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Aqua Power Systems Provides Corporate Update and Enumerates On Newly Acquired Subsidiaries

Aqua Power Systems, Inc.

McapMediaWire -- Aqua Power Systems Inc. (OTC: APSI ) (“the Company” or “Aqua Power”) would like to provide shareholders an update on recently announced changes within the Company’s corporate management structure. The Company recently announced, via Form 8-K, changes within the Company’s management structure including officers and directors. With the Company’s recent acquisition of Tradition Transportation Group, Inc. management believed it prudent to alter the Company’s management structure to delegate management functions and maximize future growth potential for the Company more effectively and efficiently. As announced in a recent Form 8-K, Robert Morris, who has been a director of the Aqua Power since April 2022, became Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aqua Power Systems Inc. on January 9, 2023. Mr. Morris was selected to become CEO based on his relevant experience, background, and professional and personal reputations. Mr. Morris is a highly successful entrepreneur and business professional. Mr. Morris is a graduate of Indiana University (Bloomington) and has served as a State Representative in the Indiana House of Representatives since 2010. Additionally, on January 18, 2023, the Company announced via Form 8-K that Joseph Davis had been recruited and agreed to become President and Treasurer of the Company in addition to being added as a third Director to Aqua Power Systems, Inc growing Board of Directors. Mr. Davis comes to Aqua Power with more than 20 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry having been on the operations side for most of that time. Mr. Davis is presently Tradition Transport Group, Inc’s Chief Operating Officer. Stephen Carnes, who had been Aqua Power Systems, Inc.’s CEO/President and a Director of the Company since December 2022, shall remain on Aqua Power’s Board of Directors as well as continue to serve as Secretary of Aqua Power. Tradition Transport Group, Inc, a subsidiary of Aqua Power, has six subsidiaries within the trucking, logistics, warehousing, and brokering industries. In a previous press release dated January 4, 2023, Aqua Power Systems indicated that it was the Company’s intention to update shareholders in a progressive fashion, regarding each of Aqua Power’s newly acquired Tradition subsidiaries. Tradition Transport Group, Inc is a well-established enterprise providing multitudes of logistical solutions throughout North America pertaining to OTR logistics that include but are not limited to freight management, reverse logistics, freight brokerage, dispatching, equipment leasing and dedicated services warehousing with rail access. The Company is pleased to introduce Tradition Logistics and Freedom Fright Brokerage to our valued stakeholders. Highlights on both follows. Robert Morris, Chief Executive Officer of Aqua Power, reports that offices at Tradition’s Indianapolis, IN location are undergoing an overhaul, which includes new drywall, paint, finishing touches, and new signage for the exterior front of the site. This fresh look will signify, intentionally, the start of a bold new chapter for Tradition Transport. CEO Morris stated: "This new look is a statement to the public that we are continuing era of growth and expansion for Tradition.” Tradition Logistics provides time-sensitive warehousing, logistics and freight management to all 48 continental states and internationally throughout Mexico and Canada. In addition to its current service lines and operations, the company is presently focusing on enhancing and developing shipping and rail services through the Savannah Port in Georgia. Tradition Logistics has capabilities that include sophisticated transport and inventory management services, just-in-time product management, inventory control, multi-point product distribution, and site-specific warehousing and storage trailers. More precisely, Tradition Logistics operates six (6) warehouses with four (4) in Indiana, in the cities of Angola, Indianapolis, Greenfield, and Greenwood; and two (2) located in Georgia, centered in Statesboro and Savannah. The warehouses together provide more than 2 million sq. ft. of office, warehouse, and logistics capacity, specifically: Angola Office and warehouse 135,500 sq. ft. Franklin Office and warehouse 389,319 sq. ft. Greenfield Fulfillment Center 432,000 sq. ft. Greenwood Warehouse 584,820 sq. ft. Statesboro Warehouse 205,934 sq. ft. Savannah Port Facility 311,265 sq. ft. It is the intention of the Company to continue to expand warehousing capabilities and holdings. Tradition is currently in late-stage negotiations with a new customer to utilize our rail and warehousing services in Savannah, Georgia and the Company hopes to proudly announce details of securing this new major contract in the near future. Freedom Freight Brokerage is Tradition's OTR brokering solution. To distill complex operations in a nutshell, carrier sales representatives initially identify and qualify third party carriers, then customer account managers solicit and onboard customers, and finally the carriers and customers are then linked using either DAT or the truck stop load boards. Freedom Freight Brokerage is an asset-based brokerage, meaning that it is an affiliate of an asset-based carrier (Transport's trucking division). Approximately ten percent of the freight originates from, or is moved by, Transport's trucking division. Primary operations for Freedom Freight Brokerage are located at the Franklin Office, which will be relocated within the Indianapolis Metropolitan area. The Franklin Office houses approximately forty (40) brokers in total. CEO Morris concluded: "Tradition Transport Group, Inc has many layers of business and its important for me to communicate to our investors how we plan to maximize everything we now have and take it to the next level. To think in terms of Tradition only being a trucking company is short-sighted. The foundation they have already laid in the other sub-sectors of logistics, warehousing, and brokering all work hand-in-hand within the growing transportation industry to streamline services and increase revenues." Safe Harbor: This Press Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based on the current plans and expectations of management and are subject to several uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect the Company’s current plans and expectations, as well as future results of operations and financial condition. A more extensive listing of risks and factors that may affect the Company’s business prospects and cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the reports and other documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission and OTC Markets, Inc. OTC Disclosure and News Service. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact Details Stephen Carnes +1 407-674-9444

