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Wishpond Reports Continued Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA Growth in Q2-2023

Wishpond Technologies Ltd.

Wishpond Technologies Ltd. (TSXV: WISH, OTCQX: WPNDF) (the “ Company ” or “ Wishpond ”), a provider of marketing-focused online business solutions, announces it has filed its interim consolidated financial statements (the “ Interim Financial Statements'' ) and management’s discussion and analysis (the “ MD&A ”) for Q2-2023, representing the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. Copies of the Interim Financial Statements and MD&A are available on the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Ali Tajskandar, Wishpond’s Founder and CEO commented, “ We are very pleased with our second quarter results in which Wishpond achieved positive Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter in a row, demonstrating our commitment to profitable growth. During the first six months of 2023 we generated $0.4 million of positive Adjusted EBITDA compared to an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $0.6 million in the first six months of last year; an outstanding improvement of over $1 million, which we are extremely proud of achieving. Wishpond’s cost optimization efforts over the past year have contributed to the Company’s positive Adjusted EBITDA profile. Based on the Company’s performance and growth momentum in the first half of the year, we expect to deliver strong results for the remainder of 2023. We maintain a positive outlook for the second half of 2023, with continued sales growth and improving cash flows.” Ali Tajskandar further adds, “During the second quarter we also completed the acquisition of Essential Studio Manager (ESM), which is the sixth acquisition in the Company’s history. ESM further expands the breadth of our product offering into invoicing, CRM and business management functionality. In addition, we are actively working on developing additional AI-powered marketing tools which we intend to launch in the coming quarters. Finally, our new Propel IQ platform is gaining traction in the market and early signs are showing higher margins and increased customer retention. We are now accelerating the hiring of new sales resources to drive additional growth in the second half of the year.” Second Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights: Wishpond achieved quarterly revenue of $5,639,417 during Q2-2023, compared to $5,007,343 generated in the same period of 2022 (Q2-2022), an increase of 13%. Revenue growth was primarily driven by organic growth resulting from stronger product demand, an increase in sales and marketing activities, and new product introductions. Wishpond achieved Gross Profit of $3,680,391 in Q2-2023 (Q2-2022: $3,360,715), representing a 10% increase from Q2-2022, driven by an increase in overall revenue. Wishpond achieved a Gross Margin percentage of 65% during Q2-2023 (Q2-2022: 67%). During Q2-2023, Wishpond achieved positive Adjusted EBITDA (1) of $215,926 (Q2-2022: negative $192,196), an increase of 212%. As at June 30, 2023, Wishpond had $1,098,285 in cash and no debt (December 31, 2022: cash of $2,692,644 and no debt). The reduction in cash balances was caused in part by earnout payments for businesses acquired in 2022, investment in the business and changes in working capital. Second Quarter 2023 Business Highlights: On May 3, 2023, the Company announced that it completed the acquisition of certain assets of Essential Studio Manager LLC (“ESM”). ESM is a provider of business management software, including invoicing and customer relationship management solutions for small businesses in the services industry. ESM is expected to be integrated with Wishpond’s Propel IQ platform this year. Wishpond customers using Propel IQ’s sales and marketing platform will then be able to provide contract signing, invoicing and access other CRM functionality from one single platform. On June 27, 2023, the Company announced that its Notice of Intention to make a Normal Course Issuer Bid (“NCIB”) was accepted by the Exchange. Under the NCIB, the Company may, during the 12-month period commencing June 30, 2023 and ending June 29, 2024, purchase up to 2,688,431 Shares in total, being 5% of the total number of 53,768,620 Shares outstanding as at June 12, 2023. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company purchased 32,000 common shares under the NCIB, for aggregate consideration of $18,528. Events Subsequent to June 30, 2023: On July 27, 2023, the Company announced the launch of a new partnership program introducing a transformative approach to collaboration for affiliates, marketing agencies, and other technology companies to collaborate closely with Wishpond’s marketing platform. On August 16, 2023, the Company announced the upcoming launch of SalesCloser AI, an AI-powered sales rep that can deliver personalized, round-the-clock sales calls and product demos without the need for human intervention. The AI-powered platform is poised to transform industries across the board, particularly benefiting virtual sales professionals, SaaS companies, consultants, and various B2B enterprises that rely on online sales interactions. Outlook: Wishpond expects to achieve record revenue and cash flows in 2023, driven by organic growth from increasing sales of the Company’s new Propel IQ bundled product, in addition to ramping up the size of its sales team and launching new AI-powered products. The Company continues to have an active pipeline of sales opportunities and robust demand for its products. Management is pleased to re-iterate the Company’s key goals for 2023: Increase Monthly Recurring Revenue through both organic and inorganic means. Scale the size of the sales team to help achieve the Company’s organic growth profile. Remain Adjusted EBITDA positive by balancing growth with increased positive cash flow from operations. Invest in Research and Development so that the Company can continue to launch new AI powered products and services to increase long-term value for its clients. Leverage the Propel IQ platform to further accelerate the Company’s growth, improve margins, and increase customer retention and long-term customer value. Wishpond has demonstrated a disciplined capital allocation strategy, having successfully completed and integrated six acquisitions since the Company’s public listing in December of 2020. Given management’s successful acquisition track record, the Company may choose to accelerate its growth in the form of future acquisitions. Management may also choose to reinvest cash flows generated by the Company to accelerate organic growth or in the form of share repurchases. David Pais, Wishpond’s Chief Financial Officer commented, “ I am pleased to report that the Company has not felt any material negative impacts due to increasing interest rates, rising inflation or other macroeconomic effects. We have a clean balance sheet and an undrawn line of credit of $6 million, and our cost reduction strategies will allow us to fund the Company’s growth through cash from operations. We look forward to reporting higher revenue growth and profitability for the rest of the year. ” Webinar Conference Call Details: As previously announced, Wishpond will be hosting a webinar conference call to discuss its Q2-2023 financial results today at 10:00 AM (PT) / 1:00 PM (ET). To register for the webinar, please visit the following URL: https://bit.ly/Results_Q2_2023 Date: August 17, 2023 Time: 10:00 AM PT (1:00 PM ET) Dial-in: +1 778 907 2071 (Vancouver local) +1 647 374 4685 (Toronto local) Meeting ID #: 835 0694 7063 Please connect 5 minutes prior to the conference call to ensure time for any software download that may be required. Selected Financial Highlights: The tables below set out selected financial information relating to Wishpond and should be read in conjunction with Wishpond’s Interim Financial Statements and MD&A. Reconciliation to Adjusted EBITDA Footnotes: EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA a re not financial measures recognized by International Financial Reporting Standards (“ IFRS ”), do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. See “ Cautionary Statements – Non-GAAP Financial Measures ". On Behalf of the Board of Wishpond “ Ali Tajskandar ” Chairman and Chief Executive Officer About Wishpond Technologies Ltd. Based out of Vancouver, British Columbia, Wishpond is a provider of marketing-focused online business solutions. Wishpond is a leading provider of digital marketing solutions that empower entrepreneurs to achieve success online. The Company’s Propel IQ platform offers an "all-in-one" marketing suite that provides companies with marketing, promotion, lead generation, ad management, referral marketing, sales conversion and outbound sales automation capabilities on one integrated platform. Wishpond replaces disparate marketing solutions with an easy-to-use product, for a fraction of the cost. Wishpond serves over 4,000 customers who are primarily small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in a wide variety of industries. The Company has developed cutting-edge marketing technology solutions including an artificial intelligence (AI) powered website builder and continues to add new features and applications. The Company employs a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) business model where most of the Company's revenue is subscription-based recurring revenue which provides excellent revenue predictability and cash flow visibility. Wishpond is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker "WISH", and on the OTCQX Best Market under the ticker "WPNDF". For further information, visit: www.wishpond.com. Cautionary Statements, Summary Information Information presented in this press release may be only a summary of all available information and does not purport to be a full representation of all figures, notes and discussions provided for in the Interim Financial Statements and MD&A. Readers are cautioned to read the entirety of the Interim Financial Statements and MD&A, and to not rely only on the information presented in this press release. In the event of conflict between the provisions of this press release on the one hand, and the Interim Financial Statements and MD&A on the other hand, the information in the Interim Financial Statements and MD&A shall govern. Non-GAAP Financial Measures In this press release, Wishpond has used the following terms (“ Non-GAAP Financial Measures ”) that are not defined by IFRS, but are used by management to evaluate the performance of Wishpond and its business: adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“ Adjusted EBITDA ”), monthly recurring revenue. These measures may also be used by investors, financial institutions and credit rating agencies to assess Wishpond’s performance and ability to service debt. Non-GAAP Financial Measures do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Securities regulations require that Non-GAAP Financial Measures are clearly defined, qualified and reconciled to their most comparable IFRS financial measures. Except as otherwise indicated, these Non-GAAP Financial Measures are calculated and disclosed on a consistent basis from period to period. Specific items may only be relevant in certain periods. See the disclosure under the heading “ Additional GAAP and Non-GAAP Measures ” in Wishpond’s MD&A for a discussion of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and certain reconciliations to GAAP financial measures. The intent of Non-GAAP Financial Measures is to provide additional useful information to investors and analysts, and the measures do not have any standardized meaning under IFRS. The measures should not, therefore, be considered in isolation or used as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Other issuers may calculate Non-GAAP Financial Measures differently. Non-GAAP Financial Measures are identified and defined as follows: Adjusted EBITDA: Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to net earnings, cash flow from operating activities or other measures of financial results determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the Company’s performance. The Company defines " Adjusted EBITDA " as Loss before income taxes less interest, depreciation and amortization, remeasurement of contingent consideration liability, filing fees, credit facility setup fees, earn-out remuneration, foreign currency losses (gains), acquisition related expenses, net other expenditures (income), reverse takeover listing expense, and stock-based compensation. The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA is a meaningful financial metric as it measures cash generated from operations which the Company can use to fund working capital requirements, service future interest and principal debt repayments and fund future growth initiatives. Monthly recurring revenue: The Company uses monthly recurring revenue, or MRR, as a directional indicator of subscription revenue going forward assuming customers maintain their subscription plan the following month. MRR is the total of all monthly subscription plan fees paid by customers in effect on the last day of that period. If customers pay for more than one month upfront, the amount is divided by the number of months in the subscription period. Discounts are deducted prior to the calculation and one-time payments and metered based charges are excluded. Forward-Looking Statements Statements that are not reported financial results or other historical information are forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, " forward-looking statements "). This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding the Company, its subsidiaries and the industries in which they operate, including statements about, among other things, all information contained under the heading “Outlook” herein, references to expected results from future operations, references to the growth of the Company’s product portfolio, including whether additional AI powered products or features may be developed in the future, and the functionality and timing of such products, financial results or operational activities that may be undertaken by the Company, the results of the Company’s cost-savings, research and development and other initiatives, any future acquisitions, share purchases or other activities done to grow the Company both organically or inorganically, expectations, beliefs, plans, future operations, origination of additional targets in which the Company may hold an interest and acquisition opportunities for the Company, the impact of broader economic factors including inflation and other general economic risks on the Company, business and acquisition strategies, opportunities, objectives, prospects, assumptions, including those related to trends and prospects, and future events and performance. Sentences and phrases containing or modified by words such as “expect”, "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "intend", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "predict", "potential", "targets", "projects", "is designed to", "strategy", "should", "believe", "contemplate" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions, are not historical facts and are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements in this press release are reasonable and are based on, among other things, the expectations and analysis of current market trends and opportunities of management of the Company, such forward-looking statements has been based on expectations, factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company’s control, including, but not limited to, economic uncertainty and instability as a result of the ongoing inflation and supply chain issues, higher interest rate climate, tightening of credit availability and recessionary risks, pandemic related risks, wars, instability in global commodity and securities markets, shifts in consumer and institutional spending and marketing strategies, risks related to data breaches and privacy, the changing global market and competition for the products and services supplied by the Company, and the additional risk factors discussed in the continuous disclosure materials of the Company which are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and are made as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention and has no obligation or responsibility, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contact Details Investor Relations, Wishpond Technologies Ltd. Pardeep S. Sangha +1 604-572-6392 investor@wishpond.com

