens of millions of units sold in the U.S. alone. SKYX anticipates that the successful launch of this product line will be a major milestone toward achieving cash-flow positive operations in 2025.

“This sales and collaboration agreement with Parrot Uncle is strategic for both U.S. and global markets,” said Rani Kohen, founder and executive chairman of SKYX Platforms Corp. “This exemplifies our commitment to global strategic relationships based on our innovation, safety, and global market products. As we prepare for our upcoming launch, we believe this breakthrough all-in-one heater ceiling fan solution will drive significant value for our customers, partners, and shareholders.”

The SMART SkyFan, Heater & Light is designed to provide efficient, all-season comfort in a smart, easy-to-install format, supporting SKYX’s mission to make homes and buildings smarter, safer, and more advanced.

To see SKYX’s technologies in action, click here.

About SKYX Platforms Corp.

As electricity is a standard in every home and building, our mission is to make homes and buildings become safe-advanced and smart as the new standard. SKYX has a series of highly disruptive advanced-safe-smart platform technologies, with over 100 U.S. and global patents and patent pending applications. Additionally, the Company owns over 60 lighting and home decor websites for both retail and commercial segments. Our technologies place an emphasis on high quality and ease of use, while significantly enhancing both safety and lifestyle in homes and buildings. We believe that our products are a necessity in every room in both homes and other buildings in the U.S. and globally. For more information, please visit our website at www.skyplug.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this press release are not based on historical facts, but are forward-looking statements. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “could,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “evaluate,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “objective,” “ongoing,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target” “view,” “will,” or “would,” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements reflect the Company’s reasonable judgment with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which have outcomes difficult to predict and may be outside our control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include statements relating to the Company’s ability to successfully launch, commercialize, develop additional features and achieve market acceptance of its products and technologies and integrate its products and technologies with third-party platforms or technologies; the Company’s efforts and ability to drive the adoption of its products and technologies as a standard feature, including their use in homes, hotels, offices and cruise ships; the Company’s ability to capture market share; the Company’s estimates of its potential addressable market and demand for its products and technologies; the Company’s ability to raise additional capital to support its operations as needed, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern; the Company’s ability to execute on any sales and licensing or other strategic opportunities; the possibility that any of the Company’s products will become National Electrical Code (NEC)-code or otherwise code mandatory in any jurisdiction, or that any of the Company’s current or future products or technologies will be adopted by any state, country, or municipality, within any specific timeframe or at all; risks arising from mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and other collaborations; the Company’s ability to attract and retain key executives and qualified personnel; guidance provided by management, which may differ from the Company’s actual operating results; the potential impact of unstable market and economic conditions on the Company’s business, financial condition, and stock price; and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. There can be no assurance as to any of the foregoing matters.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by U.S. federal securities laws.

Media Contact

Jeff Ramson
jramson@pcgadvisory.com

Celesta Capital, a leading global deep tech venture capital firm, today announced two key leadership appointments to further reinforce its team and advance startups driving pioneering scientific and engineering breakthroughs. Matthew Marsh has been elevated to general partner, while Robin Clewley has been appointed partner and will lead investor relations.

“These appointments underscore Celesta’s commitment to building our team, fostering exceptional growth, and enabling transformative outcomes for our investors and portfolio companies,” said Nicholas Brathwaite, founding managing partner at Celesta. “Matt has consistently delivered operational excellence and strategic vision, while Robin’s deep expertise in marketing, along with a track record for cultivating strong relationships with customers and partners, perfectly positions her to fortify our global network. Their combined leadership will advance the firm’s mission to support the next generation of groundbreaking deep tech companies.”

Marsh, who joined Celesta Capital as CFO in 2020, brings over 25 years of global, diverse experience in technology businesses, across consumer, healthcare, building materials, and B2B technology. In his expanded role, Marsh will continue his oversight of the CFO office, while engaging more deeply with Celesta’s existing portfolio and new investment deals.

Prior to Celesta, Marsh served as CFO and executive vice president at James Hardie Industries, and held multiple leadership roles at GE, including CFO positions within GE Healthcare’s IT business and U.S. Healthcare Systems divisions. His international experience spans over 30 countries.

“I’m honored and energized by this new role at such a pivotal moment for deep tech innovation,” said Marsh. “Celesta is uniquely positioned to leverage the historic wave of technology acceleration unlocked by the AI boom. I look forward to deepening my collaboration with our world-class ecosystem to help build companies that will shape the future.”

Clewley, a seasoned marketing and investment professional, brings more than two decades of experience across multiple sectors and global organizations, including the Gates Foundation, and sits on multiple Celesta portfolio company boards. Having previously served as advisor and chief marketing officer for Celesta, she will spearhead investor engagement initiatives in her new role, while also supporting and leading investment deals.

“I’m thrilled to lead the firm’s efforts in building enduring investor partnerships, while continuing to support our portfolio,” said Clewley. “It’s an extraordinary time for deep tech investing, and I am eager to continue expanding Celesta’s global network of limited partners who share our passion about transformative technologies.”

Deep tech has surged from an estimated 10% of venture capital investment in the early 2010s, doubling to more than 20% today, according to BCG. Multiple projections estimate the deep tech market will grow at a rate of 12–15% over the next decade, driven by escalating demand for AI hardware solutions and the expansive range of emerging AI applications.

These new appointments follow recent additions bolstering the Celesta team, including former General Catalyst partner and noted seed investor Anand Chandrasekaran as managing partner; Charles Lespérance as the firm’s inaugural partner based in emerging deep team market Canada; and Nobel Laureate Dr. James Rothman as senior advisor.

About Celesta Capital

Celesta Capital is a global deep technology venture capital firm. Led by technology industry veterans with decades of investment and operational experience, Celesta Capital has a passion and proven track record for building and scaling global businesses. Founded in 2013, Celesta has a portfolio of more than 100 early-stage technology investments. Learn more at www.celesta.vc.

Media Contact

Trevor DeWitt
trevor@celesta.vc
+1 206-550-0020

Camron Dowlatshahi, partner at MSD Lawyers, today shared insights on how to navigate California's employment law landscape, one of the most dynamic and complex in the United States. Staying informed about these regulations is not just a matter of best practice but a legal necessity for employers and employees. Navigating this intricate web requires a comprehensive understanding of state mandates, ranging from wage and hour laws to anti-discrimination statutes.

Compliance is paramount for all businesses operating in the Golden State to avoid legal pitfalls and foster a positive work environment. Employees must also know their rights and protections under these laws to ensure rightful and fair treatment so they can advocate for themselves when necessary.

Key Aspects of California Employment Law

California employment law is unique due to its progressive nature and robust employee protections. Unlike federal law, which sets a baseline, California often goes further to safeguard workers' rights.

For example, California's minimum wage consistently exceeds the federal level, and the state provides more expansive leave entitlements. These differences highlight the importance of focusing specifically on California law for anyone working or employing individuals within the state.

Employers must be vigilant to ensure their current policies and practices align with these stringent state requirements, as non-compliance or complacency can lead to significant legal, reputational, and financial repercussions. Employees also benefit from understanding these enhanced protections, empowering them to recognize and address workplace violations.

Minimum Wage

Effective January 1, 2025, the new mandated minimum wage for all employers is $16.50 per hour. Additionally, fast food workers will earn $20.00 per hour starting April 1, 2024, under AB 1228. Certain healthcare workers earn between $18 and $25+ per hour in phases under SB 525. These sector-specific increases underscore the state’s ongoing efforts to address wage equity across industries.

Employee Protections

California offers broad employee protections through the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), which is now enforced by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). FEHA covers various employment practices, including anti-discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination safeguards, ensuring that workers are treated fairly regardless of their status, background, or identity.

