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Benchmark International Has Successfully Facilitated The Transaction Between Square One Coating Systems, LLC And Lionheart Industrial Group

Benchmark International

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated a transaction between Oriskany, NY-based Square One Coating Systems, LLC (Square One), and Newton, PA-based Lionheart Industrial Group. Square One is a metal finishing firm that provides high-end metal coating services to the aerospace industry and coating components for other industries. The company is a leader in electroless nickel application and chemical processing, with AS9100 and National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program (NADCAP) certifications. It is also certified in chemical agent-resistant coating (CARC) painting for the military. “Benchmark International was very easy to work with, super professional, and capable. Thanks for bringing this to fruition.”- Lloyd Ploof, Square One Founder Lionheart Industrial Group specializes in taking minor to middle-market manufacturing companies to the next level with respect for the owner, employee care, and growth energy. Leadership prides itself on being sensitive to customer relationships that the owner has created over the years and mindful of new opportunities that the team can develop for growth. “We expect Square One’s newly minted partnership with Lionheart Industrial to produce an outstanding future for the company and the team. Square One founder Lloyd Ploof has built a well-capitalized business poised for growth. And Lionheart’s multi-vectored resources drive the perfect combination for outsized results in the years to come,” - Senior Transaction Director William Sullivan, Benchmark International Americas: Sam Smoot at +1 (813) 898 2350 / Smoot@BenchmarkIntl.com Europe: Michael Lawrie at +44 (0) 161 359 4400 / Lawrie@BenchmarkIntl.com Africa: Anthony McCardle at +27 21 300 2055 / McCardle@BenchmarkIntl.com ABOUT BENCHMARK INTERNATIONAL: Benchmark International is a global M&A firm that provides business owners with creative, value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. Benchmark International has handled over $11 billion in transaction value across various industries from offices across the world. With decades of M&A experience, Benchmark International’s transaction teams have assisted business owners with achieving their objectives and ensuring the continued growth of their businesses. The firm has also been named the Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor and the Global M&A Network as well as the #1 Sell-side Exclusive Privately-held M&A Advisor in the World by Pitchbook and Refinitiv's Global League Tables. Contact Details Brittney Zoeller +1 813-898-2350 zoeller@benchmarkintl.com Company Website https://www.benchmarkintl.com/

March 07, 2024 10:29 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Kite Hill PR Releases First E-Book, Mapping Your Career Constellation, As a Modern-Day Guide to Mentorship

Kite Hill PR

Kite Hill PR, an award-winning, agile tech PR agency, today publishes its first e-book, Mapping Your Career Constellation: How to Find Your North Star and Communicate Your Vision, on behalf of the agency’s founder and CEO, Tiffany Guarnaccia. Perfect for female entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs looking for a modern-day mentorship guide, this hands-on, leadership style e-book takes readers on a professional development journey to help them find their North Star, build their career constellation, and ultimately, crystallize and communicate their visions into existence. The e-book features insights from Kite Hill PR’s Modern Mentorship video interview series, interlaced with advice and anecdotes on the hard lessons Tiffany Guarnaccia learned along the way in her own career journey. It is a must-read for those who are trying to find, and follow, their North Star in business, and struggling to find their way. Through three sections, readers will uncover thought-provoking insights and advice, such as how to find their North Star in business, discover what it takes to get started, challenge the status quo, trust their intuitive instincts, and more. “As a two-time entrepreneur and current small business owner, I understand the challenges and opportunities when it comes to mapping your career constellation,” said Tiffany Guarnaccia. “The path is not linear, and I would not be where I am today without the guidance, support, and mentorship of others. I hope this e-book inspires — and encourages — each and every reader to find her own North Star, build her career constellation, crystallize and communicate her vision into existence… and know that I’m here to help her through every step.” Featured mentors in the e-book include Tonia Wellons, Linda Ong, Tiffany Ricks, Janet Balis, Shannan Herbert, Patrice Tanaka, Tameeka Kee, Bonnie Kintzer, Diane Schwartz, among others. The e-book also contains input from the Kite Hill PR team, at large. This includes the top-knotch editing work of Mackenzie Sikora, who helms the Kite Hill PR editor’s desk — a team of editorial enthusiasts committed to elevating the agency’s writing, and ensuring its colleagues and clients are communicating at their highest and most effective levels. Mapping Your Career Constellation: How to Find Your North Star and Communicate Your Vision is available for download now at https://www.kitehillpr.com/ebook. For readers who find the messaging within its pages particularly resonate with them, please do not hesitate to reach out to Tiffany Guarnaccia and the Kite Hill PR team at hello@kitehillpr.com. Kite Hill PR is happy to help, and together, we can create a path to success and fulfillment, for you. About the Author Considered a “visionary with a finger on the pulse of the industry” by PRWeek, Tiffany is the Founder and CEO of Kite Hill PR and the Founder of Communications Week, which was acquired by Ragan Communications. Under her leadership, Kite Hill PR has been recognized as one of the “Top B2B PR Agencies” by PR Daily, "Top Tech Specialist PR Agencies in NYC,” “Most Powerful PR Firms,” and a “Top 50 PR Firm in America” by the Observer, a “Best Place to Work” by PR News and one of "America's Best PR Agencies" by Forbes. While at the helm of Kite Hill PR, she pioneered the PR Sprint Workflow®, an agile planning process applied to PR. Her accolades include being recognized as one of PR News' Women to Watch, a DMN Hall of Femme, a PRWeek 40 Under 40, a She Runs It Working Mother of the Year, as well as a Top Women in Communications by Ragan. Most recently, Tiffany was named a Top Women in Media and Ad Tech by AdExchanger and AdMonsters. Tiffany is involved in many organizations that help to support and shape the PR industry. She currently serves as a Board Member to Communications Week and the PR Council. She has served as a Senior Judge for the PRSA-NY Big Apple Awards for the past two years and was previously a board member of PRSA-NY. Before starting Kite Hill PR, Tiffany led communications for The Huffington Post. Earlier in her career she was at the center of the music industry’s most disruptive years as PR director at LimeWire and eMusic. About Kite Hill PR Based in New York City with team members in the UK and across North America, Kite Hill PR is a leading B2B communications and tech PR agency specializing in connecting enterprise technology, media and advertising businesses with key stakeholders. The company's winning approach combines thought leadership, strategy and media relations to drive clients' businesses forward. Kite Hill PR has been recognized as one of the "Top Tech Specialist PR Agencies in NYC,” “Most Powerful PR Firms,” and a “Top 50 PR Firm in America” by the Observer, a “Top B2B Agency” by Ragan Communications and PR Daily, a “Best Place to Work” by PR News and one of "America's Best PR Agencies" by Forbes. Contact Details Lauryn Russell lauryn@kitehillpr.com