August 17, 2023 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Make Going Back to College Convenient

YourUpdateTV

As the end of summer approaches, college students nationwide are preparing to head back to campus, which can often be a stressful time. Recently, Allison Stadd, SVP of Brand, Culture, and Media at Shipt, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to share her top tips for saving and shopping this back-to-college season. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/4zjgeS_FMUc College students have enough to worry about while maintaining a good GPA, participating in extracurriculars and adapting to living away from home. Making time to shop for the essentials they need shouldn’t take away from focusing on what matters most. Allison shared three tips to help students’ budget for back-to-school: 1) Stay focused on saving during the summer months! Starting off the year with some fallback cash is important in case of emergencies and before you get that next paycheck from your student union job. 2) There’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of savings opportunities! When your favorite stores and shopping solutions are offering discounts, like Shipt’s $4.99 per month student membership for same-day delivery, take advantage! Savings solutions really should be a course at college! 3) Split the costs of groceries and activities. If you’re sharing with roommates, make a budget tracker or phone notes doc to keep track of expenses to make sure it’s equitable. Shipt is the perfect shopping solution and resource that provides more than just one benefit. As an affordable resource, you can rest assured knowing that you aren’t breaking the bank to have access to reliable shoppers with Shipt that are there to help you get all your needs. Another benefit is that Shipt is a resource that gives you more time back in your day to spend on however you want! By relying on trusted shoppers with Shipt, you’ll have help gathering your essentials for you and recommending swaps if something is out of stock. This Back to College season, Shipt is partnering with actress and entrepreneur, Issa Rae, to curate a list of her must-have student essentials from Target, such as: Wooden Letter Board: Perfect for welcoming guests or jotting down notes in a creative way! Power Bank: So you don’t get caught on campus without a charged phone! Ballpoint Affirmation Pens: Level up your ballpoint pens with inspiring words of affirmation to get you through your work! Cheez-its: A timeless late night study snack! For information about Shipt’s new student membership, now available for just $4.99 per month, please visit shipt.com/student or download the Shipt app. About Allison Stadd Allison Stadd is the Senior Vice President of Brand, Culture, & Media at Shipt, where she brings her domain expertise in brand building, social media, and digital marketing to connect with consumers. Over the course of her career, she has held a variety of leadership roles, developing and executing creative strategies to forge real human connection. Allison received her undergraduate degree from University of Pennsylvania. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

