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Grand Opening of New Mothers' Milk Bank California Collection Center in Santa Cruz County

The Mothers' Milk Bank

WHO: Mothers' Milk Bank California and RC Fam proudly announce the grand opening of a new donor milk collection center in Watsonville located in Santa Cruz County. WHAT: This kick off event will bring together the local community to raise awareness about the critical need for donor human milk, which helps save the lives of premature and medically fragile infants. Attendees will enjoy a day of fun, education, and community engagement, with presentations, a tour of the center, Bingo, and a raffle. The goal of the event is to inspire community members to consider becoming breast milk donors and support families and babies in need. WHEN: Saturday, October 19, 2024 – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM WHERE: Raíces y Cariño at 1205 Freedom Blvd Ste 3B, Watsonville, CA 95076 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS: Presentations by Mothers' Milk Bank California & RC Fam: Learn about the life-saving impact of donor milk and how the new collection center will help support local families. Tour the New Collection Center: See firsthand how donor milk is collected and managed by the new collection center Community Resource Bingo & Raffle: Enjoy networking and learning more about our community's resources and participate in a raffle with exciting prizes, all while supporting a worthy cause. WHY: The need for donor breast milk is greater than ever. Donor milk plays a vital role in supporting infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) and families facing breastfeeding challenges. By opening this new collection center, we aim to increase milk donations from Santa Cruz County and surrounding areas to ensure that every baby who needs breast milk has access to it. This event is a chance for the community to come together and contribute to this life-saving mission. Founded 50 years ago, Mothers' Milk Bank California is a leading nonprofit dedicated to providing screened, donated human milk to babies in need. As a founding member of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), it helped set standards for nonprofit milk banks across North America. The organization collects, pasteurizes, and distributes safe human milk to hospitals and families, ensuring essential nutrition for infants. Committed to improving lives, Mothers' Milk Bank California supports families and advances neonatal care. Contact Details Jennifer Benito-Kowalski +1 408-831-7276 jbenito@mothersmilk.org Company Website https://camilkbank.org/

October 16, 2024 05:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Hispanic Lifestyle to Honor Brilla Media Ventures/Nuestro Stories Co-Founder Angela Sustaita-Ruiz for Leadership at Connecting Latinas of Influence Awards-October 23

