Newsroom

Battery Mineral Resources Corp. (TSXV: BMR) (OTCQB: BTRMF) (“Battery” or “BMR” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has closed a third, and final, tranche of the private placement (the “Private Placement”) of senior unsecured convertible debentures (the “Debentures”), which was previously announced on October 17, 2023, October 19, 2023, November 3, 2023, December 19, 2023 and February 2, 2024 (the “Offering”).

Gross proceeds for the third tranche total US$1,000,000 (C$1,349,300). Together with the first tranche of the Offering, which closed on October 19, 2023 for gross proceeds of US$1,370,000 (C$1,871,557), and the second tranche of the Offering, which closed on November 3, 2023 for gross proceeds of US$1,915,000 (C$2,660,234), the Company raised an aggregate of US$4,285,000 (C$5,881,091) under the Offering. Weston Energy II LLC, an existing shareholder of the Company, participated in the third closing in the amount of US$1,000,000 (C$1,349,300).

The proceeds from the Debentures will be applied towards working capital and the restart of copper concentrate production at its Punitaqui copper project in Chile (the “Restart”).

Offering Terms (as previously disclosed)

As previously announced, the Debentures will mature on September 30, 2026 (the “Maturity Date”) and will bear interest at 10% per annum, compounding annually on September 30 of each year, not in advance. Interest accrued from the date of issuance up to and including March 30, 2025, will be paid by way of issuance of common shares of the Company. Interest accrued following March 30, 2025, will be, at the option of the holder, paid either in cash or by way of issuance of common shares of the Company. The issuance of common shares as payment of interest will be at the then current market price of the Company’s common shares at the date the interest becomes payable and will be subject to the prior acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable securities laws.

The holder of a Debenture may, at their option, at any time from March 31, 2024, and prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the Maturity Date, convert all, but not less than all, of the principal amount of such Debenture into common shares of the Company at the conversion price of US$0.22 per share (approximately C$0.30 per share).

All Debentures issued in the Private Placement and in connection with the debt consolidation are subject to a four month hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws and under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Debenture issuances are subject to final approval by the TSX Venture Exchange.

Exchange Rates

All USD amounts for which CAD equivalent amounts are given in this news release were calculated at CAD/USD exchange rate of 1.3493, the exchange rate published by the Bank of Canada on February 15, 2024.

MI 61-101 Matters

Weston Energy LLC and Weston Energy II LLC are “related parties” to BMR pursuant to pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101“). Prior to giving effect to the transactions disclosed in this news release, Weston Energy LLC and Weston Energy II LLC and its affiliates owned or controlled (directly or indirectly) 107,578,740 BMR Common Shares on an undiluted basis and 175,201,710 BMR Common Shares assuming the conversion of the Company’s Debentures (representing approximately 60.60% of the outstanding BMR Common Shares on an undiluted basis, and approximately 65.66% of the outstanding BMR Common Shares assuming the conversion of the Company’s Debentures).

Weston Energy II LLC’s participation in the Private Placement constitutes a “related party transaction” for the purposes of MI 6-101. The transaction is exempt from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 as BMR is not listed on a specified market that would require compliance with such formal valuation requirements (as set forth in Section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101) and is further exempt from the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 by virtue of Section 5.7(e) of MI 61-101 which provides that a related party transaction is exempt from the minority shareholder approval requirements if the issuer is in serious financial difficulty, the transaction is designed to improve the financial position of the company (among other criteria) and there is no other requirement to hold a meeting of shareholders to approve the transaction.

Disclaimers

The Debentures (including any issued in future closings) will be sold in a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and will be sold only to persons reasonably believed to be accredited investors in the United States under Rule 506 under the Securities Act and outside the United States only to non-U.S. persons in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act.

The Debentures and the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Debentures, if any, have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an applicable exemption from such registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Debentures or any shares of common stock potentially issuable upon conversion of the Debentures nor shall there be any sale of Debentures (or shares issuable upon conversion thereof) in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state.

There can be no assurance that any future offerings of Debentures will be completed.

About Battery Mineral Resources Corp.

BMR is a battery minerals company providing shareholders exposure to the global mega-trend of electrification while being focused on growth through cash-flow, exploration, and acquisitions in favourable mining jurisdictions. BMR’s mission is the discovery, acquisition, and development of battery metals (namely cobalt, lithium, graphite, and copper), in North America, South America and South Korea and to become a premier and responsible supplier of battery minerals to the electrification marketplace. BMR is currently pursuing a near-term resumption of operations of the Punitaqui Mining Complex, a past copper-gold-silver producer, in the Coquimbo region of Chile. BMR is the largest mineral claim holder in the historic Gowganda Cobalt-Silver Camp in Ontario, Canada, and continues to pursue a focused program to build on the recently announced, +1-million-pound high-grade cobalt resource at McAra. In addition, Battery Mineral owns 100% of ESI Energy Services, Inc. (including ESI’s wholly owned USA operating subsidiary, Ozzie’s, Inc.), a profitable mainline pipeline and renewable energy equipment rental and sales company with operations in Alberta, Canada and Arizona, USA. Battery Mineral Resources is based in Canada and its shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “BMR” and on the OTCQB under the symbol “BTRMF”. Further information about BMR and its projects can be found on www.bmrcorp.com.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes certain “forward-looking statements” under applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections of the Company on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing (including through the Private Placement) to complete exploration and development activities, the ability of the Company to close further tranches of the Private Placement, the completion, timing and size of the proposed Private Placement, the intended use of the proceeds of the Private Placement, risks related to share price and market conditions, the inherent risks involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties, the ability of the Company to meet its anticipated development schedule, government regulation and fluctuating metal prices. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Battery undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. For further information regarding the risks please refer to the risk factors discussed in Battery’s most recent Management Discussion and Analysis filed on SEDAR+.

Media Contact

Martin Kostuik, CEO

+1 604-229-3830

info@bmrcorp.com

Media Contact

Martin Kostuik
info@bmrcorp.com

The prestigious Retirement Management Advisor® Certification can now be completed at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business as part of the immersive Chicago Booth RMA® Capstone experience.

In partnership with The University of Chicago Booth School of Business—ranked the No. 1 Best Business School by the US News & World Report in 2023–2024—the Institute’s RMA Certification program offers strategies and practical tools to build custom retirement income plans, mitigate clients' risks, and master the retirement planning advisory process. Designed specifically for today’s leading retirement professionals, this program’s cutting-edge curriculum will empower advisors with elevated, specialized capabilities, helping to differentiate their practices in a crowded and growing marketplace.

The RMA® Capstone is a core component of the RMA® Certification program, and may be completed entirely online, or as part of a two-day, in-person executive education experience on the campus of the Chicago Booth School of Business. While onsite, candidates will have direct access to top industry practitioners and academic experts, including Clinical Associate Professor of Strategic Management, Kathleen Fitzgerald, and Merle Erickson, Ph.D., distinguished Professor of Accounting.

“Chicago Booth is extremely proud to administer both the Retirement Management Advisor certification curriculum and the RMA® Capstone experience for today’s most successful retirement advisors,” said Mark Lewis, Executive Director of Executive Education at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. “Our partnership with the Institute already runs deep, teaching advanced curriculums for the Institute’s industry leading CIMA® and CWPA® certifications, and the addition of the RMA® program completes a world-class triumvirate.”