January 25, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Travel Technology Association Files Comments with DoT Supporting Transparency & Consumer Protections

Travel Tech

The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), the voice of the travel technology industry and consistent advocate for public policy that supports a competitive and transparent marketplace, filed comments today in response to the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on “ Enhancing Transparency of Airline Ancillary Service Fees ” (DOT-OST-2022-0109). “Travel Tech has long supported the U.S. Department of Transportation’s efforts to ensure consumers have access to critical ancillary fee information. We did so in 2014 and are doing so again in 2023,” stated Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of the Travel Technology Association. “For too long, consumers have lacked the consistent ability to know the true cost of different flight options.” In its comments, Travel Tech addresses how ancillary fee information should be provided to ticket agents. In its proposed rule, the DOT seeks to omit global distribution systems from receiving mandatory ancillary fee data from airlines. “Travel Tech strongly recommends that ancillary fee data be shared with all channels that distribute fare and schedule information,” Chadwick continued. “It is the most simple and direct way to solve the issue of ancillary fee transparency for consumers.” Travel Tech also filed a petition today requesting a hearing on DOT’s proposed requirement to display the critical ancillary fee information on the first page of online search results. Travel Tech addresses this matter in its comments. “Our members are the leading innovators in creating consumer-friendly online travel information sites. We are deeply concerned about the DOT’s first-page search results requirements included in the proposed regulation. These rules, if adopted as written, will clutter and confuse the online air travel shopping experience for consumers. This is especially true for travel comparison sites that display multiple airlines’ schedules and fares,” said Chadwick. “In our comments and hearing petition, we argue that the Department should not displace ticket agents’ well-established expertise with a government-regulated website design mandate. Ticket agents should have the flexibility to design appropriate displays of ancillary fees and develop innovative new methods for consumers as well,” Chadwick continued. ### About Travel Tech The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) is the voice of the travel technology industry, advocating for public policy that promotes transparency and competition in the marketplace to encourage innovation and preserve consumer choice. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including global distribution systems, online travel agencies and metasearch companies, travel management companies, and short-term rental platforms. To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact Dan Rene of kglobal at 202-329-8357 or daniel.rene@kglobal.com. Contact Details Travel Technology Association Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 daniel.rene@kglobal.com Company Website https://www.traveltech.org.

January 24, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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

Minuteman Press International Inc

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

January 23, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Cooper Standard Announces Expiration and Final Results of Previously Announced Concurrent Notes Offering, Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation for Existing Senior Notes in Refinancing Transactions

