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Cyvatar Takes Home Top Prize in 2021 Fortress Awards

Cyvatar

Cyvatar today received more industry accolades as it was named a winner in network security by the Business Intelligence Group for its innovative Cybersecurity-as-a-Service (CSaaS) offering as part of the 2021 Fortress Cybersecurity Awards. The Fortress awards program identifies and rewards the world’s leading companies and products that are working to keep data and electronic assets safe among a growing threat from hackers. “2021 is rapidly becoming the toughest year for cybersecurity professionals and as our reliance on networks continues to accelerate, our identities and data have quickly become global currency, so security is more important than ever,” said Maria Jimenez, chief nominations officer at the Business Intelligence Group. “We are proud to recognize all of our winners and finalists who are on the frontlines of the effort to prepare, defend and respond to this growing threat.” Cyvatar’s proprietary ICARM method guarantees proper installation, configuration, assessment, remediation, and maintenance for every Cyvatar technology solution so that organizations actually achieve better protection and resilience from their investments And because Cyvatar’s method is continuous, it protects against attack vectors that haven’t even surfaced yet. “It’s continued validation of our unique CSaaS model that industry peers recognized Cyvatar again for exceptional leadership and innovation,” said Cyvatar Co-Founder and Chief Product and Strategy Officer Craig Goodwin. “As the first subscription-based CSaaS company to deliver effortless, affordable cybersecurity, we enable our members to protect confidential information with the people, processes, and technology essential to ensure they get value from their security tools, from conception and strategy to implementation and maintenance. No other provider delivers holistic security at price points that work for any size customer and guaranteed value that allows customers to cancel anytime.” Cyvatar CSaaS levels the playing field by democratizing cybersecurity and making the best protection accessible and affordable for every size organization, even if they have no cybersecurity expertise in-house. If your organization needs award-winning cybersecurity, Cyvatar can help. About Cyber Defense Magazine With over 5 Million monthly readers and growing, and thousands of pages of searchable online infosec content, Cyber Defense Magazine is the premier source of IT Security information for B2B and B2G with our sister magazine Cyber Security Magazine for B2C. We are managed and published by and for ethical, honest, passionate information security professionals. Our mission is to share cutting-edge knowledge, real-world stories and awards on the best ideas, products and services in the information technology industry. We deliver electronic magazines every month online for free, and special editions exclusively for the RSA Conferences. CDM is a proud member of the Cyber Defense Media Group. Learn more about us at https://www.cyberdefensemagazine.com and visit https://www.cyberdefensetv.com and https://www.cyberdefenseradio.com to see and hear some of the most informative interviews of many of these winning company executives. Join a webinar at https://www.cyberdefensewebinars.com and realize that infosec knowledge is power. About Cyvatar Cyvatar is committed to effortless cybersecurity for everyone. As the industry’s first subscription-based, cybersecurity-as-a-service (CSaaS) company, it’s our mission to transform the way the security industry builds, sells, and supports cyber solutions. We empower our members to achieve successful outcomes by providing expert advisors, proven technologies, and a strategic process roadmap to guarantee results that map to their business drivers. Our approach is rooted in proprietary ICARM (installation, configuration, assessment, remediation, maintenance) methodology that delivers smarter, measurable security solutions for superior compliance and cyber-attack protection faster and more efficiently, all at a fixed monthly price. And because we’re a subscription, members can cancel anytime. Cyvatar is headquartered in Irvine, California with locations around the world. Begin your journey to security confidence at CYVATAR.AI and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Contact Details Cyvatar KC Higgins +1 303-434-8163 kc@cyvatar.ai Cyber Defense Magazine April Palanca +18338449468 Company Website https://cyvatar.ai/

July 07, 2021 11:51 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Tapatío Hot Sauce Partners with comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias to Celebrate 50th Anniversary

