Newsroom

Roland Berger in partnership with the Manufacturers Alliance Foundation released a report, "Navigating Uncertainty: The geopolitical impact on manufacturing trends in 2025,” finding that at a time marked by geopolitical tensions and trade and economic uncertainty, manufacturers are reassessing their strategies to navigate an increasingly volatile climate.

The study, the second in an in-depth research series looking at the evolving forces shaping the manufacturing sector, is based on a survey of more than 150 US-based manufacturing executives, as well as in-depth interviews with nearly two dozen CEOs, in sectors including machinery, computers and electronics, chemicals, food, plastics and rubber.

Stephen Gold, president of Manufacturers Alliance Foundation and president and CEO of Manufacturers Alliance shared, “Our latest research shows a sector grappling with complex challenges—ranging from policy uncertainty to talent shortages—but also uncovering opportunities to gain competitive advantage through technology, regionalization and agility.”

The research reveals a shift in mindset from long-term investment to risk management as companies adapt to heightened global instability.

Key Research Highlights

• Shift Toward Localization: Manufacturers are rethinking globalization. The current climate favors “capex-light” strategies, repurposing existing sites or forming regional partnerships, to localize operations efficiently.
• Changing Production Geography: Companies are increasingly turning to lower-risk markets like the UK and Japan over traditional low-cost hubs such as China and Mexico, favoring stability over cost savings.
• Talent as a Critical Pressure Point: 88% of executives expect workforce challenges to worsen due to geopolitical risk. In response, manufacturers are doubling down on workforce development, upskilling, and automation to build resilience.
• Accelerated Digitalization: Leaders in the industry are twice as likely to turn to digital tools as a strategic buffer against uncertainty, signaling a decisive move toward Industry 4.0.
• Rise of Customization: 72% of manufacturers are prioritizing product development to better match local demand, further supporting regionalization trends.
• Sustainability Takes a Limited Hit: While many foresee a pullback in sustainability investments due to geopolitical distractions, companies with sustainability embedded in their core offerings remain on their goals.

“Manufacturers are entering a new strategic era, one where geopolitical risk isn’t just influencing decisions, it’s rewriting the playbook,” says Michelle Drew Rodriguez, partner at Roland Berger. “Now more than ever, resilience, adaptability and regional relevance are the rising indicators of global manufacturing competitiveness.”

About Roland Berger

Roland Berger is one of the world's leading strategy consultancies with a wide-ranging service portfolio for all relevant industries and business functions. Founded in 1967, Roland Berger is headquartered in Munich. Renowned for its expertise in transformation, innovation across all sectors and performance improvement, the consultancy has set itself the goal of embedding sustainability in all its projects. Roland Berger's revenues stood at more than 1 billion euros in 2023. For more information, visit www.rolandberger.com.

About Manufacturers Alliance Foundation

Manufacturers Alliance Foundation is the 501(c)(3) partner of Manufacturers Alliance. The Alliance Foundation provides educational opportunities for the manufacturing community and its stakeholders through insights, events, and tools for today’s most critical business decisions. The Alliance Foundation focuses on talent, technology, digital transformation, and competitiveness. Learn more about the Alliance Foundation at www.manufacturersalliance.org/foundation.

About Manufacturers Alliance

Manufacturers Alliance powers leaders. We bring together an unparalleled network of manufacturing executives to advance their careers, grow their companies, and support the whole community. We accomplish our mission through peer communities, education, and business insights on the topics that matter most to the sector. In our 91st year, we continue to drive the manufacturing community to be smarter, faster, and better. Learn more at www.manufacturersalliance.org.

Media Contact

Stefan Lysak
marketing_americas@rolandberger.com

eMerge Americas, a strategic convener, catalyst, and global tech conference + expo uniting global enterprises, startups, investors, and government leaders to accelerate innovation, announced today the acquisition of Miami AI Hub, a leading community and initiative focused on advancing artificial intelligence in South Florida. As part of the acquisition, Burhan Sebin, founder of Miami AI Hub, has been appointed as eMerge Americas' first-ever Chief AI Officer — a groundbreaking executive role that reflects the organization's long-term commitment to AI innovation.

This strategic move reflects eMerge Americas' unwavering commitment to positioning Miami and the South Florida region as an epicenter for artificial intelligence innovation and development. The appointment of a Chief AI Officer marks a bold step forward in shaping AI policy, partnerships, and programming across eMerge's global initiatives.

"We are thrilled to welcome Burhan Sebin to the eMerge Americas team," said Melissa Medina, CEO of eMerge Americas. "Burhan has played a key role in fostering a strong AI community here in South Florida of over 4,000 people. His vision aligns perfectly with our mission to elevate Miami as a global destination for deep tech and emerging technologies."

In a very short time frame, Miami AI Hub became a central force in uniting AI startups, researchers, technologists, and business leaders. Under Sebin's leadership, the Hub launched impactful community initiatives, educational programs, and collaborative projects that advanced ethical and accessible AI development in the region.

"Joining eMerge Americas is an incredible opportunity to scale our efforts and put South Florida on the map as a leader in the global AI ecosystem," said Burhan Sebin. "Together, we'll build bridges across sectors and borders to drive responsible AI innovation from Miami."

This milestone comes as excitement builds around the launch of the inaugural Miami AI School; a new eMerge Americas flagship program that will fast-track founders, operators, and creatives into becoming AI-native leaders. The immersive program features three high-impact phases, each culminating in real demos, strong portfolio pieces, and applied case studies — designed to help participants not only understand AI but actively shape its future across industries.

In addition to the Miami AI School and new initiatives rolling out this year, eMerge Americas will significantly expand its AI programming at its flagship global tech conference in April 2026. Highlights include:

• A larger eMerge AI Pavilion, showcasing cutting-edge startups, research, and applications
• Interactive demo zones where attendees can experience applied AI in real time
• A curated track of world-class AI content, panels, and workshops led by leading researchers, entrepreneurs, and technologists

The acquisition, executive appointment, as well as the launch of new AI initiatives underscore the rapid growth and momentum of the South Florida tech and innovation ecosystem and further solidify eMerge Americas' role at the forefront of the region's transformation. These expansions will assist in making AI a central pillar of the conference experience, drawing innovators and thought leaders from across the globe to Miami and South Florida. 

AI is one of the many areas eMerge Americas is bolstering and expanding in 2026. The company will also be rolling out strategic programming, investments and partnerships in national security, finance and healthcare in the coming weeks.

About Miami AI Hub

Miami AI Hub fosters innovation and collaboration in artificial intelligence within the city’s vibrant tech ecosystem. Its mission is to make Miami a global AI powerhouse and to build bridges across the AI ecosystems of the United States, Italy, Spain, and Latin America.

Miami AI Hub has convened over 4,000+ participants, supported more than 50 AI startup showcases, and hosted speakers from major companies including NVIDIA, Apple, Google, AWS, and others. As an innovation catalyst, the Hub champions AI solutions that improve lives and transform industries. As a community platform, it brings together enthusiasts and experts to grow a shared knowledge base. And as a startup launchpad, it supports early-stage ventures with mentorship, funding access, and growth resources.

For more information, visit www.miamiaihub.com.

About eMerge Americas

eMerge Americas is a strategic convener and catalyst for innovation, bringing together global enterprises, startups, investors, and government leaders to accelerate advancements in AI, Finance, Health, and National Security. Through year-round programming and its annual global tech conference + expo in Miami, eMerge Americas connects capital, talent, and ideas to drive impactful progress, strengthen industries, and bring transformative and emerging technologies to market. Since 2014 the global tech conference + expo has attracted 20,000+ attendees annually from over 50 countries and catalyzed billions in venture investment. For more information, visit www.emergeamericas.com.

