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March 5, 2025 3:31 PM
EDT
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BOSTON, MA
Defector Partners with BuySellAds to Drive Digital Ad Sales, Bolstering Independent Journalism
Defector Media, the worker-owned, independent sports and culture website, has partnered with BuySellAds, a leading digital advertising platform, to manage and drive their digital ad sales. This collaboration aims to optimize ad monetization while maintaining Defector's commitment to delivering high-quality, independent journalism to its readers.
Since its inception, Defector has provided a unique, subscriber-first model of journalism, owned and operated by its writers. By partnering with BuySellAds, Defector seeks to better serve advertisers and enhance revenue from non-subscriber traffic, allowing the publication to remain financially sustainable and independent.
Expanding Ad Revenue from Non-Subscribers
Expanding Ad Revenue from Non-Subscribers
As highlighted in their Fourth Annual Report, Defector reported a strategic shift in serving ads to non-subscribers. This move aims to diversify revenue streams without compromising the reader experience for loyal subscribers.
With BuySellAds' extensive experience in managing ad sales for independent publishers, Defector can deliver targeted, high-impact ad placements to non-subscribers, ensuring maximum value for advertisers while supporting the publication's mission-driven journalism.
"We’re excited to work with BuySellAds, whose understanding of the independent media landscape makes them the ideal partner to help Defector grow our ad revenue in a way that aligns with the goals of our employee-owners," said Jasper Wang, Defector’s Vice President of Revenue & Operations. "This partnership allows us to maintain our independence while building new revenue opportunities that can help Defector grow sustainably."
A Platform for Independent Voices
A Platform for Independent Voices
BuySellAds brings a tailored approach to ad sales, connecting quality publishers like Defector with relevant advertisers. This partnership empowers Defector to continue offering thoughtful sports and culture commentary, free from the constraints of traditional ad-supported media models.
"Defector represents the kind of bold, independent journalism that deserves sustainable revenue solutions," said Matthew Kammerer, VP of Sales. "We are excited to help Defector achieve its financial goals while supporting their editorial mission."
About Defector Media
About Defector Media
Defector Media is a worker-owned sports and culture website founded in 2020. Owned and operated by its writers and editors, Defector is committed to producing independent, subscriber-driven journalism. For more information, visit defector.com.
About BuySellAds
BuySellAds is a digital advertising platform that connects publishers with quality advertisers through direct ad sales and automated solutions. BuySellAds supports independent publishers by helping them maximize ad revenue while maintaining editorial integrity. For more information, visit buysellads.com.
Media Contact
Todd Garland
todd@buysellads.com
March 5, 2025 8:13 AM
EDT
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LONDON, United Kingdom
Exclusive: Dr. Christian Kaelin Discusses Revolutionary Trends in Citizenship by Investment with The European Magazine
In a compelling new video interview, The European’s Juliette Foster sits down with Dr. Christian Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners, to discuss the future of citizenship by investment in light of recent legal developments. Dr. Kaelin, a pioneering expert in the field, provides his insights on the European Commission's landmark case against Malta's Golden Passport scheme and its broader implications for the global investment migration sector.
In 2023, the European Commission initiated a landmark case against Malta over its controversial Golden Passports. This case has significant implications not only for EU member states but also for the global investment migration sector. At the heart of the issue is the right of an EU country to determine who is entitled to be one of its nationals and, by extension, who is a citizen of the European Union. Should this decision be the exclusive and sovereign right of individual member states, as provided by the Treaty on European Union, or should it be the EU that decides?
Dr. Kaelin, who holds master's and PhD degrees in law from the University of Zurich and is the author of numerous publications on citizenship and investment migration, shares his expert perspective on these critical questions. He discusses the potential outcomes of the European Commission case and what they could mean for the future of citizenship by investment programs worldwide.
Juliette Foster, known for her incisive interviews, delves into the complexities of the case and explores the broader ethical and legal considerations. This interview is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of law, migration, and global investment.
The exclusive video interview is available to watch on The European’s YouTube channel and on The European’s website.
About The European
The European is a quarterly business magazine published by CP Media Global Ltd in London, established in 2008. It's available in print and digital, and is also distributed at events, trade fairs and airports around the world. The magazine targets global decision-makers in regions like Europe, MENA, LATAM, North America, and Asia. It covers a wide range of global business topics, including Banking & Finance, FDI, Sustainability, ESG, Energy, Shipping, Aviation, Technology, Real Estate, Business Travel and more.
The European takes its readers on a thought provoking and objective tour of business, political, geopolitical and cultural initiatives. Readers are provided with the key to success, portraits of achievement, expert advice and the analysis they need to make sense of the changes that are occurring within the world’s economic and political landscape.
For more information, visit https://the-european.eu.
For more information, visit https://the-european.eu.
About Henley & Partners
Henley & Partners is the global leader in residence and citizenship by investment. The firm has been instrumental in establishing the concept of citizenship by investment and continues to innovate in this field. With a presence in over 30 countries, Henley & Partners advises governments, international organisations, and private clients on residence and citizenship planning. To learn more, visit https://www.henleyglobal.com.
Media Contact
Jonathan Edwards
jonathan@cpmediaglobal.com
+44 20 7033 5335
March 5, 2025 7:00 AM
EDT
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NEW YORK, NY
FanUp, a Gen Z Sports and Pop Culture Gaming Platform, Closes Financing with Tru Skye Ventures and 9.58 Ventures to Fuel Global Growth
FanUp, the premier platform for Gen Z, women, and casual sports enthusiasts to engage in sports and pop culture giveaways, sweepstakes, and fantasy contests, announced today an exclusive strategic financing round with Tru Skye Ventures and 9.58 Ventures—leading figures in the sports, gaming, athlete, and technology sectors.
Tru Skye Ventures, a dynamic $100 million sports tech fund co-founded by NBA Champion Metta World Peace and former Boost Mobile CEO Stephen Stokols, joins forces with 9.58 Ventures, an elite collective of investors and thought leaders driving groundbreaking technological innovation across society.
The strategic financing round is elevated by the support of high-profile athletes and industry icons such as 9.58 Ventures’ co-founders and managing partners Fred Toney and Omar Sillah, investor and American tennis pro Frances Tiafoe, and general partners, NFL safety Jalen Mills, NFL linebacker Deion Jones, and longtime basketball pro and current NBA assistant coach David Vanterpool—all united in their mission to reshape the global future of sports and pop culture gaming for Gen Z consumers.
"I'm thrilled to welcome powerhouse partners like Tru Skye Ventures and 9.58 Ventures to our strategic round," said FanUp founder and CEO, Tej Bodiwala. "Collectively, we'll leverage strong network effects to unlock groundbreaking collaborations with the hottest brands, leagues, teams, and entertainers, to offer our ever-growing audience exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and prizes—while redefining the limits of our dynamic industry."
Funding will facilitate the platform’s continued growth, reach and innovation through partnerships, influencers, targeted campaigns, gaming features and contests, and bespoke prizing, such as exclusive drops and brand prizes, VIP watch parties, and fan experiences. This includes "The Bachelor"-inspired getaways to Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico, and Europe, designed to sweep fans off their feet.
“FanUp has unbelievable traction, and we are excited to help accelerate its continued growth,” said Stokols. “This latest round of financing brings together a dream team of advisors, and Metta and I are eager to add as much value as possible.”
“At the focal point of culture, growth, and experiences, FanUp epitomizes the type of investment we seek at 9.58 Ventures,” said Toney. “We are so enthusiastic about our involvement, especially at a time where the company is becoming a household name for sports and cultural experiences with the Gen Z audience. You couple their explosive growth with a top-talent team, and you’ve uncovered a winning formula with escape velocity.”
Unrivaled Growth and Engagement
Founded in 2021, FanUp continues to drive exceptional outcomes through an authentic approach to fan engagement and unparalleled user experience. Early milestones include:
- 41 brand collaborations and 105 college partnerships
- Growing community that drove more than 2.1 billion views across FanUp social media content in 2024 and 65 million views from four Super Bowl-themed reels last month (across TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat)
- Legally compliant sweepstakes and giveaways classification across all U.S. states and users from 31 additional countries
Elevating Experiences Beyond Sports Betting
Traditional sports betting currently serves less than 9% of American fans. FanUp engages a broader and growing audience through an innovative, free-to-play model that offers interactive contests and personalized rewards across sports, pop culture, and entertainment.
From fantasy sports to reality TV-inspired experiences, such as immersive getaways based on “The Bachelor” or “Love Island,” FanUp guarantees every fan a seat at the table. With 76% of Gen Z and 50% of women engaged in reality TV, FanUp capitalizes on the content fans cherish most. It transforms content consumption into an unforgettable and interactive fan experience.
The Future of Fandom: Where Every Fan Wins
While conventional sportsbooks and fantasy platforms have struggled to resonate with Gen Z and female audiences, FanUp has solved the equation. The platform’s ability to deliver inclusive, interactive, and intricate social and brand-centric experiences has led to a diverse user base of 2.3 million global fans that includes 86% Gen Z and 55% women.
FanUp’s revolutionary platform has introduced the first-ever brand-immersed gaming experience and offers fans VIP Super Bowl trips, exclusive “The Bachelor”-inspired getaways, and premium brand rewards—creating a space where competition, social connection, and pop culture collide.
To learn more about FanUp and its growing roster of offerings, visit FanUp.app or download the platform via the App Store.
About FanUp
FanUp is the leading fantasy sports and pop culture gaming platform designed for Gen Z, women, and casual fans. With a one-of-a-kind mix of contests, rewards, and social-driven experiences, FanUp transforms the way fans engage with their favorite sports, leagues, brands, and entertainment. Learn more at FanUp.app or the App Store.
About Tru Skye Ventures
Tru Skye Ventures was founded by NBA Champion Metta World Peace and entrepreneur and executive Stephen Stokols. We not only provide capital to early-stage companies but also offer expertise in product development, distribution, partnerships and growth marketing. We have also assembled an extensive network of corporate partners and high-profile influencers to help our portfolio companies grow. For more information, visit truskyeventures.com.
