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Out with the Old, in with the New PR Tech Stack: How AI is Transforming Journalism and PR Alike

PRophet

For years, the tech stack, driven by fast-paced innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, has been fundamentally changing the marketing industry. Now, it’s PR’s turn to join the stack. The PR industry is on the cusp of a major change – thanks to AI, the job of the PR pro has the potential to be thoroughly reimagined, improving the work of humans without replacing them. This will be the topic of discussion at a marquee panel during the PRovoke North America Public Relations Summit on Wednesday, February 24, titled “Robots Won’t Take your Job, But AI Can Now Help You Perfect Your Pitch.” The panel will feature IBM’s VP of corporate communications Sarah Bruning Meron and The New Yorker contributor John Seabrook, author of 2019’s “Can a Machine Learn to Write for The New Yorker” about the possibilities of predictive text and its impact on journalism. Aaron Kwittken, founder and CEO of PRophet, the first-ever AI-driven platform for the PR community to help predict media interest, will moderate the discussion, focusing on the role of AI in the modernization of media relations and media relationships. The session will explore questions such as how AI and machine learning will change media relations forever, and whether AI can identify story angles and refine pitches more effectively than humans. “AI and machine learning have the prospect of shaping media relations as never before,” said Aaron Kwittken, founder and CEO of PRophet. “By discussing the capabilities and practical applications of these technologies – and the impact they are likely to have on how both journalists and communications professionals do their jobs – this panel will offer a compelling and insightful window into the future of news and public relations.” The virtual event marks PRovoke’s 8th North America PR summit, which will feature a half-day of content coalescing around the theme “Reset” – exploring the pressing communications issues that have emerged as we navigate the aftermath of 2020. The summit will be followed by the Innovation SABRE Awards – North America 2021 online gala. To receive complementary access to the panel and event, email sales@prprophet.ai. PRophet is the first-ever AI-driven software-as-a service (SaaS) platform designed by and for the PR community that samples past stories to better predict future media interest, sentiment, and spread through natural language processing and machine learning. PRophet is owned by Ahteed, LLC, an MDC Ventures company and was founded by marketing industry thought leader and entrepreneur Aaron Kwittken alongside former political strategist, technologist, and author Mark Penn, currently President of Stagwell Group and chairman and CEO of MDC Partners and formerly with Microsoft. To learn more, visit prprophet.ai/home. Contact Details KWT Global for PRophet Jason Fagan +1 646-761-1206 jfagan@kwtglobal.com Company Website https://www.prprophet.ai/home

February 22, 2021 10:04 AM Eastern Standard Time

Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Manny Castro Fulfills Lifelong Dream of US Citizenship