Media Contact

Burhan Sebin
meet@miamiaihub.com

DitchIt, a company that specializes in disrupting the online marketplace industry, today announced that in a stunning move, they have purchased and demolished the original 560-pound Twitter bird sign that once adorned their San Francisco headquarters.

The stunt, captured on camera in the Nevada desert with a 15-person crew, four Tesla Cybertrucks, and a Hollywood explosives expert, symbolized a farewell to outdated tech giants and introduced DitchIt's mission: building a local marketplace prioritizing people over profits.

Ditchit's spokesman, James Deluca, drew parallels between Elon Musk's Twitter rebranding and Ditchit's goals, stating, "Today's platforms prioritize businesses, but Ditchit is different — free, ad-free, and community-focused."

The 12-foot Twitter logo, affectionately known as "Larry," was bought at auction for $34,000 and transformed into a disruption symbol. The explosive demolition video, now live on YouTube, showcases a cinematic moment generating buzz. Fragments of the sign will be auctioned on the DitchIt app, with proceeds supporting the Center for American Entrepreneurship.

About DitchIt

DitchIt is a community-first local marketplace built for everyday buyers and sellers. Unlike traditional platforms, DitchIt is ad-free, fee-free, and designed to keep transactions simple and fair. Founded in 2024, the DitchIt app is available for iOS and Android. For more information, visit ditchit.com.

Media Contact

James Deluca
james.deluca@ditchit.com

China International Import Expo (CIIE) remains a vital platform for openness and cooperation amid growing global uncertainty and anti-globalization sentiment. A UN-hosted event in Geneva on June 25, themed “Working Together to Implement the UN 2030 Agenda—How China International Import Expo Helps,” showcased its role in fostering inclusive growth.

At the event, representatives from dōTERRA, and Warmpaca shared how the CIIE has opened doors for them in the Chinese market. Since 2018, dōTERRA has partnered with Guizhou through the CIIE, using innovation to boost the value of traditional Chinese plants and raise local farmers’ incomes. Warmpaca made its breakthrough at the inaugural CIIE. By partnering with over 1,000 families to produce handmade alpaca wool goods, it has successfully expanded into both the Chinese and global markets—creating jobs and empowering local communities along the way.

As the expo approaches, preparations have entered a new and dynamic phase. On May 22, a dedicated matchmaking event was held in Chongqing, bringing together nearly 40 exhibitors and over 110 local buyers. The event laid a solid foundation for deeper cooperation in the lead-up to the CIIE. To date, an exhibition area of over 280,000 square meters has been booked for this year’s CIIE. This year, the exhibition layout has been further optimized to spotlight innovation, advanced technologies, and cutting-edge services.

Building on this momentum, the upcoming China-Central Asia Summit will boost exchanges and cooperation. As regular participants in the CIIE, Central Asian countries have continued to strengthen ties with China through this key platform. For instance, at the seventh CIIE, Kazakh businesses took part in an unprecedented scale, presenting a broader range of high-quality products to the Chinese market.

The upcoming eighth CIIE is set to attract a broader spectrum of exhibitors, professional buyers and visitors across sectors. Meanwhile, the HQF will serve as a key venue for dialogue on open economies and inclusive globalization. For more information, visit CIIE official website: https://www.ciie.org/zbh/en/

About China International Import Expo (CIIE)

Media Contact

Cui Yan
cuiyan@sinoexpo.cc

Lawrina, a trusted legal resource, announces an expanded mission and a new name: Loio. From a legal tech company, it transforms into a full-featured platform offering smart document drafting tools for everyone, from lawyers and business owners to individuals who seek reliable legal solutions. Loio is a powerful workspace where users can create, edit, complete, and sign documents without the need for additional software.

“It is a major step forward for our platform,” says Yehor Melnykov, CEO and co-founder of Loio. “Our mission is to change people’s perception of document workflow as something complicated and exhausting. With Loio tools, the whole process of document creation is intuitive and takes only a few minutes.”

The updated Loio gives users access to a range of tools that enable them to work with documents of any complexity, anytime, and from any device.

A growing collection of legal templates for any need — from personal to business — allows users to obtain professionally drafted contracts and forms without hiring a legal expert. Each of the available forms is created and reviewed by experienced lawyers, which grants more confidence and saves time. Lawyers spend 40-60% of their time drafting and reviewing contracts, whereas for a person without a legal background, creating even one document can take several days. Loio templates reduce this time considerably. 

For quick template completion, Loio offers a unique interview feature that guides users through the document by asking them simple questions. Based on the answers, the system automatically prepares a finished contract for further reviewing, signing, or downloading.

With a newly launched PDF tool, users can either edit forms from Loio’s 2,500+ pre-made templates or their own files. Adding and removing clauses, comments, initials, lists, and signatures takes a few clicks, and the insertion function allows one to complete documents with images and charts directly within the browser. 

Once the document is completed, users can instantly sign it online with a secure electronic signature system that follows U.S. laws, including the ESIGN Act, UETA, and ESRA. 

Loio also has an extensive library of legal guides that cover plenty of topics — from starting a business to what to include in a rental agreement. Written in plain language and regularly updated, these texts support users as they work through complex legal matters.

Loio puts the right document drafting tools and information directly into the hands of those who need them, making the whole workflow easier, more comprehensible, and more secure.

About Loio

Loio is an all-in platform with a full set of tools for document creation, editing, and signing. It offers a collection of legal templates, a PDF editor, an e-sign, and comprehensive informational resources for people dealing with legal issues. The simplicity of use, accuracy, and data safety allow Loio to set a new standard for effective document workflow. For more information about the services, visit loio.com.

Media Contact

Media Relations
support@loio.com

Flowable, recognized globally as a leading provider of enterprise automation software, has once again been named as a representative vendor in the latest Gartner® Market Guide for Business Process Automation Tools. This recognition highlights Flowable’s comprehensive capabilities in helping large organizations streamline operations by utilizing AI, structured workflows, and decision automation grounded in open standards.

As enterprise environments become increasingly dynamic, automation platforms must support varied use cases across departments and systems. Modern business process automation (BPA) solutions now integrate intelligent agents, rule engines, and human-led decisions to improve speed, consistency, and adaptability. A key takeaway from this report is that it recommends evaluating platforms that integrate these inputs into a single system governed for visibility and accountability.

Flowable meets this guidance by offering an open framework that supports regulatory needs while enabling fast, process-driven outcomes.

Flowable’s Role in Intelligent Automation

Flowable’s inclusion in the Market Guide acknowledges its unified platform’s ability to coordinate AI models, people, and business logic through a low-code, open-standards framework.

This approach directly supports enterprise teams managing high-stakes processes like claims handling, customer onboarding, and risk management.

The platform allows users to manage both predictable tasks and unstructured work in the same environment. Insurance claims, loan origination, and service escalations, for instance, can all be addressed without jumping between tools or sacrificing oversight.

Championing Agentic AI for Adaptive Business Processes

Flowable is a front-runner in “agentic” automation, a method of embedding AI agents, systems, and people into a single operational layer. Businesses today require platforms that connect diverse endpoints—AI models, RPA bots, and human input—into coordinated, auditable flows.

Flowable’s approach is grounded in dynamic case management, allowing organizations to manage both routine operations and irregular scenarios in the same interface, driving operational clarity and flexibility.

Focused Governance and Built-in Transparency

Flowable integrates oversight directly into process design. Its system includes model tracking, rule enforcement, version control, and auditing features that are vital for industries like banking and healthcare.

Every decision can be traced and evaluated, allowing organizations to meet stringent internal standards and regulatory demands without slowing down operations. This is in direct response to industry demand for transparent, governed automation, where oversight cannot be compromised.

Integration Without Vendor Lock-in

By supporting global automation standards of BPMN, CMMN, and DMN, Flowable aligns with open enterprise connectivity and avoids proprietary constraints. Its architecture is designed to connect with existing infrastructure, allowing organizations to expand automation without overhauling what already works. This approach ensures that companies can scale automation projects while maintaining flexibility in technology decisions.