Cooper Standard

Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc. (NYSE: CPS) (“CPS”) today announced that: its previously announced Concurrent Notes Offering, Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation (each as defined below) each have expired in accordance with their terms; $518,296,700 of New First Lien Notes (as defined below) were validly subscribed for in the Concurrent Notes Offering, and an additional $61,703,300 of New First Lien Notes will be issued pursuant to the commitments by the backstop commitment parties; approximately 89.36% of the 2026 Senior Notes (as defined below) were validly tendered and accepted for exchange by the Issuer (as defined below) in the Exchange Offer; the Requisite Consents (as defined below) for the Consent Solicitation have been received; and the Exchange Offer and Concurrent Notes Offering are expected to settle on or about January 27, 2023 (the “Settlement Date”). CPS’s announcement relates to the previously announced commencement by CPS’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc. (the “Issuer”), of certain refinancing transactions (the “Refinancing Transactions”) including (i) a fully backstopped private offering (the “Concurrent Notes Offering”) of $580.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Issuer’s newly issued 13.50% Cash Pay / PIK Toggle Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2027 (the “New First Lien Notes”) to holders of the Issuer’s existing 5.625% Senior Notes due 2026 (the “2026 Senior Notes) or their designees who participated in the Exchange Offer (as defined herein), (ii) an offer (the “Exchange Offer”) to the holders of 2026 Senior Notes who participated in the Concurrent Notes Offering to exchange any and all of the $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2026 Senior Notes outstanding for the Issuer’s newly issued 5.625% Cash Pay / 10.625% PIK Toggle Senior Secured Third Lien Notes due 2027 (the “New Third Lien Notes”, and together with the New First Lien Notes, the “New Notes”) on a par-for-par basis and (iii) a consent solicitation (the “Consent Solicitation”) whereby the Issuer solicited, and holders of 2026 Senior Notes who tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer were required to deliver, consents to amend the indenture under which the 2026 Senior Notes were issued (the “2026 Senior Notes Indenture”) to remove substantially all of the covenants, certain events of default and certain other provisions contained in the 2026 Senior Notes and 2026 Senior Notes Indenture and to release and discharge the guarantee of the 2026 Senior Notes by CPS. In order to approve the amendment to the 2026 Senior Notes Indenture, consents were required to be delivered and not revoked in respect of at least a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the 2026 Senior Notes (the “Requisite Consents”). Each of the Concurrent Notes Offering, the Exchange Offer and the Consent Solicitation was conducted upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in a confidential offering memorandum and consent solicitation statement, dated December 19, 2022 (as so amended, supplemented, modified and updated, the “Offering Memorandum”). The Concurrent Notes Offering, the Exchange Offer and the Consent Solicitation expired one minute past 11:59 PM, New York City time, on January 18, 2023 (such time and date, the “Expiration Time”). As of the Expiration Time, based on information provided by Kroll Issuer Services (US) (“Kroll” or the “Exchange and Subscription Agent”), (i) approximately $518,296,700 in aggregate principal amount of the New First Lien Notes had been subscribed for and accepted in the Concurrent Notes Offering (excluding the additional New First Lien Notes to be issued to the backstop commitment parties), (ii) approximately $357,446,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Senior Notes, representing approximately 89.36% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the 2026 Senior Notes, had been validly tendered and accepted for exchange by the Issuer in connection with the Exchange Offer, and (iii) the Requisite Consents to effectuate the proposed amendments to the 2026 Senior Notes Indenture had been delivered. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offering Memorandum, concurrently with the settlement of the Concurrent Notes Offering and the Exchange Offer, the Issuer expects to issue approximately $61,703,300 in aggregate principal amount of additional New First Lien Notes to certain backstop commitment parties, which New First Lien Notes will be in addition to the pro rata portion of the New First Lien Notes issued to such parties as part of the Concurrent Notes Offering. As a result, on the Settlement Date, the Issuer expects to issue $580.0 million aggregate principal amount of New First Lien Notes. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offering Memorandum, as a result of receiving the Requisite Consents, on January 20, 2023, the Issuer entered into a supplemental indenture to the 2026 Senior Notes Indenture, effectuating the proposed amendments, which amendments will become operative as of the Settlement Date. The Refinancing Transactions may not be consummated on the terms described in this press release or at all. The complete terms and conditions of the Refinancing Transactions are set forth in the Offering Memorandum. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is acting as dealer manager in connection with the Exchange Offer and as financial advisor to CPS and the Issuer in connection with the Refinancing Transactions. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is acting as legal counsel to CPS and the Issuer in connection with the Refinancing Transactions. Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc. is acting as financial advisor and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP as legal advisor to the backstop commitment parties. This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security and does not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale of any security in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The Concurrent Notes Offering and the Exchange Offer were made, and the New Notes are being offered and issued, pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), only (a) in the United States, to holders of 2026 Senior Notes who are “qualified institutional buyers” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) and (b) outside the United States, to holders of 2026 Senior Notes who are persons other than U.S. persons. Forward Looking Statements This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws, and we intend that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbor created thereby. Our use of words “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “outlook,” “guidance,” “forecast,” or future or conditional verbs, such as “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” or “may,” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based upon our current expectations and various assumptions. Our expectations, beliefs, and projections are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, we cannot assure you that these expectations, beliefs and projections will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or achievements to be materially different from the future results or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Among other items, such factors may include: our ability to complete the Refinancing Transactions; impacts, including commodity cost increases and disruptions, related to the war in Ukraine and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; our ability to offset the adverse impact of higher commodity and other costs through negotiations with our customers; the impact, and expected continued impact, of the COVID-19 outbreak on our financial condition and results of operations; significant risks to our liquidity presented by the COVID-19 pandemic risk; prolonged or material contractions in automotive sales and production volumes; our inability to realize sales represented by awarded business; escalating pricing pressures; loss of large customers or significant platforms; our ability to successfully compete in the automotive parts industry; availability and increasing volatility in costs of manufactured components and raw materials; disruption in our supply base; competitive threats and commercial risks associated with our diversification strategy through our Advanced Technology Group; possible variability of our working capital requirements; risks associated with our international operations, including changes in laws, regulations, and policies governing the terms of foreign trade such as increased trade restrictions and tariffs; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; our ability to control the operations of our joint ventures for our sole benefit; our substantial amount of indebtedness and variable rates of interest; our ability to refinance our indebtedness and obtain adequate financing sources in the future; operating and financial restrictions imposed on us under our debt instruments; the underfunding of our pension plans; significant changes in discount rates and the actual return on pension assets; effectiveness of continuous improvement programs and other cost savings plans; manufacturing facility closings or consolidation; our ability to execute new program launches; our ability to meet customers’ needs for new and improved products; the possibility that our acquisitions and divestitures may not be successful; product liability, warranty and recall claims brought against us; laws and regulations, including environmental, health and safety laws and regulations; legal and regulatory proceedings, claims or investigations against us; work stoppages or other labor disruptions; the ability of our intellectual property to withstand legal challenges; cyber-attacks, data privacy concerns, other disruptions in, or the inability to implement upgrades to, our information technology systems; the possible volatility of our annual effective tax rate; the possibility of a failure to maintain effective controls and procedures; the possibility of future impairment charges to our goodwill and long-lived assets; our ability to identify, attract, develop and retain a skilled, engaged and diverse workforce; our ability to procure insurance at reasonable rates; and our dependence on our subsidiaries for cash to satisfy our obligations; and other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in periodic reports filed by CPS with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except where we are expressly required to do so by law. This press release also contains references to estimates and other information that are based on industry publications, surveys and forecasts. This information involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and we have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information. Contact Details Contact for Media: Chris Andrews +1 248-596-6217 candrews@cooperstandard.com Contact for Analysts: Roger Hendriksen +1 248-596-6465 roger.hendriksen@cooperstandard.com Company Website https://www.cooperstandard.com/

