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Kazakhstan: Central Asia’s Strategic Automotive Hub
Uzbekistan’s automotive industry has a 30-year history. Chevrolet is the most popular brand among manufactured automobiles. Recently, Uzbekistan has actively expanded its exports, delivering vehicles to neighboring countries and beyond the region. Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan currently remain largely import-dependent, but interest in local automotive production is gradually increasing.
Against this backdrop, Kazakhstan, a long-standing economic leader in Central Asia, is emerging as a key player in automotive manufacturing too. Over the past five years, despite declining production volumes in major global economies, Kazakhstan has tripled its automotive output. Special attention is being paid to development of digitalization, artificial intelligence, industrial infrastructure, and attracting foreign investments. It’s important to notice, that Kazakhstan’s export potential significantly surpasses that of its neighbors. All the preeminence are increasingly attracting attention from leading global automakers. The year 2025 promises to be pivotal for the industry, with two new automobile plants set to launch, substantially increasing production capacity and reinforcing Kazakhstan’s position as a regional automotive hub.
For the full previous year, Kazakhstan produced 147,400 vehicles, a significant portion of which came from Allur’s automotive plant in the Kostanay Region, followed by Hyundai Trans Kazakhstan and Hyundai Trans Almaty in Almaty.
The automotive industry remains a key driver not only for mechanical engineering but also for Kazakhstan's overall economy. Annual production has consistently exceeded 100,000 vehicles for three consecutive years (113,900 units in 2022, and 148,900 units in 2023). The key market players are Allur and Hyundai Trans Kazakhstan.
Currently, Kazakhstan hosts eight automotive plants producing both passenger and commercial vehicles. The industry leader is Allur in Kostanay, with an annual production capacity of up to 125,000 vehicles, holding a 61% market share by output volume. The plant manufactures vehicles under the Kia, Chevrolet, Skoda, JAC, Jetour, and Hongqi brands. The second-largest plant, Hyundai Trans Kazakhstan in Almaty, specializes in Hyundai models, with an annual capacity of 50,000 vehicles and a market share of 31%.
Other manufacturers include SemAZ, Daewoo Bus Kazakhstan, QazTehna, UralskAgroRemMash, and KAMAZ Engineering. Collectively, these plants produce nearly 170 vehicle models across more than 20 brands, including 8 brands and 39 models of passenger vehicles. However, full-cycle passenger car production is concentrated primarily at Allur and Hyundai Trans Kazakhstan.
In 2025, Kazakhstan’s production capacities will significantly expand with the opening of two new plants. The Kia plant in Kostanay Region will be Kia’s first fully self-funded facility outside South Korea. The project involves an investment of 200 million USD, and its annual production capacity will be 70,000 vehicles. The plant will create 1,500 jobs and mark a significant step toward production localization. The second plant in Almaty will focus on Chinese brands, with a planned annual output of 90,000 vehicles.
Launching these plants will further solidify Kazakhstan’s role as an automotive manufacturing hub in a key geopolitical region, ensuring continued growth, increased localization, technological development, and highly skilled employment opportunities.
Kazakhstan is actively enhancing localization in automotive manufacturing, reducing dependency on imported components. Amid rapid vehicle production growth, automotive parts and accessories production reached record levels: 412.5 million KZT in 2023 and 453 million KZT in 2024, compared to just 76.5 million KZT in 2020 and 139.1 million KZT in 2021.
In recent years, key component production facilities have been established in the country. Notably, in the middle of last year the launch of tire production in Saran was started through a joint venture between Kazakh automotive company Allur and Tatneft Group. The new tire plant will annually produce 3 million tires for passenger vehicles and 500,000 for trucks. Battery production has already surpassed 3 million units annually, and cast-iron foundry capacities increased by 50% compared to 2023. Additionally, production of automotive seats, multimedia, and exhaust systems is expanding.
Allur plays a leading role in localization, actively expanding industrial cooperation and exports, positioning Kazakhstan as one of the most competitive players in global supply chains.
About Stankevicius Group
Stankevicius Group is a global market research and government relations division that reviews global institutions and governments' recent activities in international markets. For more information visit https://stankeviciusgroup.com.
Media Contact
Vytautas Mickys
vytautas@stankeviciusgroup.com
Snowfire AI Emerges from Stealth; Announces Cybersecurity Maverick Greg Genung as CEO and Founder to Redefine Decision Intelligence with Adaptive AI Platform
Genung will guide Snowfire AI’s goal to empower global business leaders with cutting-edge AI technology. With over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity and data analytics, Genung is uniquely positioned to lead Snowfire AI. Genung holds patents in cybersecurity and has driven innovation at Deepwatch, Rackspace, Intel471, Praetorian and as the founding employee of the Retail and Hospitality Information Sharing and Analysis Center (RH-ISAC), Genung united the $30 trillion retail industry with unified intelligence following the Target breach.