Leave Entitlements

California provides more generous leave entitlements than those required under federal law. For instance, SB 616 expands paid sick leave to five days or 40 hours annually. Additional leave provisions exist for circumstances such as family care, pregnancy, and issues related to domestic violence.

Retaliation Protections

Employees in California are legally protected from retaliation when they report workplace misconduct. This includes retaliation for reporting discrimination, harassment, unsafe working conditions, and wage violations or exercising their rights under various leave laws. These protections are critical to ensure employees can speak out without fear or danger of losing their jobs.

Wrongful Termination Protections Under FEHA

California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), now administered by the Civil Rights Department (CRD), is a cornerstone of employee protection against discrimination, harassment, and retaliatory termination. 

FEHA prohibits employers from wrongfully terminating employees based on several protected characteristics, ensuring a workplace free from bias. Protected categories include race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, religion, age (over 40), marital status, and more.

California is an at-will employment state; hence, employers can terminate employees without cause, provided the reason is not illegal. However, FEHA offers essential limits for this doctrine. Discriminatory or retaliatory terminations are unlawful, and protections also extend to employees engaging in protected activities such as filing complaints or participating in lawful investigations.

California law further recognizes "implied contracts," meaning that employer actions or assurances may create a reasonable expectation of continued employment, even absent a written contract. 

Additionally, the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) allows employees to rightfully file lawsuits on behalf of themselves and others for Labor Code violations, which may arise after reporting wrongful termination or other workplace misconduct, reflecting the state's strong commitment to labor rights enforcement.

Expanded Protections: Cannabis, Intersectionality, and Safety

As of January 1, 2024, under AB 2188, California prohibits employers from discriminating against their employees for off-duty cannabis use, provided it does not impair performance or safety-sensitive duties. Exceptions apply to federal contractors and safety-related roles.

FEHA already protects against discrimination based on multiple overlapping characteristics (intersectionality), and recent CRD enforcement emphasizes this.

Meanwhile, SB 553 (2023) requires California employers to implement written workplace violence prevention plans by July 1, 2024, highlighting a new era of proactive safety in employment law.

Reimbursement and Remote Work

California Labor Code §2802 requires all the state's employers to reimburse their employees for incurred necessary business expenses. For remote workers, this includes partial reimbursement of internet and phone expenses if essential for work. 

Resources for Employers and Employees

Employers can access compliance resources from the California Chamber of Commerce and use HR management software like Gusto to automate payroll, track labor law updates, and maintain accurate employee records. The Society for Human Resource Management's (SHRM's) study notes that integrating HR tech can reduce compliance violations by up to 20 percent.

For up-to-date guidance, employees should consult the official channels of the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) websites. Legal aid organizations provide support to workers facing wrongful termination or wage violations. Employees facing discrimination or retaliation should consult employment law attorneys early to understand their options.

Stay Compliant and Empowered: Your Next Steps in California Employment Law

California's employment laws are comprehensive and strongly favor employee protection, requiring careful attention from employers and workers. Understanding key factors such as wrongful termination protections under FEHA, minimum wage obligations, leave entitlements, expense reimbursements, and new safety mandates is essential to maintaining compliance.

Now is the time to assess your workplace policies, update your employee handbooks, and consult with qualified legal counsel to ensure you're compliant and prepared for what's ahead. You can foster a compliant, equitable, and safe workplace by utilizing available tools and staying informed on legislative changes. Staying proactive is the best strategy to thrive in California's dynamic legal environment.

About MSD Lawyers

MSD Lawyers, based in downtown Los Angeles, is a litigation-focused law firm representing clients across the city’s most dynamic industries. Our attorneys handle matters involving business litigation, employment disputes, real estate, and intellectual property. With experience representing everyone from Fortune 500 companies to individuals, we combine the resources of a high-level litigation team with the personalized service of a boutique firm. From case inception to trial, we aggressively protect our clients’ interests at every stage. For more information, visit msdlawyers.com.

Media Contact

Camron Dowlatshahi
camron@msdlawyers.com

The Charleston Flower Show, the largest and most anticipated flower show in South Carolina, returns for another spectacular year on Saturday and Sunday, August 2–3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Hosted at the Exchange Club Fairgrounds, located at 9840 Highway 78 in Ladson, the event promises a vibrant celebration of horticultural excellence and artistic floral design.

For over 75 years, the Charleston Flower Show has partnered with the Exchange Club to bring this beloved tradition to the community, showcasing the finest blooms, botanical creativity, and gardening inspiration the Lowcountry has to offer.

Visitors will experience:

• 48 stunning floral designs created by top designers
• More than 500 horticultural exhibits, featuring plants and flowers grown throughout the Lowcountry
• Dozens of botanical art and youth exhibits highlighting nature's beauty through artistic expression
• 25 unique vendors, offering plants, decor, creative crafts, and handmade goods
• Charleston's top food trucks, serving up delicious fare throughout the weekend

In addition, guests can participate in free workshops and live demonstrations held throughout both days, covering topics from floral arranging and plant care to sustainable gardening practices. All workshops are included with admission.

This is a family-friendly event. The show will feature a Youth Division of children’s exhibits, along with several hands-on workshops designed for kids. Admission is just $5 per person, making it an affordable outing for all ages. Children 12 and under are admitted free.

This must-attend event has delighted gardeners, plant lovers, and families for generations. Whether you're a seasoned horticulturist, new to the area, or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, the Charleston Flower Show is the perfect way to celebrate summer in the Lowcountry.

Event Details

• Dates: Saturday and Sunday, August 2–3, 2025
• Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day
• Location: Exchange Club Fairgrounds, 9840 Highway 78, Ladson, S.C.
• Admission: $5 per person (free for children under 12)
• More information: Visit www.charlestonflowershow.org

About the Charleston Flower Show

The Charleston Flower Show is a longstanding Lowcountry tradition, produced in partnership with the Exchange Club. The show celebrates the Council of Garden Clubs’ horticulture, floral design, and botanical art while supporting community enrichment through the Exchange Club's mission of service. For more information, visit www.charlestonflowershow.org.

About Council of Garden Clubs of Greater Charleston

The Council of Garden Clubs of Greater Charleston is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization comprised of the local garden clubs around the Charleston tri-county area. We are members of the Garden Club of South Carolina, Inc and National Garden Clubs, Inc.

Media Contact

Trish Bender
trishbendergcsc@gmail.com

The Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA) today announced the launch of its first-ever Agency Council, a strategic advisory group of senior leaders from top advertising agencies. This key initiative is designed to deepen collaboration and further strengthen ties between the agency community and the out of home (OOH) industry, to better support the continued momentum of OOH, which has experienced 16 consecutive quarters of growth.

OAAA’s Agency Council will provide industry guidance on emerging media trends, investment and planning strategies, and evolving brand priorities. This distinguished group will convene in close-door sessions to deliver candid insights, feedback, and forward-looking recommendations. Additionally, members will actively contribute to OAAA’s thought leadership, programs and initiatives, partnering closely with the leading OOH trade association on behalf of its 850-plus members.

“As media becomes more fragmented, OOH stands out as a powerful connector, bridging physical presence with digital impact,” said Anna Bager, President and CEO, OAAA. “The Agency Council will play a critical role in guiding how we amplify that value across the advertising ecosystem, ensuring OOH continues to lead with relevance, innovation, and increasing investment.”