Tapatio Hot Sauce

Tapatío Hot Sauce, a national leader in the hot sauce industry, is celebrating 50 years since its creation in Southern California. And to commemorate this milestone, Tapatio has produced an exclusive 50th Anniversary memorabilia collection and all-new commemorative merchandise line. As part of the anniversary celebrations. Tapatío Hot Sauce has partnered with comedian and actor Gabriel " Fluffy" Iglesias to create a limited edition bottle, which features " Fluffy" and his beloved pet chihuahuas. The collaboration also includes a video series available on all social media platforms featuring " Fluffy" with local celebrity chefs including Chef Ludo Lefebvre from Petit Trois, Bricia Lopez from Guelaguetza, Chef Mario Christerna from Brooklyn Ave Pizza, and Chef Wes Avila of Angry Egret Dinette. “Like so many Californians, I grew up enjoying Tapatío with my family and friends, and have continued to do so for more than 30 years.” said " Fluffy". “And It’s a real honor and privilege to be featured on the front of the iconic bottle today; Tapatío is Mexican royalty – and I get to be King for a day!” Founder and CEO Jose-Luis Saavedra, Sr established the company’s humble beginnings in 1971. He had been laid off from his job and needed to provide for his family. At the time there were only three major hot sauce brands on the market, and Jose-Luis felt his own hot sauce tasted better. This inspired him to create Tapatío (the name given to people from Guadalajara, Mexico, his childrens’ birthplace). To make it happen, Jose-Luis leased a 750 square-foot building in Maywood, in Los Angeles County, and began with only the 5-ounce bottle size. Fourteen years later, Saavedra Sr realized he needed a bigger warehouse and moved Tapatío into a 8,500 square-foot warehouse less than a mile away. His three children, then out of college, joined him. His son, Luis Saavedra Jr, graduated medical school but gave up a career in medicine to help his father grow the family business. He is now Vice President of Tapatío and runs the company with his two sisters, Dolores Saavedra-McCoy, who completed law school and is now a Partner & Director of Merchandising, and Jacqueline Saavedra-Mora, who has a degree in Business Administration and is a Partner and Chief Financial Officer. Additionally, three members of the third generation of the Saavedra family also work at Tapatío. And it’s as a result of this continuity that Tapatío has remained true to its humble origins, producing the same high-quality, great-tasting product that can be found in households across the country and around the world. Today, Tapatío is housed in a custom-built, state-of-the-art, 30,000 square-foot facility in Vernon, CA. And Jose-Luis Saavedra Sr continues to work seven days a week, regularly visiting the warehouse. It’s thanks to his original vision that Tapatío is the #1 hot sauce on the West Coast, the third best-selling hot sauce in the United States, and is exported to more than 30 countries. “When Tapatio was founded more than five decades ago, we had no idea it would grow into the household name it has become today,” said Luis Saavedra Jr. “We’re still dedicated to providing quality products and service to our customers, and we’re always tailoring our approach to meet our customers’ needs, both at home and around the world. We’re excited to celebrate 50 years of business with Fluffy and look forward to another 50 years to come!” Link to Tapatio webstore: Shop — Tapatio Hot Sauce View the Tapatio 50th Anniversary video series here: Tapatio YouTube Channel Tapatio Foods, LLC was founded in 1971 from humble beginnings. Fifty years later, Tapatio is still a family-run business and has grown to become a staple, not only in Hispanic households but in most American households. It is the #1 hot sauce in the west, the #3 hot sauce in the USA, and is now exporting globally! Tapatio is a sauce that can be used with everything and is available in many different sizes. For more information, please visit tapatiohotsauce.com Contact Details The ID Agency Victor Carrillo +1 310-963-3400 victor@theidagency.com Company Website https://www.tapatiohotsauce.com/

July 07, 2021 07:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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MOVE Network and Binance NFT Marketplace are Jointly Launching an Exciting NFT Drop Event for Brightburn

