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Surge Battery Metals: This Mining Company Has Some Exciting Announcements

Surge Battery Metals

By Johnny Rice, Benzinga Greg Reimer, President & CEO of Surge Battery Materials Inc. (TSX-V: NILI) (OTC Pink: NILIF), was recently interviewed by Benzinga. Surge Battery Materials is an ESG-mandated mining company focused on battery metals that will advance the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). The company says it is at the forefront of a new era of mining. The company has recently received exciting results from test sites in Nevada. These results may indicate a “significant commercial discovery.” Watch the full interview here: This article was originally published on Benzinga here. Surge Battery Metals Inc. is a Canadian based exploration company focused on locating and developing high value deposits of clean energy battery metals that are vital to the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) market. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Investor Relations info@surgebatterymetals.com Company Website https://surgebatterymetals.com

January 27, 2023 08:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Aqua Power Systems Takes Aggressive Action to Combat Suspected Illegal “Naked” Short Selling

Aqua Power Systems, Inc.

McapMediaWire -- Aqua Power Systems Inc. (OTC: APSI ) (“the Company” or “Aqua Power”) a leader in reliable logistics and transportation solutions, held a Special Meeting of the Board on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. At the meeting a plan of action was approved by the Board to address suspected illegal “naked” short selling of the Company’s common stock. Over the course of the last two weeks, Company management and representatives have had multiple meetings with Securities Regulators as well as the Attorney General’s office regarding what the Company believes has been targeted and illegal “naked” short selling of the Company’s common stock. The most recent meeting being a round table conference call with officials and Company management on Wednesday of this week. The Company has provided and continues to gather additional information it believes will assist regulators. The Company strongly believes that there has been a very large volume of illegal “naked” short selling in the Company’s common stock since announcing the completion of the Company’s recent acquisition at the end of December 2022. Robert Morris, Chief Executive Officer of Aqua Power, stated, “My first and foremost concern is for the well-being of our investors and to protect shareholders against any form of improper trading by market participants at any level. We believe that trading patterns and activity since the beginning of the year strongly suggest the work of aggressive and sustained shorting. The Company began taking decisive steps working directly with regulators. We have full intentions of taking any and all necessary steps to come to the bottom of everything and hold any wrong-doing parties accountable.” Mr. Morris continued, “I am aware of other companies hiring law firms and other specialized reporting agencies in an effort to identify and combat illegal short selling in their own company’s stock, however we believe the stronger and more effective approach is to bring any such activity immediately and directly to those with proper power and authority to protect investors. At this point, this isn’t about the Company per se, this is about protecting individual investors and the integrity of the markets. The best disinfectant is sunlight and exposure, and we are bringing everything into clear view. We truly value our shareholders.” 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 26, 2023 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

IQST – iQSTEL Reminds Shareholders To Get Their Votes In Before Annual Meeting Next Week On January 31, 2023

iQSTEL Inc.