About Snowfire AI
Snowfire AI redefines executive decision-making through its patent-pending Adaptive Decision Intelligence platform. Synthesizing internal intelligence and external information data, it provides real-time, tailored insights at scale to empower data-driven leadership. Snowfire fosters growth, strengthens margins, and enhances retention by harnessing artificial intelligence to optimize operational efficiency, elevate performance, and deliver strategic outcomes. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Snowfire pioneers the advancement of data-driven leadership in the age of AI.
For more information call +1-844-SNO-FIRE or visit https://www.snowfire.ai.
Media Contact
Snowfire AI Press
press@snowfire.ai
Native Azalea Recognized as a 'Plant of CARE' by The Wright Scoop – Sylvia Hoehns Wright
“Native azalea, Rhododendron periclymenoides (Michx.) Shinners,” says Glen Allen-based The Wright Scoop – Sylvia Hoehns Wright, “is a plant recognized to enable eco sustainable urban suburban landscapes. As a result, I am recognizing it as a ‘plant of CARE’.”
Pink azalea or pinxterbloom azalea, is a 6–15 ft. shrub, (usually closer to 6 ft.) with picturesque, horizontal branching above. Funnel-shaped, pink or white flowers with protruding stamens which occur in large clusters, appearing before or with the leaves. Smooth, medium-green, deciduous foliage turns dull yellow in fall. A deciduous shrub, with terminal clusters of pink, tubular, vase-shaped, slightly fragrant flowers.
This much-branched shrub is especially showy in flower. It is relatively tolerant of dry sites and can be transplanted into wild shrub gardens. The species name, Latin for "naked-flowered," refers to the fact that the flowers often appear before its leaves are fully expanded. Mountain azalea (R. canescens) and woolly azalea (R. prinophyllum) are also found within the range of this species.
Landscape Gardens of CARE
“Eco-sustainable spaces,” says Wright, “are not simply a result of lifestyle choices but reflect how we feel about the environment. While keeping it simple (as in simple living) is the name of the game, there is a more important underlying factor—a commitment to ultimate greening: providing for the present without sacrificing the future. Native azaleas are an excellent plant which through its ability to flourish has naturalized in almost any nationwide landscape and through its vibrant color and sustainability is recognized to inspire people to become people who CARE—have a perspective of conservation, advocacy, recovery and eco-efficiency.”
Plants of CARE, Plant Recognition Program
Whether an experienced landscape professional or novice homeowner, Wright’s advocacy challenges all to not simply identify plants that survive but thrive—and then, to create landscapes from a sustainable point of view, seeking to reduce their carbon footprint as well as feed their family pesticide-free produce. “For,” says Wright, “any style landscape should not simply reflect traditional design concepts but be a result of the right plant, installed in the right place at the right (optimal) planting season—creating a legacy of green, healthier urban and suburban communities. The challenge is to create landscapes from a 'waste not and want not' ecological commitment to become caretakers for the environmental community.”
As a hands-on landscape gardener who has participated in nationwide regional plant testing, Wright gained familiarity with programs such as the "Southern Living Plant Collection," "Proven Winners," "Plants That Work" and many more. Still, while such plant materials have proven to enable landscape gardens, a plant of CARE is spotlighted by Wright for its ability to inspire people to CARE—have a perspective of conservation, advocacy, recovery and eco-efficiency.
To ongoingly encourage all to "dig in the dirt," a "plant of CARE" is recognized quarterly.
About The Wright Scoop – Sylvia Hoehns Wright
A graduate of the Virginia Natural Resource Leadership Institute program and a recipient of the "Turning America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic" award, The Wright Scoop – Sylvia Hoehns Wright urges all to keep America beautiful and become people who CARE—have a perspective of conservation, accountability, recovery and eco-efficiency. To inspire others, she offers one-on-one consulting, speeches and workshops and has published a series of eco-books.
For more information, visit thewrightscoop.com, email sylvia@thewrightscoop.com or follow her activities on social media through Facebook group The Wright Scoop or @WrightScoop on Twitter/X.
Media Contact
Sylvia Hoehns Wright
syhwright@gmail.com
Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) Partners with MagicSchool AI to Empower Ohio Educators
Today, the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) announced a strategic partnership with MagicSchool AI to help empower Ohio educators with access to the most trusted AI education platform. This collaboration will give OESCA member service centers and their districts exclusive access to MagicSchool's innovative AI tools at special pricing for institution-wide purchases if they sign up by June 1. MagicSchool is the most trusted and secure AI platform in education, already used by over 5 million educators across more than 12,000 schools and districts.
Supporting Educators and Students with the No. 1 AI Platform for Schools
At MagicSchool, teachers are considered irreplaceable, which is why its tools are designed with the realities of teaching in mind. Founded and led by Adeel Khan, a former teacher and founding principal of a top-performing public high school in Denver, Adeel created MagicSchool with a mission to bring an AI assistant to every teacher in the world and help tackle the crisis of teacher burnout. The company is also focused on bringing responsible AI to students and educating them on the technology to prepare them for the future.