Advisors accepted into this cohort will be eligible to attend the onsite Chicago Booth RMA® Capstone experience in downtown Chicago from October 9–10, 2024. Taking place at the Gleacher Center on the Chicago Booth campus, this two-day education and test-prep symposium will culminate with the RMA® Certification Exam on October 10.

“Today’s professional retirement management advisors are staring at a truly generational business opportunity. Mass-affluent and high-net-worth Baby Boomers are already retiring in enormous numbers, and this trend will only gain momentum as the next two decades unfold,” said Mike Kurz, Director of Programs at the Investments & Wealth Institute. “Therefore, the exceptional advisor will be looking to position themselves with the practical knowledge and skills to expertly serve this quickly expanding market—but also to achieve industry acclaimed designations and credentials that will help them differentiate and successfully market their retirement management expertise. The RMA® certification with Chicago Booth’s executive education experience provides exactly what these motivated entrepreneurs will need to compete successfully in the future.”

Registration is now open. Interested advisors must complete their RMA® application by April 1, 2024 to take part in the 2024 Capstone offering at Chicago Booth.

All advisors accepted into the upcoming RMA® cohort will experience a foundational, five-month intensive executive education program, beginning in May 2024. The core curriculum offers guided self-study modules of on-demand readings, recorded lectures, case studies, analysis with worksheets, use of a specialized financial calculator, and periodic sectional quizzes. The RMA® program teaches proficiency and excellence in retirement planning, including the management of the decumulation life stage, which is a critical need for many clients. It also increases proficiency in building custom retirement income plans through holistic discussions and discovery processes that reflect a client’s unique retirement situation. To be certified, candidates are also required to meet a three-year experience threshold, pass a comprehensive background check, complete online education modules, and pass a 115-question certification examination.

Interested parties can learn more about the RMA® Certification program here and can apply for the program online. An introductory webinar is available here.

Private cohorts for corporate clients are also available; please contact Kari Estes at kestes@i-w.org for information. Learn more about the new RMA® Capstone program here.

About Investments & Wealth Institute

Founded in 1985, the Investments & Wealth Institute is the premier professional association, education provider, and standards body for financial advisors. Through its award-winning events, publications, courses, and acclaimed certifications — Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®), Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®), and Retirement Management Advisor® (RMA®) — the Institute delivers Ivy League-quality, highly-practical education to more than 30,000 practitioners annually in over 40 countries. Members of the Institute include the industry's most successful investment consultants, advanced financial planners, and private wealth managers who embrace excellence and ethics in applying a broad set of knowledge and skills in their daily work with clients. Learn more at https://investmentsandwealth.org/.

About The University of Chicago Booth School of Business

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business has a long history of groundbreaking advancements that have revolutionized the financial industry. Chicago Booth is home to ten Nobel laureates who have helped define the study of economics and the nature of today’s financial markets—including 2013 recipient Eugene F. Fama, widely recognized as the “father of modern finance,” and 2017 recipient Richard H. Thaler, a “founding father” of behavioral economics. Chicago Booth is the alma mater of countless alumni in the investment management industry—making it the ideal setting for financial professionals who want to elevate their understanding of investment management and portfolio construction, gain access to renowned faculty and industry experts, and expand their clientele. Chicago Booth has campuses in Chicago, London, and Hong Kong. Learn more at https://www.chicagobooth.edu/executiveeducation.

Media Contact

Allison Edmondson

+1 303-850-3207

aedmondson@i-w.org

Media Contact

Allison Edmondson
aedmondson@i-w.org

Bank of the Lowcountry, announced the opening of its newest full-service branch in West Ashley. Located at 1923 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, this expansion aims to bridge the gap between the existing Mt. Pleasant and Ravenel branches while providing community-focused and relationship-driven banking services to current and new customers.

"We are excited to expand our franchise into the West Ashley area of Charleston, SC," Marc Bogan, CEO of Bank of the Lowcountry, commented. "We have a great team, led by our Market President, Chase Talbert, and can’t wait to bring our style of community banking to this growing area of Charleston."

EVP and Market President for Bank of the Lowcountry Chase Talbert noted, "The opening of our West Ashley branch furthers our goal of expanding the bank's Charleston footprint to better serve our current and future clients. Centrally located between our Mt Pleasant and Ravenel branches, the new location on Sam Rittenberg Blvd is the ideal next step. As a West Ashley resident myself, I look forward to sharing our bank and its relationship-focused culture with this amazing community."

"We are thrilled to be open in West Ashley!" announced new branch manager, VP, and Consumer Lender Raymond Murray. "As a resident of West Ashley for over 50 years, it is nice to be able to bring Bank of the Lowcountry’s style of community banking to my home area. Our local knowledge and decision-making will be assets to the West Ashley community!"

With the successful launch of its newest branch, Bank of the Lowcountry expects to strengthen relationships with the Charleston community. The West Ashley team is looking forward to an official grand opening ceremony in the future but in the meantime, they encourage customers, friends, and community members to stop by 1923 Sam Rittenberg Blvd to visit and celebrate this milestone with them. 

About Bank of the Lowcountry

Headquartered 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

+1 843-782-5531

smurdaugh@banklowcountry.com

Media Contact

Samantha Murdaugh
smurdaugh@banklowcountry.com

PerVista, a company dedicated to addressing the increasing issue of mass shootings in the United States, announced today that it has launched a $1.235 million seed round on Wefunder. This funding will enable PerVista to expand its operations and further develop innovative solutions to prevent such tragic incidents. Notably, Cedric Nash, also known as "Your Millionaire Mentor," an acclaimed entrepreneur, wealth coach, and founder of The Black Wealth Summit, has invested in this round, recognizing the importance of PerVista's mission.

In the past decade, there has been a disturbing escalation in the number of school shootings across the country. Ten incidents were reported in 2010, while a staggering 346 occurred in 2023. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for effective measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students and faculty. PerVista's initiative to raise capital on Wefunder reflects its commitment to addressing this pressing issue and implementing innovative solutions.

PerVista is focused on providing comprehensive and technology-driven approaches to prevent mass shootings. By leveraging advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence, and predictive modeling, PerVista aims to identify potential threats and intervene proactively. Additionally, the company offers training programs and resources to educate schools and communities on early detection, intervention strategies, and crisis management.

Vennard Wright, founder of PerVista, stated, "We are thrilled to launch this investment campaign on Wefunder with the support of Cedric Nash and other prominent investors. This funding will enable us to accelerate our efforts in combating the rise of school shootings and work towards creating a safer environment for students and educators. We are determined to make a lasting impact and bring about positive change through our innovative solutions."

Looking ahead, PerVista plans to utilize the raised capital to further enhance its technological capabilities and expand its reach to more schools and educational institutions nationwide. The company aims to collaborate with key stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, mental health professionals, and community organizations, to create a comprehensive network for preventing school shootings.

For more information about PerVista and its mission to combat school shootings, please visit https://pervista.com and https://wefunder.com/pervista.