OAAA’s Agency Council founding members include:

• Ronen Benatar, Portfolio Investment Lead / Group Director, Wavemaker
• Donny Charbonnet, President, DAA Media + Marketing
• Ed Gentner, Chief Investment Officer, Canvas WW
• Tyler Goldberg, Director, Political Strategy, Assembly Global
• Evan Hanlon, Global CEO, Choreograph
• Ray Romero, Managing Partner, Client Experience, Havas
• Jon Schaaf, Former Global Chief Investment Officer, Stagwell
• Michelle Salerno, Director, Offline Media Planning and Investment, Known
• Hugh Scallon, SVP, Head of Video Activation, VaynerMedia
• Katerina Sudit, Global Chief Media Officer, MRM Media
• Ritu Trivedi, Client President, Mindshare

“Out of home is uniquely positioned to deliver real-world relevance at scale, something brands are craving as they seek more authentic connections,” said Katerina Sudit, Global Chief Media Officer, MRM Media. “The OAAA Agency Council is an exciting opportunity to bring agency voices to the forefront and ensure OOH is not just part of the media mix, but a driving force within it.”

This launch builds on the success of OAAA’s Brand Council, which was established to foster closer connections between advertisers and the OOH industry. The Brand Council has played a pivotal role in elevating OOH’s relevance by delivering critical insights on consumer behaviors, media strategy and activation, and creative innovation. Its members include leaders from Allstate, Swarovski, Warner Bros. Discovery, Novartis, Starbucks, Diageo, JPMorgan Chase, L’Oréal, and more.

Together, these ever-growing councils create a comprehensive network of agency and brand leaders committed to advancing OOH as a dynamic, data-informed, and creatively rich medium. This unified commitment ensures out of home continues to stand at the center of modern media strategies, driving results, relevance, and lasting impact.

Learn more about the Agency Council and its mission on the Agency Council page.

About Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA)

The Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA) is the national trade association for the entire out of home (OOH) advertising industry. OAAA represents over 850 members, including leading media companies, advertisers, agencies, ad-tech providers, and suppliers. OOH media includes billboards, street furniture, transit, place-based media, and digital formats (DOOH) across every sector of the channel. OAAA is the unifying voice for the industry, the authoritative thought leader, and the passionate advocate for advancing OOH advertising in the United States. The legislative unit of OAAA advocates for the responsible growth of OOH with federal, state, and local governments. OAAA-member media companies donate over $500 million annually in public service advertising. Founded in 1891, OAAA is headquartered in Washington, DC, with offices in New York City. For more information, visit https://oaaa.org.

Media Contact

Cassady Nordeen
cassady@purposenorthamerica.com

Heavybit, the leading enterprise infrastructure investor, today announces the close of its fifth flagship pre-seed and seed fund alongside its second opportunity fund. At over $180 million combined between the two funds, its largest collective raise to date, Heavybit expands on its Day-0 support for exceptional founders reshaping the modern software stack.

For over a decade, Heavybit has backed and partnered with talented technical founders behind category-defining companies like Tailscale, LaunchDarkly, and PagerDuty as well as emerging leaders like Groundcover, LocalStack, Unikraft, and Continue. With more than 80 companies in the portfolio that have raised over $5 billion in funding, Heavybit seeks to invest in teams building AI-native solutions across infrastructure, security, and enterprise software.

Heavybit invests at the earliest stages, leading pre-seed and seed rounds with checks of $500,000 to $5 million and backing start-ups around the world with a portfolio that spans 47 cities across 15 countries. Beyond capital, founders gain access to a global network of 1,000+ expert advisors, an experienced platform team, and a partnership with deep domain expertise that together provide tailored, hands-on support to accelerate their go-to-market and scale effectively.

“Heavybit was the only investor who actually understood what we were building, and they even helped us figure out the business model,” says Avery Pennarun, co-founder and CEO of networking leader Tailscale. “Turns out, they got it exactly right. Since then, they’ve kept showing up with advice that’s both strategic and industry specific. It’s rare to find folks who can zoom in and out like that and be useful at both ends.”

“Founders don’t need clichés. They need real talk from people who have done the work,” says Tom Drummond, founder and managing director at Heavybit. “We help them navigate critical inflection points with guidance that is grounded in experience and tailored to the moment.”

For startups, receiving in-depth support informed by real-world experience is more important than ever. Distribution is faster, markets are noisier, and AI is rewriting the playbook on how to run a software company in real time.

“When we run into a blocker, Heavybit doesn’t just cheer from the sidelines, they help us trudge right through the thick of it,” says Tyler Dunn, co-founder and chief product officer of rapidly growing AI startup Continue.

The Future of Software: Free, Continuous, Everywhere

As AI accelerates everything, Heavybit sees a future of software maximalism. Software is becoming increasingly pervasive, customizable, and scalable, from personal use up to the enterprise.

“We’re entering a future where software is everywhere, created faster, by more people, for more people than ever,” says Joseph Ruscio, general partner at Heavybit. “The approaching revolution will dwarf the miniaturization of the supercomputer. There will be an even greater need for new and evolving infrastructure. As high-conviction investors, we believe that the founders building tomorrow’s infrastructure will have an even greater need for more support that is strategic and customized for their startups.”

Even as the technology landscape shifts, Heavybit will seek to continue to scale up its investments in exciting, early-stage technical startups. The firm will also use its expanded opportunity fund to double down on existing portfolio companies.

For approved logos and brand symbols, visit our media asset folder.

About Heavybit

Heavybit is the leading early-stage investor in enterprise infrastructure. Since 2013, we've helped launch and scale visionary technical startups—from DevSecOps, feature flagging, AI code generation and beyond. We go hands-on from Day 0, backing founders as they turn code into companies and build the future of software from the bottom up to the top down. For more information, visit www.heavybit.com.

Media Contact

Heavybit Press
press@heavybit.com

Unlisted, a real estate technology company on a mission to unlock the full potential of every home, recognized Joy Denton, top-producing real estate advisor with Sotheby’s International Realty, for being named to the 2025 RealTrends Verified Rankings, which recognizes the top 5% of agents and teams nationwide based on 2024 performance.

The annual RealTrends Verified Rankings are regarded as the most trusted benchmark of success in residential real estate, evaluating professionals on both transaction sides and sales volume. Denton's inclusion reflects a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the Beverly Hills market.

A longtime Beverly Hills resident, Joy brings deep local knowledge, sharp negotiation skills, trusted discretion and a track record of success. In addition to the RealTrends acknowledgement, Denton has been named to the top 100 agents in all of Sotheby’s International Realty. Her tenure at Sotheby’s and her professional accomplishments are extraordinary.

“We are deeply grateful for Joy’s partnership and honored to work collaboratively with her to identify opportunities beyond the MLS for her clients,” said Katie Hill, founder of Unlisted. Denton is among the first in the nation to work with Unlisted and is now the exclusive Unlisted agent for 90210.

“Joy brings the ultimate professionalism and trustworthiness to all she does and her results speak for themselves,” commented Betsy Meyer, director of agent accounts at Unlisted.

“I’m grateful to be recognized for the work I do every day with my clients,” said Denton.

To learn more about Denton’s work in Beverly Hills and Unlisted, view her Unlisted profile, joydenton.com or UnlistedHomes.com.

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

Lead-Lag Media, a premier marketing and media solutions provider for mutual fund and ETF issuers, today announced the launch of its comprehensive suite of services designed specifically for financial advisors. This strategic expansion leverages the company’s 20 years of financial marketing expertise to help advisors build meaningful connections with prospects and clients.

The new offering includes three service tiers—Essentials, Growth, and Full Service—tailored to meet the diverse needs of today’s financial advisors. This expansion represents a natural progression for Lead-Lag Media, which has established itself as a trusted partner for fund issuers through its extensive media platform and marketing capabilities.

