Newsroom

As 4media group continues to grow, it is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex Hinojosa as its new Executive Vice President (EVP) of Integrated Services. In this role, Alex will lead the integration of the PR, digital, social, research, and influencer departments teams, fostering a culture of continued innovation and cohesive strategies for its client-partners.

"Alex's strategic vision and exceptional leadership are key assets that will enhance our service delivery," said Ed Cyster, Global CEO and founder of 4media group. "By aligning these teams under his direction, we are poised to offer even more comprehensive and seamlessly integrated solutions to our client-partners."

Alex brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to his new position. Since joining the U.S. operations of Atomik Research in 2016, Hinojosa has been instrumental in establishing robust operations and innovative data storytelling techniques that have propelled the company's growth. His expertise spans a broad range of industry verticals, including consumer packaged goods, financial services, healthcare, education and more, making him uniquely qualified to steer the integrated services at 4media group.

"I am thrilled to lead these talented teams and build upon the strong foundation we have at 4media group," said Hinojosa. "Our focus will be on driving innovation and leveraging our combined expertise to deliver outstanding results for our clients. I am committed to enhancing our capabilities and expanding our reach to deliver insights-driven communications strategies that truly make a difference."

Alex’s career began as a media personality, providing him with unique insights into public relations and audience engagement. Based in Dallas, Texas with his wife and three children, Alex is deeply involved in his local community, particularly in coaching his children's sports teams.

About 4media group

As an integrated communications agency, 4media group has been storytelling on behalf of the world’s most notable brands and organizations since 2008. Using insights to inform our approach, we create the best achievable outcomes for our clients through marketing strategies, social media, influencer programs, broadcast media tours, video production, news distribution, public service announcements and public relations. We’re a global company with headquarters in London, UK and Bentonville, Arkansas, with satellite offices spanning from Los Angeles to New York City. We work as one company, one culture for our clients every day. Visit us online at 4media-group.com.

Media Contact

Jaimee Davis

jaimee.davis@4media-group.com

Today, NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA) held the highly anticipated General Session at its 2024 Institute & Expo (I&E) in San Antonio, featuring a dynamic panel with esteemed OEM leaders and a compelling industry update with Ted Cannis, CEO of Ford Pro.

“Today’s General Session at I&E provided attendees with unparalleled insights and strategies to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of fleet management,” said Bill Schankel, CAE, CEO of NAFA. “From Ted Cannis’ enlightening industry update to the engaging discussions during the OEM Panel, our attendees gained invaluable perspectives to drive innovation and success in their respective fields.”

In his keynote address titled “Ford Pro – Our Learnings: Grow Productivity, Reduce Risk,” Ted Cannis provided attendees with critical insights into the future of fleet management. As the CEO of Ford Pro, Cannis leads a global team dedicated to delivering comprehensive solutions to government and commercial customers, focusing on accelerating productivity, improving uptime and lowering operating costs through connected services and work-ready gas and electric vehicles. 

Following Cannis’ address, NAFA hosted a dynamic OEM Panel Discussion. Distinguished leaders from Toyota, Stellantis, GM Envolve and Ford Pro engaged in a robust discussion about the automotive industry’s next phase of evolution and its profound implications for every driver, fleet and road. Panelists included Tom DeLuise from Toyota, Eric Swanson from Stellantis, Robert Wheeler from GM Envolve, and Greg Wood from Ford Pro.

Attendees left today’s General Session feeling empowered, inspired and ready to take on the fleet industry. This session, and the entire I&E schedule, highlight NAFA’s commitment to delivering exceptional educational content and networking opportunities for fleet professionals worldwide. 

For more information about NAFA and its upcoming events, please visit www.nafa.org

About NAFA Fleet Management Association

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

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

Media Contact

Keaveny Hewitt

khewitt@onwrdupwrd.com

919-622-5276

HRE Advisors is a full-service real estate advisory firm that offers brokerage, appraisal, and consulting for their client’s commercial and residential needs. HRE is thrilled to announce an expansion that will deepen the firm’s professional expertise in the area. HRE has recently partnered with Darren Hack, Angela Turner, and Davin Ramage, all of whom carry a depth of experience in commercial and residential real estate, along with other additions to the team.

Dustin Hawkins, MAI, CCIM, the Principal of HRE Advisors, looks forward to continuing the firm’s commitment to its advisory services through the vast amount of education and experience HRE offers. As such, Dustin is thrilled to bring additional experience and knowledge to the team to enhance that expertise and level of service.

Darren Hack joins HRE Advisors from Hack Building, a real estate and construction company specializing in appraisal, multi-tenant commercial buildings, tenant build-outs, repurposing, and home building. Accompanying Darren to the team are Kelly Hack, Stan Hack, and MaryAnn Cain, who provide a combined 65 years of expertise in commercial and residential real estate, buyer and seller representation, land planning, commercial development, investment properties, and more.

Sarah Riley, West Kentucky Star’s People’s Choice Realtor of the Year in 2023 and 2024, will further strengthen HRE’s ability to service the WKY region. Sarah’s experiences include a strong residential sales portfolio as well as residential property management. Sarah is among the top performing agents in the area with a strong grasp on the residential sales and investment market.

“Sarah and Kelly will strengthen HRE’s residential brokerage, ensuring strong, transparent value for our clients. Darren’s construction and development experience will add a level of service and professionalism to the firm that will give our clients an even higher level of confidence,” says Dustin.

Angela Turner is another addition to the HRE team. Since 2008, Angela has worked in and around all things real estate, starting her career in leasing and property management and obtaining her real estate license in 2013. Angela has drawn an exceptional amount of experience through her leadership role at Falconite Development. Angela’s 15 years of experience in commercial leasing, project management, and business development puts her in the top echelon of this industry.

Davin Ramage has also joined HRE to bring stability to the firm’s growing appraisal department. Davin has been immersed in residential real estate appraisal since 2016. His strong work ethic, analytical mind, and reliability quickly gave him a reputation that all of Western Kentucky has come to trust. He will also bolster HRE’s agricultural appraisal services, offering poultry, swine, and row crop advisory and valuations.

Stacey Treece is an associate appraiser with HRE. Stacey began her appraisal career in 2022 after 15 years in education. She started strong, learning from Darren at Hack Building, who says she “is one of the most gifted analytical and appraisal minds I’ve seen.”

HRE Advisors strives to continue providing clients with a broad spectrum of services that cover all aspects of commercial, agricultural, and residential real estate brokerage across the most coveted areas of Western Kentucky. They offer superior risk-adjusted real estate returns and capital preservation through quantitative analytics and a strategic planning framework. These additions to the team represent virtually every aspect of the real estate landscape, from end-to-end business planning to implementation solutions at an entity, portfolio, or project level.

About HRE Advisors

HRE Advisors is a premier manager of investment quality commercial real estate portfolios focused on providing superior risk-adjusted returns for our clients and investors, consistent with the objectives defined by their investment guidelines. Served by a strong group of senior professionals who understand the importance of aligning manager-client interests, HRE Advisors designs solutions to deliver value while bringing a clear understanding of market dynamics, research, and experience to real estate investment management. With expertise in acquisitions, dispositions, tenant or landlord representation, and appraisal, HRE Advisors is uniquely equipped to advise clients, drawing on a depth of knowledge spanning capital markets, geographical markets, industry trends, and property fundamentals. With its recent expansion, HRE now also adds residential real estate and agricultural appraisals to its expansive service offerings. Backed by access to best-in-class tools and a proprietary platform, the HRE Advisors team strives to identify opportunities that exceed client expectations and deliver superior results.

Media Contact

Madison Baber

+1 210-213-2426

madison@rprfirm.com

With smart ring market leadership within its sights, Ultrahuman has today announced plans to open a manufacturing facility poised to accelerate its production capacity. The UltraFactory will be located in Indiana. It opens within the next six months and will be the launchpad for Ultrahuman’s next phase of growth.