Delivering Business Value to Key Decision Makers

Choosing the right enterprise automation platform impacts every area of an organization. Flowable reflects practical benefits for operations, transformation, risk, and finance leaders across large enterprises, including:

• Operational Efficiency: Flowable automates entire departmental processes, reducing manual hand-offs and errors. Operations leaders gain a unified view of workflows, improve productivity, and enable teams to focus on high-value work while the platform manages routine and exception-driven tasks.
• Agility and Continuous Improvement: Transformation directors and CXOs benefit from the platform’s flexibility. New AI tools or policy changes can be incorporated quickly, allowing rapid response to evolving business needs without extensive retraining or redevelopment.
• Governance and Compliance: Every automated decision is fully traceable, auditable, and governed, meeting the rising need for “new forms of management and governance” recently identified by Forrester. Audit trails, policy enforcement, and approval checkpoints are embedded into workflows to meet internal and regulatory standards.
• Customer Experience and Financial ROI: Coordinated automation helps deliver better outcomes at lower operating costs. Tasks like customer onboarding, account updates, and claims can be resolved faster through consistent, AI-personalized processes that operate 24/7 across omnichannel touchpoints.

Flowable empowers enterprises to move faster, operate smarter, and maintain governance at scale. Its enterprise automation platform focuses its design for transparency, adaptability, and real-world value.

For further details and insights, access the full report reprint page on Flowable’s website.

Gartner Disclaimer

Gartner, Market Guide for Business Process Automation Tools, 20 May 2025, Tushar Srivastava, et. Al.

Gartner is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Flowable

Flowable is a global provider of enterprise automation software, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Since 2010, we have helped organizations coordinate business automation, people, and processes through a unified platform built on open standards. Flowable serves leading enterprises across sectors where adaptability and accountability are essential. For more information, visit flowable.com.

Media Contact

Violet Diamanti-Race 
violet.diamanti@flowable.com
+41 31 329 09 00

On Friday, June 20, Arc70 Capital closed Arc70 2025-1, a private-label securitization of $175.3 million of 4% affordable housing bonds issued through the National Finance Authority (“2025-1 Securitization”). The 2025-1 Securitization financed a pool of bonds associated with 13 affordable housing properties in 10 states including, California, Texas, and New York. All of the properties operate under the federal low-income housing tax credit program and seven properties have project-based Section 8 rental subsidies. In total, these properties provide over 1,500 units affordable to households at 60% of area median income or below at an average rent that is 34% less than typical market rents. The 2025-1 Securitization consists of three tranches: Class A-1 certificates rated AA- (S&P), Class A-2 certificates rated BBB+ (S&P), and first-loss Class B certificates retained by Arc70.

“We are excited to continue to partner with sophisticated municipal investors with our most recent securitization,” said Denny Hou, co-founder of Arc70. “The closing of this transaction will drive a meaningful return of capital to our limited partners and support the development of affordable housing.”

“This transaction further solidifies Arc70’s presence as a consistent, highly-regarded issuer in the private-label, affordable housing securitization market,” said Matt Engler, Managing Director, Head of Capital Markets. “Thank you to our underwriting syndicate led by Wells Fargo, our counsel Kutak Rock, underwriter’s counsel Orrick, and Wilmington Bank as trustee.”

About Arc70 Capital

Arc70 Capital specializes in structured credit investments that finance the preservation and development of affordable housing while delivering attractive absolute and risk-adjusted returns to investors. Arc70 has financed over 44,000 units and currently manages more than $4.8 billion in affordable housing-related investments across the United States. For more information, visit arc70.com.

Media Contact

Steffan Dye
ir@arc70.com

There has been undeniable progress in public discourse surrounding mental health awareness. Yet, the conversation still feels clinical, sanitized, or overly performative. Believing that destigmatizing mental health doesn't translate to talking more but talking better, Alicia Racine Fink launched Xanyland, a Los Angeles-based mental health podcast. "Xanyland: Comedians on the Couch" creates a space for genuine therapeutic exploration.

Xanyland unpacks the surreal, typically contradictory landscape of modern mental health through candid, hilarious, and sometimes emotional conversations with comedians. It combines humor and reflection to dismantle stigma, question prevailing mental health narratives, and invite audiences to reflect, laugh, and feel seen.

The podcast's name is a double entendre. On the surface, it's playful, suggesting a whimsical, slightly chaotic world à la Candyland. Digging deeper, it presents a critique about how mainstream mental health discourse has become increasingly dominated by diagnoses and symptom management. “Land,” in particular, signals the broader mental health ecosystem, which Fink has observed to be controlled more by metrics and mass marketing than by human nuance. Xanyland’s mission is to help people view mental health as a shared human experience—messy, hilarious, and worth exploring with curiosity and care, instead of a product or performance.

The podcast is known for unfiltered conversations with comedians about mental health, identity, trauma, and healing. Here, humor becomes a tool to voice the “shadow” aspects of the self that typically go unspoken. The conversations are structured to feel accessible and human, allowing listeners to reclaim the depth of psychoanalysis and frame it through the lived experiences of those willing to speak the unspeakable, often with a punchline.

The voice behind Xanyland makes it more compelling. Fink has a dual background that enables her to hold space for emotional nuance and creative expression. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting and a master’s in counseling, she has always been drawn to storytelling that lies at the intersection of therapy and the arts.

The beginnings of Xanyland stem from Fink's experience in stand-up comedy. After moving to Los Angeles and before starting her private practice as a therapist, she sought an outlet for expression and found it in a local stand-up comedy class. “Comedy helped me reconnect with my voice,” she says. “I also appreciated comedians more as the cultural truth-tellers that they are.”

It wasn’t just their wit and timing that stood out to Fink—it was their vulnerability. “The comedians I met are people unafraid to vocalize the contradictions we all carry—the love and resentment we feel for our families, the absurdities of anxiety, the loneliness behind laughter,” Fink remarks. The therapist saw this as a bridge between the couch and the stage, two worlds she knew intimately.

Xanyland was, therefore, born as a platform where these raw, unfiltered exchanges could live. Fink developed the podcast to reflect nuance, emotional complexity, and above all, honesty. These are the very things she felt were missing from mainstream mental health narratives. The comedians on her show are viewed as collaborators, offering insights that are as emotionally intelligent as they are funny.

This structure enables the podcast to delve into various topics. Early episodes tackle the bewildering process of finding a therapist, including what to look for, how to communicate one's needs, and how to develop a meaningful relationship with a mental health provider. Other episodes explore the broader conversation around psychiatric medication. Fink approaches this subject with balance, acknowledging both the over-medicalization of mental health and the life-saving potential of psychiatric drugs. “Xanyland doesn't take a polarized stance. We value empathy and individual context,” says Fink.

Subsequent episodes delve into issues like bipolar disorder, ADHD, sobriety, and hypnotherapy, with guests who speak from personal and professional experience. Another episode breaks down the concept of narcissism, a term that has become so overused that its clinical meaning is often lost. Yet, another will examine grief and how people talk—or avoid talking—about loss.

Overall, the unifying thread across all these episodes is a commitment to realism and relational depth. Fink isn't afraid to correct misconceptions or bring in fresh perspectives. However, she does so with a grounded, conversational, and humorous tone. This approach highlights Xanyland’s impact.

The podcast aims to redefine how people engage with therapy and mental health topics more broadly. “We hope that listeners walk away with new language for their own experiences and understand that they're not alone,” Fink states.

Ultimately, Xanyland advocates for more truthful, nuanced, and human conversations about mental health. Fink plans to expand the scope of the podcast with a series of bonus episodes. These will address hot-button mental health issues beyond the world of comedy, bringing in specialists to break down complex topics like hypnotherapy and couples therapy. Another planned subseries will analyze popular TV shows through a psychological lens. Future episodes will continue exploring how mental health is portrayed in the media, shedding light on the narratives that shape public perception.