“Financial advisors face unprecedented challenges in attracting and retaining clients in today’s digital-first environment,” said Michael A. Gayed, CFA, founder of Lead-Lag Media. “Our advisor services suite bridges this gap by providing the same level of sophisticated marketing and media solutions that have helped fund issuers grow their AUM. This is about empowering advisors to focus on what they do best—serving their clients—while we handle the complex work of building their brand and driving growth.”

The new service offerings address key pain points for financial advisors, with the Essentials package including social media management, evergreen content creation, newsletters, website redesigns, and marketing collateral development. Advisors can also access customization options such as model portfolio access, brand development, advisor network connections, and media training.

Lead-Lag Media’s expansion into advisor services builds upon its established expertise in providing fund issuers with financial advisor introductions, podcast interviews, press release distribution, and programmatic ad management. The company’s active network of over 200 RIAs creates unique synergies between fund issuers and advisors.

“We’ve seen firsthand how effective marketing transforms fund visibility and growth,” Gayed noted. “Our data shows that advisors who leverage professional marketing services achieve a 93% client acquisition rate. Additionally, those who outsource back-office tasks gain approximately four extra hours every week—that’s 200 client-facing hours annually that can be redirected toward growth activities.”

The company’s integrated approach combines digital and traditional marketing channels, which research shows can increase response rates by 63%, website visits by 68%, and new leads by 53%. The comprehensive service offering includes:

• Digital Presence Enhancement: Social media management, website redesigns, and evergreen content creation
• Direct Client Acquisition: Cold calling, lunch and learn events, direct mail, and email campaigns
• Media Exposure: Podcast appearances, press coverage, and media training
• Operational Efficiency: Automation consulting, project management, and CRM services

“This launch represents more than just new services—it’s about creating an ecosystem where fund issuers and advisors can thrive together,” said Gayed. “By extending our platform to advisors, we’re completing the circle of support that drives growth throughout the investment management industry.”

Financial advisors interested in learning more about Lead-Lag Media’s new service offerings can schedule a 30-minute strategy session by visiting leadlagmedia.com or contacting media@leadlagmedia.com.

About Lead-Lag Media

Lead-Lag Media is a comprehensive marketing and media solutions provider with 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. The company offers tailored marketing strategies for mutual fund issuers, ETF providers, and financial advisors, helping them build brand awareness, acquire clients, and grow assets under management. Lead-Lag Media’s integrated approach combines digital marketing, traditional media, and direct client acquisition strategies to deliver measurable results for clients. For more information, visit leadlagmedia.com.

Media Contact

Media Relations
media@leadlagmedia.com

LeveX, the emerging crypto trading platform focused on functionality, transparency, and community-driven development, today announced the official appointment of Harvey Liu as chief executive officer.

With more than a decade of experience in venture capital, Web3 investment, and technology leadership across Asia, Liu assumes the role of CEO to guide LeveX through its next phase of growth. His leadership marks a significant milestone for the company as it scales product innovation and global user acquisition in the increasingly competitive digital asset space.

“Harvey brings a rare combination of technical fluency and investor insight,” said the LeveX board in a joint statement. “His ability to bridge long-term vision with practical execution will be essential as we continue to develop tools that serve serious traders and build lasting trust in the exchange space.”

Redefining Platform Utility

Under Liu’s guidance, LeveX will accelerate its roadmap of features that distinguish it from conventional exchanges—starting with its flagship multi-trade functionality, which allows users to open multiple positions on the same pair with individualized margin, leverage, and risk settings.

The platform also emphasizes a 1:1 proof-of-reserves system, live auditing, and cold wallet storage to promote transparency and fund security.

“Exchanges today must go beyond flashy branding,” said Liu. “They need to deliver tools that work, transparency that earns trust, and infrastructure that can scale. At LeveX, we’re building all three.”

Community and Global Expansion

Liu's appointment signals a deeper push into global markets and user-centric development. LeveX is already cultivating an internal ecosystem of professional traders, key opinion leaders (KOLs), and community contributors who shape the platform’s ongoing updates and educational content.

“From feature feedback to strategy tutorials, our users are part of the development process,” Liu added. “That culture of collaboration is something I’m proud to expand and formalize under my leadership.”

With Harvey Liu at the helm, LeveX is positioning itself as a credible, performance-first exchange for both retail and professional crypto traders—backed by strong infrastructure and a leadership team committed to transparency, functionality, and user growth.

About LeveX

LeveX is an emerging crypto trading platform built around functionality, transparency, and community-driven innovation. Launched in October 2023, LeveX was created by a team of veteran exchange developers and experienced traders who believe that sharing strategies and successful trades fosters a stronger, more collaborative trading community. For more information, visit levex.com.

Media Contact

Harvey Lui
press@levex.com

Occams Digital, a newly launched unit of Occams Advisory, is now live, offering small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) a powerful alternative to fragmented marketing efforts. The service delivers full-spectrum marketing execution under a single, fixed-cost subscription.

In today’s hyper-competitive digital environment, SMEs often lack the internal teams or capacity to manage multiple vendors and platforms. Occams Digital solves that by centralizing everything needed to grow visibility, generate leads, and build brand equity—without the complexity.

The flat-rate subscription (starting at $3,499/month or $17,495 for six months) includes:

• Brand identity
• End-to-End Website Development
• Creative content: ads, video explainers, social reels, and landing pages
• Social media management
• Email marketing and CRM setup
• Paid digital media campaigns
• Local and national SEO
• Performance analytics and reporting
• AI-driven tools such as chatbots
• Online reputation management

Everything is managed through their in-house Business App, a centralised platform where clients can request creative work, track progress, share assets, and communicate with their dedicated team—all in one place.

“SMEs are critical to the global economy but often under-resourced when it comes to marketing,” said Anupam Satyasheel, founder and CEO of Occams Advisory. “Occams Digital provides a high-impact, affordable model designed specifically for them.”

“You don’t need a large team to build a powerful brand—you need the right system,” added Mukarram Dhorajiwala, chief experience officer.

“This is how small businesses get seen, heard, and remembered,” said Zidane Zafar, creative director.

“We believe sophistication should be built-in—not billed extra,” noted Harsh Golani, brand communications lead.

Book a 30-minute demo by visiting calendly.com/digital-occamsadvisory/30min.

About Occams Digital

Based in Sarasota, Florida, Occams Digital offers full-service marketing through a subscription model built for SMEs. From strategy to execution, the platform provides the capabilities of an agency, minus the complexity. To learn more, visit digital.occamsadvisory.com.

About Occams Advisory

Founded in 2012, Occams Advisory is a global consulting firm offering services across strategy, finance, tax, HR, and digital enablement. The firm has supported more than 5,000 clients and is recognized by Inc., Fortune, and the Financial Times for growth and innovation. For more information, visit occamsadvisory.com.

Media Contact

Harsh Golani
digital360@occamsadvisory.com

The new web-based puzzle platform PuzzleFree has announced its official launch, scheduled for late July 2025. The service enables users to assemble digital jigsaw puzzles through an intuitive browser interface.

The platform is designed to provide an immersive and visually appealing experience. Among its features are puzzle creation from personal photos, AI-generated puzzle content, background music, and progress tracking. A competitive ranking system will also be available for registered users.

Mobile applications for both iOS and Android are currently in development and expected to follow shortly after the web version becomes available.

"Our aim is to bring a modern and accessible puzzle experience to a wide audience," said Ivan L., founder of PuzzleFree. "We believe that puzzles remain a timeless form of relaxation and focus, and we've built this platform around that philosophy."