About PerVista

Located in the Washington, DC region, PerVista is a company dedicated to preventing school shootings through innovative technology and comprehensive solutions. By leveraging data analytics, artificial intelligence, and proactive intervention strategies, PerVista aims to create a safer environment for students and educators. The company also provides training programs and resources to educate schools and communities on early detection, crisis management, and intervention strategies. For more information, visit https://pervista.com.

Media Contact

Vennard Wright

vwright@pervista.com

Media Contact

Vennard Wright
vwright@pervista.com

DealMaker, a trailblazer in online capital raising solutions, is thrilled to announce the promotion of Jonathan Stidd to Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Jonathan, a leader in digital marketing, steps into his new role to steer DealMaker through its next phase of growth and innovation.

"Jonathan's track record of raising over $600 million for issuers digitally has defined this industry," said Rebecca Kacaba, CEO & co-founder of DealMaker. "He leads with vision and drive. His expertise, innovation and strong character are exactly what DealMaker needs to lead the charge into a new era of online capital raising."

As CMO, Jonathan aims to position DealMaker as the definitive brand for capital raising in the digital age. His strategies are poised to leverage DealMaker's sophisticated suite of primary issuance and shareholder management solutions, which have already processed over $2B in transactions and over 1M investments. His vision to empower brands and founders with streamlined capital-raising solutions is a driving force for cutting-edge industry techniques.

Jonathan is no stranger to the DealMaker family, having led Reach, the in-house digital marketing agency acquired by DealMaker in 2022. His journey to this point is marked by a series of entrepreneurial successes and a deep-seated passion for digital marketing and growth strategy. Jonathan co-founded Ridge Growth Agency in 2017, quickly establishing it as a powerhouse in digital marketing for equity crowdfunding. Under his leadership, Ridge Growth Agency propelled its clients to achieve hundreds of millions of dollars in financing, culminating in its acquisition by DealMaker.

"Joining DealMaker has been a highlight in my career. I'm excited to leverage my experience to further innovate our marketing strategies and help more founders realize their dreams," said Jonathan Stidd. "DealMaker is at the forefront of online capital raising, and I am thrilled to be part of a team that is not only setting but exceeding industry standards."

Under Jonathan's leadership, DealMaker is set to enhance its market presence and continue its trajectory of success, making capital raising accessible and efficient for issuers and organizations worldwide.

For more information about DealMaker and its services, visit dealmaker.tech.

About DealMaker

DealMaker is making online capital raising mainstream with a sophisticated suite of primary issuance and shareholder management solutions, including investor ranking algorithms and data analytics tools. Its mission is to put brands and founders in control, running streamlined, successful capital raises in one centralized platform for investors globally. The company has offices in Toronto, Canada; Austin, Texas; and Tampa, Florida. Visit DealMaker.tech for more information.

Media Contact

Natasha Jose

natasha.jose@dealmaker.tech

Media Contact

Natasha Jose
natasha.jose@dealmaker.tech

PathAI, Inc., a leading AI-powered precision pathology company, today announced an expanded and exclusive relationship with Roche Tissue Diagnostics (RTD) that will bring AI-enabled interpretation to companion diagnostics. Building upon the success of their initial partnership announced in October of 2021, this expanded collaboration will provide an integrated and streamlined solution for biopharma sponsors looking to develop AI-enabled companion diagnostics.

Under this agreement, PathAI will exclusively work with Roche Tissue Diagnostics (RTD) to develop AI-enabled digital pathology algorithms in the companion diagnostics space. RTD will work exclusively with PathAI for a pre-specified term as the sole external algorithm development company for AI-powered companion diagnostics, while retaining the ability to continue to develop its own algorithms for companion diagnostics. PathAI will retain the ability to freely develop algorithms outside of companion diagnostics.

RTD and PathAI will create an integrated CDx assay, plus algorithm development process, to provide biopharma sponsors a seamless solution for AI-enabled companion diagnostics. With the increasing investment in immuno-oncology (IO) and now antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), the need for diagnostic tools that are optimized for patient selection will be critical for development, regulatory, and commercial success.

"This collaboration with Roche is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing the field of digital pathology and AI-enabled diagnostics for both drug development and clinical care,” said Dr. Andy Beck, CEO and Co-Founder of PathAI. “High medical value diagnostic products with seamless integration into the laboratory workflow will accelerate the transition to digital pathology as the standard to aid clinicians in diagnosis and biomarker characterization."

These co-developed, AI-enabled assays will be commercialized globally through Roche’s navify® Digital Pathology platform. PathAI will continue to distribute its AISight® Image Management System (IMS), and its broad portfolio of algorithmic products.

“As the market leader in companion diagnostics, we strive to continuously bring new innovations in personalized healthcare,” said Jill German, Head of Roche Tissue Diagnostics. “This collaboration with PathAI will allow us to accelerate our ability to meet the demand from biopharma companies looking to develop AI-enabled companion diagnostics, and provide them with a powerful end-to-end solution in the pursuit of precision therapeutics.”

To learn more about this partnership, contact PathAI (BD@PathAI.com) to organize a meeting.

About PathAI

PathAI is a recognized leader in the biopharma partnering space, uniquely combining AI-powered pathology solutions with end-to-end central pathology and histology services. The company supports biopharma partners in executing clinical trials where pathology-based endpoints, biomarker classification, and/or superior histology quality are critical to successfully gauging therapeutic efficacy, accelerating drug development for complex diseases. PathAI has already supported multiple Phase 2 clinical trials in NASH, IBD, and breast cancer, as well as oncology neoadjuvant trials, and is now expanding into larger scale global Phase 3 studies, as well as additional indications.

PathAI provides a fully integrated approach to clinical trials, enabling pharma partners to leverage the power of AI without the heavy lift of implementation. This helps reduce the impact of challenges associated with clinical trials, including unreliable turnaround times, variable histology, stain or scan/digitization quality, and challenging assessment of histological endpoints. The lab offers all major immunohistochemistry staining platforms, with flexible workflows across different scanners, stains, and biopsy types, which improves the quality of clinical trials. Services include access to PathAI’s extensive network of over 500 US Board Certified pathologists to perform high quality reading with rapid turnaround time in a cost-effective manner, plus seamless integration of PathAI's advanced AI-solutions to ensure high-quality, reproducible results with every scan.

PathAI is headquartered in Boston, MA, and manages a CAP/CLIA-certified diagnostics clinical laboratory (formerly known as Poplar Healthcare)—one of the country’s largest anatomic pathology labs—in Memphis, TN. For more information, please visit www.pathai.com.

Media Contact

Maggie Naples

+1 401-490-9700

pathai@svmpr.com

Media Contact

Maggie Naples
pathai@svmpr.com

qBeam, Inc. (qBeam), a leader in the development of groundbreaking optical products, today announced the general availability of its handheld laser ablation device for enabling free space optical communications (FSOC) from indoor office locations. The qBeam window ablation laser allows optical communication terminals to be installed indoors by treating the windows that otherwise block the terminal’s infrared beam.