About 9.58 Ventures
Founded by Fred Toney, Omar Sillah, Deion Jones (NFL), and David Vanterpool (NBA), the 9.58 Ventures team has collectively backed hundreds of companies and professionally excelled in business and sports. Focusing on the world's top performers in athletics and tech startups, with typical investment entry points at seed, Series A, and Series B rounds, we express our goal of achieving excellence by honoring Usain Bolt's historic 100-meter record—9.58 seconds.
Our mission is to support top entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds who are building technology companies in health, sports, lifestyle and culture, alongside our team of world-class athlete investors. Believing that success comes from people of all backgrounds, we invest in early-stage startups, mentor their teams, and help build leading companies led by passionately driven founders. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, a leading Silicon Valley- and San Francisco-based law firm in the technology sector, is a major investor in the 9.58 Ventures portfolio. To learn more, visit 958vp.com.
Media Contact
Michael Chavez Booth
mcb@povagency.co
March 4, 2025 9:00 AM
EDT
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NEW YORK, NY
Park Slope Cleaning Receives WOSB Certification
Park Slope Cleaning, a company specializing in commercial cleaning and janitorial services for establishments in New York and Miami, proudly announced today that they have obtained their WOSB certification from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
This certification marks a significant milestone for Park Slope Cleaning as it demonstrates their commitment to ability to support larger government contracts. By obtaining the WOSB certification, Park Slope Cleaning is now positioned to further expand their reach and provide their high-quality services to a broader range of clients, with emphasis on government contracts.
Park Slope Cleaning's WOSB certification not only highlights their dedication to diversity and inclusion but also underscores their expertise in providing exceptional commercial cleaning and janitorial services for corporate businesses in New York and Miami.
According to Diana Ciechorska, General Manager, "We are thrilled to have received our WOSB certification. This milestone lets us expand even further into government contracts."
Looking ahead, Park Slope Cleaning plans to leverage their WOSB certification to pursue new business opportunities, and continue delivering top-notch cleaning services to their clients across the city and Miami, particularly government contracting relationships.
This certification marks a significant milestone for Park Slope Cleaning as it demonstrates their commitment to ability to support larger government contracts. By obtaining the WOSB certification, Park Slope Cleaning is now positioned to further expand their reach and provide their high-quality services to a broader range of clients, with emphasis on government contracts.
Park Slope Cleaning's WOSB certification not only highlights their dedication to diversity and inclusion but also underscores their expertise in providing exceptional commercial cleaning and janitorial services for corporate businesses in New York and Miami.
According to Diana Ciechorska, General Manager, "We are thrilled to have received our WOSB certification. This milestone lets us expand even further into government contracts."
Looking ahead, Park Slope Cleaning plans to leverage their WOSB certification to pursue new business opportunities, and continue delivering top-notch cleaning services to their clients across the city and Miami, particularly government contracting relationships.
About Park Slope Cleaning
Park Slope Cleaning is a top-rated M/WBE and WBE-certified commercial cleaning company in New York City and Miami, serving all industries. Renowned for its commitment to excellence and client satisfaction, Park Slope Cleaning provides a comprehensive range of cleaning services tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses in Miami and the New York City area. To learn more, visit https://www.parkslopecleaning.com.
Media Contact
Diana Ciechorska
info@parkslopecleaning.com
March 4, 2025 9:00 AM
EDT
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NEW YORK, NY
Veteran Hollywood Producer, Pouya Shahbazian, Launches AI Entertainment Studio, Staircase Studios AI
Pouya Shahbazian, producer of the Divergent franchise, has founded Staircase Studios AI, a new film, television, and gaming studio. In collaboration with Brett Stuart, Head of AI Filmmaking, Staircase has built a proprietary AI workflow, ForwardMotion, that revolutionizes the process of studio filmmaking. The studio aims to produce upwards of 30 projects in the next three to four years by achieving near-major studio quality releases at budgets under $500,000 USD. Joining the company as a partner and working as the lead investor in the venture is Kenneth Lerer, who co-founded The Huffington Post and is currently Managing Director Emeritus of the venture capital firm Lerer Hippeau. Advising the company is Lorenzo di Bonaventura, producer of the Transformers and G.I. Joe franchises.
Staircase has acquired multiple pieces of IP and a number of well-regarded industry scripts, including nearly 20 scripts that appeared on the annual Black List over the past decade. Staircase is committed to working with union members in many production departments, including actors, who will be paid industry rates to voice all of the dialogue in every script.
Shahbazian, Staircase’s CEO, said, “After packaging and selling 150 projects into the studio system over the past 15 years, I’ve borne witness to far too much inefficiency to continue the status quo. Over the past year, I’ve dedicated myself to pairing ethical AI usage with our industry’s most underutilized assets—overlooked stories waiting to be produced from fantastic writers and directors. Thanks to Kenny and our investors, it’s been thrilling to be able to hire those talented artists to do what they do best—make the kinds of films that the industry actually wants but lacks the risk tolerance to currently greenlight.”
Lerer commented, “AI is inevitable across all industries, and it’s crystal clear what’s ahead for movies, television, and gaming. While the industry is invariably dealing with the Innovator’s Dilemma that stagnates innovation, at Staircase, we have been a first mover and have already built out a process that puts us on course to scale a truly stand-out studio and platform for AI content.”
Today, Staircase released a sizzle reel which includes the opening from the studio’s first feature film, "The Woman with Red Hair," directed by Brett Stuart and from Michael Schatz’s 2016 Black List script. "The Woman with Red Hair" is the extraordinary true story of Johanna “Hannie” Schaft, a young woman who dropped out of college to join the Dutch resistance during World War II, eventually becoming one of its most talented assassins and one of the Nazis’ most wanted enemies. It stars newcomer Maya-Nika Bewley, Leander Vyvey ("Vikings: Valhalla"), Angus Castle-Doughty ("Shadow and Bone"), and Geoffrey Breton ("The Crown").
The film has original character designs from Oscar-nominee Teddy Newton, who was formerly a member of the Pixar brain trust and served as one of the character designers of "The Incredibles." It also includes art and designs from Emmy Award-winning animator Alfred Gimeno ("Kung Fu Panda" and "Tiny Toon Adventures").
Currently in pre-production, the studio’s second feature film is "Every Living Creature"—a fully animated four-quadrant adventure thriller directed by three-time Emmy Award winner, Bernie Su ("Artificial"). J.R. Arellano ("Flicka 2") adapted the script from the Truly*Adventurous digital media magazine article of the same name. The film is inspired by the true story of three brave daredevils who risked their lives to rescue every animal left stranded on the Caribbean island of Montserrat after a devastating volcanic eruption in 1997.
On the gaming side, Staircase is partnering with Mother Games, an AI gaming tech company pioneering adaptive, player-driven AI experiences to leverage its Womb suite of foundational AI tools—developed for gaming—to accelerate new game creation. Their first game collaboration will be announced shortly.
Among the investors in the venture are Aryeh Bourkoff, CEO of LionTree, Robert Pittman, Tad Haley of Rafiki Ventures, and New York City-based venture capital firm Red Sea Ventures.
Staircase Studios AI’s first slate of films and television series also includes:
Staircase has acquired multiple pieces of IP and a number of well-regarded industry scripts, including nearly 20 scripts that appeared on the annual Black List over the past decade. Staircase is committed to working with union members in many production departments, including actors, who will be paid industry rates to voice all of the dialogue in every script.
Shahbazian, Staircase’s CEO, said, “After packaging and selling 150 projects into the studio system over the past 15 years, I’ve borne witness to far too much inefficiency to continue the status quo. Over the past year, I’ve dedicated myself to pairing ethical AI usage with our industry’s most underutilized assets—overlooked stories waiting to be produced from fantastic writers and directors. Thanks to Kenny and our investors, it’s been thrilling to be able to hire those talented artists to do what they do best—make the kinds of films that the industry actually wants but lacks the risk tolerance to currently greenlight.”
Lerer commented, “AI is inevitable across all industries, and it’s crystal clear what’s ahead for movies, television, and gaming. While the industry is invariably dealing with the Innovator’s Dilemma that stagnates innovation, at Staircase, we have been a first mover and have already built out a process that puts us on course to scale a truly stand-out studio and platform for AI content.”
Today, Staircase released a sizzle reel which includes the opening from the studio’s first feature film, "The Woman with Red Hair," directed by Brett Stuart and from Michael Schatz’s 2016 Black List script. "The Woman with Red Hair" is the extraordinary true story of Johanna “Hannie” Schaft, a young woman who dropped out of college to join the Dutch resistance during World War II, eventually becoming one of its most talented assassins and one of the Nazis’ most wanted enemies. It stars newcomer Maya-Nika Bewley, Leander Vyvey ("Vikings: Valhalla"), Angus Castle-Doughty ("Shadow and Bone"), and Geoffrey Breton ("The Crown").
The film has original character designs from Oscar-nominee Teddy Newton, who was formerly a member of the Pixar brain trust and served as one of the character designers of "The Incredibles." It also includes art and designs from Emmy Award-winning animator Alfred Gimeno ("Kung Fu Panda" and "Tiny Toon Adventures").
Currently in pre-production, the studio’s second feature film is "Every Living Creature"—a fully animated four-quadrant adventure thriller directed by three-time Emmy Award winner, Bernie Su ("Artificial"). J.R. Arellano ("Flicka 2") adapted the script from the Truly*Adventurous digital media magazine article of the same name. The film is inspired by the true story of three brave daredevils who risked their lives to rescue every animal left stranded on the Caribbean island of Montserrat after a devastating volcanic eruption in 1997.
On the gaming side, Staircase is partnering with Mother Games, an AI gaming tech company pioneering adaptive, player-driven AI experiences to leverage its Womb suite of foundational AI tools—developed for gaming—to accelerate new game creation. Their first game collaboration will be announced shortly.
Among the investors in the venture are Aryeh Bourkoff, CEO of LionTree, Robert Pittman, Tad Haley of Rafiki Ventures, and New York City-based venture capital firm Red Sea Ventures.