The UltraFactory will offer an end-to-end production capability and is based on the company’s first operational model of such a facility in India. This development comes hot on the heels of a $35 million fresh investment in the company (Series B funding round) and reaffirms Ultrahuman’s ambition to become the market leader in the smart ring space in the next 12 to 15 months.

The company has already seen phenomenal growth over the past year, becoming the second-largest player in the smart ring market while maintaining profitability. The opening of the new UltraFactory, will add a production capacity of 200,000 smart rings and present an additional $100 million revenue opportunity annually. This is a push towards establishing smart ring market leadership in the U.S.

Ultrahuman’s ability to make significant long-term manufacturing investments, supported by its profitability, is unique in the smart rings market. As a result, UltraFactory’s cutting-edge end-to-end production capabilities will enable the company to fully capitalize on what the company sees as its biggest competitive advantage: fast product development and iteration, and speed of execution in rolling out to global markets.

With the U.S. market growing in importance for Ultrahuman in recent months, the move will help the company lower costs in shipping and logistics, while aiding the U.S. government in its push to strengthen domestic manufacturing rather than manufacturing in offshore locations, like China. This brings an expected hiring boom of 150 new Ultrahuman employees in the U.S. over the next 12 months split between engineering and research (30%) and commercial operations (70%).

Mohit Kumar, founder and CEO of Ultrahuman commented: “The U.S. is an interesting market for us given it has always been huge in terms of demand for the product but we’re also seeing tremendous value from a manufacturing and research perspective. UltraFactory U.S. would enable manufacturing for health tracking smart ring devices and give us the ability to do necessary research to evolve the form factor further.”

Ultrahuman has seen phenomenal growth over the past 12 months, becoming the second-largest player in the smart ring market while maintaining profitability. "Our vision of being the top player in terms of both active devices and geographic presence is within reach, thanks to our rapid expansion and the love we've received from our users," added Kumar.

UltraFactory will help Ultrahuman support its recent retail expansion into over 150 outlets worldwide, spanning iconic locations like London’s Selfridges on Oxford Street, Changi Airport in Singapore, and the Virgin megastore in Dubai. In addition to their smart ring called Ring AIR, the Ultrahuman product suite includes a continuous glucose monitoring wearable called M1 Live, a home health device called Ultrahuman Home and a preventive blood testing product called Blood Vision. Their platform integrates glucose, sleep, movement, blood markers, and HRV, offering a comprehensive approach to health monitoring.

"Our growth is a testament to the user love for our products, highlighted by industry-leading NPS and engagement metrics since the launch of our latest model, the Ring AIR. Our relentless focus on improving user experience through continuous firmware and software updates is what sets us apart," Kumar emphasized. "Shipping a new firmware version every two weeks and weekly app improvements reflect our commitment to excellence and our speed of execution, our biggest competitive advantage. We’ve also iterated on hardware at the speed of software by designing novel devices like Ultrahuman Home, a home health monitor.”

Looking ahead, Ultrahuman is on track to surpass $100 million in annualized revenue run rate (ARR) by the end of 2024, a milestone that will be achieved profitably.

"Our ability to make long-term manufacturing investments, supported by our profitability, is unique in the smart ring market," Kumar noted.

Ultrahuman's dedication to scientific validation and innovation is further evidenced by the completion of a clinical trial involving 105 participants, aimed at validating the ‘Metabolic Score’ generated on the Ultrahuman platform.

"Our long-term investment in R&D and intellectual property is a cornerstone of our strategy, ensuring that our products not only meet but exceed the highest standards of efficacy and reliability," Kumar concluded.

About Ultrahuman

Ultrahuman is the world's most advanced metabolic fitness platform. Ultrahuman’s products include the Ultrahuman M1(continuous glucose monitoring sensor), the Ultrahuman Ring and Blood Vision, a preventive blood testing platform with the pioneering UltraTrace™ technology. By collating different biomarkers, Ultrahuman is helping people improve their energy levels and lifestyle, track their workout, sleep and recovery, and avoid metabolic disorders. For more information and updates on Ultrahuman, please visit ultrahuman.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Media Contact

Bilal Mahmood

+44 7714 007257

b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com

Hisham Syed

hisham@ultrahuman.com

Austin-based Vinat and Vino Vinyasa have partnered to feature Vinat's Slovenian wines in a fun and educational yoga class. Vino Vinyasa classes combine vinyasa-based yoga with fun wine facts through creative yoga poses. Each experience ends with a comparative wine tasting, which takes place after the yoga flow. The Four Seasons Austin welcomed Vinat's wines at their Vino Vinyasa class on April 13, 2024, and now it's Houston's turn! Join us at Hilton Americas Houston on May 18, and experience the perfect blend of yoga, wine, and relaxation.

About Vinat

Vinat works with vineyards to sell high-quality European wines directly to customers. This allows the company to cut out middlemen and offer great wines (with super cheeky labels) at fair prices. Vinat’s website also suggests easy pairings, such as popcorn with its Valevino Skinny Dip Prosecco, and unconventional wine pairings, including books, binge-able TV shows, and Spotify playlists customized to each wine. The wines are available on www.drinkvinat.com and are produced in Italy and Slovenia (priced between $20 and $24 per bottle).

About Vino Vinyasa

Vino Vinyasa combines wine education and yoga. Their signature events are offered at luxury hotels, wine bars, and wineries in Austin, Houston, Nashville, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City. Vino Vinyasa also offers private events for corporate offices, birthdays or bachelorette parties. To learn more, please visit www.vinovinyasayoga.com.

Media Contact

Sarah Mack

hello@drinkvinat.com

CleanCloud, the leading software provider for laundromats and dry cleaners, is thrilled to announce the launch of its groundbreaking website builder, designed exclusively for CleanCloud customers. This innovative tool empowers laundromat and dry cleaning businesses worldwide to effortlessly create and enhance their online presence, positioning them for success in the digital era.

CleanCloud's new website builder, available for free to all CleanCloud customers, is a game-changer in the industry. It offers a simple, drag-and-drop content management system (CMS) tailored specifically for laundromats and dry cleaners. With this tool, even those with limited technical skills can build functional and visually appealing websites.

Key Features of CleanCloud's Website Builder

• User-Friendly Interface: CleanCloud's intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes website creation a breeze. Users can choose from a range of pre-set templates and effortlessly edit text and images to suit their unique brand and style.
  
  
• Advanced Customization: For more tech-savvy users, the website builder allows for the addition of custom code, enabling the creation of highly personalized, fully customized websites.
  
  
• AI-Powered Image Creation: CleanCloud's website builder includes an AI image generator, enabling you to effortlessly create unique visuals that represent your brand. This innovative feature eliminates the need for costly photography or generic stock images, making your website both distinctive and cost-effective.
  
  
• SEO Enhancement: Boosting search engine rankings has never been easier. CleanCloud's builder facilitates the inclusion of relevant keywords, descriptions, and meta-tags, while all websites built with it receive at least one valuable backlink from CleanCloud.
  
  
• Showcasing Google Reviews: Businesses can seamlessly display Google reviews and ratings on their websites, helping to build trust and credibility with potential customers.
  
  
• Analytics and Ad Tracking: Easily add Google and Facebook tracking in order to accurately monitor and analyze web traffic and advertising spend effectiveness.

Co-founder and CTO of CleanCloud, David Griffith-Jones, shared his thoughts on this exciting development: "We're always looking for opportunities to help our customers grow, and having a fast, beautiful and effective website is an important part of this. We know that many have struggled with getting a website up and running, whether that's because of the cost of the build, lack of time, or the need for technical expertise. With our new website builder, we've made it easier than ever for every laundromat or dry cleaner owner to have their own website. Anyone with access to a computer can build a basic site that will attract more customers and ultimately grow their business."