Minuteman Press International Inc

After being a permanent resident for over 35 years, Manny Castro has fulfilled his lifelong dream of achieving his US citizenship. As Minuteman Press franchise owner in Downey, CA for 14 years, Manny credits the support of his family and the team at Minuteman Press International with helping him achieve his dream. “I officially became a US Citizen on November 20, 2020, and it feels just great! This is my home; I have been living in the States most of my life and now I can vote. I am really proud of being a Citizen of the greatest country in the world, a land of opportunities for all!” From El Salvador to Entrepreneurship Originally from El Salvador, Manny is proud to be a shining example of achieving the American Dream both in his life and in his career. He says, “To get my US Citizenship after all this time is just an incredible accomplishment. I came to this beautiful country 38 years ago without a dollar in my pocket, no skills, no academic degrees, no English, not even a high school diploma. Just a young teenager at that time, running away from a very conflicted civil war in El Salvador, looking for a better life.” Reflecting back on those painful struggles and thinking about where he is today, Manny exclaims, “All I can say now is God is great, and may God continue to bless this great country that offers people from all walks of life, hope, endless opportunities, and a second chance in life.” Manny has owned his Minuteman Press franchise in Downey, CA since May 2007. During that time, he has successfully built his business while receiving crucial training and support from his franchisor. “My Regional Vice President Dan Byers and Steve Szymanski have always had my back since day one. They both wrote a beautiful letter of recommendation for me, to support my application for my citizenship. It meant so much to me and my family. Dan and Steve were delighted to help when I asked; everything I obtained when applying contributed to me being granted my citizenship. My kids were born here, and my entire family have already become citizens. It was time for me now to take that next step as well and join the millions of proud Americans. I love this country so much, and I’ve met great people along the way. God has opened up so many doors for me here. It is a land of opportunity for all. If you work hard, the sky is the limit.” Journey to Minuteman Press Dan Byers has known Manny Castro for 15 years. He says, “I first met Manny at a Franchise Expo in Pasadena in February 2006 and he was determined to own a business. At the time, he was working at a company that was downsizing and he saw business ownership as a means to financial independence, the opportunity to step up to a new challenge, and a way to regain control of his time.” Manny explains, “I was a distribution zone manager for a weekly publication company. I had researched many other companies and different industries for a while, but none of them gave me the level of confidence that I needed to motivate me and move forward that Minuteman Press did. Once my decision was made and we moved forward with training and opening up my center, they gave me a real solid foundation, and second-to-none ongoing support to this day.” Dan continues, “In an effort to be close to home, Manny converted an independent printing company in Downey to a Minuteman Press franchise in 2007. Time and time again, Manny has been able to successfully manage his business by working hard and treating people – customers, vendors, and employees – fairly and with the utmost respect. Whether it was the Great Recession of 2008 or the COVID-19 pandemic today, Manny has managed to stay positive and remain focused on growing his business by following the Minuteman Press franchise system.” Managing the Business Through the COVID-19 Pandemic Because Minuteman Press Downey is an essential business, Manny and his team have continued to remain open through the pandemic. He says, “We are an essential printing business and able to assist local businesses in any industry – medical, financial, retail, restaurants – and all businesses that continue to operate.” Manny adds, “For our clients, A-Frame signage, banners, floor decals, brochures, and direct mail have all been crucial in keeping their businesses operating safely while communicating with their customers. 99% of our customer base are other local businesses, and I see people are hungry to get back to work, to open up their doors safely, and we are helping them reach out and reopen safely. I’m very optimistic that things are turning back into full force. We have positioned ourselves to be there for our business community and meet their needs.” During the pandemic, Minuteman Press International has once again proven to be there for Manny to support him. He says, “Minuteman Press ongoing support during these unprecedented times has been tremendous. They’ve been there for us since COVID-19 started and provided us with extensive communications, guidance, marketing strategies, and additional resources. For example, when two of my employees needed to be home, Minuteman Press immediately provided me with additional field support to help me out with everything I needed. They are always there and quick to act whenever I need a helping hand or advice.” “We are an essential printing business and able to assist local businesses in any industry – medical, financial, retail, restaurants – and all businesses that continue to operate.” -Manny Castro, Minuteman Press franchise owner, Downey, CA Rewards of Business Ownership + Advice for Others When asked about the rewards of owning his business, Manny answers, “The most rewarding thing is having full control of your life and your financials. It’s very fulfilling to have your own business. I know that if I work hard, I reap the benefits.” His advice for others is this: “I will say Minuteman Press is a great company to partner up with. They are a leader in the printing industry and with over 45 years of experience. For someone like me who did not know about paper sizes and stocks 14 years ago, this meant the world to me. People can review the Minuteman Press franchise and see there are no hidden agendas. There was no pressure to buy the franchise, and they’ve supported me from day one and continue to work with me in achieving my company goals with ongoing coaching and marketing strategies to get there. Our success is their success as well. Minuteman Press has helped me do everything from getting started and achieving my dream of owning a business to helping my essential business during the pandemic.” Manny reflects once more on his incredible journey to US Citizenship, saying, “And now, Minuteman Press has helped me fulfill my other lifelong dream of becoming a US Citizen. For someone from El Salvador to be able to accomplish all of this, I needed to have help along the way. I couldn’t ask for a better franchise to be a part of or better people who are working on behalf of Minuteman Press International to support me with everything I do. Minuteman Press simply has my back, and I couldn’t ask for anything more than that in my business and in my life.” For more information on Minuteman Press in Downey, CA, visit https://www.downey.minutemanpress.com. Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read 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

February 22, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Aviva Shwartz Named News Direct Sales Representative In Israel