Staircase Studios AI’s first slate of films and television series also includes:
- "Wild Night," a novel by New York Times bestselling author Patrick Lee. Pitched as "Die Hard" in a zoo, the project is currently an open writing assignment and will be produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura.
- "Between the Dog and the Wolf," by Matthew Sand, the veteran screenwriter behind "Deepwater Horizon." Pitched tonally in the vein of "Heat" meets Bram Stoker’s "Dracula," Sand will make his directorial debut.
- "Fully Wrecked," by Josh Feldman and Scott Wolman. Pitched tonally in the vein of "Rush Hour," "Fully Wrecked" appeared on the 2013 annual Black List. Logline: An R-rated talking car from the ’80s is brought back into service and teamed up with the son of his former partner, a befuddled cop looking to earn his stripes.
- "Sundown," by Nick Hurwitch. Pitched as "E.T." meets "A Quiet Place," "Sundown" appeared on the 2023 annual Black List. Logline: Monsters that roam in daylight keep a small rural family confined to a nocturnal lifestyle. But when their son starts to question the monsters’ existence, his parents must see how far they’re willing to go to keep him safe.
- An untitled procedural television series from showrunner Gabe Rotter ("The X-Files"), creator of the upcoming Netflix series "The Beast in Me," starring Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys.
- A television series adaptation of Mark Svartz’s graphic novel, "I Hate You Kelly Donahue," pitched as "The Office" meets "American Psycho."
About Staircase Studios AI
Staircase Studios AI is a film, television, and gaming studio telling new, original stories. Staircase combines the expertise of Hollywood screenwriters, directors, actors, animators, visual effects artists, and other union talent, with AI specialists who use our proprietary AI-enabled workflow in order to make movies and television series at a fraction of the cost of traditional Hollywood budgets. To learn more, visit https://staircasestudios.ai and follow us on YouTube, TikTok, X, and Instagram.
About Red Sea Ventures
Red Sea Ventures is a pre-seed and seed-stage VC firm investing in transformative consumer brands and technologies, including Allbirds, Sweetgreen, Nest, Prose, and Novo Bank. For more information, visit https://www.redseaventures.com.
About Kenneth Lerer
Kenneth Lerer co-founded The Huffington Post and Now This News. He has served on the boards of numerous companies including Viacom, and currently, BLADE Urban Air Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: BLDE). He was chairman of BuzzFeed for a decade.
About Pouya Shahbazian
Pouya Shahbazian is a 20-year industry veteran and BAFTA nominee for Andrea Arnold’s "American Honey" (A24). He also produced Greg Berlanti’s "Love, Simon" (Fox 2000) and the Netflix fantasy series "Shadow and Bone."
Media Contact
Jillian Roscoe
jillian@birchpublicrelations.com
March 4, 2025 8:00 AM
EDT
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MALÉ, Maldives
Maldives Hotelier Atmosphere Core to Enter Europe
Marking a global first in the international hospitality sector, Atmosphere Core, a leading hotelier operating in South Asia with Maldives headquarters, announces its ambitious expansion in the Northern Hemisphere with BORGO MONCHIERO HERITAGE BY ATMOSPHERE, a luxury rural retreat set in picturesque Langhe, Piedmont in Italy.
Over the last decade, this small private hotelier has grown exponentially from a single Indian Ocean island resort to one of the largest operators in the Maldives. With agility and pace as its key strengths and no stranger to disrupting markets, in just the last two years Atmosphere Core has developed a robust pipeline of over 25 properties in India and South Asia, as momentum accelerates for international expansion.
Citing company culture as the catalyst for expansion, Group Managing Director Salil Panigrahi shared, “Since launching our first resort in 2013, we have forged a unique cultural belief in the ethos ‘Joy Of Giving’, the underlying proposition that defines our core brand. By maintaining and strengthening the integrity of this powerful ethos, I am confident we can bring our distinctive hospitality offerings to the world. At Atmosphere Core we craft unforgettable moments that transcend geographical boundaries, as we create experiences, not just hotels”.
As part of its strategic investment into growth, the company cultivates relationships with partners worldwide, and in the last 12 months made alliances across Europe. Most notably in Italy, Atmosphere Core’s unique ‘Wine Program Initiative’ welcomed to its roster Bottega S.p.A., the world’s leading Prosecco brand, who along with supplying award-winning wines, will also collaborate on themed culinary concepts within the wider Atmosphere portfolio.
“Significant partnerships like Bottega take our business to every corner of the planet. This special relationship is just one of many that brought Italy to Atmosphere Core, and now vice versa, we are excited about the launch of our first European destination in Italy in 2026,” concluded Panigrahi.
Built in 1773, BORGO MONCHIERO HERITAGE BY ATMOSPHERE is a monastery restoration and the second historical property in the company’s ‘HERITAGE BY ATMOSPHERE’ portfolio within the ‘Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts’ brand. With authenticity at the heart of the heritage brand concept, the property will showcase frescoes and Romanesque architecture, capturing the charm of Italy’s art, culture, and cuisine from the Southern Piedmont region.
Set in a UNESCO World Heritage site as a protected cultural appellation, in a region most famous for Barolo and Barbera wines, the once notable hillside monastery is now converted into a rural country retreat. The property comprises of 19 suites and rooms and once renovations are completed, an on-property chapel will be available for wedding ceremonies along with spa facilities, outdoor pool, fine dining restaurant, indoor and outdoor event space and lounge and terrace bars.
About Atmosphere Core
About Atmosphere Core
Atmosphere Core is a dynamic hospitality company with three distinctive lifestyle brands: THE OZEN COLLECTION, COLOURS OF OBLU, and Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts. The company operates nine resorts in the Maldives and has a strong pipeline of one resort in the Maldives, one resort in Sri Lanka, and seventeen hotels and resorts across India—all set to open within the next three years. Distinctive design, an authentic sense of place, inspiring service styles, and the freshest and finest cuisine lend a unique flavour to every Atmosphere Core property. For more information, visit https://www.atmospherecore.com.
Media Contact
Euan Blake
euan@atmospherehotelsandresorts.com
March 4, 2025 12:43 AM
EDT
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NEW YORK, NY
Documentary Film, Baul: Soul of Bengal, Selected for Indian World Film Festival 2025 and Available on Amazon Prime
Vivid+Co, banglanatak dot com, IIT-IIT, and Left Of Frame Pictures proudly announce that the documentary "Baul: Soul of Bengal" has been selected for the Indian World Film Festival and is being released through Amazon Prime.
“Baul: Soul of Bengal” follows traveler Kristina Houwer on a transformative journey to West Bengal, India, where she immerses herself in the world of the Bauls—wandering minstrels who share ancient spiritual teachings through music. This heartfelt documentary explores the Bauls’ profound wisdom, showcasing their timeless songs and deep-rooted traditions that bridge cultural divides.
Directed and edited by John Errington, written by Neel Shah and John Errington, and produced by Neel Shah, Caitlin Kelly, Rocky Choi, and David Broad, the film features breathtaking cinematography by David N. Stiles and original music by Dan Crowley. The film also highlights conversations and performances with and by Amitava Bhattacharya, Manas Acharya, Babu Fakir, Khaibar Fakir, Arman Fakir, Rina Das, and Sadhan Das Bairag.
“Baul: Soul Of Bengal”has previously been included in several prestigious film festivals, including the Chicago South Asian Film Festival, the 14th Kolkata Shorts International Bengali Film Festival, the Suchitra Sen International Film Festival, the Goa Short Film Festival, and the Montreal Independent Film Festival. The film recently won Best Series Pilot at the Orinos Film Awards NY.
Indian World Film Festival
- Location: Hyderabad, India
- Screening date: March 8, 2025
- Festival date: March 8, 2025
- Tickets and more information: https://miniboxoffice.com/indian-world-film-festival/
Amazon Prime Rental Information
“Baul: Soul Of Bengal” can be rented at the following link: Baul: Soul Of Bengal
For a poster and press images, download via the link here.
About Vivid+Co
Vivid+Co is a strategy and technology company whose singular mission is to launch brands and build brand value. To learn more, visit https://vividand.co.
About banglanatak dot com
Founded by Amitava Bhattacharya, banglanatak dot com is a Kolkata-based social enterprise working across India with a mission to foster inclusive and sustainable development using culture-based approaches to serve the protection of rights of women, children and indigenous people. The 25-year-old non-profit organization has earned multiple accreditation from various United Nations agencies including UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), ECOSOC (United Nations Economic and Social Council), and UNWTO (World Tourism Organization). For more information, visit https://banglanatak.com.
About IIT-IIT
Led by entrepreneurs Kartik Kilachand and Joe Fernandes, IIT-IIT which aims to scale social impact across India with an initial focus on education, skilling, and healthcare. IIT-IIT (IITians for Influencing India's Transformation) is a philanthropic effort of IIT (Indian Institutes of Technology) alumni who tap into the IITian community's brand, credibility, experience, and ability to give back to scale social impact across India with a focus on education, trade and skill development, and healthcare. For more information, visit https://iit-iit.org.
About Left Of Frame Pictures
Founded in 2010 by David Broad, Left Of Frame Pictures is a production company that develops and produces film, television and branded content. For more information, visit https://www.leftofframe.com.
Media Contact
David Broad
david@leftofframe.com
March 3, 2025 5:49 PM
EDT
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NEW YORK, NY
Lumos House is Back in Austin: Exclusive Events for Founders and Builders
Powered by Blindspot and Andrew Yeung, Lumos House curates diverse experiences, including talks with top founders (Venmo, Lyft, Foursquare), curated dinners, live podcasts, poker nights, high-energy parties, and wellness activities—all free for its community.
The upcoming Austin event is expected to host a series of exclusive gatherings designed to foster meaningful connections and inspire innovation among attendees. Past events have featured prominent figures such as the founders of Venmo, Foursquare, and Lyft.