"When we look at Ohio's education landscape, we see dedicated professionals who deserve the best tools to support their day-to-day work in and out of the classroom," said Adeel Khan, founder and CEO of MagicSchool. "This partnership with OESCA demonstrates our shared commitment to supporting educators with technology that will make a meaningful difference for them and their students now and well into the future. As a former teacher and principal, I can’t wait to see the impact that this partnership will have on Ohio’s educators and students.”
“We are excited to partner with MagicSchool to bring Ohio’s educators and students access to one of the more trusted and secure AI platforms in education,” said Craig Burford, executive director of OESCA. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to equipping schools with innovative tools that support teaching and learning, streamline educators’ workloads and prepare students for the future. By leveraging the collective purchasing power of schools, districts and ESCs, we are able to help provide our member service centers and their districts with cost-effective access to MagicSchool’s powerful AI resources and ensure that Ohio’s education community remains at the forefront of responsible technology integration and student success.”
MagicSchool Platform Benefits for Educators and Students
MagicSchool offers a secure, purpose-built solution that protects student data while streamlining teachers' workloads. The user-friendly platform features over 80 pre-built tools for educators and more than 50 tools for students, eliminating the complications and fears associated with generic AI solutions. Teachers can quickly generate relevant, customized content that aligns with Ohio Academic Standards.
MagicSchool helps schools:
- Save Time: Lighten educator workload with lesson planning, assessment creation, feedback tools and more.
- Enhance Teaching: Access a comprehensive suite of AI tools tailored for educators to support the diverse needs of their students.
- Support Students: Promote responsible AI literacy and provide engaging, educator-led learning experiences through MagicStudent.
- Customize at the School/District Level: Build and launch tools that align with your district’s goals, curriculum and policies.
- Make Informed Decisions: Use secure, centralized dashboards to track data and inform strategy across schools.
Special Pricing Available Through June 1
Ohio districts interested in implementing MagicSchool can take advantage of special pricing for institution-wide purchases when they sign up through OESCA by June 1, 2025. For more information on partnership benefits and to apply, district leaders can visit here.
About MagicSchool AI
MagicSchool is the most loved, secure and trusted AI platform for educators and students — with nearly every U.S. school district and 160 countries around the world using the platform. MagicSchool is built for educators, by educators, providing a genuine opportunity to reclaim valuable time for educators, combat burnout and elevate the art of teaching. To learn more, visit www.magicschool.ai.
About Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA)
The Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) is the 501(c)(6) trade association representing Ohio's 51 Educational Service Centers and seeks to promote excellence in education through the quality services provided by its member organizations. OESCA provides legislative advocacy, coordinates member lobbying efforts, provides professional development opportunities, organizes communication among its member organizations and manages statewide projects. To learn more, visit www.oesca.org.
Media Contact
Kirsten Underwood
press@magicschool.ai
Nulo Launches National Effort to Support Humane World’s 'More Than a Pet' Campaign
About Nulo
Nulo stands at the forefront of pet nutrition, dedicated to providing foods that fuel a healthy lifestyle for pets and their parents. Recognizing the powerful bond between humans and pets, Nulo's mission is to enhance the lives of dogs and cats through proper nutrition, providing them with the fuel they need to live full, vibrant lives. For more information, visit www.nulo.com.
For over 70 years, Humane World for Animals, formerly Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International, has worked around the globe to tackle the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering and create permanent change. With millions of supporters and work happening in over 50 countries, we’re focused on creating long-term solutions to the biggest problems facing animals, working to end the cruelest practices, care for animals in crisis and build a stronger animal protection movement. We work across borders to shift human behavior and drive policy change, bring diverse expertise to the most complex issues, and do it all with a compassionate and welcoming approach. Driving for the greatest global impact, we aim to achieve the vision behind our name: a more humane world for animals. To learn more, www.humaneworld.org.
Media Contact
Taylor Strategy
nulo@taylorstrategy.com
Estes Media Eyes Strategic Acquisition to Expand Footprint in Construction and Manufacturing Marketing
Founded by serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist Joshua Estes, Estes Media has quickly built a reputation as the go-to growth partner for early-stage startups and commercial contractors alike. Now, the firm is looking to add agencies under their umbrella—ideally those with strong capabilities in PR, development, advertising or deep industry specialization in construction or manufacturing.
“We’re not your average agency buyer,” said Estes. “Our team blends startup-hardened marketing talent with VC-level operational discipline. We know how to grow brand, have done it many times over—and we’re looking for partners who want to scale with us.”
The firm is currently evaluating marketing agencies located in the Eastern or Central Time Zones of the U.S. Ideal candidates will have between $1 million and $3.5 million in revenue, strong teams, and a focus on B2B sectors.
Estes Media plans to offer operational integration, expanded service offerings, and access to its proprietary lead-gen infrastructure to accelerate the growth of the acquired company.
Interested in selling your agency or know someone who is? Reach out to Estes Media at info@estesmedia.com.