March 07, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Rabbis Blast Anti-Defamation League CEO Greenblatt for ‘Slanderous’ Attacks

NLPC

The Coalition for Jewish Values (CJV), an organization of 2,500 rabbis, has joined the chorus of complaints about Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Even as antisemitism flares around the globe and Israel faces unprecedented threats, Greenblatt has been trashing American conservatives, using ADL’s good name to promote his domestic partisan goals. “The ADL appears as concerned with a target’s politics as whether he or she is actually hateful—much less antisemitic,” said Rabbi Avrohom Gordimer, Chairman of the CJV Rabbinic Circle. Greenblatt’s latest assault was on the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), recently held in Washington, D.C. CJV criticized his “slanderous” attacks on what took place at the event, which Greenblatt likened to the rants of Nation of Islam’s Louis Farrakhan. By all accounts, CPAC was a strongly pro-Israel event. As the CJV pointed out, NLPC got a taste of the ADL’s bias in November, despite our long history of fighting antisemitism: In November the ADL issued a statement implying that two policy organizations, the National Center for Public Policy Research and the National Legal and Policy Center, employed “conspiracy theories or conspiratorial language… that could be interpreted as an antisemitic dog whistle.” Both of these organizations are robust fighters for Israel and against antisemitism. This smear of NLPC was in the form of a posting on the ADL website on November 21 titled “Conspiracy Theories, Some With Antisemitic Roots, Crop Up in 2023 Shareholder Proposals.” ADL cited as evidence that NLPC and our ally, the National Center for Public Policy Research, are critical of “globalism” and “globalist organizations” like the World Economic Forum. The ADL gave a clue that it knew its own attack was groundless when it also included this disclaimer: At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that either organization’s agents espouse overt antisemitism, or that these proposals were filed with antisemitic intentions. Elle Krasne-Cohen in a recent opinion piece distributed by the Jewish News Service, also has come to NLPC’s defense. She wrote: More recently, the ADL smeared two mainstream policy organizations—the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR) and the National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC)—accusing them without evidence of antisemitism. We are grateful that our contributions to fighting antisemitism are being recognized. In case Greenblatt or anyone else is still confused, here is our track record: Ben & Jerry’s- When the Unilever subsidiary Ben and Jerry’s announced in 2021 that it would end ice cream sales in “Occupied Palestinian Territory,” NLPC swung into action, launching the StopBenandJerrys.org website. In September 2021, NLPC filed a Complaint with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) against Anuradha Mittal, the anti-Israel chair of the Ben & Jerry’s board of directors. A few weeks later, she was named 2021 “Antisemite of the Year” by the website StopAntisemitism.org. Mittal appeared to have violated laws governing self-dealing by acting as a trustee of the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation while approving donations to her personal nonprofit where she is executive director taking a full-time salary. Also, the president of Ben & Jerry’s charitable foundation, Jeff Furman, steered more than $100,000 of its funds to his own nonprofit organization. In the wake of the October 7 Hamas attack, Flaherty wrote an op-ed titled, “Unilever, Ice Cream and Antisemitism.” Unilever Divestment- NLPC was a proponent of Unilever divestment efforts in New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and Virginia. From the September 16, 2021, New York Times: “We are doing this because somebody has to hold the independent board of Ben & Jerry’s accountable for their anti-Semitic use of their platform and company resources,” said Tom Anderson, a director of the National Legal and Policy Center. NLPC collaborated with activist investor Michael Asher in support of Unilever divestment by New York State and New York City. In Virginia, Flaherty met with State Attorney General Jason Miyares and urged him to seek divestment of state funds from Unilever. In North Carolina, NLPC asked Treasurer Dale Folwell to divest Unilever holdings from public pension funds. Black Lives Matter & Patrisse Cullors- As a result of original NLPC research, Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation co-founder Patrisse Cullors was forced to resign from the group in 2021. NLPC’s allegations, detailed in a Complaint to the IRS, related to her purchase of four pieces of real estate, and apparent self-dealing and inurnment. NLPC has also emphasized Cullors’ 2015 call at Harvard Law School for individuals to “step up boldly and courageously to end the imperialist project that’s called Israel.” NLPC was early in reporting about Black Lives Matter’s (BLM) links to anti-Israel groups. In 2016, Carl Horowitz, then a member of the NLPC staff, wrote a website post titled “Black Lives Matter Activists Join Anti-Israel Boycott.” Following October 7, NLPC asked Visa, Inc. to remove its BLM endorsement from its website and condemn Hamas and antisemitism. We had raised the BLM issue earlier in the year at the company’s shareholders’ meeting. NLPC had also raised the issue of Coca-Cola’s support for BLM at the company’s annual meeting. ADL’s Omar Resolution- NLPC has been a persistent critic of Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Talib. While we have cited financial irregularities in a Federal Election Commission complaint against Ocasio-Cortez and a House Ethics Committee complaint against Omar, NLPC has also criticized hostility to Jews by these members. In 2019, NLPC endorsed and publicized the ADL-initiated House resolution condemning Omar. See this op-ed titled “Antisemitism and Islamophobia: No Moral Equivalence” by Horowitz. Foreign Funding of U.S. Higher Education- The recent spate of on-campus antisemitic incidents has shed light on the issue of foreign financial support for American colleges and universities, an issue that NLPC has investigated and publicized for several years. See this column by Charles Gasparino that extensively quotes NLPC Counsel Paul Kamenar. Al Sharpton- Whereas the present leadership of the ADL has sought to erase Sharpton’s past, NLPC will not forget his incitements in the 1991 Crown Heights riots, in which a Jew was murdered, nor will we forgive his dangerous statements, such as “If the Jews want to get it on, tell them to pin their yarmulkes back and come over to my house.” Sharpton was fined $285,000 in 2005 by the Federal Election Commission as a result of an NLPC Complaint for running an “off the books” presidential campaign. For several years, NLPC raised the issue of support for Sharpton’s National Action Network (NAN) at the shareholders’ meetings of American corporations, including PepsiCo, Anheuser-Busch and Colgate-Palmolive. Unlike the ADL, NLPC has never used the fight against antisemitism as a partisan weapon. In 2010, NLPC objected to the sponsorship of Sharpton’s National Action Network annual meeting by the Republican National Committee (RNC) and the participation of then-RNC Chairman Michael Steele. In 2009, NLPC asked former House Speaker Newt Gingrich to end his partnership with Sharpton in a campaign for “education reform.” That same year, NLPC criticized then-President George W. Bush for praising Sharpton. Jesse Jackson- In 2005, the New York Stock Exchange ended its financial support for Jackson’s Citizenship Education Fund, in response to a demand by NLPC that cited Jackson’s 1984 “hymie” and “Hymietown” comments, as well as financial improprieties involving the Fund. And if none of this is good enough for Greenblatt, it should be noted that NLPC has many Jewish supporters, including prominent individuals and former government officials, several of whom serve on the boards of local and national Jewish organizations. From 2001 to the time of his death in 2019, Edward M. Ackerman of Dallas was a key advisor and major donor to NLPC. His legacy is carried on today by NLPC and the Ackerman Center for Holocaust Studies at the University of Texas at Dallas. The ADL itself has partnered with the Ackerman Center. Founded in 1991, the National Legal and Policy Center promotes ethics in public life through research, investigation, education and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

