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Minuteman Press Franchise in Denver Acquires 31-Year Business A Great American Print Shop

Minuteman Press International Inc

Abel Corral, owner of Minuteman Press in Denver located at 4725 Paris Street, Suite 200, has acquired independent printing business A Great American Print Shop from retiring owner Frank Hibberd. A Great American Print Shop operated in Denver for 31 years. When Frank received a mailer from Minuteman Press, he reached out to Regional VP Jack Panzer. Jack says, “Frank wanted to retire and I told him about our unique ability to help independent print shops sell their business. I connected him with Abel, who had expressed interest growing and expanding his business through an acquisition. I am glad they were able to work out a deal, and I wish Frank all the best in retirement.” On the acquisition, Abel Corral says, “The acquisition came about on the heels of our three year anniversary; this is also our second acquisition in two years. I was looking for a way to grow my business and so I let it be known to Jack Panzer that I’d be interested in acquiring another print shop.” Abel continues, “A Great American Print Shop was strategically located within an area that I already reach and market to and so this acquisition just seemed like a good fit. I really liked that this was an established business with growth potential that I feel my team could capitalize on. The potential upside, close proximity, and perfect timing all came into play.” He adds, “The acquisition included an established client base, paper inventory, some equipment including cutters, and access to Frank during the transition. I expect this acquisition to help increase revenue by 20-25%. Also, this acquisition benefits AGAP’s customers in three key ways: First, we have received all of the previous artwork for AGAP clients to ensure a seamless transition as we serve their print, design, and mailing needs. Second, we will be able to offer promotional products and apparel to AGAP clients, which were not previously available. Third, we will be providing value-added local customer service and client support. Our Minuteman Press location is near Peoria & Interstate 70: 4725 Paris St. #200, Denver, CO 80239, inside the Pinecreek Office Center. We are also offering free delivery to AGAP customers.” Abel concludes, “I’m very grateful that my Regional VP Jack Panzer helped me by presenting this opportunity and helping me through the process. I expect this could be a game-changer for our business.” Abel Corral’s Minuteman Press franchise in Denver is located at 4725 Paris Street, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80239. For more information, call or visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/co/denver20/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and see Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

January 23, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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OYO’s US Hotels Per Room Revenue Grows 46% Since Covid