McapMediaWire - iQSTEL, Inc. (OTCQX: IQST ) today issued a reminder to all shareholders to vote in advance of the upcoming annual shareholder meeting scheduled for January 31, 2023, at 11 am (EDT). iQSTEL’s 2022 operational performance was the best ever in the company’s history having exceeded its $90 million revenue forecast and reaching profitability an entire quarter ahead of schedule. Management expects 2023 to be even better despite challenging economic indicators and wants to hear shareholders thoughts on how the company can further bolster itself against economic conditions and stretch itself to go even further. FY-2023 OBJECTIVES: About the Company: Estimated FY-2023 revenue forecast of $105 Million. Estimated FY-2023 year-end consolidated positive net income of over $1 million. The Telecom Division, Internet of Things (IoT) Business Line, Fintech Division, and Electric Vehicle Division will establish revenue and profit by year end. The Telecom Business will be reorganized and rebranded for easy customer recall. The company will release a new Fintech product with more features this year. The company will also discontinue its plan to implement a buy/sell crypto functionality in light of current crypto exchange market conditions. Our Electric Vehicle division will perform a rebranding with plans to manufacture two batches of motorcycles for EU and USA this year. The company M&A campaign will continue targeting opportunities to rapidly increases revenue and profit. About the Stock Market: The upcoming annual shareholder meeting will emphasize our commitment to engaging shareholders in an ever-closer relationship. The company will continue its dual listing efforts in order to gain attention for more international investors. At the same time, we will keep the preparations for a Nasdaq up-listing once market conditions improve and can potentially facilitate an organic increase in iQSTEL’s share price to meet minimum listing standards. These objectives are challenging but the Company, Independent Board of Directors, Management, and Employees are ready and focus on the achievement of them. Management is encouraging shareholder activism and invites shareholders to introduce any other business to be brought before the annual meeting for consideration. Shareholders are now able to cast their proxy votes in advance of the annual shareholder meeting scheduled for January 31, 2023, at 11 am (EDT). For more information visit www.iqstel.com/investors. An email and printed proxy cards have been sent to all shareholders of record with instructions on how to vote online or by mail. If you did not receive an email or post mail with the voting instructions and believe you have, please email investors@iqstel.com. The company has filed a Definitive Proxy Statement for shareholders to elect directors and ratify the company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Proxy also facilitates the introduction of any other business to be brought before the annual meeting for consideration. About iQSTEL Inc.: iQSTEL Inc. (OTCQX: IQST) ( www.iQSTEL.com ) is a US-based publicly listed company holding an Independent Board of Directors and Audit Committee with a presence in 19 countries and 70 employees offering leading-edge services through its four business lines. The Telecom Division (www.iqstelecom.com), which represents the majority of current operations, offers VoIP, SMS, proprietary Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, and international fiber-optic connectivity through its subsidiaries: Etelix, SwissLink, Smartbiz, Whisl, IoT Labs, and QGlobal SMS. The Fintech business line ( www.globalmoneyone.com ) ( www.maxmo.vip ) offers a complete Fintech ecosystem MasterCard Debit Card, US Bank Account (No SSN Needed), Mobile App/Wallet (Remittances, Mobile Top Up). Our Fintech subsidiary, Global Money One, is to provide immigrants access to reliable financial services that make it easier to manage their money and stay connected with their families back home. The BlockChain Platform Business Line ( www.itsbchain.com ) offers our proprietary Mobile Number Portability Application (MNPA) to serve the in-country portability needs through its subsidiary, itsBchain. The Electric Vehicle (EV) Business Line ( www.evoss.net ) offers electric motorcycles to work and have fun in the USA, Spain, Portugal, Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela. EVOSS is also working on the development of an EV Mid Speed Car to serve the niche of the 2nd car in the family. Safe Harbor Statement: Statements in this news release may be "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that express our intentions, beliefs, expectations, strategies, predictions, or any other information relating to our future activities or other future events or conditions. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections about our business based partly on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may and are likely to differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release, and iQSTEL Inc. undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release. This press release does not constitute a public offer of any securities for sale. Any securities offered privately will not be or have not been registered under the Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. iQSTEL Inc. IR US Phone: 646-740-0907 IR Email: investors@iqstel.com Contact Details iQSTEL Inc. Leandro Iglesias +1 646-740-0907 investors@iqstel.com Company Website https://www.iqstel.com/

January 26, 2023 09:40 AM Eastern Standard Time

America Is Behind In The Electric Vehicle Race - Here’s A Company Hoping To Change That