News Direct

Communications consultant, Aviva Shwartz, with more than two decades of experience working closely with Israel's corporate community, has joined News Direct as its authorized sales representative for the Israeli market. Recognized for its leadership in technology, healthcare, and other sectors shaping the 21st century global economy, Israel is the third leading source of issuers on Nasdaq, ranking only behind the United States and China. Shwartz formed relationships with many of Israel's corporate leaders and IR practitioners while managing Equities Israel's "Investor Information Directory," a guide to publicly listed companies published in collaboration with Standard & Poor's. Shwartz is deeply familiar with the news distribution market, having previously represented other service providers. Most recently, Shwartz has operated her own PR firm, AvivaPR. In 2015, she was honored by Israel's Association of Media Consultants and Public Relations for the best public relations campaign of the year in the lifestyle category. "We believe that News Direct's unique value proposition will resonate strongly in the Israeli market," noted Founder/CEO Gregg Castano. "The PR and IR communities are sophisticated, value conscious, and open to innovation. We are confident that News Direct's revolutionary approach to news distribution will be embraced by Israel's savvy communications industry." ### 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 22, 2021 08:07 AM Eastern Standard Time

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CMMC Center of Excellence Announces Engagement Agreement with SteelCloud

Interoperability Clearinghouse

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Center of Excellence ( CMMC COE ), hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public-private partnership serving the public and private sectors for more than 15 years, is excited to announce a partnership with SteelCloud, a leading provider of capabilities to automate policy compliance, configuration control, and Cloud security. This unique partnership will extend efforts to identify and include proven capabilities within the CMMC COE Marketplace to improve cybersecurity protection and resilience for the global defense industrial base network of contractors, vendors, and suppliers. ConfigOS is SteelCloud’s patented software compliance suite that allows anyone to quickly establish a STIG ( Security Technical Implementation Guide ) and or CIS ( Center for Information Security ) - cyber security compliant environment. The patented software is a complete solution offering scanning, automated remediation, compliance reporting, and external interfaces to other tools. ConfigOS is the only COTS solution on the market that fully automates remediation out of the box, saving countless hours of information assurance labor while establishing enterprise compliance consistency. It addresses policy remediation automation for Windows and Linux operating systems and applications. Learn more at https://www.steelcloud.com/cmmc/ The executed Engagement Agreement establishes a collaborative engagement between SteelCloud and the CMMC COE to partner in the furthering of their respective and complementary missions and objectives regarding the adoption, use, and expansion of CMMC based cybersecurity practices, risk management, and compliance for the DIB contractor, vendor, and supplier community of providers creating a broader CMMC ecosystem globally to improve security and resilience. Specific actions will include: The co-development of CMMC advisory services, cyber training and education programs to accelerate CMMC certification, increase cyber adoption and improve cyber protection & resilience. Co-sponsor symposiums, training programs and podcasts leveraging their combined cyber and IT expertise. Host regular working groups, with other partners, to enable collaboration and communications. Source qualified CMMC/ cyber professionals to serve as advocates. Establish an independent Industry Cyber Security Advisory Council with peer organisations to advise and educate leaders across government and industry on the continued evolution and effectiveness of CMMC. The CMMC-COE ( http://cmmc-coe.org ) and SteelCloud partnership will focus on bringing together the many disparate cyber and national security communities of interest to reduce complexity, improve awareness, and accelerate industry effort to become more cyber resilient against the growing threats from nation states and criminal enterprises. “This is exciting opportunity for us”, said Mr. John Weiler, Chairman of the Board at CMMC Center of Excellence, “This new partnership will further help advance the goals and objectives for improving the supply chain security and resilience of the US Department of Defense (DoD)”. “SteelCloud is excited to forge this partnership with the CMMC-COE,” said Mr. Brian Hajost, SteelCloud President & CEO. “CMMC is a vital program to secure the DoD’s contractor supply chain in order to protect critical U.S information. By working with the CMMC-COE, we can deliver our compliance automation technology and reduce the cost and complexity of CMMC compliance for the broadest range of DIB customers.” The CMMC-COE establishes both a Market Place and Knowledge Clearinghouse that will include resources that support the overall effort, including white papers; tutorials; recorded webcasts; presentations; and more that will help reduce the cost and burden on small and medium size contractors already struggling from the impact of COVID. For more information on the CMMC COE, please visit http://cmmc-coe.org email info@cmmc-coe.org or call 703-863-3766 For more information on SteelCloud, please visit https://www.steelcloud.com/ About Us ---------- CMMC-COE.ORG is a unique non-profit public-private partnership, with a vision to accelerate Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMM) adoption, and reduce time & cost for security compliance for our partners by leveraging commercial best practices, CMMC standards, and innovative solutions for a measurable success. Our mission, focused on DOD mission objectives, cost containment and expeditious CMMC compliance, is to help the DIB improve cyber posture and resilience, and simplify its acquisition. The CMMC-COE is hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public/private partnership (P3) chartered in 2007 as an honest broker to reach outside the confines of the Federal IT advisories that lack dynamic reach into the Global IT Market, and dedicated to the adoption of commercial IT management standards of practice and innovations emanating from the Global IT market. Team IT-AAC has already demonstrated the value of its decade long investment, and provides a unique value to agencies seeking to achieve accelerate the transformation of legacy processes and systems. Our Just-in-Time SMEs apply an innovative suite of Technology Business Management and Agile Acquisition Processes needed to assure the business value of commercial IT. The Interoperability Clearinghouse (ICH), is the managing partner that make up the 24 NGO/SDO organizations that make up the IT-AAC. ICH provides the contract vehicles, clearances, and critical resources proven to guide sustainable, measurable and repeatable processes needed to drive better investment decisions as the speed of mission need, while aligning existing processes, methods and workforce with IT reform mandates contained in Clinger Cohen Act, FITARA, IT MGT Act, EO13838. Contact Details Bob Dix +1 703-975-6633 bob.dix@it-aac.org Company Website https://cmmc-coe.org