OYO

June, July, August recorded strongest uplift in per room revenue at 64% vs same period in 2020 Coastal Oregon, Miami, Myrtle beach, Houston and San Antonio saw highest RevPar in 2022 for OYO US Global travel technology company, OYO’s US operations ended 2022 on a high with a 46% increase since Covid in revenue per available room for its hotels (RevPar). While the increase in RevPar was higher throughout 2022, when compared to the Covid lows of 2020, the strongest uplift in per room revenue, at 64%, was recorded during the peak season months of June, July, August vs the same period in 2020. This growth was consistently strong with even during the low season months of November and December showing 53% increase vs the same period in 2020. For OYO US, coastal Oregon, Miami, Myrtle beach, Houston and San Antonio emerged as the destinations with highest RevPar in 2022. Travel recovery was largely led by domestic travel in the US. According to OYO’s data Sumter, Niagara Falls, Brownsville, Columbia & Yuma emerged as top domestic destinations with the best Y-o-Y growth (vs 2021). Talking about the recovery, Gautam Swaroop, CEO OYO International said, “We are seeing a steady rise in per room revenue throughout 2022, with even shoulder season (September, October) outperforming and witnessing a 44% rise vs Covid. While many experts and industry watchers touted that the industry will bounce back to normalcy only by 2025, we are seeing consistent growth and uptick in bookings. Like most markets around the globe domestic tourism has fuelled growth in many of the popular tourist destinations like the Niagara Falls. Travel industry has truly shifted gears in 2022 and this recovery is only a precursor to a ‘sold-out’ 2023.” OYO offers hotels access to a large base of regular customers through its app and website, and also lists hotels on multiple Online Travel Agents (OTAs) to boost booking demand and, therefore, revenue. OYO’s best-in-class Artificial Intelligence-enabled pricing software automatically drives the best booking prices across all channels, based on room type, seasonality and other factors, therefore, enabling such doubling of revenues. The company also helps ensure great experience for customers, with ease of search and quick booking experience, highly competitive room prices, automated tools such as Artificial Intelligence powered chatbots to quickly resolve customer queries, loyalty programmes and easy refund, if needed. OYO recently released its annual travel index Travelopedia 2022. According to the data, Texas is the most travelled state in 2022 for OYO customers. Houston, St. Louis Missouri, Markham, Durham (North Carolina) and Oklahoma City were the most booked destinations in the USA. Houston, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Jackson were the most booked business travel destinations in 2022. About OYO OYO is a global platform that aims to empower entrepreneurs and small businesses with hotels and homes by providing full-stack technology products and services that aim to increase revenue and ease operations; bringing easy-to-book, affordable, and trusted accommodation to customers around the world. OYO offers 40+ integrated products and solutions to patrons who operate over 168,711 hotel and home storefronts in more than 35 countries including India, Europe and Southeast Asia, as of September 30, 2022. For more information, visit www.oyorooms.com. Disclaimer: Oravel Stays Limited is proposing, subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, to make an initial public offering of its equity shares (the “Equity Shares”) and has filed the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (“DRHP”) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”). The DRHP is available on the website of SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in, websites of the Stock Exchanges, i.e., BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited at www.bseindia.com and www.nseindia.com, respectively, and is available on the websites of the Global Coordinators and Book Running Lead Managers, i.e., Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited, J.P. Morgan India Private Limited and Citigroup Global Markets India Private Limited at www.investmentbank.kotak.com, www.jpmipl.com and www.online.citibank.co.in/rhtm/citigroupglobalscreen1.htm; the websites of the Book Running Lead Managers, i.e., ICICI Securities Limited, Nomura Financial Advisory and Securities (India) Private Limited, JM Financial Limited and Deutsche Equities India Private Limited at www.icicisecurities.com, www.nomuraholdings.com/company/group/asia/india/index.html, www.jmfl.com and www.db.com/India, respectively. Investors should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to the same, refer to the Red Herring Prospectus which may be filed with the Registrar of Companies in the future, including the section titled “Risk Factors”. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP filed with SEBI for making any investment decision. The Equity Shares offered in the Fresh Issue (as defined in the DRHP) and the Offer for Sale (as defined in the DRHP) have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and, may not be offered or sold within the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the Equity Shares are only being offered and sold (i) within the United States only to “qualified institutional buyers” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) in transactions exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements under the Securities Act, and (ii) outside the United States in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act and pursuant to the applicable laws of the jurisdictions where those offers and sales are made. There will be no public offering of the Equity Shares in the United States. Contact Details OYO Anupriya +91 97911 63065 anupriya.d@oyorooms.com Company Website https://www.oyorooms.com/

January 23, 2023 06:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

The Aircraft Company Giving You Wings

LIFT Aircraft

By David Willey, Benzinga 11,000 on the waitlist. The crown Prince of Dubai vowing he will be the first in his emirate. Upcoming locations across the globe. LIFT Aircraft is spreading its wings and bringing a new era to travel with its human-capable drone aircraft. Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes recently got to fly LIFT’s single-seat semi-autonomous personal aircraft, HEXA, and he’ll soon be joined by 4,000 people with prepaid reservations as LIFT takes its electrical vertical takeoff and landing (eVTL) vehicles on tour. LIFT Aircraft is an Austin-based company looking to make something previously reserved for the privileged mega-wealthy - private flight - accessible to everyone. Its goal is to make the safest ultralight aircraft, and now it is making numerous partnerships as it looks to take its exciting product out into the public. Joining State-of-the-Art Safety And Sky-High Applications Safety is a fundamental priority for LIFT, whose board includes former Chief of Aviation Safety at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Dr. Charles Justiz. The aircraft have multiple, state-of-the-art safety features including a triply redundant autopilot computer, 18 independent rotors (it can fly with the loss of up to 6), as well as a whole-aircraft ballistic parachute effective at altitudes as low as 40 feet. 7 floats also give HEXA amphibious landing capability and can deploy an emergency landing cushion. These ultralight aircraft can be flown without an expensive pilot license or certification under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 103. LIFT provides ground school and virtual reality (VR) flight simulator training that easily teaches how to fly these intuitive drones. This allows the company to offer recreational flights out of its vertiport locations. LIFT’s exciting plans for HEXA - with its numerous applications - are galvanizing others. LIFT has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with an international vertiport operator, with the option of creating 10 vertiports and supplying 100 HEXA globally. It is creating what it believes will be the largest global vertiport network. Alongside this private sector MOU, the company can tout a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract with the United States Air Force, with the potential for a military acquisition program for LIFT. It has also been selected for an Air Force Strategic Financing (STRATFI) contract that, if awarded, matches dollar-for-dollar funding of up to $30 million for Research and Development (R&D) purposes. HEXA’s cabin and floats can also be swapped with a payload, meaning it has first response applications with the military, search and rescue, disaster response and more. This broad scale of uses - from public to private sector, and from recreation to first response - means LIFT Aircraft is optimistic that with HEXA, the sky's the limit. After a highly successful Reg CF fundraise, LIFT has now launched a Reg A+ stock offering. Other companies developing eVLT or similar products have gone public with strong market caps of up to $2.5 billion. These include Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY), EHang Holdings (NASDAQ: EH), and Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR). Interested in the opportunity to invest? Click here. Learn more about LIFT Aircraft by visiting its website. This article was originally published on Benzinga here. Austin, Texas-based LIFT Aircraft is leading the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) revolution. LIFT is working with the US Air Force and first response organizations to utilize their aircraft for defense and public service while also launching the world’s first flight training and pay-per-flight operation centers business, based on an entirely new type of personal, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. HEXA, LIFT Aircraft’s multi-rotor, amphibious, ultralight vehicle democratizes the experience of piloting an aircraft, making the joy and utility of personal, vertical flight accessible to all. Find out more at www.liftaircraft.com Contact Details Kenny Miller, CFO Kenny@LIFTAircraft.com