Commercial buildings utilize energy efficient windows to reduce HVAC operating costs. These windows include a low-E coating which blocks infrared (IR) wavelengths and thus limit heat from escaping to the outside. Unfortunately, the low-E coating also precludes operating optical communications equipment from indoor locations.

qBeam’s handheld device uses a laser beam to create a small “opening” in the low-E coating to allow IR energy to pass through with minimal attenuation. This results in a dramatic improvement in transmission for free space optical communications.

The portable laser system includes a variable focus-depth capability to accommodate most commercial windows, and can create “openings” of approximately 4” x 4” without repositioning the device. Larger openings require multiple applications. The process is permanent and can be applied in a matter of minutes.

The window ablation laser device complements qBeam’s existing line for FSOC modems by enabling their installation in more locations. The qBeam FSOC modem, released in 2023, offers a lower cost alternative to fiber optic solutions for terrestrial networks when mated to a compatible optical terminal. In the past, free space optics failed to gain traction because legacy FSOC modems did not adequately account for the impact of atmospheric turbulence.

The qBeam FSOC modem works differently. It includes forward error correction capabilities and a fade tolerant mode that provide end-to-end protection for transmitted data. As a result, the qBeam FSOC modem supports longer ranges and higher data rates than legacy systems, delivering unsurpassed stability, reliability, and performance.

The plug-and-play qBeam FSOC modem integrates seamlessly with existing optical terminals to rapidly deliver these and other advantages to infrastructures already in place. It works with traditional gigabit Ethernet (GigE) networks, supporting both GigE and 2.5 GigE client connections via a standard RJ-45 or SFP+ interface. qBeam is actively seeking relationships with optical terminal manufacturers to make it even easier for customers to quickly deploy a more holistic FSOC solution. qBeam plans to release an optical terminal in late 2024.

“For too long, optical communications have suffered from untapped potential, leaving government and commercial entities with a variety of unsatisfactory choices to best support their terrestrial and ground-space communications requirements,” said Eugene Estinto, qBeam’s President and CEO. “Our innovative FSOC modems and window ablation systems unlock that potential with a compelling and easy-to-use product that immediately provides value and changes the landscape for our customers.”

About qBeam

Formed in 2014 and headquartered in Leesburg, VA, qBeam Inc. develops optical/laser products and simulation and modeling software for communication links. The company designs and manufactures innovative free space optical (FSO) modems, multi-spectral infrared cameras, laser etching/ablation systems, and optical range simulators. It also authored the Embed/Comm physical layer communication simulation software addon. For more information about our technology company and products, please visit www.qbeaminc.com.

Media Contact

Eugene Estinto

eugene.estinto@qbeaminc.com

Media Contact

Eugene Estinto
eugene.estinto@qbeaminc.com

Battery Mineral Resources Corp. (TSXV: BMR) (OTCQB: BTRMF) (“Battery” or “BMR” or the “Company”) is very pleased to announce the execution of an Offtake Agreement (or the “Agreement”) with Anglo American Sur. S.A. (“Anglo” or “Anglo American”) a division of Anglo-American PLC.

Anglo’s Chagres smelter in Catemu, Chile has agreed to sell up to 240,000 Dry Metric Tonnes (“DMT”) of copper slags to be processed into copper concentrates at BMR’s Punitaqui copper flotation plant. Anglo has agreed to purchase all the copper concentrate to be produced from the supply of copper slags. The terms and conditions of the Agreement are benchmark for this type of concentrate. BMR anticipates the processing of copper slags will commence within approximately 90 days, subject to completing certain plant maintenance and upgrade activities. The Agreement is in addition to the agreements previously entered into between the Company and Javelin Global Commodities (“Javelin”), as such agreements were announced by the Company on February 12, 2024. Javelin shall not market the copper concentrates processed from copper slags and shall not be paid any commission in respect thereof.

Battery CEO and director Martin Kostuik stated: “We are extremely pleased to announce this agreement, which comes at a perfect time for BMR. The Agreement provides the Company low-cost copper bearing material to be processed at our Punitaqui flotation plant while Battery begins commissioning of the plant. It allows BMR to generate cash flow from copper sales while the Cinabrio, San Andres and Dalmacia mines will be ramping up to reach full production.”

Furthermore, by allowing BMR to process slags, which are a by-product of previously smelted ores, the Agreement further demonstrates the Company’s ongoing commitment to the Environmental portion of its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principals. Specifically, the processing of slags does not include activities which would otherwise be undertaken by BMR when processing fresh ore from its mines, including but not limited to underground drilling, blasting and mining.

BMR is pleased to have entered into an Agreement that is both economically and environmentally beneficial.

About Battery Mineral Resources Corp.

Battery Mineral Resources is a battery minerals company providing shareholders exposure to the global mega-trend of electrification while being focused on growth through cash-flow, exploration, and acquisitions in favourable mining jurisdictions. Battery Mineral’s mission is the discovery, acquisition, and development of battery metals (namely cobalt, lithium, graphite, and copper), in North America, South America and South Korea and to become a premier and responsible supplier of battery minerals to the electrification marketplace. BMR is currently pursuing a near-term resumption of operations of the Punitaqui Mining Complex, a past copper-gold-silver producer, in the Coquimbo region of Chile. BMR is the largest mineral claim holder in the historic Gowganda Cobalt-Silver Camp in Ontario, Canada, and continues to pursue a focused program to build on the recently announced, +1-million-pound high-grade cobalt resource at McAra. In addition, Battery Mineral owns 100% of ESI Energy Services, Inc. (including ESI’s wholly owned USA operating subsidiary, Ozzie’s, Inc.), a profitable mainline pipeline and renewable energy equipment rental and sales company with operations in Alberta, Canada and Arizona, USA. Battery Mineral Resources is based in Canada and its shares are listed on the Toronto Venture Exchange under the symbol “BMR” and on the OTCQB under the symbol “BTRMF”. Further information about BMR and its projects can be found on www.bmrcorp.com.

Twitter: @BMRcorp_

Facebook: Battery Mineral Resources Corp. | Facebook

LinkedIn: Battery Mineral Resources Corp. | LinkedIn

Website: www.bmrcorp.com

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes certain “forward-looking statements” under applicable Canadian securities legislation. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections of the Company on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to complete exploration and development activities, the ability of the Company to secure the Advances under the Loan Agreement, timing of the completion of the Company’s audit, risks related to share price and market conditions, the inherent risks involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties, the ability of the Company to meet its anticipated development schedule, government regulation and fluctuating metal prices. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Battery undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Media Contact

Martin Kostuik, CEO

+1 604-229-3830

info@bmrcorp.com

Media Contact

Martin Kostuik
info@bmrcorp.com

The Government of Maharashtra and Pegasus Capital Advisors have entered into a cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at exploring the potential of maximizing opportunities in the food security and food processing sector in Maharashtra. This agreement was formalized during the Government of Maharashtra's participation at the World Economic Forum 2024.

The MoU outlines a collaborative effort between Pegasus Capital Advisors, a global private markets impact investment fund, and the Government of Maharashtra to explore and develop food processing units in the state of Maharashtra and the UAE. The Government of Maharashtra will share an operational plan within 90 days, detailing the opportunities for collaboration and identifying trusted partners and entities.