About Estes Media
Estes Media is a full-service B2B marketing agency serving clients in commercial construction, manufacturing, and venture-backed SaaS. With a team of builders, creatives, and strategists, the agency helps brands go from “scrappy” to “scalable,” offering services including branding, web design, SEO, paid media, and growth strategy. For more information about how we can help elevate your brand, visit https://www.estesmedia.com.
Media Contact
Joshua Estes
info@estesmedia.com
Heidi Montag Debuts Sizzling “Sriracha” Music Video at Villa Vegas Dave 3 in Cabo
Heidi Montag’s Passion Project
Bringing the Fire to the Screen
Beyond the spectacle, Montag showcases her vocals and stage presence in an environment unlike any she’s featured in before. “We aimed for something that felt raw, magnetic, and undeniably exciting,” she explained. “Filming on a beach, with the waves rolling in and real flames behind us—that’s all part of capturing this unstoppable energy that ‘Sriracha’ brings.”
On-Set Vibe and Creative Direction
Personal Milestones and Musical Evolution
Glimpse at Villa Vegas Dave 3
- Expansive Layout: With 13 bedrooms and a capacity for up to 50 guests, the villa offered plenty of room for dancers, production staff, and lighting rigs.
- Infinity Pool and Fire Pit: These features provided a dramatic nighttime setting—perfect for capturing “Siracha’s” high-octane vibe under the moonlit sky.
- Customized Services: Despite the frenetic pace of filming, a dedicated concierge and team of butlers ensured the cast and crew stayed on schedule, facilitating everything from meals to wardrobe changes.
A Charitable Spark
Fan Reception and What’s Next
About Villa Vegas Dave 3
A luxurious 40,000-square-foot estate known as Cabo’s ultimate celebrity hotspot. Villa Vegas Dave 3 offers 13 bedrooms (accommodating up to 50 guests), an expansive infinity pool, a dramatic fire pit, and customized services including dedicated concierge and butler teams—an ideal setting for film and music productions. For more information, visit https://www.cabovillavegasdave.com/villa-vegas-dave-3.
Media Contact
Villa Vegas Dave
reservations@villavegasdave.com
Zurab Pololikashvili – Committed to Further Strengthening Tourism as a Catalyst for Prosperity and International Cooperation in His Bid for Re-Election as Head of UN Tourism
The proposals include international technical cooperation and incentives for investment in strategic projects, an approach that the organization has been working on for years to promote public-private collaboration and help in the development of tourist destinations worldwide. In addition to this, work will continue to be carried out in areas such as education, innovation and technology, supported at all times by sustainable policies and the fight against climate change.
At present, UN Tourism does not impose term limits on its Secretary-General. Although the General Assembly proposed an amendment twenty years ago to limit the position to a single reappointment — an idea not originally included in its statutes — this amendment was never enacted, and the organization still does not enforce any restrictions. In Pololikashvili’s case, the General Assembly held a vote in 2023 in which more than 70% of members approved his candidacy for the 2026–2029 term, thereby legitimizing his intention to continue in the role for the coming years.
About UN Tourism
The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, UN Tourism promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.unwto.org.
Media Contact
Claudia Safont
claudia.safont@tinkle.es
Pushly Extends Partnership with GRV Media for Two Additional Years
This extension of the partnership between Pushly and GRV Media is significant as it showcases the value of leveraging push notification technology to drive engagement and increase traffic. By providing tailored solutions to address the unique needs of GRV Media, Pushly has demonstrated its commitment to helping clients achieve their business goals.
Brendan Ripp, CEO of Pushly, expressed his excitement about the extended partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with GRV Media and support their growth through innovative push notification solutions. This extension is a testament to the success we have achieved together and the value we bring to our clients."
About Pushly
About GRV Media
Founded in 2002, GRV Media is a UK based publisher with a select network of over 70 sites focused mainly on sport and entertainment. With over 20 years of experience in producing great online content, we know what it takes to grow an effectively monetised web presence. We are an ethical, best practice company, driven to deliver our clients' success. Our network includes brands such as Bloody Elbow, The Boot Room, United In Focus, The Chelsea Chronicle, The Tennis Gazette, Rousing the Kop, Rangers News and 67 Hail Hail. To learn more, visit https://grv.media.
Media Contact
Pushly Marketing
marketing@pushly.com
CCPIT: The China Pavilion Opened at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan
The exhibition at the China Pavilion revolves around the theme “Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature – Future Society of Green Development.” It is structured around three main segments: “Harmony between Humanity and Nature,” “Green Mountains and Clear Waters,” and “Endless Life.” The segments serve as the narrative backbone, showcasing the traditional ecological wisdom nurtured by 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, while also highlighting the concepts and achievements of green development in the new era.
The exhibition looks forward to a bright future where China works together with other countries in the world to build a harmonious community between humanity and nature. At the same time, the China Pavilion will organize a series of rich, diverse, and exciting activities featuring over 30 local regions and institutions from China. These activities aim to promote friendly exchanges between China and other countries.