January 20, 2023 08:45 AM Eastern Standard Time

Longing for Pristine Beaches and Turquoise Waters?

YourUpdateTV

Recently, the Commissioner for the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, Joseph Boschult conducted a satellite media tour to share tips on how to best experience the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you are longing for pristine beaches and turquoise waters, the U.S Virgin Islands offers some of the best beaches and resorts found anywhere in the world. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/V2al2NCSyZQ New year, new outlook, new travel plans! About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. Major U.S airlines offer direct daily flights from the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico to the islands. The islands are perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Resilience in Tourism During Covid and the Great Comeback With three to four ships visiting per day, the USVI is one of the largest cruising destinations in the Caribbean. Before the pandemic, cruising injected over $300 million into the local economy and accounted for about 70% of the tourism business. Unlike other islands in the Caribbean, the airports in the USVI never closed. In addition, implemented an online travel screening portal and worked closely with all of their local partners, including restaurants, hotels, excursion companies, and other tourism-related businesses. The USVI is gearing up for a very successful 2023. USVI had the highest increase of visitors in the Caribbean from 2019 vs 2022. Best Places to Travel to in 2023 The editors of Conde Nast Traveler put the USVI at the top of its Best Places to Go in 2023 citing the islands’ new hotels, resort openings, the national park, and Carnival festivals. The editors at Travel + Leisure ranked USVI as one of its 50 best 2023 destinations in its “For Beach Vibes” section. Yahoo! Life listed the USVI as one of the top ten tropical islands to get to in under three hours from the U.S. Readers of Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine voted USVI as the Best Caribbean Cruise Destination for 2023. Frommer's also gave the island territory top billing in its annual Best Places to Go in 2023 list. New Brand Campaign: Naturally in Rhythm, what that Means for the USVI The campaign is designed to supports the hotel recovery and to inspire visitors to fall naturally in rhythm with the diverse culture, natural wonders, and beautiful hotels and resorts of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. The new campaign also reminds visitors that they can come again to escape the stresses of city lifestyles and to invite newcomers to imagine tasting our unique cuisine, laying on our powdery beaches, swimming in our pristine waters, and exploring our historic cobblestone streets and protected national parks. It speaks to travelers seeking an authentic Caribbean experience comprising food, heritage, culture, and nature without having to leave U.S. soil. Among other aspects of the campaign is the revamped USVI tourism website, which contains a more comprehensive trip- planning section that highlights restaurants, shops, services,and other businesses that cater to tourists in the destination. In addition to dynamic content, the site uses new imagery that keeps it authentic and enthralling at the same time. Food- Sharing and Culture Local signature USVI dishes include Johnny Cakes, deep-fried bread made from cornmeal; pate, a ground beef, chicken, or salted cod wrapped in dough and deep-fried; peas and rice, kidney beans with brown rice; or fungi, the Caribbean version of polenta. Locally made fish soup is served for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner. Another popular dish is callaloo soup, which is made with daheen plant leaves, okra, local herbs, and sometimes meats or seafood. Wash it all down with a local Cruzan Rum signature cocktail. The USVI is rich with historic and cultural influences include Danish, French, Spanish and African - Danish the most prevalent. Carnivals are celebrated in the USVI in December/January on St. Croix, June/July on St. John, and April/May on St. Thomas. For more information visit: visitusvi.com BIO: JOSEPH BOSCHULTE Joseph Boschulte is the Commissioner for the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Commissioner Boschulte brings over 30 years of experience in business, finance, and government to the tourism department. The Commissioner has held high-level positions in transportation, utilities, telecommunications, finance, government development and investment banking with a proven track record of improving organizational performance and growth. Boschulte formerly served as President and CEO of The West Indian Company Limited (WICO), Chief Financial Officer of both the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, the Government of the Virgin Islands Employees’ Retirement System, and chaired the VI Public Services Commission. Additionally, Boschulte serves as the former Vice President of Institutional Advancement at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), Executive Director for UVI’s Reichhold Center for the Arts, Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance with Wachovia Securities in Atlanta, and Vice President of Banc of America Securities in Charlotte and New York City. Currently, Boschulte serves as the Chairman for the Board of Directors of The West Indian Company Limited (WICO) and sits on the board for the Virgin Islands Port Authority. He is also a member of the US Travel Association. Commissioner Boschulte earned his MBA from Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. A family man first, Commissioner Boschulte is a husband to his wife Aisha, and proud parents of children Jaeden and Janae. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