Brilla Latina

Hispanic Lifestyle announced that Brilla Media Ventures Co-Founder and Chairwoman Angela Sustaita-Ruiz will be recognized for her national leadership in the Latino community during Hispanic Lifestyle’s Connecting Latinas of Influence event, October 23 in Ft. Lauderdale. With 25 years in digital media, marketing and public relations, Angela has led award-winning U.S. Hispanic and multicultural programs. Prior to Brilla Media, she co-founded Hispanicize Media Group in 2009 and the first Latino influencer network, Latina Mom Bloggers (later renamed DiMe Media). She has led hundreds of influencer and community engagement marketing campaigns for major brands including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The Ad Council, Disney, Unilever, P&G, Netflix, HBO, among many others. In 2019, she sold the majority of Hispanicize to John Leguizamo’s NGL Collective, and in 2022, Leguizamo and Angela were part of the collective that sold all of NGL to Go Digital/ MiTu. Angela’s most recent accolades include being named the 2023 Hispanic Heritage Entrepreneur of the Year Award by Latin American Business Association, a semi-finalist for Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Prize, and winning the 2021 Hermes Creative Award for the CDC’s “How Right Now” COVID Mental Health Response Campaign. In 2021, Angela was a finalist for the PRWeek Multicultural Marketing Campaign of the Year for Altisimo Live for farmworker relief, and she is also a past recipient of the Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) Professional of the Year Award. A proud third-generation Mexican-American and Texan, Angela comes from a family of migrant farmworkers, veterans, entrepreneurs and community advocates. She holds a B.A. in Latin American Studies from Baylor University, and currently resides in Miami, Florida. Below is a list of the other 2024 Latinas of Influencer Florida honorees: Adis M. Vila, Ph.D., Global, Chief Experience Officer – Vila & Associates AnaCristina Blandon, Senior Manager, International Wealth Structuring & Global Family Office – Scotiabank. ALPFA Miami Chapter Co-President Arlyn Broche, Actress, Entrepreneur and Producer Carolina Valderrama, AMP, Manager, Affordable Lending & Housing Outreach, Freddie Mac Charley Ferrer, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and Founder – Cancer Tamer Foundation, Empowerment Speaker, Breast Cancer Awareness Advocate Dr. Luisa Montoya, Chief Executive Officer – Diversity Matters Mary Sol (Atienza) Gonzalez, Chief Executive Officer – Hispanic Entrepreneur Initiative Silvia Fresneda, Home Mortgage Consultant – Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Wendy Preciado, founder and Chief Executive Officer – CM & D National Construction LLC About Hispanic Lifestyle Hispanic Lifestyle is a leading masterbrand in digital media and event production, connecting business owners, professionals, and community leaders through engaging content and events. Trusted by top brands, we tailor messages to reach valued consumers and have earned multiple awards and recognitions. As an independently produced TV program, Hispanic Lifestyle highlights the achievements of Latino leaders, organizations, and businesses, with segments on health, travel, food, and entertainment. It has aired on PBS and independent stations across California, Arizona, Kansas City, Oklahoma, and Texas. Hispanic Lifestyle is certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) by the California Public Utilities Commission (MBE# 14110125) and as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) by the State of California (SBE# 1791437). About Brilla Media Ventures Brilla Media Ventures provides engaging cultural content for multicultural marketers through its owned and operated platforms, Nuestro Stories, Nuestro Studios, and Brilla Latina. Offerings also include programmatic advertising technology services for scalable media delivery, influencer marketing, creative studio services, and brand activations. The company is led by Angela Sustaita-Ruiz and Manuel Ruiz-Barrera, creators of Hispanicize, and trailblazers in the Hispanic media, social and influencer marketing industries, the Latino press release wire industry, and the first network of Hispanic print media companies online. Contact Details Brilla Media Rameh Ali Echeverri +1 305-303-2322 rameh@brillamedia.com Company Website https://brillalatina.com/

October 15, 2024 03:36 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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New ‘‘Sweep, Sweep’’ Campaign Promotes Urban Cleanliness and Environmental Stewardship Across the United States

Rev Up Marketers

A new community-driven movement, the ‘‘ Sweep, Sweep ’’ campaign, co-created by Eva Almeida, Audrey Star, SK Cummings and Sk Almeida, is setting a powerful example for communities across the United States. The initiative, aimed at promoting urban cleanliness and environmental preservation, seeks to inspire individuals to act for a cleaner and healthier planet, starting in their neighborhoods. With a focus on community engagement, the ‘‘Sweep, Sweep’’ campaign emphasizes that individual responsibility plays a crucial role in safeguarding the environment. Through volunteer clean-up events, educational workshops, and a strong social media presence, the campaign encourages citizens to unite to preserve their local surroundings' beauty and well-being. The founders of the initiative believe that small acts of care can lead to significant, lasting change. Audrey Star, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and a passionate advocate for sustainability explained, "If we want to save our planet, we need to start with our cities. Every effort counts." The campaign will expand across different regions, inspiring residents nationwide to take pride in their communities and join the movement toward a greener future. In collaboration with local organizations, the ‘‘ Sweep, Sweep ’’ campaign will host a series of volunteer clean-up events in parks, streets, and public spaces. Additionally, workshops on waste management, recycling, and sustainability practices will be offered to further educate participants on how to contribute to environmental preservation. A Vision for Sustainable Communities The ‘‘ Sweep, Sweep ’’ initiative aligns with Audrey Star’s commitment to fostering community and creating sustainable futures. Known for her extraordinary career as an actor has continually sought ways to blend her artistic endeavors with her dedication to social causes. This campaign is a reflection of her passion for the environment and her belief in collective action as a means to address pressing global challenges. While urban cleanliness is a central focus, the campaign also aims to build stronger, more connected communities. "We want people to feel empowered, not just to clean their surroundings, but to come together and take pride in the places they live," said Eva Almeida, co-creator of the campaign. About Audrey Star: A Multi-Talented Visionary Audrey Star is concerned about the situation in the city where she lives and in other parts of the United States. This project was created by Eva Almeida, Audrey Star, SK Cummings and Sk Almeida. The project is called “IF WE WANT TO SAVE OUR PLANET, LET’S START CLEANING OUR CITY.” Maintaining the cleanliness of the city also means keeping it a healthy place to live. While governmental policies are certainly important, most people think that better living circumstances might be achieved without them. They hold the government in high regard and don´t put themselves as part of that transformation. The truth is that even tiny actions of cleanliness can have a significant impact on preserving the environment. It appears that many hold the opposite view and think that significant modifications are necessary to bring about change. We recognize that significant changes frequently resemble the labor of tiny ants. Come help us preserve the environment and together let’s clean up our city. Cleaning up our homes and towns, protecting public spaces, and caring for the environment are the first steps in saving the planet. Audrey Star was recently seen dining at Catch LA restaurant creating quite a stir. To the surprise of her audience and fans, Star wore her stunning Sun Necklace Collection©™ and showcased a golden sun-inspired look, complete with light blonde highlights. The ensemble perfectly complemented her radiant appearance, embodying her signature Sun Collection style. Star’s golden aura, paired with the brilliance of her jewelry, captivated onlookers, further cementing her status as both a fashion icon and a creative visionary in the realm with her Visionary©™ technology. Contact Details Audrey Star Perfume Collection and Audrey Star Music Publishing Barbara Stanwy audreystarperfumecollection@hotmail.com Company Website https://audreystarperfumecollection.com/