To learn more about the China Pavilion, see the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_enozYbK2Uc?si=XdurgnWhAWg4AeXa
Media Contact
Tong Shaoqi
xinwenchu@ccpit.org
Orion Worldwide Innovations Launches Pan-Armenian Digital Trade Center
About Orion Worldwide Innovations
Orion Worldwide Innovations, is a startup growth and ecosystem acceleration hub and offers a full-service package to make companies investable to enter the US market, enhance their customer acquisition strategies, stay competitive and protect their innovation. Orion is a U.S.-based company formed in 2017, with offices in New York City, U.S., and Yerevan, Armenia locations and partnering with companies and investor networks worldwide.
Orion’s business objectives encompass supporting innovations growth in Eastern Europe, Asia and Americas regions by establishing and/or expanding business solutions, fundraising, growth strategy and IP management. We simplify the complexity and complications of growing businesses in the U.S. market, acquisition and fundraising processes for both entrepreneurs and investors. Orion’s business activities include assistance in fundraising, designing go-to-market strategy, obtaining IP protection and acquiring businesses and IP intellectual assets to extract commercial value.
Orion teams up with foreign and domestic investors, venture capitals, startups, and inventors. For more information, visit https://orionwi.com.
About YoCerebrum
YoCerebrum is a 3D virtual metaverse platform featuring customizable spaces for events, conferences, and virtual concerts, with tools like whiteboards and screen sharing. Cerebrum Virtual City is an initiative that offers virtual replicas of Yerevan (next Dubai in pipeline), where entrepreneurs can purchase spaces, customise avatars, showcase products, and utilise innovative marketing tools.
Digital Julfa Network was announced as a program at the Orion Summit in Yerevan at Matenadaran, the Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, on June 22, 2022. This program aims to establish a network of the Armenian Nation, fostering an influential infrastructure to protect national interests, promote business, social, and humanitarian impact on the global stage. The program is supported by Armenian businesses, think tanks in multiple disciplines, professional organizations and Armenian government officials. To learn more, visit https://www.digitaljulfa.com.
Media Contact
Emma Sargsyan
emma@saegeconsultants.com
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The Rise of Chinese Home Furnishing: KUKA HOME Shines at Milan Design Week
About KUKA HOME
KUKA HOME, a brand with global recognition in the home furnishing sector, was established in 1982. Since its inception, the company has adhered closely to its founding principles of craftsmanship and a distinct vision centered on the concept of "home." KUKA HOME conducts extensive research, design, development, production, sales, and service of home furnishings tailored for various living spaces including living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms, as well as offering options for whole-home customization. Collaborating closely with business partners, KUKA HOME delivers comprehensive home solutions and superior services across the globe, ensuring coverage throughout the entire lifecycle of its products. The brand is celebrated for its commitment to quality, innovative design, comfort, and functional versatility.
KUKA HOME is more than a provider of home furnishings; it is a creator of enhanced lifestyles. The company is driven by the consumer's aspiration for a better life, which serves as an inexhaustible motivating force. At KUKA HOME, there is a strong commitment to advocating for improved living and building a sustainable and environmentally responsible future together with its customers.
In October 2016, KUKA HOME was listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange with ticker 603816.
For more information, visit https://kukahome.com.
Media Contact
Jennifer Tao
taojing@kukahome.com
HearstLab Showcase Features Unlisted and Hearst Newspapers Partnership to “Reinvent Real Estate”
The HearstLab Showcase brought together leaders from across industries to present technologies and ideas poised to change the way we live and work. Hill and Williams' presentation focused on how Unlisted is transforming real estate by giving both buyers and homeowners a more personalized and flexible way to navigate the housing market.
The Showcase kicks off an exciting week for HearstLab, leading into the CEO Summit on Thursday, where female founders from HearstLab’s impressive portfolio will gather for company updates, strategic meetings, learning sessions, and networking. The summit further underscores HearstLab’s commitment to supporting women-led startups and creating a thriving ecosystem for innovation.
Unlisted was designed to unlock the off-market housing market, which represents nearly two-thirds of all U.S. homes. Rather than relying on public listings, the platform uses public data to create a profile for 121 million homes nationwide. Unlisted’s AI-powered system matches buyers with homes that fit their preferences—even before those homes are officially for sale.
Homeowners can enhance their property profiles by uploading current photos, adding home improvement details, and sharing their timeline or openness to selling. “It’s like LinkedIn for homes,” Hill explained during her talk. “You don’t want to create your LinkedIn profile the day you need a job—and you shouldn’t create your home listing the day you want to sell. Instead, you can attract interest continuously, giving yourself the time and insight to truly understand your options and opportunities. Unlisted offers a whole new way to manage the marketability and, in turn, the value of your most important asset: your home.”
The partnership brings an exciting new perspective to the Hearst Newspapers’ real estate sections with new opportunities for content, audience engagement, data insights, and advertising partnerships.
