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MarketFinance Business Booster Fund announces first winners of grants

Stockwood Strategy

Fintech business lender MarketFinance has today made three grants of £5,000 each to winners of the MarketFinance Business Booster Fund. Over 500 virtual pitches were received and 5 were shortlisted. These businesses were put to a social media vote before three winners were selected. The three winning entries came from ethical breastfeeding clothing brand The Bshirt, smart food labelling specialist BlakBear and independent children’s literacy charity The Economist Educational Foundation. Inner city young people’s charity XLP and creative agency Collaborative Creations were the other two businesses to make the shortlist. Anil Stocker, CEO of MarketFinance commented: “We launched this initiative as a small boost to help the successful businesses pivot, scale or grow in 2021. We want to support more of the UK’s hardest working and most exciting SMEs. In addition to the grant, we will offer the time and skills of our expert staff to help their leadership teams. Whether they need tech, marketing, finance or communications support, we will provide the resources to help them get to where they want to go. The winners' applications were highly commended and we wish them all the very best for the year ahead. ” On being the first beneficiaries of grants from the MarketFinance Booster Fund, the winners’ comments: Lisa Lessaware, co-founder of The Bshirt said: “This means so much to our business. This grant will be used to launch exciting new ethical products to help women breastfeed more comfortably and ultimately for longer.” Michael Kasimatis, co-founder at BlakBear said: “We’re thrilled to receive this grant. It will help drive the technical and regulatory development. Initiatives like this truly help deliver research and innovation to the market. Thank you, MarketFinance". Harriet Boland, Fundraising & Partnerships manager, at The Economist Educational Foundation said: “We are delighted to receive a grant from the MarketFinance business booster fund! This money will help us grow and reach thousands more young people and enable them to have inspiring discussions about current affairs in schools." The Business Booster Fund was established in December 2020 and forms part of a commitment from MarketFinance to SMEs. The Fund makes grants of £5,000 available to UK small businesses, along with expert advice from MarketFinance’s team. The fund has been designed to develop innovative entrepreneurs even further. MarketFinance looked for entrepreneurs that represent our community as a whole, and is keen to support companies that value diversity, inclusion and giving back. Anil Stocker added: “We know that the winners, and all SMEs in general, face challenging times as we deal with both the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic challenges ahead. For that reason, it has been exciting to see a very wide range of innovative approaches from so many applicants to grow their businesses. It was difficult to narrow the awards down to a small number of outstanding winners and we look forward to supporting them with a variety of talent and resources at MarketFinance”. ENDS About MarketFinance MarketFinance is a business finance company with offices in London and Manchester. The online platform enables businesses to access a range of flexible finance solutions - quickly and easily. This smart technology is backed by help from real people so business owners can save time and focus on growing their business. Since 2011, MarketFinance has advanced over £3 billion to companies across a range of sizes and sectors, providing working capital and finance for everything from paying staff and suppliers to launching new products or services and accelerating growth. MarketFinance is backed by Barclays, Santander InnoVentures, European venture capital fund Northzone (invested in Klarna, iZettle and Trustpilot), and private equity group MCI Capital (also invested in iZettle, Azimo and Gett). Contact Details MarketFinance Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@marketfinance.com Company Website https://marketfinance.com/

February 03, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) Selects CSG as Partner in Their Digital Transformation