February 22, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Tidewater joins NAMEPA in support of efforts to “Save Our Seas”

North American Marine Environment Protection Association

Carleen Lyden Walker, Co-Founder and Executive Director of North American Marine Environmental Protection Association (NAMEPA) announced that Tidewater (NYSE: TWD) has become a corporate member of the Association. Tidewater joins NAMEPA and other industry members in efforts to protect the marine environment, promote industry best practices and to “Save Our Seas.” “Tidewater is one of the largest and most respected offshore supply vessel company in the world, with a robust sustainability program and a reputation for quality shipping practices” stated NAMEPA’s Co-Founder/Executive Director Carleen Lyden Walker. “We are honored to have them back as NAMEPA members and look forward to working with them to further efforts to ‘Save Our Seas’.” Jason Stanley, Tidewater’s Vice President of ESG stated, “Over 5,000 of our employees have dedicated their lives to the marine environment and depend on its health and sustainability for food, employment and the overall quality of life in their communities. We care deeply about the ocean and its wellbeing and are committed to its protection through promoting environmentally responsible practices, investing in technology enabling material carbon reduction, and building strong partnerships with organizations that share these goals. We are very pleased to have the opportunity to work with NAMEPA and our fellow members to preserve our critically important marine ecosystems for generations to come.” Dedicated to protecting the safety of its employees, building strong community relationships and maintaining awareness of potential environmental impact all while promoting strong business ethics, Tidewater is a positive influence in the Maritime Industry. Tidewater has an exemplary reputation for providing their customers with exceptional service while maintaining safe and environmentally responsible operations, clearly aligning with NAMEPA’s mission to promote industry best practices and to Save Our Seas. Tidewater owns and operates the largest fleet of Offshore Support Vessels in the industry, with over 65 years of experience supporting offshore energy exploration and production activities worldwide. To learn more, visit www.tdw.com Contact Details Morgan Marketing & Communications Carleen Lyden Walker +1 203-255-4686 c.walker@morganmarketcomm.com Company Website https://namepa.net/

February 19, 2021 05:30 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Media OutReach Expands into China with Strategic Partnership with Xinhua Finance Agency

Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 19 February 2021 - Media OutReach, the first global newswire founded in Hong Kong in 2009, today announces its business expansion into China. The partnership with Xinhua Finance Agency (XFA) is a strategic one as XFA has a thorough understanding of local client needs from working closely with the business community in the country. XFA has a close partnership with Xinhua News Agency and is a member of the Belt and Road Economic Information Partnership (BREIP). The BREIP was initiated by Xinhua News Agency and co-founded by more than 30 news and information service agencies in countries along the Belt and Road (B&R) routes, with the aim to promote communication and cooperation among the B&R countries through information services. As a member of BREIP, XFA has an extensive connection to the news and information industry and is well positioned to provide comprehensive press release distribution across China in its alliance with Media OutReach. "It is our great pleasure to represent Media OutReach in China. Combining XFA's market knowledge and Media OutReach's worldwide media network is a harbinger of success. We are confident this new venture will bring about a higher level of professional service to the news distribution industry in China with increased cost efficiency. We look forward to a fruitful cooperation with Media OutReach," said Mr. Nick Ng, president of XFA. This partnership is further strengthened with XFA's commitment to act as Media OutReach's content partner in China and across the B&R countries. All news releases distributed by Media OutReach will be posted on all news sites of XFA comprising three different languages, ensuring high visibility among business communities. "For some clients, our service has brought business partnerships and investment opportunities for them when a story by the media based on the news they received through our press release distribution service built investors' confidence in fund raising activities by the clients," explains Ms Jennifer Kok, founder and CEO of Media OutReach. Media OutReach brings PR professionals, journalists, and editors in China closer together to foster an all-inclusive system of information distribution. This helps PR professionals build media relations with journalists and editors in their target regions. "We have a vast database of media contacts where we deliver clients' news directly to the email inbox of journalists and editors across unlimited news categories to help optimise news write ups and support them in building relations with the media in their target countries. Our distribution will connect communication professionals in China directly to the media in Asia Pacific, USA, UK, and other strategic regions and vice-versa, adds Ms Kok. Media OutReach is also the first newswire in the industry that offers guaranteed online news postings on established media by language depending on the country the news is distributed to. For each distribution in China, the newswire provides close to 300 online news postings that includes key news sites such as Netease (网易网),Sohu (搜狐网), Sina China (新浪看点), Tencent (腾讯企鹅号),TouTiao (今日头条), iFeng (凤凰网), Zhong Guo Wang (中国网), Xueqiu (雪球), EastMoney (东方财富), Xinhua Finance (新华财金社), Xinhua Business (新华商讯), China Finance (中华财经), The Xinhua (新华在线) and many others. "To support our clients in China, we have translated all our post-news release distribution reports from English to Simplified Chinese to demonstrate our commitment to the China market and local clients. With this service enhancement, we will be the only global newswire that offers post release report in Simplified Chinese," emphasises Ms Kok. Media OutReach's proprietary post news release reports with 'Media and Journalist Insights' provides PR professionals with information on how many editors and journalists have accessed their press release by publication and by country for Asia Pacific, USA, and UK. This information is especially important for Chinese companies looking to make an impact on the international stage. These insights demonstrate how much media attention their press releases have garnered and set the foundation for building their relations with the journalists and editors from the country they have been building their communication program. About Media OutReach Media OutReach Newswire was founded in Hong Kong in 2009. Media OutReach is a technology company that distributes multimedia, multilingual press releases directly to targeted editors and journalists, and automate the reporting process. The company's news release service supports the public relations, social marketing and digital agencies and introduces groundbreaking refinements to their distribution service by offering guaranteed online news postings on authentic news media. From Hong Kong, the company has expanded across the region and internationally with offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan, and Taiwan, as well as international reseller partnerships in the USA, Canada, and Europe. Today, Media OutReach has grown to be the first global newswire founded in the Asia Pacific region and the only one with its own distribution network in 24 countries across Asia Pacific region, possessing a database of more than 130,000 journalists and 460 media partnerships to provide authentic, guaranteed news postings online and pioneering post release reports with insights and measurements. For more information on Media OutReach, please visit https://www.media-outreach.com/. About Xinhua Finance Agency Xinhua Finance Agency (XFA) devotes itself to providing global financial institutions with news, materials and information concerning China's business world, and aims to become a Fintech company bridging China and overseas countries. Main businesses of XFA include news and data, enterprise public relations service, forum & investment promotion conference, and enterprise cross border investment consultation service. XFA is the gateway for the global community to gain true access to the heart of China's business world. XFA empowers global investors with information to help them succeed in today's China business world. For more information on Xinhua Finance, please visit: http://en.xfafinance.com/html/About/background.html Contact Details Media OutReach Media Contact +852 3996 9733 pr@media-outreach.com Company Website https://www.media-outreach.com/

February 19, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Brilla Media Launches Innovative Branded Latinx Entertainment, Media, and Experiential Platform for Marketers