The podcast is available on all major platforms. For more information, visit aliciaracine.com or follow @xanylandpodcast on Instagram.

About Alicia Racine Fink

Alicia Racine Fink, LMFT, LPCC, is a Los Angeles–based therapist, performer, and podcast host whose work blends clinical depth with creative edge. She is the creator of Xanyland, a raw and highly educational mental health podcast where comedians explore what usually goes unspoken.

With a background in acting, stand-up comedy, and years as the lead singer of a touring band, Fink brings a rare combination of emotional insight and artistic fluency to her work. She holds a BFA in acting and a master’s degree in counseling, with advanced training in psychoanalytic therapy. Her clinical style is distinct, rooted in depth work but integrative, drawing from behavioral modalities to support real change.

Fink works as a therapist and clinical coach with clients across Los Angeles, New York, Boston, and London, including global thought leaders and creatives. Her approach invites people into conversations that are as honest as they are unexpected, where discomfort becomes insight, and insight becomes freedom.

For more information, visit aliciaracine.com.

Media Contact

Mike Fink
mike.r.fink@gmail.com

Kratom Consumer Advisory Council (KCAC) today released a comprehensive position paper, "Fact Check on Synthetic 7 Solving the Opioid Crisis," refuting the Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust’s (HART) claim and that of its National Policy Director Jeff Smith (media clip here) that synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (“synthetic 7”) products have reduced the opioid mortality death rate in the United States.

This claim, which HART has presented in testimony to lawmakers in multiple states and to media outlets, is not supported by any published clinical trials or peer-reviewed observational studies. In contrast, the KCAC’s position paper outlines overwhelming evidence pointing to community naloxone distribution and public health partnerships as the true drivers of reduced opioid deaths.

“HART’s argument isn’t just scientifically unsupported—it’s dangerous,” said 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 KCAC chair. “The reduction in opioid mortality in recent years correlates most clearly with community-based naloxone access and training initiatives, not the rise of potent, unregulated synthetic opioids being sold in gas stations and smoke shops.”

The KCAC white paper highlights well-documented evidence from public health literature:

• A 2021 study in North Carolina estimated 352 deaths were avoided due to naloxone distribution, showing a clear relationship between kit access and reduced fatalities. (Study link)
• In Southwestern Pennsylvania, expanding naloxone access through additional sites, including syringe exchanges, led to a 65% drop in opioid deaths. (Study link)
• A meta-analysis of 44 studies found survival rates above 90% in programs distributing naloxone to at-risk communities, families, and police. (Study link)
• Economic modeling also confirms naloxone programs are cost-effective, with benefits measured in lives saved and reduced healthcare costs. (Study link)

Unlike whole-leaf kratom and natural mitragynine—which preclinical studies suggest have a low risk of respiratory depression—synthetic 7 and similar analogs (including tianeptine and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl) have been shown in multiple animal studies to significantly depress respiratory function at high doses. These effects mirror those of morphine and respond poorly to naloxone reversal—underscoring their danger to public health.

Further, anecdotal reports suggest that synthetic 7 products have caused severe addiction, and the rapid tolerance requires consumers to escalate doses over time. In addition, their bright packaging and candy-like branding (e.g., “Perks,” “Opia,” “Rave”) may appeal to children and teens—raising additional concerns among parents and policymakers.

Leading kratom researchers at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Florida have issued urgent warnings about the proliferation of 7 products and their 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. A leading forensic research center has published public alerts on 7 products. 

Dr. White cautions, “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.”

The KCAC’s position papers in total provide lawmakers a roadmap based on the best available published evidence to protect consumers while still maintaining access to natural kratom products and runs counter to unsubstantiated pseudo-scientific claims.

Download the full position paper here.

About Kratom Consumer Advisory Council (KCAC)

Kratom Consumer Advisory Council (KCAC) is an independent board made up of a clinician-scientist and consumers that uses the strongest available evidence to produce position statements that promote evidence-based policy. The KCAC is supported by the Global Kratom Coalition which advocates for regulations that protect consumers and curbs the sale of adulterated or synthetic products falsely marketed as kratom. For more information, visit globalkratomcoalition.org/kcac.

Media Contact

Dr. C. Michael White
cwhite1@wm.com

As smart advances through 2025 — the year of enhancing global operation — the premium electric automotive brand continues to drive innovation across global markets through strategic partnerships and product excellence.

Highlights

• In the first half of 2025, smart continued to expand its global footprint and make its entry into seven new markets.
• Significant R&D advancements in future products and technologies have been made, solidifying the company’s long-term value proposition and meeting diverse customer needs. 
• With the launch of “Open Your Mind Experiences” global campaign, smart keeps sharpening its renewed brand image and forged collaborations with iconic brands and Intellectual Properties, including BRABUS, Sennheiser, TREK, Keith Haring globally and Disney’s Mickey & Friends and Peet’s Coffee in China.

Accelerating Global Growth With Bold Expansion and Innovation

smart has made significant inroads into the global market landscape, successfully entering seven new markets across the MENA region and Latin America in the first half of 2025. The business footprint has now expanded to 38 countries and regions, with exceeding 580 stores worldwide.

With the launch of "Open Your Mind Experiences" global campaign, smart is sharpening its renewed brand image, and initiating various crossover collaborations. In addition, the brand continues to enrich its product offerings, with plans to unveil more latest R&D technology and product results in the coming months.

Mr. Tong Xiangbei, global CEO of smart, said: "In the first half of 2025, smart has accelerated global expansion by entering new markets and expanding our product offerings with innovative models. Meanwhile, significant R&D advancements in future products and technologies have been made, solidifying the young global company’s long-term value proposition and enabling us to meet diverse customer needs worldwide."

Sharpening the Brand Image through Inspirational Co-Creation

During Auto Shanghai 2025, smart officially launched the "Open Your Mind Experiences" global campaign, which was built around the "Power of Firsts" — the belief that first-time experiences create powerful emotional connections and unlock new possibilities. Embodying more first-time creative experiences, smart has forged collaborations with several iconic brands and Intellectual Properties throughout the first half of 2025.

The partnership with the Keith Haring Foundation aligns street art with smart's urban mobility vision, debuting the smart #3 Keith Haring Art Car, with plans for a production version later this year. The collaboration with Disney in China enhances smart’s inspiration with imagination and fun. This marks smart's second partnership with Mickey & Friends following the smart fortwo electric drive Disney edition from 11 years ago. smart and Peet’s Coffee co-created the #1 Crema Edition for the Chinese market which features distinctive black-gold coloring and exclusive interior elements.

Ms. Mandy Zhang, global CMO of smart, said: "We actively bring the 'Open Your Mind' brand claim to life through innovative collaborations with iconic global brands and IPs. From high-performance upgrades with BRABUS and immersive audio experiences with Sennheiser to embedding Keith Haring's iconic art in product designs, our partnerships span automotive, art, and lifestyle realms—including co-creations with TREK, Mickey & Friends, Peet's Coffee, and many more. These partnerships embody our commitment to breaking boundaries and continuing sharpening our distinctive brand image across diverse cultures. As we grow our brand presence, we are working closely with partners across 38 countries and regions to deliver enhanced service experiences to our customers."

Mindful Technology Advancements: Enhanced ADAS and Intelligent Cabin

smart continued to enhance its mindful technology offerings in the first half of 2025. The smart #5's Navigation on smart Pilot (NSP) function has been activated in the Chinese mainland, providing enhanced driving assistance for local customers. Additionally, smart achieved the first implementation of AI-powered interactions in the smart #5, advancing its intelligent cabin experience.