About PuzzleFree

PuzzleFree is an independently developed digital puzzle platform focused on offering creative puzzle assembly tools through a browser-based interface. The project is headquartered in Austria and developed by a small international team of game and UI enthusiasts. To learn more, visit puzzlefree.game.

Media Contact

Lukas L.
contact@puzzlefree.game

In a dynamic move that bridges world-class medicine with elite basketball, Vera Clinic, a leading international hair transplant center based in Istanbul, Türkiye has announced an official partnership with the Houston Rockets—a collaboration that will span the entire 2025–2026 NBA season.

This one-year alliance marks Vera Clinic as the official partner of the Houston Rockets, signaling a powerful statement about how healthcare, confidence, and performance are now deeply interconnected.

“Partnering with the Houston Rockets is a reflection of what we’ve built over the last decade,” said Dr. Kazım Sipahi, founder of Vera Clinic. “From day one, we’ve prioritized transparency, science, and ethical care. To be acknowledged by an institution like the Rockets means our standard is global.”

Vera Clinic is not new to the spotlight. In 2021, it was awarded the European Medicine Award, an honor that highlights clinical safety, ethical practices, trust and contribution to medical innovation across the continent. The award is typically reserved for institutions that demonstrate verifiable results and patient-centered care, not marketing.

What It Means for American Patients

According to the Medical Tourism Association, over 1.5 million Americans traveled abroad for medical treatment in 2024. Hair restoration is one of the most common reasons. In the U.S., a high-quality transplant can cost between $12,000–$20,000.

At Vera Clinic, the same procedure is offered with proven medical techniques, stem cell and OxyCure™ therapy, developed in-house to improve healing and results. The clinic provides fixed-price packages between €2,000 and €6,000, with no extra cost per graft. The price includes surgery, hotel, transfers, and full aftercare — making Vera one of the most trusted choices for international patients.

By aligning with one of the NBA’s most recognized members, Vera Clinic sends a clear message to Americans considering medical tourism: World-class care doesn’t need to cost a fortune and trust can now wear a jersey.

Should New Yorkers Care?

If you’ve been thinking about hair restoration but stopped short because of price, downtime, or trust — this might change that.

Vera Clinic works with American patients every day. Their staff speak English. Their coordinators handle everything from virtual consultations to airport pickups. And with a major U.S. sports team now tied to their name, the trust gap for American patients just narrowed.

What This Signals for Turkish Health Tourism

Türkiye has already been on the global medical map, especially for cosmetic dentistry, plastic surgery, and fertility treatment. But partnerships like this shift the perception

In 2023 alone, Türkiye’s health tourism revenue exceeded $2.5 billion, with projections expecting a 20% growth by 2026, according to data from TÜRSAB (Association of Turkish Travel Agencies). İstanbul has emerged as the hub, with clinics like Vera leading the narrative — not through ads, but through procedures that deliver.

Need-to-Know: Contact and Booking Info

• Address: Kordonboyu, Turgut Özal Blv. No: 47, 34860 Kartal/İstanbul
• Website: veraclinic.net
• Email: info@veraclinic.net
• Social media: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok
• WhatsApp: +90 555 888 81 23

About Vera Clinic

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Istanbul, Vera Clinic is a global leader in hair transplantation, cosmetic surgery, and dental aesthetics. Having treated over 40,000 patients from more than 40 countries, the clinic combines advanced medical expertise with personalized, patient-centered care. Vera Clinic is internationally recognized as the inventor of the Sapphire FUE technique and is the only clinic with an in-house hyperbaric oxygen chamber to enhance recovery and graft survival.

Renowned for its ethical, results-driven approach, Vera Clinic prioritizes patient safety, transparency, and satisfaction. Its reputation is built on clinical excellence, natural-looking outcomes, and a commitment to delivering accurate, science-backed information. In 2021, they received the European Award in Medicine for Best Hair Transplant Clinic, reinforcing its leadership in the field.

With a multilingual medical team, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strict adherence to medical standards, Vera Clinic continues to set the benchmark for quality, innovation, and trust in the global aesthetic health industry.

For more information, visit www.veraclinic.net.

Media Contact

Mouheb Bouzgarrou
info@veraclinic.net
+90 542 743 54 08

Inception Fertility, North America's largest provider of fertility services, announces today that Gaurang Daftary, MD, has been named president of physician relations.

Dr. Daftary joined Inception Fertility in 2024 as chief scientific officer of the Inception Research Institute, where he supports the Institute's research programs by initiating new trials with pharmaceutical, device, and laboratory sponsors. In his new role as president of physician relations, Dr. Daftary will oversee Inception's physician engagement efforts, which include nurturing existing physician relationships and expanding the company's physician base by recruiting new and established reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) physicians into The Prelude Network, Inception's clinical network of top-tier fertility practices across North America.

Dr. Daftary will also continue serving as CSO of the Inception Research Institute. Established in 2022, the Inception Research Institute elevates the field of reproductive medicine by addressing the industry's most urgent needs, including cutting-edge advances in patient care through pharmacological innovations and device development, improving access to care, professional development and advancement, and innovative studies which investigate the relationships between treatment success and controllable entities such as lifestyle habits and emotional health.  

The appointment to president of physician relations comes after the recent passing of Mark Montondon, a founding member of the Inception management team who played an integral role in Inception's success and forging relationships with physicians across the field of reproductive medicine.

"Since Gaurang joined Inception, he has made significant contributions to our organization and has pushed forward research to help improve the science and quality of reproductive medicine," says TJ Farnsworth, founder and CEO of Inception Fertility. "Collaboration with physicians is key to furthering our research mission, and we are excited for Gaurang to lead our physician relationships."  

“I am honored to expand my work with Inception, foster physician relations with our current REIs and expand our network with the best and brightest doctors — all to exceed the boundaries of patient care and outcomes," shares Dr. Daftary.

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 by 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. 

To learn more about the Inception Research Institute, please visit inceptionfertility.com/inception-research-institute/. You can see a full of active research studies by visiting fertilitystudies.com.

About The Prelude Network

The Prelude Network® (Prelude), the fastest-growing network of fertility clinics and largest provider of comprehensive fertility services in North America, is the clinic network of Inception Fertility™ — a family of fertility brands that touches every part of the fertility journey, including diagnostics and treatment to financial accessibility.

Each clinic, as part of Prelude, is committed to delivering the highest level of personalized fertility care by the nation's leading reproductive endocrinologists, embryologists and practitioners by focusing on an excellence in science, medicine and the patient experience.  The growing Prelude Network has more than 90 total locations nationwide, offering a wide range of fertility services including egg freezing, IVF, genetic testing, LGBTQ+ fertility options, and egg/embryo storage, among others.

Those clinics within Prelude include Aspire Fertility Austin (Texas); Aspire Fertility Dallas (Texas); Aspire Fertility McAllen (Texas); Aspire Fertility San Antonio (Texas); Aspire Houston Fertility Institute (Texas); Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago (Illinois); Center for Reproductive Medicine (Florida); Indiana Fertility Institute (Indiana); IVFMD (Florida); Main Line Fertility (Pennsylvania); NYU Langone Fertility Center (New York); NYU Langone RSNY (New York); Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (Canada); Pacific Fertility Center (California); Regional Fertility Program (Canada); Reproductive Biology Associates (Georgia); Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey (New Jersey); Tennessee Fertility Institute (Tennessee), and The Reproductive Medicine Group (Florida).

Media Contact

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

Unlisted, a real estate technology company on a mission to unlock the full potential of every home, is sharing three simple tips for planning a neighborhood block party—an easy way to strengthen ties and spark new conversations just outside the front door. Unlisted is grounded in the idea that real estate is about people, connections, and the moments that bring them together.