January 19, 2023 03:20 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Oliver Inc. Acquires Tap Packaging + Design

Oliver Inc.

Oliver Inc. (“Oliver”) is pleased to announce that it has acquired Tap Packaging + Design. Tap Packaging is a leading manufacturer of custom folding cartons, serving customers in food and beverage, beauty, confection, health and wellness, and consumer goods markets. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Tap Packaging will continue delivering design-forward packaging solutions from its current location. This partnership will enable Oliver to expand its product offerings and strengthen its position as the nation’s largest independent specialty packaging supplier. “We are thrilled to welcome the Tap team to the Oliver family,” said Dan Rodenbush, President/CEO of Oliver Inc. "Their diverse range of capabilities will allow us to expand our product offerings and enhance our overall service for our customers.” “Oliver and Tap Packaging share similar core values, and both companies have a passion for providing an exceptional customer experience,” added David Chilcote, Chairman of Tap Packaging. “Partnering with Oliver increases our capacity, provides redundancy, and allows us to better leverage our combined scale to offer enhanced solutions for our customers.” Oliver has made significant investments in modern equipment, facilities, and people since 2016. The Tap Packaging transaction will represent Oliver’s fifth strategic acquisition and aligns with the company’s vision to build a leading provider of innovative, specialty packaging solutions. The transaction closed on January 18, 2023. To learn more about Oliver, please visit www.oliverinc.com. About Oliver Oliver Inc. is a leading provider of highly customized, quick-turnaround, specialty packaging solutions. Known for its white-glove approach to customer service, the company provides a turnkey platform from design to fulfillment, simplifying complex requirements with consistent on-time, on-budget, ultra-high-quality products and services. About Tap Packaging + Design Since 1906, Tap Packaging + Design has been committed to enhancing their customers’ image by providing high-quality packaging and presentation products. The company’s success can be attributed to the creative craftsmanship of their dedicated workforce, and their sincere desire to partner with their customers and suppliers. Contact Details Oliver Inc. Doug Doroh +1 631-234-1400 ddoroh@oliverinc.com Company Website https://www.oliverinc.com/

January 19, 2023 09:20 AM Eastern Standard Time

Centre for Neuro Skills Offers “Continued Care Program” for Patients with Brain Injuries