October 15, 2024 01:27 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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NAFA Launches New eLearning Courses for Advanced Fleet Management

NAFA Fleet Management Association

NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA), the vehicle fleet industry’s largest membership association, is excited to announce the launch of the first two courses in its new eLearning series. These self-paced, virtual courses are designed to provide fleet professionals with a comprehensive understanding of core fleet competencies and best practices across a wide range of fleet management areas. By the end of 2024, a total of nine eLearning courses will be available, covering key topics across the industry. The first two courses—Asset Management and Sustainable Fleet—are live now, with additional courses to be released over the coming months. "The launch of NAFA’s eLearning Courses represents a significant step in providing flexible, accessible education for fleet professionals," said Bill Schankel, CAE, CEO of NAFA. "These courses allow fleet managers to gain critical skills and knowledge at their convenience, empowering them to implement best practices and drive their organizations forward." With the fleet industry advancing rapidly, NAFA’s eLearning platform offers interactive, up-to-date training that reflects the latest industry trends, technologies and practices. Fleet professionals across all sectors can access specialized learning modules, with the flexibility to complete the training at their own pace. Courses include interactive exercises, quizzes, checkpoints, and explainer animations to enhance the learning experience, with ongoing access to course materials for continuous review. First eLearning Courses Released: Asset Management eLearning: Covers the full spectrum of asset management activities including vehicle selection, procurement, commissioning and remarketing. Fleet managers skilled in asset management play a key role in boosting an organization’s profitability and operational efficiency. Sustainable Fleet eLearning: Focuses on integrating sustainability into fleet operations, from vehicle acquisition through remarketing. Topics include sustainable fleet planning, fuel use, life cycle cost analysis and leadership strategies for driving sustainability goals within fleet operations. These eLearning courses serve as a gateway to advanced fleet management learning, providing the tools and knowledge fleet professionals need to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. This is only the beginning, as NAFA will continue to roll out more courses, covering essential topics like Risk Management and Vehicle Fuel Management, ensuring professionals have the resources to thrive in modern fleet management. For more information on NAFA’s eLearning Courses and to register, visit https://www.nafa.org/elearning-courses/. NAFA Fleet Management Association is the membership organization for professionals who manage the mobility requirements of vehicle fleets that include commercial, public safety, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes, and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for corporations, governments, universities, utility fleets, and law enforcement in North America and across the globe. NAFA’s members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance, repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 4.8 million vehicles that drive an estimated 84 billion miles each year. NAFA’s members control assets and services well above $122 billion each year. For more information, please visit www.nafa.org, and communicate with NAFA on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. Contact Details Keaveny Hewitt +1 919-622-5276 khewitt@onwrdupwrd.com Company Website https://www.nafa.org/