CSG

Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) announced a multiyear extension to its partnership with CSG. Mobily will deploy CSG’s innovative suite of revenue and customer management solutions to accelerate growth, introduce new products and services, and evolve the customer experience through traditional and digital channels. “Mobily is committed to its strategic vision of becoming a fully integrated operator. Ongoing transformation programs will enable Mobily to continue providing world class communications services, combined with an exceptional digital experience for our customers,” said Alaa Malki, CTO at Mobily. “By capitalising on our two companies’ combined industry knowledge and customer engagement expertise, this new era in our strategic partnership will empower Mobily to provide exciting digital products and services that simplify and enhance our customer journey and experience. Our partnership with CSG supports our corporate strategy, technology innovation, and advancement of our service offerings to our rapidly growing customer base. It also supports our overall transformation goals of being an agile and dynamic company that capitalises on opportunities presented by 5G and beyond, whilst providing a unified customer experience across all Mobily communication channels,” added Malki. CSG will deploy a full-stack solution that optimises Mobily’s ability to increase process agility and go-to-market flexibility, while lowering expenditures. The CSG solution will shift Mobily’s billing and revenue management operations to a consolidated managed services model, replacing existing legacy systems with one that digitally transforms Mobily’s systems and business operations. "Mobily truly exemplifies industry leadership, fully aligning itself with Vision 2030 to help drive a vibrant and sustainable digital economy across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, while providing an exceptional experience for its customers,” said James Kirby, head of CSG’s EMEA business. "CSG is pleased to open a new chapter in our twelve-year partnership with Mobily, driving their digital transformation, while strengthening their position in a highly competitive Saudi market.” # # # About Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) is a Saudi company launched commercially in May 2005. Mobily provides integrated services for three main sectors, individuals, businesses, and carriers. It has one of the largest wireless networks by coverage in Saudi Arabia as well as the region, and one of the widest FTTH networks, in addition to one of the largest data center systems worldwide. Mobily has been listed on Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul stock exchange since 2004. Major shareholders are Etisalat Emirates Group (27.99%) and the General Organization for Social Insurance (6.9%). The remaining shares are owned by institutional and retail investors. About CSG For more than 35 years, CSG has simplified the complexity of business, delivering innovative customer engagement solutions that help companies acquire, monetize, engage and retain customers. Operating across more than 120 countries worldwide, CSG manages billions of critical customer interactions annually, and its award-winning suite of software and services allow companies across dozens of industries to tackle their biggest business challenges and thrive in an ever-changing marketplace. CSG is the trusted partner for driving digital innovation for hundreds of leading global brands, including AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast, DISH, Eastlink, Formula One, Maximus, MTN and Telstra. To learn more, visit our website at csgi.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Copyright © 2021 CSG Systems International, Inc. and/or its affiliates (“CSG”). All rights reserved. CSG® is a registered trademark of CSG Systems International, Inc. All third-party trademarks, service marks, and/or product names which are referenced in this document are the property of their respective owners, and all rights therein are reserved. Contact Details CSG Global / North America / Asia-Pacific Brad Jones +1 303-200-3001 brad.jones@csgi.com CSG Europe / Middle East / Africa Kristine Østergaard +44 (0)79 2047 7204 kristine.ostergaard@csgi.com CSG Investor Relations John Rea +1 (210) 687 4409 john.rea@csgi.com Mobily Amjad Shacker +966 505 442066 a.shacker@mobily.com.sa Company Website https://www.csgi.com

February 03, 2021 01:00 AM Mountain Standard Time

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New Suzy Research Shows Shift in Valentine’s Day Date Plans This Year