When bringing neighbors together, consider these three tips to make it effortless and impactful:

1. Start with One Invitation and Go from There

Neighborhood gatherings don’t need to be big to be meaningful. Whether it’s knocking on one neighbor’s door or leaving a note for a few nearby households, small invitations often lead to the most genuine connections. At the same time, a block party is a great excuse to reach out to neighbors you don’t know well yet and forge new connections.

2. Let Everyone Contribute

Instead of planning everything yourself, invite neighbors to bring what they already have—folding chairs, coolers, a speaker. Casual, collaborative gatherings tend to feel more welcoming and inclusive for everyone involved. Share the food prep too, potluck is a classic for a reason. Ask those who don’t like to cook to bring store-bought items, drinks, or plates and utensils.

3. Make Space for Stories

The most memorable moments happen when people slow down and talk. Consider asking someone “What brought you to this street?” or “What’s your favorite thing about your home?” to help create meaningful conversations.

“Moments shared in driveways, yards, or over fences are what make a home feel like part of something larger,” said Katie Hill, founder of Unlisted. “We believe neighborly connections can really enhance our quality of life.”

Whether you’re new to a block or have lived in your home for years, a simple gathering can be a powerful reminder that real estate isn’t just about buying and selling—it’s about being rooted in place.

Unlisted helps people connect with homes, with neighbors, and with opportunities that aren’t always visible. Learn more at UnlistedHomes.com.

About Unlisted

Unlisted helps unlock the potential of homes that aren’t for sale—yet. Buyers can expand their search and join the Waitlist for homes they love, even if those homes aren’t listed. If a homeowner ever decides to sell, they'll be the first to know. Homeowners can check their Waitlist, update their profile, and stay open to opportunity—on their own terms. It’s a softer, more human way to explore real estate, built on curiosity and connection. For more information, visit UnlistedHomes.com.

Media Contact

Sophia Jacomet
sophia@unlistedinc.com

The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) today commended the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for issuing a comprehensive and forceful warning letter to Hydroxie, LLC, a seller of synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (otherwise known as “7”) products falsely marketed as dietary supplements, shots, and drink mixes. The GKC hailed the move as a critical step in addressing these products that masquerade as natural dietary supplements but are actually unapproved new drugs. 

“This warning letter is a major step in a broader effort to remove dangerous ‘7’ products from store shelves and online marketplaces,” said Walker Gallman, Legislative Director of the Global Kratom Coalition. “These actions should protect consumers and safeguard the integrity of the dietary supplement marketplace. It should result in a cascade of warnings to other 7 makers.” 

In the June 25, 2025, letter, the FDA identified multiple violations of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, citing Hydroxie’s products as both unapproved new drugs and adulterated food. The FDA noted that Hydroxie’s 7 products—including its "Hydroxie 15mg 7-OH Tablets," "Hydroxie Red Shots," and "Hydroxie 7-OH Drink Mix"—are marketed with drug claims and contain an ingredient not generally recognized as safe.

“Your Hydroxie 15mg 7-OH Tablets, Hydroxie Red 15mg Tablets... are drugs as defined by section 201(g)(1) of the FD&C Act... because they are intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease,” the FDA stated in the letter.

“Based on our review... the use of 7-OH in conventional food does not satisfy the criteria for GRAS status... [and] raises serious concerns about potential harm associated with 7-OH,” the agency warned.

“This is a watershed moment,” said Gallman. “The FDA has now publicly and definitively recognized that products like Hydroxie’s, which are made up of synthetically boosted and highly concentrated levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine, are deceptively marketed as dietary supplements or conventional foods and are illegal. They are not kratom products; they are not dietary supplements; they are not legal; they are unapproved drugs and adulterated foods masquerading as legal, natural products.”

FDA Warning Letter Addresses Persistent “Bad Actors” Damaging Industry

The GKC has long warned that certain actors in the marketplace are undermining public trust in the dietary supplement industry by selling synthetically enhanced or adulterated 7 products, often under the guise of “all natural” or “dietary supplement" or as “kratom”. However, these products are marketed by the companies that sell them and the advocacy organizations that support them (Holistic Alternate Recovery Trust (HART) and 7-Hope Alliance) as drugs to treat chronic pain and opioid use disorder.

The FDA's letter made clear that:

• 7 has not been evaluated by the FDA for safe use. Without formal safety evaluation, consumers are left exposed to unknown risks from products that have never undergone rigorous scientific review.
• The FDA has received adverse event reports associated with 7. Reports of harm linked to 7 include serious side effects such as liver toxicity, seizures, and respiratory issues, underscoring the need for immediate regulatory scrutiny.
• 7 has opioid-like effects and poses unique safety concerns. Because concentrated, synthetic 7 is a novel, potent opioid receptor agonist, its presence in unregulated consumer products raises red flags about addiction, misuse, and overdose.

“We urge the FDA and state regulators to continue down this path,” said Gallman. “The longer these products are on the market, the greater the threat to public safety.”

A Growing Chorus of Concern About Synthetic 7-Hydroxymitragynine Products

The FDA warning letter also adds to a growing chorus of scientists, researchers, and industry stakeholders who have issued concerns about 7 products.  

In reaction to the FDA warning letter on social media, Dr. Christopher R. McCurdy, PhD, from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy said, ”The FDA is taking action on semi-synthetic kratom alkaloid derivatives, and this is exactly what we count on the FDA to do! These non-kratom products need to be removed from the market as they are no different from the many synthetic cannabinoids that made up “spice” and caused harm to many … These novel chemicals synthesized from kratom extracts are potent opioids and a public health threat as currently marketed. They might be beneficial if pursued through the same pathways that all novel drugs gain approval.”

In a statement released last week, Dr. C. Michael White, Pharm.D., FCP, FCCP, FASHP, a pharmacist, distinguished professor of pharmacy practice at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, and Kratom Consumer Advisory Council chair said:  “Selling potent opioid receptor-stimulating 7 products in gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops in unlimited quantities within arm’s reach of candy bars and energy drinks is a public health recipe for disaster. It allows a whole new generation of consumers to potentially get hooked on opioids, and we know where that leads.”

In late 2024, leading kratom researchers at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Florida issued urgent warnings about proliferation of 7 products and for its potential for abuse, dependence, severe withdrawal, and even respiratory depression, dangers that run directly counter to it being marketed as a treatment for opioid addiction.

GKC Committed to Transparency and Science

The Global Kratom Coalition will continue to encourage and support federal and state regulators to investigate vendors who make false or misleading claims about their products, particularly those promoting unapproved drugs disguised as dietary supplements.

About Global Kratom Coalition

Media Contact

Patrick George
info@kavacoalition.org
+1 916-202-1982

In an era marked by growing global concern over food security, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has introduced a distinctive and visionary approach to redefining the bond between people and the countryside through the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as "Reef Saudi."

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the program is designed to advance rural production sectors while fostering an integrated development ecosystem that ensures agricultural sustainability, and enhances both economic and social empowerment.

A Vision Anchored in Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Goals

Launched in 2019 as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, Reef Saudi is one of the nation’s flagship initiatives to boost the contribution of the agricultural sector to GDP. The program provides both financial and technical support to farmers and small-scale producers, alongside hands-on training and capacity building.

It focuses on eight core sectors: Saudi coffee, beekeeping and honey production, fruit cultivation, floriculture and aromatic plants, rain-fed crops, livestock, aquaculture, and rural women empowerment programs. These pillars are structured to support long-term economic sustainability in rural communities.