October 15, 2024 09:38 AM Eastern Daylight Time

New Study Shows Rise in Independent by Choice Workers over Traditional Employment

MBO Partners

A new study from MBO Partners highlights a transformative shift in the American labor market, revealing a 6.5% increase in full-time independent workers, now reaching 27.7 million, since last year. Nearly one in five independent workers now earn more than $100,000 annually, reflecting the expanding economic opportunities offering Americans options from traditional employment toward the freedom and flexibility of self-employment. “This 6.5% growth in full-time independents signals a clear rejection of the traditional employer-employee social contract,” said Miles Everson, CEO of MBO Partners. “The concept of stable benefits, job security, and mutual loyalty is unraveling. Our study found that 65% of full-time independent workers feel more secure in their careers, and their confidence is reflected in their decision to pursue autonomy and forge their own paths.” MBO’s State of Independence report, The Independent by Choice Movement: Authentic and Intentional, now in its 14th year, shows that 72.7 million Americans are choosing independent work in 2024. Millennials and Gen Z are at the forefront of this movement, with their combined share of the independent workforce rising from 52% in 2023 to 59% in 2024. As traditional employment loses its appeal, these younger generations are redefining career success, prioritizing flexibility, purpose, and financial independence over conventional job structures. Additional insights from the 2024 study include: Traditional Employment is on Shaky Ground The study reveals that 34% of traditional jobholders fear losing their jobs, while 42% are considering a career change this year. In contrast, 65% of full-time independents feel more secure, and nearly 60% say their work aligns with their identity, compared to just 47% of traditional workers. As the employer-employee social contract frays, traditional jobholders question employer commitment to retaining talent. Many workers are switching jobs more frequently or transitioning to independent work, with job tenure steadily declining. Independent by Choice Drives a Bold New Era of Self-Directed Careers In 2024, 61% of independent workers chose this path by choice, not necessity, with only 10% saying they felt forced into it. Confidence in independent work is growing, with 65% of full-time independents feeling more secure than in traditional jobs, and 54% saying they wouldn’t return to payroll employment. Independent work is now seen as a viable career strategy, with 4.7 million independents earning over $100,000 annually, up from 3 million in 2020. This shift represents a growing movement toward autonomy and purpose, not just a fallback option. AI and Global Reach Fuel Independent Growth In 2024, the number of full-time and part-time independent professionals providing services to businesses surged by 14%, reaching 11.2 million. These independents are climbing the value chain, leveraging specialized skills and generative AI—65% now use AI tools, up sharply from 37% in 2023. AI has become a game changer, enhancing productivity and competitiveness, leading to a rise in six-figure earners. Additionally, thanks to platforms, marketplaces, and social media, the global reach of independent workers is expanding. In 2024, 31% reported providing services to customers outside the U.S., nearly triple the proportion from 2012. “More people are turning to independent work,” Everson added. “This is not just a trend - it’s an inspiring shift, with a workforce determined to redefine success on its own terms.” About MBO Partners® MBO Partners is a global talent solutions platform designed to optimize the engagement between enterprise clients and high value independent workers. MBOâs comprehensive enterprise solutions allow clients to source exceptional talent, scale their independent workforce and optimize their workforce management practices. With vast experience and industry expertise, MBO helps you build a better, independent workforce for the future. For more information, visit mbopartners.com. Contact Details Words For Hire Karen Swim, APR, Public Relations +1 586-461-2103 karen@wordsforhirellc.com MBO Partners Michelle (Mick) Lee, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) MLee@MBOPartners.com Company Website https://mbopartners.com

October 15, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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RedHill Biopharma Secures U.S. Government Funding Through BARDA To Advance Opaganib For Ebola Treatment