Centre for Neuro Skills

Approximately 3 million Americans are affected by an acquired brain injury every year. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke are the leading causes of acquired brain injury. More than 5 million Americans live with disabilities due to a TBI and often require rehabilitative care. Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS), a leader in brain injury rehabilitation services, today announced the offering of its Continued Care Program, which will provide all-encompassing care after active rehabilitation therapy for patients recovering from a brain injury or stroke by offering assisted living, residential and supported living options while empowering patients to regain motor skills so they can achieve the highest level of independence possible. The new facets of the program include: Assisted Living Residential Residential Care Supported Living Enrichment Center Brain injury rehabilitation has proven to be effective, returning a substantial number of people to productive and satisfying lives, but some individuals who experience brain injury or stroke cannot recover full independence due to disturbances in cognition, mood and behavior. These consequences of brain injury and stroke can lead to isolation, depression and re-hospitalization as well as caregiver stress and burnout. Continued Care Programs can meet the long-term needs of individuals with chronic disabilities, providing specialized care that decreases risk for re-hospitalization, promoting life satisfaction and quality of life and reducing life-time costs. “Centre for Neuro Skills’ Continued Care program introduces patients to new experiences, provides them access to valuable community resources and challenges them to adapt and grow beyond their current limitations,” said Dr. Mark Ashley, CEO and founder of Centre for Neuro Skills. “CNS’ experienced staff are committed to the overall well-being of each patient, empowering patients to enjoy dignified, productive lives and dedicated to helping them achieve the best possible quality of life.” Assisted Living Residential CNS Assisted Living Residential patients typically transition from the Inpatient Residential program. In Assisted Living Residential, patients: Live in a CNS residence close to the clinic Attend the CNS Enrichment Center May or may not still receive some therapies Receive transportation to and from CNS-sponsored activities Residential Care In residential settings, CNS can provide full-time or part-time care, helping patients to practice and strengthen skills obtained in its clinical facilities while residing in a secure, home-like CNS residence nearby. Each day, patients are transported between the CNS residence and clinic by its certified Transportation Services Department. A broad range of skills are taught and modeled, including, but not limited to: Safety at home and in the community Self-care Money and time management Proper medication use Social activities Behavior management Supported Living CNS’ Supported Living focuses on maintaining the patient outcomes achieved in active therapy. Patients receiving this care may have transitioned from Inpatient Residential, Day Treatment or Assisted Living Residential treatment options. Patients in Supported Living have schedules consisting of a broad range of personalized CNS services tailored to their ongoing needs. Enrichment Center CNS’ Assisted Living Residential or Supported Living patients can use the Enrichment Center, a space in the clinic that offers scheduled, structured and age-appropriate activities for patients to maintain the outcomes achieved in active therapy. Activities are centered around the patient’s personal interest and capabilities while focusing on therapeutic endeavors, engagement opportunities and skill building. *** About Centre for Neuro Skills Centre for Neuro Skills is an experienced and respected world leader in providing intensive rehabilitation and medical programs for those recovering from all types of brain injury. CNS covers a full spectrum of advanced care from residential and assisted living to outpatient/day treatment. Founded by Dr. Mark Ashley in 1980, CNS has seven locations in California and Texas. For more information about Centre for Neuro Skills, visit: www.neuroskills.com, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube. Media, please note: Visual assets, including photos, are available. To request an interview with CNS leadership or clinical staff, please contact Robin Carr at 415.766.0927 or CNS@landispr.com. # # # Contact Details Landis Communications Inc. Robin Carr +1 415-766-0927 cns@landispr.com Company Website https://www.neuroskills.com/

January 18, 2023 07:10 AM Pacific Standard Time

Playmaker Taps Taz Patel, Kristine Bill for C-Suite Positions to Accelerate Growth in 2023