Empowering Over 87,000 Beneficiaries Nationwide

Since its inception, Reef Saudi has positively impacted more than 87,000 beneficiaries across various regions of the Kingdom—including farmers, artisans, producers, beekeepers, fisherfolk, and rural women.

Its influence extends beyond direct financial assistance; it has fundamentally reshaped production models, diversified livelihoods, and connected rural communities to modern agricultural value chains.

From Traditional Farming to Smart, Sustainable Production

What sets Reef Saudi apart is its integration of advanced technologies into agricultural operations. The program actively supports the adoption of modern irrigation systems, solar energy solutions, and digital platforms for product marketing.

Custom training tracks—both locally and through international exchange—are developed to equip beneficiaries with global best practices, improve product quality, and raise operational efficiency and profitability.

Reef Saudi has also pioneered entrepreneurship in rural areas through the Reef Entrepreneurship Program, transforming traditional farmers into business innovators. As a result, products by rural beneficiaries have expanded beyond local markets to reach national and even international consumers.

Strategic Leadership with a Long-Term Developmental Vision

At the helm of the program is Ghassan bin Mohammed Bakri, secretary general of Reef Saudi, whose leadership has been instrumental in aligning institutional planning with grassroots development. His strategic approach blends the preservation of rural heritage with the deployment of cutting-edge technologies.

In recognition of his visionary leadership, Bukhari was honored as Arab Digital Government Personality of the Year 2024 at an awards ceremony held in Dubai—highlighting his role in shaping impactful, scalable initiatives that empower rural communities and foster agricultural resilience.

Expanding the Narrative: Media as a Tool for Impact

Reef Saudi’s presence is not limited to on-the-ground transformation—it has also crafted a strong digital and media identity. Through targeted communication campaigns and innovative outreach across traditional and social media platforms, the program has effectively reached remote communities, raised public awareness of rural opportunities, and shared compelling success stories of transformation in the Saudi countryside.

Global Recognition and Endorsement

The program has earned international acclaim, including recognition from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which described it as a leading global example of how agricultural development can be directly linked to improving quality of life.

FAO emphasized Reef Saudi’s holistic approach, rooted in sustainability and empowerment, as a model worthy of replication across other regions of the world.

A Local Program with Global Relevance

Reef Saudi is no longer just a national program—it has emerged as a globally recognized model that balances economic sustainability with human empowerment.

As its impact continues to grow, so too does its potential to serve as a strategic tool in addressing global food security, inspiring communities to build more resilient and innovative agricultural futures.

This pioneering initiative demonstrates how rural agriculture can be transformed into a platform for sustainable development—one that transcends geography and positions Saudi Arabia as a rising force in the global development dialogue.

Media Contact

Ahmed Gari
info@iaicdacademy.org

The Scientific Association for Botanical Education and Research (SABER) commends the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for issuing a critical warning letter to Hydroxie, LLC, for illegally marketing products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a semi-synthetic compound with potent opioid-like effects that poses serious public health risks.

In its June 25, 2025, letter, the FDA clearly states that Hydroxie’s products, which are sold online and promoted on social media, are unapproved new drugs and adulterated food products under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The FDA’s letter highlights multiple violations, including:

• The illegal marketing of unapproved new drugs marketed as a treatment option for serious conditions like fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and depression, without any FDA evaluation for safety or effectiveness.
• Adulteration of food products by adding 7-OH, which is not generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and has never been approved as a food additive.
• Consumer deception through unsubstantiated health claims and misleading testimonials.

“This decisive action by the FDA reinforces the urgent need for clear, enforceable standards to protect consumers from unsafe, unregulated, and misrepresented synthetic and semi-synthetic substances masquerading as botanicals,” said Dr. Paula Brown, a member of SABER’s Scientific Steering Committee.  “Natural botanicals can be part of responsible wellness practices when regulated properly, but unapproved, high-potency synthetic derivatives like semi-synthetic 7-OH cross a line and put consumers at risk.”

The FDA’s letter further warns that products containing 7-OH have been linked to adverse events, including liver and cardiovascular toxicity, respiratory depression, and dependence.

SABER calls on federal and state regulators to build on this action by implementing science-based standards for the entire botanical industry, including:

• Rigorous testing and truthful labeling
• Restrictions on synthetic, semi-synthetic, or highly concentrated derivatives not found in nature
•  Clear consumer education on the differences between natural botanicals and dangerous synthetic analogues

“Consumers deserve safe, authentic botanical products that are responsibly manufactured and accurately represented,” said Dr. Mary Hardy, another founding member of SABER’s Scientific Steering Committee. “We applaud the FDA’s efforts to protect the public from harmful, misbranded substances and will continue to advocate for policies that uphold safety, integrity, and consumer trust.”

About Scientific Association for Botanical Education and Research (SABER)

Media Contact

Paloma Lehfeldt
info@saberscience.org

YOURPAD is thrilled to unveil the restaurant space at The Charlee on Cannon, a brand-new, meticulously crafted building poised to redefine the dining landscape in the vibrant STR (short-term rental) district. The team behind The Charlee transformed the space above and behind the restaurant into stunning, luxury vacation rentals with the aim of having the tenant serve the dining needs of over 70 guests each night.

Offering a rare opportunity for restaurateurs and commercial real estate professionals, this dynamic space is designed to elevate your brand and captivate your clientele. The site is located adjacent to a public parking lot, offering patrons over fifty parking spaces — unheard of in the downtown area.

Key Highlights

• Prime Location: Situated in the heart of the STR district, less than a five-minute walk to King Street, Charlee on Cannon offers unparalleled visibility and foot traffic.
• Spacious & Versatile Space: 2,303 square feet of shell-ready retail/restaurant space with 100’ of front frontage, 13’ ceilings, and sidewalk dining pre-approval — perfect for creating a memorable dining or retail experience.
• Design Excellence: Crafted by Ramos Architecture & Design and featuring interior elegance by Jenny Keenan Design, the space boasts modern aesthetics and thoughtful layouts, ready for your startup to bring it to life.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: Sidewalk dining pre-approved and sidewalk dining potential make this space ideal for outdoor hospitality, fostering community engagement and increased foot traffic.
• Turnkey Opportunity: The space is shell-ready, allowing tenants to start upfit immediately and customize to their brand’s unique vision.

Why The Charlee?

This exceptional property combines strategic location, generous frontage, and premium design to help your business stand out. Whether you're launching a flagship restaurant or expanding to the Holy City, Charlee on Cannon offers the perfect foundation to grow and thrive.

Don’t Miss Out!

Leasing opportunities like this don’t come often. Contact us today to schedule a tour and explore how The Charlee restaurant can become the next cornerstone of your success.

For more information, visit: thecharleeoncannon.com/restaurant-space/

For additional details or to schedule a viewing, contact:

David Betts
404-408-3657
david@hostyourpad.com

About YOURPAD

Based in Charleston, YOURPAD specializes in short-term rental management with a commitment to excellence and profitability. Our tailored approach to each property ensures that both guests and homeowners receive the attention and service they deserve. For more information, please visit our website at hostyourpad.com.

Media Contact

David Betts
david@hostyourpad.com

American Kratom Association (AKA) today lauded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for taking decisive enforcement action by issuing a series of Warning Letters against vendors selling products containing dangerous synthesized and chemically manipulated compounds such as 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and similar concentrated compound products (7-OH in its naturally occurring form appears only in trace amounts in kratom plant material.)

The FDA’s Warning Letters serve as notice to all companies marketing and selling products that contain 7-OH, pseudoindoxyl, and “M” that such products are illegal under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act) and that the continued marketing and selling of such products opens the responsible parties up to having their products seized, their actions enjoined, or perhaps even criminal prosecution.