Andrew Yeung, founder and CEO of Fibe, has been instrumental in shaping the Lumos House experience. Dubbed the "Gatsby of Silicon Alley," Andrew has hosted over 200 events for 40,000 people across eight cities, with his events covered by Bloomberg, Axios, Fortune Magazine, Fast Company, Morning Brew, and Business Insider.
Blindspot, co-founded by Bogdan Savonea and Matei Psatta, is a leading platform connecting over 1.5 million digital billboards worldwide, offering advertisers a better way to run Digital out-of-home campaigns by using advanced AI planning and management tools.
For more information about Lumos House and to apply for the upcoming Austin event, visit https://thelumoshouse.com.
About Lumos House
Lumos House is an invite-only event series for visionary founders, builders, and leaders in media and tech. Our mission is to create extraordinary experiences that gather, educate, and inspire the tech community. Powered by Blindspot and Andrew Yeung, Lumos House events are set in exclusive mansions and are free to attend. For more information, visit https://thelumoshouse.com.
For more information about Lumos House and to apply for the upcoming Austin event, visit https://thelumoshouse.com.
About Lumos House
Lumos House is an invite-only event series for visionary founders, builders, and leaders in media and tech. Our mission is to create extraordinary experiences that gather, educate, and inspire the tech community. Powered by Blindspot and Andrew Yeung, Lumos House events are set in exclusive mansions and are free to attend. For more information, visit https://thelumoshouse.com.
Media Contact
Andrew Yeung
andrew@meetfibe.com
March 3, 2025 2:58 PM
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LOS ANGELES, CA
Viralnoise Brings Hollywood-Grade Music to Content Creators Everywhere with Simple, Affordable Licensing
Viralnoise, a game-changing royalty-free music subscription service, today launched its premium platform designed specifically for YouTubers, TikTok influencers, podcasters, filmmakers, game developers and all digital content creators. Featured in VoyageLA, Viralnoise is led by award-winning composer Alec Puro and delivers an extensive audio library of 35,000+ music tracks and 30,000+ premium sound effects previously reserved for major TV shows, films, and global brands.
With a mission to level the creative playing field by making Hollywood-grade audio accessible to all creators, Viralnoise offers a seamless, one-stop licensing solution. By subscribing to Viralnoise, creators can enhance their projects with elite music and sound effects—without the complexity of traditional licensing agreements or the financial burden of high-cost production music. Whether creating content for YouTube, TikTok, podcasts, or professional productions, Viralnoise provides an affordable solution for all creators.
Since 2014, sister company, Gramoscope Music has powered the sound for countless hit TV shows, films, ads and video games like The Real Housewives franchise, Wicked Tuna, The First 48 and the NBA 2K video game series to name a few. Now, for the first time ever, this exclusive collection is available to all creators at any level through Viralnoise’s simple, platform-safe licensing that keeps your content free from the risk of dreaded copyright strikes and takedown notices.
"Our goal is simple: to make Hollywood-grade audio accessible to all creators," said Alec Puro, founder and CEO, Viralnoise. "After years of requests, we finally built a platform that lets all creators access the same music and sound effects heard in their favorite TV shows, films and ads."
At its core, Viralnoise is dedicated to fostering an equitable creative environment for composers and songwriters from all backgrounds. With a diverse roster of talent spanning the globe—from Hong Kong to Mexico to South Africa—Viralnoise provides a space where musicians can thrive while contributing to the constantly evolving landscape of digital storytelling.
"Countless content creators have told us they struggle to find unique music that fits their style while navigating different platform requirements," added Eric Meyers, COO at Viralnoise. "Our new platform solves these pain points by delivering high-quality tracks that are safe to use everywhere, from TikTok to professional productions."
The platform addresses creators' top challenges with:
- AI-powered similar search to find the perfect track quickly
- Simple, clear licensing that works across all digital platforms without takedown risks
- Access to track stems and alternate mixes for the perfect fit
- Affordable pricing starting at $8.99 monthly
- New music added weekly from a global network of 75+ award-winning composers
Viralnoise invites content creators to experience the future of royalty-free music by subscribing today. With accessible pricing, an ever-growing library, and an unwavering commitment to quality, Viralnoise is set to transform the way digital media sounds. Whether you are looking for a Soundstripe alternative, an Epidemic Sound alternative, or an Artlist alternative, Viralnoise offers an extensive and affordable music licensing solution.
About Viralnoise
Viralnoise transforms how creators access premium music and sound effects. Powered by Gramoscope Music's premium music and sound effects catalog—built over fifteen years of scoring Hollywood's biggest productions—Viralnoise now gives creators at every level access to 35,000+ professional music tracks and 30,000+ sound effects through simple subscriptions. The platform features AI-powered similar search, track stems, and clear licensing terms that work across all digital platforms. From viral social videos to professional productions, Viralnoise delivers unique, high-quality sound that helps content stand out.
Learn more at viralnoise.com and follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
Learn more at viralnoise.com and follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
Media Contact
Craig Weinberg
craig@wolfebergco.com
March 3, 2025 2:07 PM
EDT
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WARSAW, Poland
IT Company Andersen Releases Expert Interview with Prominent AI Innovator for Global Food Manufacturer
On January 29, 2025, Andersen, a large software development company with a global presence, released a full-fledged interview with Stanislav Rosenberg, Global Head of Data & Analytics at Mars, the multinational giant with $50 billion in annual revenue and world’s leading manufacturer of confectionery, pet food, and other food products and provider of animal care services. The interviewer from Andersen’s side was Valentin Kuzmenko, Chief Commercial Officer and Vice President of Sales.
The experts discussed the impact of AI on food manufacturing, including areas such as data analysis, new product innovation, marketing, sales, post-launch review, and more.
Rosenberg shared how the active implementation of AI end-to-end enhances the key areas of operation, from demand to supply, stating: “It’s one of our biggest bets in terms of how we evolve our company moving forward.” His corporation leverages AI for the digital twin type of work, to carry out product innovation, generate ideas for marketing, and automate campaigns, among other things.
The impact of AI on marketing and sales was among the main topics discussed. The experts agreed that human interaction is required when introducing AI into marketing and sales operations. Rosenberg commented: “Let’s say it’s an art and a science. And certainly, AI is coming into the picture, becoming more and more of a science, but you still need that bit of an art. So human interaction within the whole marketing experience and advertising is still needed; when you do something like AI-generated commercials, that just doesn’t work. And so, there is a bit of science—you need certain messages to come across, but the art is still there.”
The example given on AI for new product innovation was how Mars came up with their spicy chocolate bar for the Chinese market by analyzing data from Alibaba, a major marketplace where Mars’ products are sold. This data revealed that after consumers bought chocolate, a lot of them were buying something spicy. That gave the manufacturer an idea to combine those two, and of course, impacted marketing and sales tremendously by setting the trend for the entire industry.
Andersen, in its position as a prominent AI software developer, actively leverages this technology in marketing and sales. “AI tools are extremely helpful for improving the quality of our interactions with clients,” Mr. Kuzmenko explains. "AI-fueled software programs solicit customer feedback, generate automated messages, analyze the communication of specialists over the phone and in messaging apps, track compliance with scripts in real time, assess sentiment and evaluate client satisfaction levels, identify areas for improvements, provide recommendations, etc."
The interview also explored the perks of AI tools, from providing accurate information in no time to freeing up marketers and sales specialists for tackling creative tasks and focusing on strategy. “Digitalization improves the decision-making process, hopefully, and frees up time for people to concentrate on more that value-additive activity,” Rosenberg continued.
To get the most out of AI software development services, Kuzmenko, as an accomplished CCO with more than ten years of experience managing sales and marketing departments, recommends the following: "Never compromise on the responsible use of AI, opting for custom IT solutions over off-the-shelf ones, as the former are built on the latest technology, verified by proficient cybersecurity experts, and include support from the tech company. Additionally, plan for staff training on the use of AI when drawing up the company budget."
About Andersen
Headquartered in Warsaw, Andersen is an international software development company employing over 3,600 IT specialists with 15 development centres in the U.S., the UK, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Andersen provides a wide range of services—from custom software development and IT consulting to system auditing and customer support. The company has consistently achieved industry-leading rankings by prestigious B2B marketplaces, including among Clutch's top artificial intelligence companies and The Manifest's top 100 managed service providers. For more information, visit https://andersenlab.com.
Media Contact
Victoria Nevinskaya
vn@andersenlab.com
+48 22 390 64 08
March 3, 2025 9:19 AM
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CHARLOTTE, NC
Bold Reuse Expands Coast to Coast With Charlotte Launch, Bringing Reusable Infrastructure to Spectrum Center and Ovens Auditorium
Bold Reuse, a national leader in the reusable packaging movement, is thrilled to announce its expansion into Charlotte, marking a significant milestone in the company’s coast-to-coast growth. This move strengthens Bold Reuse’s mission to build a nationwide reuse infrastructure network, reduce single-use waste, support sustainability goals, and create new regional jobs.
In partnership with the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) and Hornets Sports & Entertainment, Bold Reuse is launching reusable cup programs at Spectrum Center, home of the Charlotte Hornets, and Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte's largest performing arts theater. The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) manages Ovens Auditorium and back-of-house operations at Spectrum Center.. This initiative supports the city’s broader Circular Charlotte commitment to achieving zero waste while fostering economic opportunity. The Charlotte Hornets are now the first sports team in the Eastern U.S. to implement a large-scale reusable cup program, setting a powerful precedent for professional sports.
"Implementing reuse at scale is one of the most impactful solutions for waste reduction, and we’re thrilled to partner with Bold Reuse to bring this initiative to Charlotte,” said Ashley Gladney, Sustainability Program Manager, CRVA. “The CRVA is taking a major step forward in our commitment to sustainability, ensuring that our community and visitors can be part of a movement that reduces waste and drives meaningful change.”
Transforming the Guest Experience with Reuse at Spectrum Center & Ovens Auditorium
Ovens Auditorium is leading the way in Charlotte’s sustainability movement by becoming the first entertainment venue in the city to operate entirely with reusable cups. In partnership with Bold Reuse, this transition eliminates thousands of single-use cups per event, proving that reuse at scale is both achievable and beneficial. This initiative not only significantly reduces waste but also enhances the guest experience. As a model for other venues nationwide, Ovens Auditorium is demonstrating that zero-waste solutions can be both practical and transformative.