MOVE Network

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 7 July 2021 - MOVE Network, the world’s leading NFT aggregator, is working with Binance NFT Marketplace to launch an NFT drop for the American superhero horror film named Brightburn. This highly anticipated NFT debut is expected to drop as early as Q3 2021. MOVE is kicking things off by creatively tokenizing an esteemed selection of Brightburn’s best artwork and digitizing the world’s first superhero horror film NFTs. On April 29, 2021, MOVE Network announced its partnership with The H Collective, a well-known film corporation working with Hollywood's top producers and talent, for the upcoming release of premier NFT projects in the film industry such as this Brightburn NFT drop. Binance NFT Marketplace offers an open market for artists, creators, crypto enthusiasts, NFT collectors, and creative fans around the world, with the best liquidity and minimal fees. Consisting of three categories, Premium Events, Mystery Box and a trading Marketplace, Binance NFT features valuable collectibles and an easily accessible trading market for all of its users. MOVE proudly confirms its NFT Drop Event for Brightburn digital assets on one of the world’s largest NFT marketplaces, Binance NFT Marketplace. This collaboration allows MOVE to leverage Binance’s blockchain NFT technology and offer Brightburn themed NFTs on Binance NFT Marketplace. The exciting NFT Drop Event is expected to capture the attention of Brightburn and superhero fans alike. The fans can subscribe today on MOVE Network to stay informed on the latest news. With a promising future ahead, MOVE will continue co-producing innovative digital assets with its exclusive film industry IP. "The NFT Drop on Binance NFT Marketplace gives both companies a more robust way to market and distribute content. With the trust, integrity, and transparency that Binance brings, MOVE will bring its unique value proposition to the world of movie fans. In our collaboration with Brightburn, we have access to a broad portfolio of IP and unique NFT offerings that is beneficial to our clients and partners,” said Daniel Bokun, President & Co-Founder of MOVE Network. "The movie industry is always changing and we’ve been lucky to have been part of that process for the last few years. Movies and streaming content are rapidly moving into the crypto space via NFTs, which is another major shift in the world of global entertainment. We’re excited by both our collaboration with MOVE and witnessing Brightburn transform as a crypto asset," said Kent Huang, Executive Producer of Brightburn and the Co-Chairman of The H Collective. “The NFT launch on Binance NFT Marketplace would benefit both parties and further extend the NFT ecosystem. We are proud of MOVE and strongly support MOVE to develop innovative NFT product and derivatives. As investor, we are expecting MOVE to lead the market and re-define the NFT market", said Richard Wang, Partner of DraperDragonFund. MOVE Network is part of a larger tech group, Aladdin Technology Holdings, which specializes in blockchain, fintech platforms, and emerging platform technology. As the world's largest NFT aggregator, MOVE covers a wide spectrum of NFT products such as entertainment, music, artwork, and Esports. MOVE is teaming up with different IP distribution partners for NFT issuance in Asia and North America. About Binance NFT Marketplace Binance NFT Marketplace offers an open market for artists, creators, crypto enthusiasts, NFT collectors and creative fans around the world with the best liquidity and minimal fees. Consisting of three categories, Premium Events, Mystery Box and a trading Marketplace, Binance NFT features valuable collectibles and an easily accessible trading market for all of its users. For more information, visit https://nft.binance.com/ For creators and artists' collaboration; contact email: nft@binance.com About MOVE Network MOVE Network is the largest NFT aggregator covering a wide spectrum of NFT products. MOVE Network allows enterprises and start-ups to capture value today by using blockchain technologies to trade, stake, NFT creation, and auction assets. The MOVE Network comprises of; MOVE market, the $MOVD token and the MOVE Chain. Users can utilize MOVE Network to own NFT IP covering entertainment, music, artwork, and also Esports. The MOVE team collaborates with different IP distribution partners for NFTs issued in Asia and North America. Learn more about MOVE Network ● Website: http://www.MOVEnetwork.io/ ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/MOVEMOVEnetwork ● Medium: https://medium.com/move-network #MOVENetwork Contact Details MOVE Network Daniel Bokun marketing@MOVEnetwork.io