August 16, 2023 02:08 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Wishpond Announces SalesCloser AI: An AI Sales Rep Capable of Conducting Zoom Presentations

Wishpond Technologies Ltd.

Wishpond Technologies Ltd. (TSXV: WISH, OTCQX: WPNDF) (the “ Company ” or “ Wishpond ”), a provider of marketing-focused online business solutions, is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of “ SalesCloser AI”, its AI-powered sales platform. SalesCloser AI is Wishpond’s proprietary solution that is reshaping the sales landscape by delivering personalized, round-the-clock sales calls and product demos without the need for human intervention. Management of Wishpond anticipates that its new SalesCloser AI will be a game-changer for businesses of all sizes and industries. Wishpond has designed this cutting-edge technology to streamline demo bookings and sales calls to provide its customers with the ability to build and scale their sales teams effortlessly while enjoying uninterrupted service regardless of language, time zones or geographical boundaries. Ali Tajskandar, Founder and CEO of Wishpond commented, “Our AI-powered Sales Closer platform represents a paradigm shift in the way businesses approach sales and product demonstrations. With SalesCloser AI, your sales team is always available and scalable. We’ve harnessed the power of AI to create an unmatched solution that brings together personalization, accessibility, and efficiency. Businesses can now focus on scaling their operations.” Wishpond expects that unlike traditional sales teams, the AI-powered platform will not be confined by traditional limitations. It aims to operate 24/7, empowering businesses to conduct a higher volume of sales calls and target international markets with ease. SalesCloser AI is primed to take over the entire sales process, from discovery calls to slide presentations and intricate product demonstrations. Key features of SalesCloser AI include: Real-time Conversation: The AI technology adapts in real-time during conversations with prospects, creating a truly personalized experience that resonates with potential customers. Multi-media Demo Presentations: Designed with both audio and video capabilities, SalesCloser AI can seamlessly guide prospects through presentations and product demos. Multilingual Support: SalesCloser AI aims to conduct sales calls and demos in various languages on demand, opening opportunities for businesses to expand their reach and cater to a global audience. Cost-Effective: SalesCloser AI is intended to be an efficient alternative to scaling the sales team, providing substantial cost savings without compromising on quality. Wishpond believes that SalesCloser AI is poised to transform industries across the board, particularly benefiting virtual sales professionals, SaaS companies, consultants, and various B2B enterprises that rely on online sales interactions. Scheduled for release by the end of the year, SalesCloser AI is a testament to Wishpond’s commitment to driving innovation and shaping the future of sales. For more information, or to sign-up for an early release version, please visit: www.salescloser.ai Wishpond Technologies Ltd. “Ali Tajskandar” Chairman and Chief Executive Officer About Wishpond Technologies Ltd. Based out of Vancouver, British Columbia, Wishpond is a provider of marketing-focused online business solutions. Wishpond is a leading provider of digital marketing solutions that empower entrepreneurs to achieve success online. The Company’s Propel IQ platform offers an “all-in-one” marketing suite that provides companies with marketing, promotion, lead generation, ad management, referral marketing, sales conversion and outbound sales automation capabilities on one integrated platform. Wishpond replaces disparate marketing solutions with an easy-to-use product, for a fraction of the cost. Wishpond serves over 4,000 customers who are primarily small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in a wide variety of industries. The Company has developed cutting-edge marketing technology solutions including an artificial intelligence (AI) powered website builder and continues to add new features and applications. The Company employs a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) business model where most of the Company’s revenue is subscription-based recurring revenue which provides excellent revenue predictability and cash flow visibility. Wishpond is listed on the Exchange under the ticker “WISH”, and on the OTCQX Best Market under the ticker “WPNDF”. For further information, visit: www.wishpond.com. Cautionary & Forward-Looking Statements Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release may contain certain forward-looking information and statements (“ forward-looking information ”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, that are not based on historical fact, including without limitation statements relating to the potential operations and business results from the Company’s Sales Closer platform, containing the words “believes”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “intends”, “will”, “should”, “expects”, “continue”, “estimate”, “forecasts”, “schedule” and other similar expressions. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to comment analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of the Company, its securities, or financial or operating results (as applicable). Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking information in this press release are reasonable, such forward-looking information has been based on expectations, factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company’s control, including, but not limited to, the risk factors discussed in the public disclosure documents of the Company which such risk factors are incorporated herein by reference and are available through SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking information contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and are made as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention and has no obligation or responsibility, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact Details Pardeep S. Sangha Investor Relations, Wishpond Technologies Ltd. +1 604-572-6392 investor@wishpond.com