Eli Electric Vehicles

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga Interested in investing in Eli Electric’s campaign? Click here to get started. While the global electric vehicle (EV) market is flourishing, the U.S. is trailing behind. In 2021, EVs made up approximately 14% of all new vehicles sold in Europe, and in China, EVs made up 9% of all sales. In some European countries, like Norway, EV sales make up well over 50% of cars sold. Comparatively, EVs only accounted for 4% of cars sold in the U.S. in 2021. There are a lot of contributing factors to why U.S. consumers are slower to adopt EV technology. Historically, relaxed U.S. regulation has led to lower gas prices in the states compared to countries across the Atlantic; in Europe, EVs can be looked at as an economically and environmentally-friendly purchase, an opinion that is relatively less common in the U.S. The U.S. is more dependent on vehicles than other western countries because of the relative lack of accessible and ample public transportation, even in some of the country's largest metropolitan areas. Then, there is the cultural attachment and loyalty to bigger vehicles. In the U.S., where preference is sometimes not based on purpose, 75% of truck owners in the U.S. use their truck for towing one time a year or less and 35% of truck owners use the bed of their trucks once a year or never. However, despite the U.S. showing less interest in the EV market than its European and Asian counterparts, the market is still growing. Even more interesting are projections for the micro-electric vehicle market. A micro vehicle is the smallest size of car available with three or four wheels and a smaller engine. Many micro vehicles are electric. Nearly 70% of the global population is projected to live in cities by 2050. While pickup trucks can be great for rural areas, there is a need for smaller cars and cars designed specifically for cities. In the U.S., 50% of daily trips are under 3 miles and 75% of all car trips are under 10 miles. Cities are where micro vehicles are taking off. The micro electric vehicle market is projected to reach $22.11 billion in 2029 with a compound annual growth rate of 12.7% between 2022-2029. In 2021, the industry was worth $8.32 billion. There is a growing demand for cars that fit one or two people and are designed for trips under 10 miles. The U.S. government is also making a more concerted effort to encourage EV expansion. President Joe Biden’s administration’s goal is to have 50% of all vehicles be electric by 2050 and is taking action to increase the amount of charging stations to 500,000 by 2030. The EV market in the U.S. likely needs innovators in the industry to shift public opinion toward EV enthusiasm. A Unique EV Model Specifically Designed For Cities Los Angeles-based company Eli Electric Vehicles has created a unique EV model designed specifically for cities, Eli ZERO. Eli ZERO is a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) and can be driven on any street in the U.S. with a speed limit of 35mph and lower. In cities like New York City, the Eli ZERO can be driven on 90% of the streets. The Eli ZERO model is less than half the size and 3 to 10x more energy efficient than a conventional car, according to the company. Their car starts at $11,999 and has a battery with a range of 45 to 90 miles. It is designed with cities and consumer needs in mind. The Eli ZERO reimagines micro vehicles by focusing on creating a vehicle that drastically reduces emissions while decongesting cities and communities. Eli Electric says it is already having success in European markets with more than 20 dealers and 3 distributors. The company has been certified street legal in the U.S. and is excited to expand its vision to a growing market. Eli Electric has the capacity to grow and currently has a partnership with OEM manufacturers allowing it to potentially produce over 15,000 units per year. The company is currently hosting another round of crowdfund raising to help meet the surging market and to expand sales in the U.S. It has a history of successful grassroots campaigning – the company has nearly 3,000 investors on board and during its first fundraising push, it raised $11 million and used the funds to produce Eli ZERO and launch sales in Europe. With the investment it is looking for, Eli Electric could be positioned to be a leader in the European and North American markets it operates in. Click here to read more about Eli Electric’s raise and how to invest. This article was originally published on Benzinga here. Eli Electric Vehicles is reimagining personal vehicles by creating advanced, efficient and affordable micro-EVs for daily short trips. Headquartered in California and Beijing, Eli aims to be the leader in electric transportation for short-range and high frequency trips. It’s flagship micro-EV, Eli ZERO, is a next generation personal vehicle that empowers riders to reconnect with their neighborhood and cities and ultimately reduce the congestion, inefficiency and pollution caused by oversized highway cars. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Tim Zheng tim@eli.world Company Website https://www.eli.world/

January 26, 2023 08:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

The Hottest 2023 Travel Trends and Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List