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga A decade after a deadly ebola outbreak that left more than 11,000 people dead and only six years after another outbreak killed over 2,000, more needs to be done to find an effective treatment for this infectious disease. That’s what RedHill Biopharma Ltd. (NASDAQ: RDHL), a specialty biopharmaceutical company, is seeking to do with its novel, potentially broad-acting, host-directed therapy, opaganib, a first-in-class new chemical entity with anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and antiviral activity. The U.S. government’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), a center of the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), just selected opaganib for further development to treat exposure to Ebola virus disease (EBOV). To date, RedHill Biopharma said opaganib has made positive progress on the expected Animal Rule pathway towards potential approval as a treatment for EBOV. The Animal Rule allows for the use of pivotal animal model efficacy studies to support the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of new drugs when human clinical trials are not ethical or feasible. New Treatments Needed Ebola is a rare and often deadly virus caused by infection by one of a group of four viruses known as ebolaviruses. Transmission of the disease is mostly through contact with an infected animal (bat or nonhuman primate) or a sick or dead person infected with an ebolavirus. Currently, only Inmazeb, a combination of three monoclonal antibodies and Ebanga, a single monoclonal antibody, are FDA-approved to treat EBOV. Both are intravenously administered. According to RedHill Biopharma, there is an urgent need for host-directed small molecule therapies that may be effective against multiple strains of ebolavirus, are less likely to be impacted by viral mutation and are easy to store, distribute and administer, especially in areas where healthcare services and infrastructures may be sub-optimal. With ebola cases predicted to grow in the years to come, driven by a lack of effective treatment, so is the market size for vaccines and treatments. According to one forecast, the ebola drug and vaccine market is poised to reach $223.7 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 12.8% from 2022 to 2027. Opaganib, which is orally administered, is thought to work through the inhibition of multiple pathways, the induction of autophagy and apoptosis and the disruption of viral replication, through simultaneous inhibition of three sphingolipid-metabolizing enzymes in human cells (SPHK2, DES1 and GCS). BARDA To Provide Funding Under the cost-sharing agreement with BARDA, BARDA will provide funding to further advance opaganib to mitigate infections and contain EBOV outbreaks. In an in vivo EBOV study with the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, RedHill Biopharma said opaganib delivered a statistically significant increase in survival time when given at 150 mg/kg twice a day. RedHill Biopharma said it’s the first host-directed molecule to show activity in EBOV. What’s more, RedHill said opaganib also recently demonstrated a distinct synergistic effect when combined individually with the COVID-19 antiviral treatment remdesivir, significantly improving potency while maintaining cell viability. “EBOV is deadly, killing, on average, half of all those who contract it. This year marks ten years since the West Africa Ebola epidemic in which 11,000 people died, and yet there are still no host-directed, small molecule therapies approved to provide effective and usable treatment strategies,” said Guy Goldberg, RedHill’s Chief Business Officer. “There are also enormous geopolitical and logistical challenges to overcome in managing outbreaks such as EBOV, and others like Mpox, and so new host-directed, small-molecule therapeutic options for biodefense and global health preparedness could prove to be major life-saving advances – this is especially true if they are capable of viral mutation-resistance, have extended shelf-lives for long-term storage, are relatively straightforward to transport to hard-to-reach territories and are easy to administer without the need for cold-storage or injections.” Fighting More Than EBOV In addition to EBOV, RedHill said opaganib has demonstrated antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, multiple variants and several other viruses, including Influenza A. Opaganib is currently also in development for multiple oncology, viral, inflammatory and diabetes and obesity-related indications, including COVID-19, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and radiological and chemical protection or mitigation. RedHill Biopharma’s novel drug has also been selected for evaluation by other NIH-funded U.S. government countermeasure programs including the Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP) for development as a potential treatment for Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) and by the BARDA Chemical Medical Countermeasures (Chem MCM) Program and the NIH/NIAID Chemical Countermeasures Research Program (CCRP), in addition to several other U.S. government and non-government collaborations. Ebola is a fast-spreading and often deadly disease that needs better solutions. RedHill Biopharma and BARDA are betting on opaganib to potentially provide another easier-to-mobilize option to fight outbreaks. To learn more about RedHill Biopharma’s novel drug, click here. Featured photo by CDC on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 15, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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AmeriLife's MCC Brokerage Strengthens Market Position with Diversity Insurance Agency Partnership