August 16, 2023 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

News Release

How This Company Helps Businesses and Brands to Triple Their Revenue

Client Valley

In our current extremely competitive world, every business is looking for ways to increase its revenue. One of the most important things that helps a brand or business grow is its ability to attract new clients and customers to buy from them. This means the only logical way to actively increase the revenue of any business is to increase its number of sales from new or existing customers, or both. One of the most powerful ways to get customers to buy from a business or brand is by convincing them to trust you. When customers trust you, they will stay with you for a long time. And one of the best ways to get customers to trust you enough to do business with you is by building a great public relations campaign for yourself or your business. It starts with having a great public image when people search for your name or business on Google or other search engines. If you have news articles that tell beautiful stories about you or your business, pop up on the first and second pages of Google or any other search engine, then you’ve done the first excellent work. And how can you have beautiful red stories written about you or your business? It’s by approaching a PR company, such as 9-Figure Media. Just in case you don't know, 9-Figure Media is a reputable public relations company in Laguna Beach, California. When you contact them, they will ask you questions about your business and where you want to take it. Based on your answer, they will develop a tailored PR campaign that will help your business grow at lightning-fast speed. Then, they will write news articles about you or your business, and send it for your review. After you approve the articles, they will publish them in top global media outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, Bloomberg, Apple News, Google News, etc. When you start working with them, you will immediately notice beautiful news stories about you filling up everywhere on Google when you search for your name or business. This means more people start to trust you more, and you will notice your sales double, triple and even quadruple. You know it’s easier to believe someone if someone other than themselves tells you they’re good. But if they tell you that they’re good, you'll have your reservations until someone else says so. That’s the difference between advertising or marketing your business, and building a PR campaign for your business. This is how 9-Figure Media helps you double, triple or even quadruple your revenue and profits. So whether you’re a business executive, an entrepreneur or a business owner who wants to skyrocket their sales and profits, check them out right now at https://9figuremedia.com and thank us later. Contact Details ClientsValley Paul Mayers +1 205-476-2934 help@clientsvalley.com

August 15, 2023 02:29 PM Eastern Daylight Time

News Release

Bridgeline Digital CEO says HawkSearch led 3Q growth as focus on core products grows

Bridgeline Digital Inc

BridgeLine Digital CEO Ari Kahn takes Proactive's Stephen Gunnion through the company's third-quarter results, which reveal a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% in the company's core products, led by HawkSearch which signed over $1 million in new customer contracts during the quarter. Collaborations with the likes of SalesForce, Optimizely, BigCommerce, and Duda have proven fruitful, driving efficient sales cycles and expanding their market. Kahn anticipated significant growth, driven by upcoming initiatives, including the Bronco release that shortens sales cycles by 20%, and the introduction of advanced analytics and a franchise search solution. Despite projected declines in legacy products, Bridgeline foresees robust 15%+ growth in their core offerings, with the catalyst being the upcoming releases and partnerships, ensuring strong progress into fiscal 24. Contact Details Proactive Investors +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

August 15, 2023 01:54 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Claravine Makes the Inc. 5000 for Fourth Consecutive Year

