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Shatterproof and The Hartford Release Largest and Most Expansive Addiction Stigma Survey Ever Fielded

Shatterproof

Today, Shatterproof and its collaborator The Hartford published the largest, most expansive survey ever fielded on addiction stigma of nearly 8,000 U.S. residents. The findings are striking. More than three-quarters of the American public believe that a substance use disorder (SUD) is not a chronic medical illness and over half of respondents hold the belief that SUDs are caused by bad character or lack of moral strength, according to the national research. The Shatterproof Addiction Stigma Index, a first-of-its-kind measurement tool, was designed to assess attitudes about substance use and people who use substances. It used more than 50 validated stigma measures to gauge perceptions of those with a SUD, including the degree to which they have internalized this exclusion. The Index is designed to track progress regularly and hold our nation accountable for continual improvement. The lack of understanding about addiction by the general public creates a desire for social distance. According to the survey, nearly half (45%) of the public is unwilling to live next to or be close friends with someone with a SUD. Similarly, 45.8% of respondents don't want a person in recovery marrying into their family – highlighting how these beliefs entrench deep feelings of exclusion and shame for individuals with a SUD throughout their lives, regardless of their recovery status. “What’s at stake is real. For millions of people across the country, fighting pervasive stigma is a matter of survival,” said Gary Mendell, CEO of Shatterproof. “We must change the way our institutions operate, the way we view our friends and neighbors, and how those with a SUD view themselves. We must end discrimination, strengthen the road to recovery, and offer hope of a bright future. And measuring our progress is essential.” Dr. Melissa Anderson, MD, PharmD, a Shatterproof Ambassador from Kentucky and a person in long-term recovery, has experienced stigma in both the health care and workplace settings. Following a severe dog bite incident, she found herself as a patient in the hospital system where she’d previously been employed as both a pharmacist and a resident physician. “Former co-workers greeted me with jeers, joking that the ‘doctor-turned-junkie’ was back. During my 8-hour ER stay, I did not receive the standard of care for my injuries - neither antibiotics nor analgesics were administered, after I requested non-opioid agents, despite standard facility protocols and the easily-observed severity of my injuries,” said Dr. Anderson. “It was made abundantly clear from both their actions and language team that this health care team felt the disease of addiction, even one in recovery, made me an individual less deserving of compassion and care. That was July 2015 and I have not been a formal recipient of health care since.” Nearly half (44%) of health care professionals surveyed endorsed the harmful belief that medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is substituting one drug for another. This is compared to the about 41% of the public that expressed the same belief. Moreover, one in four health care professionals do not agree that more providers should offer MOUD to increase accessibility. “The work to end addiction stigma is far from over, and we are proud to partner with Shatterproof on establishing this important research that will drive future public policies and workplace practices,” said Christopher J. Swift, chairman and CEO of The Hartford, a leading workers’ compensation and disability insurer and founding partner of Shatterproof. “We believe efforts involving all levels of government, the business community, and neighborhood organizations are necessary to end the ongoing addiction crisis, create open and inclusive cultures, and break down stigma that impedes human achievement.” Nearly a million people have been lost to addiction in the last two decades and in 2020 alone, more than 93,000 Americans died of an overdose, representing the most overdoses ever recorded. More than 20 million American adults suffer from the disease of addiction per year. Addiction is a treatable disease, but due to stigma most people do not seek the help they need and equally tragically, internalize feelings of shame and lose hope that they can recover and lead healthy, full lives. Creation of the Index was supported by Ipsos alongside Dr. Brea Perry and Dr. Anne Krendl from Indiana University. ### About Shatterproof: Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States. Shatterproof harnesses the models of business, the rigor of science and the power of a national movement to create change and save lives through three pillars of work: revolutionizing the addiction treatment system, breaking down addiction-related stigmas and supporting and empowering our communities. To learn more visit www.Shatterproof.org Contact Details Shatterproof Holly A Jespersen +1 646-334-1024 hjespersen@shatterproof.org Frontwood Strategies Nell Callahan +1 202-262-0721 Company Website https://www.shatterproof.org/