The AKA submitted 18 complaints to the FDA on May 21, 2025, reporting vendors selling chemically manipulated 7-OH, pseudoindoxyl, and “M” products that are identified in the new warning letters that identify illegal therapeutic claims, unlawful product formulations, and deceptive labeling practices that violate federal law and put consumers at significant risk.

The FDA’s warning letters make clear that vendors marketing 7-OH, pseudoindoxyl, and “M” products — including tablets, sublingual strips, drink mixes, and shots — that contain synthetically enhanced and chemically manipulated 7-OH product formulations that are being illegally marketed to treat conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, depression, and more. The agency emphasized that the labeling of these products renders them as unapproved new drugs and adulterated foods under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

“This FDA action shines a spotlight on a massive and growing problem in the kratom marketplace,” said Mac Haddow, senior fellow on public policy for the American Kratom Association. “The companies that received these Warning Letters are just some of a significant number of companies engaged in transparently improper marketing — misleading consumers by branding these 7-OH products as ‘kratom’ while making illegal health claims and using unsafe synthetic or semi-synthetic formulations — and none of these products are kratom. This is a massive fraud on consumers that puts their safety directly at risk.”

According to the FDA’s Warning Letters, companies selling these chemically manipulated super concentrations of 7-OH, pseudoindoxyl, and “M” products are:

• Making Illegal Drug Claims: Marketing products as treatments or cures for serious medical conditions without any scientific substantiation or FDA approval.
• Selling Unsafe Product Formulations: Adding chemically manipulated 7-OH and related products, a compound with known opioid-like effects, to foods and beverages without safety reviews or regulatory clearance.
• Using Deceptive Labeling and Testimonials: Relying on misleading claims and consumer testimonials to promote unproven benefits and hide the true nature of their products.

The AKA has long warned that products containing chemically manipulated products like enhanced 7-OH — especially those sold in concentrated shots and tablets — are not representative of traditional kratom leaf or extracts using FDA approved food grade solvents and appear to be intentionally designed and formulated to mimic the effects of opioids. These products distort public understanding of kratom and provide ammunition to critics who want to ban access to the natural kratom plant entirely.

Haddow also emphasized the AKA strongly encourages the FDA to not simply issue Warning Letters but to also aggressively follow up with enforcement actions against companies that continue to market these dangerous chemically manipulated 7-OH-containing products. “FDA’s Warning Letters do not just serve as notice to the specific companies who received them. These Warning Letters serve as notice to an entire industry that products containing chemically manipulated kratom compounds are both violative of the FD&C Act and present a real risk to consumers. We strongly encourage FDA to use the full weight of its authority for products that remain on the market — to include seizing violative products, seeking injunctions to prevent bad players from remaining on the market and in appropriate situations criminal prosecution.”

The AKA continues to advocate for the passage of Kratom Consumer Protection Acts (KCPA) in states across the country to establish clear rules that ban chemically manipulated kratom products, ensure accurate labeling, and hold bad actors accountable.

About American Kratom Association (AKA)

Media Contact

Mac Haddow
mhaddow@americankratom.org

The Ferguson Law Firm, LLP today announced that equity partner Cody Dishon has been named to TopVerdict.com’s annual list for obtaining the largest medical malpractice jury verdict in Texas for 2024 and one of the top verdicts nationwide.

A jury awarded $59.7 million to his client, who suffered severe neurological deficits after hospital personnel failed to diagnose and treat a spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma in time (Cause No. E-207079).

The two-week trial featured testimony from 23 expert and fact witnesses. Although the hospital denied any responsibility during the proceedings, the jury disagreed and found the hospital 90 percent at fault. The jury returned a verdict of approximately $14.6 million in economic damages to cover the client’s lifetime medical care and loss of earning capacity. In addition, the jury awarded $16 million for pain and suffering, $16.6 million for mental anguish, and $12.5 million for physical impairment.

“This verdict is about accountability and restoring dignity to someone whose life was permanently altered by medical negligence. It sends a clear message that patient safety must be a top priority. We’re honored by Top Verdict’s recognition of the result and the justice it represents,” Dishon, lead trial counsel, said.

“Cody is relentless. And this verdict reflects that. We’ve nurtured a trial-ready culture at our firm and we’re proud of verdicts like these. This honor validates our mission to secure life-changing results for our client,” Paul “Chip” Ferguson, Ferguson Law Firm managing partner, said.

The trial team also included Javier Cabanillas of Ferguson Law Firm.

“Javier’s exceptional work ethic and unwavering dedication were instrumental in the success of this important case,” Dishon said.

Over the last several years, Cody Dishon has secured nearly 30 seven-figure verdicts and settlements for clients.

Additional High-Stakes Result: $5.5 Million Arbitration Award

Dishon’s winning streak continued with a $5.5 million final arbitration award in favor of the family of a worker killed on a job site. Although the defendant forced the case into private arbitration, Dishon’s team uncovered critical safety failures that led to the record award. The award is among the largest reported personal-injury arbitration outcomes of 2024.

What is TopVerdict.com and how are its rankings determined?

TopVerdict.com (“Top Verdict”) is an independent legal-analytics outlet that publishes annual lists of the largest jury verdicts and settlements across the United States. Rankings are compiled from public court records, verdict databases, news reports, and attorney submissions. Inclusion is free and based solely on the final dollar amount of the result.

I suspect medical negligence injured me or a loved one. What should I do first?

Document everything: request copies of medical records, keep a journal of symptoms, and gather bills or insurance statements. Next, consult an experienced medical-malpractice attorney as soon as possible to review timelines and preserve crucial evidence.

My employment or patient paperwork forces disputes into arbitration. Can I still obtain Justice?

Yes. While arbitration limits courtroom access, skilled counsel can still secure substantial awards, as demonstrated by Mr. Dishon’s recent $5.5 million result. An attorney can challenge unfair provisions, conduct full discovery, and present expert testimony within the arbitration forum.

About Ferguson Law Firm

The Ferguson Law Firm, LLP was established in Beaumont, TX, by personal injury attorney Paul “Chip” Ferguson, Jr. to advocate for clients that have suffered injuries due to negligence of another person or party. Distinguished Senior Partner Mrs. Jane Swearingen Leger joined the firm in 2016. Mrs. Leger brings her many years of service to the firm, with expertise in industrial accidents, employment discrimination law, and personal injury. Jane has successfully argued before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Texas Supreme Court.

Mr. Ferguson is the 18-wheeler attorney for people injured in trucking accidents. In addition to being named “Lawyer of the Year” on multiple occasions, Mr. Ferguson has received many other honors, including being named Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation Induction, inducted as an Advocate into the American Board of Trial Advocates, and named to the Texas Top 100 by the National Trial Lawyers Association, and named to National Top 10 by the National Academy of Trial Attorneys.

Both attorneys have been duly recognized for their exceptional work and have received numerous honors and accolades in their field. Our firm is dedicated, and we aim to seek the justice that our clients deserve.

At 30 years old, ownership partner Cody Dishon achieved one of the most significant milestones in his career—becoming one of the youngest attorneys in Texas history to achieve his Board Certification in Personal Injury Trial Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This specialization requires one to obtain at least 10 jury verdicts in personal injury cases as lead trial counsel. With less than 2% of all lawyers in Texas holding this objective title, his achievement stands as a testament to his dedication, knowledge, work ethic, and expertise.

For more information, visit https://www.thefergusonlawfirm.com.

Disclaimer

In some jurisdictions, this press release may be considered attorney advertising.

Media Contact

Amanda Orr
amanda@orrstrategygroup.com