Suzy

Suzy, a real-time market research platform, today announced its new research report, “State of the Consumer: Valentine’s Day 2021,” shows that nearly 70% of consumers are planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home this year. The report found that while many Americans and their significant others will change their romantic dinner plans compared to last year, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates still have the hearts of those planning to give candy to the people they love. According to Suzy research, top Valentine’s Day gifts include: Candy (66%); Flowers (60%); Jewelry (54%); Greeting Cards (52%); Wine/Alcohol (42%); and Perfume/Cosmetics (45%). A night in and dinner at home for most Likely due to COVID-19 restrictions or concerns, more than one-third of respondents (38%) who went out for Valentine’s Day last year are staying home this year. Suzy’s research also revealed that 31% who stayed home in 2020 are sticking to the same plan this time around, while nearly a quarter (24%) plan to go out for Valentine’s Day – just as they did last year. Most respondents are cooking dinner at home this year (36%), followed by ordering takeout from a restaurant (28%). Only 23% are planning to dine at a restaurant this year. Candy remains Cupid’s arrow Despite the shift in Valentine’s Day plans, candy remains a Cupid’s arrow for consumers who are planning to give gifts this year. In fact, 86% of those surveyed plan to buy Valentine’s Day candy this year, most often for a significant other (69%), their children (49%) or themselves (41%). The most popular candy purchases are the timeless heart-shaped box of chocolates (29%), followed by Hershey’s Kisses and chocolate-covered cherries (tied at 22%), M&M’s and conversation hearts (also tied at 11%). Most Americans will spend between $10 and $30 on candy (36%). A smaller percentage will spend between $33-50 (18%), $50-100 (15%), and more than $100 (12%) on candy. More than half of consumers are planning to buy greeting cards for Valentine’s Day (53%), with 41% of cards going to a significant other, and 11% to their children. “Research shows that Valentine’s Day this year means a candlelight dinner in the kitchen instead of a night out on the town, and brands will have to adjust accordingly,” said Suzy President Avi Savar. “While spending is still expected to be on par with previous years, sales strategies will need to be adjusted to meet consumer’s ever-changing needs during the pandemic.” Suzy’s State of the Consumer: Valentine’s Day 2021 survey was conducted on Jan. 14, 2021, and included 538 respondents. A full report is available upon request. About State of the Consumer: Valentine’s Day 2021 Suzy’s State of the Consumer: Valentine’s Day 2021 study surveyed 538 U.S. consumers in January 2021. The samples are directionally representative of U.S. consumers and census-weighted across age, gender, ethnicity, and region to accurately reflect attitudes across the broader American consumer population. About Suzy Founded in 2017, Suzy is an enterprise software platform that puts the voice of the consumer at your fingertips. Whether you’re a novice or an expert researcher, Suzy delivers advanced tools combined with the highest-quality audience to deliver insights in minutes. Many of the biggest brands in the world use Suzy to deliver breakthrough products and experiences backed by data-driven decisions. To date, Suzy has raised over $35MM in venture capital funding from investors that include Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments, Foundry Group, Tribeca Venture Partners, Triangle Peak Partners, and Kevin Durant’s 35 Ventures. Learn more at www.suzy.com. Contact Details Catrine Thorrud suzy@trustrelations.agency Company Website http://suzy.com/

February 02, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

GRYT Health Celebrates Five Year Anniversary

GRYT Health

On February 4, 2021, GRYT (“grit”) Health, a digital oncology company that empowers people to be in charge of their own health, is celebrating its five-year anniversary. Launched in 2016 on World Cancer Day with a purpose of helping those with cancer avoid isolation, GRYT Health today has grown to offer support services through connection and education, as well as the ability for patients, survivors and caregivers to share their experiences through one of GRYT Health’s research projects to improve healthcare. “When we started GRYT Health five year ago it was out of loneliness and a deep-rooted desire to help other patients avoid the way we had felt let down and unsupported during our own experiences with cancer,” said Dave Fuehrer, co-founder and chief executive officer of GRYT Health and two-time cancer survivor. “Even as a patient experience researcher myself, I felt unequipped to navigate the intricacies of the patient journey and treatment regimen during my two battles with testicular cancer. I knew we had to do something to help others.” More than 10,000 people have downloaded the GRYT Health app, which today is also available on a desktop platform at www.grythealth.com, creating more than 1.3 million interactions on the GRY Health platform. Additionally, the GRYT Health website offers a host of resources, including articles on issues relevant to the cancer journey and is a place where community members are empowered to share their stories. Users can also access Vivibot, a mental health chatbot that listens, 24/7 on the platform. To learn more and create a free GRYT Health account, visit www.grythealth.com. Growing from four co-founders in 2016 to a staff of 14 (and growing!) today, GRYT Health is comprised of cancer survivors, caregivers and researchers. In addition to the app, the organization offers a number of virtual conferences, including the cornerstone Global Virtual Cancer Conference and the COVID Advocacy Exchange, which not only help to educate attendees, but provide a platform for sharing experiences. In total, GRYT Health has hosted more than 120 virtual conferences; highlighting 300 industry, patient, survivor, caregiver, researcher and providers as presenters; and uniting 11,000 people who have registered for a GRYT Health event. “I am so proud of the company GRYT Health has become today,” said Co-Founder and Chairwoman of GRYT Health, Shelley Nolden, who is also an AML survivor. “We are truly empowering our community of patients, survivors and caregivers to find and use their voice to elevate healthcare.” Currently, working in collaboration with half of the world’s top 10 pharmaceutical companies, GRYT Health also champions patient experience research and clinical trial recruiting. Through The GRYT Project, community members have the opportunity to participate in relevant, compensated research opportunities where they are able to share their experiences to improve quality of life and outcomes. Nearly 1,000 patients, survivors and caregivers have participated in a GRYT Health research project today. “For the past five years, we have followed three principles in everything we have done: permission, transparency and partnership,” said Darcy Flora, Ph.D., chief research officer. “As a company founded and run by cancer survivors and caregivers, we have a relentless focus on the patient experience and work with companies who do the same. It is an honor to share others’ experiences and we are thankful for the work that we do and the differences we can make in healthcare, together.” In celebration of GRYT Health’s five-year anniversary, and in recognition of all we have achieved because of our community, GRYT Health is hosting a virtual birthday celebration via Zoom on February 4, 2021 at 7 pm ET. All are welcome to the free event, which will include entertainment from Aaron O’Brien, comedic magician, the premiere of the GRYT Health impact video made from community member submissions, games and prizes. To learn more and register, visit www.grythealth.com. GRYT Health is a digital oncology company that empowers people to be in charge of their own health through education, engagement and support. We offer a community free from judgment that focuses on humanity and the value each person brings. Our mission is to improve quality of life and increase survival for people facing cancer through the relentless focus on patient experience. We put patients first and work with healthcare organizations that do the same. We use the patient voice to enhance drug development and access; and together, we are helping to move healthcare forward. Visit www.grythealth.com to learn more. Contact Details GRYT Health Nichole Owens +1 315-263-4618 nichole@grythealth.com Company Website https://www.grythealth.com