October 27, 2021 06:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

YourUpdateTV

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that have been found to impact a person’s chances of developing certain cancers, including breast, ovarian and prostate cancer. Recently, 23andMe scientist, Ruth Tennen, and customer, Gina Burris, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the first and only FDA-authorized, direct-to-consumer test that detects select BRCA1/BRCA2 variants*. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/ziqp10R_j_A The genes are called BRCA because the link between these genes and breast cancer was discovered first. The genes themselves do not cause cancer. They actually help prevent it by repairing DNA breaks that can lead to cancer. Sometimes, changes in the BRCA genes occur that prevent them from functioning properly. These changes are called genetic variants or mutations. Variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can be passed down through families, increasing the risk of developing certain cancers. Many people with a BRCA variant, both women and men, are unaware of their risk and what they can do about it. While it is true that having certain BRCA variants can increase a person’s risk of developing cancer, most cases of breast, ovarian and prostate cancers aren’t caused by inherited BRCA variants. And not every individual who inherits a BRCA variant will develop cancer. 23andMe offers a genetic test for three variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes to its Health + Ancestry Service customers. This genetic test detects three selected variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes – BRCA1 185delAG; BRCA1 5382insC; and BRCA2 6174delT – that are among the most studied and best understood. These three variants are most common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. (They can be found in people of other ethnicities, though this is rare.) If you have one of these three variants, you have an increased risk of developing certain cancers. For more information, visit 23andMe.com/brca *The 23andMe PGS test uses qualitative genotyping to detect select clinically relevant variants in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting genetic health risks, including the 23andMe PGS Genetic Health Risk Report for BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants). Your ethnicity may affect the relevance of each report and how your genetic health risk results are interpreted. The test is not intended to diagnose any disease and does not describe a person’s overall risk of developing any type of cancer. It is not intended to tell you anything about your current state of health, or to be used to make medical decisions, including whether or not you should take a medication, how much of a medication you should take, or determine any treatments. Warnings & Limitations: The 23andMe PGS Genetic Health RIsk Report for BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) is indicated for reporting of the 185delAG and 5382insC variants in the BRCA1 gene and the 6174delT variant in the BRCA2 gene. The report describes if a woman is at increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, and if a man is at increased risk of developing breast cancer or may be at increased risk of developing prostate cancer. The three variants included in this report are most common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and do not represent the majority of BRCA1/BRCA2 variants in the general population. This report does not include variants in other genes linked to hereditary cancers and the absence of variants included in this report does not rule out the presence of other genetic variants that may impact cancer risk. The PGS test is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional for recommended screenings or appropriate follow-up. Results should be confirmed in a clinical setting before taking any medical action. About Gina Burris: Gina Marie Burris lives in a small riverside community in western Pennsylvania. She is a children’s book author and blogger. At the age of 46 with no known family history of breast or ovarian cancer Gina discovered (via a 23andMe health report) she carries a BRCA variant. After making this discovery, Gina worked closely with a team of medical professionals and made the decision to take a preventative path. Since November 2020 Gina has undergone a bi-lateral salpingo-oophorectomy and double mastectomy straight to reconstruction. After finding refuge in the stories of survivors, previvors and patients, Gina felt compelled to share her own story, so she turned to the place she feels most comfortable, her keyboard. Gina’s blog www.rivergirlreflections.com follows her journey from early in the process through today. She has found a way to bring truth, grace, and a little humor to a serious situation. Gina aspires to bring awareness to what life with a BRCA variant looks like in today’s world. She has a passion for speaking freely about her experience and strives to be a small part of an educational community which shifts the wording in some common breast cancer awareness conversations. About Ruth Tennen: As a product scientist at 23andMe, Ruth develops new genetic health reports with the goal of helping 23andMe customers access, understand, and benefit from the human genome. Ruth received her bachelor's degree in molecular biology from Princeton University and her Ph.D. in cancer biology from Stanford University. Before joining 23andMe, she served as a science policy fellow at the State Department, helping promote science education and entrepreneurship in Africa, and as a lecturer at Stanford, teaching courses on experimental design, bioethics, and cancer. Ruth loves learning about and talking about science, and throughout her career, she has worked to inspire budding scientists by mentoring and teaching students at local schools, hospitals, and museums. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