Maharashtra, with its robust agriculture sector and logistical capabilities, is well-positioned to address the GCC food security needs and this collaboration with Pegasus Capital Advisors aligns with the government’s vision to empower 11 million farmers in the state.

Craig Cogut, Partner at Pegasus Capital Advisors, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are eager to contribute to the vision of creating a sustainable food processing economy and empowering millions of farmers in Maharashtra. This partnership is important to building a resilient and integrated food supply chain and strengthening natural farming practices."

The Government of Maharashtra's ambitious initiative focuses on addressing the UAE's and GCCs immediate food basket requirements, promoting increased production capacity, and supporting the development of the food processing sector.

The comprehensive plan encompasses key aspects designed to bring about transformative changes in the food security and food processing sector. First, it prioritizes the empowerment of Maharashtra's 11 million farmers, facilitating their access to markets and cutting-edge agricultural technology through strategic partnerships. Secondly, the initiative positions Maharashtra as a long-term supplier of essential food items such as millet, soybean, wheat, and sugarcane, effectively meeting the pressing food security needs of the UAE.

The third focal point involves the establishment of state-of-the-art food processing units in both Maharashtra and the UAE, promising the creation of skilled employment opportunities and a significant economic boost for both regions. Lastly, by leveraging the UAE as a pivotal export hub, the collaboration seeks to penetrate new markets in the GCC, Central Asia, and Africa, establishing a robust and diversified food supply chain.

These key aspects collectively underscore a holistic approach that addresses immediate food security concerns and fosters economic growth, technological advancement, and international trade.

The collaborative effort seeks to achieve positive economic, social, environmental, and health impacts for the UAE and India. Notable outcomes include empowering farmers, boosting the Indian economy through exports, building food processing infrastructure in the UAE, and promoting the "Make in India" and "Made in UAE" vision.

About Pegasus Global Capital Advisors

Pegasus Capital Advisors is a leading global private markets impact investment manager, dedicated to fostering sustainable and inclusive growth. As the first U.S. private equity fund manager accredited by the Green Climate Fund, Pegasus Capital Advisors invests in companies and technologies that aim to make a measurable, long-lasting impact. Explore more at www.pcalp.com.

Media Contact

Courtney Bonness

Riff City Strategies

courtney.bonness@riffcitystrategies.com

Media Contact

Courtney Bonness
courtney.bonness@riffcitystrategies.com

Andrew Reynolds joins Roberts & Ryan as Managing Director and has more than 30 years of experience in equity trading, capital markets, portfolio management, options & derivatives, sales & business development, investor relations, and corporate compliance.

Prior to joining Roberts & Ryan, Mr. Reynolds was Head of Equity Trading and a Registered Principal at Tullett Prebon and KCCI Ltd. Before that, he was Head Trader and Floor Broker at Tradition North America and R.J. Murphy & Associates. Prior to that, he was Head Trader at Preferred Technology. Mr. Reynolds began his career as an Options Clerk at Pershing, LLC.

“Andrew brings extensive experience in equity trading and represents Roberts & Ryan’s commitment to providing best in class service and execution,” said James McDevitt, Roberts & Ryan’s Senior Director of Equity Sales and Trading, Capital Markets. “He will be a tremendous advocate for our social mission of supporting veterans and their families. I’m very excited to have him join our team.”

Mr. Reynolds is a member of the Securities Traders Association (STA), the Securities Traders Association of New York (STANY), Philadelphia Traders (ITAP), and the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI). He holds SIE and FINRA Series 7, 24, 25, 55, 57 & 63 licenses.

Mr. Reynolds served as a Technical Warfare Specialist, Team Leader, and Group Leader in the 25th Infantry Division of the United States Army and is a graduate of Archbishop Ryan in Philadelphia.

About Roberts and Ryan

Roberts & Ryan, Inc. is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned (SDVO) broker-dealer with execution capabilities in the capital markets, equities, and fixed-income trading. The firm was founded in 1987 by a United States Marine Corps Vietnam combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient.

With over $1.8 million in committed donations, Roberts & Ryan is active in donating to charitable foundations that make significant positive impacts in the lives of Veterans and their families, primarily focusing on general wellness, mental health, and career transition. To learn more about Roberts & Ryan, please visit www.roberts-ryan.com.

Media Contact

Michael C. Del Priore

+1 646-859-4061

mdelpriore@roberts-ryan.com

Media Contact

Michael C. Del Priore
mdelpriore@roberts-ryan.com

StreamLayer, a leader in the monetization of live OTT sports content, has appointed Geoff Reiss, the former GM of Yahoo Sports, as the company’s new chairman. Reiss, who also served as Head of Sports at Twitter and CEO of the Professional Bowlers Association, has an extensive record of leading groundbreaking sports media businesses, including his role in launching ESPN.com and ESPN's fantasy platform.

As StreamLayer experiences a surge in demand for its video monetization technology, Reiss's timing couldn't be more opportune. The company's technology is increasingly sought after for its ability to unlock new revenue sources and attract younger audiences, a necessity as the industry undergoes a difficult transition from linear TV to streaming.

StreamLayer is also planning to unveil a groundbreaking event-triggered, in-game advertising solution later this year, and Reiss will play a key role in its introduction to the market.

"We're honored to have Geoff on board,” said John Ganschow, StreamLayer CEO. “His expertise in commercialization and partnership development will be invaluable as we tap into these new opportunities and expand our global reach across the sports media sector."

“StreamLayer is at the forefront of developing new and incredibly exciting ways for fans to engage with live sports, and I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to help them become a fixture within the industry,” said Reiss.

About StreamLayer

StreamLayer is revolutionizing the economic model for OTT providers around the globe. The Company’s proprietary Video Engagement Operating System (VEOS) enables content programmers and broadcast rights holders to transform linear streaming video feeds into highly monetizable interactive viewing experiences, seamlessly integrated into their own native app environments to facilitate valuable first-party data collection. StreamLayer is headquartered in Chicago, IL.

Media Contact

John Ganschow

+1 312-543-0488

john@streamlayer.io

Media Contact

John Ganschow
john@streamlayer.io

Hammer & Nails was recognized as one of the top 500 franchises in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, the world’s first and most comprehensive franchise ranking. For 45 years, the annual Entrepreneur Franchise 500® has been a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry and recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees. The 2024 Franchise 500® ranks Hammer & Nails as 368 for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.

“Every brand on the Franchise 500 has its own unique story, but they all collectively make the same statement: Franchising is strong and resilient, is full of innovation and opportunity, and provides a powerful entrepreneurial path for many people,” says Jason Feifer, editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur magazine. “Our 45th annual ranking is full of companies with fresh ideas, exciting business models, cultural sway, and the kind of business sophistication that will define the next 45 years and beyond.”

In Entrepreneur’s continuing effort to best understand and evaluate the ever-changing franchise marketplace, the company’s ranking formula continues to evolve as well. The editorial team researches and assesses several factors, including costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Each franchise is then given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500® in ranked order.

Over its 45 years in existence, the Franchise 500® has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. Hammer & Nails’s position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.

To view Hammer & Nails in the full ranking, visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500 or pick up a copy of the January/February 2024 issue of Entrepreneur on newsstands now.