March 07, 2024 09:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Video: Jeff Dunham Pops Wheelies in Dodge SRT Demon 170 with Salvaggio Design

Salvaggio Design

While millions of people know comedian, ventriloquist and actor Jeff Dunham, they might be unaware he’s a certified car guy with an impressive collection assembled over the years. “It all started with Hot Wheels,” Dunham explained in the latest video from muscle car builder, Dave Salvaggio. The latest addition to the Dunham collection is the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 – the final edition of the Hemi-powered hot rods from Dodge, boasting 1025hp. Dunham owns car #0013, which is the same number as the original Demon in his collection. “How do you resist having something like this?” Dunham reasoned. After purchasing a 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, owners can specify a number of customized, limited-edition, serialized items that are linked to the VIN number of each vehicle. Among the complimentary items available through the Dodge//SRT Concierge team is a custom decanter set, personalized badging, car cleaning products, and even a two-day drag racing class. Owners wishing to take their Demon 170 to the track also have exclusive access to a number of optional performance parts, which were engineered and fabricated by Direct Connection. And with all the parts fitted to Dunham’s car, Dave Salvaggio invited the comedian to Irwindale Speedway near Los Angeles, allowing him to understand the vehicle’s dynamics and performance. “It’s a massively powerful car and drivers need to know how to use it safely and under control to get the maximum fun from their Demon 170,” Salvaggio explained. “We prepped the eighth-mile track and Jeff was doing wheelies almost immediately!” Salvaggio continued. “Wheelies are a characteristic of the Demon models but it’s vital drivers are prepared for it and able to control the car for their own safety and the safety of others.” Among the extra equipment fitted was the Direct Connection Parachute Mounting Kit and Pistol Grip Parachute Release. Required because of the Demon 170’s phenomenal performance potential, the Simpson parachute itself is available directly from Salvaggio Design, along with the seatbelt harnesses. Both carry the Demon logo and are not available from Direct Connection. However, a Harness Bar can be purchased from Direct Connection, fitting to the interior rollcage without any drilling or cutting, providing a solid anchor for the harnesses. The final addition was the Direct Connection Rear Seat Delete Carbon Fiber Closeout Panels. The package consisted of pre-preg carbon fiber pieces that reduce weight and improve the aesthetics of the rear seat area. Salvaggio custom-painted Dunham’s rear panel with Demon artwork, creating a unique appearance. “You can’t describe it – you’ve got to be in it!” Dunham proclaimed after his track time. “It’s a just massive amount of power. What adds to it is the sound and the feel and the smell.” With his Demon 170 fully equipped to dominate the drag strip, and the driver prepared to launch hard enough to pop the front wheels in the air, Dunham will never be late for his stand-up comedy shows! All owners of the Dodge SRT Demon 170 can obtain the same parts for their car by visiting dodgegarage.com/demon-170-owner-info. Owners wishing to obtain the parachute and harnesses should contact Salvaggio Design via salvaggiodesign.com. EDITOR’S NOTE High-resolution images are available here: dropbox.com/scl/fo/w5bba9lsy2ec19e7dlh4x/h?rlkey=ypp7omqixclp3w50k5gfch23s&dl=0 Please download and share the video here: dropbox.com/scl/fi/iq344uor4990i3qeivps9/jeff_dunham-s_demon_170_equipped_with_mopar_direct_connection_parts-1080p.mp4?rlkey=8eargd3cu60y8apfddcqzq0ao&dl=0 ABOUT SALVAGGIO DESIGN Wisconsin-based Dave Salvaggio was born into an Italian family that has been involved in automotive design, racing, and engineering since 1919. He established his own business in 2003 and currently holds five patents for carbon fiber manufacturing processes. As a car builder, he has been responsible for a string of award-winning SEMA muscle cars since 2006, with a number of vehicles appearing in Hollywood movies. Throughout his career, Dave has been fortunate to build very special cars for special people and embarked on the next chapter at Salvaggio Design with a new workshop and small team of dedicated craftsmen. His aim is to focus their collective passion into building bespoke vehicles that encapsulate the best design, modern components, and the customer’s vision. The team utilize modern techniques including in-house CAD design, 3D printing, carbon fiber production, and more. Visit salvaggiodesign.com for more information. Contact Details Dave Salvaggio dave@salvaggiodesign.com Company Website http://www.salvaggiodesign.com/