CleanCloud's website builder represents a significant leap forward in terms of sophistication and user-friendliness compared to alternative website builders in the industry. This powerful tool allows CleanCloud customers to enjoy all the advantages of larger CMS offerings without the associated costs, reinforcing CleanCloud's commitment to helping laundromat and dry cleaning business owners stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry.

About CleanCloud

CleanCloud is the leading point of sale software provider dedicated to revolutionizing the laundromat and dry cleaning industry through innovative technology solutions. With a commitment to helping businesses thrive in the digital age, CleanCloud offers a comprehensive suite of tools and services designed to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences and grow revenues. For more information, visit https://cleancloudapp.com.

Media Contact

Leanne Patterson

leanne@cleancloud.com

NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA), the vehicle fleet industry’s largest membership association, today held a Media Day event at its annual Institute & Expo (I&E) in San Antonio, TX. At Media Day, over a dozen leading companies shared breaking news, innovations and other important announcements with industry reporters and publications in back-to-back press conferences. 

Media Day provided a unique opportunity for companies to showcase the latest developments in the fleet industry. Participants showcased a range of industry advancements in data analytics, safety technologies, electrification and more.

“We were thrilled to bring Media Day back again at I&E this year,” said Bill Schankel, CAE, CEO of NAFA. “The product launches and exciting announcements made during Media Day are a testament to the fleet industry’s dedication to progress. These cutting-edge technologies, solutions and insights set the course for a more connected and efficient future.” 

Below is a look at the breaking news presented during NAFA’s I&E Media Day 2024:

Draiver (Booth #1323)

Presented by Federico Ranero, CEO

Draiver presented new advanced-AI products. The company unveiled an all-in-one Command Center for total vehicle inventory management, as well as the new Draiver Driver app with cutting-edge tech features like Vehicle Inspection and Self Assign designed to increase valuable uptime. Ranero positions the innovations as the future of vehicle delivery.

National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) (Booth #1322)

Presented by Donna Wagner, Vice President of Media and Industry Relations

ASE presented preliminary results of its engine repair survey; commissioned to identify repair tasks technicians perform most frequently. 72% of respondents are currently A1 certified or were in the past and 76% hold one or more ASE A2-A8 automotive certifications while a majority of respondents hold each of those respective certifications.

MoveEV (Booth #1523)

Presented by Dave Lewis, Founder & CEO

MoveEV unveiled its first marketplace add-in for the MyGeotab® Product, designed for Geotab-enabled fleets with EVs enrolled in MoveEV’s home charging reimbursement program, ReimburseEV™. The add-in connects Geotab and ReimburseEV™, allowing users to view any car’s home charging and reimbursement history without leaving the Geotab environment.

GreenPower Motor Company (Booth #440)

Presented by Brendan Riley, President

GreenPower announced a new all-electric commercial vehicle product, the EV Star Utility Truck, purpose-built and customizable for vocational applications and workloads. The EV Star Utility Truck joins GreenPower’s EV Star Cab & Chassis commercial vehicle family as the 10th truck body upfit solution manufactured by GP Truck Body.

RoadFlex (Booth #2033)

Presented by Rush Akin, Chief Revenue Officer

RoadFlex presented the launch of its Proactive Fuel Risk Management Platform™: an AI-powered fleet expense management solution that saves fleets an average of 11% in fuel costs. RoadFlex is redefining fuel cards and fuel management. It leverages advanced spending controls, telematics integrations and eliminates card misuse and fuel fraud.

Feal Ramp (Booth #1145)

Presented by Marat Shterenberg, US Sales Director

Feal Ramp announced a cutting edge aluminum loading ramp, crafted from military grade aluminum. The ramp includes a no-drill universal installation and a patented double hinge transition plate to streamline the loading and unloading of goods, increase efficiency, ensure stability and prevent accidents.

GPS Trackit (Booth #2123)

Presented by Jeff Alsop, Sr. Director of Indirect Sales

GPS Trackit announced VidFleet WiFi Hotspot, a groundbreaking enhancement that transforms its VidFleet dash cams into high-speed Wi-Fi hubs, extending connectivity beyond the dashboard. In tandem, they introduced Driver Safety Assistance for all dash cams, providing drivers with instant audible coaching for improved safety and driving habits.

Fleetio (Booth #1149)

Presented by Shay Misra, Sr. Product Marketing Manager

Fleetio announced an expansion to its payment options for third-party maintenance with Fleetio Pay Debit, an innovative payment solution. Customers will be able to efficiently and securely manage transactions using physical and virtual Visa debit cards, ensuring complete control over financial activities.

Merchants Fleet (#Booth 641)

Presented by Lisa Drake, Assistant Director of Fleet Electrification

Merchants Fleet announced they’ve secured $1.4 million in grants and incentives for clients’ electrification initiatives, a strategic move designed to accelerate fleet electrification throughout North America. Leveraging deep expertise in navigating the complex funding process, Merchants is empowering clients with specialized guidance and support to help to identify and apply for crucial funding.

Fleet Complete (Booth #1732)

Presented by Frank Friesacher, Chief Product Officer

Fleet Complete presented an exciting step forward in fleet electrification for mixed fleets by making the transition to OEM EVs even simpler. With its advanced support for OEM connected electric vehicles (EV), the global IoT leader continues to demonstrate its commitment to offering mixed fleets with more efficient fleet management solutions.

FreightMiner (Booth #1632)

Presented by Al Houry, Founder & CEO

In partnership with Insight Autonomy, FreightMiner revealed technology for fleets that eliminates endless costs and time spent on driver training and collision repairs. This technology makes trucks safer to drive… anywhere, all year long. It installs on existing fleets, alerts drivers about surrounding obstacles, keeps fleet vehicles in their lane and prevents collisions.

Shell Fleet Solutions (Booth 1256)

Presented by Jim Perkins, Director, Shell Fleet Solutions US

Shell Fleet Solutions, with WEX, shared the news that its Shell Fleet Navigator® Card will soon offer integrated payments for both fuel and EV on-the-go charging, giving flexibility to internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) hybrid fleets. The new feature will allow ICE vehicles to fuel up at 95% of U.S. gas stations, while EVs can utilize charging stations on the WEX network nationwide.

Teletrac Navman (Booth #1833)

Presented by Carlos Caponera, Chief Marketing Officer

Teletrac Navman announced enhanced AI-powered safety features for its IQ Camera, targeting driver distraction, cell phone usage, and drowsy driving, ensuring fleet protection and efficiency.

Bluedot (Booth #1844)

Presented by Martin Hamedani, VP of Partnerships

Bluedot announced the public launch of Bluedot for Fleets, an all-in-one platform for public charging accessibility, automated payment and billing management, home charging reimbursement and vehicle analytics. It’s designed to streamline the operations of electric vehicle fleets.

NovaCHARGE (Booth #2044) 

Presented by Paul Boes, VP of Engineering, and Mark Gross, VP of Product Development 

NovaCHARGE announced the expansion of their innovative total solutions package available for fleets with FLEXX mobile EV charging systems. This new solution will ensure efficiency, productivity, and ease of transition to EVs for fleet managers of municipalities, enterprises, and utilities.

Spring Free EV (Booth #2160)

Presented by Sunil Paul, Co-Founder & CEO of Spring Free EV

Spring Free EV announced the external launch of their fleet financing and tax credit solution, Residual Capital. For fleet operators, Residual Capital significantly eases the economic burden and residual value risks involved with EV acquisition. The product offers investors the ability to monetize available tax credits and benefits.

About NAFA Fleet Management Association

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

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

Media Contact

Keaveny Hewitt

khewitt@onwrdupwrd.com

919-622-5276

Today, Botanic Tonics announced the promotion of current President, Cameron Korehbandi, to Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. With Korehbandi’s appointment, JW Ross, the company’s founder and current CEO, will maintain his role as Chairman of the Board and still be involved in company operations.