YourUpdateTV

Travel is on the rebound in 2023! Eighty percent of Americans report high degrees of excitement about travel this year, with 79% already having trips planned in the next several months, as reported in a recent study. Recently, Cruise and Travel Expert, and Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic, Colleen McDaniel, partnered with Norwegian Cruise Line on a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss top travel trends and destinations for 2023. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/z3UQEcR_x50 With Companies like Norwegian Cruise Line reporting record demand going into 2023, it demonstrates travelers are ready to get away…and sail away. In fact, a recent AAA survey finds 52% of U.S. adults are just as likely or more likely to consider taking a cruise vacation than they were before 2020. That number is up from 45% one year ago. For those looking to maximize their vacation, cruising is a great option. It provides travelers with the opportunity to visit multiple destinations with only having to unpack once. You can discover Europe’s most charming port cities and wake up in a new country each day; and for those looking to reconnect with nature, a voyage through Alaska’s Inside Passage takes travelers up close to the natural beauty and wildlife of the destination. With cruising, it’s just as much about the journey as it is about the destination. From discovering new places, to enjoying new experiences, cruising provides the variety and immersive experiences travelers are looking for. In fact, Norwegian Cruise Line sails to nearly 400 destinations worldwide and is preparing to debut its next groundbreaking ship – Norwegian Viva – during the summer of 2023. As of January 24th, NCL is offering 50% off all cruises, plus free airfare for the second guest, free open bar, free specialty dining, free excursions, free WiFi, and more! Go to ncl.com to learn more about available itineraries and to start planning your long-awaited vacation at sea. About Colleen McDaniel Colleen McDaniel is Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic, the world’s largest online cruise resource. She considers cruising to be a true passion, having traveled the world by water – from Alaska, the Caribbean and Hawaii, to Europe’s rivers, Antarctica and Africa – on ships of all ships and sizes. She’s regularly quoted as a cruise expert in media outlets across the country, including outlets like The Associated Press, Good Morning America, CNN, FOX Business, CNBC, The New York Times, Travel + Leisure and Skift. Cruise Critic is the world’s largest cruise reviews and information site, offering a comprehensive resource for cruise travelers -- from first-time cruisers to avid cruise enthusiasts. The site features more than 50M+ opinions, reviews & photos and hosts the world's largest online cruise community. Cruise Critic is a subsidiary of TripAdvisor, Inc. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

January 25, 2023 04:11 PM Eastern Standard Time

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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

Agora Data Attains SOC 2 Compliance Certification, Also Meets FTC Safeguards Rule for Protecting Customer Information

Agora

Agora Data, Inc., received a compliance certification with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA’s) System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2. Agora Data’s SOC 2 Type II standard for information security was certified by an independent, trusted third party CPA firm on January 13, 2023. The SOC 2 compliance certification is an industry-recognized designation that further reinforces Agora Data’s ongoing commitment to automotive dealer customers, vendors, partners, and personnel connected to Agora Data’s systems. Agora Data met the rigorous and high industry standards set by the AICPA for information security to receive the SOC 2 Type II designation. “Agora Data has always prioritized the importance of protecting customer information. The SOC 2 certification is an industry gold standard for security for technology companies that work with sensitive information,” said Chad Stilwell, Chief Technology Officer, Agora Data. “This accomplishment further validates the security measures we’ve already put in place to protect our infrastructure and is one of many best-in-class initiatives the company has implemented to optimize business security and performance for all stakeholders.” SOC 2 is an auditing measure that ensures service providers securely manage user data and requires a clean audit to receive certification. Compliance of SOC 2 Type II covers multiple categories for operational effectiveness including: Information and systems are protected against unauthorized access, unauthorized disclosure of information, and damage to systems that could compromise the availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of information or systems and affect the entity’s ability to achieve its objectives. Audit controls are in place such as system and security monitoring, employee onboarding and termination processes, background check on all employees, data encryption in transit and at rest, multi-factor authentication, segregation of duties, and ongoing risk assessments. Agora Data’s SOC 2 compliance goes beyond the requirements of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, a congressional law known as the Safeguards Rule overseen by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The Safeguards Rule requires financial institutions – companies that offer financial products or services like loans, financial or investment advice, or insurance – to explain their information-sharing practices to safeguard sensitive data, including personally identifiable information. Under the 2021 amendment to the Act, or Safeguards Rule, U.S. auto dealers are required to undertake a series of procedural, technical, and contractual steps to protect customer and other personal data. The requirements must be in place by June 9, 2023. Information to help auto dealers understand their obligations under the Safeguards Rule can be found on the National Automotive Dealers Association website at this link. Agora Data is a fintech company transforming automotive financing for U.S. auto dealers offering in-house financing for non-prime customers. The company provides auto dealers with access to ample, affordable capital with precision loan performance data and analytics. Agora Data, Inc. Agora Data, Inc., an automotive industry fintech, is the nation’s leading resource for auto dealers and finance companies. Auto loan originators can secure affordable capital to build their own non-prime captive finance solution, obtain actionable loan performance data to improve their lending portfolios, and use other products to grow their business safely. Powered by patent pending technology, originators can access real-time data analytics and planning resources to help optimize the performance of their portfolios. Agora Data made history by closing the first-ever crowdsourced non-prime auto securitization in 2020 and continually brings groundbreaking products to an underserved market. For more information, visit www.agoradata.com or contact us at 1-877-592-4672. # # # Contact Details Shelly Vandeven +1 682-282-4130 media@agoradata.com Company Website https://agoradata.com/