March 07, 2024 06:15 AM Pacific Standard Time

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Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition Update: Year Two Brings Significant Progress in Push to Protect Giant Sequoias Threatened by Unprecedented Wildfire Risk

Save the Redwoods League

Officials from the State of California, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, Tule River Indian Tribe of California, Save the Redwoods League, and other members of the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition (GSLC) today announced significant progress in their work to protect the world’s largest tree species from severe wildfires. In its 2023 Progress Report for Saving the Sequoias, GSLC confirms that coalition partners have more than doubled the acres across the giant sequoia range where treatments are underway. In its second year of large-scale collaboration, the coalition has exceeded its goals with ecosystem wide achievements: Treated nearly 9,900 acres in 28 giant sequoia groves—more than twice the acreage treated in 2022. This brings the total giant sequoia grove acres treated since the extreme 2020-21 wildfires to 14,143 out of 26,000; Planted more than 294,000 native tree seedlings in severely burned areas, bringing the total to more than 542,000 in two years; Initiated and hosted research studies by academic, government, and nonprofit entities; Revived cultural practices and expanded co-stewardship agreements with tribes and nonprofits The full 2023 progress report is available here. “The Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition made significant progress in 2023 to increase wildfire resilience in our forests and communities,” said coalition Co-Chair Clay Jordan, who is also superintendent of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. “We are realizing the founding goal of the coalition: accelerating the pace and scale of giant sequoia restoration by close coordination and collaboration. Forest treatment is not a one-time event, but a long-term commitment to actively stewarding and restoring these complex natural systems. Everyone benefits from the efficiencies and efficacy of the coalition’s combined efforts—the forest most of all.” GSLC’s work in 2023 was managed by 941 people at a cost of $32.9 million. GSLC conducted initial restoration treatments on 9,886 of 26,000 acres in 28 of approximately 80 groves, which represents more than twice the amount of giant sequoia grove acres treated than the previous year. This restoration work increases the wildfire resilience of the groves by reducing the amount of hazardous and combustible plant materials (fuels) through manual and mechanical fuels reduction, prescribed fires and cultural burning practices. GSLC also worked to improve forest health through reforestation and planted more than 290,000 locally sourced native trees, including 119,000 giant sequoias. Combined with the previous year, the coalition has now planted more than 542,000 trees in and around the sequoia groves. These reforestation projects focus on areas that experienced uncharacteristically high wildfire intensity where seed trees have died, burned seeds were not able to develop, and minimal regeneration has occurred naturally. “Our work to ensure a wildfire-resilient future for giant sequoias lives at the scientific intersection of forest ecology, wildfire and climate studies,” said Dr. Joanna Nelson, Ph.D., director of science and conservation planning for Save the Redwoods League and co-lead of the GSLC science committee. “We are simultaneously applying the latest evidence-based techniques and advancing the field’s understanding through research. As we coordinate research and adaptive management across the coalition, we boost our ability to steward giant sequoias. This is a long-term challenge with long-term solutions, and we are starting the long-term with timely action, now.” “While we benefited from a relatively quiet fire season in 2023, what happens this year is impossible to predict, so we must prepare for the worst,” continued Nelson. “We urge elected officials and policymakers to continue to provide funding and personnel, enact policy changes and help us reduce fuels now so we can continue to address the problem at scale.” Giant sequoias are the largest trees in the world, and severe wildfires have killed up to 20% of the mature trees since 2015. The two federal agencies that own and manage the majority of giant sequoia lands‒USDA Forest Service and National Park Service‒implemented emergency actions in 2023 to accelerate the pace and scale of work. The members of the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition include: National Park Service, represented by Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Yosemite National Park USDA Forest Service, represented by the Sequoia National Forest, Giant Sequoia National Monument, Sierra National Forest, and Tahoe National Forest Tule River Indian Tribe of California, stewards of all or parts of five sequoia groves Bureau of Land Management, stewards of Case Mountain Extensive Recreation Management Area California State Parks, stewards of Calaveras Big Trees State Park California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), stewards of Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest University of California, Berkeley, stewards of Whitaker’s Forest Tulare County, stewards of Balch Park GSLC Affiliate Members: American Forests, Ancient Forest Society, Giant Sequoia National Monument Association, Save the Redwoods League, Sequoia Parks Conservancy, Southern Sierra Conservancy, Stanislaus National Forest, US Geological Survey—Western Ecological Research Center and Yosemite Conservancy. Note to media: Images of GSLC projects and places are available for download here. * * * About Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition The Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition (GSLC) is a landscape-scale, multi-partner collaboration dedicated to the conservation and stewardship of giant sequoia grove ecosystems. Our coalition is composed of all federal, tribal, state and local agencies and organizations that manage giant sequoia groves in public, tribal or private nonprofit ownership. Our affiliate partners include select federal and state conservation agencies, nongovernmental organization conservation groups, and academic research partners with a shared commitment to protect and steward giant sequoias and their ecosystems from emerging threats associated with climate change and the extended absence of natural, low-severity wildfire processes on the landscape. Learn more at giantsequoias.org. # # # Contact Details Landis Communications Inc. Robin Carr +1 415-766-0927 redwoods@landispr.com Company Website https://www.savetheredwoods.org/