October 26, 2021 10:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

Kadimastem Raises $5 million In Private Placement

Kadimastem

Kadimastem Ltd. (TASE: KDST), a clinical stage cell therapy company, announced today a NIS 16.1 million ($5 million) private placement, led by funds Clover Wolf Capital and Alpha Capital Anstalt and with the additional investment in the company by its controlling shareholders, Professor Michel Revel and Mr. Julien Ruggieri. In addition to the placement announced today, the investors were also given an option to purchase an additional NIS 15.1 million ($4.7 million) in shares in the future. Today’s investment will be used to support Kadimastem’s future clinical trial activity and fund multiple strategic collaborations involving both the company’s ALS and Diabetes programs. The options were granted to the funds as part of a share issue from last April 2021. Clover Wolf has exercised 1,232,395 options and Alpha Capital has exercised 1,161,972 options both at an exercise price of 3.5 shekels ($1.1). This exercise of options took place approximately 10 months before the expiration date and amounted to about NIS 9.45 million ($2.9 million) for the company. The original exercise date of the options was July 31, 2022. Following the transaction, Clover Fund has increased its holding to approximately 20.6% of the company, while Alpha Capital has increased its holding to approximately 10.7% of the company. Following the additional investment by Professor Michel Revel and Mr. Julien Ruggieri, their holdings percentage has increased to 41.9% collectively. Company founder and controlling shareholder Professor Michel Revel exercised options amounting to NIS 3.5 million ($1.1 million) about a month ago. Following last month’s exercise of options, Professor Revel now holds approximately 31% of the company's shares. The round announced today follows a successful raise of NIS 22.3 million ($6.8 million) last April 2021. It’s also part of a series of company successes over the past year, including the meeting with the FDA (INTERACT) earlier this month regarding IsletRx, the company's stem cell-based technology for the treatment and potential cure of diabetes, the receipt of a Japanese patent for IsletRx, and the publishing of a scientific paper in the prestigious, peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Endocrinology on the company’s advances in stem cell technology for the treatment and potential cure for diabetes. Kadimastem CEO Asaf Shiloni said, “Today’s funding will boost the speed of implementation of Kadimastem’s development strategy and enable us to safely fund our preparation for the clinical trials next year in the US. We are building a company that will lead the field of cell therapy, and the right mix of investors, who believe in the company’s path, is critical to enabling us to successfully implement our ambitious programs.” Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kadimastem Ronen Twito said, “We are very pleased with today’s significant private placement, which comes only six months after the Clover Wolf Capital and Alpha Capital Anstalt funds joined as shareholders. The funds have expressed confidence in us for the second time, and at a company value significantly higher than that determined in the previous round. Along with the investment of the controlling shareholders, Professor Michel Revel and Mr. Julian Ruggieri, this is an exceptional expression of trust in the company’s management, assets, progress and quality of science. We will continue to professionally lead Kadimastem to further success as well as maintain clear communication with and bring value to our shareholders." About Kadimastem Kadimastem is a clinical stage cell therapy company, developing and manufacturing "off-the-shelf", allogeneic, proprietary cell products based on its technology platform for the expansion and differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESCs) into functional cells. AstroRx®, the company's lead product, is an astrocyte cell therapy in clinical development for the treatment for ALS. IsletRx is the company's second product in development. IsletRx is comprised of functional, insulin producing, pancreatic islet cells intended to treat and cure patients with insulin dependent diabetes. IsletRx demonstrated safety and efficacy in a proof-of-concept preclinical study. An INTERACT meeting took place with the FDA on October 7, 2021 where the diabetes treatment program was discussed and the company received directions how to prepare its Pre-IND submission. Kadimastem was founded by Professor Michel Revel, CSO of the company and Professor Emeritus of Molecular Genetics at the Weizmann Institute of Science. Professor Revel received the Israel Prize for the invention and development of Rebif®, a multiple sclerosis blockbuster drug sold worldwide. Kadimastem is traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE: KDST). Forward Looking Statement: This document may include forward-looking information as defined in the Securities Law, 5728 – 1968. Forward-looking information is uncertain and mostly is not under the Company's control and the realization or non-realization of forward-looking information will be affected, among other things, by the risk factors characterizing the Company's activity, as well as developments in the general environment and external factors affecting the Company's activity. The Company's results and achievements in the future may differ materially from any presented herein and the Company makes no undertaking to update or revise such projection or estimate and does not undertake to update this document. This document does not constitute a proposal to purchase the Company's securities or an invitation to receive such offers. Investment in securities in general and in the Company in particular bears risks. One should consider that past performance does not necessarily indicate performance in the future. Contact Details Kadimastem Sarah Herzl +972 73-797-1613 s.herzl@kadimastem.com Company Website https://www.kadimastem.com/