RetroPop Media

First-of-its-kind Trifecta of Major Latinx Pop Culture Festivals for L.A., NYC, and Miami are set for Spring, Summer, and Hispanic Heritage Month Brilla’s Proprietary Distribution Platform Guarantees Premium Digital CPE Delivery for Branded Content via Paid, Owned, Earned and Partnerships Brilla unites pioneers of Hispanic social media, pop culture festivals, sports marketing, and press release wire service industries MIAMI, FL - February 18, 2021 – (LATINX NEWSWIRE) - Ralph Paniagua, Manny Ruiz, and Joseph Paniagua, the pioneer founders of the Hispanic social media industry, sports marketing, pop culture festivals, media, and press release wire services are joining forces to launch Brilla Media ( www.BrillaMedia.com ). The Latino-owned company will leverage decades of expertise, strategic alliances, and insights to provide brand marketers with innovative Latinx branded entertainment, media, and experiential storytelling. Fueled by its proprietary premium content distribution platform that integrates Paid, Owned, Earned, and Partnerships for guaranteed delivery of CPE campaigns, Brilla Media features five service pillars: Brilla Media (distribution), Brilla Live (festivals and livestreams), Brilla Creative (branded storytelling), Brilla Social (influencer and social media amplification), and Brilla Purpose (social good). Pop Culture Festivals Coming to L.A., NYC, and Miami In 2021, Brilla’s growing slate of innovative content offerings will prominently feature a coast-to-coast trifecta of major Latinx pop culture live stream festivals in L.A., NYC, and Miami. Cinco de Mayo L.A. will anchor the West Coast on May 1 with a star-studded Spring-time festival. The summer will highlight the Empire State’s venerable 116th Street Festival on July 10th. Hispanic Heritage Month will be the theme of Miami’s epic Fall program, NuestroFest on October 2. If conditions permit, all three festivals will take place physically as well as virtually in 2022. Thanks to Brilla’s premium digital and broadcast TV platform, all three bilingual, multi-generational festivals will garner millions of verifiable, Guaranteed on-target views for brand partners. (To inquire about our services, email info@brillamedia.com ). “Our ability to guarantee premium views for branded storytelling content - including our Trifecta of festivals - is a chief cornerstone of Brilla’s offering and something that is only possible through the team and partners we’ve assembled,” said Brilla Media Managing Partner Joseph Paniagua. “Nothing I’ve done before compares to the sheer scale of partnerships, digital media inventory, reach, talent, celebrity and influencer access that Brilla already represents from Day One of its operations,” said Manny Ruiz, Co-Founder of Brilla Media. “I’m extremely honored to be part of a platform that is truly Latino-owned and will also have a huge focus on producing Social Good projects that continuously serve our Latinx community.” Brilla Stands for Social Good The company’s name is significant because Brilla ( breeyah ) literally means shine in Spanish, and the brand’s storytelling DNA is already associated with being a purpose-driven Force for Good. In 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, the Brilla team produced three major live stream festivals that helped raise more than $1.6 million for 25 Latinx non-profit organizations in the United States and Puerto Rico. (The team’s Altísimo Live festival to support America’s farmworkers is a finalist for the 2021 PRWeek Multicultural Marketing Campaign of the Year). As part of its Force For Good heritage, Brilla is pledging to contribute cash and/or marketing resources on a year-round basis to select, non-political-oriented, nonprofit organizations that serve the Hispanic community. “The timing for Brilla meets the needs of a fast-changing industry that must evolve with new and creative ways to engage the Latino consumer,” said Brilla Media Co-Founder Ralph Paniagua. Brilla is a Guaranteed Media Placement Powerhouse To augment the client’s branded content reach, Brilla integrates news and influencer website placements through its partnerships with Latinx Newswire and Pop Culture Newswire. Effective this week, both wire services began offering brands guaranteed reach and automated reports for online placements that are the most comprehensive in their niche - and part of Brilla’s earned media assets. About Brilla Media Latino-owned and operated, Brilla Media provides brand marketers with innovative Latinx branded entertainment, media, and experiential storytelling. Fueled by a proprietary premium content distribution platform that integrates Paid, Owned, Earned, and Partnerships, Brilla Media ALWAYS guarantees results for branded CPE campaigns. The company features five service pillars: Brilla Media (distribution), Brilla Live (festivals and livestreams), Brilla Creative (original storytelling), Brilla Social (influencer and social media amplification), and Brilla Purpose (social good). Brilla’s team was created by Ralph Paniagua, Manny Ruiz, and Joseph Paniagua, the pioneer founders of the Hispanic social media, sports marketing, pop culture festivals, and press release wire service industries. Contact Details Brilla Media Jay Cruz +1 561-319-8592 info@brillamedia.com Company Website https://brillamedia.com/