March 07, 2024 06:00 AM Pacific Standard Time

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Direxion Unveils QQQU and QQQD: Bold Trades For, and Against, the Concentrated Qs

Direxion

Direxion, a leading provider of tradeable and thematic ETFs, today announced the launch of the Direxion Daily Concentrated Qs Bull 2X Shares (Ticker: QQQU) and the Direxion Daily Concentrated Qs Bear 1X Shares (Ticker: QQQD). QQQU and QQQD seek to achieve 200%, or 100% of the inverse (opposite), respectively, of the daily performance of the Indxx Front of the Q Index. The Index is designed to track the performance of the seven largest Nasdaq 100-listed companies, all of which are household names, including Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL), Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN), Apple Inc. (AAPL), Meta Platforms, Inc. (META), Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), Nvidia Corporation (NVDA) and Tesla, Inc. (TSLA). “QQQU and QQQD capitalize on key market drivers, to include artificial intelligence, cloud computing and semiconductors," said Direxion Managing Director and Head of Sales and Alternatives, Edward Egilinsky. “These Funds offer traders a unique opportunity to express their short-term conviction on the top seven market cap-weighted companies in the Nasdaq 100.” All Direxion leveraged and inverse ETFs are intended only for investors with an in-depth understanding of the risks associated with seeking leveraged investment results, and who plan to actively monitor and manage their positions. There is no guarantee these ETFs will meet their objective. Please visit the Direxion Leveraged and Inverse ETF Education Center, where you will find educational brochures, videos, and a self-paced online course to help you understand if leveraged ETFs are right for you. About Direxion: Direxion equips investors who are driven by conviction with ETF solutions built for purpose and fine-tuned for precision. These solutions are available for a broad spectrum of investors, whether executing short-term tactical trades, or investing in thematic strategies. Direxion’s reputation is founded on developing products that precisely express market perspectives and allow investors to manage their risk exposure. Founded in 1997, the company has approximately $38.1 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2023. For more information, please visit www.direxion.com. There is no guarantee that the Funds will achieve their investment objectives. For more information on all Direxion Shares ETFs, go to www.direxion.com, or call us at 866.301.9214. An investor should carefully consider a Fund’s investment objective, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. A Fund’s prospectus and summary prospectus contain this and other information about the Direxion Shares. To obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus call 866-476-7523 or visit our website at direxion.com. A Fund’s prospectus and summary prospectus should be read carefully before investing. Leveraged and Inverse ETFs pursue daily leveraged investment objectives which means they are riskier than alternatives which do not use leverage. They seek daily goals and should not be expected to track the underlying index over periods longer than one day. They are not suitable for all investors and should be utilized only by sophisticated investors who understand leverage risk and who actively manage their investments. Direxion Shares Risks – An investment in each Fund involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Each Fund is non-diversified and includes risks associated with the Funds’ concentrating their investments in a particular industry, sector, or geographic region which can result in increased volatility. The use of derivatives such as futures contracts and swaps are subject to market risks that may cause their price to fluctuate over time. Risks of each Fund include Effects of Compounding and Market Volatility Risk, Counterparty Risk, Market Risk, Rebalancing Risk, Intra-Day Investment Risk, Other Investment Companies (including ETFs) Risk, Passive Investment and Index Performance Risk, Cash Transaction Risk and risks specific to the information technology sector. The value of stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles. Additional risks include, for the Direxion Daily Concentrated Qs Bull 2X Shares, Daily Index Correlation Risk and Leverage Risk, and for the Direxion Daily Concentrated Qs Bear 1X Shares, Shorting or Inverse Risk and Daily Inverse Index Correlation Risk. Please see the summary and full prospectuses for a more complete description of these and other risks of each Fund. Distributor: Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Contact Details Ditto Public Relations Danielle Black, SAE direxion@dittopr.co Company Website https://www.direxion.com/

March 07, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Allied Corp Signs a 180kgs Purchase Order with International Partner

Allied Corp.