AmeriLife

MCC Brokerage, an innovative field marketing organization in the life and health insurance industry and affiliate partner of AmeriLife Group, LLC, today announced that it has partnered with Diversity Insurance Agency, a Medicare Advantage brokerage company with more than 900 contracted agents licensed in nearly all 50 U.S. states. Per the agreement, terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We are excited to welcome Tim Barlow and his team to our growing Health Distribution network,” said Darren Houck, President of MCC Brokerage. “Diversity Insurance has set itself apart from other agencies through its hands-on approach to training, lead programs, and expert support staff, and we are confident in its continued success.” By meeting people where they are, investing in them, and nurturing their growth, Diversity Insurance Agency provides its agents with the tools and training needed to succeed. Powered by a grassroots approach, a mature outreach program of specialized community events, and a traditional door-to-door educational initiative, licensed agents guide their clients through coverage that meets their personal health and financial needs. “Securing the proper Medicare coverage can be a complex, overwhelming task for many beneficiaries,” said Tim Barlow, President of Diversity Insurance Agency. “Our personalized approach and training protocols ensure that agents are well-versed in plan offerings available in each community we serve and are trained to help consumers balance the costs and benefits to meet their needs. We are thrilled to continue this level of service with the MCC Brokerage team and AmeriLife’s distribution and partnership platform.” With MCC Brokerage and AmeriLife, DIA will enjoy expanded access to tools and resources to boost its reach, productivity, and profitability. "Tim and his team have taken traditional, person-to-person relationship-building to the next level," said Scotty Elliott, Chief Distribution Officer of Health for AmeriLife. "This approach is vital to building trust with our customers, validates the importance of health insurance agents' role in the insurance process, and reflects an important segment of AmeriLife’s core, value-based belief in how we conduct our business." ### About Diversity Insurance Agency With headquarters in Saline, Michigan, Diversity Insurance Agency takes pride in its extensive agent training program, creating expert consumer journeys when seeking comprehensive consultation and personalized health insurance recommendations. Our agents live in the communities they serve. They are well-versed in all plan offerings they provide and are trained to assist with presenting all available options and customizations based on the individual's particular life journey. For more information, visit www.diversityins.com. About MCC Brokerage As an award-winning, innovative, and passionate field marketing organization in the life and health insurance industry, MCC Brokerage embodies a collaboration versus competition mindset, empowering agents to grow their businesses. We aim to assist agents in creating their most robust business possible, utilizing over 50 collective years of expertise. We strive to support our agents’ endeavors through building lasting relationships and unmatched customer service. For more information, visit www.mccbrokerage.com. About AmeriLife AmeriLife’s strength is its mission: to provide insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. In doing so, AmeriLife has become recognized as the leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees across the United States. For over 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers through a distribution network of over 300,000 insurance agents, financial professionals, and over 100 marketing organizations and insurance agency locations nationwide. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact Details Jeff Maldonado media@amerilife.com Partnership Inquiries Alex Hyer corporatedevelopment@amerilife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

October 15, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Marti Technologies Begins Monetizing Ride-Hailing Super App With Drivers Paying Subscription Fees