For the Spectrum Center launch, Bold Reuse will collaborate with Levy, the venue’s food and beverage partner. For the remainder of this season, reusable cups will be available for alcoholic beverages in 9, 12, 16, and 32-ounce sizes in select areas throughout the venue. Fans can support the zero-waste goal by returning their cups to Bold Reuse collection bins, and ensuring they are washed, sanitized, and recirculated for future events. This initial rollout lays the groundwork for a full-venue expansion, with Spectrum Center planning to implement reusables arena-wide starting in the fall.
“We are proud to work with Bold Reuse as we continue to enhance our sustainability efforts at Spectrum Center,” said Hornets Sports & Entertainment Executive Vice President & Chief Venues Officer Donna Julian. “We are constantly seeking opportunities to reduce waste and promote environmental awareness among our patrons, and this is just the latest example of one way we can drive change in our building and community.”
“Scaling reuse programs in venues with a high volume of guests is a top priority for Levy,” said Vice President of Sustainability for Levy, Mary McCarthy. “We are proud to work with Bold Reuse, CRVA, and Hornets Sports & Entertainment to bring new sustainability solutions to the communities that we are a part of and inspire our fans and guests through incredible experiences.”
Bold Reuse’s Charlotte Expansion Opens the Door for Reusable Packaging Region-Wide
To support this expansion, Bold Reuse has established local operations in Charlotte, including a dedicated facility to collect, wash, and sanitize reusable cups. This investment in regional infrastructure provides the foundation for scalable and easy-to-implement reuse systems for venues, festivals, corporate campuses, and large-scale events across the region to transition away from single-use waste. In this capacity, Bold Reuse is helping Charlotte lead the way in circular economy solutions, reducing landfill waste while creating green jobs and long-term sustainability impact in the city’s growing environmental sector.
"Charlotte is a pivotal milestone in Bold Reuse’s coast-to-coast expansion, further solidifying our position as the leading reuse infrastructure provider for sports and entertainment venues. But this is just the beginning—our presence here enables festivals, corporate campuses, and events across the region to embrace reuse at scale. By partnering with Spectrum Center and Ovens Auditorium, we’re proving that reuse can seamlessly integrate into large operations, enhancing the fan experience while setting a new standard for venues,” said Jocelyn Quarrell, CEO of Bold Reuse. "We’re excited to bring reuse to Charlotte and look forward to expanding our impact across the region."
Scaling Nationwide: Bold Reuse’s Growing Impact
With operations in Portland, Seattle, Phoenix, Kansas City, Chicago, and now Charlotte, Bold Reuse continues to accelerate the future of reusable infrastructure nationwide. The company partners with major sports teams, entertainment venues, schools, events, and corporate campuses, helping them transition from single-use waste to scalable, cost-effective reuse solutions that improve guest experience while reducing waste.
About Bold Reuse
Bold Reuse is leading the reusable packaging revolution, helping companies transform their operations to reduce waste, achieve sustainability goals, and enhance customer loyalty. Trusted by iconic brands like Starbucks, PepsiCo, Portland Trail Blazers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Levy, and more, Bold Reuse delivers seamless, scalable reuse solutions for large venues, campuses, and corporations. With coast-to-coast operations and a proven track record of innovation, Bold Reuse has supported its partners in diverting over 5 million pounds of waste from landfills and creating tangible environmental impact. For more information, visit https://boldreuse.com.
About the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) works to deliver experiences that uniquely enrich the lives of our visitors and residents. Through leadership in destination development, marketing and venue management expertise, the CRVA leads efforts to maximize the region’s economic potential through visitor spending, creating jobs and opportunities for the community. Brands supported by the CRVA include the Charlotte Convention Center, Spectrum Center, Bojangles Entertainment Complex, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Regional Film Commission and Visit Charlotte in conjunction with the region’s destination marketing brand. For more information, visit crva.com.
About Levy
The disruptor in defining the sports and entertainment hospitality experience, Levy is recognized as the market leader and most critically acclaimed hospitality company in its industry. Levy has twice been named one of the 10 most innovative companies in sports by Fast Company magazine and has been honored by Forbes as a Best Large Employer, Best Employer for Diversity, and Best Employer for Women. Levy’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning restaurants, iconic sports and entertainment venues, zoos and cultural institutions, theaters and music festivals, and convention centers; as well as the Super Bowl, Grammy Awards, US Open Tennis Tournament, Kentucky Derby, Coachella and Stagecoach Music Festivals, and NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL and MLS All-Star Games. For more, visit levyrestaurants.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.
Media Contact
Mya Manibusan
mya@boldreuse.com
March 3, 2025 6:00 AM
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DETROIT, MI
Women Road Warriors Honors Michelle "MACE" Curran with Empowerment Award
Women Road Warriors empowerment talk show podcast is proud to announce that Michelle “MACE” Curran is their newest woman Warrior of the Year award recipient just in time for International Women’s Day. Michelle is a catalyst for positive change who emboldens people worldwide as a motivational speaker. She is a former U.S. Air Force Thunderbird pilot and the fifth female pilot to ever fly with the squadron. Michelle believes in empowering, inspiring, and emboldening people. She was the first woman to fly as part of the 335th Fighter Squadron and worked for three years as an F-16 flight instructor in the 355th Fighter Squadron in Fort Worth, Texas. She now teaches people to fly through fear and find their inner courage.
Women Road Warriors co-host and executive producer Shelley Johnson says Michelle is the epitome of everything their show represents, “Michelle is a true trailblazer and example for women. She has broken barriers and taken up the gauntlet for positive change no matter what challenges she has faced. She now shares that resilience and insight to empower others. Her exemplary service as a U.S. Air Force veteran and motivational speaker inspires all who meet her. My co-host Kathy and I both agree that Michelle is a true warrior and a changemaker who powers people around the globe with strength, hope, love, courage, and faith. We are honored to give her this award.”
Michelle’s award comes as Women Road Warriors honors many outstanding women heroes during Women’s History Month. Their podcast lineup will include women and women’s organizations that have achieved change for human rights and women’s rights across the globe. Guests include Lisa Shannon, co-founder of Every Woman Treaty; Gemma Bulos, founder of the Global Women’s Water Initiative; Dr. Maria Viola Sanchez, founder of Stop the Cut Now and Dr. Christine Horner who achieved a federal mandate requiring insurance companies to pay for breast reconstruction after mastectomies.
About Women Road Warriors
Women Road Warriors is a multiple award-winning women’s empowerment talk show hosted by Shelley Johnson and Kathy Tuccaro that features trailblazers, experts and celebrity guests on a variety of topics that empower women. As a vanguard for change, it ‘powers women on the road to success.’ The show is humorous, entertaining, educational, and sometimes quirky with lively banter between Shelley, Kathy, and their guests. Women Road Warriors is ranked in the Top 2% of podcasts globally by Listen Notes. FeedSpot has ranked it among the Top 10 of the Top 100 Best Women Empowerment Podcasts worldwide. Women Road Warriors is available on all the major podcast channels as well as https://women-road-warriors.captivate.fm.
About Michelle “MACE” Curran
Michelle “MACE” Curran is one of only a few women who have advanced to the elite level of the Air Force Thunderbirds. She blazed her own trail in the skies and found her purpose in inspiring and empowering others. Her motivational talks inspire people everywhere. Her newest book is called The Flipside which helps people turn their fear into their superpower by redefining challenges, embracing bold action, and unlocking the authentic potential inside of themselves. Michelle works with many charities including VOAG where she serves as Outreach and Communications Director promoting outdoor therapy as an adjunct treatment option for veterans struggling with mental health issues. For additional information on Michelle go to https://macecurran.com/
Media Contact
Shelley Johnson
sjohnson@womenroadwarriors.com
March 1, 2025 1:51 PM
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LOS ANGELES, CA
Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC), Lift International Church, and I Choose Life Foundation Join Forces to Reunite Displaced Seniors at Heartwarming “Gathering of Love Luncheon”
In a powerful demonstration of community resilience, nearly 100 Altadena wildfire survivors—predominantly seniors who have been scattered across Southern California—will reunite some for the first time since disaster struck at the "Gathering of Love Luncheon" this month. This special event represents a collaborative effort between the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC), Lift International Church, and the I Choose Life Foundation to provide both physical nourishment and emotional healing to those whose lives were upended by the devastating fires.
Set against the backdrop of Black History Month and Women's History Month celebrations, the luncheon will offer attendees a rare opportunity to enjoy a home-cooked soul food meal, a simple pleasure many have been denied while staying in temporary accommodations. The gathering will take place Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 12:00–3:00 p.m. at Lift International Church, 1757 North Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104.
"These seniors have been scattered to the winds—living in crowded hotel rooms, cycling through Airbnb’s every few days, or doubled up with relatives from Riverside to San Clarita and more" noted Sandra Evers-Manly, founder of BHERC and architect of its Operation Love Initiative. "Beyond losing their homes, they've lost their community connections. This luncheon creates a space where they can exhale, embrace familiar faces, and feel surrounded by love again."
Evers-Manly has witnessed firsthand the emotional toll on seniors, having personally shopping and delivering critical essential items to them and their families, helping with supporting those wanting to view the remnants of homes where they built decades of memories. Her team has provided not just material support but also companionship through the bewildering maze of insurance claims and other paperwork.
The human cost of the Altadena fires is staggering—an estimated 13,000 homes destroyed, over 50,000 individuals displaced, and elderly residents facing particularly severe challenges in rebuilding their lives.
Dr. Anthony McFarland, Pastor of Lift International Church, emphasizes the deeper purpose behind the event: “In the face of tragedy and destruction, all we must lean on is each other. This gathering reminds us that community isn’t defined by buildings, but by people who care for one another. No one should face this journey of recovery alone.”