Featuring these mindful technologies, the smart #5 continues its global rollout. The smart #5 BRABUS made its world premiere during Milan Design Week in Italy, followed by successful launches in the European markets, Hong Kong China, and making its premiere in Malaysia, receiving positive feedback from global media and customers.

As smart progresses through the year of enhancing global operation, the brand remains committed to delivering exceptional experiences for customers worldwide. Through continued market expansion, innovative partnerships, and product excellence, smart will keep inspiring customers to discover what happens when you open your mind to new possibilities.

About smart

Since the birth of the brand in the 1990s, smart has always maintained the vision of exploring the best solutions for future urban mobility. In late 2019, Mercedes-Benz AG and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group officially established smart global joint venture.

From 2019 to 2024, after the comprehensive renewal of its brand, products, and business model, smart successfully achieved the strategic objectives set for its initial five-year phase. Adhering steadfastly to the "China-Europe, Dual Home" global development strategy, smart has transformed into a leading premium electric automotive brand. It now boasts an expanding product matrix and a global footprint spanning around 40 countries and regions. In 2025, smart aims to boost its global business operations.

For more information, visit media.smart.com.

Media Contact

Sebastian Liu
sebastian.liu@smart.com

Doktar, a technology company uniquely positioned at the intersection of data-driven agriculture and scalable sustainability, has closed a €7.5 million funding round co-led by the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF)—Europe’s first private venture capital fund dedicated to accelerating the bioeconomy and biobased circular innovations—and Pymwymic, a pioneering Dutch impact investor focused on regenerative agriculture and sustainable food systems, with participation from existing investor Diffusion Capital Partners (DCP). The investment will support the expansion of Doktar’s integrated product portfolio and enable the company to scale its holistic execution model globally.

Empowering the Future of Agriculture

Founded in 2017, Doktar is an agtech company that leverages proprietary digital products and AI to transform the agricultural value chain. What sets Doktar apart is its end-to-end digital platform that addresses all core farming needs, from real-time monitoring and decision support to verifiable sustainability outcomes. Through an integrated ecosystem of connected IoT devices, smart software, and AI-powered insights, Doktar delivers actionable intelligence and full-farm traceability.

Doktar’s approach combines full-farm digitization, farmer engagement, and measurable impact reporting, enabling organizations to achieve turnkey, verifiable climate resilience outcomes. Its Climate Sustainability Impact (CSI) platform empowers farmers, agribusinesses, and global food producers to implement sustainability strategies with traceability, efficiency, and proven environmental results.

Global Presence and Regenerative Reach

Headquartered in the Netherlands with offices in Turkey, Doktar operates in over 10 countries through its partner networks. The company currently supports 250,000 hectares of regenerative farmland, delivering actionable insights and scalable outcomes across diverse crop systems and geographies. Today, six of the ten largest global food and beverage companies leverage Doktar's platform to advance their sustainability and supply chain goals. This enables these partners to make measurable progress towards their public 2030 sustainability commitments, turning ambitious targets into verifiable achievements.

Sustainability at the Core of Growth

Sustainability remains a strategic priority for the company, which aims to empower its partners and customers to implement regenerative agriculture, water stewardship, and traceability practices at scale. With this new investment, Doktar will continue to enhance its platform with more advanced solutions and technologies that enable global stakeholders to achieve measurable environmental and business outcomes.

Investor Confidence and Market Validation

The funding round drew strong support from investors aligned with Doktar’s mission to scale practical, climate-smart agriculture.

“We invested in Doktar because their approach uniquely combines agronomic expertise, scalable technology, and measurable environmental outcomes,” said Isabelle Laurencin, partner at ECBF. “They are enabling regenerative agriculture at scale with real-world applicability.”

Rogier Pieterse, partner at Pymwymic, added: “We believe Doktar has a unique position in supporting both farmers and food corporates in making smarter choices from an efficiency and impact perspective. We are excited to work with the Company and our co-investors to bring this impact to the next level.”

"We have witnessed firsthand Doktar's exceptional ability to deliver measurable agricultural transformation through innovative technology," said Merve Akgun, partner at Diffusion Capital Partners. "We are proud to continue supporting their global expansion as they bring scalable solutions that create both environmental impact and business value to farmers and food producers worldwide."

Fueling Global Expansion and Regional Depth

With the new funding, Doktar is poised to expand into more markets while deepening its operational capacity.

“This investment marks an important milestone in our journey to digitally transform agriculture at scale. It enables us to accelerate our expansion across Europe, North America, and South America, while deepening our ability to meet the growing global demand for integrated, data-driven solutions. As agriculture faces mounting pressure to deliver both productivity and sustainability, we are reinforcing the digital backbone that makes a measurable, verifiable impact possible across entire supply chains,” said Tanzer Bilgen and Selim Ucer, co-founders of Doktar.

About Doktar

Doktar is an agtech company driving the digital transformation of agriculture through AI, connected devices, and integrated software. Its Climate Sustainability Impact (CSI) platform enables real-time farm insights and traceable environmental outcomes, helping organizations scale regenerative practices with precision and accountability. Founded in 2017, Doktar operates globally with a mission to make sustainable agriculture both practical and profitable. For more information, visit www.doktar.com.

About European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF)

The European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) is the first venture fund exclusively dedicated to accelerating the shift from a fossil-based to a bio-based circular economy. With €300 million raised, ECBF invests €2-10 million in growth-stage companies across sectors like agtech, food & nutrition, industrial biotech, and bio-based materials. As an Article 9 fund under SFDR, ECBF screens investments for the highest ESG criteria, aligning with European environmental goals. The fund combines financial support with industry expertise to foster innovation and sustainability in Europe's bioeconomy sector. ECBF is focused on deploying capital in attractive and impactful companies based in the EU-27 or 16 HORIZON 2020 associated countries. To learn more, visit www.ecbf.vc.

About Pymwymic

Pymwymic (Put Your Money Where Your Meaning Is Community) has taken a frontrunner role in the transition towards investing with care for both people and planet since 1994. Backed by over 250 individuals, families, entrepreneurs, and institutional investors, we have launched two Article 9-compliant impact funds, currently investing through the Healthy Food Systems Impact Fund II. This fund focuses on early-stage AgriFood scale-ups that offer pioneering solutions in areas like sustainable farming, reducing food waste, and regenerative agriculture. To learn more, visit pymwymic.com.

About Diffusion Capital Partners (DCP)

Diffusion Capital Partners (DCP) is a venture capital firm that invests in deep tech startups and supports disruptive technologies across emerging markets. For more information, visit www.dcp.vc.

Media Contact

Atak Ayaz
atak.ayaz@doktar.com

SKYX Platforms Corp. (NASDAQ:SKYX) (“SKYX” or the “Company”), a highly disruptive smart home platform technology company, announced a significant increase in both U.S. and international demand for its newly patented, all-in-one Smart Turbo Heater & Ceiling Fan, ahead of its broad commercial launch expected in Q3 2025.

The innovative product, an integrated ceiling fan and heater, is designed to address consumer comfort across all four seasons and targets a combined ceiling fan and portable heater category valued at several billion dollars annually. Tens of millions of units are sold in the U.S. alone each year, reflecting strong market potential for SKYX’s unique offering.

In response to this rising demand, SKYX confirmed it will launch two distinct models of the Smart Turbo Heater & Fan, available in six to eight color options to suit both residential and commercial applications. Manufacturing has already commenced in collaboration with the Company’s long-standing global partners.

The Company who will be added to the Russell 2000 this week, believes the product’s launch will be a pivotal catalyst in its plan to reach cash-flow positive operations in 2025.

Rani Kohen, founder and executive chairman of SKYX Platforms Corp., stated, “We are experiencing unprecedented interest in our all-in-one smart heater and ceiling fans from both U.S. and global markets. This product exemplifies our commitment to innovation, safety, and global market products. As we prepare for our upcoming launch, we believe this breakthrough solution will drive significant value for our customers, partners, and shareholders.”