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Marti Technologies, Inc. (AMEX: MRT), which is the top urban mobility app in Türkiye as per data cited in its most recent investor presentation, has begun monetizing its ride-hailing service, selling drivers subscription packages to access ride requests from Marti’s growing rider base, which is now around 1.3 million. By the end of the year, the company is targeting 1.6 million users. Under its initial monetization strategy, drivers pay Marti monthly subscription fees to receive ride requests from riders. The company says it has over 225,000 registered drivers using its app. In the first half of 2024, Marti’s driver base increased by 60%. Drivers Are Willing To Pay For Access To Riders Marti, which bills itself as the only ride-hailing company in Türkiye that can handle large volumes of rides, does face competition from offline ride-hailing services in the country. Still, the company says that none of the smaller services have a mobile app that streamlines the process of hailing a ride. Instead, they rely on voice calls and text messages to connect drivers and riders. Such inefficiency results in a lower volume of ride requests from those service providers, reports Marti. Nonetheless, the company says drivers are willing to pay upwards of $300 per month for that type of offline access to riders, which means Marti can also charge that much. To maximize its monetization efforts and to make it equitable for drivers, Marti’s driver subscription package prices are set to dynamically adjust to reflect the level of real-time ride requests that Marti directs to its drivers. During busy times, Marti can charge more for access. Before this monetization, Marti was focused solely on growing the number of riders and drivers on its app, a strategy the company says is paying off. “The first half of 2024 was a period in which we significantly exceeded our ride-hailing targets, demonstrating that demand for ride-hailing in Türkiye is even higher than we anticipated,” Oguz Alper Oktem, founder and CEO, said when reporting earnings at the end of September. “In the first half of 2024, in addition to achieving our new rider and driver acquisition targets, we also increased our efforts to retain existing riders and drivers in a capital-efficient manner.” Standing Out From The Pack Marti is different from its rivals, which the company credits for its growth. To connect drivers and riders, the company launched its super app in 2019, and in under five years has morphed into a leader in the marketplace. Not only does it match riders with cars easily and efficiently, but it also has motorcycle-hailing and taxi-hailing services, and operates a large fleet of rental e-mopeds, e-bikes and e-scooters. Another differentiator is its concentration throughout Türkiye, particularly in Istanbul. With an unofficial population of over 20 million people, Istanbul is the largest city in Europe; bigger than cities like London, Paris and Berlin. Of the company’s 225,000 registered drivers, more than 167,000 are in Istanbul. The company says that compares to some 21,000 taxis operating in the city. “Monetization is constantly on our mind,” said company executives during a recent earnings conference call. “We look at drivers' behavior, we look at riders' behavior. When the pilot programs come alive, the profitability of the company will change significantly.” Featured photo by Tolga Ahmetler on Unsplash Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 15, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Siyata Mobile, Ambra Solutions And TASSTA Americas Collaborate To Migrate Mining Sites To Cutting-Edge Wireless Networks For All Their Communication Needs

Siyata Mobile Inc.