October 26, 2021 01:49 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Kadimastem Raises NIS 16.1 million ($5 million) In Private Placement

Kadimastem

Kadimastem Ltd. (TASE: KDST), a clinical stage cell therapy company, announced today a NIS 16.1 million ($5 million) private placement, led by funds Clover Wolf Capital and Alpha Capital Anstalt and with the additional investment in the company by its controlling shareholders, Professor Michel Revel and Mr. Julien Ruggieri. In addition to the placement announced today, the investors were also given an option to purchase an additional NIS 15.1 million ($4.7 million) in shares in the future. Today’s investment will be used to support Kadimastem’s future clinical trial activity and fund multiple strategic collaborations involving both the company’s ALS and Diabetes programs. The options were granted to the funds as part of a share issue from last April 2021. Clover Wolf has exercised 1,232,395 options and Alpha Capital has exercised 1,161,972 options both at an exercise price of 3.5 shekels ($1.1). This exercise of options took place approximately 10 months before the expiration date and amounted to about NIS 9.45 million ($2.9 million) for the company. The original exercise date of the options was July 31, 2022. Following the transaction, Clover Fund has increased its holding to approximately 20.6% of the company, while Alpha Capital has increased its holding to approximately 10.7% of the company. Following the additional investment by Professor Michel Revel and Mr. Julien Ruggieri, their holdings percentage has increased to 41.9% collectively. Company founder and controlling shareholder Professor Michel Revel exercised options amounting to NIS 3.5 million ($1.1 million) about a month ago. Following last month’s exercise of options, Professor Revel now holds approximately 31% of the company's shares. The round announced today follows a successful raise of NIS 22.3 million ($6.8 million) last April 2021. It’s also part of a series of company successes over the past year, including the meeting with the FDA (INTERACT) earlier this month regarding IsletRx, the company's stem cell-based technology for the treatment and potential cure of diabetes, the receipt of a Japanese patent for IsletRx, and the publishing of a scientific paper in the prestigious, peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Endocrinology on the company’s advances in stem cell technology for the treatment and potential cure for diabetes. Kadimastem CEO Asaf Shiloni said, “Today’s funding will boost the speed of implementation of Kadimastem’s development strategy and enable us to safely fund our preparation for the clinical trials next year in the US. We are building a company that will lead the field of cell therapy, and the right mix of investors, who believe in the company’s path, is critical to enabling us to successfully implement our ambitious programs.” Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kadimastem Ronen Twito said, “We are very pleased with today’s significant private placement, which comes only six months after the Clover Wolf Capital and Alpha Capital Anstalt funds joined as shareholders. The funds have expressed confidence in us for the second time, and at a company value significantly higher than that determined in the previous round. Along with the investment of the controlling shareholders, Professor Michel Revel and Mr. Julian Ruggieri, this is an exceptional expression of trust in the company’s management, assets, progress and quality of science. We will continue to professionally lead Kadimastem to further success as well as maintain clear communication with and bring value to our shareholders. About Kadimastem Kadimastem is a clinical stage cell therapy company, developing and manufacturing "off-the-shelf", allogeneic, proprietary cell products based on its technology platform for the expansion and differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESCs) into functional cells. AstroRx®, the company's lead product, is an astrocyte cell therapy in clinical development for the treatment for ALS. IsletRx is the company's second product in development. IsletRx is comprised of functional, insulin producing, pancreatic islet cells intended to treat and cure patients with insulin dependent diabetes. IsletRx demonstrated safety and efficacy in a proof-of-concept preclinical study. An INTERACT meeting took place with the FDA on October 7, 2021 where the diabetes treatment program was discussed and the company received directions how to prepare its Pre-IND submission. Kadimastem was founded by Professor Michel Revel, CSO of the company and Professor Emeritus of Molecular Genetics at the Weizmann Institute of Science. Professor Revel received the Israel Prize for the invention and development of Rebif®, a multiple sclerosis blockbuster drug sold worldwide. Kadimastem is traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE: KDST). Forward Looking Statement: This document may include forward-looking information as defined in the Securities Law, 5728 – 1968. Forward-looking information is uncertain and mostly is not under the Company's control and the realization or non-realization of forward-looking information will be affected, among other things, by the risk factors characterizing the Company's activity, as well as developments in the general environment and external factors affecting the Company's activity. The Company's results and achievements in the future may differ materially from any presented herein and the Company makes no undertaking to update or revise such projection or estimate and does not undertake to update this document. This document does not constitute a proposal to purchase the Company's securities or an invitation to receive such offers. Investment in securities in general and in the Company in particular bears risks. One should consider that past performance does not necessarily indicate performance in the future. Contact Details Kadimastem Sarah Herzl +972 73-797-1613 s.herzl@kadimastem.com Company Website https://www.kadimastem.com/