February 02, 2021 09:03 AM Eastern Standard Time

Tempered Networks Launches Airwall Teams: Free, Zero Trust Remote Access and Private Network Solution

Tempered

Tempered Networks, a leading Zero Trust secure networking provider, today released Airwall Teams, a free, industrial-strength security platform for micro-segmentation and remote access. Airwall Teams allows organizations to build secure communications channels between devices, regardless of where they are located, to ensure secure access across all mobile, corporate, internet, and cloud networks. Airwall Teams is based on the same network technology as Airwall™, Tempered’s easy-to-manage, enterprise-grade solution that leverages the standards-based Host Identity Protocol (HIP), including a range of scalable hardware gateways and policy management devices. They form a private overlay network that sits on top of existing cybersecurity and network infrastructure. “Airwall Teams is a great option to allow potential Airwall users a chance to try our groundbreaking HIP secure access technology,” said Jeff Hussey, President, CEO and co-founder of Tempered. "Our platform allows users to greatly increase the security of their network flows and system access even though network perimeters are rapidly dissolving and cyberattacks are becoming more prevalent and sophisticated. Organizations are looking for an easy-to-deploy and manage Zero Trust network architecture, and Airwall Teams is the most expedient way to try out this approach quickly, at no cost.” Some of the key benefits of Airwall Teams include: Secure, Remote Management & Increased Productivity: With Airwall Teams organizations can increase productivity by quickly building the most secure remote access to critical endpoints and systems while completely eliminating vulnerabilities to unauthorized users. Security, DevOps and admin teams can use Airwall Teams to provide access to data center applications, IoT endpoints, and other industrial systems. Trusted Network Privacy: Airwall Teams makes network assets essentially invisible and completely private to unauthorized users. Airwall Teams, like Airwall, recreates a virtual air gap to critical infrastructure while still allowing necessary remote access and communication across a global network. Hackers cannot attack what they cannot see. Easy Deployment & Secure Team Connectivity: Airwall Teams features a simple drag-and-drop interface that can connect home, office, mobile and cloud resources across networks in just minutes. Employees can securely connect to each other and to servers, applications and email wherever they are located. “Airwall Teams provides a valuable solution for securely connecting endpoints for a range of use cases across any network, anywhere”, said Caston Thomas, President of Interworks, a Michigan-based security integration firm. “It’s great for remote access to specific systems running in the cloud, or sharing files and even video streams over an encrypted overlay tunnel. I like it as a free platform to trial some zero trust deployment scenarios that might make sense for my clients.” For its development of Airwall Teams and Airwall, as well as delivering innovative security services, Tempered was recently awarded a 2020 Best Practices Award by leading analyst firm Frost & Sullivan. “Frost & Sullivan is pleased to announce Tempered Networks as the recipient of the 2020 Technology Innovation Leadership Award for its strong commitment to delivering simple and less expensive network security solutions”, said Harikrishnan N M, Senior Research Analyst, TechVision at Frost & Sullivan. “Through pioneering Identity-Based Networking with the Host Identity Protocol (HIP) and cryptographic identities, Tempered helps customers set up a truly native zero trust network architecture that can make the entire network invisible to cyber threats and hackers.” “Tempered is committed to making the world a safer place by simplifying secure network and systems access,” added Hussey. “In the wake of the devastating SolarWinds attack and with threats already increasing inside corporate networks, organizations need to completely rethink how they are securing their networks and data. Airwall Teams offers this unparalleled network security for free, for networks up to 25 devices, enabling organizations to protect their devices and data inside simple, private and encrypted networks.” Airwall Teams is available immediately and can connect up to 25 devices for free, supporting Macs, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. To learn more and sign up for Airwall Teams, please visit: http://tempered.io/products/Airwall-Teams. Tempered makes the industry’s only truly native Zero Trust Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) solution. Airwall is the modern air gap for all connected things. Airwall makes it easy to create and maintain hyper-secure networks across complex infrastructure anywhere, including IT/OT/ICS/SCADA, remote and in the cloud. Airwall networks are multi-factor authenticated, micro-segmented, encrypted end-to-end, and impervious to lateral movement. Ready to make your company’s critical assets and infrastructure invisible to threats? Visit https://tempered.io. Contact Details Merritt Group for Tempered Katie Pesek +1 703-795-1928 pesek@merrittgrp.com Company Website http://tempered.io