Claravine

Inc. revealed today that Claravine ranks No. 2426 on the 2023 Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other household name brands gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000. "It is an honor to be recognized four consecutive years in the Inc. 5000,” says Verl Allen, CEO of Claravine. “The past four years have been transformative for Claravine and earning a place in the Inc. 5000 is a testament to the incredible success of our clients, which include over a quarter of the Fortune 100, and our world-class team. We plan to continue building on this momentum to power higher quality data decisions across our customers using data standards.” The Inc. 5000 class of 2023 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. Among this year’s top 500 companies, the average median three-year revenue growth rate ticked up to an astonishing 2,238 percent. In all, this year’s Inc. 5000 companies have added 1,187,266 jobs to the economy over the past three years. For complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, location, and other criteria, go to www.inc.com/inc5000. The top 500 companies are featured in the September issue of Inc. magazine, available on newsstands beginning Tuesday, August 23. “Running a business has only gotten harder since the end of the pandemic,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “To make the Inc. 5000—with the fast growth that requires—is truly an accomplishment. Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that are building our future.” This acknowledgement comes on the heels of a milestone year for Claravine. Recently, Claravine acquired Netra, Inc, a content classification company powered by artificial intelligence, and added its services to AWS Marketplace. Claravine was also recently named for the second consecutive time to AdExchanger’s Programmatic Power Players list, as well as awarded the 2022 AdExchanger Award for Best Data Technology. Claravine was also named a cool vendor in the 2022 Gartner Cool Vendors in Marketing Data and Analytics report. More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000 Methodology Companies on the 2023 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2019 to 2022. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2019. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2022. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2019 is $100,000; the minimum for 2022 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Growth rates used to determine company rankings were calculated to four decimal places. About Inc. Inc. Business Media is the leading multimedia brand for entrepreneurs. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of our community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating our future. Inc.’s award-winning work reaches more than 50 million people across a variety of channels, including events, print, digital, video, podcasts, newsletters, and social media. Its proprietary Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to rank the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The recognition that comes with inclusion on this and other prestigious Inc. lists, such as Female Founders and Power Partners, gives the founders of top businesses the opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. For more information, visit www.inc.com. For more information on the Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, slated for October 31 - November 2 in San Antonio, visit http://conference.inc.com. About Claravine Claravine is The Data Standards Company aiming to give people, teams and technology a shared understanding of their data. Claravine helps brands and agencies deliver on the promise of modern marketing by standardizing taxonomies, naming conventions, and metadata across all digital experiences at the source of data creation. The Data Standards Cloud empowers a proactive approach to marketing metadata naming conventions and taxonomy for fast, accurate and rich business insights that help deliver the experiences customers want. Claravine partners with a quarter of the Fortune 100 to define, apply and connect standards across their ecosystem for faster decisions, greater agility, and increased ROI. For more information, visit www.claravine.com. Contact Details Kite Hill PR Michael Kocher +1 704-960-2295 michael@kitehillpr.com Company Website https://www.claravine.com/

August 15, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Comcast, Hillsdale in Miami County and the City of Paola Announce Multi-Million Dollar Project to Deliver High-Speed Internet to Homes and Businesses Across the Area