"We are thrilled to elevate Cameron’s role to CEO," said Ross. "Cameron’s had an immensely positive impact on the business since joining as President in December 2022. Given his impressive track record so far at the company and his background in high-growth CPG brands, we’re confident Cameron is the right person to continue to drive the business forward.”

Prior to joining Botanic Tonics, Korehbandi served as Chief Financial Officer at Art of Sport, Kobe Bryant’s personal care brand. Under his financial strategy and management leadership, Korehbandi led the company through a sale in 2022. Korehbandi has also held financial leadership positions at Soylent, Califia Farms, Red Bull, and Unilever.

"I am incredibly excited to continue my Botanic Tonics journey as CEO and lead this exceptional team. Botanic Tonics' commitment to providing high-quality botanical products aligns perfectly with my values, and I strongly believe in the positive impact our products can have on people's lives. I look forward to working closely with the team to drive innovation, growth, and success in the industry, and I am confident that together, we will achieve great things," said Korehbandi.

About Botanic Tonics

Botanic Tonics is a plant-based herbal supplement company headquartered in Broken Arrow, OK. Established in 2020, it produces kava-forward tonics and capsules under its feel free brand. It’s two product lines, feel free CLASSIC and feel free are crafted with ancient functional plants to provide mood lift, energy, and focus. Botanic Tonics’ products are manufactured in an FDA-registered, cGMP-certified facility and actively supports consumer safety regulations through transparent labeling and educational resources. To learn more, visit https://botanictonics.com.

Media Contact

media@botanictonics.com

STAND+ (formerly Gales®), a rapidly expanding footwear enterprise dedicated to pioneering advancements in workplace safety and comfort, proudly introduces its latest line of energy-dispersive, non-slip shoes. Designed to reduce workplace accidents and mitigate the pain and fatigue associated with prolonged standing, STAND+ shoes mark a significant milestone in the evolution of occupational safety and comfort.

STAND+ energy-dispersive, slip-resistant footwear is engineered to reduce workplace slip-and-fall accidents and alleviate pain and fatigue on feet/joints during long shifts. STAND+ emerged when its founder and CEO Rob Gregg noticed a spotlight on workers’ mental health and fatigue, but a relative neglect of physical burnout tied to inadequate footwear. Thereafter, STAND+ became the first-ever HSA/FSA-eligible non-slip shoes. In Q1 2024, the company experienced an extraordinary 122% quarter-over-quarter direct sales growth and recently secured new funding from prominent angel investors and venture capitalists to bolster its trajectory of innovation and growth.

Gregg commented, "While high-energy return athletic shoes excel in enhancing vertical jumps and running speeds, they inadvertently increase pressure on knees, backs, and joints during extended periods standing. STAND+ was conceptualized to counteract this effect by instead doing the opposite—dispersing energy, similar to the effect of workspace standing mats."

Initially conceived for healthcare settings, STAND+ is now broadening its customer base to encompass food services, hospitality, and industrial sectors. With breathable designs and ASTM F2913 oil-slip-resistant soles, STAND+ shoes offer unparalleled comfort and safety across diverse work environments. By prioritizing comfort and functionality, STAND+ anticipates increased adoption of safety footwear in workplaces, resulting in substantial cost savings for businesses by reducing slip-and-fall related workers’ compensation claims, which average between $15,000 to $50,000 per occurrence.

In addition to the new product launch, STAND+ celebrates the successful conclusion of a new funding round, securing over $2 million to fuel its growth and expansion endeavors. The funding round attracted participation from both existing stakeholders and new investors, including Cake VC, Women's Equity Lab, Midnight Venture Partners, Cosmic VP, Nik Sharma of Sharma Brands, Community Acces Fund, and SuperAngel.vc.

STAND+ remains steadfast in its commitment to revolutionizing workplace safety and comfort. With an unwavering focus on delivering unparalleled value to its customers and partners, STAND+ is poised to redefine industry standards for years to come.

For more information about STAND+ and its innovative safety footwear, please visit www.standshoes.com.

About STAND+ (formerly Gales®)

STAND+ is a leading footwear company dedicated to revolutionizing workplace safety and comfort through slip-resistant, energy-dispersive footwear technology. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation, STAND+ strives to empower workers across various industries to perform at their best while staying safe and comfortable on the job. For more information, visit www.standshoes.com.

Media Contact

rob@standshoes.com

@wearstand

On April 25, prepare to be moved. Nonprofit leaders and inspiring storytellers take the virtual stage for National Tell A Story Day, sharing raw, real-life tales of resilience and hope. From 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. PDT, the LinkedIn Live broadcast event will reveal the true power of stories.

Get ready to witness triumph over adversity, kindness in the face of hardship, and the unbreakable bonds that unite us. 

Featured speakers Include:

• John Graham: Founder of Giraffe.org, unveils the unsung heroes whose courageous acts shape communities.
• Tina Hurley: From Less Leg More Heart, bares her journey of resilience, proving obstacles are mere speed bumps.
• John Kerr: The visionary behind Last5Yards.com and Caring for Caregivers, sheds light on the tireless caregivers, whose selflessness embodies love and dedication. 
• Kamilah Little: Founder of The Champ's Camp, encourages youth to discover the champ within. Showing us that dreams are achievable, no matter the odds.

As we listen and learn, these stories remind us of the power to make a difference. Let them inspire empathy, kindness, and action. Because even the smallest acts of goodness can spark change. Join us as we explore the resilience of the human spirit through powerful storytelling.

Don't miss the chance to be part of something truly transformative. Reserve your spot now by visiting: https://www.storly.ai/national-tell-a-story-day-live-broadcast

For more details or media inquiries, please contact Jessie Sanchez at hello@storly.ai.

About Storly.ai

Storly.ai is a storytelling platform dedicated to helping you write and share your unique life story. With the help of AI, Storly.ai generates interview-like prompts for you to answer. Our technology beautifully crafts emotional, exciting, and engaging stories to share with loved ones—a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy and learn from. Discover Storly.ai at https://www.storly.ai.

Media Contact

Jessie Sanchez

hello@storly.ai

Today, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) installed a mural by acclaimed artist Hamilton Glass to recognize the far-reaching impact of organ donation and to pay tribute to organ donors. The artwork is a Glass original, designed specifically for UNOS, and lives above the main entrance of UNOS’ headquarters in Richmond, Va.

The mural portrays the interconnectedness of the organ donation and transplant community, with hands symbolizing the gesture of giving and receiving the gift of life. The blue ripples illustrate the ripple effect of donation on families and communities.

“The artwork serves as a poignant reminder that every donation is a gift that touches us all, creating a network of support that UNOS tirelessly collaborates with daily to save lives,” said Glass.

UNOS invited Richmond-based architect and artist Glass and his wife and business partner Taekia to design and create a piece of art that visually connects to and builds on the meaning of the National Donor Memorial. The memorial honors organ, eye and tissue donors and is open 24/7 to allow visitors to reflect on the journey of donation and transplant.

“The lifesaving and lifechanging impact an organ donor has on both a recipient and their loved ones is incredibly profound, which is why we wanted to work with Hamilton Glass to create a piece of art that honors the selfless gifts organ donors provide,” said Maureen McBride, Ph.D., CEO of UNOS. “We want people to visit this mural and take in and learn how significant and impactful organ donation is.”

Glass uses art to engage the public through big, bold designs and messages of hope, and has more than 300 murals on display throughout Richmond.

The mural is approximately 16 feet tall and 40 feet wide and is comprised of 18 PVC panels. It is located on the exterior of UNOS’ building on North 4th Street in Richmond, Va.

About UNOS

United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is the mission-driven non-profit serving as the nation’s transplant system under contract with the federal government. We lead the network of transplant hospitals, organ procurement organizations, and thousands of volunteers who are dedicated to honoring the gifts of life entrusted to us and to making lifesaving transplants possible for patients in need. Working together, we leverage data and advances in science and technology to continuously strengthen the system, increase the number of organs recovered and the number of transplants performed, and ensure patients across the nation have equitable access to transplant.