Tony Wafford, President of the I Choose Life Foundation, adds: “While the physical structures are gone, the spirit of community remains unbroken. People lost everything material, but today we’re showing that what truly makes Altadena special—its people and their connections—can never be destroyed by fire.”
For many attendees, this will mark their first opportunity to reconnect with neighbors and friends without the pressure of navigating insurance paperwork or temporary housing concerns—a chance to simply break bread together and begin healing as a community.
About BHERC “Operation Love”
BHERC "Operation Love" is an initiative that provides vital support to vulnerable populations in need, with specialized focus on seniors, unhoused individuals, veterans, and those with health conditions. Initially formed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Operation Love expanded to deliver rapid disaster aid for those affected by wildfires and other emergencies.
For seniors and unhoused individuals impacted by pandemic and other disasters, the team has assisted with emergency supplies, essential items, gift cards, gift baskets for holidays, special luncheons, transportation assistance, and coordinated with mental health professionals for emotional care. Additionally, Operation Love has honored frontline workers and veterans through events reaching 10,000 participants.
Since inception, Operation Love has distributed more than 25,000 blankets, 16,500 rolls of toilet paper, 28,000 essential goods, gift baskets and backpacks to those in need. The organization has donated over $200,000 to individuals needing assistance and partner service organizations. and The Operation Love Initiative, remain committed to creating a compassionate safety net for our most vulnerable neighbors in times of disaster. For more information, visit: www.bherc.org/operation-love.
About Lift International Church
Lift International is a dynamic church serving Altadena and Pasadena, committed to transformative community service rooted in faith. Founded in 2000 by Drs. Anthony and Micheline McFarland, Lift puts compassionate action at the forefront of its mission, addressing real needs through focused outreach programs and volunteer initiatives.
The church actively partners with local organizations to provide food security, educational support, and mentorship to underserved populations. Through hands-on service projects, emergency assistance, and skill-building workshops, Lift empowers community members to overcome challenges and build sustainable futures.
The McFarland’s' vision extends beyond traditional ministry to create lasting positive change. Their leadership has mobilized members to serve as agents of transformation throughout the area. Lift's future plans include developing a community center in Altadena that will expand their service capacity, offering resources, support programs, and gathering spaces where diverse community members can connect, grow, and thrive together. For more information, visit: www.liftaltadena.org.
About I Choose Life Foundation
I Choose Life Foundation addresses critical health disparities affecting the African American community, focusing on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, mental health, lupus, obesity, cancer, and STIs. We empower communities through education and collaborative healthcare initiatives while building a powerful network of partners including social organizations, civil rights groups, Black media, medical professionals, community advocates, faith leaders, public figures, and government allies.
By drawing on the community's life-affirming culture and internal resources, we create inclusive spaces where those directly affected can engage in prevention projects that promote positive health choices. Our comprehensive approach brings together diverse stakeholders committed to improving health outcomes, organizing resources effectively, and ultimately transforming health disparities into opportunities for community empowerment and wellbeing. For more information, visit: www.ichoose-life.com.
Media Contact
Sandra Evers-Manly
everssa@yahoo.com
February 28, 2025 11:19 AM
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WALTERBORO, SC
Bank of the Lowcountry Welcomes Tricia Yount
Bank of the Lowcountry and its parent company CommunityCorp announced Tricia M. Yount, CPA, MAFF as the new appointee to the board of directors for both organizations. Tricia will fill a currently vacant director seat and will be up for election in 2026.
Peden Brown McLeod Jr., Chairman of the Board for CommunityCorp and Bank of the Lowcountry, is “excited for Tricia’s appointment to the board of directors. As a company, we strive to provide the best possible service to the lowcountry and our communities. Adding Tricia—with her knowledge, years of experience, and deep community roots to the board of directors—strengthens our organization’s ability to meet those goals.”
“I’m looking forward to joining the board of directors for CommunityCorp and Bank of the Lowcountry,” Tricia Yount, CPA, MAFF announced. “I take pride in being an active member of the community and believe my skills, knowledge, and experience will bring a valuable skill set to both organizations that will ultimately benefit the shareholders.”
“We are very fortunate to have someone of Tricia’s experience join our Board,” said Marc Bogan, board member and CEO of Bank of the Lowcountry. “Her financial background and market knowledge will greatly assist us in achieving our Vision of becoming the premier community financial institution in the Lowcountry of SC.”
With more than 20 years of financial forensics experience and expert qualifications in the field of economic and financial damages in federal and state courts, Tricia is actively involved in the Lowcountry business communities. Servings as a current board member of the American Academy of Economic and Financial Experts as well as the National Association of Forensic Economists, Tricia also remains a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants, and the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts.
About Bank of the Lowcountry
Based in Walterboro, Bank of the Lowcountry provides a variety of traditional and online banking solutions to meet the needs of customers throughout the Lowcountry. Find out more at banklowcountry.com and follow Bank of the Lowcountry on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Media Contact
Samantha Murdaugh
smurdaugh@banklowcountry.com
February 28, 2025 8:31 AM
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DAYTON, OH
Unlisted Shares the Five Key Advantages of Buying an Off-Market Home
In today’s competitive housing market, buyers are discovering the unique advantages of purchasing an off-market home—properties not publicly listed on traditional real estate platforms. Unlisted, an innovative real estate technology platform, is bringing attention to this growing trend, helping homebuyers explore a wide range of hidden opportunities.
Here are five key advantages of buying an off-market home:
Here are five key advantages of buying an off-market home:
1. Less Competition
Off-market homes often receive less attention than properties listed on public platforms, meaning buyers have a better chance of securing their desired home without the stress of a bidding war. With fewer buyers vying for the same property, buyers can navigate the market with greater confidence and reduced competition.
Off-market homes often receive less attention than properties listed on public platforms, meaning buyers have a better chance of securing their desired home without the stress of a bidding war. With fewer buyers vying for the same property, buyers can navigate the market with greater confidence and reduced competition.
2. Potential Price Advantages
Since off-market homes are not subjected to the same level of public exposure, sellers may be more willing to negotiate on price. Buyers can potentially secure a home at a more competitive rate, making off-market deals an attractive option for those looking to maximize their investment.
Since off-market homes are not subjected to the same level of public exposure, sellers may be more willing to negotiate on price. Buyers can potentially secure a home at a more competitive rate, making off-market deals an attractive option for those looking to maximize their investment.
3. Access to Unique Properties
Many off-market homes are not available to the general public, offering buyers access to unique properties that may not show up on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). This exclusivity can be particularly appealing to buyers searching for a rare home or a property in a specific neighborhood that rarely appears on the market.
Many off-market homes are not available to the general public, offering buyers access to unique properties that may not show up on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). This exclusivity can be particularly appealing to buyers searching for a rare home or a property in a specific neighborhood that rarely appears on the market.
4. More Time to Make Decisions
Off-market homes often allow buyers more time to evaluate the property without the pressure of immediate competition. Unlike publicly listed homes, which can receive multiple offers within days, off-market properties typically move at a slower pace, giving buyers the opportunity to thoroughly assess their options and make more informed decisions.
Off-market homes often allow buyers more time to evaluate the property without the pressure of immediate competition. Unlike publicly listed homes, which can receive multiple offers within days, off-market properties typically move at a slower pace, giving buyers the opportunity to thoroughly assess their options and make more informed decisions.
5. Streamlined Process
When buying an off-market home, the transaction process is often more direct and simplified. Without the need for large-scale marketing efforts or high-profile showings, buyers and sellers can work together more closely to finalize the details and close the deal, saving time and potentially reducing costs.
When buying an off-market home, the transaction process is often more direct and simplified. Without the need for large-scale marketing efforts or high-profile showings, buyers and sellers can work together more closely to finalize the details and close the deal, saving time and potentially reducing costs.
Exploring off-market homes offers a different perspective on the home buying process, allowing buyers to access a wider range of opportunities beyond what’s listed. While the traditional MLS listings are a familiar starting point, considering off-market options can open up possibilities that may not be immediately apparent.
To learn more about the potential of off-market homes, 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
February 27, 2025 8:00 AM
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HERMITAGE, PA
Looped Solutions™ Launches Corporate Sponsorship Program to Support Domestic Violence Survivors and Advocates Providing Safe Access to Services From Any Mobile Device
Getting help in an abusive relationship isn’t easy when an abuser is monitoring your cell phone. When every call, text, and email is being watched, getting help to escape an abusive relationship can feel impossible. Looped Solutions™, a technology company specializing in safe communication, today announced a Corporate Sponsorship program designed to eliminate financial barriers and provide immediate access to life-saving technology for victim service agencies.
Agencies need this technology now—not in their next budget cycle. Victim service agencies are struggling to meet overwhelming demand while facing staffing shortages and funding gaps that put survivors at risk. Looped Fusion Purple™ was built specifically for these agencies, ensuring that survivors can safely connect with their advocates—even if their devices are being monitored or controlled by an abuser.
“For far too many, safety is stolen by an abuser—leaving survivors vulnerable, isolated, and afraid to reach out for help. Over 70% will never seek help through traditional methods. That’s where Looped Fusion Purple makes a difference,” said Looped Solutions’ CEO, Kara Wasser.
By keeping all client-advocate communications within a single safe system, Looped Fusion Purple eliminates the risks of phone calls, emails, and text messages that can be monitored by an abuser. The platform also helps agencies manage growing caseloads more efficiently without increasing advocate burnout or compromising survivor confidentiality.
The Urgent Need for Funding & How Corporate Sponsorships Make an Immediate Impact
While agencies urgently need this technology, many are struggling to secure funding fast enough. “Agencies both want and need our technology, but funding cycles often delay adoption. Many are working it into future budgets, but the need is critical now,” Wasser emphasized.
Through the Corporate Sponsorship program, companies can immediately provide agencies with access to Looped Fusion Purple, ensuring that survivors are not left waiting for safety. In just the past few weeks, five victim service agencies across three states have been fully funded for multi-year access, impacting thousands of lives.
Through the Corporate Sponsorship program, companies can immediately provide agencies with access to Looped Fusion Purple, ensuring that survivors are not left waiting for safety. In just the past few weeks, five victim service agencies across three states have been fully funded for multi-year access, impacting thousands of lives.