October 25, 2021 08:09 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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AmeriLife Appoints Ford Stokes Senior Vice President, Annuity Marketing

AmeriLife

AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing annuity, life, and health insurance solutions, today announced that it has hired Ford Stokes as senior vice president, Annuity Marketing. Stokes, reporting to AmeriLife Chief Marketing Officer Ovi Vitas, is charged with providing expert marketing strategies and implementation to AmeriLife affiliates, with the goal of helping financial advisors grow their advisory, insurance and annuities business. Most recently, Stokes served as an advisor to AmeriLife affiliate V2 Financial Group, where he implemented an aggressive, strategic marketing approach that helped grow V2’s profit 113.78% year over year in 2021. At AmeriLife, Stokes will, among other responsibilities, help define AmeriLife’s annuity marketing value proposition across its distribution network; help affiliates better activate cross-selling opportunities for annuities and retirement planning solutions; and drive third-party credibility of appointed advisors through exclusive thought leadership programs. "I can't wait to get started supporting AmeriLife’s affiliates and their advisors,” said Stokes. “Our affiliates work hard to protect and grow the hard-earned and hard-saved assets of their clients, while also ensuring they can help generate critical income for their clients’ retirement futures. We will work just as hard to help them help more Americans build a sound, successful retirement.” "Ford brings to AmeriLife a significant amount of consumer and financial industry expertise, business knowledge, and strategic acumen,” added Vitas. “I couldn’t be more excited to have Ford join the team, and I would encourage any financial advisor or insurance agent to get appointed with one of our affiliates to take advantage of the incredible expertise and qualified prospects that Ford and our team can provide.” Prior to joining AmeriLife, Stokes served as the chief marketing officer with a $2B independent marketing organization and was a former minority owner of a $3.4B registered investment advisor. He will continue to maintain his private wealth management practice based in Atlanta. Stokes earned his bachelor’s degree and MBA from Auburn University; holds a Series 65 Securities license; and is a licensed life and health insurance agent in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Texas and North Carolina. Stokes resides in Atlanta with his wife Diana and their twin girls, Grace and Madison. ### About AmeriLife AmeriLife’s strength is its mission: to offer insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. By putting its mission into practice, AmeriLife has become recognized as a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees. For 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with the nation’s leading insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers served through a national distribution network of over 250,000 insurance agents and advisors, over 40 marketing organizations, and nearly 50 insurance agency locations. Visit www.AmeriLife.com and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn for more information. Contact Details Jeff Maldonado +1 321-297-1112 jmaldonado@amerilife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

October 22, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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AROYA Enhances Cannabis Production Platform with New Mobile Dashboard

AROYA, a division of METER Group, Inc.