January 23, 2023 08:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

The Aircraft Company Giving You Wings

LIFT Aircraft

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

January 20, 2023 08:45 AM Eastern Standard Time

Ilika starting 2023 "on the front foot"

Ilika PLC

Ilika PLC (AIM:IKA, OTCQX:ILIKF) CEO Graeme Purdy speaks to Proactive's Thomas Warner about how the company is performing at the beginning of the new year. Purdy reveals why he believes Ilika starts the year "on the front foot" before giving the highlights from a half-year report out this morning. He goes on to describe 2023 as "an exciting year for us" as Ilika makes the transition to commercialisation. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

January 20, 2023 07:12 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Longing for Pristine Beaches and Turquoise Waters?

YourUpdateTV

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

January 19, 2023 03:20 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Minuteman Press Franchise in Fairmont, Minnesota Celebrates 5 Years

Minuteman Press International Inc

Betsy and Dustin Tino, Fairmont natives and owners of the Minuteman Press franchise in Fairmont, Minnesota, are proud to celebrate five years in business. Betsy has also won the “4 Under 40” Award from Twin Valley Action Council BSA, which recognizes emerging leaders in the community. Minuteman Press in Fairmont is located at 414 North State St., Suite 2, Fairmont, MN 56031. Returning Home to Start a Business Five years ago, Betsy and Dustin decided to move back to their hometown of Fairmont. Betsy says, “I was in printing and involved in magazine publication as well as a larger print shop that did everything from mailings and booklets to business cards. Dustin was in orthopedics at a clinic and was looking for a change.” She adds, “We wanted to work together and move closer to family. When we were looking for business ideas, we saw that there was a Minuteman Press franchise up for sale. We didn’t end up buying the shop that was listed but that is how we started talking about moving back to our home town and starting a new Minuteman Press in Fairmont.” Celebrating Five Years Betsy reflects on a whirlwind five years as she shares, “We’ve had a lot of milestones in five years since opening in November of 2017. In our first year, we moved back to our home town and opened up a brand new Minuteman Press location. We started the business from the ground up, we had a baby, and parented our 4-year-old. After growing the business in our first two years, the pandemic certainly changed things both for the business and our family in 2020. We ended up home schooling while managing the business, and later we decided to make a big decision to relocate to a new building that we purchased.” Betsy continues, “Today, we are stronger than ever and are having a great 5 th year. We have wonderful clients, joined groups that make us proud to see our community succeed, and are a happy family with our children now 4 and 8 years-old.” “Our community is a wonderful small city of 10,000 people with many small towns around us. Three keys to our success come from hard work, being involved in our community, and kindness.” -Betsy Tino, co-owner, Minuteman Press, Fairmont, MN Winning “4 Under 40 Award” & Growing the Business As Minuteman Press keeps the momentum going in Fairmont, Betsy was thrilled to be recognized by the Twin Valley Action Council BSA for her hard work. “This award is to recognize emerging leaders in our local community. I am honored to receive this award and be one of the four recipients because being involved in our small community is a great way to help our business, other businesses, and our community all grow together.” Along those lines, Betsy shares her biggest key to growth, saying, “The best way we have grown our business is being involved in our community through clubs and organizations, which is something that Minuteman Press emphasizes during training. We love being involved and this also ties into the idea of kindness I mentioned earlier in our keys to success. The more you can do for others, the more likely they will want to support you. It’s a team effort.” Betsy also credits the effectiveness and versatility of printing as a marketing tool, her shop’s capabilities, and focus on customer service for her success. She shares, “We love doing mailings and we can do it all in-house from design to delivery. We design, print, and then take mailings to the post office for our clients, and they don’t even have to touch it! We have also brought new services into our building that we purchased so we can have quality control over them and manage the timeline that fits our clients’ needs. Making our clients happy is our passion and our goal.” The support provided from Minuteman Press International has also helped Betsy and Dustin build their business. Betsy says, “We appreciate Keith Cawley and our local support and we really enjoyed attending the Minuteman Press World Expo in Dallas in July. We learned a lot and had fun seeing and talking with other owners, vendors, and the core team from World HQ. It was great putting names to faces for when we call the tech support team, and overall the World Expo was a great energy booster from our day-to-day routine.” “Printing is something you can touch and feel. It’s real! So many clients come in and struggle to describe what they are looking for but when they look at our display wall in our lobby area, they are excited to point to something and say, ‘I want that!’” -Betsy Tino Rewards & Advice for Others When asked about the rewards of owning a business, Betsy answers, “We love creating the wide range of projects for our clients, from booklets to simple business cards, from camera ready art to complete designs. Each day is completely different and that is so much fun. People might say ‘you’re just a printer’ and I smile because we are so much more than printers, we are dream creators!” As for what advice she would give to other business owners, Betsy shares, “Put the hard work in and go lean in the beginning. Make sure to schedule lunch and family time and make it fun! One day we had a large rush job, so we turned it into a movie night so the kids could be at the office with us and we could keep feeding the press! The hours might be business hours but the business will be your life, so fall in love with it so it makes you happy.” Minuteman Press in Fairmont is located at 414 North State St., Suite 2, Fairmont, MN 56031. For more information, call 507-399-0300 or visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/mn/fairmont/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and see Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

January 17, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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American Equipment Expands National Field Service and Equipment Offerings With Acquisition of Shannahan Crane & Hoist