National companies and individuals are stepping up to support this cause. Wheatland Tube, a division of Zekelman Industries, led by visionary leader Barry Zekelman, has committed to a multi-year sponsorship for several agencies, ensuring that more agencies can protect survivors without financial barriers.
Karen Cone, Venture Partner at Mastersfund, an investor in Looped Solutions, shared: “Knowing how essential it is for victims to safely and securely get the help that these agencies provide and recognizing the increasing risks associated with obtaining grant funding, I am tremendously supportive of this Corporate Sponsorship program and also value opportunity to personally step up with individual sponsorships.”
A Direct Path to Saving Lives
Looped Solutions maintains a growing list of agencies in urgent need of funding. The Corporate Sponsorship program provides a seamless way for companies to direct social responsibility funds where they are needed most, ensuring that victims have a secure way to seek help, access resources, and take steps toward safety.
“We have agencies looking for immediate help,” Wasser stressed. “This program provides a direct pathway for organizations to make a charitable donation that immediately empowers agencies to keep survivors safe.”
For companies looking to make a direct impact, sponsorship opportunities are available now. Every moment matters. Every connection saves lives.
Interested organizations are urged to contact Looped Solutions directly at kw@loopedsolutions.com or by calling (724) 734-6909.
About Looped Solutions
Looped Solutions™ is a women-led tech company that innovates personal and critical connections to users' most valued networks through its cross-platform applications. We empower service providers and communities by delivering technology solutions that prioritize safety, privacy, and efficiency. By leveraging our proprietary platform, Looped Launchpad™, we uniquely build products that enable safe connection, streamline communication, enhance customization, bridge gaps, and innovate with purpose. Our mission is to design solutions that innovate the connections that encompass how we live, how we work, and how we engage with our most valued networks and communities. Learn more at www.loopedsolutions.com.
About Mastersfund
About Mastersfund
Mastersfund is a global venture capital investment firm based in Seattle, USA. We invest in women-led, revenue-generating companies building better ways to live and work together. Mastersfund is managed by a diverse team of financial experts with decades of experience, multiple exits, and powerful, venture-scale returns. Our novel approach to venture capital mitigates risk and preserves upside potential for investors and entrepreneurs alike. Learn more at www.masters.vc.
Media Contact
Lisa DiMuccio-Zgela
lzgela@loopedsolutions.com
February 26, 2025 11:30 AM
EDT
•
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Continue Launches 1.0 with Open-Source IDE Extensions and a Hub that Empowers Developers to Build and Share Custom AI Code Assistants
Continue, the open-source AI code assistant platform, today announced the launch of Continue 1.0, a major milestone on its journey to empower developers with fully customizable AI code assistants. Continue enables developers to create, share, and use custom AI code assistants with open-source IDE extensions that can now seamlessly leverage a vibrant hub of models, context, and other building blocks. With hundreds of thousands of users, 20k+ GitHub stars, and a thriving Discord community of 10k+ developers, Continue is setting a new standard for open-source AI-enhanced development.
The release of Continue 1.0 includes a new hub that makes it frictionless to create AI code assistants with a registry for defining, managing, and sharing Continue building blocks. There are blocks published and maintained by verified partners like Claude 3.5 Sonnet from Anthropic, Codestral from Mistral, DeepSeek-R1 from Ollama, voyage-code-3 embeddings from Voyage AI, and MCP servers from Docker. Blocks and assistants may also be created and shared to the hub by individual developers, independent software vendors (ISVs), and other organizations.
Also included is the first major release of Continue’s open-source extensions for VS Code and JetBrains. Developers can use these extensions with assistants and blocks from the hub via a free, solo tier. Organizations can take advantage of paid teams and enterprise tiers. Working with early enterprise users such as Siemens, Morningstar, and IONOS helped to shape the product. The hub provides engineering leaders with governance, security, and infrastructure control over AI code assistants within their organizations.
"Continue 1.0 is a huge leap forward in making AI-powered development truly customizable, private, and developer-first. The ‘one-size-fits-all’ AI code assistant will be a thing of the past. With this release, we’re making it easier than ever for individual developers and teams to take full control over their AI coding experience through both our open-source community and our hub of building blocks for custom AI code assistants," said Ty Dunn, co-founder of Continue.
Continue is built on the foundation of developer empowerment and data control. Unlike closed-source alternatives, Continue ensures that every developer has the power to decide how AI integrates into their coding environment. Key features of the teams and enterprise tiers on hub.continue.dev include:
- Standardize development practices: Teams can establish custom AI code assistants that help developers align with shared development, review, and testing practices
- Governance controls: Organizations can define and enforce policies around AI-assisted development, governing what blocks can be created, shared, and used within their teams
- Private data plane deployment: Enterprises can deploy a data plane within their own infrastructure, ensuring that all code and analytics remain secure without exposing API keys or sensitive data
“Developers thrive when they have the freedom to build with the best tools available. Continue 1.0 amplifies every developer, team, and organization with the power to choose and customize AI code assistants to fit their unique workflows and preferences. This launch isn’t just about AI helping developers write code—it’s about making AI a natural, customizable extension of how they already work. Continue gives developers superpowers that amplify and enhance the way they already work. This is why Heavybit has been investing in developer-first startups for more than a decade,” said Jesse Robbins, General Partner at Heavybit and co-founder of Chef.
“At Mistral, our mission has always been to democratize artificial intelligence. Our partnership with Continue perfectly aligns with our vision of a developer-first ecosystem where AI code assistants are both secure and customizable. Whether you need local, on-prem, in your VPC, on the public cloud, or via serverless APIs, you can use Mistral models with Continue,” said Arthur Mensch, co-founder and CEO of Mistral AI. “Together, we’re building the future of AI-powered development on a foundation of openness and trust.”
“We believe that when it comes to AI coding tools, developers should be able to consume with confidence. In this period of rapid change, confidence requires openness, pluggability, and modularity. Now is the time to embrace the transparency and innovation of open source solutions. We believe in Continue's approach, and we're excited to partner with them and the community to define this ecosystem,” said Craig McLuckie, co-founder of Stacklok, Kubernetes, and the Cloud Native Computing Foundation
“At YC, we invest in teams that put developers first, and Continue’s 1.0 launch is a perfect example of that philosophy in action,” said Garry Tan, CEO of Y Combinator. He continued “By making it easy to create custom AI code assistants, they’re giving developers the power to tailor their coding experience like never before. This is a major step forward in building an open ecosystem where innovation and democratization go hand in hand.”
Backed by Heavybit and Y Combinator, Continue has raised a total of $5 million in seed funding to create a developer ecosystem built on trust, privacy, and developer empowerment. With 1.0, Continue is not only revolutionizing the AI coding assistant landscape but also ensuring that developers everywhere have the tools they need to harness AI on their own terms.
To learn more about Continue, visit www.continue.dev. If you’re interested in working at Continue, apply online.
About Continue
Continue enables developers to create, share, and use custom AI code assistants. Loved by hundreds of thousands of developers worldwide at organizations ranging from small startups to Fortune 500 companies, our open-source IDE extensions fit into existing workflows, while letting users leverage our vibrant hub of models, context, and tools. Backed by Heavybit, Y Combinator, and angels, including Julien Chaumond (co-founder of Hugging Face), Lisha Li (founder of Rosebud AI), and Florian Leibert (co-founder of Mesosphere), Continue was founded in 2023 and is based in San Francisco. For more information, visit https://www.continue.dev.
Media Contact
Kara Silverman
kara@variousand.com
February 26, 2025 10:06 AM
EDT
•
NEW YORK, NY
Fabrik – Combatting the $460 Billion Loneliness Crisis – Celebrates Rapid Growth, Announces Brooklyn Expansion
Fabrik, the member-based network of locations for those seeking to build and join communities, announced it is opening a new location at 20 Jay Street in Brooklyn's DUMBO district, and reported significant growth in members and programming after just six months of operation in New York City. The Big Apple is Fabrik’s first market for this new model for “third spaces” and programming that is designed for meet ups, making friends, tackling work and unwinding. The company is aiming for further US expansion this year as it offers a solution to the global loneliness epidemic, which impacts 1 in 3 Americans and reportedly costs the economy $460 billion annually in lowered productivity and absenteeism.
Fabrik was developed as part of Hines Global Ventures, which supported the company with resources from concept to launch and beyond, including an initial seed investment. The company’s first location, which opened last June in Tribeca, has quickly become a popular option for people to find connection and belonging in between work and home. Fabrik is now home to 130 communities and clubs, whose builders regularly host events aimed at a range of interests: start-up founders, arts and creative groups, as well as gatherings for fitness enthusiasts, cookbook clubs, the “sober-curious,” self-care, and events for many other organizations who want a consistent, affordable place to connect over shared passions. Attendees range from college students to later stage professionals who are drawn to the varying topics and interests in Fabrik’s programming. Fabrik’s proprietary digital platform also helps community members discover kindred spirits, organize in-person meet-ups and build their own communities.
“At Fabrik, we believe that every community deserves a space to activate, grow and flourish,” said Jaclyn Pascocello, founder and CEO of Fabrik. “Our early success reflects a growing demand for spaces that foster authentic connections and empower builders to create meaningful impact. With our expansion to Brooklyn, we are excited to extend our vision to even more communities, and to offer Fabrik as an attractive solution to a dynamic commercial real estate market.”
Fabrik's second location is a 5,600 square foot, 2nd floor space at 20 Jay Street, a Two Trees Management building. Fabrik, whose membership has a waiting list of 1,400 New York area community leaders, expects to open in DUMBO later this spring. Will Grover and Ryan Gessin of Newmark Group, Inc. acted as Fabrik broker and advisors.
This human-led, technology-supported startup is also addressing commercial real estate’s glut of underutilized space and a marketplace demand shift for smaller spaces to accommodate hybrid work environments. As 69% of Manhattan leases in the first quarter of 2024 were for smaller spaces, the Fabrik team activates to rapidly transform harder-to-lease vacant spaces of between 5,000 and 8,000 square feet into comfortable open spaces that are more living room than office. Fabrik not only offers property owners and managers an incremental revenue stream; it brings under-used space to life and is an attractive feature for current and future tenants.