SKYX currently holds over 97 issued and pending patents worldwide and owns a growing portfolio of more than 60 lighting and home décor websites. The Company’s mission is to transform homes and buildings into smarter, safer, and more advanced environments.

To view 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 97 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

Bold Reuse, a leader in reusable packaging systems for venues, is launching a two-month pilot program deploying radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology in partnership with Avery Dennison (NYSE: AVY), a global materials science and digital identification solutions company. The initiative will bring real-time visibility and smart tracking to monitor the entire lifecycle of reusable cups — from distribution and return to wash cycles and end-of-life.

The pilot will be deployed at Bold Reuse’s Portland-based wash-hub and two of Portland’s major league sports venues: The Moda Center, home of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Providence Park, home of the Portland Timbers and Thorns, with the combined locations reaching over 2 million people a year.

This pilot goes beyond basic inventory tracking — it represents a critical step forward in advancing smarter, data-informed reuse systems. With RFID technology, Bold Reuse and its partners are unlocking item-level metrics that reveal how cups move through the system, where losses occur, and how user behavior impacts return rates. These insights are key to driving operational efficiency, reducing waste and enhancing the fan experience. Ultimately, the data gathered through this pilot will shape more effective reuse strategies and support broader sustainability goals across sports and entertainment venues.

“This pilot is about unlocking operational intelligence at scale,” said Jocelyn Quarrell, CEO of Bold Reuse. “With RFID, we can track every single cup throughout its journey, giving our partners transparency and performance metrics to make reuse as seamless and scalable as possible.”

Through fixed RFID readers installed at key points within the service center, and handheld devices used at partner venues, the pilot will passively collect key data, including:

• Cup return vs. loss rates
• Average number of wash cycles per cup
• Inventory dwell times
• % of cups retired, rewashed or damaged

Data is crucial for the success of reusable products and underpins the reuse economy. The data will allow Bold Reuse to optimize its service center operations, reduce waste, and extend the life of its products — ultimately making reuse more cost-effective and sustainable for its customers.

“Bold Reuse is paving the way for smarter reuse systems,” said Michael Colarossi, head of enterprise sustainability, Avery Dennison. “Together, we’re delivering a scalable, item-level traceability solution that enables real-time accountability and transparency in reuse. This is made possible through our unique combination of materials science expertise — specifically in performance adhesives — and our deep knowledge of RFID technology. We ensure items can withstand repeated wash cycles without compromising RFID functionality, empowering consumers to reuse items again and again.”

Partner Perspectives

Moda Center

“At Moda Center, we’re proud to already operate a successful reusable cup program through Rip City Reuse, which has eliminated more than 917,000 single-use cups to date — and we’re on track to hit 1 million cups diverted this year,” said Brittany Saulsbury, sustainability operations manager at the Portland Trailblazers. “With this RFID pilot, we’re excited to enhance the system by gathering deeper data insights to help us further optimize the fan experience and continue driving waste reduction at Moda Center.”

Providence Park

“We’re always looking for ways to raise the bar on sustainability at Providence Park, and this RFID pilot with Bold Reuse is an exciting leap forward,” said Ashley Highsmith, chief operations officer, Portland Timbers. “It’s not just about reducing waste — it’s about embracing innovation to create smarter, more efficient systems. With this technology, we’re gaining powerful insights that will help us scale our impact, engage fans in new ways, and set a new standard for what sustainability can look like in sports and entertainment.”

In the future, the RFID tracking system could serve as a blueprint for widespread implementation across Bold Reuse’s growing network of venues nationwide.

About Bold Reuse

Bold Reuse partners with venues, corporate campuses, and institutions to power circular systems through reusable packaging, logistics, and data-driven operations. Headquartered in Portland, OR, the company’s mission is to eliminate single-use waste and build a scalable infrastructure for reuse. For more information, visit www.boldreuse.com.

About Avery Dennison

Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science and digital identification solutions company. We are Making Possible™ products and solutions that help advance the industries we serve, providing branding and information solutions that optimize labor and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, advance sustainability, circularity and transparency, and better connect brands and consumers. We design and develop labeling and functional materials, radio-frequency identification (RFID) inlays and tags, software applications that connect the physical and digital, and offerings that enhance branded packaging and carry or display information that improves the customer experience. Serving industries worldwide — including home and personal care, apparel, general retail, e-commerce, logistics, food and grocery, pharmaceuticals and automotive — we employ approximately 35,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Our reported sales in 2024 were $8.8 billion. Learn more at www.averydennison.com.

Media Contact

Mya Manibusan
mya@boldreuse.com

From 19th-century stagecoach stop to charming Southern California gem, Old Town Temecula has become one of Southern California’s most charming and nostalgic destinations because it offers a unique blend of past and present. Dotted with unique shops, museums, eclectic tasting rooms, and a variety of eateries, visitors can explore and wander past preserved storefronts and original hitching posts before stepping into modern spaces.

“What's happening in Old Town Temecula is a true renaissance,” said Scott A. Wilson, CEO of Visit Temecula Valley. “We're seeing this amazing mix of Old West charm mixed in with very cool modern vibes. It’s a living, breathing place that's constantly evolving, and it’s a must-see for any Temecula visitor."

Old Town Temecula’s dining landscape continues to thrive. While established classics like 1909, Goat & Vine and Gambling Cowboy remain local favorites, a new wave of innovative eateries are adding to the mix with interesting dining concepts. Haven Haus Cafe offers a relaxed, tropical vibe where diners can enjoy a festive brunch or dinner. Ten Hut, a bold Korean-style pub, offers crispy Korean fried chicken, bold Kogi tacos, and BBQ sliders that take pub food to the next level. Once an 18th century homestead, Small Barn is now a stylish modern bistro offering globally inspired flavors, fresh and seasonal menus, and thoughtful pairings.

Old Town tasting rooms like Temecula Olive Oil Company, Big Nose Winery, La Fata Cellars, Corbeaux Wine & Tea House, and soon-to-open Humble Somm, keep the region’s wine and agricultural legacy alive—one pour at a time.

Another historic landmark restaurant, the Swing Inn Café, was originally built in 1927 and is now owned by actor Dean Norris. The “Breaking Bad” and “CSI” star is often seen chatting with diners as they enjoy his slow-cooked BBQ and house specials. Located around the corner from the popular Old Town Farmer’s Market on Sixth and Front, E.A.T. Marketplace continues to champion farm-to-table dining and offer event space for local makers and mavericks to gather. A few doors down, Grazing Theory, which was recognized as Best Small Cheese Shop in America by Yelp, offers beautifully designed charcuterie boards, sandwich platters, and customized brunch options for delivery or pick-up.

On a lot that was once a busy lumberyard, the Temecula Stampede now stands as the largest country and western dance venue on the West Coast. Guests are invited to kick up their heels with line dancing lessons every Friday evening. Just across the street, you'll find Baily's Restaurant, another Old Town landmark with a fascinating past. This location was once the famed "Art Shack" of renowned artist Ralph Love. Born in Los Angeles in 1907, Love established his Temecula studio and classroom there in the mid-1950s. Today, a plaque honoring Love is displayed on the restaurant’s patio.

Inside the Hotel Temecula building, which was built in 1891, Weld + Wool attracts shoppers looking for customized Western hats and permanent jewelry. Across the street, Professor Pennypickle’s Workshop is an award-winning, STEM-focused museum that offers kids and families an imaginative, playful, and hands-on world of science and invention. Around the corner at Old Town Temecula Mining Co. & Mercantile, kids can pan for gems, test their aim in a laser shooting gallery, and shop for nostalgic candy and crystals. Newly opened on Main Street, Coffee Til Cocktails boutique is a one-stop shop offering clothing, on-trend accessories and a Trucker Hat Bar. Visitors can also explore Old Town’s eccentric side by visiting the Historic Jail or engaging with Zoltar (made famous in the movie, "Big").