Kelowna, BC, Canada – TheNewswire - March 07, 2024 Allied Corp. ("Allied" or the “Company”) ( OTCQB: ALID ) is pleased to announce that it has signed a partnership agreement to supply a major international manufacturer with a first purchase order of 180kgs, equally split between THC and CBD flower. Allied’s partner is an EU-GMP manufacturer with leading distribution capabilities in its territories including telehealth clinics and pharmaceutical distributors. This order is part of a Master Agreement that sets the terms and conditions for additional cannabis sales. Allied and the purchaser have agreed to meet quarterly to establish and fulfill the supply requirements.   “This partnership, alongside other recently announced international supply agreements, reflect Allied’s high standards and is evidence of the Company’s compliance with rigorous quality, operating procedure and production audits”, said Michael Moses, Chief Business Development Officer. “This is also part of Allied’s broader strategy focused on securing long-term multi-year partnerships with global customers.” The purchase order follows the expansion of Allied’s commercial team in 2023 (press release here ) and underscores the company’s continued momentum, including two international flower distribution agreements signed earlier this year (press releases here and here ) and two successful shipments of THC based medical cannabis to Australia in November 2023 (press releases here and here ). About Allied Corp. – CLICK HERE   Allied Corp.  is a Canadian cannabis supplier with its production center in Colombia. By leveraging Canadian cannabis cultivation expertise and Colombian price advantages, Allied offers consistent supply of premium cannabis product at scale and at attractive prices, while meeting international high-quality standards. Investor Relations: ir@allied.health 1-877-255-4337 Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws in Canada or the United States ( “forward-looking information”). Forward-looking information may relate to the Company’s future outlook and anticipated events, plans or results, and may include information regarding the Company’s objectives, goals, strategies, future revenue or performance and capital expenditures, and other information that is not historical information. Forward-looking information can often be identified by the use of terminology such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “expect,” “pending,” “in process,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “can,” the negatives thereof, variations thereon and similar expressions. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on the Company’s opinions, estimates and assumptions in light of management’s experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that management currently believes are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. Forward looking statements in this press release include the following: that Allied is leveraging the conditions in its Colombia grow operation and future Kelowna location to support its Research and Development efforts; that Allied is making important strides forward to position itself as a leader in the medical cannabis space, that Allied intends to make a series of proposed trademark and other intellectual property protection filings, as part of the Company’s Intellectual Property and Pharma Development (IP&PD) Strategy, statements respecting the joint development, manufacturing, and the introduction of TACTICAL RELIEF™ branded products. There can be no assurance that the underlying opinions, estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information in this release include: the Company’s exposure to legal and regulatory risk; the effect of the legalization of adult-use cannabis in Canada and Colombia on the medical cannabis industry is unknown and may significantly and negatively affect the Company’s medical cannabis business; that the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing and social acceptance of cannabis are not as currently expected; that adverse changes or developments affecting the Company’s main or planned facilities may have an adverse effect on the Company; that the medical cannabis industry and market may not continue to exist or develop as anticipated or the Company may not be able to succeed in this market; risks related to completion of the greenhouse construction in Colombia, risks related to market competition; risks related to the proposed adult-use cannabis industry and market in Canada and Colombia including the Company’s ability to enter into or compete in such markets; that the Company has a limited operating history and a history of net losses and that it may not achieve or maintain profitability in the future; risks related to the Company’s current or proposed international operations; risks related to future third party strategic alliances or the expansion of currently existing relationships with third parties; that the Company may not be able to successfully identify and execute future acquisitions or dispositions or successfully manage the impacts of such transactions on its operations; risks inherent to the operation of an agricultural business; that the Company may be unable to attract, develop and retain key personnel; risks resulting from significant interruptions to the Company’s access to certain key inputs such as raw materials, electricity, water and other utilities; that the Company may be unable to transport its cannabis products to patients in a safe and efficient manner; risks related to recalls of the Company’s cannabis products or product liability or regulatory claims or actions involving the Company’s cannabis products; risks related to the Company’s reliance on pharmaceutical distributors; that the Company, or the cannabis industry more generally, may receive unfavorable publicity or become subject to negative consumer or investor perception; that certain events or developments in the cannabis industry more generally may impact the Company’s reputation or its relationships with customers or suppliers; that the Company may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage in respect of the risks that it faces, that the premiums for such insurance may not continue to be commercially justifiable or that there may be coverage limitations and other exclusions which may result in such insurance not being sufficient; that the Company may become subject to liability arising from fraudulent or illegal activity by its employees, contractors, consultants and others; that the Company may experience breaches of security at its facilities or losses as a result of the theft of its products; risks related to the Company’s information technology systems; that the Company may be unable to sustain its revenue growth and development; that the Company may be unable to expand its operations quickly enough to meet demand or manage its operations beyond their current scale; that the Company may be unable to secure adequate or reliable sources of necessary funding; risks related to, or associated with, the Company’s exposure to reporting requirements; risks related to conflicts of interest; risks related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; risks related to the Company’s potential exposure to greater-than-anticipated tax liabilities; risks related to the protection and enforcement of the Company’s intellectual property rights, or the intellectual property that it licenses from others; that the Company may become subject to allegations that it or its licensors are in violation of the intellectual property rights of third parties; that the Company may not realize the full benefit of the clinical trials or studies that it participates in; that the Company may not realize the full benefit of its licenses if the licensed material has less market appeal than expected and the licenses may not be profitable; as well as any other risks that may be further described in and the risk factors discussed in the Company's continuous disclosure including its Management's Discussion and Analysis sections in its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed under the Company's profile at www.sec.gov. Although management has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information in this presentation, there may be other risk factors not presently known to the Company or that the Company presently believes are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward- looking information in this presentation. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers and viewers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date made. The forward-looking information contained in this release represents the Company’s expectations as of the date of this release or the date indicated, regardless of the time of delivery of the presentation. The Company disclaims any intention, obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws.

March 07, 2024 08:47 AM Eastern Standard Time

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New Book Offers Humorous Take on Golf Obsession