July 07, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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happiTV chooses CIPIO’s Next-Gen Subscriber Experience Platform to Meet Demand of Subscription Growth

CIPIO.ai

CIPIO, an AI company that is Humanizing Subscriptions TM, today announced happiTV adopts CIPIO’s Next-Gen Subscriber Experience (SX) Platform TM to fuel growth. The LGBTQ+ community continues to play a pivotal role in shaping modern society. As a leading voice of the community, happiTV curates and delivers cutting-edge and award-winning content across major streaming devices and services including Roku, Amazon Fire, Android TV, and iOS. In anticipation of exponential growth of viewership and engagement, happiTV looks to CIPIO to lead efforts to drive a deeper relationship between Subscriptions and Subscribers. “Based on the overwhelming support of Pride Month, we have experienced a massive shift in thinking and mindset around acceptance of LGBTQ+ specific content programming. Our growth is directly tied to this shifting mindset and we need to effectively scale with the demand,” said Daniel Bort, CEO of happiTV. “Through their cutting edge AI platform and to meet the demand for our content, CIPIO provides us the ability to provide world-class user experiences for our subscribers as if we were one of the media giants of the world. As a result of the collaboration, happiTV is equipped and prepared for exponential subscriber and revenue growth.” By Humanizing Subscriptions TM, CIPIO empowers modern digital businesses to significantly enhance subscriber experiences throughout the subscriber’s journey from the trial to paid to proactively retaining subscribers and optimizing content acquisition costs. “CIPIO is proud to support happiTV’ s mission to impact society through groundbreaking content and programming for the LGBTQ+ community. This relationship embodies our mission around Humanizing Subscriptions TM,” said Sundeep Sanghavi, CEO of CIPIO. “Our team is obsessed with supporting content businesses like happiTV and their ability to thrive in an ever-changing digital world. Our primary objective is to create a lifelong connection between happiTV subscribers and their subscriptions which ultimately will exceed business objectives and fuel growth.” Digital businesses continue to proliferate society globally. As content subscriptions grow, businesses like happiTV are faced with common challenges: churn, conversion from free to paid and optimizing content acquisition costs. Through CIPIO’s Subscriber Experience Platform TM, digital organizations can address these challenges head-on to keep pace with dynamic market pressure. CIPIO is rapidly gaining momentum in the media and entertainment space and is leveling the playing field by providing the enhanced AI capabilities with augmented data to any and all size media and entertainment organizations. About CIPIO CIPIO Inc. provides the leading patent-pending AI platform that Humanizes Subscriptions TM for digital organizations. By bringing together human, machine, and domain data, CIPIO arms organizations with capabilities to sense, learn, predict and recommend digital experiences to strengthen the subscriber and subscription relationship. CIPIO impacts both the top and bottom-line financials for some of the world’s leading brands such as happiTV, Zype, InteliVideo, and Jonas Fitness. Learn more about CIPIO here. About happiTV happiTV is a new entertainment app dedicated to streaming content of interest to the LGBTQ+ community. Delivering feature films, TV series, non-fiction, or short-form videos, happiTV serves as an anchor for positive role models and powerful messages for the queer population. Unlike any other, happiTV is a place where the community can find powerful entertainment and resources that will better their lives. We are a 100% minority-owned and operated enterprise (LGBTQ+ and Latino) in the United States of America. Please patronize our sponsors and enjoy the work of our partners and creatives. Together, we can bring smiles and big grins around the world. That's what we are all about. We are happiTV. Contact Details CIPIO Media Relations +1 315-398-9541 pr@cipio.ai Company Website https://cipio.ai/

July 06, 2021 08:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Pension Protection Act Overlooked by Many Retirees.