Throughout the summer months, Old Town’s patios, bars, and tasting rooms come alive with plenty of live music and entertainment options, seasonal sips, and warm-weather vibes. On July 16, the Summer Taste of Old Town invites guests to enjoy a curated “sip and stroll” through the district, with small bites and drinks from a lineup of local businesses.

Old Town Temecula isn’t just a place to eat or shop. It’s a unique reflection of the Old West, with a nod to the past and an eye on the future. Old Town Temecula’s revitalization reflects the broader story of Temecula Valley: a destination shaped by independent thinkers, risk-takers, and community-minded creatives. It’s where SoCal history meets handcrafted hospitality.

About Visit Temecula Valley

Visit Temecula Valley (VTV) is a nonprofit 501 (c)(6) destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting tourism-related businesses including wineries, restaurants, breweries, retail and specialty boutiques, hotels, short-term rentals, and more. This popular Southern California destination includes Temecula Valley Wine Country, Old Town Temecula, and Pechanga Resort Casino. For more information, visit visittemeculavalley.com.

Media Contact

Norma Marlowe
norma@visittemeculavalley.com
+1 951-252-2139

Worldwide Banners has officially launched its investment platform in Australia, offering eligible investors the opportunity to directly participate in brand advertising campaigns as an alternative asset class. Operating as an Authorised Representative of Capital Guard, a licensed and regulated entity in Australia, Worldwide Banners provides a transparent and structured approach to investing outside traditional markets.

While Australia’s investment landscape offers a wide range of opportunities, access to the performance-linked returns of brand advertising campaigns has traditionally been limited. Worldwide Banners aims to fill this gap by offering a platform that allows investors to diversify beyond conventional assets such as shares and bonds. The platform is designed for individuals seeking to access niche sectors and benefit from clearly defined investment parameters.

A spokesperson for Worldwide Banners said:

"Our expansion into the Australian market responds to increasing demand for alternatives that align with modern investment goals. Our platform offers access to curated advertising campaigns, with full visibility into each strategy, timeline, and sector. This allows investors to make informed decisions within a regulated framework.”

Investor capital is allocated across a selection of advertising campaigns spanning industries such as technology, retail, lifestyle, and travel. Each campaign is presented with detailed information, allowing users to review opportunities based on their own investment criteria. Importantly, these investments carry risk and returns are not guaranteed.

Meeting Demand for Alternative Investments

The platform has launched at a time when Australian investors, particularly pre-retirees and sophisticated individuals, are actively exploring options beyond traditional asset classes. As financial awareness grows, so does the appetite for assets that present unique risk/return profiles. Worldwide Banners seeks to support this shift by offering tools and transparency that allow investors to evaluate opportunities independently.

“Our role is to give Australians access to a professionally managed platform where they can explore brand advertising as an asset class. We provide comprehensive information on each campaign and ensure compliance with all local regulatory standards. No financial advice is given,” the spokesperson added.

About Worldwide Banners

Worldwide Banners is an alternative investment platform that enables eligible investors to participate in curated brand advertising campaigns. As an Authorised Representative of Capital Guard, Worldwide Banners operates within Australia’s financial services regulatory framework. The company focuses on transparency, compliance, and investor education, providing detailed disclosures on all investment offerings. For more information, visit worldwidebanners.com.au.

Media Contact

Chloe Anderson
media@worldwidebanners.com.au
+61 2 9059 7000

LegalBison, a global leader in regulatory advisory for the fintech and crypto sectors, has announced a strategic collaboration with the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) in the Philippines to modernize the region’s Offshore Financial Technology Licensing Rules and Regulations (OFTLRR).

The collaboration aims to enhance the legal, operational, and compliance frameworks governing digital asset service providers operating within the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (CSEZFP), reinforcing CEZA’s commitment to innovation and international alignment.

Led by Eira-Federica Järvi, lead legal counsel at LegalBison, the project involved an in-depth review of CEZA’s current licensing standards, with recommendations based on extensive experience with EU and global regulatory regimes.

“We sought to align CEZA’s framework with global best practices in licensing, risk management, and consumer protection,” said Järvi. “These updates are designed to make CEZA more competitive, attracting responsible fintech innovation to the region.”

The refined licensing framework is expected to improve regulatory clarity, reduce entry barriers for qualified firms, and bolster investor confidence in CEZA’s offshore fintech ecosystem.

This collaboration reflects CEZA’s proactive approach to governance and LegalBison’s growing role as a cross-border compliance enabler. As part of its continued expansion, LegalBison is actively pursuing additional strategic initiatives across Asia and globally.

For more information or media inquiries, please visit www.legalbison.com or contact press@legalbison.com.

About LegalBison

Founded in 2020, LegalBison is a regulatory advisory firm headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia, serving FinTech, crypto, and other high-compliance sectors globally. The firm specializes in licensing, compliance, banking, and corporate structuring, offering tailored solutions to companies navigating complex regulatory environments. Learn more at www.legalbison.com.

Media Contact

LegalBison PR Team
pr@legalbison.com

LoveWatts, the world’s most powerful cultural media platform, today announces the debut of its inaugural global art exhibition featuring GODS MGMT, an anonymous conceptual art collective reshaping contemporary visual culture. This marks the official launch of LoveWatts’ entry into the global art market—signaling a bold new era of artist discovery, curation, and market leadership.

Founded in 2012, LoveWatts has grown into a digital cultural giant, operating a network of channels that reach over four million followers worldwide. From design and fashion to music, fine art, and entertainment, LoveWatts has become a dominant force in curating influence and amplifying the next generation of global tastemakers.

Now, following over a decade of unmatched cultural impact, LoveWatts is making a revolutionary move into the physical art world. With an ambitious global art program, the platform aims to disrupt the traditional gallery model, cultivating emerging talent and building a new infrastructure for art discovery and growth. This isn’t just curation—it’s cultural engineering.

“At LoveWatts, we’ve built a team with decades of experience developing the careers of blue-chip artists and shaping the visual language of our generation,” said Jordan Watts, founder of LoveWatts. “Our mission is clear: to take emerging talent and launch them onto the world’s biggest stage. This isn’t just an art program—it’s the Super Bowl for the next wave of culture-defining artists.”

GODS MGMT, LoveWatts’ debut artist, is an anonymous collective working at the intersection of mass media, celebrity, internet culture, and mythology. Through oil on canvas and a radical practice of appropriation, they dissect illusions of fame, identity, and authorship. Part Warhol, part Banksy, part digital disruptor—their work delivers a visceral critique of contemporary culture with the visual force of a global brand.

With GODS MGMT, LoveWatts is defining the template for a new kind of art institution—one powered by digital reach, curatorial excellence, and a community-first ethos. The platform is now positioned to lead the next chapter of global art innovation, transforming the way artists are discovered, championed, and collected.

This is not a moment. This is a movement.

About LoveWatts

Love Watts is a global art platform founded by Jordan “Watts” Watson in 2011. Known for blending street culture and fine art, it began as an Instagram feed and grew into a cultural force with over 4 million followers. Love Watts curates digital content, hosts exhibitions, and collaborates with major brands to make contemporary art more accessible and inclusive. For more information, visit www.lovewatts.com and follow @love.watts on Instagram.

Media Contact

Megan Shockley
megan@hyprlogic.com

Unlisted, the real estate platform focused exclusively on homes not currently for sale, was born from a familiar moment. Founder and CEO, Katie Hill, walked past a home and thought, “I love that house; I wonder if it could be mine someday?” Unlike most, she acted on that curiosity — and Unlisted was the result.

Unlisted’s origin story began with a friendly conversation. Hill approached her neighbor who owned the house she admired and expressed her interest. The owner wasn’t selling right then but was flattered, intrigued, and open to future conversations as he was planning for his retirement in the coming few years. Hill asked for a right of first refusal whenever the neighbor was ready to sell and he agreed.