Unlisted’s participation in the HearstLab Showcase reflected Unlisted’s growth as a HearstLab portfolio company—a testament to HearstLab’s commitment to investing in and accelerating female-founded startups and facilitating partnerships within the Hearst organization. Unlisted has benefited from HearstLab’s hands-on support, strategic guidance, and powerful media network, helping the company scale its vision and expand its impact in the real estate space.
During the event, Hill and Williams shared their vision for the future: a real estate landscape where homeowners have more control, buyers have more options, and conversations happen earlier—creating better outcomes for everyone.
To learn more about Unlisted, visit UnlistedHomes.com. To learn more about HearstLab, visit HearstLab.com.
About Unlisted
Unlisted is an AI-powered real estate technology platform designed to reveal off-market property opportunities. By leveraging machine learning, the company creates more dynamic, efficient market opportunities for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals. For more information, visit https://unlistedhomes.com.
About HearstLab
HearstLab provides cash investments and services to early-stage, women-led startups across sectors like fintech, data analytics, health, and enterprise technology. Its mission is to close the gap in venture capital funding for women by helping founders build sustainable, scalable businesses. To learn more about HearstLab, visit HearstLab.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.
Media Contact
Sophia Jacomet
sophia@unlistedinc.com
Apple, McDonald’s, Amazon and Coca-Cola Top OAAA’s 2024 MegaBrands Report as Out of Home Advertising Surges
The Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA) today released its 2024 MegaBrands and 2024 OOH Advertising Facts & Figures reports, revealing how the world’s most influential brands and fastest-growing categories are embracing out of home (OOH) as a high-impact, performance-driven media channel.
Together, the reports highlight the companies fueling OOH’s evolution, from Fortune 100 leaders like Amazon and Apple to a new wave of direct-to-consumer brands and digitally native disruptors. The reports also shed light on category-level growth, shifting advertiser trends, and a growing reliance on digital formats and programmatic strategies.
“These reports paint a clear picture that OOH isn’t just growing, it’s evolving — and the brands leading the charge are doing so with intention, creativity and measurable impact,” said Anna Bager, President and CEO, OAAA. “From local businesses to global icons, advertisers are embracing the scale, flexibility and cultural power of OOH.”
MegaBrands That Moved the Market
The 2024 MegaBrands report is led by Apple, McDonald’s, Amazon, Coca-Cola, and Verizon, with Apple retaining the top spot for the third consecutive year. These brands were joined by cultural and category leaders including Netflix, Samsung, Disney, Google, Paramount, and Meta, reflecting how OOH continues to serve as a key driver of visibility and relevance.
Top five OOH advertisers in 2024:
- Apple – $68.3 million
- McDonald’s – $61.0 million
- Amazon – $55.1 million
- Coca-Cola – $46.8 million
- Verizon – $44.2 million
The list also features a large number of direct-to-consumer brands, as digitally native companies continue to embrace OOH to build awareness and drive real-world engagement. In total, 13 advertisers more than doubled their OOH spend, and 60 percent of the top 100 increased investment year-over-year.
Brands with the largest year-over-year increases:
- Stripe – up 823,951,800 percent
- Old Navy – up 10,954 percent
- Honda – up 456 percent
- Nike – up 443 percent
- Hotels.com – up 389 percent
Over 25 percent of brands on the list are tech or DTC-driven, including rising players like Doordash, Instacart, Cash App, and Roku, which climbed the rankings or appeared for the first time in 2024.
OOH’s Biggest Category Surges and Digital Gains
While the MegaBrands list shows who is spending, the 2024 Facts & Figures report offers insight into where and how. Among the standout trends:
- Legal Services was the fastest-growing category in 2024, with a 16 percent increase in OOH spend
- Chain Food Stores & Supermarkets increased investment by 15 percent, followed closely by Hospitals & Clinics and Domestic Hotels & Resorts
- Quick-Service Restaurants, Consumer Banking, and Colleges & Universities also ranked among the top 10 product categories for OOH spend
- Digital OOH (DOOH) accounted for 34 percent of total spend, reflecting its growing adoption among performance-focused advertisers
- Apparel, Online Travel Services, and Motion Pictures appeared in the Top 25 OOH categories — indicating momentum from ecommerce, tourism recovery, and theatrical releases
- Wireless Telecom Providers and Computer Software both posted solid gains, underscoring OOH’s utility for tech and connectivity brands
- Religious and Humanitarian Organizations also made the Top 25 — a unique indicator of OOH’s reach beyond traditional commercial categories
These trends reinforce how advertisers across sectors, from healthcare and retail to travel and technology, are leveraging OOH for its targeting power, creative impact, and ability to reach audiences at scale.
MegaBrands to Headline the 2025 OOH Media Conference
Many of the brands featured in both reports will take the stage at the 2025 OOH Media Conference, May 5–7 in Boston. Confirmed speakers include leaders from Cracker Barrel, Kraft Heinz, AstraZeneca, Bose, HubSpot and New Balance. In addition, American Express — a longtime creative leader in OOH — will be inducted into the OBIE Hall of Fame at this year’s conference.