Jennifer Lang Financial Services, LLC

Contact Details Jennifer Lang Financial Services, LLC. Jennifer Lang +1 651-314-4812 mail@jenniferlangfinancialservices.com Company Website https://www.annuityquoteadvisor.com/

July 06, 2021 10:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Tayler Jade Breaks Top 50 on Mediabase Chart with “WYA”

Tayler Jade

WYA’s continued global growth is further propelled with two dance remixes by world renowned DJ’s Mikey Francis and Marc Stout. Ten weeks after Tayler Jade’s initial chart introduction, “WYA'' breaks the Top 50 on the Mediabase Activator Chart at #47 with national radio and fan support, 10+ million global digital streams, and club banging dance remixes by world renowned DJ’s and Producers. Released on April 9, 2021, by Jade Entertainment, “WYA” has created a global buzz and viral wave that has captured the attention of radio, media, fans, DJ’s and music producers all over the world. Today WYA holds strong at #47 on the Top 40 Mediabase Activator Chart and expected to break the Top 40 in the coming days. As an independent artist, Tayler’s ascent across all platforms highlights that technology and talent are the great equalizer to big labels and huge marketing budgets. “For a new independent artist with no major label support to see this type of success this early on, proves that new ideas and hard work pays off and no dream is too big.” – Thomas Barsoe, Founder OC Hit. In mid-April “WYA” was playing on Top 40 radio stations in the United States. Today, it is spinning on 30+ BDS reporting stations. In early June, its remixes started blowing the roof off the hottest nightclubs in Las Vegas with the support of some of the best local resident DJ’s of: Omnia, Hakkasan, Wet Republic, XS and Encore. Mikey Francis, Marc Stout and Tony Arzadon have made a tremendous impact on the success of “WYA” in the EDM/Dance world. In the first three weeks of release, Mikey Francis’ remix of “WYA” is quickly approaching 3 million streams; the Marc Stout and Tony Arzadon remix hit 2.5 million in the first 12 days. “It's been a pleasure to work with such a kind and talented creative as Tayler, and the speed at which fans are connecting with her work is quite astounding. The moment I heard WYA I knew that this was going to be a big hit and the response from the club crowds has been nothing short of amazing.” – Mikey Francis “Tony and I only get involved in projects we are excited about and see potential in and this was one of those. The response to our mix of ‘WYA’ has been insane and we are excited to see how far this track continues grow worldwide!” - Marc Stout Tayler Jade is connecting with music fans at a very rapid pace and her vision of building a connected community that not only share her love for music, but with a mission of using her community to impact the lives of children around the world will hopefully become the blueprint for other artists to follow. “Music brings people together at a spiritual level. Tayler has that rare gift, and it is inspiring to see how she wants to use her gift to help feed and educate children all around the world. Her idea of bringing people together through music in order to bring awareness to these children in need is a beautiful thing to watch and as her father words cannot express how proud of her I am.” – John Royce Lynch As an independent artist, to find her place alongside her hero’s and some of the biggest artists in the world in the first 6 months of her debut is a blessing and an impressive accomplishment. While Tayler’s music continues to climb the charts, she manages to remain grounded and grateful for the support of her family, fans and team. “As a fan of music myself, I am humbled by all the love and kindness that my team and I have been shown as we embark on this journey to create social impact that can make a difference in the lives of those in need. It really means the world to me to have your support and I cannot thank you enough.” – Tayler Jade The excitement surrounding “WYA” has prompted an early release of Tayler’s next single “Whatever You Say” which will be available for pre-sale Friday, July 9th and officially released August 6,2021. This will be the last of the 3 singles to round out this initial public introduction phase to assess community response to Tayler Jade’s original music and brand. TAYLER JADE is an American Pop/R&B singer-songwriter. Her debut “Dual Single” released on February 12, 2021 under her own label JADE ENTERTAINMENT, is climbing the TOP 40 Media Base Activator Chart alongside the biggest artists in the world. Part One of her dual release “Temporary” and Part Two “WYA” seem to have connected with music fans worldwide, with over several million streams on all the major streaming platforms in only a few short months and continuing to climb. To learn more about Tayler Jade, we invite you to join the movement at www.TAYLERJADE.com Contact Details Jade Entertainment Jason Jepson +1 949-394-7033 jason.jepson@taylerjade.com DNT Agency Dani Thompson danithompson@dntagency.com Company Website https://www.taylerjade.com/