Open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fabrik offers Community members the option to attend a growing slate of events and engaging programming, and its Community Host members can organize meet-ups, workshops, panel discussions and other gatherings for its own members as well as the entire Fabrik community.
The Brooklyn location, set to open in the Q1 of 2025, marks a significant step forward in Fabrik’s growth. Building on the success of its flagship Tribeca space, the new location will continue to meet the diverse needs of its members and their communities. It will also help realize Fabrik’s commitment to scaling its impact and creating a citywide network of vibrant third spaces offering community and connection.
“An alarming 36% of Americans—1 in 3 people—report feeling lonely frequently or all the time. That number jumps to 63% for the 18–25 age group. And loneliness is not just a mental, social and physical health crisis; it’s an economic problem. The $460 billion annual expense borne by our economy because of absenteeism, lower productivity and other factors contributing to loneliness is a significant hit on a balance sheet,” said Gwen Wiscount, co-founder and COO of Fabrik. “In addition, much of commercial real estate remains underutilized. So we’re seizing multiple untapped opportunities, providing value and an antidote to loneliness for our members but also to businesses seeking innovative solutions to marketplace challenges.”
Pascocello, a seasoned hospitality leader and proptech entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience to Fabrik. As the former COO of Spacious, a leading startup in the co-working arena acquired by WeWork in 2019, she is uniquely positioned to drive Fabrik’s mission of creating spaces that are more than just physical locations but essential hubs of community and connectivity.
“The current market dynamics have created an immense opportunity for Fabrik to deliver impact—both economically and socially—by creating more vibrant communities and ecosystems with its innovative model,”said Kathryn Scheckel, Venture Advisor at Hines and Fabrik board member. “Fabrik has already become home to hundreds of unique communities and individuals seeking connection and is proving its value to the commercial real estate marketplace.”
About Fabrik
For more information about Fabrik and its mission to transform community spaces, visit www.joinfabrik.com.
Media Contact
Loren Pomerantz
loren@combined-forces.com
February 26, 2025 9:29 AM
EDT
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SHANGHAI, China
Expanding Global Partnerships: China International Import Expo (CIIE) Promotional Events in Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia
To strategically deepen the cross-border collaborative ties with global enterprises and encourage broader participation, the China International Import Expo (CIIE) promotional team embarked on an influential global promotion to Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia from February 16 to 24. This promotional itinerary was designed to advance the recruitment process for the 8th CIIE, scheduled for November 2025 in Shanghai. The initiative sought to highlight the CIIE’s role as a premier platform, enabling multinational corporations to tap into China’s expansive consumer market and to capitalize on its robust supply chain ecosystem.
Premium Platform for Cooperation Opportunities
Australia and New Zealand, both longstanding partners in China’s agricultural and resource sectors, boast strong economic complementarity and hold significant potential for future cooperation. At the 7th CIIE, Australia participated with more than 250 companies, marking the highest attendance in its history. Various Australian products, including meat, seafood, wine, dairy products, health supplements, agricultural products, and consumer goods were well-received by the Chinese market. Meanwhile, New Zealand, represented by industry giants like Theland, have long benefited from the trade connections fostered by the CIIE. Theland, a leading dairy company from New Zealand, has gained significant popularity among Chinese consumers. At each edition of the CIIE, Theland introduces global debut products, leveraging the CIIE as a testing ground and a springboard for expansion.
A Bridge for Enhanced Partnership
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, the CIIE further solidifies the friendly cooperative ties between the two countries, a relationship highlighted by Malaysia’s status as one of the guest countries of honor at the 7th CIIE. Through its active participation, Malaysia showcased its diverse range of high-quality products and services, including electrical and electronics, agricultural goods, healthcare products, and innovative services such as ICT, e-commerce, and logistics. This engagement underscored Malaysia’s strategic importance as a key partner in China’s global trade network.
Following the tremendous success of the 7th CIIE, preparations for the 8th CIIE are well underway, focused on continuing to create valuable cooperation opportunities for global enterprises. The CIIE remains an unparalleled platform for companies to explore market opportunities and strengthen cross-border trade relations.
Join the 8th CIIE to unlock new opportunities in the Chinese market. Visit the official CIIE website for more information: https://www.ciie.org/zbh/en/
About China International Import Expo (CIIE)
The China International Import Expo (CIIE) is a trade fair held in autumn annually since 2018 in Shanghai, China. It is the world's first import-themed national-level expo, featuring exhibitions of multiple countries and businesses and the Hongqiao International Economic and Trade Forum. The expo is co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the Shanghai Municipal Government. Its partners include World Trade Organization, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and United Nations Industrial Development Organization. For more information, visit https://www.ciie.org/zbh/en/.
About China International Import Expo (CIIE)
The China International Import Expo (CIIE) is a trade fair held in autumn annually since 2018 in Shanghai, China. It is the world's first import-themed national-level expo, featuring exhibitions of multiple countries and businesses and the Hongqiao International Economic and Trade Forum. The expo is co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the Shanghai Municipal Government. Its partners include World Trade Organization, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and United Nations Industrial Development Organization. For more information, visit https://www.ciie.org/zbh/en/.
Media Contact
Cui Yan
cuiyan@ciie.org
February 26, 2025 9:00 AM
EDT
•
CHICAGO, IL
Notable heywell Expansion: Sparkling Functional Water Brand Accelerates Momentum with Major Retail Expansion and Marketing in 2025
heywell, the innovative sparkling functional water brand, is making a bold leap forward in 2025 with rapid growth and major retail expansion. Following a year of tripling its DTC business and doubling its overall business year-over-year, heywell extends its brick-and-mortar footprint into almost 900 new stores across the U.S. with key retail partners including Target, The Fresh Market, Hy-Vee, Fresh Thyme, and Mariano’s—with more key retail partners to be announced soon.
As health-conscious consumers seek cleaner, multi-benefit drinks, heywell is outpacing the flavored sparkling water category by 5x (SPINS, 52 weeks ending 1/26/25). Thoughtfully made with adaptogens, antioxidants, minerals, herbs, and organic caffeine, heywell delivers all-day wellness support in a delicious, convenient format.
“We created heywell as an all-day ally—offering multiple functional benefits in each can to help people manage the demands of modern life,” says Ashley Selman, CEO of heywell. “Our drinks provide a combination of benefits like hydration plus stress support or energy plus immunity, making wellness easier and more efficient—without compromising on taste. The key to success in functional beverages isn’t just being healthy—it’s being craveable.”
With the functional beverage market projected to hit $62 billion by 2027 (SPINS), heywell has built its success on a disciplined, thoughtful expansion strategy—partnering with the right retailers at the right time and investing where it matters most: at the point of purchase. This latest expansion builds on heywell’s existing presence in 2,000 stores nationwide, including Erewhon, Central Market, Wegmans, Gelson’s, and more.
heywell’s latest innovation, energy + hydrate lemon fizz, launched to overwhelming success last year. Featuring 75mg of organic green coffee bean caffeine, L-theanine for focus, and natural electrolytes for hydration, the flavor taps into two of the largest functional beverage categories: energy ($6.8 billion) and hydration ($6.3 billion) (SPINS).
Now, with strong consumer demand and proven traction in retail, heywell is preparing for its next move: its first-ever marketing campaign.
As health-conscious consumers seek cleaner, multi-benefit drinks, heywell is outpacing the flavored sparkling water category by 5x (SPINS, 52 weeks ending 1/26/25). Thoughtfully made with adaptogens, antioxidants, minerals, herbs, and organic caffeine, heywell delivers all-day wellness support in a delicious, convenient format.
“We created heywell as an all-day ally—offering multiple functional benefits in each can to help people manage the demands of modern life,” says Ashley Selman, CEO of heywell. “Our drinks provide a combination of benefits like hydration plus stress support or energy plus immunity, making wellness easier and more efficient—without compromising on taste. The key to success in functional beverages isn’t just being healthy—it’s being craveable.”
With the functional beverage market projected to hit $62 billion by 2027 (SPINS), heywell has built its success on a disciplined, thoughtful expansion strategy—partnering with the right retailers at the right time and investing where it matters most: at the point of purchase. This latest expansion builds on heywell’s existing presence in 2,000 stores nationwide, including Erewhon, Central Market, Wegmans, Gelson’s, and more.
heywell’s latest innovation, energy + hydrate lemon fizz, launched to overwhelming success last year. Featuring 75mg of organic green coffee bean caffeine, L-theanine for focus, and natural electrolytes for hydration, the flavor taps into two of the largest functional beverage categories: energy ($6.8 billion) and hydration ($6.3 billion) (SPINS).
Now, with strong consumer demand and proven traction in retail, heywell is preparing for its next move: its first-ever marketing campaign.
“heywell has taken a unique path, showing strong product market fit and reaching profitability through organic growth and strategic distribution,” says Selman. “We’ve doubled our business year over year with almost no marketing spend” says Selman. “Now, it’s time to accelerate. With deep beverage marketing experience, co-founder Britt Dougherty, our CMO Scott Coligan, and I are ready to scale heywell’s momentum and build an even stronger community around our brand. 2025 is going to be an incredible year.”
- energy + immunity sparkling grapefruit
- energy + focus sparkling strawberry lemon
- energy + lift sparkling orange mango
- energy + lift sparkling cherry limeade
- energy + hydrate lemon fizz
- calm + hydrate sparkling lime
- calm + restore sparkling blackberry ginger
About heywell
Founded by Ashley Selman (CEO) and Britt Dougherty (COO), heywell was created to make wellness simpler and more accessible for everyone, every day. Unlike many functional beverages that prioritized function over flavor, heywell thoughtfully blends powerful ingredients with delicious taste, delivering the best of both worlds. Follow @livingheywell and learn more at livingheywell.com.
Media Contact
Ashley Selman
ashley@livingheywell.com
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