February 18, 2021 04:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Tech cross-border M&A sustained bullish pace in 2020 according to data from Velocity Global and Pitchbook

Velocity Global

Cross-Border M&A Monitor: Tech Sector released today $200B cross-border IT M&A deal value in 2020 matches 2019 Cross-border IT deal volume accelerated in the second half of 2020 Cross-border IT M&A deal values in 2020 equaled that of 2019, outpacing overall global IT M&A deal value, which was down year-over-year. That data provided by Pitchbook was reported today in the Cross-Border M&A Monitor: Tech Sector published by Velocity Global, the leading provider of global expansion solutions. “Cross-border IT M&A accelerated significantly the second half of 2020 after dealmakers briefly paused at the onset of the pandemic,” said Rob Wellner, Velocity Global chief revenue officer. “Armed with more than a trillion dollars in dry powder at the end of 2020, PE firms represented a record share of the overall volume and helped bolster the deal count. We expect the surge to persist throughout 2021 and drive the need to close fast, move efficiently, and remove roadblocks to close.” Cross-border IT M&A Resilience Cross-border IT M&A remained integral to company growth plans. In 2020, cross-border IT M&A deal value topped $200 billion, approximately the same as the year prior. Furthermore, the cross-border IT deal count paced closely with a record-setting 2019 (1,326 transactions in 2020, 1,551 in 2019). These figures indicate COVID-19 only impacted a brief pullback in Q2 and did not dissuade dealmakers from paying up for transactions. “The global surge in demand for tech services driven by COVID-19 accelerated growth and M&A deals in the tech sector,” observed Wellner. “Remote work, digital health, and e-commerce exploded in 2020 and drove deal activity to keep pace or capitalize on an opportunity to serve enterprise and consumers alike.” Software, IT Services, and Telecommunications top deal sectors At the macro-level, software closed more deals and generated more deal value than any other IT subsector. However, both IT services and telecommunications saw significant spikes in deal value in the past two years. The same held true year over year for cross-border activity. Europe Remained Most Resilient Region; U.S. Tech Giants Bolstered Global Dealmaking Europe remained the most resilient region for cross-border tech M&A. For the second straight year, cross-border M&A value eclipsed $100 billion in Europe, and the region continued to dominate volume with approximately 800 deals (60% of overall cross-border tech volume). This resilience was driven by cyclical consolidation in sectors such as enterprise software and telecommunications. M&A also remained an attractive access point to markets across the continent. Cross-border Carve-outs Remain Complex 2020 cross-border IT carve-out M&A volume was just two-thirds of 2019, and these deal values dropped for a second year in a row. Software deals drove the decline in average cross-border carve-out deal size. The proportion of software carve-outs dropped by almost half from 2019 to 2020, with aggregate value falling by roughly two-thirds. Carve-outs are more complicated than outright, wholesale acquisitions. The need to ensure proper integration plans, conduct operational and financial due diligence, assess isolated financials, as well as overall technology risks in terms of licensing, and transition service agreements (TSAs) make carve-outs extremely complex. Given the geopolitical landscape and the trend toward pricier acquisitions, intellectual property and rights agreements that necessitated daunting TSAs made it more difficult to justify spending significant sums on individual business units or divisions, particularly in software, rather than on outright M&A or in-house development. Hurdles Remained The pandemic presents additional challenges to existing complexities for prospective cross-border buyers and sellers. From a personnel perspective, immigration and recruiting to maintain or grow talent levels are logistically and operationally complex. Nondomestic regulations also thwart nondomestic direct investment and derail deals. Post-merger integration takes longer due to remote communications. Given these hurdles, there was an increased caution brought on by COVID-19, and M&A went forward primarily for safer prospects. Added Wellner, “Companies must prioritize the ‘human element’ in a cross-border transaction. They must solve for employee onboarding, country-specific regulations, and legal jurisdiction management to minimize operational risks and accelerate market entry. Instead of creating foreign entities, companies increasingly implement a flexible solution like International PEO to avoid complicated TSAs, close quickly, and create a competitive advantage.” Download the Cross-border M&A Monitor: Tech Sector here. ABOUT VELOCITY GLOBAL Velocity Global helps companies grow globally. Founded in 2014, Velocity Global’s clients rely on its expertise and global infrastructure in 185 countries to hire compliantly around the world, increase revenue, scale efficiently, and access global talent. Named a “Leader” in Global Employer of Record services by prominent analyst firm NelsonHall, Velocity Global is a strategic partner to its clients with comprehensive services led by its core offering of International PEO as well as Immigration, Entity Setup and Support, Global Talent Acquisition, and Consulting. Velocity Global is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with regional headquarters in Amsterdam and Singapore, and local employees in 14 countries. Contact Details Velocity Global John Hall +1 720-650-4348 johnhall@velocityglobal.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