Playmaker

Playmaker, a leading social media sports and entertainment content platform, today announced two C-Suite appointments, bringing nearly three decades of experience across sports media, strategic marketing and business development to its team. Taz Patel joins the company to assume the role of Chief Business Officer, and Kristine Bill has been promoted to Chief Operations Officer. The position of Chief Business Officer is a role new to Playmaker, while Bill is succeeding former COO Rob Elder. “The appointments of both Taz and Kristine clearly articulate the strategic vision and aggressive growth goals we have set for ourselves in 2023,” said Brandon Harris, CEO of Playmaker. “In the coming months, Playmaker is keenly focused on expanding our roster of creative talent, bringing to life more public-facing events and developing and redefining strategic brand partnerships, all while continuing to publish the first-rate sports and entertainment content Playmaker has become so well known for. Taz and Kristine will be instrumental in leaning into the momentum Playmaker created in 2022, and springboarding our brand to new levels of creativity, influence and notoriety.” Patel’s responsibilities as Chief Business Officer include scaling the brand’s revenue, expanding platform integrations and securing strategic partnerships to further enhance the company's progression. Patel is a renowned early-stage startup operator with multiple exits over the past decade and previously founded Captiv8, a leading venture backed AI Influencer Marketing platform. His most notable exits included BlueLithium and Interclick, both acquired by Yahoo!, where Patel contributed to meaningful revenue growth via agency and brand partnerships. “The early-stage companies that successfully scale talent, resources and profit have many of the characteristics Playmaker currently exhibits, most notably a lean operation, correctly leveraging technology and partnerships to maximize its output,” said Patel. “The sports industry is currently in a renaissance period, moving from its traditional state to the true intersection of entertainment, media and technology. I’m looking forward to utilizing my experience to broaden Playmaker’s sphere of influence and industry market share.” Bill has been with Playmaker since July 2022, where she most recently served as Senior Vice President of Marketing & Events. In this new position, she will be tasked with leading all initiatives related to marketing, public relations, social media, creator content and e-commerce. Prior to joining Playmaker, she held roles with STN Digital, Blast Motion Inc. and GMR Marketing. “The needs of today’s sports fans are rapidly changing and, as a company, Playmaker is constantly seeking to identify the next great experience, digitally or in-person,” said Bill. “This year we’ll be expanding Playmaker’s influencer program and developing engaging newsletters focused on specific areas within sports, entertainment and culture, as well as expanding our brand footprint with sponsorships and creative content activations at key tentpole sporting events. I’m excited to work with our world-class team of creatives and partners to provide our engaged audience with the exceptional experiences they demand.” Playmaker experienced exponential growth throughout 2022 despite a series of market challenges brought on throughout the year. The rising platform saw a 300% jump in year-over-year revenue anchored by significant growth across its 30 social media channels, reaching more than 20 million followers and gaining new strategic partnerships with companies such as Pepsi, PointsBet and No House Advantage. Playmaker supported its financial growth by investing in people — specifically operational, marketing and financial employees — as well as new popular and emerging content creators such as Adam Garfield, Cam Smith and Nyrie Iskandarian. This expansion of talent brought Playmaker’s headcount from 12 to 60 in 2022, a 400% increase. In December 2022, Playmaker was named one of the Best Employers in Sports by notable sports business outlet Front Office Sports. Keep up with all things Playmaker by visiting PlaymakerHQ.com, and follow along on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat. About Playmaker Founded in 2018, Playmaker is a new-age media, talent & merchandise company. The company currently influences more than 20 million followers across its social media, 50+ athletes under management and more than 35 original shows on Snap Discover. In addition to its flagship sports content, Playmaker operates independent branded verticals including betting, entertainment, basketball and esports. For more information, please visit Playmaker’s official website, https://playmakerhq.com/. Contact Details Alex Shapiro +1 732-770-9395 ashapiro@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://homeofplaymakers.com/

January 18, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Velocity Global and FT Partners Announce Transformative $1 Million Gift to First Descents to Scale Adventure Programming for Young Adults Impacted by Serious Health Conditions