Media Contact

Anne Paschke

804-782-4730

anne.paschke@unos.org

Arizona State University (ASU), in collaboration with Bold Reuse and Swire Coca-Cola, is proud to announce the launch of a reusable cup program at the Desert Financial Arena, kicking off at The ASU Pow Wow on April 19–21, 2024. This initiative marks a pivotal milestone in ASU's efforts to reduce waste on campus.

Bold Reuse, a women-owned company on a mission to end single-use waste, is at the forefront of this initiative. Co-founded by ASU alumna and fourth generation Phoenician, Heather Watkins, Bold Reuse aims to end single-use waste by making reusable packaging easy. The company recently received a grant from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to expand its operations to the Phoenix market, with a portion of the grant directly supporting this partnership.

The ADEQ grant, aimed at helping local communities reduce landfill waste, supports Bold Reuse's vision of a future where billions of tons of waste will be averted over the next decade through the implementation of reusable packaging.

ASU has a robust waste reduction goal of a 90% diversion and 30% aversion by 2025. The reusable cup program at ASU's Annual Pow Wow is expected to serve as a testing ground for implementing larger reuse initiatives across the ASU campus to achieve these goals.

Swire Coca-Cola, the local bottler and longtime partner of ASU is committed to investing in waste reduction efforts. “Swire Coca-Cola is excited to bring this partnership to life,” said sustainability director, Mike Bernier. “Waste reduction is one of Swire’s goals and we know our customers and partners are focused on that as well.” Swire has selected Bold Reuse as its exclusive service provider of reusable drinkware. This partnership represents the first implementation of reusables with a partner customer, setting a precedent for future collaborations in waste reduction.

"We are thrilled to partner with ASU and Swire Coca-Cola in this groundbreaking initiative within the region," said Heather Watkins, co-founder of Bold Reuse. "Our goal is to demonstrate that with the right partnerships and collaboration, we can collectively make a significant impact in reducing waste."

"ASU is building the most innovative university in the country. Not just for the 100,000+ Sun Devils that call it home today, but for future generations and the communities we serve," added Marc Campbell, Assistant Vice President of Sustainability at ASU. "Part of that future is waste reduction. Minimizing waste and increasing reuse on campus are key strategies in reaching ASU’s circular resource system goal. With collaborative action like this, we can achieve solutions that are greater than the sum of its parts."

About Bold Reuse

Bold Reuse is on a mission to end single-use packaging waste. We make transitioning to reuse easy and affordable, providing a premium guest experience while reducing waste. The Portland Timbers, Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Convention Center, Starbucks, and Imperfect Foods have trusted Bold Reuse to implement and scale their reuse systems, diverting nearly 4 million pounds of single-use products from landfills. For more information, visit https://www.boldreuse.com.

Media Contact

Mya Manibusan

mya@boldreuse.com

Narratize AI announced today that it has joined NVIDIA Inception, a program that supports startups revolutionizing industries with technological advancements.

From the seed of an idea through message-market fit testing, Narratize accelerates the process of getting new discoveries to market by making it faster and easier for innovators in R&D, product, innovation, and marketing to communicate clearly and with impact. Innovators spend 30% of their work week writing and communicating – but less than half of them report feeling they are doing that work effectively and efficiently. The Narratize team is changing that by empowering enterprises with use cases that forge buy-in and drive adoption of groundbreaking research, discoveries, products, and systems. 

Narratize plans to use the resources available through NVIDIA Inception to further differentiate the company’s enterprise-grade generative AI solution, purpose-built for innovative work. The program will also offer Narratize the opportunity to collaborate with industry-leading experts and other AI-driven organizations as it builds out its groundbreaking industry-specific retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) architecture and enterprise-hosted RAG capabilities to deploy knowledgeable AI at scale. 

"I’m thrilled to announce our participation in NVIDIA Inception, marking a significant milestone in our journey. Joining this program opens up a world of opportunities for us to enhance our technological capabilities and continue to develop our team. Using the program’s resources, we’re committed to delivering innovative solutions for those technical disciplines requiring superior levels of accuracy and the utmost precision," said Kara Uchtman, P.E., Chief Product Officer at Narratize.

NVIDIA Inception helps startups during critical stages of product development, prototyping, and deployment. Every Inception member gets a custom set of ongoing benefits, such as NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute credits, preferred pricing on NVIDIA hardware and software, and technological assistance, which provides startups with the fundamental tools to help them grow.

About Narratize

Narratize combines the power of narrative science with cutting-edge generative AI technology to ensure that no great idea is left untold. From optimizing research & development processes to scaling product launch, Narratize empowers brands with transformative ideas to unleash their full potential.

Media Contact

Kate Greulich

hello@narratize.com

Strategikon, a trailblazer in delivering cutting-edge solutions for the clinical research industry, is thrilled to introduce the debut of a new module within our Clinical Maestro VISION application for R&D vendor excellence performance management. This new module is specifically designed for biopharmaceutical companies so that they can more easily manage their service providers through new vendor onboarding, service categorization, profile de-risking, capability assessment at the service level and business function qualification. The challenges addressed by this new module have never been comprehensively tackled and are estimated to cost the industry over $10 billion annually, according to industry surveys. Existing procurement and qualification solutions lack the specificity required by pharma for clinical trial service category processes and risk evaluations.

The new Clinical Maestro VISION module offers tailored Capability Assessment and Qualification Workflows, empowering sponsors to manage distinct workflows for each vendor category. Additionally, it provides adaptable Vendor Profile Customization, ensuring alignment with specific organizational requirements. Users across vendor quality, management, outsourcing, and procurement benefit from customizable categories, surveys, intuitive workflows, scoring capabilities, and decision-making dashboards. Anticipated benefits include up to a 95% reduction in onboarding costs, shorter qualification timelines, and increased user satisfaction. In essence, this module represents the most comprehensive SaaS solution available, addressing the complex challenge of new vendor capability assessments for clinical trials.

Anca Copaescu, CEO of Strategikon, underscores the company's commitment to incorporating feedback and insights from customers throughout the development process: "At Strategikon, we place utmost priority on our customers' needs and perspectives. This new Clinical Maestro VISION module epitomizes our dedication to crafting solutions that directly tackle the challenges confronted by our clients in the clinical research industry. The new onboarding module within VISION is the result of deep interviews with industry leaders and the reflection of their 'wish list' for the ideal vendor management solution. Thank you, 'founders' for your invaluable contribution and passion for new product creation!"

For more information about Clinical Maestro VISION, join our webinar on May 2, 2024 at 12 p.m. ET: Unlocking Excellence: Innovative Strategies for Clinical Vendor Qualification

Check out our blog: Reinventing Vendor Onboarding & Capability Evaluation in Clinical Trials 

About Strategikon

Strategikon is a leading provider of innovative solutions in the pharmaceutical industry, dedicated to revolutionizing clinical trial business operations and driving efficiencies across the drug development lifecycle. Their flagship platform Clinical Maestro is recognized for its advanced capabilities in centralizing and automating critical functions across the clinical outsourcing lifecycle by supporting professionals engaged in R&D procurement, budget development, contracting, vendor category and performance management. Clinical Maestro addresses longstanding challenges by modernizing clinical business operation transactions and empowering pharmaceutical companies to make data-driven decisions, mitigate risks, and optimize resource allocation throughout the entire R&D process. For more information, visit https://strategikonpharma.com.

Media Contact

Karen Wills

SVP, Marketing and Investor Relations

Kwills@strategikonpharma.com

EZ Newswire, an AI-enabled platform that makes it easy for businesses to create and publish their news, today announced that it was selected as a winner in The MBA Fund’s sixth annual pitch competition for pre-seed and seed startups. In addition to the investment from The MBA Fund, Contour Ventures committed to investing separately in EZ Newswire’s latest round.