About Hammer & Nails

Hammer & Nails is a distinguished grooming destination dedicated to providing men with an exceptional grooming experience in an upscale environment. With a focus on quality, relaxation, and rejuvenation, Hammer & Nails has become synonymous with luxury in the grooming industry. Visit https://hammerandnailsgrooming.com/ to learn more.

Media Contact

Madison Baber

+1 210-213-2426

madison@rprfirm.com

Media Contact

Madison Baber
madison@rprfirm.com

True Colors® International, a global leader with a 45-year legacy in delivering unparalleled training and development services, today announced the upcoming launch of the True Colors® Healthcare Personality Online Assessment specifically designed for healthcare professionals.

With the healthcare industry constantly evolving and facing new challenges, medical workers must have the tools and resources they need to navigate these complexities. The True Colors® Healthcare Personality Online Assessment aims to provide healthcare professionals with a greater understanding of their personality traits and how they can effectively communicate and collaborate with colleagues and patients alike. By leveraging the power of True Colors' proven assessment methodology, they will be able to enhance their interpersonal skills and ultimately improve patient care.

True Colors® International President and Master Trainer, Dr. Bill Behrens says, "The launch of the True Colors® Healthcare Personality Online Assessment tool marks a significant step forward in supporting healthcare professionals and ultimately improving patient care. We are confident that it will make a lasting positive impact on the industry."  

The introduction of the True Colors® Healthcare Personality Online Assessment marks an exciting milestone for True Colors® International and reinforces their commitment to supporting individuals in various industries. By tailoring their assessment to meet the specific needs of Medical personnel, True Colors® is addressing a critical gap in the market and providing a unique value proposition for those in the healthcare field.

Looking ahead, True Colors® plans to continue expanding its offerings to meet the evolving needs of diverse industries. They remain committed to providing individuals and organizations with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in their respective fields.

For more information about True Colors® International and to explore solutions that unlock individual and collective strengths, please visit https://www.truecolorsintl.com.

About True Colors® International

For over 45 years, True Colors® has been a global leader in training and development. With an unwavering commitment to reshaping organizational cultures through personal and professional development, we focus our efforts on your most important asset—your people. Our talent acquisition and development programs offer a unique approach to identifying and enhancing individual capabilities to unleash the full potential of your team. For more information, visit: https://www.truecolorsintl.com.

Media Contact

Maria Alithinos

813-784-2006

malithinos@truecolorsintl.com

Media Contact

Maria Alithinos
malithinos@truecolorsintl.com

True Colors® International, a company that specializes in providing innovative training solutions for the workplace, is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest offering: True Colors® Emotional Intelligence Training. This comprehensive program aims to equip individuals with the essential skills needed to enhance emotional intelligence in the workplace, leading to improved communication, collaboration, and overall success.

Why is having emotional intelligence (EI) essential in the workplace? Because it allows us to accurately understand and respond to nonverbal cues, adjust our actions appropriately, stay motivated, make informed decisions, demonstrate empathy towards coworkers and customers, and develop vital leadership abilities. 

In today's fast-paced and dynamic work environment, the importance of emotional intelligence cannot be overstated. Teams whose members possess high levels of EI are proven to perform better, experience increased job satisfaction, and enjoy better employee retention rates.

"Our new True Colors® Emotional Intelligence Training goes beyond theory, providing practical tools and strategies that individuals can apply immediately to improve their interactions, empathy, and overall workplace effectiveness," said Dr. Bill Behrens, True Colors® International President and Master Trainer. 

True Colors® Emotional Intelligence training goes beyond the typical EI training programs available in the market. By leveraging their expertise in psychology and human behavior, True Colors® has developed a unique curriculum that combines interactive workshops, practical exercises, and real-life scenarios to provide participants with a transformative learning experience. This training program not only focuses on enhancing self-awareness and empathy but also emphasizes the development of effective communication, conflict resolution, and leadership skills.

Looking ahead, True Colors® plans to expand its training offerings by introducing specialized modules tailored to different industries and job roles. They are committed to continuously improving and updating their training programs to ensure they stay at the forefront of the ever-evolving workplace landscape.

To learn more about True Colors® Emotional Intelligence Training and other training solutions, please visit https://www.truecolorsintl.com.

About True Colors® International

For over 45 years, True Colors® has been a global leader in training and development. With an unwavering commitment to reshaping organizational cultures through personal and professional development, we focus our efforts on your most important asset—your people. Our talent acquisition and development programs offer a unique approach to identifying and enhancing individual capabilities to unleash the full potential of your team. For more information, visit: https://www.truecolorsintl.com.

Media Contact

Maria Alithinos

813-784-2006

malithinos@truecolorsintl.com

Media Contact

Maria Alithinos
malithinos@truecolorsintl.com

Bold Reuse, a leader within the reusable packaging platform space, is thrilled to announce new partnerships and an expansion of services and jobs in Seattle. This initiative aims to further reduce single-use foodware, educate students about the circular economy, and support job growth within the region. New customers launching this quarter in the region include an additional 6 schools within Seattle Public Schools, Seattle Academy, and Lish, Inc. 

The Seattle Public Schools expansion is a testament to the success and positive impact of Bold Reuse's ongoing partnership with Denny International Middle School. Denny’s students and faculty are defining what’s possible for successful reuse programs within schools—eliminating 26,000 single-use items with an astounding 99.5% return rate since September. 

Bold Reuse will also launch its reuse platform with Seattle Academy, an independent middle and high school in Capitol Hill. The introduction of reusables has been made possible through the dedicated interest and advocacy of Seattle Academy senior, Griffin Schwartz. Griffin's commitment to sustainability serves as an inspiring example for the community and reflects how the power of a single advocate can make a meaningful change. 

"In just one year of implementing reuse, we'll prevent 50,000 plates from being wasted in just the Middle School. It's been amazing to see how many administrators got on board when they understood the environmental impact of partnering with Bold Reuse," said Schwartz. "I can't wait to see how Seattle Academy's community becomes more passionate and involved as we work together over a common environmental good, starting on February 5th."

In addition to expanding reuse to more schools, Bold Reuse will also support local corporate catering company Lish in transitioning to reusable foodware due to increased demand for reusables from their corporate clients. With the Bold Reuse platform, Lish will start to offer zero-waste corporate catering in February 2024. 

"Our clients have been demanding reusables for their corporate catering for a long time. However, operationally, it was very difficult and cost-prohibitive to scale durables," said Mike Waters, COO at Lish, Inc. "We’re thrilled to be partnering with Bold Reuse to reduce waste in corporate catering at scale."

To support this expansion, Bold Reuse has invested in a dedicated reuse washing facility in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, demonstrating its commitment to the region. This investment not only strengthens Bold Reuse's presence but also contributes to the creation of more sustainable jobs in the downtown corridor. The company is actively hiring in the Seattle area, providing opportunities for individuals who share a passion for reuse and sustainability. 

"We are excited to bring our reusable foodware program to more schools in Seattle and contribute to building vital reuse infrastructure in Seattle," said Jocelyn Quarrell, CEO at Bold Reuse. "The addition of new Seattle Public Schools locations, Seattle Academy, and Lish Food to our movement showcases the power of community-driven sustainability. We are also thrilled to be creating job opportunities in Seattle, furthering our commitment to local economic growth."