January 24, 2023 09:06 AM Eastern Standard Time

CARNOW, VINCUE ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO REVOLUTIONIZE VEHICLE BUYING EXPERIENCE

DealerCue Automotive Corp.

Today, CarNow and VINCUE announced a new, long-term partnership that will significantly impact the automotive industry. The collaboration combines VINCUE’s powerhouse next-gen inventory management platform capabilities with CarNow’s award-winning Real-Time Retail™ platform. As part of the partnership, CarNow will leverage VINCUE Competitive Pricing & Appraisal comprehensive data with CarNow’s Real-Time Retail platform. VINCUE gains access to CarNow’s advanced messaging capabilities, which will further enhance the user experience on the VINCUE dealer website platform. “With technology playing an increasingly vital role in every aspect of business, VINCUE recognized we could accelerate the development of our digital solution with the right partner,” explained Chris Hoke, VINCUE Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Technology Officer. “We’ve brought together deep skills in business and technology strategy, product ideation, as well as technology development and deployment to help support dealers and their customers across the country.” “The decision to partner with VINCUE was an easy one, as it provided functionality that our dealer partners have been asking for,” said Tim Cox, Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist for CarNow. “This is more than two companies simply integrating products. Our combined values, goals, and strategies are uniquely aligned and we believe this strategic partnership empowers us both to drive far more business impact for our dealers and their customers.” By virtually connecting the two companies, CarNow and VINCUE will be better prepared to address the evolving needs of the market. CarNow customers will benefit from learning their vehicle’s Highest Authentic Value ™ by tapping into the VINCUE database, which indexes more than 40,000 dealer websites on a daily basis. Those who use VINCUE to power their websites will now have the ability to engage with leads in real-time. The ability to instantaneously engage with shoppers at their point of interest, including on their own terms, platform, and device, is proven to increase the opportunity of sale and generate more profits. Leaders at both companies are determined to make the car buying and selling experience easier for dealers and their customers. This integration helps both companies get that much closer to that goal and continues to push others in the automotive industry toward further innovation. Teams from both CarNow and VINCUE will be in Dallas later this week for the National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA) Convention, which is positioned as the top retail automotive event of the year. An average of 10,000 dealerships, including 65% of the Top 150 are expected to be in attendance. About CarNow CarNow is a market leader in digital retailing solutions for the automotive industry. CarNow creates frictionless, real-time enterprise software solutions to facilitate the transaction between dealers and consumers. Through CarNowâs solutions, shoppers receive enhanced virtual showroom services and live support at any time, from anywhere, and on any device. About VINCUE VINCUE is transforming the retail automotive software industry by providing dealers with new, innovative end-to-end inventory lifecycle management and market pricing solutions. This gives dealers access to real-time data and tools in a single system to stock smarter, increase turn, compete effectively, and above all else â maximize profits. Contact Details Chief Marketing Officer Angela Rizzo +1 913-200-3301 angelarizzo@dealercue.com Lou Laste +1 678-492-2737 lou.laste@yahoo.com Company Website https://vincue.com/

January 24, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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