Started in 2018, The MBA Fund is an early-stage venture capital firm that backs student and alumni founders from Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton. Since 2019, the fund has also organized an annual pitch competition where student/alumni founders present their startups to VC judges in a bid to receive funding. The fund has made over 150 early stage investments with portfolio companies subsequently raising follow-on capital from tier 1 funds, including, Founders Fund, Accel, Bessemer, Lightspeed, and others.

This year, over twenty venture capitalists from funds including Contour Ventures, Greycroft, Forerunner Ventures, and Switch VC were represented on the judging committee. From a highly competitive field of 72 applicants, 11 finalists were chosen for a live presentation to the panel of judges on April 12, 2024. The judges selected three winners: IseAI, AmorSui, and EZ Newswire. Each winner receives $50K in investment from The MBA Fund as well as potential additional investment from the top-tier VC judges who “vote with their money.”  

"We are honored to be recognized as a winner by The MBA Fund and are excited for them and Contour Ventures to join us on our journey,” said Neel Shah, a Wharton alum and founder of EZ Newswire. “Receiving validation from top VC investors is incredibly motivating as we further our mission to streamline and improve the way organizations create and share their news.”

Since EZ Newswire’s launch last June, the company’s offering has attracted a wide range of customers, including Priceline, College of Charleston, and hundreds of organizations in over 800 cities and towns across the country. In addition to the Associated Press, EZ Newswire added The Post and Courier, a Pulitzer Prize winner and South Carolina’s paper of record, Alex Kantrowitz’s Big Technology, and Claire Atkinson’s The Media Mix to its exclusive publisher network with dozens more slated in the coming months.

In October 2023, out of nearly 400 applicants, EZ Newswire was selected as one of three winners of Pitch HearstLab, Hearst’s premier pitch event for early stage startups, and received a $100K investment. Beyond Hearst, EZ Newswire is backed by a suite of media executives, including the former heads of Forbes, IAC, Ziff Davis, and Sinclair.

About MBA Fund

The MBA Fund is an early-stage venture capital firm that backs founders from the top startup-producing universities and helps them create legendary companies. We’re a group of investors, founders, and operators who love to take the riskiest leaps with founders who are just getting started. Since our inception in 2018, we’ve invested in 150+ companies started by founders from our alma maters: Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Our portfolio includes companies like Jeeves (valued at over $1B), TRM Labs (valued at $700M), DataFleets (acquired by LiveRamp), and many more. We’re proud to be supported by top-tier VC firms, repeat founders, and super angels with ties to the communities where we invest. This network is ready and willing to help founders in our portfolio with financing, hiring, customer growth, and more. For more information, visit www.thembafund.com.

About EZ Newswire

EZ Newswire empowers organizations to communicate smarter. Our AI-enabled platform and exclusive publisher network make it easy for customers to create, distribute, and amplify news so that the right audience stays informed. From startup to scale-up to S&P 500, thousands of organizations rely on EZ Newswire to achieve their communications goals. For more information, visit www.eznewswire.com.

Media Contact

hello@eznewswire.com

The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) announced today the release of a position paper addressing the proliferation of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH) products in the market. "GKC Position Paper: 7-hydroxymitragynine Products” delves into the complexities surrounding these synthetic products and their implications for public health and regulation. According to the GKC, the safety of 7OH products has not been established and what is currently known about its commercialization is not in the interest of public safety. Products that contain synthetically derived 7OH should not be considered as kratom products. 

The GKC Position Paper is now available online for public reference, providing a comprehensive examination of the issues at hand and guiding principles for responsible kratom advocacy – click here. 

Kratom, a botanical substance with a rich history of traditional use, contains a myriad of alkaloids that synergistically contribute to its effects. As staunch advocates for the responsible manufacture, use, and regulation of kratom products, the GKC expresses deep concern over the surge in products falsely marketed as kratom in the United States, some of which actually contain synthetically derived analogues of the alkaloids naturally found in kratom.

One prominent example is the emergence of products featuring synthetic 7OH. These products claim heightened potency due to elevated levels of mitragynine and other alkaloids, yet a closer examination reveals concerning disparities in alkaloid composition compared to authentic kratom products.

The GKC has found many of these products have very little or non-existent levels of kratom-derived alkaloids and disproportionately high concentrations of synthetically produced 7OH. Such imbalances raise significant safety considerations particularly given what is known about the pharmacological profile of 7OH.

In a recent statement, some of the leading kratom scientists underscored the necessity of limiting 7OH content in kratom products. They clarified that 7OH is not a natural component of the kratom leaf, should be found in only very low levels in native leaf material, and is often undetectable in kratom products sold in the U.S. Moreover, the regulatory landscape, exemplified by the proposed Kratom Consumer Protection Act in California, limits the amount of 7OH found in kratom products to less than 1% of total alkaloids.

The GKC firmly rejects the integration of 7OH into the existing kratom supply chain, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between natural kratom products and synthetically produced products that are being erroneously sold as kratom products.

In light of these considerations, the GKC advocates for robust regulatory measures and comprehensive research to address the complexities surrounding 7OH isolate products and ensure public safety.

About the Global Kratom Coalition

The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) exists to protect and expand access to leaf-based kratom around the world. The organization represents the interests of advocates committed to positive change benefiting consumers. The organization supports education and the development of kratom science, which is central to the GKC’s mission—to empower individuals worldwide with access to safe and responsibly sourced kratom products by advancing scientific research and sensible regulation.

The GKC operates on five key values:

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

Please follow us at:

Website: https://globalkratomcoalition.org

Twitter: @kratomcoalition 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/globalkratomcoalition

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalkratomcoalition

Media Contact

Matthew Lowe

mlowe@globalkratomcoalition.org

Get ready for an immersive celebration of the artistry of game development as GameAcon returns to Palm Springs, California from June 21 to 23, 2024. This community-driven event welcomes gamers of all ages to indulge in a weekend filled with gaming, creativity, and fun.

GameAcon stands as a beacon for game art enthusiasts, bringing together developers, influencers, voice-over actors, and musicians who have left their mark on the gaming industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the brilliant minds behind their favorite games, movies, and TV shows.

"GameAcon is more than just a convention; it's a celebration of the passion and creativity that drive the gaming community," said Ari Fox, co-producer of GameAcon. "Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just discovering the magic of game art, there's something for everyone at GameAcon."

Highlights of GameAcon include:

• Influencers and voice-over actors: Rub elbows with influencers and voice-over actors from hit movies, games, and TV shows. Hear firsthand stories about the creation of beloved characters and the behind-the-scenes magic of game development.
• Musical performances: Enjoy electrifying performances by musicians who create music for games. Experience the power of music in gaming and celebrate the incredible soundtracks that enhance our gameplay experiences.
• Cosplay: Showcase your creativity and fandom through cosplay! Dress up as your favorite characters and compete in cosplay contests for a chance to win exciting prizes.
• Esports tournaments: Test your skills against fellow gamers in thrilling esports tournaments. Compete for glory and bragging rights in a variety of popular games.
• Board game tournaments: Compete in exhilarating board game tournaments for a chance to win exciting prizes and even earn a seat at the World Series of Board Games. Additionally, take part in sanctioned Magic: The Gathering events and more.
• Game developers: Connect with game developers and learn about the latest innovations in the digital and tabletop gaming space. Discover new games, meet the masterminds behind them, and explore the future of gaming.

Special guests include:

• Veronica "Ash" Taylor: The voice of Ash Ketchum in Pokémon, Sailor Pluto in Sailor Moon, and April O'Neil in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
• Jon Bailey: The "Epic Voice" 4x Emmy nominee for Honest Trailers to Ryan Reynolds, Jon has booked 10,000+ voiceovers, including Optimus Prime in Transformers and characters for Animaniacs, Marvel, Disney, Star Wars, Lego, and more in his 16 years as a voice actor

One of the most exciting aspects of GameAcon is the prestigious Crystal Awards show. Serving as a launching pad for indie games, the Crystal Awards recognize outstanding achievements in game development. Winners and nominees gain valuable exposure and opportunities, with past recipients securing publishing deals, funding, and offers from industry giants. This initiative plays a vital role in shaping the future of indie gaming and solidifying GameAcon's reputation as the Sundance Festival for indie games.