About Bold Reuse

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

Media Contact

Mya Manibusan

mya@boldreuse.com

Media Contact

Mya Manibusan
mya@boldreuse.com

Mr. DeVito joins Roberts & Ryan as a seasoned business veteran, whose 35-year career has included leadership roles in investment banking, corporate finance, capital market transactions, alternative investments, and corporate boards. Prior to joining Roberts & Ryan, Mr. DeVito was Managing Director of the Global Investment Banking Group at Bank of America Securities, where he developed key client relationships and originated investment banking transactions.

Before Bank of America Securities, Mr. DeVito was Managing Partner at JCS Partners LLC. Prior to that, he was Managing Director of Global Energy and Power Investment Banking at Merrill Lynch. Additionally, while at Merrill Lynch, he was the Global Head of their Alternative Investments Group and Managing Director of their Debt Capital Markets Group. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President of Investment Banking and Capital Markets at Lehman Brothers and Assistant Vice President at Shearson Lehman Hutton.

Mr. DeVito served as a member of the Board of Directors of Nextremity Solutions, the Board of Trustees of Rumson Country Day School and the Executive Board of Family and Children’s Services.

When asked to share his thoughts on Roberts & Ryan's latest appointment, Chief Executive Officer Ed D'Alessandro remarked, “I am very excited to welcome Mark to our team. His extensive experience and distinguished investment banking career will be a tremendous asset to Roberts & Ryan. Mark is committed to our social mission of supporting Veterans and their families, and his investment banking experience will be instrumental in helping us grow. We are truly fortunate to have someone of Mark’s caliber join our team to help us get to the next level.”

Mr. DeVito is a graduate of Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business, where he received an MBA in Finance, and a graduate of Seton Hall University, where he received a BA in Finance.

About Roberts & Ryan

Roberts & Ryan, Inc. is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned (SDVO) broker-dealer with execution capabilities in the capital markets, equities, and fixed-income trading. The firm was founded in 1987 by a United States Marine Corps Vietnam combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient.

With over $1.8 million in committed donations, Roberts & Ryan is active in donating to charitable foundations that make significant positive impacts in the lives of Veterans and their families, primarily focusing on general wellness, mental health, and career transition. To learn more about Roberts & Ryan, please visit www.roberts-ryan.com.

Media Contact

Michael C. Del Priore

+1 646-859-4061

mdelpriore@roberts-ryan.com

Media Contact

Michael C. Del Priore
mdelpriore@roberts-ryan.com

Comcast today announced the opening of its newest Twin Cities area Xfinity Store in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Located off bustling Commonwealth Drive, the space is thoughtfully designed with the customer experience at the forefront, providing an opportunity to explore and interact directly with the latest Xfinity products and services. The store is located at 8266 Commonwealth Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55344, and is now open to the public.

This opening marks the 15th Xfinity Store in the Twin Cities metro area. With a modern and open environment that highlights Comcast’s entertainment and technology offerings, the new store encourages customers to work with dedicated store employees and interact with the latest Xfinity products. Products range from internet, video, connected home solutions, Xfinity Mobile, a flexible and affordable wireless plan, and Comcast Business solutions, including new mobile offerings for any size business. The store is equipped to host live demos and provide hands-on account management services. Customers can also conveniently book appointments online ahead of time through Xfinity’s website.

“We are happy to welcome Comcast to Eden Prairie as the location for their newest Xfinity store,” said Pat MulQueeny, President of the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber knows how important access to the newest technology is, and with the store’s prime location, it is easier than ever for Eden Prairie customers to access the latest technology and stay connected.”

Comcast has also further invested in the Eden Prairie community by donating $5,000 to the Eden Prairie Crime Prevention Fund for their annual youth Safety Camp, where children learn about safety from local police, fire, and recreation departments.

“We are thrilled to bring this new state-of-the-art store to Eden Prairie,” said Rachel Johnson, vice president, Sales and Marketing, Comcast Midwest. “Xfinity’s unprecedented coverage is only getting faster, smarter and more reliable, and it is exciting to see more and more communities taking advantage of our unmatched products and services.”

The store is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

Media Contact

Jill Hornbacher

+1 651-425-1695

Jill_Hornbacher@comcast.com

Media Contact

Jill Hornbacher
Jill_Hornbacher@comcast.com

For the first time in four years, the Culinary Institute of America’s Wine & Beverage Summit—a three-day gathering of the beverage industry’s best and brightest—returns to the CIA at Copia May 5–7. Featuring everything from immersive tastings to in-depth dialogue on the state of wine education, innovative career paths, and increasing both business savvy and financial fluency, the conference will welcome recognized wine experts and rising stars alike. It is ideal for junior and mid-level industry professionals looking to grow their knowledge and advance their careers.

“We are thrilled to bring back this incredible event with a focus on professional development,” said Maryam Ahmed, consulting program director. “Attendees can expect a truly enriching experience. Unlike larger conferences where one-way presentations are the focus, this summit was deliberately crafted to be a smaller, more intimate gathering so attendees can interact directly with the presenters and each other during breakout sessions and receptions.”

Among the esteemed beverage experts and presenters are: Emily Wines, certified master sommelier, and vice president of wine experience at Coopers Hawk Winery and Restaurant; Erik Segelbaum, founder and chief vinnovation officer at SOMLYAY, LLC; TJ Douglas, CEO and founder of the Drink Progressively Group; and Andrea Robinson, master sommelier, author, and consultant to Delta Airlines and Norwegian Cruise Line.

The conference also serves as one of the residency sites for CIA Wine and Beverage Management master’s degree students, who will attend as part of their program.

For more information or to view the full program schedule, visit ciabevpro.com.

About The Culinary Institute of America

Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is the world’s premier culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders in foodservice and hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers associate, bachelor’s, and master's degrees with majors in culinary arts, baking & pastry arts, food business management, hospitality management, culinary science, and applied food studies. The college also offers executive education, certificate programs, and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences, leadership initiatives, and consulting services have made the CIA the think tank of the food industry and its worldwide network of more than 50,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the food world. The CIA has locations in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore. For more information, visit www.ciachef.edu.

Media Contact

Amanda Secor

+1 845-451-1457

amanda.secor@culinary.edu

Media Contact

Amanda Secor
amanda.secor@culinary.edu

Duetto, a global leader in revenue management systems, proudly unveils the successful acquisition of Micerate, a leading provider of dynamic pricing and online booking tools tailored for meetings and event spaces. This strategic milestone underscores Duetto's unwavering dedication to dynamic revenue management solutions, with a heightened focus on the groups and events sector, solidifying its position as an industry leader adept at meeting the diverse needs of the hospitality landscape. Founded in Germany, Micerate brings a wealth of expertise, dedicated to delivering specialized solutions that elevate meeting space profitability and streamline booking efficiency for its valued clients.

Key features of the Micerate platform:

• Strategic Revenue Optimization: Dynamic pricing of event spaces empowers hoteliers to strategically map pricing and control capacities for hotel event and meeting space. The algorithm-based pricing isn't just about numbers; it's a sustainable boost to event and meeting space sales, ensuring Duetto customers stay ahead in a competitive market.
  