July 06, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Comcast Establishes 50 WiFi-Connected Lift Zones in Houston and Surrounding Areas

Comcast Houston

As part of its ongoing commitment to help connect low-income families to the Internet so they can fully participate in educational opportunities and the digital economy, Comcast today announced it has equipped 50 locations in Houston and surrounding areas with free WiFi enabled Lift Zones. Working with its network of nonprofit partners, Comcast is providing robust WiFi hotspots in safe spaces designed to help students get online, participate in distance learning and do their homework. This initiative provides free connectivity inside partner community centers for the next three years. “We are proud to partner with community organizations across Houston and surrounding areas and equip them with free internet service to provide safe, fast, and reliable connectivity,” said Ralph Martinez, regional senior vice president, Comcast Houston. “The COVID-19 crisis put many at risk of being left behind, accelerating the need for comprehensive digital equity and Internet adoption programs to support them. We hope these Lift Zones will help those who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to connect to effective distance learning at home.” Each Lift Zone location will be outfitted with a robust WiFi solution, powered by Comcast Business, at no cost. The sites are equipped with a combination of Comcast Business’ award-winning Business Internet, WiFi Pro and SecurityEdge solutions; customized based on the size and unique connectivity needs of each location. Some of the Houston and surrounding area community organizations that have established Lift Zones in their respective facilities include Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, the City of Houston, and the City of Galveston. A full list of Comcast Lift Zones in Houston and surrounding areas, can be found here. Earlier this year, Comcast announced a $1 billion commitment over ten years in continued support of digital equity, including its Lift Zones initiative, which aims to establish WiFi-connected safe spaces in 1,000+ community centers nationwide for students and adults by the end of 2021. Lift Zones complement Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, which has helped connect approximately 10 million low-income people to the Internet at home since 2011, including almost one million Texans. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Misha McClure +1 832-547-6783 Misha_McClure@cable.comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