AROYA, a METER Group company, today introduced AROYA Kiosk, a new cultivation dashboard for tablets, further adding precision, speed, and accuracy to cannabis cultivation. AROYA is the preferred cannabis production platform (CPP) of top cannabis operators across the country, combining innovative hardware and software to deliver actionable insights that help improve their yield in grams, per square foot, per year – predictably, profitably, and at scale. AROYA’s cannabis cultivation solutions foster data-driven decision making, improving yields and operational efficiency while normalizing product quality. Kiosk provides cultivators with unfettered, real-time visibility of all production activity from every grow room or site, simultaneously. End-to-end encryption enhances security and pin-protected access lets growers control access to sensitive information and review upcoming tasks for themselves or by room. The new mobile dashboard provides hyper-accurate readouts of measurements in both the substrate and the environment. It also gives a populated task schedule, as well as real-time alerts that allow Master Growers to monitor and adapt every aspect of the production process. AROYA’s already robust cannabis production platform offering helps stakeholders understand and improve cannabis production processes from seed to sale while driving consistent, scalable success with features like harvest group planning, tasks, alerts, a digital grow journal, recipes – and much more. Demand for cultivation and production platforms like AROYA that utilize Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, artificial intelligence, and data analytics is spiking. Analysts from AheadInsight project that the cannabis technology industry will continue to grow exponentially at a CAGR of 33.17 percent and attain a market value of $107.67 billion by 2025. “Our goal is to empower cannabis growers and cultivators with the competitive advantage that comes from end-to-end visibility and real-time access to data that drives actionable insights,” said Philip Malmquist, General Manager of AROYA. “Putting it together on a single dashboard gives growers all the information they need to make informed decisions that help them cultivate consistently higher quality cannabis, and improved grams per square foot per year.” Attending MJBizCon 2021? Visit AROYA at BOOTH C4418. ABOUT AROYA AROYA is a cannabis production platform that combines industry-leading hardware and software to help cultivators increase yield, scale operations, and achieve consistent quality. Based in Pullman, Washington, and a division of METER Group, Inc., AROYA optimizes and demystifies the entire cannabis production process from seed to package. For additional information, please visit www.AROYA.io Contact Details JMRConnect: Shaping Influence PR Mostafa Razzak +1 202-904-2048 m.razzak@jmrconnect.net Company Website https://aroya.io/

October 21, 2021 09:34 AM Eastern Daylight Time

New Plant Nutrient Analysis at MCR Labs Can Help Growers Save Money and Improve Yield

MCR Labs

MCR Labs is now offering a Plant Nutrient Analysis to home growers and commercial cannabis cultivators. The test provides cannabis growers with a detailed breakdown of the presence and concentration of 11 micro and macronutrients found within the tissue of submitted plant samples. MCR Labs is a licensed independent testing lab providing compliance testing to marijuana establishments, but Plant Nutrient Analysis is an optional screen not required for compliance testing of legal cannabis products. This test is designed to help growers improve plant health and productivity, optimize cultivation practices, and cut costs related to supplemental nutrient feeding. “Nutrient analysis offers a lot of beneficial data that could fundamentally change how growers assess and maintain healthy plants,” said Michael Kahn, MCR Labs founder and CEO. “Seeing trends and correcting imbalances early could mean bigger yields and better quality output.” By launching testing services beyond their state’s compliance scope, MCR Labs hopes to strengthen their role as a partner to growers and cannabis businesses looking to get the most out of their plants. “The goal in developing this test was to give our clients access to insights about nutritional deficiencies or excesses that can save them time, effort, and money spent on keeping their plants happy,” said Julie Martellini, MCR Labs scientific operations manager. MCR Labs has begun accepting samples for Plant Nutrient Analysis at their Massachusetts facility. They plan to offer this service at all of their facilities by the end of the year. About MCR Labs: MCR Labs is one of the longest operational cannabis testing laboratories on the East coast with facilities operating in several legal cannabis markets. We are ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited providers of analytical cannabis product testing and R&D services committed to assisting licensed marijuana establishments, patients, researchers, entrepreneurs, and advocates. Our team of chemists and pharmaceutical scientists are dedicated to advancing public health and safety through leading-edge chemical analysis of cannabis products and offering unparalleled guidance and support for partners, regulators, and the communities we serve. For more information visit http://mcrlabs.com. Contact Details MCR Labs Joe Crinkley +1 857-230-0839 joe@mcrlabs.com Company Website http://mcrlabs.com