- Cracker Barrel, ranked No. 16 among MegaBrands, will speak on blending nostalgia with modern outdoor strategy
- AstraZeneca, also in the Top 100, will present a case study on programmatic DOOH in healthcare
For more information about the 2024 Facts and Figures and MegaBrands reports, please contact Steve Nicklin at snicklin@oaaa.org or 202-833-5566.
About Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA)
The Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA) is the national trade association for the entire out of home (OOH) advertising industry. OAAA represents over 850 members, including leading media companies, advertisers, agencies, ad-tech providers, and suppliers. OOH media includes billboards, street furniture, transit, place-based media, and digital formats (DOOH) across every sector of the channel. OAAA is the unifying voice for the industry, the authoritative thought leader, and the passionate advocate for advancing OOH advertising in the United States. The legislative unit of OAAA advocates for the responsible growth of OOH with federal, state, and local governments. OAAA-member media companies donate over $500 million annually in public service advertising. Founded in 1891, OAAA is headquartered in Washington, DC, with offices in New York City. For more information, visit https://oaaa.org.
Media Contact
Cassady Nordeen
cassady@purposenorthamerica.com
Texas Property Gains National Attention on Unlisted
The Hoppens' profile for Swallow Hill Farm quickly caught the attention of the Unlisted team, earning praise for the way it highlights not just the home, but the lifestyle and story behind it.
“We’ve seen some beautiful homes on Unlisted, but Ashley’s profile for Swallow Hill Farm absolutely blew us away,” said Katie Hill, founder of Unlisted. “She captured everything that makes the property special—from its serene Texas Hill Country setting to its thoughtful design—and shared it in a way that’s authentic and compelling. It’s the kind of property buyers dream about.”
A Brenham Treasure with a Story to Tell
Tucked away in the heart of Washington County, Swallow Hill Farm offers the kind of charm you can’t capture in a few lines on a real estate listing. Through Unlisted, the Hoppens shared not just high-quality, beautiful photos, but details about the home’s history, the land, the renovations they’ve poured love into, and what life on the farm really feels like.
“There’s something magical about this place,” Ashley Hoppen shared. “We wanted to create a profile that gave people a real sense of what it’s like to wake up here, to walk the land, to sit on the porch as the sun sets. Unlisted gave us a way to do that.”
An Off-Market Opportunity for Buyers
Swallow Hill Farm isn’t publicly listed—yet. The Hoppens plan to sell in May, but in the meantime, interested buyers can view the farm’s profile on Unlisted and reach out directly to learn more. It’s a unique opportunity to explore one of Brenham’s most picturesque homes before it ever hits the open market.
View the profile of Swallow Hill Farm on Unlisted here.
Community Roots, Modern Tools
Located just down the road from Brenham’s historic downtown, minutes from Blue Bell Creamery, and a short drive to Round Top, Swallow Hill Farm offers both peaceful seclusion and convenient access to everything that makes Washington County special. And for the Hoppens, using Unlisted wasn’t just about selling—it was about honoring the spirit of the home.
“We wanted to do this differently,” added Ashley Hoppen. “Unlisted let us share not just what the home is, but what it means to us. And we hope that comes through to the right buyer.”
A New Way for Homeowners to Share Their Homes
The Hoppens' success with Unlisted is part of a growing trend: homeowners seeking a more thoughtful, less pressured way to explore selling. Whether ready to move or simply curious about interest, platforms like Unlisted allow homeowners to tell their home’s story on their terms.
“Our goal is to help people share the soul of their home,” said Hill. “Swallow Hill Farm shows what’s possible when homeowners lead with story, not just square footage.”
To learn more or to create your own home profile, visit UnlistedHomes.com.
About Unlisted
Unlisted is an AI-powered real estate technology platform designed to reveal off-market property opportunities. By leveraging machine learning, the company creates more dynamic, efficient market opportunities for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals. For more information, visit https://unlistedhomes.com.
Media Contact
Sophia Jacomet
sophia@unlistedinc.com
Motion for Expedited Discovery in Jane Doe v. Weiss et al. to Protect and Inform Victims of Privacy Breach
About Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley, PLLC
Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley, PLLC is a law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals in complex litigation matters. The firm has extensive experience in class action lawsuits, privacy law, and representing victims of institutional failures. Managing Partner, Parker Stinar, previously led the University of Michigan/Robert Anderson sexual abuse matter which resolved for $490 million dollars for more than 1,000 individuals. For more information, visit https://www.sgghlaw.com.
Media Contact
Lynn Smith
lynn@lynnsmithtv.com
VIVAZEN Launches New Botanical Gummy Line: Feel Great™ Function Meets Great Taste
- Energy + Focus (Berry Bliss): From busy schedules to big goals, stay sharp and energized with this clarity-boosting blend. Whether you're powering through a workout, tackling a big project, or just need to bring your A-game, this berry-awesome gummy delivers the same functional kick as our best-selling Energy + Focus shot—now in a tasty chew.