July 06, 2021 05:00 AM Central Daylight Time

Pocono Organics Becomes World’s First Regenerative Organic Certified Hemp Grower

Pocono Organics

Pocono Organics, one of the largest regenerative organic farms in North America, has received its Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC), becoming the first source grower of Regenerative Organic Certified hemp in the world. The Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA) is the governing body for the Regenerative Organic Certification standards and criteria and was created by three global pioneers in the organic and regenerative organic industries – Patagonia, Rodale Institute, and Dr. Bronner’s. The ROA has meticulously developed the revolutionary ROC designation for farms and products that meet the highest standards in the world for soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. This new label goes beyond the existing USDA Certified Organic standards and does not include hydroponic growing practices. “This is an absolute game-changer for our farm as well as for companies and consumers searching for ROC produce and hemp that they can trust,” said Ashley Walsh, founder and president of Pocono Organics. “There is a vital link between the health of our soil, the health of the crops we grow, and ultimately human health.” Walsh and her team have recently launched their USDA Certified Organic full-spectrum hemp extract product line. Now with the new designation, these will become the first products in the world made with ROC hemp. It’s important to know how your hemp is grown and the true potency of the products. Independent, third-party testing shows that there are no heavy metals or pesticides and also reports accurate potency for Pocono Organics’ products. Pocono Organics’ CBD is the only line to carry the respected Rodale Institute logo on its products and packaging. The two global leaders have conducted extensive research on the potential uses of industrial hemp for the last three years. Pocono Organics’ wellness products are CBD-abundant and harness the power of full-spectrum hemp extract to deliver a broader range of health-promoting cannabinoids that contain well under.3% THC. New York Magazine recently named Pocono Organics’ bath bombs one of the Best CBD Bath Products to buy. The product line - available online and carried in retail outlets, spas, and numerous doctors’ offices across multiple states - is formulated in Pocono Organics’ in-house lab to create artisanal, small-batch items including tinctures, creams, body oil, salve sticks, lip balms, and bath bombs. The Global Center for Research, Education, and Discovery, which opened to the public in June of 2020, spans more than 380 acres atop the iconic Pocono Mountains and is a source grower of regenerative organic certified produce and hemp for retailers, distributors, restaurants, and consumers. Regenerative organic agricultural practices make soil health the priority and include low-till methods and zero-use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides and GMOs. Pocono Organics’ farming approach, in partnership with Rodale Institute, produces some of the cleanest and most nutrient-dense crops grown on earth – making them better for consumers – while also strengthening and healing the soil in which they are grown – which is better for our planet. In fact, Rodale Institute released a White Paper in September, 2020 illustrating the science that a global switch to regenerative crop and pasture systems could drawdown more than 100 percent of annual CO2 emissions. “For more than 70 years, our partners at Rodale Institute have led the world in regenerative organic science and research that shows how healthy soil grows more nutrient-dense food,” Walsh continued. “Our vision, as a health and wellness organization, is to inspire people and heal the earth. The United Nations has reported that we have less than 60 farming cycles left before our soil is completely depleted of the nutrients needed to grow the food we need. So, we are not only facing issues of human health, but of soil health that will further impact humanity and the food we eat. The ROC designation is proof of our commitment to this mission, to our communities, and our planet.” The USDA’s 2020-2025 food guidelines also highlight the need for Americans to eat more nutrient-dense foods to promote better health and fight the risk of chronic disease. “I can attest to the power of using food as medicine and plant-based wellness products, like hemp, from my own personal health journey. I was diagnosed with gastroparesis in my late ‘20s, which is a paralyzed stomach. Essentially, I can’t digest food like normal people. So, when doctors suggested cutting out parts of my stomach, inserting feeding tubes, and putting me on a regiment of medications to make me well, I leaned into organic food as a source of nutrition that drastically improved my health and changed my life. That is where the vision of Pocono Organics originated, which makes our mission extremely personal for me.” Pocono Organics is also an agritourism destination with a boutique 56-room hotel adjoining the farm property. Guests can get their hands dirty on the farm and enjoy freshly picked vegetables and fruits as well as prepared meals from its market and café. There are also regular in-person and virtual experiential series ranging from cooking classes with Executive Chef and Food Network Chopped Champion, Lindsay McClain to wellness and food education programs for children. -30- About Pocono Organics Pocono Organics Pocono Organics is a health and wellness organization with a mission to inspire people and heal the earth. The Global Center for Research, Education, and Discovery is one of the largest Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) farms in North America and grow the world's first and only ROC hemp. Located in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, Pocono Organics has more than 380 acres of farm land and, at full build out, will have 120,000 square feet of greenhouse. Pocono Organics has a strategic partnership with Rodale Institute, the global leaders in Regenerative Organic Agriculture science and research and is one of their largest research satellite facilities. Awarded the 2019 Environmental Innovator of the Year by the Green Sports Alliance, sustainability is a hallmark of Pocono Organics. The farm draws power from a 3MW, 25-acre solar farm and reclaims rain water from 70,000 square feet of roofs for irrigation. Pocono Organics also serves the local community through its Clean Food, Dirty Hands school education program and veterans in transition through a Veteran Farmer Training Program. In addition, the property includes an organic farmer's market and cafe, and with a 56-room adjoining hotel, is an agritourism destination, and host location for annual festivals. Please visit www.PoconoOrganics.com to learn more about Pocono Organics' mission and work. Contact Details Pocono Organics Mike Mooney +1 704-361-9499 mike@poconoorganics.com Company Website https://www.poconoorganics.com/

July 01, 2021 09:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Valley Produce Joins FreshEdge