February 02, 2021 08:57 AM Eastern Standard Time

Comcast RISE Awards 36 Black-Owned, Small Businesses in California with Marketing and Technology Resources and Makeovers

Comcast West Division

More than 700 Black-owned businesses across the country have been named Comcast RISE award recipients, including 36 small businesses in California. Now, the second phase of Comcast RISE, which stands for “Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment,” is accepting applications through February 7, 2021. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned, small businesses are encouraged to apply for the chance to receive consulting, media, and creative production services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, or technology upgrades from Comcast Business, based on their specific needs. “While many of my contemporaries were preparing for retirement, I became an entrepreneur,” said Judi Townsend, founder and owner of the Oakland-based store, Mannequin Madness, that received media services through RISE. “My business is in the recycling industry, where I find new uses for old things. So, when COVID-19 hit, I had to reinvent again. And RISE is an important tool for publicizing the new direction of my business.” “When we were first shut down, we were looking at creating a bigger online profile, and I found the RISE program,” said Jonathan Powell, founder and co-owner of Forever Diamonds & More, a jewelry store in San Jose that received a 30-second TV commercial production. “When you’ve got an establishment like Comcast reaching to pull up small businesses, the lifeblood of the economy, take their hand!” "We all crave a good cup of coffee,” said Olton Rensch, founder and owner of San Francisco-based Tallio’s Coffee that received marketing consultation services. “I was looking for ways to bolster my business during COVID-19 and found the RISE program. Had I not applied, I would have lost out on this great opportunity to bring my dream to life.” Comcast RISE brings together two of the company’s brands — Comcast Business and Effectv, both with expertise in the small business space — to empower business owners with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the economic effects of the pandemic. Comcast RISE consists of the following main components: A media and technology resources program: This pillar combines Effectv’s renowned media platform and marketing expertise, its award-winning creative agency, Mnemonic, and state-of-the-art technical support from Comcast Business to help small businesses foster and elevate growth. Recipients will receive help with their marketing, media campaigns and creation of 30-second commercials, as well as equipment and technology upgrades, including: ○ Consulting: Advertising and marketing consultations with local Effectv marketing, research and creative teams to gain insights on how to grow your business. ○ Media: A linear TV media campaign to run over a 90-day period. ○ Creative Production: Turnkey 30-second TV commercial production for their businesses. ○ Technology Makeovers: Computer equipment and Internet, Voice and Cybersecurity services for up to a 12-month period. (Taxes and other fees may still apply for tech makeover services.) Business resources to help with curated content: Comcast has launched the Comcast RISE destination complete with aggregated small business news, tips, insights and more on the X1 platform. The destination is designed to help businesses grow by empowering them through education, inspiration and entertainment. Just say “Comcast RISE” into the X1 voice remote. Comcast RISE is part of a larger $100 million Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative that Comcast launched this summer. In June, Comcast NBCUniversal announced the development of a comprehensive, multiyear plan to allocate $75 million in cash and $25 million in media over the next three years to fight injustice and inequality against any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or ability. Visit www.ComcastRISE.com to apply, for more information and the latest updates. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe's leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services. It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Adriana Arvizo +1 925-200-1919 Adriana_Arvizo@Comcast.Com Company Website https://california.comcast.com/