Greenleaf Book Group

Greenleaf Book Group Press is pleased to announce that they have released the ultimate book for the golf-obsessed reader. How to Quit Golf (and Get Your Life Back) by Danny Cahill is a humorous and lighthearted salute to those who spend most of their day thinking about their swing or the next time they will be back on the green. The book is currently the number one bestselling book in the Sports Humor category on Amazon.   Part social satire/commentary; part clever psychological study, How to Quit Golf takes a humorous dive into the game of golf and its intoxicating hold on those who love it. The book opens with a quiz to determine one’s obsession with the sport. A few determining factors include:   Do you show your golf scorecards to, well, uh... anyone? At dinner, do you find yourself practicing your grip on your utensils? Look above you. Are there marks on the ceilings of your house because you can’t help but try to “bust one” even when you’re indoors and there is no ball? Have you taken to reflexively calling your children “pards”?   How to Quit Golf (and Get Your Life Back) is available now everywhere books are sold. An enjoyable and hilarious read for any golf fanatic, Cahill’s comic treatment of middle-age reckoning told through the lens of an obsessed golfer also takes a deep dive into the sport's ecosystem and its inherent appeal (and silliness?). Cahill’s powers of observation will impress readers as he unravels golf’s ability to entice like no other endeavor — and how to ultimately let go and preserve what matters.   Danny is an author, staffing industry leader, motivational speaker, career coach, and of course, a golfer. Readers will see themselves in Cahill’s hero — they've thought his thoughts, shared his fears, and dealt with the effects on their family. How to Quit Golf will make golfers laugh, but also feel completely heard and understood.   How to Quit Golf (and Get Your Life Back) is available now everywhere books are sold. To learn more about Danny, visit his website.   # # #   About Greenleaf Book Group Greenleaf Book Group is a publisher and distributor best known for its innovative business model, distribution power, and award-winning designs. Named one of the fastest-growing companies in the United States by Inc. Magazine, Greenleaf has represented more than 3,800 titles, including more than 55 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestsellers. Learn more at www.greenleafbookgroup.com.   Links Greenleaf Book Group According to Danny

March 07, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Gen Z's Buying Power Unlocked Through Influencer Marketing and Gaming