Rotunda Capital Partners LLC

Valley Produce (“Valley”), a distributor of fresh produce and specialty products, has joined FreshEdge, a family of produce and specialty food companies backed by Rotunda Capital Partners. The addition further diversifies the group’s combined customer base, and increases its breadth and depth of service offerings in Tennessee and the southeastern U.S. Valley is part of a growing family that includes Piazza Produce & Specialty Foods, Indianapolis Fruit, Get Fresh, McCartney Produce, Leonardo’s Produce, Garden Cut, CIBUS Fresh and Papania’s. FreshEdge now operates with 1,430 employees and approximately 600,000 square feet of warehouse space, and a fleet of more than 600 trucks. “We are excited for Valley to join our family of ‘Best in Class’ fresh food distribution companies that are supported by our vertically integrated value-added operations,” said Steve Grinstead, CEO of FreshEdge. Terms of the deal, which closed on June 30, 2021, were not disclosed. The transaction strengthens the combined business’s presence in eastern Tennessee and enables continued expansion into the broader southeastern U.S. “We welcome the Valley team and are excited to have them join FreshEdge,” said Greg Corsaro, president and COO of FreshEdge. “Adding Valley to our family of companies greatly enhances our ability to serve retail and foodservice customers throughout the Mid-South and Southeast.” Founded in the early 1980s, Valley distributes fresh produce and specialty products to foodservice customers from its facility near Knoxville, Tennessee. Mark Stansberry will continue to lead Valley as president, and the company’s operations will carry on from its current facility. “By joining FreshEdge, Valley will expand its selection of specialty items and add fresh cut processed products such as fresh salads, sandwiches, and healthy snack items – while continuing to provide exceptional customer service to our current and future customers,” said Stansberry. “We look forward to this new era of opportunity and growth for Valley.” FreshEdge is backed by Rotunda Capital Partners, a Bethesda, Maryland-based private equity firm that invests equity capital in established lower middle-market companies. Rotunda provides opportunities for management teams to reach strategic, financial, and operational objectives. Rotunda entered the food business in 2017 with the acquisition of Indianapolis Fruit and Piazza Produce. FreshEdge was created in 2019 when Get Fresh joined the platform. Valley represents FreshEdge’s fifth acquisition since Rotunda’s initial investment. Together, Rotunda and FreshEdge intend to continue expanding FreshEdge by welcoming more companies into the group—all focused on high quality produce and specialty food products, along with exceptional service—to create a unique team of complementary entities. About FreshEdge FreshEdge was formed in 2019 through the combination of Get Fresh Produce (founded 1982) and the IF&P Foods family of companies, primarily composed of Indianapolis Fruit (founded 1947) and Piazza Produce (founded 1970). Collectively, the three leading fresh food distribution companies have nearly 150 years of combined experience serving the grocery and food service industries. In addition, FreshEdge includes two Garden Cut branded fresh-cut processing facilities, a tomato re-packer, a USDA fresh kitchen (CIBUS Fresh), and two transportation companies. FreshEdge’s fleet resource includes 620 trucks servicing the Midwest and beyond from nine facilities totaling approximately 600,000 square feet of warehouse space. Today, FreshEdge is one of the largest independent fresh food distributors in the United States and a category leader in providing both the foodservice and retail industries with fruit, vegetables, proteins, fresh grab-n-go offerings, dairy, floral, and specialty products. About Rotunda Capital Partners Rotunda Capital Partners is a private equity firm that invests equity capital in established, lower middle market companies. Rotunda partners with management to build data-driven growth platforms within its targeted sectors, including value-added distribution, asset light logistics and industrial/business services. Founded in 2009, the firm has a long history of helping management teams achieve their goals for growth. The Rotunda team actively provides guidance and draws on deep industry and financial relationships to contribute to the successful execution of Rotunda’s companies’ strategic plans. The firm has offices in Bethesda, MD and Evanston, IL. For more information, visit www.rotundacapital.com. # # # Contact Details Rotunda Capital Partners Jill Lafferty +1 847-280-1295 jill@rotundacapital.com FreshEdge Greg Corsaro +13179813440 gcorsaro@freshedgefoods.com Company Website https://www.rotundacapital.com

July 01, 2021 08:56 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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