February 01, 2021 02:40 PM Pacific Standard Time

News Direct Boldly Redefines International Distribution

News Direct

News Direct today announced a reimagined approach to international news distribution. Since its mid-2020 launch, News Direct has radically redefined virtually every aspect of the traditional newswire experience, from workflow to pricing and analytics. It is now introducing innovation to international distribution. Similar to its North American rate structure, News Direct is disrupting the industry with a flat rate pricing model for international distributions, including human prepared translations. Full text translations, prepared by one of the world's leading translation houses, are included with select distributions as part of the flat rate pricing. News Direct has secured distribution agreements with more than a dozen leading international and national news agencies and commercial service providers; these prominent news agencies and premier distribution services will be announced in the coming weeks. "This allows PR and IR professionals targeting international audiences to broaden their reach and increase the frequency of their distributions due to the predictable, transparent and economical pricing strategy pioneered by News Direct," said Gregg Castano, the company's founder and CEO. News Direct has also added a new benefit to industry-focused news distribution, going beyond traditional "trade media" and static distribution lists. New Direct industry lists provide deeper reach that extends beyond trade publications to include journalists at mainstream media covering specific industries as well as bloggers and influencers active within those sectors. Unlike traditional newswire trade lists, News Direct lists are updated dynamically with every new order, eliminating the risk of outdated lists with deceased contacts and defunct publications. Delivering – and demonstrating – ROI is another key differentiator of News Direct's international services. Robust measurement from distribution partners will be consolidated into the News Direct performance report, providing clients with a single user-friendly, integrated report. Issuers whose securities are traded on North American markets also will receive a complimentary Equity Impact Report, analyzing their release's impact on share price, a News Direct exclusive. "International distribution is often confusing, as well as prohibitively expensive," noted Castano. "News Direct has aligned itself with the world's leading news agencies and service providers and has managed to create a new paradigm that clients can both understand and afford." About News Direct News Direct provides news and content distribution for PR, IR, Corporate Communications and Marketing professionals. Our platform delivers a completely reimagined, intuitive workflow, industry-leading security, transparent, flat rate pricing and actionable analytics. Further, News Direct has deployed an array of innovation including advanced automation, isolation cloud technology and custom software for the most dynamic, efficient and flexible platform available today. To learn more visit newsdirect.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. Contact Details News Direct Martha Pearlstone +1 203-295-7566 martha.pearlstone@newsdirect.com Company Website http://www.newsdirect.com

February 01, 2021 10:47 AM Eastern Standard Time

City of Houston Mayor Turner and Comcast Partner to Celebrate Houston History Makers