Velocity Global

Velocity Global and FT Partners announce a transformational gift to First Descents to further impact their work and provide life-changing outdoor adventures to adults impacted by serious disease. The two companies committed to allocate $1 million from the recently closed series B transaction. “When Steve approached me with the idea of making a sizable donation to a charity, I knew we had chosen the right partner in FT Partners. Not only did their team quarterback this astounding capital raise, their interest in using our respective platforms for good in the world speaks to their integrity. I am incredibly grateful to Steve McLaughlin and the entire FT Partners organization and honored to be running the World Marathon Challenge on behalf of this incredible organization,” said Ben Wright, Founder & CEO at Velocity Global. "While advising Ben and the Velocity Global Team, I learned about Ben’s passion for First Descents’ mission, and the decision to partner on this donation became a no-brainer. Thoughtful philanthropy is a key part of who we are at FT Partners, and I feel fortunate that Ben introduced us to First Descents given the tremendous compassion they have for those less fortunate,” said Steve McLaughlin, Founder & CEO of FT Partners. The $1M unrestricted contribution is meant to pave the way for future programming, activation, and outreach for First Descents, and the communities they serve. In 2023, First Descents will administer more than 50 weeklong programs nationwide including whitewater kayaking, rock climbing, and surfing. The organization partners with over 500 hospitals, clinics, and patient advocacy groups to reach young adults (ages 18-39) coping with cancer and multiple sclerosis. To further amplify funds and awareness for First Descents, Velocity Global Founder Ben Wright is running the World Marathon Challenge, a physical and logistical challenge that consists of running 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days. The event commences in Antarctica on January 31st and proceeds to Cape Town, South Africa, Perth, Australia, Dubai, UAE, Madrid, Spain, and Fortaleza, Brasil, before concluding in Miami on February 6th. Ben seeks to raise $183,000 to advance First Descents’ programming, representing $1,000 for every mile run. “This leadership gift and Ben’s running of the World Marathon Challenge combine to greatly elevate our capacity to serve,” said Ryan O’Donoghue, CEO at First Descents. “With more than 100,000 young adults diagnosed with cancer and MS annually, the need to extend free psychosocial supportive care is great. This support will enable First Descents to address constraints in reaching more patients, enabling thousands more to experience the healing power of adventure.” #### ABOUT VELOCITY GLOBAL Velocity Global helps you compliantly hire, pay, and manage anyone, anywhere. We simplify the employer and talent experience—combining cloud-based technology and unmatched human support in 185+ countries. Start hiring across borders at VelocityGlobal.com. ABOUT FT Partners Financial Technology Partners ("FT Partners") is the only investment banking firm focused exclusively on providing top-tier strategic and financial advisory services to FinTech CEOs, founders and investors. The Firm offers CEOs and investors a wide array of strategic advisory services in mission-critical transactions including Private Capital, M&A, IPO Advisory, Debt Advisory, LBOs and Recapitalizations. With offices in San Francisco, New York and London, FT Partners is comprised of a team of experienced investment bankers formerly with the financial technology, M&A and investment banking groups of Goldman Sachs, Citi, JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley. FT Partners regularly publishes detailed research reports, transaction profiles, and CEO interviews highlighting key trends driving market activity across the FinTech landscape. Follow us on Twitter, connect on LinkedIn, and visit our Research page for more real time updates. Visit www.ftpartners.com for more information. ABOUT FIRST DESCENTS First Descents (FD) is a leader in adventure-based healing. Through outdoor adventure, community building, and lifestyle development, FD improves long-term survivorship and quality of life for young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions. Headquartered in Denver, First Descents has served more than 10,000 participants over the last 20 years. Beginning in 2020, First Descents launched programs for healthcare workers on the frontlines of COVID-19. All services are fully-adaptive and free of charge. A Guidestar Platinum-ranked nonprofit, First Descents has been recognized on CNN Heroes and Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work. ABOUT WORLD MARATHON CHALLENGE The World Marathon Challenge is a logistical and physical challenge to run seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. Competitors must run the standard 42.2km marathon distance in Antarctica, Africa, Australia, Asia, Europe, South America and North America within 168 hours, or 7 days. The clock starts when the first marathon begins in Antarctica. Visit www.worldmarathonchallenge.com to learn more. RESOURCES: Ben Wright World Marathon Challenge Page ( link ) Contact Details First Descents Becca Rohrer +1 828-712-5927 becca.rohrer@firstdescents.org Velocity Global News +1 720-650-4348 news@velocityglobal.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

January 18, 2023 07:00 AM Mountain Standard Time

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JOSH HARRIS AND DAVID BLITZER COMPLETE STRATEGIC INVESTMENT IN RIPKEN BASEBALL® AND COOPERSTOWN ALL STAR VILLAGE