That moment of neighborhood curiosity inspired many questions in Hill’s mind:

• Why don’t we do this more often?
• Why can’t buyers and homeowners express and collect interest in real estate ongoing?
• Why are we left to scramble when our dream home suddenly pops up on the market?
• Why are we uncertain how our home may perform when we list it for sale?

These questions became the blueprint for Unlisted, a growing platform built to unlock the hidden layer of the real estate market: homes that aren't actively for sale but might be — for the right offer, the right timeline, or the right terms.

Founded by Hill in 2022, Unlisted helps buyers express interest in any home, whether or not it’s on the market, and gives homeowners a private, pressure-free way to collect interest and better understand the marketability of their property. Homeowners can “claim” their home, control the way their property appears online, personalize its details and photos, and initiate conversations with buyers who join their Waitlist — all on their own timeline, and without committing to sell.

“We’re not trying to push people to sell,” says Hill. “We’re giving them the option to see what’s possible and make better-informed decisions.”

Unlisted works selectively with vetted real estate agents with proven track records, ensuring that when buyers and homeowners align on a transaction opportunity they have access to the local real estate resources they need.

“Unlisted’s technology is far-reaching and creates more opportunities but it still maintains the local, human connection that is so important in real estate.“ explains Jason Rowland, licensed real estate broker with the Rowland Group at Compass in Chicago and a selected partner with Unlisted. “I have deep knowledge of my local market and serve as a trusted resource for both buyers and homeowners on Unlisted who are exploring their options in the neighborhood. It’s the best of all worlds.”

Real estate requires that people make some of the most important decisions of their lives. Unlisted offers a new way to discover opportunities and information — helping both sides of the transaction achieve optimum outcomes.

Learn more at UnlistedHomes.com.

About Unlisted

Media Contact

Sophia Jacomet
sophia@unlistedinc.com

CoinsPaid, a leading crypto payment gateway, has reported a 38% year-on-year increase in crypto transactions among its travel-sector clients.

Driven by the need for faster, cheaper, and more secure cross-border payments, digital assets — particularly stablecoins — are becoming a standard option for airlines, online travel agencies (OTAs), and luxury service providers.

“Crypto isn’t a novelty anymore,” said Max Krupyshev, CEO of CoinsPaid. “In 2025, the benefits are clear — it reduces costs, removes geographical barriers, and enables instant settlement. For many travel providers, it’s simply a more efficient way to do business.”

CoinsPaid is seeing increased adoption from both mainstream and premium travel providers — including boutique hotels, aggregators, and luxury services. Mirai Flights, a private jet operator, has integrated CoinsPaid’s infrastructure and reports a 75% reduction in payment processing fees since implementation.

The company’s crypto solution supports over 20 digital assets, offers instant conversion to fiat to mitigate volatility, and complies with global KYC/AML standards. Onboarding can be completed in under 48 hours, with no specialist blockchain knowledge required.

“You don’t need to be a blockchain expert,” Krupyshev added. “You just need a gateway that works and keeps you compliant.”

Shift in Consumer Behaviour

Industry data also points to changing consumer habits. Travala.com, a blockchain-based travel booking platform, processed $103 million in bookings in 2024, with 80% of transactions settled in cryptocurrencies. Travala reports that crypto users spend 2.5 times more on average than customers paying with fiat.

Although early crypto travel adoption was largely driven by tech-savvy users, usage has since expanded. CoinsPaid cites rising interest among digital nomads, Gen Z freelancers, and consumers in countries with high inflation.

The company expects this trend to continue. “We’re seeing a real shift in who is using crypto — and why,” Krupyshev said. “It’s no longer just early adopters, it’s also practical users seeking efficiency and reliability.”

Looking ahead, CoinsPaid estimates that crypto could account for up to 15% of travel bookings in select markets — including Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe — by 2027, citing both demographic and infrastructure trends.

“Crypto is no longer an alternative,” Krupyshev concluded. “It’s becoming part of the core financial infrastructure – and travel is one of the first industries to benefit.”

About CoinsPaid

CoinsPaid is a leading crypto payment ecosystem serving over 800 merchants worldwide. The company provides a secure, compliant, and user-friendly platform that enables businesses to accept and manage digital asset payments with ease. With a strong focus on the travel, e-commerce, and entertainment sectors, CoinsPaid supports over 20 cryptocurrencies, instant conversions to fiat, and streamlined compliance with global regulations. Headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia, CoinsPaid is trusted by businesses across 100+ countries. For more information, visit coinspaid.com.

To see our disclaimer statement, visit coinspaid.com/disclaimer-statement.

Media Contact

Support Team
info@coinspaid.com

Prime Care VIP, a mobile concierge healthcare company that provides top-tier primary and urgent care to patients for less than $5 per day, has hired leading South Florida board-certified family medicine physician Jarrod Frydman, D.O. as the company’s first chief medical officer. In this role, which began on June 16, Dr. Frydman will lead the company’s clinical team and spearhead the expansion of its services and operations.

Founded by Michael Kieffer, a nationally board-certified family nurse practitioner with a deep passion for wellness and self-care, and Dr. Lainey Kieffer, a doctor of nursing practice, nationally board-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, Prime Care VIP’s innovative mobile concierge service allows patients to avoid the costs and constraints of traditional healthcare while achieving better health outcomes.

The company offers patients same-day visits, 24/7 access to providers and a comprehensive suite of free prescription medications and labs—all without copays, deductibles, or surprise bills. Prime Care VIP allows employers to provide high-level, patient-centric care that results in no out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for employees, improved worker productivity and morale and a reduction in claim spend.

“The current healthcare system makes many people believe that they can't access high quality health care without expensive health insurance,” said Michael Kieffer, CEO of Prime Care VIP. “With our model at Prime Care VIP, our patients get leading medical professionals to come to their home or business, all for the price of a cup of coffee—and that money goes toward actual healthcare services, not financial products that gamble on your likelihood of using it. We’re excited to have Dr. Frydman join the team and help us continue to grow.”

“At Prime Care VIP, we take pride in providing top-tier care for our patients, and Dr. Frydman’s reputation speaks for itself,” said Dr. Lainey Kieffer, chief impact officer of Prime Care VIP. “I can’t wait to work with him as we expand our services and bring Prime Care VIP to new communities and companies.”

With 24 years of experience as a family physician in Broward County, Fla., Dr. Frydman brings significant knowledge and expertise to Prime Care VIP’s innovative mobile concierge care model. His addition to the team marks a significant milestone for Prime Care VIP as the company positions itself to expand into an institutional provider that can serve patients throughout the country and transform how individuals and businesses approach healthcare.

“I am honored to join Prime Care VIP and step into this role at such a pivotal time for the company,” said Frydman. “I have been treating families in South Florida for 24 years, and I’ve seen firsthand how the traditional healthcare system fails patients. The model that Michael and Lainey have created at Prime Care VIP puts patients first and lets doctors like me get back to what we signed up for: helping people get healthy.”

Dr. Frydman is a graduate of the University of Florida and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine graduate, completing his medical residency at Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. In addition to his role at Prime Care VIP, Dr. Frydman is an associate professor of medicine at Nova Southeastern University, where he mentors young physicians and medical students. Dr. Frydman resides in Boca Raton, Fla. with his wife, Meredith, and two children, Corey and Hannah, and enjoys physical fitness, surfing, and traveling with his family and friends.

Prime Care VIP is currently licensed to provide concierge medical services in Florida, Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Texas and Georgia, with continued plans for growth and expansion into a fully national brand. With the addition of Dr. Frydman, Prime Care VIP now has six certified medical professionals on staff providing first-class care throughout its geographic footprint.

About Prime Care VIP

Media Contact

Matt Pressberg
matt@pressbergmedia.com