Join us in Palm Springs for a weekend filled with excitement, inspiration, and camaraderie. Whether you're a hardcore gamer, a casual player, or simply curious about the world of game art, GameAcon promises an unforgettable experience for all.

Tickets for GameAcon are available now at www.gameacon.com. For more information and updates, visit www.gameacon.com.

About GameAcon

GameAcon is a premier game arts convention that celebrates the artistry of game development. Founded on the principles of community, creativity, and inclusivity, GameAcon welcomes gamers of all ages to indulge in a weekend of gaming, networking, and fun. With a diverse lineup of guests, panels, and activities, GameAcon offers something for everyone, from seasoned gamers to newcomers alike. Learn more at www.gameacon.com.

Media Contact

GameAcon Events

gameaconart@gmail.com

One night of celebration and long-lasting impact, the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala, held on Derby Eve, May 3, 2024, is an evening of southern grace, glamour, and hospitality with a charitable component. Held at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville, the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala will feature a red carpet entrance with celebrities, bourbon, amazing cocktails, new mocktail bar, southern-inspired food, musical entertainment, and dancing!

Unbridled is a unique experience unhindered by the limits of a typical Derby party. Our guests can engage with music however they like. Vibe with national recording artists in the Grand Ballroom, dance to your own beat with silent disco, or take to the microphone with Full Contact Karaoke.

The imagination is the only limit with our specialty bars. Gala-goers can taste Unbridled exclusive drinks and professional mixologists can create any number of other concoctions.

And Unbridled Eve celebrities aren't tethered to a VIP area away from everyone. They drink, dine, and dance with our guests...because one of our core principles is that ALL of our guests deserve the VIP experience.

In honor of the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, the gala will be offering 150 spectacular and unique auction items, as well as 150 bourbons in the new bourbon pull. You must be present to participate in the Bourbon Pull. You do not need to be present to bid in the silent auction. Visit Unbridled Charitable Foundation – Unbridled Eve 2024 (bidpal.net) to learn more.

"The horses, the folks, the festivities, the elegance, and the special moments provided by the Unbridled Event, make Derby an unforgettable experience. To get to spend my birthday, on the 4th, at the Kentucky Derby is a great honor, and sure makes for a great birthday party! Thank you to the city of Louisville, the state of Kentucky, and the Yorks and their Unbridled team, for hosting us!" —Randy Travis, Grammy-winning country music artist 

Performances

• Richie Sambora: American musician, singer, songwriter and producer, best known as the lead guitarist, songwriter and co-founder of the rock band Bon Jovi
• Marc Martel: Vocalist in “Bohemian Rhapsody” along with Freddie Mercury and Rami Malek 
• Treach of Naughty by Nature: 4x Grammy Award-winning lead rapper of Naughty by Nature 
• MAJOR.: 2018 Grammy Award nominee, American soul, R&B singer-songwriter 
• Skip Martin: Grammy winner, Kool & The Gang + Dazz Band
• John Elefante: Grammy-winning former lead singer of Kansas 
• J.D. Shelburne: One of the fastest-rising national country music stars
• The Crashers: The best party band
• DJ 2nd Nature
• Holy Spirit School Youth Choir directed by Susan Johnston and Lacy Williams: Mixed grade youth choir

 Celebrities / Musicians / VIPs

• Rauw Alejandro: 2024 Grammy Award nominee and Puerto Rican singer-songwriter with 19.1M followers on Instagram, 2.7M followers on X, and 15.5M followers on TikTok
• Chef Edward Lee: Award-winning chef and author
• Randy Travis: Grammy-winning country music artist
• Dean Norris: Actor from “Breaking Bad” and “Under the Dome”
• Mike Mills: Co-founder, co-lead singer R.E.M.
• Lisa Leslie: Former WNBA player and Olympic gold medalist
• Warren Moon: NFL Hall of Famer
• Madison Marsh: Miss America 2024 and active-duty U.S. Air Force officer
• Hanley House: Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2024
• John Schneider: "The Dukes of Hazzard"; “The Masked Singer”
• Michael Kidd-Gilchrist: Former NBA player and University of Kentucky standout
• Johnny Edwards: Second lead singer of Foreigner
• Bob Guiney: “The Bachelor” and talk show host 
• Aron Haddad: Actor and professional wrestler
• Conrad Bachmann: Actor and founder of the Louisville Film Arts Institute
• Rob Angel: Founder of Pictionary and author
• Nick Vallelonga: 2x Academy Award winner and 2x Golden Globe winner for Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture for "Green Book"
• Harry Douglas IV: Former NFL wide receiver amd University of Louisville alumnus
• Festus Ezeli: Former NBA player with Golden State Warriors 
• Bonnie-Jill Laflin: First female NBA scout, reporter, podcaster, and author 
• Michael Colyar: Comedian and actor
• Dee Dee Sorvino: Television personality and host of podcast “Drinks with Dee”
• Jean Cruguet: Former Triple Crown winner on Seattle Slew
• Larry Demeritte: First black trainer to qualify for the Kentucky Derby
• Numerous other jockeys, many with Derby Mounts
• Others to be announced

VIPs / Celebrities with Local Ties

• Mario Urrutia: Former NFL wide receiver
• Kentucky Derby Festival Court
• Madalyne Kinnett: Miss Kentucky USA 2023
• MeShyia Bradshaw: Miss Kentucky Teen USA 2023
• Mackenzie Shutt: Miss Ohio USA 2023
• Dr. Ajmal Zemmar: Physician-scientist specializing in epilepsy and functional neurosurgery at University of Louisville; featured in documentary "After Death"
• Chris Blandford: Kroger bourbon expert
• Shannon Burton: Former Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition finalist and Victoria’s Secret social media model influencer
• Ethan the Dog: Compassion ambassador
• Heather French Henry: Former Miss America
• Akoy Agau: Former University of Louisville basketball player
• The McFarlands: Social media entertainers
• Valerie Combs: Pioneering University of Louisville women’s basketball player
• Michael Bush: Former NFL running back and University of Louisville standout
• Geneo Riley: Former NFL tight end and President of NFLPA Retired Players
• Bilal Powell: Former NFL running back
• Tonya York and Tammy York: Co-Founders of Unbridled Eve Derby Gala

Tickets and Contacts

To purchase tickets, visit www.unbridledeve.com or call (502) 894-9768. For media inquiries and credentialing requests, visit www.unbridledeve.com/news/media.

Specialty Bars

Angel’s Envy, Copper and Kings, Campari America, Castle & Key, Monkey Shoulder Whisky, Milagro Tequila, Hendrick’s Gin, Penelope Bourbon, Yellowstone Bourbon, Off Hours, Handmade Vodka, Peerless, Whiskey Thief, Old Limestone, and Kentucky Straight Ice.

Sponsors

Kathy and Wayne Richards, Prestige AV & Creative Services, Angel’s Envy, Churchill Downs, The Al J. Schneider Company, Galt House Hotel, Home Depot Foundation, Dillard’s, Nora Roberts Foundation, Harley-Davidson of Louisville, and BMW Motorcycles of Louisville.

Partners

Barry Wooley Designs, Cambium Marketing, Distilled Living, dRae Media, East End Living, El Toro IP Targeting, Greater Louisville Inc., The Jockeys’ Guild, Inc., Kentucky Derby Official Event, Mac in a Snap, Millennium Events & Floral, Prospect Living, Quint Events, Ronaldo Designer Jewelry, Shirley’s Way, United Direct Solutions, V.G. Reed & Sons, Inc., and York Management, Inc. 