- Stress Relief (Cider Crush): Made with a unique blend of botanicals that may help support your body’s natural response to stress. Smooth, crisp, and calming—Stress Relief gummies are your go-to for taking the edge off when the pressure’s on.
- Relax + Unwind (Citrus Chill): Become a Zen master in 20 minutes. When it’s time to shut off the noise and reclaim your calm, Relax + Unwind gummies may help you find your peace and bring it with you anywhere.
- Great new taste: No more compromise—just flavorful, plant-powered goodness.
- Convenient packs: Grab-and-go pouches for on-the-move support.
- Three functional options: Choose what you need, when you need it.
- Try-all variety pack: The perfect intro for new users or gift for your wellness-curious friends.
Disclaimer: VIVAZEN products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
About VIVAZEN
VIVAZEN fuels Everyday Heroes™ with the power of plants. For over a decade, we've delivered trusted, high-quality botanical supplements that help people power through, focus up, chill out, and boost their mood—without compromise. Rooted in centuries of herbal wisdom and backed by modern innovation, VIVAZEN is a functional, feel-good alternative for those who want to live—and feel—on their own terms. Join the millions who trust VIVAZEN to Feel Great™, naturally and visit https://feelgreatbotanics.com.
Media Contact
Natalie Gershon
press@vivazen.com
Miami AI Agent Summit, Co-Hosted by Miami AI Hub and CrewAI, Sells Out and Sets the Stage for the Future of Agentic AI
This enterprise-focused session brought together Ed Sim, Partner at Boldstart Ventures, and Hernan Londono, Ph.D., Chief Innovation Strategist at Lenovo, moderated by Ayal Stern of The LAB Miami.
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 https://www.miamiaihub.com.
Media Contact
Cigdem Oztabak
cigdem@pirix.co
HYDE Develops Coffee Supply Chain Optimization System
The new solution addresses major industry challenges, including fragmented logistics, inconsistent product quality, and complex international coordination. By leveraging advanced technologies such as machine learning, real-time analytics, and predictive algorithms, Baburov and his team are creating a transparent and efficient platform to optimize procurement, transportation, inventory management, and quality control.
“Our goal is to eliminate unnecessary complexity and inefficiency from coffee supply processes,” said Sergey Baburov, founder and strategic leader of the project. “We believe that by providing producers, distributors, and retailers with a unified management platform, we can not only reduce operational costs but also enhance the sustainability and predictability of coffee trade.”
The platform under development includes intelligent demand forecasting, supplier performance monitoring, automated document management, and full supply chain transparency. It will be available to both small roasting companies and large international operators.
HYDE’s initiative has already drawn the attention of industry leaders and potential partners, who see the project as a breakthrough in solving long-standing logistical challenges. The first pilot programs are scheduled to launch by the end of this year, with full implementation expected in 2026.
About HYDE
HYDE is a producer and supplier of premium coffee. Founded in 2023, the company is driven by a team of 15 experts in the art of coffee craftsmanship. HYDE combines carefully selected varieties of Arabica and Robusta with proprietary roasting technologies to reveal new dimensions of flavor in every cup. The company meticulously controls every step of the coffee journey — from plantations in Brazil to gentle roasting at its own production facility. For more information, visit https://hydecoffee.kz.
Media Contact
Sergey Baburov
pr@hydecoffee.kz
+7 707 942 9922
Foxtrot Becomes One of the First Electronics Retailers in Ukraine to Launch Barrier-Free Initiative for the Deaf Community
Launched: June 2023 (pilot); scaled in 2023–2024.
- Offline: 30 stores in 14 cities now equipped with interpretation service points.
- Online: Sign language interpretation fully integrated into the e-commerce platform.
- Over 200 offline and 100+ online consultations provided monthly.
- Trained staff on inclusive communication and customer care.
The project has already received several national and international awards, including:
- Silver: Best Inclusive Approach, UCXE Awards 2024 (Ukraine);
- Silver: Society Category, Partnership for Sustainability Award 2024 (UN Global Compact Network Ukraine);
- Gold: Diversity & Inclusion, HR Brand Ukraine 2024;
- Special Distinction: Business Without Barriers community, under the initiative of First Lady Olena Zelenska.
About Foxtrot
Foxtrot is one of Ukraine’s leading retail chains for electronics and home appliances, operating both online and offline. In 2024, the company celebrated its 30th anniversary, having started its journey with the opening of its first store in Kharkiv in 1994. In 1997, the brand became an official retail chain and opened its first supermarket in Kyiv, located at 48 Degtyarivska Street.
In 2024, Foxtrot introduced the “HOCHU!” concept — a convenient shopping format that helps customers quickly find products that match their preferences. Items marked with “HOCHU!” are selected based on high-quality standards, user popularity, and favorable purchase conditions: competitive pricing, cashback options, delivery, and installment plans.
For more information, visit: https://www.foxtrot.ua
Media Contact
Oleksandr Fredir
info@foxtrot.com.ua
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