Rotunda Capital Partners LLC

American Equipment Holdings (“American Equipment”), a Rotunda Capital Partners portfolio company, has acquired Shannahan Crane & Hoist (“Shannahan Crane”), a leading provider of engineered overhead crane systems and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) field services. Shannahan Crane is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, with an additional field office in Kansas City, Kansas. The acquisition of Shannahan Crane marks the 14 th add-on acquisition completed by American Equipment since partnering with Rotunda in May 2021. Founded in 1961, Shannahan Crane delivers comprehensive overhead crane and hoist solutions to a loyal customer base, including regional and blue-chip companies, covering an array of strategic end markets. Shannahan Crane has endeared itself to customers with its responsive, customer-first approach and innovative material handling solutions that include an extensive set of turnkey engineering, installation, and service offerings that effectively guide customers through the entire lifecycle of their assets. “We couldn’t be happier to have Shannahan Crane join the American Equipment family. We now have a physical presence in 45 cities throughout the United States,” said American Equipment CEO Adam Zimmerman. “This vast network brings us closer to more customers than ever before and I’m excited to take advantage of the many collaboration opportunities that await us.” “We are very proud of what Shannahan Crane has been able to accomplish over the last 60 years and we look forward to writing the next chapter of our story with American Equipment,” said Bill Shannahan, owner of Shannahan Crane. “This partnership will bring many opportunities for growth and improvement that I cannot wait to begin sharing with both our customers and our employees.” “I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Bill and the Shannahan team. They have built a wonderful company with a strong work ethic and fantastic culture,” said American Equipment President and COO Troy Vellinga. “I look forward to bringing our teams together so we can begin leveraging the expertise and capabilities of these great organizations.” About American Equipment Holdings American Equipment Holdings is an organization of leading overhead crane and hoist, weighing and measurement distributors and field service providers, including American Equipment, Allied Crane, Eastern Crane & Hoist, Facilities Engineering, Kanawha Scales & Systems, Kistler Crane & Hoist, Pacific Crane & Hoist, Patriot Crane & Hoist, Shannahan Crane & Hoist, Systems Specialties, and Washington Crane & Hoist. The consolidated entity is one of the largest independently owned overhead crane and hoist, weighing and measurement solution providers in the country, serving over 7,000 customers nationwide. Together, American Equipment Holdings companies provide comprehensive solutions for everything related to customers’ overhead crane and hoist, weighing and measurement needs, including OSHA mandated inspections, preventative maintenance and repair field services, parts, engineering, ISO certified fabrication, new and replacement equipment, automated systems, system modernizations and training. American Equipment Holdings represents leading manufacturers such as Avery Weigh-Tronix, Detroit Hoist, Columbus McKinnon, ACCO, R&M, Demag, Gorbel, Spanco, IMS, Rice Lake, Harrington, Conductix, Magnetek & PE and Mettler Toledo, among others, and customers rely on its service, design, engineering, fabrication, and installation capabilities to meet their unique application needs. American Equipment Holdings serves local, regional and national customers across a variety of end markets, including light & heavy industrial, automotive, mining, public utilities, military, aerospace & defense and energy, among others. For more information, visit www.amquipinc.com. American Equipment is aggressively seeking to acquire other overhead crane, industrial scale and material handling equipment, parts and service solution providers and is interested in acquisition opportunities presented by business owners, management, or M&A intermediaries. Please contact Ryan Aprill, principal at Rotunda Capital Partners, regarding acquisition opportunities. About Rotunda Capital Partners Rotunda Capital Partners is an operationally oriented private equity firm focused on transforming family-founder owned companies into dynamic, data-driven platforms able to achieve and manage significant growth. Since its founding in 2009, Rotunda has partnered with management teams to build great businesses within three primary sectors: value-added distribution, asset-light logistics and industrial & business services. Rotunda strives to achieve replicable results by implementing its Rotunda Performance System to create strategic alignment, develop lean processes and create robust, data-driven infrastructures. For more information, visit www.rotundacapital.com. Contact Details Rotunda Capital Partners Jill Lafferty +1 847-280-1295 jill@rotundacapital.com Company Website https://www.rotundacapital.com

January 17, 2023 07:46 AM Eastern Standard Time

Transportation