MarketJar

Marketing has come a long way since its early days, but its basic concept remains– to promote a business’s products or services. In the past, marketers relied heavily on impersonal, broad campaigns such as print ads, TV commercials, and billboards. But times have changed and marketing to younger generations is a completely different ballgame. Gen Z already makes up a significant portion of the buyers shopping and purchasing from today’s businesses in every industry. Soon, they’ll become the largest group of consumers in the market overall. The problem is, effectively marketing to this “woke” generation can be challenging. Gen Z consumers have very different life experiences, buying habits, priorities and world views than previous generations. They’re also digital natives, spending an average of 2 hours and 55 minutes per day on social media, more than any other generation The secret weapon to captivating this influential cohort? Influencer marketing. Influencers on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube are not just entertainment; they play a pivotal role in Gen Z’s decision-making processes with approximately 45% of Gen Z consumers being influenced by these platforms. Just look at how brands like Crocs and Stanley have reinvented themselves through influencer collaborations, proving that direct consumer dialogue can turn a sleepy brand into a viral sensation. Rather than investing heavily in traditional advertising to engage Gen Z, Crocs CEO Terence Reilly tapped into the power of collaboration, allowing its consumers to lead the conversation. The brand partnered with influencers who created content showing their peers how to style the shoes, turning a once-mocked brand into a fashion statement. Reilly used the same technique at Stanley, transforming the 110-year old business into a $750 million titan with a massive social media presence. Video game streamers are also becoming valuable brand ambassadors as Gen Z swaps out traditional sports for video games. Esports, aka competitive video gaming, may have started out as a niche hobby but it has transformed into a global phenomenon and created a new category of celebrity influencers, some of which are signing deals bigger than NBA players. In 2024, the global esports market is expected to reach $2.5 billion in revenues with an audience of over 540 million. Sports teams and brands are taking note, teaming up with video game streamers to expand their audience and revenue streams. A prime example is the NBA 2K League, a professional gaming league centered around the NBA 2K video game series. This league, managed by the NBA, has not only attracted diverse players but also garnered substantial viewership. Several teams, like the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets, own their own NBA 2K League franchises. Even Steph Curry is investing in this hot industry. Another company fully embracing the power of influencer marketing is OverActive Media (TSXV:OAM) (OTC:OAMCF), a global esports and entertainment company catering to today’s generation of fans. Through strategic acquisitions, OverActive Media has created a global esports powerhouse with a noteworthy roster of influencers and brand partnerships. OverActive Media Builds a Worldwide Esports Empire Boasting Over 100 Million Followers OverActive Media is Canada’s largest esports ownership group with a roster of wildly popular professional esports teams with a huge following, including the Toronto Ultra in Call of Duty League, the MAD Lions for the League of Legends EMEA Championship and the Toronto Defiant in the Overwatch Champion Series. OverActive Media (TSXV:OAM) (OTC:OAMCF) just completed the acquisition of Spanish Esports organizations KOI and Movistar Riders, catapulting its presence into rapidly expanding international markets with a treasure trove of unparalleled esports assets and over 100 million followers. KOI, co-founded by Twitch streamer Ibai Llanos and soccer legend Gerard Piqué, quickly became one of Europe's premier brands. Gerard Piqué initiated the Kings League, a highly followed sports channel on digital platforms with over 100 million views in 2023. OverActive Media has secured service contracts with both Ibai and Gerard. Movistar Riders, which competes in popular games such as League of Legends, CS2, VALORANT, and FIFA, brought with it a long-term multimillion dollar partnership with telecom leader Telefónica, which was renewed for another three years following the acquisition. KOI and Movistar are expected to add C$10 million to C$12 million in revenues in 2024 and further bolster OverActive Media 's rising viewership numbers. The newly formed MAD Lions KOI team has already seen record crowds, drawing 741,000 peak viewers in a regular season match during the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) Winter Split in January. This was the highest viewership since summer 2021. Co-founder Ibai also contributed to this momentum, attracting over 4.7 million Twitch views, surpassing the 2.93 million viewers of the Succession series premiere. Another milestone was achieved on February 18 during the LEC, with a record 830,816 viewers, the highest ever for a regular season match. OverActive Media also just received the green light from Riot Games to compete in the VALORANT Champions Tour EMEA 2024 season. The company will operate as Movistar KOI alongside 9 other teams. This participation not only enhances fan engagement and draws in sponsorships but also paves the way for new revenue opportunities. Click here for more information about OverActive Media (TSXV:OAM) (OTC:OAMCF). [1] https://www.newyorker.com/culture/infinite-scroll/how-the-stanley-cup-went-viral [2] https://www.statista.com/outlook/amo/esports/worldwide#global-comparison [3] https://www.kemperlesnik.com/2020/10/why-athletes-are-investing-in-esports/ Disclaimer 1) The author of the Article, or members of the author’s immediate household or family, do not own any securities of the companies set forth in this Article. The author determined which companies would be included in this article based on research and understanding of the sector. 2) The Article was issued on behalf of and sponsored by, OverActive Media. Market Jar Media Inc. was paid $1,500 for the production and publishing of this article by OverActive Media’s Digital Marketing Agency of Record (Native Ads Inc.). Additional details relating to Market Jar Media Inc.’s engagement by OverActive Media’s Digital Marketing Agency of Record (Native Ads Inc.) are set out in https://pressreach.com/disclaimer-oam. 3) Statements and opinions expressed are the opinions of the author and not Market Jar Media Inc., its directors or officers. The author is wholly responsible for the validity of the statements. The author was not paid by Market Jar Media Inc. for this Article. Market Jar Media Inc. was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this Article. Market Jar has not independently verified or otherwise investigated all such information. None of Market Jar or any of their respective affiliates, guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any such information. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Market Jar Media Inc. requires contributing authors to disclose any shareholdings in, or economic relationships with, companies that they write about. Market Jar Media Inc. relies upon the authors to accurately provide this information and Market Jar Media Inc. has no means of verifying its accuracy. 4) The Article does not constitute investment advice. All investments carry risk and each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional. Any action a reader takes as a result of the information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Market Jar Media Inc.'s terms of use and full legal disclaimer as set forth here. This Article is not a solicitation for investment. Market Jar Media Inc. does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on pressreach.com should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Market Jar Media Inc. does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on pressreach.com. 5) Market Jar Media Inc. and its respective directors, officers and employees hold no shares for any company mentioned in the Article. 6) This document contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, (collectively, “forward-looking statements”), which reflect management's expectations regarding OverActive Media’s future growth, future business plans and opportunities, expected activities, and other statements about future events, results or performance. Wherever possible, words such as “predicts”, “projects”, “targets”, “plans”, “expects”, “does not expect”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “anticipate” or “does not anticipate”, “believe”, “intend” and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative or grammatical variation thereof or other variations thereof, or comparable terminology have been used to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to: (a) revenue generating potential with respect to OverActive Media’s industry; (b) market opportunity; (c) OverActive Media’s business plans and strategies; (d) services that OverActive Media intends to offer; (e) OverActive Media’s milestone projections and targets; (f) OverActive Media’s expectations regarding receipt of approval for regulatory applications; (g) OverActive Media’s intentions to expand into other jurisdictions including the timeline expectations relating to those expansion plans; and (h) OverActive Media’s expectations with regarding its ability to deliver shareholder value. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management in light of management’s experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, as of the date of this document including, without limitation, assumptions about: (a) the ability to raise any necessary additional capital on reasonable terms to execute OverActive Media’s business plan; (b) that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner; (c) OverActive Media’s ability to procure equipment and operating supplies in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis; (d) OverActive Media’s ability to enter into contractual arrangements with additional parties; (e) the accuracy of budgeted costs and expenditures; (f) OverActive Media’s ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; (g) political and regulatory stability; (h) the receipt of governmental, regulatory and third-party approvals, licenses and permits on favorable terms; (i) changes in applicable legislation; (j) stability in financial and capital markets; and (k) expectations regarding the level of disruption to as a result of CV-19. Such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of OverActive Media to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation: (a) OverActive Media’s operations could be adversely affected by possible future government legislation, policies and controls or by changes in applicable laws and regulations; (b) public health crises such as CV-19 may adversely impact OverActive Media’s business; (c) the volatility of global capital markets; (d) political instability and changes to the regulations governing OverActive Media’s business operations (e) OverActive Media may be unable to implement its growth strategy; and (f) increased competition. Except as required by law, OverActive Media undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future event or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Neither does OverActive Media nor any of its representatives make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, sufficiency or completeness of the information in this document. Neither OverActive Media nor any of its representatives shall have any liability whatsoever, under contract, tort, trust or otherwise, to you or any person resulting from the use of the information in this document by you or any of your representatives or for omissions from the information in this document. 7) Any graphs, tables or other information demonstrating the historical performance or current or historical attributes of OverActive Media or any other entity contained in this document are intended only to illustrate historical performance or current or historical attributes of OverActive Media or such entities and are not necessarily indicative of future performance of OverActive Media or such entities. 8) Investing is risky. The information provided in this article should not be considered as a substitute for professional financial consultation. Users should be aware that investing in any form carries inherent risks, and as such, there is a possibility of losing some or all of their investment. The value of investments can fluctuate significantly within a short period, and investors must understand that past performance is not indicative of future results. Additionally, users should exercise caution as transactions involving investments may be irreversible, even in cases of fraud or accidental actions. It is crucial to acknowledge that rapidly evolving laws and technical issues can have adverse effects on the usability, transferability, exchangeability, and value of investments. Furthermore, users must be cognizant of potential security risks associated with their investment activities. Individuals are strongly encouraged to conduct thorough research, seek professional advice, and carefully evaluate their risk tolerance before engaging in any investment endeavors. Market Jar Media Inc. is neither an investment adviser nor a broker-dealer. The information presented on the website is provided for informative purposes only and is not to be treated as a recommendation to make any specific investment. No such information on PressReach.com constitutes advice or a recommendation. Contact Details James Young +1 800-340-9767 campaigns@pressreach.com Company Website https://pressreach.com

March 07, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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