Comcast Greater Kansas City

Comcast announced it is expanding its smart, fast, reliable fiber-rich network – the Xfinity 10G Network – to homes and businesses in the city of Paola and the area of Hillsdale in Miami County to further enhance broadband connectivity and better serve its citizens with fast, reliable internet service. Working with the City of Paola and Miami County, Comcast will bring secure gigabit broadband service to more than 4,000 homes and businesses and will invest millions in a two-year project to expand its fiber-rich Xfinity 10G Network infrastructure over 107 miles in the area. As part of its commitment to bring connectivity to more homes in Kansas, Comcast worked closely with the City of Paola and Hillsdale in Miami County to make fast internet a reality for over 4,000 homes and businesses. The expansion will bring residential broadband speeds faster than 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) and business speeds up to 100 Gbps. In the last three years, Comcast has invested nearly $40.3 million in the State of Kansas including more than $11.4 million in technology and infrastructure, such as network upgrades to deliver innovative, reliable and affordable broadband service to everyone in the Comcast service area in Kansas. “Comcast’s announcement to expand further south into Miami County provides additional service options to some customers but also brings service to some areas currently without any high-speed provider,” said Janet McRae, Economic Development Director for Miami County. “The need for our residents and businesses to have high speed internet options is only going to continue to increase in the future. We look forward to the opportunities this investment in our county will bring.” "We are excited for Comcast's commitment to bring high-speed internet to our residents and businesses. Members of our staff have already begun meeting with Comcast to help streamline their construction needs and hopefully minimize any disruptions that may occur,” said Randi Shannon, City Manager, City of Paola. “High-speed internet supports so many parts of our daily lives. Increased access benefits not just those who work from home or enjoy digital entertainment, but it also brings vital healthcare and similar services into the homes of our most vulnerable residents. We are grateful for Comcast's investment and are excited to see the opportunities it brings." “Comcast is proud to partner with Paola and Hillsdale to connect businesses and residents to our reliable, high-speed Xfinity 10G Network,” said Kalyn Hove, Regional Senior Vice President for Comcast. “As the world we live in becomes increasingly digital, we remain focused on not only bringing our broadband network to more homes and businesses in Kansas, but also on future-proofing our network to meet the ever-increasing appetite for education, business and entertainment.” Residential customers will be able to take advantage of Xfinity’s full suite of internet products, including the company’s Internet Essentials program that provides low-cost, high-speed broadband for income-constrained households. Since its inception in 2011, the program has connected more than 6,400 Kansas residents. Comcast also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides qualifying households with a $30 monthly credit toward internet and mobile services. Powered by the Xfinity 10G Network Comcast’s network and Internet experience are powering homes and businesses today and into the future: Ultimate Capacity: Xfinity customers connect nearly 1 billion devices across the company’s network annually. The Xfinity 10G Network with the next-generation Xfinity gateways deliver the most advanced WiFi technology carrying three times more bandwidth to power streaming, gaming, videoconferencing, and more, simultaneously. Fastest Internet: More than a third of Xfinity Internet customers subscribe to gigabit speed products, and symmetrical gig speeds are planned to come to the first homes later this year. Unprecedented Coverage: The latest Xfinity Gateway provides a more reliable connection throughout the home. Customers can get wall-to-wall WiFi coverage with a powerful Xfinity WiFi Boost Pod that extends coverage to hard-to-reach areas, with plans for an offering of increased support for in-home WiFi through a “boost guarantee” later this year. Most Reliable Connection: Comcast is scaling the nation’s largest and most reliable network – the Xfinity 10G Network – that passes 60 million homes and businesses and counting. The company plans to launch a new device that is “storm ready” with cellular and battery backup to help keep customers connected even when the power goes out. Ultra-Low Latency: The Xfinity 10G Network and the latest Xfinity Gateway are a powerful combination that deliver ultra-low latency for those moments when response times matter most like video games, a fast-growing category with Xfinity households averaging more than one gaming console per home. For local businesses, Comcast Business offers a suite of connectivity, cybersecurity, managed solutions and Comcast Business Mobile products designed specifically for their employee’s needs. Powered by the nation’s largest Gig-speed broadband network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable and Internet provider to small and mid-size businesses and one of the leading providers to larger organizations in the Enterprise market. Comcast Business has been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Corporation Jill Hornbacher jill_hornbacher@comcast.com Venice Communications Jayne Siemens jsiemens@vencomm.com Company Website https://corporate.comcast.com/

August 15, 2023 07:00 AM Central Daylight Time

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The House of Suntory Proudly Celebrates 100 Years of Pioneering Japanese Spirits