October 20, 2021 12:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Premium UK CBD brand Infused Amphora expands and launches in Hong Kong

Infused Amphora

Premium British CBD wellness company, Amphora Health, is pleased to announce they have secured the company’s first sales in Hong Kong of its 100% owned brand, Infused Amphora. With this first step into the Asian marketplace Amphora Health is initially offering two product categories under the Infused Amphora brand: ultra-high strength CBD infused oil tinctures and premium organic CBD vape cartridges. CBD consumers in Hong Kong are now able to purchase any of the company’s four high-quality, effects-based formulations through our partnership with Smart CBD, the only CBD multi-retail store in Hong Kong. These formulations are intended to support consumers with individual wellness goals and consist of the following four effects: INSPIRE: delivers an earthy and herbal vibe with lilac undertones, and a lemon-pepper nose. Allowing you to brainstorm, be unique, think differently or create a masterpiece. PEACE: combines a sweet woody flavour with a tickle of green peppercorn and a clean grapefruit finish. You will feel the embrace of a warm hug that removes the edge off stress. MEND: allows you to slip into a relaxing bath of sweet stone fruits, savory herbs and a pine finish. Find relief from tension and release muscular aches and pains. ZZZ: offers the sensation of walking through a forest after the rain. Like the perfect cup of tea to be taken at bedtime - hints of juniper and lemon. Removing the day’s worries and helping you to drift into a peaceful sleep. Throughout 2020 Amphora Health launched a broad range of CBD products across the United Kingdom and the European Union. The company is now leveraging its global network of fulfillment and supplier partners to enable its international growth. Their strategic entry into Hong Kong enables Amphora Health to take advantage of the expected global CBD & Hemp wellness market which is forecasted to reach USD $13.4 billion by 2028 – with the Asia Pacific region representing a sizeable portion of this opportunity. Their Infused Amphora product line is available through retail locations and online marketplaces. Angus Taylor, CEO of Amphora Health, commented “Over the past year we have focused on establishing Infused Amphora as a leading CBD brand in the United Kingdom and European Union. From this strong foundation we are now positioning Infused Amphora as a leading global CBD brand with plans to extend our business strategy to other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Hong Kong presents Amphora Health with a tremendous opportunity to expand our presence with a range of additional products, including a therapeutic sports cream and CBD-infused mints.” David Wong, Co-Founder of SmartCBD, commented “We are thrilled to partner with Amphora Health and establish their presence in Hong Kong. Our team has more than 10 years of retail experience in health and supplements, while our E-Commerce websites have over 1.5 million cumulative users, and we also have three physical stores at the heart of Hong Kong's bustling areas Mong Kok, Kwun Tong and Causeway Bay. SmartCBD has a deep understanding of the health needs of the Hong Kong people. In our experience, the local CBD market is growing steadily as consumers seek out natural wellness solutions. It is exciting to be at the spearhead of this emerging industry while working with a brand partner we trust.” Amphora Health is actively looking to collaborate and partner with potential Brand Ambassadors on the many potential wellness benefits and financial opportunities of hemp-derived CBD oil. If interested, please send inquiries to clientcare@infusedamphora.com ENDS 1 Each product comes with a Eurofins Certificate of Analysis and carries the ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation) Mutual Recognition Arrangement and UKAS (UK's National Accreditation Body) marks. About Amphora Health and the Infused Amphora Brand Infused Amphora is a premium CBD wellness brand formulated in the UK, owned by Amphora Health LTD, a global health-and-wellness product entity business. Infused Amphora is dedicated to providing all-natural, symptom-targeting and high-quality CBD products. Elevating users on their wellness journeys, each product is designed with a specific purpose, whether it’s sparking creativity, relieving stress, calming their thoughts before bed, or soothing muscle aches & pains. With only two simple ingredients (CBD distillate sourced from 100% organically grown hemp and plant-based terpenes to supply that beneficial entourage effect) we keep our customer’s health as our top priority. All of our products have zero harmful additives & solvents, are nicotine-free, pesticide-free, and THC-free to ensure no intoxicating effects, just pure bliss in every breath. About Smart Supplement Smart Supplement was established in 2015, and over the past six years has quickly risen to become one of the most popular platforms in Hong Kong for sports and health supplements. Smart Supplement actively seeks innovative, high-quality health products to present to its customers, and embarked on their journey into CBD products in 2020 with an all-new CBD-focused sub-brand - SmartCBD. Contact Details Amphora Health LTD Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://www.infusedamphora.com