Comcast West Division

In celebration of this year’s Black History Month, Comcast today announced it will honor eight community volunteers for the fourth year since the Mayor’s History Makers Awards presented by Comcast began. This year’s History Makers Award recipients will be celebrated through a series of vignettes that will be featured on Comcast’s social media platforms beginning Feb. 1. Comcast will also donate $1,000 to the nonprofit organization of each honoree’s choice. “This year’s honorees have dedicated their lives to serving the public, and they have contributed to making our community stronger and more resilient. They deserve to be celebrated every day and especially during Black History Month,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said. “I am grateful to Comcast for shining a positive light on these exceptional individuals. Time and again, Comcast demonstrates why they are a leader in corporate citizenship through commitment and action.” “The Mayor’s History Makers Awards give us an opportunity to recognize those who have played a vital role in positive change in their communities while celebrating the diversity of this great city,” said Ralph Martinez, senior vice president for Comcast’s Houston region. “Although we are unable to meet in-person this year, we feel it is important to continue the tradition of recognizing these community volunteers.” 2021 Mayor’s History Makers Award Honorees and Nominating Organizations Dr. Judith Craven - Mayor Sylvester Turner Living Legend Honoree Carol Mims Galloway - National Association for the Advancement of Colored People – Houston Sue Johnson - Family Service Center of Galveston County Dr. LaShondra Jones - South East Veterans’ Resource Effort – SERVE Dr. Beverly Nolan - Holocaust Museum of Houston Commissioner Grady Prestage - Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston Dr. Vernus Swisher - Center for Pursuit Dr. Antonio DwayneTillis - East End Chamber Foundation Honorees were judged on criteria that included their personal impact in the community, helping further the mission of a nonprofit organization and overcoming personal obstacles. Judges for the awards include Judge Lina Hidalgo, Harris County; Shannon LaNier Anchor, CW39, Blogger, Daddy Duty 365; Khambrel Marshall, Meteorologist, KPRC-TV; Francis Paige, Jr. Publisher, Houston Style Magazine; Edward Pollard, Houston City Council Member, District J; and Dr. Ruth Simmons, President, Prairie View A&M University. The award recipients will be featured on houston.comcast.com, Twitter (@ ComcastHouston ), and Facebook (@ Comcast ) beginning Feb. 1. through Feb. 28. Photos: 2021 Mayor’s History Makers Headshots Comcast NBCUniversal takes great pride in its Diversity & Inclusion company-wide accomplishments and the dedicated efforts of Governance, Workforce, Supplier Diversity, Programming and Community Investment. As one of the world’s leading providers of entertainment, information, and communications products and services, Comcast believes it has the responsibility to reflect the customers and audiences it serves in all aspects of its business. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe's leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services. It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Michael Bybee +1 281-605-9658 Michael_Bybee@comcast.com Comcast Misha McClure 832-547-6783 Misha_McClure@cable.comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

February 01, 2021 09:00 AM Central Standard Time

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Army Veteran Dave Wyatt Grows Minuteman Press Franchise in Medina, Ohio During COVID-19 Pandemic By Helping Local Businesses