Ripken Baseball

Josh Harris and David Blitzer, via their respective family offices, announced today they have completed a strategic investment in Ripken Baseball ® and Cooperstown All Star Village, bringing together two of the industry’s leading youth sports brands. The merger increases the strength and reach of the organizations to include five baseball facilities across the United States, including four complexes that operate as The Ripken Experience ®. As part of this announcement, Harris and Blitzer confirmed a partnership with Cal Ripken, Jr. and Bill Ripken to support and accelerate Ripken Baseball’s vision of bringing Big League Experiences to young athletes. This investment also demonstrates the continued desire of Harris and Blitzer to use the power of sports to inspire, educate, and uplift youth. As founders of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, a sports and entertainment platform that includes the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, and Prudential Center, Harris and Blitzer have worked to create sports and educational opportunities for youth in the communities they serve. Leveraging institutional knowledge in sports, entertainment, and innovation, the family offices for Harris and Blitzer will sustain and expand growth for Ripken Baseball and Cooperstown All Star Village by investing in systems, technology, and facilities. A key strategy and initiative for the platform will be to grow inclusion efforts across the properties by creating opportunities for children to experience baseball at an early age. This includes prioritizing partnerships with organizations like the Cleveland Guardians, who will sponsor one underserved, Cleveland-area team to travel to and attend Cooperstown All Star Village this season. “We have long believed that sports like baseball can teach young people valuable life skills on and off the field, creating a positive impact on their lives and helping them develop critical leadership skills,” Harris said. “By bringing together two incredible youth sports brands and partnering with Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. and his team, as well as the talented people at Cooperstown All Star Village, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to ensure more youth have access to these life-changing experiences.” “By accelerating the growth of our youth baseball platform, we plan to not only enhance the quality and experience of Ripken Baseball and Cooperstown All Star Village, but also to expand its reach to bring Big League Experiences to significantly more young athletes, especially those who may have otherwise not had access,” Blitzer said. “Alongside Cal, Bill and the talented staff members at both organizations, we are excited for what the future holds.” Last year, Ripken Baseball and Cooperstown All Star Village combined to host 15,000+ teams, 250,000+ participants and 750,000+ visitors across five complexes, in addition to Ripken Select Tournaments and youth clinics across the country. The Ripken Experience ® facilities operate in Aberdeen, Md., Myrtle Beach, S.C., Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and a new expansion to Kentucky, where The Ripken Experience ® Elizabethtown will begin to host events in 2023. Cooperstown All Star Village, located in the birthplace of baseball, offers families admission to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, as well as other unique on-site experiences as part of attendance at the camp. “I am proud of the millions of lasting memories that we’ve created for ballplayers and their families through Ripken Baseball for more than 20 years,” said Cal Ripken, Jr., President of Ripken Baseball. “Bill and I want to continue to pass on the lessons we learned from our father while giving kids that Big League Experience. With this investment and long-term partnership with Josh and David, we can accelerate our growth plans and expand to other sports beyond baseball and softball. Josh and David share our vision for youth sports in America, and we’re extremely excited about what we can accomplish together in the future.” “Over almost 20 years, Cooperstown All Star Village has provided lasting memories for more than half a million young athletes, coaches, families, and friends,” said Martin Patton, who alongside his wife, Brenda, co-founded Cooperstown All Star Village. “The positive impact on our community has put thousands of people to work and helped support hundreds of local businesses. Brenda and I are very proud and excited to be partnered with Josh Harris, David Blitzer, the Ripkens and LionTree in this next chapter, and look forward to growing the Cooperstown brand while continuing to offer the very best in youth tournament travel baseball.” “Creating opportunities for young people to enjoy the positive benefits of baseball is not only important for the future of our game, but also the future of our communities,” Sara Lehrke, VP, Human Resources and Chief Diversity Officer of the Cleveland Guardians, said. “Programs like the ones created by Cooperstown All Star Village and Ripken Baseball are essential as they give kids the tools needed to succeed on both the diamond and in life. We’re thrilled to sponsor a Cleveland-area team’s trip to Cooperstown All Star Village so they can enjoy this wonderful experience.” The partnership between Harris, Blitzer, and the Ripkens was finalized this month and coordinated by LionTree LLC, which through an affiliate made a significant minority investment in Ripken Baseball in 2018. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is the exclusive lead financing provider for Cooperstown All Star Village and Ripken Baseball. Harris and Blitzer originally invested in Cooperstown All Star last year. “Cal’s commitment to positively impacting the lives of kids through sports is unstoppable,” said Aryeh B. Bourkoff, Founder and CEO of LionTree and previously a member of the Ripken Baseball Board of Directors. “As a Baltimore native, it has been a real honor to work alongside Cal, Billy, and the entire Ripken team for almost five years to grow the reach of Ripken Baseball on and off the field, and I am confident that the partnership with David and Josh will further expand access and elevate the important role of youth sports in the years to come.” About Ripken Baseball Ripken Baseball brings teammates, coaches, and families together through its Big League Experiences while teaching children how to play sports the right way – the Ripken Way. Ripken Baseball continues to innovate the game through tournaments, camps, clinics, and spring training at their state-of-the-art baseball and softball facilities – The Ripken Experience ® Aberdeen (Maryland), The Ripken Experience ® Myrtle Beach (South Carolina), The Ripken Experience ® Pigeon Forge (Tennessee), The Ripken Experience ® Elizabethtown (Kentucky), and Cooperstown All Star Village (New York). Ripken Baseball also brings its youth sports experience to satellite locations through Ripken Select Tournaments. Learn more at ripkenbaseball.com. About Cooperstown All Star Village Cooperstown All Star Village was founded in 1999 by Martin and Brenda Patton, a local business couple with a vision to provide baseball players ages 10 to 12 with a major league baseball tournament experience. The site has grown into a world-class facility and now hosts over 10,000 12 and under players over its 12-week summer experience, providing unforgettable experiences for the players, coaches, and families. Contact Details Eric Nemeth +1 602-502-2793 nemeth@ericpr.com Company Website https://ripkenbaseball.com/

January 18, 2023 07:59 AM Eastern Standard Time

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