About Unbridled Charitable Foundation

Unbridled Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. We support multiple charities, including Blessings in a Backpack, which provides food to school children on the weekends. We also connect sponsors and attendees directly with Unbridled Eve charities they have an interest in supporting. In 2023, we donated to 15 charities including Alley Cat Advocates, APRON, Inc., ElderServe, Feeding Tampa Bay, Hildegard House, KY Humane Society, KY State Police Trooper Island Camp, Medella House, Inc., Miracle League of Louisville, Roo’s Wish, Second Stride, Inc., Super Student Athletes, Sycamore Farm KY, Inc., Winter HAYven, and our primary beneficiary, Blessings in a Backpack.

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

Media Contact

Soozie Eastman

+1 502-819-4139

media@unbridledeve.com

One startup was named the competition winner at Pitch HearstLab New York, HearstLab’s pitch event for early stage, women-led startups. Out of hundreds of applications from across the country, six companies were selected as finalists to present in-person at the Hearst Tower on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

The finalists represented industry verticals ranging from AI-powered business tools to caregiver support to real estate. Each founder pitched to a live audience and a panel of expert judges, including Eve Burton, Hearst EVP & HearstLab Chairwoman, Alice Vilma, Morgan Stanley Managing Director and Co-Head of the Next Level Fund, and Tom Cross, Hearst’s SVP and Group Head of Transportation. The event was MC’ed by HearstLab Scout and ESPN Director, Kati Fernandez.

The event included an inspiring fireside chat between special guests Michael Clinton (of Hearst Magazines & ROAR Forward) and Kelly McLay, the founder and CEO of FIT and 1 of 49 women in the world to have successfully finished the World Marathon Challenge, 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days.

The event’s winner was as follows: UNLISTED, founded by Katie Hill, is a cloud-based software that leverages AI and machine learning technology uniquely designed to reveal and align previously untapped real estate opportunities for buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and the industry as a whole.

In addition to a $100,000 investment from HearstLab, each winning company will also receive hands-on support from HearstLab. One winner, Keep Company, also received a bonus prize package of $10,000 of in-kind services from the Martin Group, Hearst’s premier marketing agency partner.

"It’s an honor to have been selected by such an incredible panel of judges. HearstLab’s investment process is also incredibly supportive. Winning today is the culmination of a spectacular experience. The cherry on top," said Katie Hill, founder and CEO of UNLISTED.

Pitch HearstLab is the pitch competition with the largest check size for women-led startups in the world. The event series is aimed at finding and funding the best high-growth B2B(2C) women-led startups in the US and select international markets. New York is the seventh event in the series, and the first time the event has been brought home to Hearstlab at Hearst HQ.

With prior competitions in Los Angeles, San Antonio, Amsterdam, and Madrid, and multiple winners at each event, HearstLab has invested over $3 million in 14 early-stage women-led startups through the pitch series alone. To date, HearstLab has invested over $100 million in 70+ women-led startups, currently valued at over $2.5 billion collectively. Its mission is to help closing the funding gap in venture capital funding for women. Current data shows that women-led businesses still receive just 2% of all venture funding, despite the growing number of female entrepreneurs.

"To say that starting a business is challenging is an understatement. Achieving the level of success our finalists have reached requires immense determination, grit and resilience," said Kati Fernandez, Senior Director of Development at ESPN and HearstLab Scout. "If you’re feeling inspired by these founders, find a way to support one. The most effective way to accelerate their growth is through the support of HearstLab, Hearst, and beyond."

"It seems like just yesterday that we made our first investment in a female founder through HearstLab," remarked Eve Burton. "It’s fitting to stand here today in the Hearst headquarters, where it all began, preparing to select our newest portfolio company with an investment of one hundred thousand dollars."

"This is the seventh pitch event we’ve hosted but our first at ‘home’ at the Hearst Tower in NYC. In addition to showcasing the incredible finalists, it was a highlight to have so many of the Hearst employees and Scouts in the audience, who have supported the Lab and our portfolio companies since day one. We can’t wait to hit the ground running with Katie and UNLISTED and to plug her in to our broader network. UNLISTED has incredible potential to scale and Katie is a standout founder that will take it there," added Lisa Burton, HearstLab Vice President.

Pitch HearstLab New York was produced with partnership from women-led beverages brands De Soi Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Apéritif, Summer Water Rosé, and Body Vodka.

Pitch HearstLab will be hosting their virtual competition for current & recent university graduates this Summer and heading next to Atlanta next in Fall 2024, with additional US-based and international competitions on the horizon. Beyond pitch events, female founders can apply for HearstLab investment anytime (up to $1 million) throughout the year. 

For more information, visit the HearstLab website and follow HearstLab on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About UNLISTED

UNLISTED, operates the world's leading real estate technology platforms where off-market is no longer off-limits. UNLISTED’s cloud-based software that leverages AI and machine learning technology uniquely designed to reveal and align previously untapped real estate opportunities for buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and the industry as a whole. For more information, visit https://unlistedhomes.com.

About HearstLab

HearstLab provides cash investments and services to early-stage, women-led start-ups innovating across fintech, data analytics, health, transportation, enterprise technology, and media. Its mission is to close the gap in VC funding for women by helping founders build sustainable and highly scalable businesses. With access to Hearst resources across more than 360 businesses, HearstLab’s breadth of services includes assistance with privacy and security, software development, legal services, financial analysis, and marketing and design support. To learn more about HearstLab, visit HearstLab.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Nico Gendron

nico.gendron@hearst.com

Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to funding the most promising research to prevent, slow or reverse Alzheimer’s disease, announced today that it has reached an important milestone—awarding more than $200 million in research grants to leading scientists throughout the world investigating the disease.

Since its establishment in 2004, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (CureAlz) has supported more than 840 innovative grants led by more than 300 scientists resulting in 1,182 published peer-reviewed papers in prominent scientific journals. Many of these projects have yielded significant breakthroughs, resulting in findings contributing to new and critical avenues for development of novel treatments.

“CureAlz was founded with one mission: to fund research that will accelerate prevention, treatment and a cure for this disease,” said Henry McCance, Chair of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. “Since the beginning, our approach has attracted others to join us in this fight, all who have been vital to what we have achieved. It has been an honor to deploy more than $200 million dollars in funding that is enabling and accelerating extraordinary research pursued by brilliant and determined scientists around the world.”

Funded projects have included:

• The Alzheimer’s Genome Project, the first large-scale, family-based study of the human genome specific to Alzheimer’s disease.
• Projects that explore how the body’s complex immune responses may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.
• A consortium of experts to expand our understanding of the role the APOE gene may have in Alzheimer’s disease.

“For 19 years, our Founders and Board of Directors have been steadfast in their commitment to our mission to end the terrible burden of Alzheimer’s. The field’s top scientists contribute their expertise and guidance to CureAlz, meaning science and data are always our lodestars to a cure,” said Meg Smith, CEO of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. “Our leadership’s vision, drive and generosity are matched by that of our dedicated donor and researcher communities. We celebrate this milestone as the shared achievement it is, and at the same time rededicate ourselves to accelerating an end to Alzheimer’s.”

About Cure Alzheimer’s Fund

Cure Alzheimer’s Fund is a non-profit dedicated to funding the most promising research to prevent, slow, or reverse Alzheimer’s disease. Since its founding in 2004, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has provided more than 840 grants to more than 300 of the world’s leading researchers and contributed more than $200 million to research. Its funded initiatives have been responsible for many key breakthroughs in understanding the causes and pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has received a 4-star rating for more than 12 consecutive years from Charity Navigator. Our Board of Directors, Trustees, and a core group of other donors direct their donations to our overhead expenses so that 100% of general donations go to our research program. For more information, visit CureAlz.org. To learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s on women and women working towards a cure, WomenandAlzheimers.org.

Media Contact

Barbara Chambers

+1 978-417-9890

BChambers@CureAlz.org