Minuteman Press International Inc

During his first year in business as Minuteman Press franchise owner in Medina, Ohio, Dave Wyatt was faced with the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We reached out to local businesses early on to let them know we were there to help them in their time of need. They learned we were open as an essential business and that they could trust us, and that sparked our growth.” One of the ways Dave helped other local businesses when they needed it most was through their free initiative Bounce Back Medina. “Bounce Back Medina simply connects local businesses with community members who are looking to shop local and support local. This is completely free and we also provide participating businesses with free COVID-19 awareness posters. This was our way of letting everyone know that we are all in this together and we will help in any way we can to lift each other up.” Dave also reached out to local bars and restaurants, providing them with 100 free printed menus. “I knew they needed to make changes to their menus or simply needed to use them to reach out to customers, so I thought it was the right thing to do. They were very appreciative and once again they saw that we were there to help them at a critical time.” He also printed free 10-minute parking signs for all businesses in the square downtown. “Curbside pickup became very big, and I just wanted to do my part to help other businesses adapt and stay safe.” Goodwill goes a long way to growing sales As a result of his efforts in giving back and building authentic relationships with other local businesses he truly cares about, Dave has seen his sales grow 30% despite the challenges of the pandemic. “Some of the businesses I reached out to through Bounce Back and these other giveaways have remembered us and stuck with us. They see that we can meet their printing and marketing needs. More importantly, they know I am there for them and that I can empathize with them since I am a local business owner too.” At Minuteman Press Medina, Dave is able to provide high-demand products and services that local businesses need right now. He explains, “We provide general printing services, custom branded apparel, wide format printing and signage, and direct mail campaigns. These are all items being ordered and used by our clients during the pandemic.” He continues, “For example, we were honored to be able to help our graduating students last year by printing over 1,200 signs for families. We are proud to help keep businesses safe with social distancing signage and branded face masks. They can safely reach out to their target audiences through direct mail postcards as well as Dynamic Direct Mail, where people are contacted both through the mail and online.” Dave adds, “We are local and we care about our community. We have that personal touch you won’t find elsewhere, and you certainly won’t find it online. You will not find another team to take care of your printing and marketing needs like we do at Minuteman Press Medina.” Dave also credits his local in-house staff of three employees who he is able to lean on to make sure his clients receive that personal touch and outstanding customer service. “We have a great team that works well together. Sierra is our Graphic Designer; Mary is our Customer Support Rep; and Eric is our Production Specialist. I am humbled to have the support I do from them. As a business owner you want to be comfortable when you are away from the shop and they make it that way for me.” Furthering his local ties to the community, Dave makes sure to get involved and stay active. “Community is so important. I am a Chamber Ambassador for the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce and also a member of the Wadsworth Chamber of Commerce. This allows me to get to know the new businesses as they are coming in or just joining the Chamber. I am a member of the Medina County Economic Development Corporation as well. I join as many networking groups as I can and still be comfortable with my time. Networking and growing relationships through the ‘know, like and trust’ platform was key in thriving during this pandemic.” “Printing will never go away but you must be more than a printer. You need to be a marketer, a designer, a promoter, and most importantly, a business partner. People need to trust you and your team. Once you have that trust, you have a customer for life.” -Dave Wyatt, Minuteman Press franchise owner, Medina, Ohio From the US Army to the American Dream of Business Ownership Prior to owning his own business at the end of 2019, Dave Wyatt says, “I spent 8 years in the Army as an Aircraft Electrician. I spent the next 19 years with Konica Minolta (16 years in service and 3 years in sales). During that time, I did a lot of training and calibrating equipment so I was in many different types of businesses. I saw independent print shops, UPS stores, and Minuteman Press franchises. When I decided to own my own business, I knew I didn’t want to open without support so I went the franchise route.” Why Minuteman Press? Dave answers, “What I liked about Minuteman Press from what I learned in research and what I saw while working for Konica Minolta is that they allow the personality of the business to shine. They offer the most flexibility in terms of how to run your franchise, so while I am following their system, I still feel like an entrepreneur. I didn’t see that from other franchises and I also didn’t want something like foodservice where I’d be working long hours at night and on weekends. Having that freedom to be me and the Monday-Friday hours were huge along with their training and support.” “Minuteman Press has guidelines and if you follow those guidelines you will be successful, but they also allow you the freedom to make many of your own choices when it comes the way that you actually run your business. During my search for a franchise, I felt many other franchisees were just glorified managers for their franchisors because they seemed to have very little freedom to make decisions on their own without corporate breathing down their backs. Between that, their training and support, the Monday-Friday hours, and their cap on royalties, I was sold.” -Dave Wyatt Dave expands on the ongoing local support he receives from Minuteman Press International. “I have a great local support team in Regional Vice President Gary Nowak and Area Manager Rich DeRosa, who are only a call or email away. Everyone at Minuteman Press has been helpful during this pandemic and they have really shown me that they have my back with constant communications and additional marketing strategies. He adds, “Our Minuteman Press FLEX software system is also a huge game-changer for us. We have implemented customer dashboards, which allows for easy online ordering and reordering. If people come to me and say that they prefer online ordering, we make that available to them while also still being their local trusted provider they can still talk to and meet with. They can have the best of both worlds.” Advice for Others Dave shares the following advice for others who are looking to own a business. He states, “Ensure you have enough capital; my bank has been a good business partner and because of that I was prepared when the pandemic first hit. With that said, you can’t be afraid to spend money in ways that will help you market and grow. Invest in people, inventory, and equipment where it makes sense. I also encourage you to study, read books, and listen to podcasts. Always be learning, and never stop.” For more information on Minuteman Press in Medina, Ohio, visit https://www.medina.minutemanpress.com. Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

February 01, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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