Beam Suntory

The House of Suntory, the Founding House of Japanese Whisky, celebrates its 100th anniversary of whisky innovation: a major milestone not only for Suntory’s history but for Japanese spirits culture. In honour of this centennial, the House releases a Suntory Anniversary Tribute short as imagined by Academy Award-winning Director Sofia Coppola and starring Actor Keanu Reeves, as well as an exclusive 100th-anniversary edition of its world-renowned whiskies. Twenty years after filming Lost in Translation, Sofia Coppola returned to Japan to create the Suntory Anniversary Tribute. Coppola brings her artistic genius and admiration for Suntory Whisky to life as the creative director of the Tribute which honours Suntory’s illustrious past, present and future. The Suntory Anniversary Tribute tells the remarkable story of the brand’s heritage and whisky-making legacy over the last 100 years, depicting the meaning of “Suntory Time” through the eyes of its creator. The Suntory Anniversary Tribute, which features actor Keanu Reeves, a lover of Suntory Whisky and who previously appeared in a Suntory Reserve ad campaign in 1992, debuted earlier this summer during the Suntory Time 100th Anniversary Global Premiere event in New York City. The Tribute can now be viewed on The House of Suntory website here. “We are thrilled to announce the masterful cinematic work of art Keanu and Sofia have made to mark this monumental time in the brand’s history,” said Rob Tucker, Senior Brand Manager of The House of Suntory Canada. “As the pioneer of Japanese Whisky, The House of Suntory has played an immeasurable role in shaping the whisky culture in Japan. From our Fifth Generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo’s iconic blends, to showcasing the blossoming of Japanese Whisky craftmanship over the past 100 years, the film perfectly commemorates the legacy and footprint the House has had during the past century. The Suntory Whisky-loving duo has surpassed all expectations and we could not be more proud to celebrate it and share with Canada.” Later this summer, Reeves will star in another creative project in partnership with The House of Suntory: a series of documentary shorts from filmmaker Roman Coppola titled: “The Nature and Spirit of Japan.” The series explores Japanese whisky culture inspired by harmony with nature ( Wa ), elevated by Japanese craftsmanship ( Monozukuri ) and enjoyed as an authentic Japanese cultural experience ( Omotenashi ). The docuseries will strike a balance between education and entertainment, aiming to foster a deeper exploration of The House of Suntory and Japanese culture overall. "I’m honoured to partner with Suntory Whisky again thirty years after our Suntory Reserve campaign,” said Keanu Reeves. “I’m a huge fan of Suntory Whisky, so it’s very special to collaborate in honour of this milestone anniversary. My admiration for the whisky goes beyond tasting the whisky. It is the elevated Japanese craftsmanship and attention to every detail that makes Suntory Whisky so special. As an actor honing and perfecting my own craft, sharing this process in a docuseries is a thrill.” In honour of the centennial, The House of Suntory is releasing several limited-edition whiskies that highlight the unique Japanese craftsmanship at Suntory’s whisky distilleries and their meticulous art of blending including Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara, which will be available in Canada, and Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt whiskies. Limited 100th anniversary labels of the flagship Yamazaki 12 Year Old and Hakushu 12 Year Old will also be released for the centennial. “Hakushu and Yamazaki whiskies are gifts from our past handed down by generations,” said Fifth Generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo. “It is fitting to release limited editions as part of this incredible milestone, as they represent our relentless pursuit of quality and symbolize our promise to carry our philosophy on for the next one hundred years and beyond.” The centennial of The House of Suntory began with the establishment of its Yamazaki Distillery in 1923 —the first and oldest malt whisky distillery in Japan’s history. The House of Suntory founder Shinjiro Torii’s 100-year legacy began with a dream to “create an original Japanese whisky blessed with the riches of Japanese nature and craftsmanship,” which his grandson Shingo Torii carries forth today at Yamazaki and its distilleries across the country. Since its founding, The House of Suntory has been crafting world-class spirits and is known for Yamazaki, Hakushu, Chita, Kakubin, Hibiki, Suntory Whisky Toki and Ao, as well as Roku Gin and Haku Vodka. Currently available in various markets across Canada are Suntory Whisky Toki, Ao and Roku Gin with Yamazaki coming later this fall. This landmark anniversary is a significant milestone for The House of Suntory and for its home country of Japan. As a first step toward its promising future, The House of Suntory is investing 10 billion JPY ($77 million USD) to enhance its Yamazaki and Hakushu Distilleries which are currently closed for renovation and scheduled to reopen this fall. The House of Suntory has become synonymous with some of the best Japanese whiskies in the world today, and it has undoubtedly built a legacy worthy of celebration. The House of Suntory invites fans to join its new global membership program. Members will be among the first to hear about The House of Suntory new releases, receive priority consideration for invitations to consumer experiences*, learn news from the distilleries, gain early access to content and more. The House of Suntory membership program aims to bring Japanese whisky enthusiasts together around the world and provide a cultural journey through Japan. To sign up, please visit us online here. For more information about The House of Suntory, please visit us online here. *Limited number of invitations will be distributed in key cities. About The House of Suntory Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as a pioneer of Japanese Whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. Founder Shinjiro Torii built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii’s son and Suntory’s second Master Blender, Keizo Saji, who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu Distillery. As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014). Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined and complex. The portfolio includes Yamazaki, Hakushu, Chita, Kakubin, Hibiki, Suntory Whisky Toki and Ao. The House of Suntory portfolio also offers Roku Japanese Gin and Haku Japanese Vodka. Created from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans at The House of Suntory, Roku Gin and Haku Vodka represent the nature and spirit of Japan. This year, Suntory Whisky celebrates one hundred years of whisky innovation—a major milestone not only for the brand’s history, but for Japanese spirits culture as a whole. To mark this anniversary, The House of Suntory will be rolling out its centennial campaign throughout 2023. About Beam Suntory As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam®, Maker’s Mark®, Basil Hayden® and Knob Creek® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki®; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisier® cognac, Tres Generaciones®, El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequila, Roku and Sipsmith® gin, Canadian Club® whisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails. A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory’s core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to inform consumers as they make choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com. Contact Details PRAXIS Meredith Nebel meredith@praxispr.ca PRAXIS Lindsay Craven lindsay@praxispr.ca PRAXIS Brenna Clarke brenna@praxispr.ca Company Website https://house.suntory.com

August 14, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Be Ready for Back to School

News Media Group, Inc.

Contact Details Karl Wayne +1 334-440-6397 karl@newsmg.com Company Website https://newsmg.com/

August 14, 2023 06:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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