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga For years mining companies had no choice but to build two communications networks, one for data and the other for two-way radio. After all, in remote locations, both are important to keep mining operations going. But thanks to LTE/5G networks, the old way of doing things – which was costly and cumbersome – is going away. That’s particularly true of new greenfield mines, which are increasingly installing one LTE/5G network to meet all their needs. Even existing mines, recognizing the benefits, which include better coverage and connectivity, are melding their networks into one. They are turning to companies like Siyata Mobile Inc. (NASDAQ: SYTA), Ambra Solutions and TASSTA Americas to make it happen. The three are collaborating to help mining sites migrate from a traditional VHF/UHF two-way radio system into what the companies say are cutting-edge wireless networks enabling voice, data and real-time location services. All three play an important role in making this a reality, bringing many benefits to their mining customers. Communicating Everywhere Take automatic channel switching for starters. In dynamic industrial environments maintaining consistent and reliable communications is essential for operational safety and efficiency. TASSTA Americas` software solution enables automatic channel switching, ensuring workers remain connected to the correct network segment as they move throughout the site. This functionality helps prevent communication failures and ensures continuous connectivity across the entire industrial site, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency. Then there are vehicle-mounted push-to-talk (PTT) devices. For industries requiring robust and reliable communication solutions, Siyata offers specialized vehicle-mounted PTT devices designed to withstand the harshest conditions. These devices provide workers with effective communication tools, ensuring reliable, hands-free communication even within vehicles operating in challenging conditions. Safety Front And Center Safety is also top of mind for mining operators and an LTE/5G network system facilitates that and then some, from man-down detection to emergency video functionality. After all, worker safety remains a top priority in any work environment, especially in ones where workers can encounter a number of hazardous elements. TASSTA Americas' advanced software solutions, integrated with Ambra’s private LTE/5G connectivity solutions, include man-down detection systems that utilize sensors to monitor worker status. These systems automatically alert emergency services in the event of a fall or incapacitation, ensuring rapid responses and possibly avoiding critical situations. In the event of an emergency, the availability of real-time visual information can be critical. Ambra’s LTE/5G solutions, coupled with TASSTA Americas' emergency response software, enable the automatic activation of video functionality on devices when the SOS button is pressed. This integration provides emergency responders with immediate visual context to better assess and address the situation. Communicating Without Interferences But the benefits don’t end there. Electromagnetic interference mitigation is another important feature for miners and their workers. In facilities like aluminum smelters, severe electromagnetic interference can pose significant challenges, potentially disrupting the operation of electronic devices and creating safety hazards. Ambra Solutions' Private LTE/5G networks are engineered to function reliably in these environments, maintaining operational integrity even in the presence of strong electromagnetic fields. Siyata says that this capability ensures uninterrupted communication and device functionality, even under the most challenging conditions, with Siyata's rugged devices specifically designed to withstand such adverse conditions. The ability to communicate one-on-one and in groups is also important, which is where flexible talk-groups come in. In dynamic industrial operations, the ability to create and manage multiple talk groups without the need for reconfiguring devices is crucial. TASSTA Americas offers this flexibility, allowing for scalable communication setups that can easily adapt to evolving operational needs. TASSTA Americas software enables the creation of as many talk groups as needed without requiring extensive device reconfiguration or downtime. Recording communications is essential for developing effective emergency response strategies and analyzing incidents post-occurrence. TASSTA Americas' software supports the recording of all communications, providing valuable data that can be used to refine safety protocols and prevent future emergencies. Looking to the future, the Ambra LTE/5G network can also support things like automated guided vehicles or AGVs. Industries like aluminum smelters, where operational conditions are particularly harsh, increasingly rely on AGVs to enhance efficiency and reduce human exposure to dangerous environments. Ambra Solutions’ Private LTE/5G networks provide the robust and reliable communication infrastructure needed for AGVs to operate seamlessly in such challenging environments. While Siyata and TASSTA Americas focus on human communication solutions, Ambra Solutions ensures that the AGVs are fully supported by a network that guarantees high-speed, uninterrupted connectivity, allowing these vehicles to perform autonomously and safely. The integration of Ambra Solutions' Private LTE/5G networks in industrial environments, combined with Siyata's rugged communication devices and TASSTA Americas' advanced software solutions, marks what the companies say is a leap forward in both operational efficiency and safety. These technologies address the unique challenges faced by modern industrial settings, ensuring that industries can operate more safely and efficiently. As industries continue to evolve, the adoption of Ambra’s LTE/5G connectivity, along with Siyata's and TASSTA Americas' products, expect to play a crucial role in creating smarter and safer working environments, and so, even across time and evolving technologies. Ambra is focused on providing their clients a future-proof infrastructure that will be capable of adapting with existing technologies while enabling future use-cases without having to replace hardware or start all over again, which means that networks deployed today are also an investment in tomorrow. Featured photo by Dominik Vanyi on Unsplash. Siyata Mobile Inc. is a B2B global vendor of next-generation Push-To-Talk over Cellular devices, cellular booster systems, and video monitoring solutions. Its portfolio of in-vehicle and rugged devices enables first responders and enterprise workers to instantly communicate, over a nationwide cellular network of choice, to increase situational awareness and save lives.Its portfolio of enterprise-grade and consumer cellular booster systems enables first responders and enterprise workers to amplify cellular signals in remote areas, inside structural buildings where signals are weak, and within vehicles for the maximum cellular signal strength possible.For its video monitoring system, Siyata integrates software that we license with off-the-shelf hardware providing our customers with an integrated advanced camera system for management and visual monitoring of their fleet vehicles. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other Federal securities laws. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Because such statements deal with future events and are based on Siyata's current expectations, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results, performance, or achievements of Siyata could differ materially from those described in or implied by the statements in this press release. The forward-looking statements contained or implied in this press release are subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Siyata's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and in subsequent filings with the SEC. Except as otherwise required by law, Siyata undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. References and links to websites and social media have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites or social media is not incorporated by reference into this press release. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Brett Maas SYTA@haydenir.com

October 15, 2024 08:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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