October 20, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Enhanced Benchmarking Capabilities Added to SullivanCotter’s Provider Performance Management Technology™

SullivanCotter

SullivanCotter, the nation’s leading independent consulting firm in the assessment and development of total rewards programs, workforce solutions, and technology and data products for the health care industry and not-for-profit sector, announces significant benchmarking enhancements to its growing Provider Performance Management Technology TM (PPMT™) platform. PPMT is an industry-first, cloud-based product that engages clinicians and informs leaders through transparent performance-based compensation administration, contract management, and analytical and reporting capabilities. PPMT’s fall product release includes new configurability options for its already powerful benchmarking capabilities, including the ability to select months for productivity benchmarks and identify and benchmark physicians who specialize in multiple service areas. “Our latest enhancement allows users to remove abnormally low productivity months, particularly like we’ve seen with COVID-19, to make the data set more relevant. This can also be beneficial when clinicians take a leave of absence and more,” said Shelly Slowiak, Director, Product Support, PPMT, SullivanCotter. PPMT’s current functionality enables clients to view both individual and collective physician performance relative to their own custom organizational benchmarks. This allows physicians and leaders to monitor real-time productivity and compare to the organization’s key compensation productivity thresholds. In addition to displaying wRVU productivity, users may compare total cash compensation (TCC) and metrics to external and internal benchmarks for both full-time and split clinical roles. Designed to address a spectrum of physician, leadership and other key stakeholder needs, PPMT combines years of health care compensation insight and expertise with an intuitive and automated technology platform to help drive provider performance and support the transition from volume- to value-based care. “Based on the evolving needs of our clients, SullivanCotter continues to invest in and improve our technology products. Alongside Benchmarks360™, which enables clients to analyze and visualize compensation, clinical productivity, and workforce perceptions, we continue to offer our clients additional ways to benchmark pay and productivity,” said David Schwietz, Chief Information Officer, SullivanCotter. For more information on these enhancements or our entire suite of Provider Performance Management Technology™, visit www.sullivancotter.com/PPMT or contact us at 888.739.7039. About SullivanCotter SullivanCotter partners with health care and other not-for-profit organizations to understand what drives performance and improve outcomes through the development and implementation of integrated workforce strategies. Using our time-tested methodologies and industry-leading research and information, we provide data-driven insights, expertise, data and technology products to help organizations align business strategy and performance objectives – enabling our clients to deliver on their mission, vision and values. Contact Details Becky Lorentz +1 314-414-3719 beckylorentz@sullivancotter.com Company Website https://sullivancotter.com

October 19, 2021 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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