  
• Effortless Sales Empowerment: Revolutionize the meeting and event space quoting process with an intuitive quote generator, making the creation of quotes and function sheets easier. Hoteliers can engage customers dynamically during the quote creation process, creating not just transactions, but meaningful connections that drive conversions.
  
  
• Tailored Online Event Sales Experience: Hoteliers can elevate their online presence with a personalized meeting and event space booking engine, seamlessly integrated onto their brand site. This personalized tool not only maximizes event revenue but also champions efficiency, a dual focus that underscores Duetto's commitment across its entire product suite.

Investment in revenue technology has continued to grow year on year with the 2024 Duetto annual trends and predictions report showing again that hotel technology spending continues to increase. 71.4% of those surveyed predict that hotel technology spend will continue to increase over the next three years, with the key focuses being on price automation and group optimization.

In a triumphant year marked by resilience and growth, Duetto experienced robust expansion across key markets, with a noteworthy highlight being record-breaking growth in the Asia Pacific region. Duetto's unwavering commitment to innovation and providing cutting-edge solutions has solidified its position as a preferred partner for hotels and casinos worldwide, adding 200,000 hotel rooms to the platform in 2023 alone.

Quotes:

“Duetto is built on innovation, constantly staying ahead of the market to ensure our customers maintain a consistent competitive advantage. The addition of Micerate to our platform is incredibly important as it aligns seamlessly with our vision. Beyond dynamically pricing groups and events for increased revenue, Micerate introduces a sophisticated booking engine directly integrated into the hotel's brand site, streamlining operations and saving valuable time for meetings and event teams. Our customers seek three essential elements from Duetto: enhanced revenue generation, precise forecasting, and operational efficiencies—Micerate delivers on all fronts.”

—David Woolenberg, CEO, Duetto

“This acquisition represents another milestone for Duetto, positioning us for continued growth in our sector. Our robust financial position, marked by steady revenue growth, profitability, and a strong balance sheet, provides us with a platform for sustained success in an ever-evolving market. This strategic move not only contributes to our inorganic growth but also underscores our confidence and capability to pursue further opportunities.”

—Vishal Save, CFO, Duetto

“Micerate brings exceptional capabilities in managing and booking function space to the Duetto family. It complements and expands Duetto BlockBuster to comprehensively deliver a solution for groups, meetings, and events. Together, Duetto and Micerate empower sales and revenue teams with an unparalleled suite of tools, enhancing revenue and efficiency. This strategic integration enables the workflow collaboration, analytics, and visibility to drive alignment and execution between the Sales and Revenue Management functions for our customers while highlighting Duetto's deep commitment to delivering innovative best-in-class solutions for group management.”

—Darren Koch, CPO, Duetto

“As someone who has dedicated their entire career to hospitality, this collaboration with Duetto marks an exciting next step. Joining forces with a global player that aligns with our values of ease-of-use and exceptional customer service is not just a strategic move; it's a testament to our shared vision for the industry. I am genuinely excited about the possibilities ahead, as we continue our journey of innovation and dedication to maximizing revenue for hotels.”

—Gerhard Wasem, Micerate

About Duetto

Duetto delivers a suite of SaaS cloud-native applications for hospitality businesses to optimize every booking opportunity for greater revenue impact. The unique combination of hospitality experience and technology leadership drives Duetto to look for innovative solutions to industry challenges. The software as a service platform allows hotels, casinos, and resorts to leverage real-time dynamic data sources and actionable insights into pricing and demand across the enterprise.

More than 4,000 hotel and casino resort properties in more than 60 countries have partnered to use Duetto’s applications, which include GameChanger for pricing, ScoreBoard for intelligent reporting, and BlockBuster for contracted-business optimization.

Duetto was named the world's #1 revenue management system in 2022, 2023, and 2024 in the HotelTechAwards.

For more information, please visit https://www.duettocloud.com/

About Micerate

Selling function spaces and banquet rooms more innovatively with efficient, revenue-optimized sales processes.

Media Contact

Katrina Wheeler

katrina.wheeler@duettoresearch.com

Media Contact

Katrina Wheeler
katrina.wheeler@duettoresearch.com

Today, The Kava Coalition applauded the Hawaii State Department of Health for its recent recognition of traditional kava's rich history and cultural significance, as reflected in the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) determination. This significant decision marks a positive step for the kava industry and underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating the heritage of this cherished plant.

The Kava Coalition emphasizes the pivotal role responsible product formulations and consumption play in ensuring the safety of kava. The focus should remain on accountable practices, differentiating between inadequate quality control and untested methods prevalent in the early 2000s compared to modern extraction techniques, such as supercritical CO2 extraction and standardized aqueous methods. These methods offer a safe means of producing kava extracts and maintain a chemical profile akin to traditional kava extracts, preserving the plant's beneficial properties.

While the GRAS determination is a positive step forward, The Kava Coalition is concerned with certain exclusions that could impact the future of kava-based products.

"Though the GRAS determination is a good thing for kava, we remain concerned that the GRAS determination specifically excludes kava extracts using organic solvents from this GRAS designation,"  said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Kava Coalition. "Even though certain isolated kava extracts have drawn attention in the past, it is not true that all kava extracts are unsafe. As with everything, the devil is in the detail."

Modern extraction techniques, coupled with responsible product development, can benefit consumers worldwide, opening up new markets and introducing more people to the potential benefits of kava. This, in turn, contributes positively to the economic well-being of communities and countries reliant on kava for their livelihood and economic development.

The Kava Coalition advocates for embracing tradition while acknowledging that innovation is key to unlocking the maximum benefit for kava consumers and stakeholders. Prioritizing consumer safety through research-backed practices and quality control measures is crucial.

The Kava Coalition is committed to building bridges among key stakeholders, including the kava community, consumers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and scientists. Through collective efforts, the Kava Coalition aims to ensure that kava, in all its forms, remains accessible to those seeking its benefits. By championing rigorous quality control, adhering to good manufacturing practices (GMPs), supporting scientific research, and promoting consumer education, the Kava Coalition envisions a world where kava is celebrated and enjoyed responsibly across the globe.

About the Kava Coalition

Kava Coalition, an alliance of kava consumers, experts, and industry leaders, is committed to advancing kava education, advocacy, and choice. Coalition members aim to empower individuals to make informed decisions about kava, promoting responsible and knowledgeable consumption choices. Kava Coalition seeks to preserve Kava's history and cultural heritage. The organization promotes awareness and appreciation for kava's traditional practices and cultural significance through educational initiatives and community engagement. Simultaneously, the Coalition advocates for modern regulation that reflects current scientific knowledge, ensuring consumer safety and product integrity. Kava Coalition is dedicated to creating a future where kava is widely recognized, understood, and accessible to those who seek its benefits.

For more information about Kava Coalition and its mission, please visit: https://www.kavacoalition.org/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kavacoalition/

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/KavaCoalition

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KavaCoalition 

Media Contact

Matt Lowe

mlowe@kavacoalition.org

Media Contact

Matt Lowe
mlowe@kavacoalition.org