February 18, 2021 07:02 AM Mountain Standard Time

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Not Going Back To ‘Normal’: Pandemic E-commerce Trend Will Continue Post-Vaccine Rollout

Suzy

PSFK, the most progressive thought-leader in retail, today announced findings from their “Future of Retail 2021 Report: A Playbook for Resilient Retail.” The report showcases how agile, consumer-centric business practices, data-driven decision making and a culture of ongoing experimentation were key components to business success in 2020 and are the building blocks for growth in the coming decade. On February 25th, at 11AM EST, the report will be brought to life during a free virtual event, Future of Retail 2021. The two hour event will feature a one-hour roundtable conversation with leaders from Bain & Co., Brooks Running, L'Oréal, Pandora, Maserati, Sonae, Vans/VFC and Wawa. This session will be followed by an hour-long deep-dive into the report findings, featuring a conversation between Scott Lachut, PSFK’s President of Research and Strategy, and Matt Britton, CEO of Suzy. The report, developed in partnership with Suzy, the leading real-time market research platform, includes survey results about the changing behaviors and expectations of the U.S. consumer, their current shopping habits, and provides a peek into what they expect from their future in-store shopping experience. Results from the Future of Retail Report show that consumers have adopted a “new normal” for shopping, and it’s focused on digital. Only 23% of respondents will shift their spending back to in-store after the pandemic. Furthermore, consumers who do shop in-store expect the retail experience to be fundamentally redesigned. Based on PSFK’s findings, it is clear that shopper loyalty is changing during the pandemic. In fact, 39% of U.S. consumers report they have recently engaged with a new retailer online and 24% visited a new retail location. Of those who shopped at a new retailer in 2020, 65% said that they will continue shopping at this new retailer indefinitely. Additionally, 62% of U.S. consumers expect to change at least one brand preference/loyalty in 2021. “The most successful retailers and brands will be those with resilience at their core. These companies invest in people, systems and infrastructure, ensuring they are connected together by digital information and processes,” said PSFK Founder Piers Fawkes. “Enhanced, real-time data capabilities are a must for any corporation going forward, so they can understand market behavior and track consumer needs the moment they shift.” Shoppers Want a New in-Store Shopping Experience Highlighting shifts in behavior, the Future of Retail 2021 Report found that shoppers want to be in control of aspects that retailers used to manage, such as checking inventory (53%). They also want in-store self-scanning capabilities and the ability to make transactions through their phones (33%). As for visiting stores in-person, respondents rated returns as a key need (46%), along with product repairs (26%) and e-commerce pick-up (24%). “Retail has gone through a major transformation this year and it’s clear that consumers aren’t going back to pre-pandemic shopping patterns,” said Suzy President Avi Savar. “Brands will need to consider these shifts as they plan campaign and product strategies moving forward. Real-time consumer insights will play a big role in helping organizations meet these changing needs.” About the PSFK Future of Retail 2021 Report: The qualitative trends-research report features findings from research performed in Q4, 2020. Quantitative insights provided by Suzy are from a study fielded in November 2020. The study surveyed 1,000 U.S. online-shoppers with a 50/50 gender split. The full report can be downloaded here: www.psfk.com/FoR21 About PSFK: Since 2004, retail futures firm, PSFK, has been leading the narrative around Retail and Consumer Experience Innovation. Leading brands and retailers across categories rely on PSFK’s syndicated trends research offering (PSFK iQ) and consulting arm (PSFK Labs), to fuel their innovation efforts and build relevant, on-trends business platforms to engage audiences. About Suzy Founded in 2017, Suzy is a real-time market research 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 $46MM 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 Jennifer Mirabile +1 408-340-8130 suzy@trustrelations.agency Company Website http://suzy.com/

February 17, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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